High-key Hummingbird "Grab Shot"

[Daniel Cadieux]

I was photographing some Tennessee Warblers in my apple trees this spring when from the corner of my eye I spotted this female Ruby-throated Hummingbird flying at the very edge of one of the trees, and rather close too. No time to think, so it was a case of "shoot now, ask questions later". By the time I go the hummer in the viewfinder and acquired focus I got three frames: this one, and the next two of the branch only.

Certainly not the sharpest image I've ever taken as far as feather details goes, but I still like the resulting image. Full-frame vertically from original horizontal, plus a bit of canvas added top and bottom.

Canon 7DII + 500mm f/4 II + 1.4TC III, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/320s., f/5.6, ISO 3200, natural light, handheld.

[Daniel Grossi]

I like this Daniel - it breaks up what I'm used to seeing on here. Based on your settings, it seems you did the best you could given your circumstances. The action in the image, catching his eye and going high-key like you did forgives the technical "flaws" you'd expect to be critiqued on here. The oof part of the blossom on the right isn't doing you any favors - but there's not much you can do about that anyway.

[Arthur Morris]

Hey Daniel, Just another notch in your cap as the world's best 7D II bird photographer. Love the flowers and the bird and the SS.

with love, artie

[Daniel Cadieux]

Thank you Daniel...and Artie, that is a huge compliment!!

[Alex Becker]

I'm a huge fan of high key images and hummingbird shots so this one is really great to me. Love the flowers and the power and the little glimpse of the eye. I like the motion blur as well on the wings. TFS

[Gabriela Plesea]

Superb image Daniel,

Love everything about this, so beautifully processed and presented - congratulations

Warmest regards,

[Arthur Morris]

Thank you Daniel...and Artie, that is a huge compliment!!

Huge but both true and well-deserved.

with love, artie