While exploring the cloud forests near La Minga Ecolodge, close to Cali, Colombia, I encountered the exquisite female White-booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii). Known for her striking white feathered legs and shimmering green plumage, she is distinct from the male, which has long racket-shaped tail feathers. Photographing her was a rewarding challenge, given her small size and the fast-paced environment of a tropical forest.
To capture this moment, I used my Canon R5 paired with the RF 100-500mm lens at its full 500mm focal length. The camera’s advanced image stabilization was essential, allowing me to shoot at 1/180 second while keeping the image crisp despite handheld use. The ISO was set to 800 to balance the low forest light while maintaining detail without introducing noticeable noise. The camera’s intelligent metering system selected an aperture of f/6.7, providing a balance between depth of field and light capture.
This experience underscored the importance of preparation and adaptability in nature photography. The Canon R5’s cutting-edge technology played a pivotal role in transforming a fleeting encounter into a lasting memory, showcasing both the beauty of Colombia’s avian life and the power of modern photographic tools.
©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer
