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Zenith Award
Contest Finalist in Depth In Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Hummingbirds Photo Contest
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Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 23
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Littlestar4Photography
October 02, 2015
Probably the clearest photo of a hummingbird that i have ever seen!
Got2CaptureTheMoment
August 20, 2016
Magnificent capture. Love how well you caught that hummingbird in flight.
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Behind The Lens
Location
I live in Coeur d'Alene, ID, up in the northern panhandle. On the north side of my elderly dad's house is a narrow strip of yard, and an even narrower strip of dirt along the fence. His idea of gardening was to buy a flat of petunias and plant them about two feet apart. I've moved in to help care take him, and one of my passions is flowers and gardens. So I took over! One of my favorite flowers is Bee Balm and the hummingbirds it attracts. Whenever I can, I grab a chair and my camera and tripod, and sit where the lighting is just right. This little lady is very possessive of her flowers and chases off all the other hummingbirds, even the Chickadees that frequent a nearby bird feeder!Time
This shot was taken at 11:33am- generally not the best time to take pictures, but there was a low haze of clouds knocking out the heavy shadows. It was pretty dark, and I was struggling with my settings because I didn't want the wings to be a blur.Lighting
As heavy as the clouds were, and as dark as it was, I kept shooting. Every once in awhile, the sun would either break through or the clouds would thin to give a little more light. Maybe I'm a fool, but I just don't let that kind of thing stop me!Equipment
A Canon 70D, tripod, Canon 300L with a 1.4 extender.Inspiration
I love those itty-bitty birds! At this location, it's hard to catch them; I don't think we've been 'discovered' yet. There's plenty of flowers, and one very territorial little bird. Still trying for the perfect picture!Editing
I like to keep it as simple as possible. Cropping, lightening and Topaz 4 Denoise on the background.In my camera bag
These days, it's Canon 7D MII, the same Canon 300L, a new Canon 100-400 and not much more!Feedback
Find your light source, then consider the background. These little birds are easily lost if there are too many flowers in the picture, so I try to isolate as much as I can. Patience!