We have pelicans that migrate through our area every Spring and early Summer. Last June at twilight at a pond near my home, the pelicans reluctantly gave me a chance to try out a new 150-600 lens. It is not a lens I have used much, mostly because its weight is a bit much for the tripods and monopod I already own. As such, this pelican wasn't particularly interested in my fumbling around with equipment and grudgingly allowed for relatively few photographic moments - can't say as I blame him. Perhaps with some practice and the right equipment . . . the holidays are just around the corner you know :) While it may never be my all around, go-to lens, I think this will be a nice lens to have in my camera bag for some shots I can't hope to capture otherwise.
The twilight provided some nice contrast to the white of the pelican. In post, beyond basics, I added a slight vignette, reduced noise in the water and upped the texture a bit. ISO 3200, 480mm, f6.3, 1/100sec.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 12 comments posted
Tom Brassil
Hi Darcy, nice capture with that lens it does provide plenty of detail and tonal range which is often lost in the Pelican's whiteness with the sharpness looking more than acceptable. I do like the reflection and the dripping water from the pelican's beak. Placement in the frame is good although you may want to consider cropping a degree from the top of the image that doesn't seem to be adding too much to the image story. Posted: 11/06/2023 23:15:36
Darcy Johnson
Thanks Tom - I'll play with the crop a bit more. Posted: 11/17/2023 21:14:26
Gregory Waldron
Hi Darcy,
What a nice capture. I know what you mean about weight, but in the right circumstances you will get some great image. The color palette works well, and the reflection add just the right touch.
Thanks for sharing,
Greg Posted: 11/17/2023 09:41:27
Darcy Johnson
Hi Greg - I'm looking forward to using the lens more . . . just taking some getting used to. I appreciate the input - Posted: 11/17/2023 21:20:04
Karen Davis
Hi Darcy,
Great shot. The reflection really makes the image. I agree that you might take a bit off the top.
Keep on clicking!
Karen
Posted: 11/19/2023 22:56:56
Darcy Johnson
Hi Karen - Taking a little more off the top it is! Thanks - Posted: 11/20/2023 12:19:30
Erin Browne
Great shot- I can never catch the pelicans at the bay sitting still. Great job with the exposure so his feathers are not blown out and I love the deep blue contrast of the water Posted: 11/20/2023 11:09:00
Darcy Johnson
Hi Erin - Birds are funny like that :) I appreciate your observations - Thanks. Posted: 11/20/2023 12:42:29
Ingrid Lockhart
Hi Darcy. This is a great capture of a beautiful bird. I love the texture and detail of the feathers. I also like the placement of the bird in the frame and the reflection. Personally, I would not crop anything off the top of the image. The color and pattern in the water really creates a nice contrast to set off the pelican. Posted: 11/20/2023 12:24:53
Darcy Johnson
Hi Ingrid - I appreciate the nice comments. Mixed reaction on the crop overall is great feedback to get - thanks for chiming in! Posted: 11/20/2023 12:55:04
Syed Shakhawat Kamal
Hi Darcy,
Greetings my friend.
A lovely image of the pelican against the backdrop of water and waves. The hustle of the heavy lenses and their lack in practice is understood. I have the same issue here with that lens. The Pelican is sharp and contrast is great. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers.
Kamal. Posted: 11/22/2023 03:03:31
Darcy Johnson
Hi Kamal - I'm looking forward to using the lens more . . . just taking some getting used to I suppose. Thanks for your observations. Posted: 11/24/2023 08:58:25
