This photograph of the Gray Seedeater (Sporophila intermedia) was taken in the tranquil setting of San Pablo de Borbur, Boyacá, Colombia. The bird is perched gracefully on a curved stem, its soft gray plumage contrasting beautifully against the lush green backdrop. The natural light accentuates the delicate details of the bird’s feathers, creating a serene and balanced composition.
For this shot, I used a Canon R5 with an 800mm lens paired with a 1.4x extender, giving an effective focal length of 1120mm. The settings were 1/60 second at f/16 with ISO 400. These choices were crucial for capturing the fine details while maintaining the depth of field necessary to keep the bird in sharp focus against the blurred background. The slower shutter speed required careful handling to avoid any motion blur, but the result is a crisp, detailed image that emphasizes the Gray Seedeater’s natural beauty.
This image exemplifies the importance of patience and precision in bird photography. The Canon R5’s capabilities, combined with the reach of the extended focal length, allowed me to capture this moment in stunning detail, highlighting the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the bird’s natural habitat.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
