Barbara Mallon
January 2025 - White pelican and Reflection
About the Image(s)
I used my new mirrorless r500 with the adapter to EOS with a 1.4 extender and the 100-400 L Canon system to photograph this puffed up Pelican in a local lake. It is under exposed by 1 stop because the bird is so white in contrast to the lake. It has been cropped. These birds are migratory at this time of year.
4 comments posted
Good thinking on the exposure, whites can be tough with birds, but you did an outstanding job with it! - I've always felt most wildlife shots work better, i.e., have more impact when using a lower perspective, and since the image is relatively static, that may have worked better - but nice composition and perfect exposure - nice job Posted: 01/12/2025 20:37:29
Partly I can't get low when I am on a 15 ft. cliff. Secondly the subject is isolated from the trees across the lake. I liked the lighting and the fluffy feathers too. Posted: 01/15/2025 00:08:25
Nice image of the pelican. The whites are very well exposed and not at all blown out as can easily happen. You also have a lot of texture in the white feathers, very well done. The reflection is nice and the wake behind the pelican shows movement. The water surface has a nice effect that is very appealing.
The image does not look like you are on a 15 foot cliff. Posted: 01/18/2025 22:20:06
The image does not look like you are on a 15 foot cliff. Posted: 01/18/2025 22:20:06
I have seen American Whites flying in formation over my house in the Sacramento Valley and also at lakes in the Sierra Mountains with equal pleasure. The challenge here was certainly the exposure as the bird is on the water. Great adjustments and the reflection on the water adds an element of texture to capture the moment. Posted: 01/20/2025 17:01:54