I photographed a Multicolored Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima) at La Minga Ecolodge in Dapa, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, just after dawn. The bird alighted on a slender, moss-covered branch six meters from my position, its bands of emerald, turquoise and gold shimmering against the misty backdrop of cloud forest foliage. Soft, diffused morning light filtered through the canopy, accentuating the subtle barring on its wings and the sheen of its delicate plumage.
To capture this vivid moment, I used a Canon EOS R5 paired with an RF 100–500 mm lens set to 500 mm and combined with a 1.4× extender, yielding an effective focal length of 700 mm. The wide aperture of f/6.7 balanced depth of field with light gathering, and I lowered ISO to 400 to maintain pristine color and minimal noise. A shutter speed of 1/350 sec froze the tanager’s slight movements, while handheld technique—steady breathing, precise framing and a gentle touch—ensured critical focus on the bird’s eye and feathers.
This image exemplifies how advanced optics and careful fieldcraft come together to portray endemic species in their native habitat. The Multicolored Tanager is restricted to a narrow Andean gradient and depends on intact cloud forest corridors for survival. By bringing this photograph to light, I aim to celebrate both its stunning beauty and the urgent need to protect high-elevation ecosystems.
I hope this technical breakdown inspires fellow Canon photographers to explore remote locales with respect and curiosity, using gear and technique to tell stories of conservation and wonder.
©2025 Adam Rainoff Photographer
