In response to some of the excellent humming bird images, I thought I would submit this - taken back in the late 70's on film. The HSF was custom made and had three heads, unfortunately it weighed about 40 pounds so there is no-way I could take it to S America! The object here was to create atmospheric, moody lighting, in keeping with the nocturnal nature of the bird not to produce an overall lighting to show all the metallic plumage detail and clean BG on those fabulous little humming birds.
Camera Hasselblad with 150mm lens, Taken with an infra-red trigger from a hide (blind)
Can't remember exposure details but flash duration approx. 1/10,000 sec
I am not sure but I think this may be perfect. I am sure someone with more expertise than I will comment on the technical side but for overall feel this is a wonderful image.
My first thought looking at this was that it had a neat retro look to it. Guess I was right! The night-time mood captured is perfect...and what an impressive nest entrance. Only thing I'd change is to fix the "steel eye" on the young one. WOW! :-)
Can't say enough good things about this image Melvin !!!! Glad to see an high end image with that old equipment ...... which btw would only need a digital back and same image could be made !!!! Big Time Congrats !!!!
btw that brought back memories of using the 350 and 500 with two tripods !!!!
What a gorgeous image. You have captured the nocturnal feeding activity and mood perfectly. The setting for the baby owls is lovely....the green around that wonderfully shaped nest hole adds nice color. Your 40 pound handmade multiple flash system did the job....the image is sharp, especially for a scan.
What type of infrared trigger did you use? Thanks for sharing not only this amazing image, but the technicalities of obtaining images like this in the 70's!
Looking forward to seeing more of your images.....
Yes agree - love that nocturnal feel that you have maintained here Melvin and always nice to get a photogenic tree hollow!!
Reminds me of Eric Hosking's work and our David Hollands who also knew Eric. Top shot!!
Tawny Owl bringing food
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