Trying new Hummingbird shooting style

[dlanter]

Experimenting a little with my hummingbird shoots by using the 7D wireless flash feature. Had 2 430EX setup here set at Ettl with a 2:1 ratio from right to left. I wish I could use a higher flash sync speed with this setup, but it is limited to 1/250 sec. In both of these shots I was a little lower than normal shooting slightly up using the sky as background.

This shot was taken minutes before sunrise. With the low ambient light the flashes did a pretty good job freezing the wing movement. The sky actually came out dark grey, but I brought it to black using a levels adjustment layer mask.


This shot was taken about an hour later. With the stronger ambient light the flashes couldn't freeze the wings alone. Needed a faster shutter speed. No editing here except minor cropping.

[TxPhotoShooter]

Very appealing shots Dan. I like the blurring of the wings on the second shot.

[dlanter]

Thank you David

[MichaelW]

Like both of them but that 1st is really cool. I like shots with a dark background, really make the subject stand out.

[jfoureyes]

I like both too! The first one shows more colors on the little bird which I really like.

[dlanter]

Thank you Michael & Jim.

I'm going to be out with them again early in the morning. They start coming to feeder about 15 minutes before sunrise so I can try some more black backgrounds. As soon as the light gets a little better though I'm going to switch my lighting so I can use a faster shutter speed and also going to add some more flowers to the background.

I just wish the male hummer would get the nerve to come to my setup. He hovers nearby but never comes in to feed.

[ttusa]

Wow Dan, you're really good at these Hummer shots!

[dlanter]

Thank you Therese but I'm still a long way from some of the published shots I've seen before.

[ifly223]

I have no idea what you said about the technical stuff.lol But, I do like the shots. : )

[dlanter]

Thank you James

[David Alaniz]

Two very nice captures of the hummers. Like your set up and flash, vote goes to #1. Good job.

[Jim Boyd]

Nice shots Dan. You've got to be the determined hummingbird shooter I know.

[lhdvies]

I like the treatment of the first shot, also like the blurred wings on the second!!

[dlanter]

Thanks guys.

[kmeronek]

I like them both, but favor the blurring of the wings in the second shot. Nice work and thanks for sharing.