The essence of a bird
p.1 #1The essence of a bird
David Ward's book "Landscape within" has been one of the bigger influences on my photography, especially what he thinks makes for a powerful image --- simplicity, mystery, beauty. And I feel that this series captures the spirit of that mantra.
A couple of weeks ago I photographed the pelicans at La Jolla uder very typical conditions --- early morning, bright frontal illumination, at the time of landing or during behavior. It was fun but I kept thinking that I am missing something. Then a few days ago I was there on a cold, foggy morning. The birds did not move much but they were magical. Feathers puffed up to keep themselves warm, the soft diffuse light exposing the texture of the plumage, casting them in a cold shade of brown-grey. It would be a gross understatement to say that these conditions made a difference.
PS: reduced image count per suggestion from @Jeffrey
Essence #1
Essence #2
Essence #3
Edited on Dec 21, 2025 at 10:19 PM · View previous versions
A couple of weeks ago I photographed the pelicans at La Jolla uder very typical conditions --- early morning, bright frontal illumination, at the time of landing or during behavior. It was fun but I kept thinking that I am missing something. Then a few days ago I was there on a cold, foggy morning. The birds did not move much but they were magical. Feathers puffed up to keep themselves warm, the soft diffuse light exposing the texture of the plumage, casting them in a cold shade of brown-grey. It would be a gross understatement to say that these conditions made a difference.
PS: reduced image count per suggestion from @Jeffrey
Essence #1
Essence #2
Essence #3
Edited on Dec 21, 2025 at 10:19 PM · View previous versions
Dec 21, 2025 at 09:52 PM
p.1 #2The essence of a bird
You nailed it. Nice imaging. I think if you had only posted the first image
it would be a more powerful presentation and stay more in line with your mantra.
Edited on Dec 21, 2025 at 10:41 PM · View previous versions
it would be a more powerful presentation and stay more in line with your mantra.
Edited on Dec 21, 2025 at 10:41 PM · View previous versions
Dec 21, 2025 at 10:15 PM
p.1 #3The essence of a bird
Jeffrey wrote:
You nailed it. Nice imaging. I think if you had only posted the first page it would be a more powerful presentation and stay more in line with your mantra.
A very valid point, thank you for the comment. I have reduced the image count substantially, to three unique perspectives
You nailed it. Nice imaging. I think if you had only posted the first page it would be a more powerful presentation and stay more in line with your mantra.
A very valid point, thank you for the comment. I have reduced the image count substantially, to three unique perspectives
Dec 21, 2025 at 10:20 PM
p.1 #4The essence of a bird
I actually meant 'the first IMAGE', not page. But a few can work. Personally I would prefer to see only one image in every post on this forum, but that's me.
Dec 21, 2025 at 10:44 PM
p.1 #5The essence of a bird
Jeffrey wrote:
I actually meant 'the first IMAGE', not page. But a few can work. Personally I would prefer to see only one image in every post on this forum, but that's me.
Yes, I understood that, but hey they are my images so I get to make some decisions
I personally prefer to see a series of images because it demonstrates whether the photographer had intent vs pressing the shutter at 20fps+ and then choosing the one image that happened to be good.
In any case, the suggestion is much appreciated even if I chose to bastardize it some
Dec 21, 2025 at 10:50 PM
p.1 #6The essence of a bird
Total mood right here 🌫️🕊️ Simple, a bit sad, and with great texture. The fog and calm make those pelicans look like art. Good job reading the conditions so well!
Dec 22, 2025 at 03:14 AM
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p.1 #7The essence of a bird
These are great Boyan. I love the various shapes you captured.
Morris
Morris
Dec 22, 2025 at 06:48 AM
p.1 #8The essence of a bird
Fine work on these. It often seems that quantity vs.quality garners the YGMV response. One may not be enough but "picture heavy" is almost always too much.
Dec 22, 2025 at 07:02 AM
p.1 #9The essence of a bird
Nice look into all aspects of the subject
Taking interesting patterns and colors and textures in tight can be rewarding to the eye. Kind of like seeing a bouquet of flowers then singling one out then the parts of one even tighter.
Picture count on the forum ........ IMO present your subject or story but don't fractionalize it, make each shot of interest and it remains interesting Got a really strong one, put it up solo 
Nice to see your interest in birds
Karl
Taking interesting patterns and colors and textures in tight can be rewarding to the eye. Kind of like seeing a bouquet of flowers then singling one out then the parts of one even tighter.
Picture count on the forum ........ IMO present your subject or story but don't fractionalize it, make each shot of interest and it remains interesting
Got a really strong one, put it up solo Nice to see your interest in birds
Karl
Dec 22, 2025 at 06:40 PM
p.1 #10The essence of a bird
Oh wow, Essence #1 is a really neat shot. They're all great, but that one is my favorite.
Dec 23, 2025 at 06:13 PM
p.1 #11The essence of a bird
Thank you all for the comments. I have some other decent images this year, but somehow this series feels the most special.
Dec 23, 2025 at 11:06 PM