Flying Jewel
I was visiting my sister in Northern California, sitting out on her deck, when this gorgeous creature came to visit.
I was visiting my sister in Northern California, sitting out on her deck, when this gorgeous creature came to visit.
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May, 2017Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Just Hummingbirds Photo Contest
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Virtuoso
All Star
Superior Skill
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tmlakshmi
May 20, 2017
where in, northern California did you take this? I have a few posted here. I live in San Jose
Majik756
August 25, 2018
I took this up on the coast in the town of Gualala, north of Fort Ross. I grew up in Soquel but have lived on the east coast for the past 30+ years!
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I snapped this photo on the porch of my sister's mobile home. She had a feeder near by and this beauty kept buzzing in and chasing the other hummingbirds away so it could claim the reward of sweet victory.Time
Of all the photos I snapped off that afternoon, this has to be my favorite. I noted that this small twig seemed to be a regularly used perch so I positioned my camera and tripod and waited for it to return . . . and it did!Lighting
I had to adjust my position in relation to the branch a few times due to a slight issue with the light. Initially the sun was overpowering the reflection of the jade colored feathers on the hummingbirds chest. By shifting just a few degrees counterclockwise to the position of the sun coming in from behind and over my shoulders, I was able to capture the flash of green on the body with the brilliant colors on the neck, throat and head.Equipment
My favorite camera is my Nikon D750. To be exact, I usually carry two of the exact same camera body when I travel. It is a very versatile unit, fairly light weight and compact but with a sensor that has the ability to capture the smallest details. Additionally, it helps to use a wireless shutter remote so that you can setup your system and step back, thus letting nature do what nature does best!Inspiration
Hummingbirds have always fascinated me! As I sat on the porch, the feeder came alive with buzzing, swooping and darting colors as a bevy of beautiful birds fought for dominance. I simply had to capture a photo of the Alpha Hummingbird!Editing
I try to keep my post-processing to a minimum. I cropped the photo first to position the subject where I desired in the frame and then tweaked the exposure, contrast, saturation and sharpness. The first go round processing this photo was a tad over the top . . . it is easy to go "too far" and you end up with a great picture that is nothing like reality. So I scraped the work and restarted, this time with a "less is better" touch and it truly worked.In my camera bag
I try to pack light as a rule . . . but it can be difficult if you are shooting a variety of subjects over an extended vacation and road trip. So . . . naturally I pack my D750's, extra batteries, masses of memory cards, and a card reader. I slip in my laptop loaded with Lightroom, Photoshop and the Nik suite of add-ons. For lenses I load up my top three . . . a Sigma 14mm, Nikon 28 - 300mm and a Tamron 150 - 600. I pack a Better Beamer to throw some light if I need it and a head lamp with white and red lens for when the sun isn't up. Throw in the 2x teleconverter and the set of neutral density filters and the bag is almost finished. Last . . . sustenance and hydration . . . Power Bars and water . . . and I am set. You are probably wondering about a tripod? Well, on short trips I carry a tripod and on long trips I carry a monopod! So . . .not too heavy!! LOLFeedback
Patience . . . that is my best advice to you and something we should all put in our bags with our other gear. Be prepared to sometimes just sit and observe your subject. Sometimes it is impossible, such as sunrises or sunsets where time is fleeting, but with wildlife you may have the chance to capture something new and exciting . . . if you just give it time. Many creatures are habitual like this hummingbird, It was incredibly hard to catch the hummingbirds on the fly, but after sitting, watching and waiting, I was able to "ambush" the little beastie as he took a momentary breather!
