White pelicans

[pontiac1940]

White pelicans taken this evening under three lighting conditions about 25 minutes apart.  

Frontlighted


Translucent backlighted



Silhouette backlighted

[BuckSkin]

Apr 30, 2023 4:10:42 GMT pontiac1940 said:

three lighting conditions

I know that often one must take the shot offered regardless of where the light is coming from; however, I much prefer the look of the first/top photo.

I would have to drive hundreds of miles to see any kind of Pelican.

Although I have never seen one, the nearby trailer park gets frequent visits from Storks.

[pontiac1940]

Apr 30, 2023 5:10:16 GMT BuckSkin said:

however, I much prefer the look of the first/top photo.

Buck skin, I totally agree. It shows off the pelicans well and the late-day light is pleasing. The other two are more "arty" and might have a place in a pelican documentary along the lines of, "As the sun sets after a long day of fishing, the three pelicans descend into a protected bay to spend the night."  

People tend to think of pelicans and oceans together, yet most American white pelicans live their lives inland and on fresh water. They officially are called "American" white pelicans as they are resident of North America and the name distinguishes them from other species of white pelicans in the world. There are eight species of pelicans globally.   

 

[jackscrap]

I love them all, but the silhouette is my favourite.

[Jim]

Apr 30, 2023 14:14:45 GMT pontiac1940 said:

It shows off the pelicans well and the late-day light is pleasing. The other two are more "arty" and might have a place in a pelican documentary along the lines of, "As the sun sets after a long day of fishing, the three pelicans descend into a protected bay to spend the night."  

I agree with Jacki, Clive. All 3 are very nice. I sort of lean towards the 2nd (back-lit) image. The sunlight under and behind their bodies and wings adds a bit of soothing but still slightly dramatic feeling.

[cats4jan]

I, too, like them all, but the detail on the wings in that first photo is something I was never able to get when we had these wonderful birds in our backyard. That photo is awesome

[pontiac1940]

Thank you all. All three have a place, but if  I was making a calendar, it would be the top one for me ... and BuckSkin!   

[BuckSkin]

Apr 30, 2023 14:14:45 GMT pontiac1940 said:

People tend to think of pelicans and oceans together

Every time the wife goes to the ocean, she takes photos of these old Pelicans, always perched on top of a short post that holds a rope along a wooden walkway; those old Pelicans are gentler than barnyard chickens as they will just sit there while thousands of people walk right beside them, their sleeves brushing against them.