Berkeley, CA
This hummingbird is sipping nectar from a South African Torch Lilly (Kniphofia uvaria).
I was out taking insect and flower macros when this hummingbird started zipping around. Normally that's my cue to switch to my tele-zoom (and blow my opportunity), but that day I just opened my aperture as wide as possible on the macro lens that I was using, and tried my luck.
I got some pretty decent shots, but this one was my favorite (even though I had to crop it quite a bit). I also had to do quite a bit of post-processing to improve the noise in the bokeh and make it smooth.
I'm guessing that if I had a lens with a longer focal length, with image stabilization, and f2.8 (like my 100mm macro lens, but unlike my 70-200mm) I'd have been able to get this result straight away...or maybe that's just me trying to justify an upgrade :D
aartime728, w andrade, and 234 other people added this photo to their favorites.
View 20 more comments
sotokuning 10 months ago | reply
beautiful color.....
diverdewan15 10 months ago | reply
Amazing combo of color and movement
CheepShot 10 months ago | reply
Absolutely stunning!
rjsimpson1 10 months ago | reply
ah wow, just perfect
-rj
MBesantPhoto 10 months ago | reply
GREAT capture!
johnshlau 10 months ago | reply
This is a wonderful shot...........congratulations on Explore, my friend!
John
countrylife4me1 10 months ago | reply
That is Excellent!!!!
gemini*jen 10 months ago | reply
Amazing capture! Congrats on Explore!
Alexander Panzirsch 10 months ago | reply
Excellent capture!
Dennuzz 10 months ago | reply
My thoughts exactly!
harshthakur 10 months ago | reply
Great colors and a lovely composition...
Miami Love 1 10 months ago | reply
Simply amazing!
Kasia Sokulska (KasiaBasic) 9 months ago | reply
Very cool!
Paul Wyman 9 months ago | reply
Really superb image , just beautiful !!!!
CStewart0416 9 months ago | reply
Brilliant!
thui1 9 months ago | reply
Beautiful Shot!
DINITO1980 9 months ago | reply
This great animal photo was seen in:
Your Best Animal Photo
soumya74 7 months ago | reply
superb
jhueilee 6 months ago | reply
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✿ Debora ✿ 3 months ago | reply
Wonderful!