Photographed at La Minga Ecolodge near Cali in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, this image features the Andean Emerald (Uranomitra franciae), a small hummingbird native to the slopes of the Andes. The scene unfolded in the gentle morning light of the cloud forest, where the air was cool and still, allowing the subtle iridescence of the bird’s plumage to shimmer in shades of green, blue, and violet.
The photograph was taken with a Canon EOS R5 and the RF 800mm f/11 lens. Exposure settings were 1/500 second at f/11 with an ISO of 3200. The chosen shutter speed provided the balance needed to freeze slight motion while preserving fine feather detail. The narrow aperture maintained adequate depth of field for sharp focus on the subject, and the higher ISO allowed for proper exposure under the filtered canopy light of the forest.
The Andean Emerald rested momentarily on a flower stem, surrounded by a softly blurred background of natural greens and browns that formed a smooth bokeh effect. The lighting was entirely natural, with no artificial sources used, creating an authentic mood that reflects the calm of the Andean environment. Only minor post-processing adjustments were made to fine-tune contrast and color balance while maintaining the integrity of the original scene.
This photograph represents the harmony of patience, timing, and respect for nature’s rhythm. Each frame in such conditions is earned through quiet observation and an appreciation for fleeting beauty—qualities that define my approach to wildlife photography.
©2025 Adam Rainoff Photographer
