The Skunk

Gallery: AvianPosted August 20, 20183,733 views8 comments

When animals have a unique marking, they can be recognized as being the same individual that is being observed through time. This young one has a stripe of bright yellow pollen that adorns the top of its head and I've nicknamed the little one as the Skunk due to its light stripe. The Skunk is the boldest of our hummers and visits all 6 feeders throughout the day. After reading over everyone's comments on my previous posting, I reduced the power of the SB-800 down from 1/32 to 1/64. It did the trick and shadowing is apparent. D500 600 mm f4 + 1.4x TC (1/250 sec at f16, Iso 640) On camera SB-800 flash set at 1/64, 4 SB-26 flashes set around bird and BG at 1/32 power. Full frame, Levels, Shadows & Highlights, Brightness & Contrast, Topaz Details for slight boost in saturation. Now I need to head to Arizona.................................Jim

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on August 20, 2018 at 11:01 PM

Looks like a fine hummer image to me! See nothing I would change or adjust. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on August 21, 2018 at 9:02 AM

Very good, Jim. The improvement is particularly apparent in the wings where the lighting is superb. Might as well go to Central America and really hit the hummers enlightened

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on August 21, 2018 at 9:19 AM

Nice composition with good detail throughout. The lighting looks quite natural. Good job.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on August 21, 2018 at 2:53 PM

Hello, Jim. I'm always impressed by good flash-light use... The image looks totally 'natural' - so hats off ! devil

, Best, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on August 21, 2018 at 4:21 PM

You keep getting better and better with these. With respect to lighting, detail, and composition, I think this is your best effort.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on August 22, 2018 at 7:13 AM

Yes, you're ready for Arizona! (or Costa Rica /Ecuador - check out Nate Chappell's hummer tours. The hummers there are copious and stunning)
This is gorgeous - just about ideal. you have your technique refined to perfection.

Do you know about Mary Jo's place in Sierra Vista, AZ ? If not , let me know. Lots of others, also, including Kurt and Dennis, can give you directions.Late april/early May or so is the best time of year, in my experience, but the others will know better.
Excellent work!! devil

Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Peter J. Morrissey on August 22, 2018 at 11:52 AM

Hi Jim
This quite the class in multi flash photography. I like this best.
Peter

Registered on July 3, 2011, 188 Posts, 969 Comments

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on August 22, 2018 at 11:53 PM

Another beauty, Jim. Exceptional multiflash techniques. The lighting is very natural and wing position perfect. I like the minimalist composition but I do wonder if you have some pixels in the bottom - I would have liked to see the bottom two leaves fully in the frame and it would have given the hummer some more space in the bottom. But that is a very minor nit.You are certainly ready for the world of hummers.

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments