The Lonely Perch
Jan, 2015Views
276
Likes
Awards
Action Award
Brilliant
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank week 1
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 2Top 20 rank week 1
Top 10 rankSame photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at the Montage Beach Resort in Laguna Beach, CA as I was on a sunset walk. The hummingbird landed just as I looked over and immediately grabbed my camera and snapped a photo of it.Time
This was taken just as the sun was setting so the background looks grayish when it was the sky darkening. This was taken during December when the days are shorter so the sun set earlier than usual and the effect was quite beautiful.Lighting
I love the lighting in this image because it looks as if I shot this in black and white but in reality it is shot in color and the sun was just a sliver over the ocean which gave the hummingbird a silhouetting effect. The contrast of the hummingbird as a silhouette against the gray background is what really gives the image this semblance of peace and tranquility.Equipment
I shot this on a Nikon D3200 with a 55-200 mm lens. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
This photo happened as a spur of the moment type of thing. I was just out for a sunset walk with my parent when this opportunity came up and I spotted the hummingbird land on this plant and had to snap a photo. It all happened in an instant because the hummingbird moved so quickly and yet in this photo it looks as if it had been sitting there for years.Editing
There was no post-processing involved in this photo!In my camera bag
I normally carry my Nikon D3200 along with my 18-55 mm lens and 55-200mm lens. Just recently I acquired a 70-300mm lens with manual focus which I have been using for macro photography. I also have a GoPro Hero 4 as well as a tripod for my camera. I am still a relatively new photographer so I am building up my photography equipment as I go.Feedback
My advice to other photographers is to be observant while you are out on a shoot. Things tend to happen in an instant so always be ready and have your camera ready in case of a surprise. If you are ever walking along the cliffside in Laguna Beach always be on the lookout for hummingbirds because they like to frequent the area. They are very quick so if your goal is to take a photograph of a hummingbird, keep a watchful eye out and have your camera trained in the direction that you think that it will be. There are little time for adjustments when the hummingbird does land so make sure you have all of your settings solidified. Always remember to be patient, shots like this take time.
