Capturing Hummers

[bob williams]

PS I have obtained a second hand Epson 3880 printer and I am planning to print some HB backgrounds .... it can go up to 17X22 inches. If you're interested, I can print a few and send 'em for you to try.

Thanks Joel, I appreciate the offer, but I too have a large printer; I have just been to lazy to make my own backgrounds. Congrats again on the grandbaby.

[Joel Eade]

Thanks Joel, I appreciate the offer, but I too have a large printer; I have just been to lazy to make my own backgrounds. Congrats again on the grandbaby.

I have had the same problem ... I keep saying it's just too hot outside ... perfect excuse!!

[bob williams]

Here are some more from Sunday morning: I changed the backgrounds up a little. The first is a piece of cloth that I purchased from Wal-Mart; the second is one of my wife's plants, I think it's a coleus? Shhhhhh---Don't tell her I borrowed it.



I am not sure I like this background, tell me what you think?

and here is the second with The Wife's plant: I think I like this one as a background.

[conropl]

Bob:

I have been away for awhile, and got back to find you have posted a lot of great shots of HB's. It is nice to see you posting them... I always enjoy your HB's.

[bob williams]

Bob:

I have been away for awhile, and got back to find you have posted a lot of great shots of HB's. It is nice to see you posting them... I always enjoy your HB's.

Thanks C

[Joel Eade]

Bob:

I have been away for awhile, and got back to find you have posted a lot of great shots of HB's. It is nice to see you posting them... I always enjoy your HB's.

+1 ... never boring to me, fascinating to see high speed events frozen with exquisite detail

[Richard Lane]

The first is a piece of cloth that I purchased from Wal-Mart; the second is one of my wife's plants, I think it's a coleus?
I am not sure I like this background, tell me what you think?

Nice shots Bob! I'm not digging either background too much myself. Out of the two backgrounds above, I prefer the softer colors of the first one.

However, since the hummingbirds and flower have so much color on their own, I actually prefer the simpler backgrounds that you usually use.

Rich

[Vern]

Hi Bob,
Just wanted to say thanks for all the tips. I used a four flash setup this weekend to shoot some local ruby throated hummingbirds and got a decent result (attached). I experimented with backgrounds and decided using a matching flower to the bait was what I liked best. Details - 5DMKIII, 300 2.8 II w 25mm extension tube, f16, 1/200, flashes set at 1/32 power.
Cheers

[bob williams]

Hi Bob,
Just wanted to say thanks for all the tips. I used a four flash setup this weekend to shoot some local ruby throated hummingbirds and got a decent result (attached). I experimented with backgrounds and decided using a matching flower to the bait was what I liked best. Details - 5DMKIII, 300 2.8 II w 25mm extension tube, f16, 1/200, flashes set at 1/32 power.
Cheers

Vern, Very nice shot and I also like the matching background--Evrything in the picture just seems to work and very nice detail and exposure on the bird. One thing I have found useful is to put a piece of leaf green posterboard behind the background flowers to fill in the dark spots if you are so inclined. I personally like your shot as is.

Nice work,


Bob

[Vern]

Good idea about the background. I sort of liked the dark backdrop behind the bird's head in this one but a little brighter might be good too. I'm hoping a male will show up next w/e. I could test your theories about lighting the throat then.....

We had lots of males in mid-summer but I think our residents have moved on and we need a northern one on the way south to come through. I'm jealous of your riches in the hummingbird variety department - may need to book a trip out west (or Costa Rica one day....) to expand my options.

The wings on this one aren't in the best position, but check out the tongue.


Thanks again, Vern