david cramer
09-02-2008, 06:55 PM
My last hummingbird post had some motion blur. I've practiced getting the stop-action wing by lowering the flash power, as recommended by Art. It works. This is with a four-flash setup. The birds will be leaving my area soon, but before they return next year, I think I'll get a couple more flashes to fill out the bird. I particularly would like one for the top of the bird. On some images, I actually prefer the motion blur as it gives the impression of movement.
My setup has used a Juniper tree as a background, which is sometimes problematic. With sunlight going in and out, and the wind blowing the limbs around, the background couldn't be well controlled. I'll probably work in a steady, or fake background for next year.
Shot data: Nikon D300, 400 2.8+1.7tc, 1/320 @ f/16, iso 250 using on board flash as commander for four flashes. Two front flashes set to lowest setting, two back flashes set to 1/8 setting.
http://davidwcramer.smugmug.com/photos/363166341_WzDV7-O.jpg
My setup has used a Juniper tree as a background, which is sometimes problematic. With sunlight going in and out, and the wind blowing the limbs around, the background couldn't be well controlled. I'll probably work in a steady, or fake background for next year.
Shot data: Nikon D300, 400 2.8+1.7tc, 1/320 @ f/16, iso 250 using on board flash as commander for four flashes. Two front flashes set to lowest setting, two back flashes set to 1/8 setting.
http://davidwcramer.smugmug.com/photos/363166341_WzDV7-O.jpg