Ruby Throated Hummingbird

The hummingbirds arrived a couple of weeks ago and we have a pair coming regularly to the feeder, Last year wasnt a good one for the hummers as the food arrived after the birds and they moved on, This year looks better, i decided to have a go at getting some shots, i tried the normal 1 flash system but fancied a go at the multi flash high speed stuff-never tried before so was a bit hit and miss, I still have a few refinements and will get a nice flower head instead of the feeder but early days are looking promising

Nikon D3s 600VR+1.4x 3 flash-2 front and 1 behind at 1/32
1/200@f16

Dave as you say witha flower perfection!

Keith.

Great stuff Dave. Stick a flower in quick !!
Very envious. (I used to keep these ! )
Cheers
JohnR

Lovely shot. even caught the tongue out. Like to see it with the flower.
Pete

Hi Dave
Great first attempt, but dose look very studio, you want to try adding some folige to make it look more natural, and use a more natural background. I would also put your sync speed upto 250 because you want lessen any ambeint light to make for a sharper image and stop any blur.
Think also where the main light is comming from" above" so you want main the main light to be closer than the two lights from the side they will just light the bird up but the one above will look stronger, it sounds very complecated but a lot is trial and error.
If you need any more help you can contact me on my website.www.hsfnature.co.uk

Dale

Very nicely done Dave,

I look forward to seeing more as this project unfolds. Maybe clone out one of the catchlights.

Cheers

Austin

What a great start Dave. Look forward to seeing more.

Did these earlier this year while I was in the States under controlled set-up. As Dale said 1/250 was what I used, also 3 flash heads, but am able to freeze all movement at f16. Very good first attempt, look forward to more.

Regards,

Des