Ruby Throated Hummingbird.
Ruby Throated Hummingbird.
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Awards
Action Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 21
Legendary Award
Featured
Contest Finalist in Dodho Volume 2 Photo Contest
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Jaw Dropping
All Star
Great Find
Exceptional Contrast
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in my backyard. A nice summer day in late August. The hummingbirds were at my house everyday, the males had left to go south for the winter. I had seen this little guy for many months. He was getting ready to head south also, he left my house two days later.Time
This is in the afternoon. I had been taking many photos that day and the hummingbirds were on every flower and were finally holding still enough for me to take their pictures. I thought this was a female but realize later that it is an immature male, hence the spots on his neck.Lighting
The lighting was over my head and I had to kneel to get this photo. I had to get below this flower so I didn't get in my own light.Equipment
I shot this with a Canon T3i with a 300 telephoto lens. no tripod, no flash, just sun light. I had finally figured out what angle and light was the best. It took a while, patience is a must when trying to capture these little speed demons.Inspiration
My inspiration were the birds and the challenge of photographing them. The speed at which they travel and the pattern of where they go. I love a good challenge and these hummers were it.Editing
No processing was done at all. The color, lighting, subject matter were what I saw through my lens.In my camera bag
I don't always carry my T3i with me but I do have a Canon Powershot that goes everywhere with me. If I'm going out to take shots then it's always the Canon T3i.Feedback
You have to have patience with these little birds or any bird. Set your camera on the sports mode if you have one, this way you can take multiple shots. Sometimes AF (Auto Focus) is the best and sometimes manual is best. I use the manual focus on my camera more than auto focus. The auto focus tends to drive me nuts. It just depends on the subject and what's around it. Trying to shoot a bird in a tree, manual focus. With the manual focus you get rid of those branches or leaves that the AF might hit instead of the bird, then you will have a blurry bird and a great shot of leaves. Trying to shoot a bird sailing up in the sky use auto focus. I have driven many a bird nuts with the click of my camera. Just remember practice, practice, practice. Happy Shooting!