Violet eared Hummingbird

[David Salem]

Here is another frame from our fantastic trip to Costa Rica with Doug Brown and Greg Basco. This was taken at one of the lodges we stayed at. I decided to hang out by one of the lodge's permanent hummingbird feeders tring to get a image in natural light. I stood close to the feeder hand holding my bare 600 trying to capture the action. At one point I thought my arms were going to fall off as they are never in the right scenario when you are holding your lens up for an extended time. This was my best one and I really like the colorful flower background on this one. I think I am going to print it in an acrylic face mount for my home. Hope you like it.

1DXII---600mm---f8---ss1/4000th---ISO800---Handheld@9:45am---40% crop

Thanks as always for looking and for your input. I appreciate it.

David

[Isaac Grant]

Absolute rock star out of this world Dave!!! I have been waiting for you to post this one. This is off the charts impossibly good! The fact that it is natural light and a natural background makes it even better. The raised wings, flared tail, details, colors and open beak are all perfect. This has all of the elements that we should all strive for every time we are out in the field, a dynamic pose, beautiful colors, excellent details, perfect light and background. Your perseverance paid off and shows how effort, skill and instinct are such a huge part of wildlife photography. The gear only does so much. Making a sharp image is nice, making a memorable image where all the elements come together is what it's all about. Truly an inspirational shot Dave and what an advertisement for Doug's Costa Rica trip. I wonder if anyone will post an image ever again after this one Dave. You may have just shut down BPN. Boy is this a tough one to follow.

[David Salem]

Thanks so much Isaac!! Glad you like it!!

[Doug Brown]

Super natural light frame Dave! Love the fanned-out tail feathers and open bill. I think I'm going to give up and sell my gear now.

[Tim Foltz]

Dave, nice colorful image, great details and feather inflorescence.
I'm sure it made your morning cappuccino even tastier at the time... I hope this was worth the wait.
But seriously sweet shot my friend.

-Tim

[arash_hazeghi]

very cool and vibrant frames Dave

[Colin Driscoll]

Dave, I can feel those aching arms! Well done on that count alone, you must have arms like Pop Eye. I can only echo the previous effusive comments.

[Mike Poole]

Just ridiculous (in a good way!!) No point even trying to critique this in any other way!

Mike

[gail bisson]

simply suberp! love, love the BG color!

[Alex Becker]

Just beautiful. I'm blown away this is natural light -- its really so nice. Not a whole lot to add here -- definitely print this one!

[William Dickson]

Yes a great looking frame Dave. What fabulous colours throughout, especially on the bird. Hard to beat this one, but I'm sure you will manage. Very well done.

Will

[annmpacheco]

Dude, my mouth is open in awe, WOWSA you rock Dave, yes on the acrylic jumbo size... I will second exactly what Isaac said, this is outta the ballpark crazy good, applause, take a bow, and go get the next spectacular image somewhere!!!!!

[David Salem]

Wow!! Thanks very much everyone!!
I knew it was kind of nice when I processed it but your nice comments add to my confirmation that it is a pretty special frame. Gona print it for sure now!
Thanks again

[Dorian Anderson]

Yes, this is a winner for sure. I love the BG and the natural light really sings. All of your efforts paid off. One of my favorite frames from you David.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

It looks spectacular man!
Congrats on nailing this shot!

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dave, I didnt forget, and I would never leave an image like this and not share my thoughts. Firstly, such a striking flight pose, shows off everything. Good settings to have everything in the DOF, and overall, tack, tack sharp. The BG is insane bud. Big congrats on this fine capture.

[Paul Burdett]

Hi David. This is a spectacular shot...no Hummingbirds "down under", unfortunately. You have some amazing photos on your website...shots that inspire me to keep going. Cheers.

[Debapratim Saha]

Wonderful shot David, congratulation!

[Frank Schauf]

Very cool, fantastic colors and a great scene.