I worked up two older Brown Pelican images to share this morning taken at Fort De Soto in 2009 and 2008. I was photographing birds late one evening at the north beach when I spotted a lone Brown Pelican heading from the shore towards Egmont Key just as the sun was setting over the Gulf of Mexico. I don’t normally care for silhouettes but I took the shot any way and really enjoyed how it came out.

Brown Pelican flying into the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, FloridaBrown Pelican flying into the sunset – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited

I use this image to remind myself that even though I might not think the lighting conditions are the best it is some times worth ignoring the rules, testing my skills and experimenting to create visually appealing and unique images.

Elegant Brown Pelican in breeding plumage, Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, FloridaElegant Brown Pelican in breeding plumage – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 160, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited

This Brown Pelican floating on the Gulf of Mexico image is well exposed because I had good light when I created it and it is visually appealing yet it does not have the drama of the sunset image. That said, I enjoy both of these images for what they are and there is room in my portfolio for both styles. I need to step outside my comfort zone more often.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Brown Pelican photos plus facts and information about this species.