Working with Pelicans
GFX100 II / GF250mm F5.6 :: ISO1600 1/1500s @ f5.6
It’s a memory I’ll never forget and an experience that’s common if you’re a surfer on the West Coast. Sitting in the ocean, waiting for your next set as a group of pelicans drop into a wave in front of you, surfing the updraft with amazing skill and grace. It was this moment when I first fell in love with the ocean.
Last month I had the amazing opportunity to spend my day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, OR with the Pelican Care team and Pip the Pelican. Pip is an Eastern Brown Pelican that is working hard to become the Pelican Ambassador to humans at the aquarium.
GFX100 II / GF250mm F5.6 :: ISO1600 1/1500s @ f5.6
The Eastern Brown Pelican, a native seabird of the Americas, is known for its impressive wingspan, long bill, and beautiful brown feathers. These pelicans are skilled hunters, using a unique plunge-diving technique to catch fish, their main food source. Watching them glide above the ocean and dive suddenly to catch their prey is truly captivating. Despite their large size, they are surprisingly agile in flight, often flying just above the water's surface with ease. These social birds are often spotted in large groups, especially during feeding times, where they work together to catch fish. Their presence along coastlines not only adds to the natural scenery but also reminds us of the delicate balance of marine ecosystems they inhabit.
Creating portraits of wild animals, even in captivity, isn’t easy. I wanted these portraits to be simple and striking, all about the animal and nothing else. The lighting had to shape subject while being completely distraction free. Pelicans (and most birds for that matter) are very aware and nervous creatures. One small change in their routine can ruin the day.
Working with the amazing staff we came up with a solution. First the background had to blend in Pips surroundings, so we chose grey seamless taped to the concrete walls hoping that she wouldn’t notice (she did). The next big task was lighting, anything new and she’d likely not come out to see us. So it was all about timing with natural light and weather, luckily the Oregon Coast gave us that perfect partly sunny spring day with nice diffused yet fractional light. All we had to do was photograph Pip at the right time of day where she was slightly backlit, giving her shape and texture.
GFX100 II / GF250mm F5.6 :: ISO1600 1/1500s @ f5.6
How I got the shot:
AF-C // This allows your camera to track focus continuously as your animal moves around fast! .
Bird Detection On // the new algorithms in Fujifilms cameras, especially the GFX100II work amazing well, not only did it keep up with our Pelican as she moved around it worked almost flawlessly.
AF Boost // Make sure to turn this on, it gives a little extra power to the AF System
AF-C Custom Setting 2 (Ignore Obstacles) // At the time this seemed like the best option on the list.
ISO // Modern cameras, especially medium formats like the GFX100 II make it possible to work in incredibly high ISOs. I have no issue working in ISO 1600 for commercial and fine art work. Before doing so, I’ve tested and tested this camera to know exactly my limitations.
Aperture // Wanting to blur the background but also keep Pip sharp 5.6 was the goto !
While Pip was only on camera for 5min (her choice) she gave us so many looks and poses it was hard to edit these down to what’s posted here. In combination with our setup and the Fujifilm GFX100 II & GF 250MM we managed to capture some stunning images that will hopefully inspire people to learn more about them and help through conservation efforts.
