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Single flash hummer-pics

Discussion in 'Birds' started by Uncle Frank, May 23, 2005.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Uncle Frank

    Uncle Frank

    1,011
    Jan 26, 2005
    San Jose, CA
    I truly admire the hummer-pics that folks like Kramp (and now Keith) create using multiple flash rigs and backgrounds, but to be honest, I'm too lazy to go to that effort except on the rare occasion. Mostly, I try to use a single flash, on-camera, and a favorable position of the sun to illuminate my hummer-snaps. For those of you just starting out, who don't have multiple flashes/stands/etc., here's the kind of results you can expect from the single flash approach. These 4 were taken in my backyard this morning.

    43760646.gif
    Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)

    View attachment 9315
    View attachment 9316
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    Uncle Frank, May 23, 2005
    #1
  2. Keith

    Keith

    3,423
    Jan 29, 2005
    Edmonton, Alberta
    Frank, your still the hummer KING!

    Great shots, really like the 1st and the last, then again like them all :lol:
    What is the name of this hummingbird, really like the colors. They are sharp and look great. I like the movement in the wings, with multiple light set up, it freezes them, many times covering faces etc. Its amazing what contortionist these little birdies are. I have pics and there bodies are all over the place.

    Your spoiled too with these in your backyards. I think Im going to have to go on a road trip and set up my tent in many of your backyards :lol: :lol:
     
    Keith, May 23, 2005
    #2
  3. Uncle Frank

    Uncle Frank

    1,011
    Jan 26, 2005
    San Jose, CA
    The pictures are of a male Anna's hummingbird, Keith. That's about the only species that visits my yard.

    The multiple flash shots are like studio portraits, while the single flash shots are similar to candids. I prefer to show some motion in the hummer's wings, as they're truly kinetic creatures, and I feel it portrays them more naturally.

    The hummers are endless entertainment, and it's a treat to have them right outside my back door.
     
    Uncle Frank, May 23, 2005
    #3
  4. bfullmer

    bfullmer

    2,356
    Apr 14, 2005
    Salt Lake City, UT
    Hi Frank;

    Beautiful shots! I especially like the first one.

    I'm assuming you're using an sb-800? Which lens and what shutter speed and aperture?

    Thanks,
    Brian
     
    bfullmer, May 23, 2005
    #4
  5. Doug Barber

    Doug Barber

    1,661
    Jan 31, 2005
    Central and Northern Canada
    Okay that's it!!!!!!
    Frank, both you and Keith are really going to (make) me try this aren’t you! :lol::lol::lol:

    I don't know a darn thing about shooting a humming bird so I need some detailed instructions...
    My wife tells me we have 17 pairs coming to our feeders all day long. I cannot confirm this number other than to say the little buggers are a pain in the butt as I walk from the shop to the house and they are buzzing all over the place.
    So I've got the D2H, (3) SB-800 guns and enough stands and tripods to run everything off the camera. Now I need you (2) gents to layout what the heck to do.....
    What lens?
    Gun placement?
    Camera settingsETC?
     
    Doug Barber, May 23, 2005
    #5
  6. PGB

    PGB

    7,986
    Jan 25, 2005
    Oh blah. All of these are making me sick. I need to get off my *** and get outside and setup my feeders and my cam.

    Excellent shots as always.

    Thanks for sharing
     
    PGB, May 23, 2005
    #6
  7. Keith

    Keith

    3,423
    Jan 29, 2005
    Edmonton, Alberta
    Hey Doug

    havent seen you or chatted in a while, did you ever forget about our spring adventure. LOL

    Tell you what, will come give you personal instruction! LOL.........in turn you can mentor me on use of light and composition! I think that is fair. :wink: :wink:
     
    Keith, May 23, 2005
    #7
  8. Uncle Frank

    Uncle Frank

    1,011
    Jan 26, 2005
    San Jose, CA
    Thanks, Brian. I used the 80-200/2.8 with the Keno Pro 1.4x tc. Shooting data as follows:

    Model NIKON D70
    Flash Used Yes
    Focal Length 200 mm (280mm adjusted for 1.4x TC)
    Exposure Time 1/500 sec
    Aperture f/8 (f/11 adjusted for 1.4x TC)
    ISO Equivalent 400
    JPEG Quality fine
    Exposure Program manual
     
    Uncle Frank, May 23, 2005
    #8
  9. Flew

    Flew

    994
    Jan 25, 2005
    Alabama
    Great hummers Frank. Someday, I'm going to try to learn to catch these little beasts.
     
    Flew, May 23, 2005
    #9
  10. PEPPER PETE

    PEPPER PETE

    1,198
    May 1, 2005
    THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.
    Great shots Uncle Frank. I haven't shot any yet this season. A couple has been using the feeder so I'll be using the camera on then before long.
    Pete
     
    PEPPER PETE, May 23, 2005
    #10
  11. Uncle Frank

    Uncle Frank

    1,011
    Jan 26, 2005
    San Jose, CA
    There not all that much to it, Doug. Just operate your flash(s) in manual mode, because the little hummers don't reflect enough light back to shut them off. Try using 1/4 power to start, and then adjust based on results.
     
    Uncle Frank, May 23, 2005
    #11
  12. eng45ine

    eng45ine

    17,633
    May 11, 2005
    Chicago, IL
    Beautiful images, Frank. Absolutely wonderful captures. Bravo!!!
     
    eng45ine, May 23, 2005
    #12
  13. kramp

    kramp

    976
    Apr 20, 2005
    Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada
    Your the Hummer master Frank, great pictures again, good point about the single flash.

    Martin
     
    kramp, May 23, 2005
    #13
  14. drueter

    drueter

    963
    Apr 24, 2005
    Southeast Texas
    Beautiful shots, Frank! I'd try this too if I could get some hummers to visit my yard!
     
    drueter, May 23, 2005
    #14
  15. Steve S

    Steve S

    4,741
    Feb 1, 2005
    SE Florida
    Real nice Frank!

    Love em. Now I gotta get my feeder going too!
     
    Steve S, May 23, 2005
    #15
  16. Doug Barber

    Doug Barber

    1,661
    Jan 31, 2005
    Central and Northern Canada
    Re: Hey Doug

    Well that works for me Keith...
    And no I have not forgot about our spring hunt yet.... But i'm running flat out trying to stay ahead of the work at this point.
    I'll keep you posted...
     
    Doug Barber, May 23, 2005
    #16
  17. Doug Barber

    Doug Barber

    1,661
    Jan 31, 2005
    Central and Northern Canada
    Thanks for the tips Frank....
    I'll give it a gooooooo
     
    Doug Barber, May 23, 2005
    #17
  18. Backdoctor

    Backdoctor

    2,483
    Jan 25, 2005
    South Florida
     
    Backdoctor, May 24, 2005
    #18
  19. Ron Chapman

    Ron Chapman Guest

    Wonderful shots, Frank. For years we have had Hummer feeders. They are fascinating to observe. I think if I could get one shot like yours or Keith's my life would be complete! Well..., almost. Moving in a couple of weeks - first thing to do is set up feeders, my D2Hs, 70-200, TC1.7 and go for it!
    Thanks for the inspiration!
     
    Ron Chapman, May 24, 2005
    #19
  20. Keith

    Keith

    3,423
    Jan 29, 2005
    Edmonton, Alberta
    Hi Harris

     
    Keith, May 24, 2005
    #20
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