Ed Ford, APSA
September 2020 - Carolina Beach
About the Image(s)
I was in Carolina Beach on a family vacation on a family vacation. I had recently upgraded my Tamron 150-600mm Gen 1 lens to the Gen 2 version and was using it attached to my D500 to take photos of surfers. I was particularly caught by the relationship of the surfer to the Pelican flying by. It told me a story of how we can share our environment and have fun with/in nature and nature’s creatures. I am sure that the surfer was not watching the pelican, more likely watching intently for an incoming set of waves. Still it makes a really good relationship of one to the other.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
12 comments posted
(Groups 66 & 86)
I wish the bird were positioned differently, Ed, but can't have it all I suppose. ;)
They make for an interesting subject, and I like the vignette. Posted: 09/05/2020 17:21:29
They make for an interesting subject, and I like the vignette. Posted: 09/05/2020 17:21:29
How would you have liked to have seen the positioning of the two? I did have another shot where the bird was placed differently, but heading away from the surfer. Was that what you had in mind? Curious - thank you. Posted: 09/05/2020 17:57:44
Jack, my apologies for taking so long to reply - this is the other version I mentioned. Posted: 09/21/2020 07:46:14
(Groups 66 & 86)
Yes, Ed, I like this version better, the positioning of the bird and surfer makes more sense, to me. Posted: 09/21/2020 08:07:10
(Groups 66 & 86)
Ideally off to the left a little, but even off to the right a little might work. In this version, they're both somewhat in the center, yet not interacting. If you'd care to share the other version where it's heading away, please do so here in the comments section and we'll see what others think too. Posted: 09/05/2020 19:03:37
Ed, I assumed the surfer was watching the pelican but I can agree that he may not have even noticed. Your use of the telephoto lens to put the subjects in close juxtaposition allows one to create a story as you suggested. I think this works well as it is very simple with only the three elements. My only suggestion would be to clone out the many highlights in the water as well as the writing on the surfer's back to remove these potential viewer distractions. Thanks for sharing. Posted: 09/05/2020 19:13:07
You had a good eye to catch the Pelican, Ed. I agree that it is nice to see them both enjoying the sea. I might also try different versions of color and wonder how it would look as a pure black and white, but this might be nitpicking. Thanks for a nice image and enjoy that new lens! Posted: 09/13/2020 12:10:47
That was a good catch Ed! Your timing was great. If I get anything like this it's usually by accident. I would like to see it without the blue tone and with less contrast. Posted: 09/21/2020 06:53:27
Thanks for the suggestion: I did some rework based upon some of the other comments as well.
Posted: 09/21/2020 07:31:26
Posted: 09/21/2020 07:31:26
(Groups 72 & 91)
Well seen and captured Ed,
I like you first primary image. The bird's wings are well positioned and it's shadow nicely above the board and left of the swimmer. Ideally, the swimmer should have been looking fractionally straighter, but it's position is close enough to give the impression of him looking at the pelican.
I don't like your alternative grey version - the bluer primary one seems more appropriate and pleasing for this shot.
I also like your heavy vignette: it's gives the feeling of viewing your image through a telescope.
Thank you for sharing this well captured shot. Posted: 09/30/2020 05:03:21
I like you first primary image. The bird's wings are well positioned and it's shadow nicely above the board and left of the swimmer. Ideally, the swimmer should have been looking fractionally straighter, but it's position is close enough to give the impression of him looking at the pelican.
I don't like your alternative grey version - the bluer primary one seems more appropriate and pleasing for this shot.
I also like your heavy vignette: it's gives the feeling of viewing your image through a telescope.
Thank you for sharing this well captured shot. Posted: 09/30/2020 05:03:21
Good timing. I prefer the second version because it appears that the surfer is looking at the bird, so there is connection that creates a better composition. Would a tighter crop instead of the heavy vignette work? Posted: 09/30/2020 09:21:02
I thought about a tighter crop but was concerned about losing too much context. The vignette is not opaque so it still preserves the content, at least to my eye. Posted: 09/30/2020 10:19:16