The American White Pelican is a huge bird with a massive wingspan up to 9 feet. This American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) has a sturdy bill and e...
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The American White Pelican is a huge bird with a massive wingspan up to 9 feet. This American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) has a sturdy bill and expandable pouch that are so large that this bird has an almost comical appearance. The brilliant white plumage contrasts strongly with conspicuous black primary feathers, pale orange legs and feet, a pinkish bill, and a yellow patch around the eye. During the breeding season, yellow feathers develop on the head, chest and neck and the feet become bright orange-red. The bill turns bright orange and a large, flattened, vertical horn develops on the upper mandible ...
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Awards
Winner in Almost A Painting Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Love it
Virtuoso
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nina050
February 28, 2016
This is an AWESOME shot and the edit is spot on! What a masterpiece!! Perfect in every way!! :-)
BrendaCrawford
February 28, 2016
That is a masterpiece dude.. It is fantastic. Geez you owned that shot. Love the foggy, misty background and the bird is killer beautiful. This is an image that has some real feeling in it. I love it. It's one of those that makes you feel like you smell the water and a light mist on your skin and hear the swirls from it paddling. And then it makes you wonder what you will hear in the background. I love this one Mark. Perfect peace for a moment.
guillermoturnerstephens
February 29, 2016
enjoy looking at this photo. the mood of it is magnificent
trainwoman
February 29, 2016
Well........this seems a little different to me??????? Love this edit and the info is great
mihrt
February 29, 2016
beautiful imagery Mark. Lovely fine art texture showcases this Pelican and lovely gentle movement of the water so beautifully!!
YvonneJeaK
September 13, 2016
Very beautiful and serene. Voted in the Composing with Colors Photo Contest
taarnes
November 25, 2016
Thanks for entering my challenge. There were a lot of really great pictures, but this one just jumped out at me. Great picture. Congrats! Thanks!!!
Kazza60
November 25, 2016
congratulations on winning the challenge award .. so well deserved .. a wonderful image :)
KayBrewer
November 26, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS! Mark, this is a great picture and SO deserves to win the Almost a Painting Challenge!
UnkleFrank
November 26, 2016
My compliments on a well deserved challenge win for this outstanding work of art.
loveMustangs
December 02, 2016
WOWEE!!! freakin awesome shots!!! Congrats on the win! Also, thanks for the info. Cheers!
Pamelabole
May 24, 2017
Wow....this is beautiful!!! Wonderful light and detail, and great post processing!! : )
Pjerry
March 10, 2020
Beautiful capture with a great mood. I do love your explanation. Thanks for sharing.
leslie57
August 30, 2020
I need to get back to photography.just so busy with my art so no extra time,maybe this winter
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at a local reservoir (Uvas) near San Jose, California on a warm spring day.Time
Because it was late in the day we almost didn't stop while driving through the area, but are so glad we did as we spotted a flock of white pelicans near the shore of the reservoir, which was a very unusual sighting for this area.Lighting
We were lucky as it was late in the day, so the lighting was warm as it was during the "golden hour".Equipment
I took this photo using my Nikon D800 full frame DSLR using a Nikkor 28-300mm lens. Because there was no time to get out the tripod, I was fortunate enough to find a large rock upon which to balance my camera.Inspiration
This was a totally unplanned photo opportunity when this flock of white pelicans was spotted from the road.Editing
Even though the photo of the white pelican turned out beautifully, the background of the reservoir left a lot to be desired. Therefore, in order to show off this beautiful bird I decided to try my hand at a bit of "photo art" and used several blended textures and backgrounds in Photoshop until I got the desired effect.In my camera bag
My camera of choice is a Nikon D800 full frame DSLR. I usually shoot using my Nikkor 28-300mm zoom lens which I find to be very versatile. I also use a Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 and a Nikkor 35-105mm on occasion. I always have 2 64gb memory cards in my camera and carry 2 extra 64gb cards in my bag. I have a Manfroto tripod with a ball head. Additionally, I have UV and polarizing filters for all lenses, battery charger, ND filters, and cleaning supplies in my bag at all times.Feedback
Travel, patience, keeping an eye out for the unexpected, doing a little bit of research about your destination, and having a travel partner who also enjoys photography are all essentials in my opinion!