The Masked Tityra (Tityra semifasciata) is a striking bird native to the tropical lowland forests of Central and South America. I had the opportunity to photograph this captivating species in San Pablo de Borbur, Boyacá, Colombia—a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems. The bird's distinctive features, including its pale gray plumage, contrasting black facial mask, and vivid red eye-ring, make it an exceptional subject for wildlife photography.
In this image, the Masked Tityra is perched gracefully amidst the dense foliage of the forest canopy. The soft, diffused light filtering through the trees enhances the subtle textures of its feathers while highlighting the bold contrast of its black mask against the lighter body. The bright red eye-ring draws immediate attention, adding a focal point that captures the viewer's gaze.
To capture this moment, I used a Canon EOS R5 equipped with an RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens and a 1.4x extender, resulting in an effective focal length of 1120mm. The camera settings were ISO 800, a shutter speed of 1/125 second, and an aperture of f/16. These settings were crucial in managing the low-light conditions of the dense forest while maintaining sharpness and depth of field. The high ISO allowed for a faster shutter speed to freeze the bird's subtle movements without introducing excessive noise into the image.
One of the challenges in photographing the Masked Tityra is balancing the exposure to retain detail in both the bright plumage and the darker areas of the mask. Patience was essential, as I waited for the bird to perch in a spot where the lighting would illuminate its features evenly. The composition aims to showcase the bird in its natural environment, emphasizing the importance of preserving such habitats for future generations.
This photograph is a reflection of my commitment to conservation and the portrayal of nature's beauty. Through capturing images like this, I hope to inspire appreciation for the diverse wildlife that inhabits our planet and to encourage efforts toward sustainable practices that protect these invaluable ecosystems.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
