Maneuverability

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

-20240217-_A1_3283-Costa Rica-ARW-Edit.jpg
-20240217-_A1_3283-Costa Rica-ARW-Edit.jpg2048×1498 1.45 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Another one from February in Costa Rica. This was from my first stop at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge. I’m posting this one primarily for the wings. I just find the hummingbirds so wonderful in their ability to warp their wings in all sorts of ways (the structure is significantly different from that of most birds). This is a female Talamanca Hummingbird.

Specific Feedback

Does the slight angle away from the camera hurt this image too much? Should the perch stay or go?

Technical Details

Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC @395 mm, monopod, f/8, 1/2500, iso 3200, manual exposure. Noise reduction in DxO PureRaw 4, processing in LR & PS CC. Cropped to 4956x3624. Taken on February 17th at 9:14 a.m.

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2

Really nice catch Dennis - shows off the wing movement very well. I think I heard that the wings move in a figure 8 motion but I’m not sure. I think the angle of the bird is alright here given we can still see the body and eye so well and the wings. Gives us a sense that is on a mission maybe to chase off another bird. I’d keep the perch.

3

Dennis, I like the blurred wings in this that show off the maneuverability. As Allen has said the eye and feathers are great and I don’t have any trouble with the angle of the bird for those reasons. The perch I could take or leave. I love the colors, the BG, and the beak.

4

Yes, hummingbird wings constantly change the angle of attack during different aspects of flight. This one shows it quite well. The velocity of the wing also changes during a wing-beat too. I also like the colors and soft BG which shows off the hummingbird quite well…Jim

5

I can’t recall seeing a wing position quite like this. The angle of the bird is fine-nice detail in head. I’d keep the branch; it’s nice to have another element in a BIF shot. Nice complementary background.