This photograph was taken at La Minga Ecolodge near Cali in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, using the Canon EOS R5 paired with the RF800mm F11 IS STM lens. The image shows a Golden-naped Tanager, Chalcothraupis ruficervix, perched on a narrow branch in the soft morning light that filtered through the forest canopy. The deep blue body, dark facial mask and bright golden patch on the nape emerged clearly in the gentle illumination. The smooth green background, shaped by distance and natural shade, provided clean separation without distraction.
The camera settings used for this photograph were 1/750 second at f/11. With the fixed aperture of the RF800mm lens and the shaded forest environment, this shutter speed offered the right balance to maintain sharpness while managing the subtle motion of the bird. The long focal length contributed to the strong subject isolation, allowing fine feather detail to remain crisp. The lighting conditions required careful positioning to avoid harsh contrast, and I waited for a moment when the bird stepped into even illumination. This helped maintain accurate color and texture while highlighting the golden nape that defines the species.
The Golden-naped Tanager is known for moving quickly through midlevel forest layers, making clear views like this a challenge. The combination of posture, light and unobstructed background created a rare opportunity to show the species with clarity in its natural setting. My goal with this photograph was to present the elegance of the tanager in a way that feels true to the character of the Andean forest and the calm atmosphere of the early morning.
©2025 Adam Rainoff Photographer
