Photographing the Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae) at La Minga Ecolodge near Cali, Colombia, presented a unique blend of technical challenges and artistic possibilities. This elusive hummingbird, known for its shimmering violet ear patches, thrives in the cloud forests of the Andes. My goal was to capture its iridescent plumage in natural light despite the forest’s constantly shifting brightness.
To achieve this, I used the Canon R5 paired with the RF 100-500mm lens extended to 500mm. Recognizing the delicate interplay between light and shadow, I set the ISO to 400, a sweet spot for this camera that preserves detail while minimizing noise. The advanced sensor’s dynamic range allowed for rich color rendering even in low light. Using Program mode, the camera selected a shutter speed of 1/90 second, balancing the ambient light while leveraging the in-body stabilization system.
The composition centered the Brown Violetear perched on a moss-covered branch, with the soft forest bokeh enhancing its striking features. Despite the low shutter speed, the bird’s defining details—its distinctive violet ear patch and metallic green plumage—emerged clearly thanks to the camera’s intelligent exposure settings and stabilization.
Being accompanied by expert birding guide Asherita Viajera enriched the experience. Her knowledge of local species helped identify key habitats, allowing me to anticipate the bird’s movements and prepare for the shot.
Moments like these exemplify why I pursue wildlife photography. It’s about preserving encounters that inspire conservation and encourage appreciation of the natural world. The Brown Violetear’s fleeting pause in the dense forest was a gift of nature, captured with the precision only modern photographic technology can provide.
©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer
