100-400mm lens with 2X extender. Approx. 6 feet from subject.
Probably one of the most difficult shots I have taken because it was a minimal editing challenge. I knew it had to be perfect in camera. I took 100's of images in different locations, lighting conditions, camera settings. Ultimately I found the best result was using flash in cloudy skies to bring out the color in the neck and body. When the sun hits the colored feathers at the right angle the male’s neck is so brilliant it almost appears as if it is on fire. The feathers of the neck have special pigments in them that cause this phenomenon. When the lighting is not right the neck feathers are brownish in appearance. The brilliant red is so bright that sometimes it looks blown out on a photograph. I captured a happy medium which I believe represents the shine in both the neck and the green feathers of the back. Those who have observed the ruby throat hummingbird appreciate the spectacular colors of this bird.
I suspect that I will not score highly on this entry because of the interpretation of "shiny" and the fact that during this time of year I tend to enter several hummingbird shots, but I enjoy the challenge and I LOVE the hummers!!
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this is AWESOME ..
and thankyou so much for your detailed account of how you got this shot .. including your camera settings .. :)
i am literally blown away by your abilities .. getting this in minimal is an incredible achievement .. the focus and everything .. nailing it Larry ..
so close up .. so stunningly shiny ..
its just beautiful ..
not sure about the seven 4's .. this totally satisfies the challenge .. and then some .. :)
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