"Costa's agains't clay wall'

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Folks: Caught this Costa's Hummingbird in front of clay colored flower box. Like the photo except for out of focus tip of tail feathers, due, I think that happened because I was using a single center dot in view finder to get past branches that I usually encounter. Think that multiple viewing dots would have helped me. Awaiting your kind critiques and always helpful suggestions. TIA . . . . Gus :)

Olympus E-510, IS, Zuiko 70-300 ED
Apertue Priority F/5.6, 1/1250s
100 ISO
-0.70 eV
Focal length 452 equiv, hand held
Auto WB

[Desmond Chan]

Hi Folks: Caught this Costa's Hummingbird in front of clay colored flower box. Like the photo except for out of focus tip of tail feathers, due, I think that happened because I was using a single center dot in view finder

Or could it be because of the shutter speed not fast enough, not enough dof...?

It looks to me the lighting is a bit harsh. I like the sharpness though.

[Gus Cobos]

Hey Gus,
I like that blured motion on the wings...nice background color...:)

[Alfred Forns]

This is very close Gus !!! These guys in flight without a set up is not easy !!!

I don't thin the tail cold be in focus with any AF combo, its just limited dof and at this close range stopping down would not do it !!! Also that little tail is moving at a high rate of speed !!!

I like the wing position and bg very much. Do wish for a more of a head turn and the proverbial softer light !!! How much of a corp is this? Would back down the usm a bit. Sometimes if the image is not totally razor sharp the usm will make it look strange !!!

[Gus Hallgren]

Thanks, Folks, appreciate you looking at my photo. Al, thanks for the tip. Watching the setups by Hummingbird specialists with at least 4 remote control flashes & flowers concealing feeders I can't compete with the beautiful photos they get. Been lucky through the years, and have quite a few good ID shots. They don't give you much opportunity for head angles . . . . Life is beautiful, with 2 weeks gone and 3 to go until Gina comes home and looks after the big Swede . . Lucky me . . . Gus :D:D

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Great capture Gus, like the way the background fits in with the bird's imaga.
Big Congrats,