Ruby Throated Hummingbird - Help?

Underexposing the ambient and using low power flashes to freeze everything. You can't do it with one flash and you need to get the flashes close enough to get you the right exposure.

Sorry that I can't assist you with your question, Byron. Have you considered taking a workshop that specializes in hummingbird flight shots?

Lovely shot but might consider a tighter crop.

Hugh

Byron, not bad for a natural hummer shot! Since the wings often beat at over 2000 times a second you need a very fast shutter speed or a high power flash at reduced power for high speed burst duration. You can do it with one flash, in some cases, but more are better otherwise the flash needs to be placed very close to the bird in order to get the power down while still getting a proper exposure, as Tony said. It also results in a flat look and the flash exposure will be much lower than that proper ambient exposure resulting in a dark or black background. You can try using the better beamer, which will reduce the flash power by about two stops, but you need to use an effective 300mm or greater lens (or 187.5mm or greater on a 10D/20D).

The ideal set-up is multiple flashes with one or two of them on a background of some fashion - this way you can arrange the flashes around the bird and ratio them for different lighting effects.

Great Shot! I like the movement of the wings. Gives the photo a live feeling. witold...

While my first comment would be to crop, I'm sure this would look amazing printed as is. Great shot.

Having lots of shots where the hummingbird used to be I'd say this is great

Very nice Byron!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:) :) :)

Roy

I agree with John!!

Great color on the underside of the bird.

Great capture! The color is interesting. A very light purplish tint on my monitor. Not what I would expect from a Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Beautiful shot of such a beautiful bird, I love the color and the BG, oh and great position.

Nicely done, Byron!
Wished you could have moved in closer ...

Nice one, I like it.

Rich and delightful! Thank You Deb San Diego