Pretty in red
Feb, 2016Views
2230
Likes
Awards
Winner in Brilliant Birds Photo Challenge
Member Selection Award
Winner in Colors of birds Photo Challenge
Winner in Tiny Beauties Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Love it
Genius
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in Indio, California where I spend winters. It's usually warm and dry so many opportunities for photos. Hummingbirds frequently stop in a lemon tree where I've cleared some leaves off of a branch near my feeder, so I just sit and wait.Time
This was taken in the late afternoon almost at golden hour. They feed frequently in the early mornings and late afternoon, bulking up for bedtime. When humming birds hover their wings beat about 50 times per second so they need a lot of fuel for their little bodies.Lighting
The wall behind is covered in bougainvillea and has a nice warm glow before sunset. It's a perfect background, just far enough away to be soft and blurry.Equipment
Humming birds move so quickly that I seldom use a tripod. I have a canon 70d and use a 70-300 zoom for most bird images. I never use a flash, worrying about hurting their eyes. I plant species that the humming birds are attracted to so I always have lots of subjects with different backgrounds in my yard.Inspiration
I love watching the humming birds darting between the feeders I set up or with their beaks buried in the honeysuckle or hibiscus. My personal challenge has been to collect different poses and expressions and to try and capture their individual personalities and challenges. I enjoy experimenting with shutter speeds and settings to freeze the frenzied movement in their wings and portray their amazing abilities. The Anna's hummingbird in the image has feathers that vibrate and shimmer in the sun so they use this to their advantage in attracting a mate.Editing
There always seems to be a lot of clutter in my humming bird shots as it's difficult to catch them in a perfect composition unless they're still, so cropping is always in my workflow. Sharpening in the feathers is always a must for me. I love experimenting with all digital dark room techniques as my background was as a watercolor painter.In my camera bag
I love my canon 70d. It's lighter than a full frame camera which is very important to me as I have a lot of arthritis in my hands. My favorite lens is the 24-105 zoom, but I use my telephoto for most wildlife shots. I also have a 10-22 wide angle but find I use it the least. I love shooting animals of all description, but have a real passion for the magic of Africa and all the varied wild life there. I could be on safari forever!Feedback
As with shooting any image, being prepared is an advantage. I watch the birds a lot and know when they're likely to be feeding or resting and I position myself and my feeders in the best available light. I frequently shoot on cloudy days to minimize hot spots and bring out their true colors. Being patient is always a virtue!
