100% Crop of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird

[Eric CAN]

bcoultry wrote:

Well, then I'll eat some worms. Keep those slow-moving robins company.

On a more serious (and less disgusting) note, I think my 300mm lens just isn't going to do it, not unless I take down the screen on the windowin front of whichthe hummingbird feeder hangs. I guess that means I'll have to wash the window.

What size lens are you using?

Its a 500mm lens, but even a 300mm one would do, only to be closer. Just remember, the closer you are, the shallower the DOF is, so try to close down the aperture to get everything in DOF.

[host]

Great photo. I think the blurred movement of the wings actually adds something to the photo. It kind of like a racecar with the blurred background. It gives a sense of motion and doen't look the the humming bird is just hanging there.

[photosbyvito]

host wrote:

Great photo. I think the blurred movement of the wings actually adds something to the photo. It kind of like a racecar with the blurred background. It gives a sense of motion and doen't look the the humming bird is just hanging there.

that's when you take two shots...one with the blurred...one without....

lol

please all people that way

[Normcar]

I agree with host. The dynamic difference between the wing blur and the sharpness of the body contributes rather than inhibits. I think sometimes the idea of "sharpness" conflicts with the emotive goal. Eric, I think this photograph is spectacular just as it is. Congratulations!

[ohenry]

Excellent shot, Eric...both the original and the 100% crop.

[photosbyvito]

btw...i was wondering...is that his tongue sticking out? or a small thread or something?

[Guitarman]

:shock::shock:HOLY COW......:shock::shock:.... that is a cool photo, the detail is fabulous!

[Eric CAN]

photosbyvito wrote:

btw...i was wondering...is that his tongue sticking out? or a small thread or something?

Its his little tongue :P



cheers

[photosbyvito]

that's just too cool! great shot

[Hummer]

Eric CAN, what a super capture of the bird. I like the full frame view as well as the closeup. The closeup view shows amazing detail in the body feathers and the iridescent feathers of the gorget. Notice the bill is imperfect in this bird, the lower mandible is slightly longer than the upper. This is not uncommon at all. Birds are individuals, and like people they show individual features in their appearance. The tongue is actually forked at the end and extensile. It actually coils into a cavity in the back of the skull and can be extended about twice the length of the bill to reach into a flower for nectar and insects.

I believe that shutter speeds of about 1/1000th sec will "almost" stop the wings but to truly freeze the wing motion requires flash speeds of 1/30,000 to 1/100,000 second.

Beautiful photo, and great work!

Hummer