Sometimes You Just Need to Cool Off

Image Critiques
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140512backyard-1D4_1396-1-Edit.jpg
140512backyard-1D4_1396-1-Edit.jpg2048×1639 1.26 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

An old image, but given the challenge, I just started looking at my “backyard bird” collection for candidates and this one had the most “fun” factor, so I thought I’d go with it.

This came about because my pond plumbing developed a problem, so I temporarily rigged a hose as an alternative water supply to the upper part of the pond. At the time, I used to spend a lot of time just sitting on my three-legged stool with tripod and camera in front of me to photograph birds in and around the pond. I was astonished when I saw this hummingbird (female rufous) fly in and practically go up the hose. The bottom cropis to eliminate some badly out of focus and rather bright rocks in the foreground.

Specific Feedback

Anything you like. This was definitely more of a behavior image that art.

Technical Details

Canon 1Div, EF 500 f/4 L + 2.0 TC, tripod with gimbal head, f/11, 1/640, iso 500.

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Amazing activity

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Ha! I thought this was a cicada or some other insect until I saw the wing feathers!

A great, unusual image and I bet there’s not another like it. Colours are great. I might be tempted to crop..or remove the little triangle shadow at the top?

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Thanks @Glenys_Passier and @Stephen_Stanton

Glennie: If I’d had any sense I’d have reprocessed this from scratch since it was taken 12 years ago. Technology and (hopefully) I have made some progress since then.

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That’s definitely “getting a drink”! An amazing behaviorial catch.

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Cool image, Dennis. I like how the water seems to be enveloping the head.. The gold colors on the back came out nicely.