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ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 128 - Isolate >> Challenge 128 - Eligible > Takeoff*
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10-MAR-2007 Jamdiver

Takeoff*

Kingston, Jamaica

Moments before this, I witnessed the female hummingbird dropkick a male into nearby bushes.....
Photogenic and feisty.


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ctfchallenge12-Mar-2007 20:41
Thanks Jammy! The best tip is to have patience, and a hummingbird feeder if you don't have one. I have found that by prefocusing on an area where the hummer will feed and switching to M mode, you can shoot quickly as many times as necessary without having the lens "hunt" to focus on these fast flyers. Because I was using a 70-300mm zoom at fairly close range, I found f/8 to be good for getting the whole bird in focus and increasing to ISO 1600 was sometimes necessary to get the fast shutter speed needed to catch the wings motionless - 1/1600s or faster. I am going to try planting more flowers that draw hummers as I'd like to get some hummers close to colorful flowers too. Good luck, although it doesn't look like you need it as this is a great catch! ;-) CJ
ctfchallenge12-Mar-2007 13:24
Thanks for the feedback all :).
Jano, yup I love it, and i'm already lusting for an L lenses, rofl.
CJ - your gallery is amazing!!!!!!! You need to tell me your tips on photographing the hummers
Henry, i'm going to buy a hummingbird feeder.

- Jamdiver
janewigginsphotography12-Mar-2007 02:00
You're doing great with that new cam Jammy - This is beautiful! jano
ctfchallenge11-Mar-2007 22:28
Lovely hummer Jammy! I love hummers and have a gallery devoted to them:http://www.pbase.com/cj_in_ca/hummingbirds They are difficult to get aren't they! CJ
ctfchallenge11-Mar-2007 18:37
Great shot, Jammy. I've never seen a hummingbird sitting still like this.
--Mary Anne
ctfchallenge11-Mar-2007 15:42
Great capture! I try to shoot hummingbirds every summer. I have feeders, special flower beds, etc. Very difficult shot to get. Especially the males. - Henry