Bill Jennings's Photoblog
Rainbow Nectar
Posted by Bill Jennings ((Bay Area Northern Calif), United States) on 7 May 2009 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
I want to especially thank Xavier Cardell, Barbara, Susan, and Picture Box for their honest and constructive feedback yesterday on the photo Patricia's Pecan Pie: this is exactly what I want to hear from the AM3 community. Great job! Keep up the leadership on AM3.
While walking with Gordo at Cooper-Garrod, we happened upon this scene, and I had a few seconds to catch the humming bird in flight before the toddler would scare him off. What I really like is the range of colors in the flower; and the different range of colors in the humming bird. (a progressino of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, jumping to the bird: green, and just missing blue and violet). Please tell me your thoughts, though.
The monochrome Sur la plage abandonnée .... from Didier was my favorite yesterday: I guess I'm biased towards B&W as I am so in awe of a great photo in this style when I see it.
Ajay's Hanging has fantastic colors, and a composition that works, albeit not traditionally framed.
I also loved the expanse and lighting for Landscape from Photoneur which I missed until tonight. Reminds me of some very long drives across the midwest. Well done!
Just made it home after a month of travel - posted a few photos from my journey to within 48 miles of the antartica circle: at nearly the longest day of the year: hence, there was 21 hours a day of sunlight...
Thank you for your patience while I was out of touch.
I do hope you followed Bob Kelly's blog (my roommate) while he is still traveling - he is now on Easter Island - and will be updating his blog for some time to come - please check it out!
Btany from Subang, Malaysia
I love how you captured this scene with good framing. : )
7 May 2009 6:19am
@Btany: and, believe it or not, this wasn't cropped - or touched in photoshop for adjustments - it's pretty much as captured. thanks for the kind words on the photo.
mats from Texas, United States
The intent well captured here. 'love the colors too.
7 May 2009 6:27am
@mats: Thanks mats -
your B&W tonight
was stunnng all right
(ok, my daughter is starting to rhyme,
so I do this almost all the time).
Appreciate the kind words.
P J W Miller from Chase Terrace, United Kingdom
Great shot, just enough shutter speed to stop the birds wings, an image to be proud of
7 May 2009 6:39am
@P J W Miller: Thanks P J W - there was enough light to hand hold the camera, and also get the wings - and there is a little movement at the very edges, but that's ok in my mind. Appreciate the comments from you very consistently.
Sarito from Basingstoke, United Kingdom
oh my goodness... This is superb!! Excellent DOF and framing!! Like the colours too!!
7 May 2009 8:09am
@Sarito: Sarito - you are too kind. It's really my first capture of a flying hummindbird, and was surprised that even at the fast shutter speed - there is some wing movement. Thank you for the comments on DOF and framing!
Ravi from Bangalore, India
Very real! Amazing timing and you clicked when it really mattered. Super shot and great work, Bill.
7 May 2009 9:33am
@Ravi: Thank you Ravi. I took a few frames, and chose the best one from the series. Bill
Virgil from Richmond, United States
Very nice capture! I bet this one was hard to get.
7 May 2009 10:32am
@Virgil: Virgil, the hardest part was keeping Gordo from chasing it when I was trying to take the photo. I haven't seen a hummingbird near a natural plant like this - usually they are near a feeder. I was lucky on this one. I've tried since, and haven't been as lucky.
@Helen: Thank you Helen. My Helen, that's very nice to say.
xavier cardell from menorca-barcelona, Spain
I'd like to help you here telling you how I would try to improve this photo, but I just can't. I love this photo and I wouldn't change a thing myself! At least from the shot, maybe post processing it something could be done with the colors and contrast of the flower and the bird separetly ? May be,may be not, besides, this also depends on each one's computer screen, so... I'd leave it as it is.
7 May 2009 11:35am
@xavier cardell: I may write you and ask what you may change on the colors and contrast - as I am so new at learning how to manipulate images in PS. Thank you for your kind words!
Onlymehdi from Wayne, United States
Cant just be more perfect. WOW is the right word
7 May 2009 12:32pm
@Onlymehdi: Thank you. It's becoming one of my favorites: a hummingbird isn't easy to catch in flight, especially near a flower (as I am learning from trying to catch something like this again).
bluechameleon from Vancouver, Canada
Not an easy shot and you mastered it like a pro.
Great capture Bill.
7 May 2009 12:37pm
@bluechameleon: Thank you Blue, means a lot coming from a photographer as strong as yourself. I now just need to be able to do this more often !
Marie-Hélène Ammor from Casablanca/Paris, Morocco
This is a very artistic photo ! The background is superb also !I don't know how you catched the bird so neat with the wings so ...but it is wonderful !
7 May 2009 12:46pm
@Marie-Hélène Ammor: I must admit I took about eight photos in the picture buffer, and picked the one I liked the best - the wing position was truly a happy event.
Mariana from waterloo, Canada
Wonderful capture Bill! Both Humming bird and plant are superbly caught !
7 May 2009 1:21pm
@Mariana: Thank you Mariana. By far, i was fortunate to find a day that wasn't windy - had the right camera and lens, and could spend the few minutes to take the shot. From there, it was easy.
dj.tigersprout from New York City, USA, United States
now this is magic Bill!!! gorgeous subject matter, amazing timing, amazing color -- faaabulous bokeh... brilliant work Bill, just brilliant!!!
7 May 2009 1:44pm
@dj.tigersprout: thank you DJ - from you, that means a great deal to me: you're a fantastic photographer, like so many here on AM3.
Sarah from Suisse, Switzerland
This is one of those shots that makes you giddy when you get it right - and you got it right! Well done, Bill.
7 May 2009 1:51pm
@Sarah: yep, pretty giddy when I got home and downloaded the images. I never know from the three inch screen on a camara... Bill
john4jack from Corvallis, Oregon, United States
Terrific capture and composition. Exquisite detail.
7 May 2009 2:04pm
@john4jack: thank you Jack - I do like this one myself : just wasn't as able to explain why until others chimed in on this thread about what they liked. I appreciate your comments on this one a great deal.
B. Thomas from Arlington, Texas, United States
Nice capture of this little hummer near a live plant instead of a feeder.
7 May 2009 2:36pm
@B. Thomas: So right. I see so many near a feeder, I was very happy to see one near a natural plant. Thanks for the kind words on the photo.
@Eleftheria: Thanks for your kind words on the photo. Bill
Linda from Riga/Sigulda, Latvia
that's great, the bird is so sharp, the same is flower, vivid colours - beautiful
7 May 2009 2:53pm
@Linda: thank you Linda. I thought the bird and the flower together really made the photo special. glad you like the beauty in the image.
Barbara from Florida, United States
Outstanding, your best image so far. I like the washed out soft background giving no distraction. Amazing stop action you captured of the birds wings. I love the layers of remarkable shades to the plant.
I must say this is my favorite image of yours so far.
Constructive feedback is a nice way to phrase it but it can be difficult to give a critical perspective to someone's passion.
I believe part of the difficulty is viewing a large number of images in the community daily and understanding the depth that is needed in the comments. Some are serious looking for constructive feedback as you are, while some are expressing their passion to share with others, and others want to creatively document their experience of the day. I say this without criticism or judgment and hope that you understand my way of saying it.
I do find your inspiration for strong leadership a motivator. It has inspired me a number of times to accomplish more with my next image. Even though I am searching for time to get it in.
Thanks, Bill. 5 Stars for today's winning image, 5 stars for inspiration, 5 more stars for motivation.
7 May 2009 4:12pm
@Barbara: this is pretty high praise from such a good critic that really is looking to help me improve. thank you. Did you know that about 1pm Eastern on Sunday I took the photos of the pecans, I was wondering : where would you have been at the time?
Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
Well, I must say, until I read your description, I would have SWORN this was a great piece of photoshop work....but after reading your description, I gotta tell you this is just an AWESOME capture!!! and to frame it the way you did is just phenomenal.....I have frequently tried to get photos of hummingbirds when I go to butterfly world, and I'm here to tell ya, it's almost impossible!!! So Kudos to you today for this incredible shot!!
7 May 2009 4:42pm
@Susan: In many ways, I'm flattered for your kind words - however, my photoshop skills are not great enough to create a montage like this (yet). I can only imagine how hard a butterfly must be to capture - even at Butterfly World !!!
jenifriend from olathe, United States
i have it on my 'to capture' list to photography a hummingbird hovering; you did a great job on this!!
7 May 2009 4:45pm
@jenifriend: Thanks a bunch. Sometimes it's timing, lighting, and just having a camera with you. Bill
Ken from United States
Beautiful moment in time. The hummingbird's eyes are on the prize!
7 May 2009 4:47pm
@Ken: Yes, I believe you can tell he's passionately seeking food. An earlier title was "In Pursuit". Thank you for your kind words on the photo.
Ajay from Pune, India
This is just superb, excellent, brilliant, beautiful, lovely, nice (and now I may run out of words) shot. One of your best, Bill. Simply way ahead. And really thanks very much for mention my photo in your blog, my friend.
7 May 2009 4:57pm
@Ajay: you are truly kind, my friend. I've got a few calls out to Pune to see if I can find you some pecans. It's always my honor to refer to your work. Bill
@Marie LC: Marie Merci
Magda from Vancouver, Canada
Amazing! And without any real editing! Wow! What a fabulous capture. It's perfect. :)
7 May 2009 7:40pm
@Magda: I'd like to tell you I knew photoshop well enough to be able to edit this better - but this time, the image on the sensor was pretty strong - so I didn't need to have good PS skills. Glad you like it, and thanks for the kind words.
@Didier DE ZAN: thank you didier.
@jamesy: thank you for the nice words and the five stars. It helps me know what really works from other photographers like yourself that I admire.
dkc from Xanthi, Greece
5 stars from me too...This absolutely brilliant photo really deserves it!
7 May 2009 10:26pm
@dkc: thank you - I don't think I've ever gotten 5 stars so often for a photo on AM3 - this really bouys my confidence to go out and try some more photos soon. Bill
observing from North West, United Kingdom
A 5 Stars shot Bill, and compliments for getting such a superb result, it is a brilliant piece of work.
7 May 2009 10:40pm
@observing: Thank you observing. from someone that consistently posts fantastic photos, this means a lot to hear your words of praise. thank you again.
Nina from Hamburg, Germany
This is a wonderful photo, Bill, really fascinating. The flower is very pretty with those rainbow colors... furthermore the capture of the humming bird in flight, and the background - perfect!
8 May 2009 1:42am
@Nina: Nina - you're so kind to give me specific feedback about what you like about the photo - it helps me recognize other scenes that are strong as well. thank you for your thoughts on this frame.
Acosta Redon from Claypole - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Excellent. Without words. Good shot.
8 May 2009 2:18am
@Acosta Redon: Thank you Acosta
Picture Box from Fishers, United States
Excellent shot Bill. Can't find words to write on this.
8 May 2009 2:41am
@Picture Box: Thank you. Speechless is an OK response - thanks for telling me that!
Miss Ruthie from Glendale California, United States
Wow! Perfect Just Perfect this one is your best so far I agree with Jamesy 5 Stars.....
8 May 2009 3:29am
@Miss Ruthie: Thanks for the WOW and the 5 stars - this gives me more excitement to make every picture I take better.
San G. from Encino, California, United States
It needs to hover lov like this because of the nature of the bloom. Most of the flowers are still closed which lends a wonderful composition to this image. this bird low like this is magic ... MAN! I'm totally jealous and amazed. It's beautiful!
8 May 2009 9:12am
@San G.: Thank you San - this hobby is fun when things come together for a great shot like it did hear. I'd like to tell you that it took planning and diligence to get this: but honestly, it was an opportunistic shot while walking with my son... It was even odd that the one lens I had on at the time let me capture this. Thanks for your really nice words on the photo.
Simply Col from Winnipeg, Canada
Wonderful composition. Love the colours of the plant and am quite amazed that you captured the hummers wings so well... not easily done with their usually constant movement.
8 May 2009 2:29pm
@Simply Col: Thank you Simply Col - it was indeed a fortuitous shot, helped by the amount of light available, a fast shutter, and a deep capture buffer. I doubt I will be able to catch a similar photo of a hummer again soon.
Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
Bill....from what you post, I would have thought your photoshop skills were far superior to mine, which are still at idiot level!! And the reason I thought you had done "magic" with this shot, is because I did "magic" with one of mine recently....check this one out!!
http://photosbysusan.aminus3.com/portfolio/54.html
8 May 2009 7:46pm
@Susan: I just looked at your link : fantastic. Thank you for pointing that out to all of us. I am still very much a novice with PS. I can use the sliders in raw, and perhaps a bit more: but not much more than that. Thank you for your kind assumption on my skills... The "magic" for the hummingbird was being at the right place at the right time with the right camera and the right lens...
mike chase from santa rosa, United States
Bill, this is a sensational image! Clean, clear, crisp with good color. The lighting is excellent!
9 May 2009 5:56pm
@mike chase: thank you mike. I always respect your lighting, so that's high praise from you.
Denise from Perry, United States
Bill, this is a fantastic shot, and as for the guitar at the age of 5: he could only lern on a child sized guitar, anything larger, his hnds would not be big enough. My parents bought me a beautiful guitar at the age of 8 and I could not play it, my hands had not grown enough. They had to buy a smaller one to make due till I grew. I definitely say give it a try and expose him to as much music as possible. ( also, kep a few extra strings on hand....)
10 May 2009 1:18am
@Denise: Denise, good advice all around for Toto - he absolutely has an interest and an aptitude for music - so we bought him a small guitar (as you see in Mariachis at the Gate on 5 May 2009) - and he is starting to play it. It is a real guitar, and he seems to be able to hold it pretty well. For strings, we now have a few extras! Thanks for the kind words on the photo!
Mobius Faith from Akron, Ohio,, United States
I don't know how you captured this. This is wonderful!!!!
10 May 2009 10:54pm
@Mobius Faith: Thank you Mobius. Glad to see your abstracts recently - you're always making me think with your blog, which I love.
Mandy Provan from Johannesburg, South Africa
I think this image is just fabulous Bill. It's like something out of National geographic. The DOF for the background is awesome!! really makes the bird and flower stick out
11 May 2009 8:17am
@Mandy Provan: Thanks Mandy - I really did get fortunate to have the bird and the flower in the same plane of focus - to allow the shallower DOF of the background. Sometimes you take chances, and they work out!
@Vagabond: Thank you Vagabond
Canon EOS 40D
1/1600 second
F/4.0
ISO 400
95 mm