One taken during our Hols in Arizona. This one was taken at the Research Station near Portal. It's approx. 85% of the original with only the feeder cropped off. Its says in my birdguide that this species are constantly pumping their tails whilst in the hover and I can vouch for that :). To get the pic I focussed on the feeder then aimed about 4-6" to either side of it depending on their direction to minimise any further corrections. Hope you like it and I really would appreciate any comments as I still trying to improve both in the taking and processing of the image. The shutter speed is quite slow, I wasn't trying to completely freeze the action here as I had done on others, i wanted to show a bit of movement,
SS 1/640 F 5.6 ISO 800 E.comp +2/3 Flash comp +2/3
Hi Chris, Sharp head with nicely muted backround. The lighting is also well handled. For my taste I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the far wing. A Mark IV's ISO can be kicked up higher than 800 which would have given you as bit more speed. I don't own one but I know it can handle alot higher speeds with no noise. Good effort!
Stopping the motion wise you would need a multiple flash set up, not sure higher shutter speeds will do the trick entirely !! No harm in trying !!
Wing position wise just take many and choose later !! Do like the bg and overall feel. If any wold increase the contrast for more punch !! Like it a lot!!
Your bird looks sharp with fine feather details, the wing blurred did imply motion and I like that too. Nice soft background to compliment the bird. Agree with other about the wing behind the head. Another thing is the reflection on the beak, I don't know if there a way to not have that from using flash.
Hi Chris - Sharp as a Tack - exposure looks good and nice detail in the eye. BG compliments the bird well - like the soft subdued feel. Agree about increasing the ISO - would have given you more SS but dont think it would have frozen those wings.
Agree with the above comments - but still mighty fine image - IMHO.
great image. the one comment i agree on the most is seeing more of the far wing. just wished it wasnt behind the head. everything else looks fantastic.
Chris, really nice image with good colors.. Freezing the wing position is tough without a multi-flash set-up, as has been mentionned. IMO, could use a bit more contrast and a less-centered comp. Cheers - Sandy r
Broad Billed Hummer
