Another Hummer

Gallery: AvianPosted August 16, 2011220 views9 comments

Thank you for all of your kind comments on my last hummingbird post. A few thought a tighter crop would help. When I was shooting this series of hummingbirds, I composed some in camera that were much tighter like this one. This is about 95% of full frame. So rather than crop after I shot some that were tighter like this one. Hope this works for you.

Canon 50D
100-400mm @ 300mm
1/250 f/22
ISO 320

4 - 430EX II flashes. 3 on the hummingbird, one for the background

Larger version included.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on August 16, 2011 at 11:48 PM

Certainly and eye-popper, Keith. To my eye the flash is a bit more obtrusive in this than the last post, but this is still stunning.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on August 17, 2011 at 12:44 AM

Terrific detail and strong composition.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on August 17, 2011 at 12:56 AM

Near perfection Keith!

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on August 17, 2011 at 10:55 AM

I would give this one full marks for comp: to me, flower and bird position are great, Keith. Also, I like that the color of the flower does not overwhelm the image. However, if it was mine, I still would not be satisfied with the color of the bird. Maybe, it's just my personal preference (since I seem to be alone it it!). I've been struggling this year to obtain a good hummer shot. So far, the best one I've ever captured was last August (scroll down to see the close-up of the bird):
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=153561&CGISESSID=032144faf1b1613796112b2f2f0052e3&u=2687
.
I prefer your comp to mine in several ways and I appreciate that you were able to approach the bird very closely. However, my post shows you what I mean regarding color, and especially iridescence or "structural color".
I expect that in setting up your multi-flash system you've investigated the effect of light angle quite a bit. The best info I've seen so far is in "Bird Coloration" by G.E. Hill. On page 88 he states that the best angle for viewing hummer structural coloration is when there is a 45 degree angle between the sun, the bird and the observer.
I'm still looking around here for pink flowers and hummingbirds but I think I'm stuck with red!

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on August 17, 2011 at 5:50 PM

Stunning hummer image Keith, I like everything about this composition, these are really hard shots to get right and you certainly did get it right with this one, way to go, excellent.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on August 18, 2011 at 5:15 PM

Really like the position of the hummingbird, beautiful image,

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on August 18, 2011 at 10:44 PM

This certainly works for me. But I must admit, that I do like the tighter crop here. Bravo.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on August 29, 2011 at 10:16 AM

Excellent use of that multi-flash set-up with great results Keith. Someday I'll get around to using this technique, just haven't had the "disposable" income to invest this past year.
Very nice work, no nits from me

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Marlise Launstein on September 3, 2011 at 12:10 AM

WOW!!

This has to be one of the most beautiful hummingbird pictures I have ever seen! I love the flowers, the detail in the bird and the beautiful soft background. I cannot wait to photograph some hummingbirds sometime with a good camera! I've only ever gotten to take pictures of one once and I only had my point and shoot camera.

Registered on August 31, 2011, 28 Posts, 175 Comments