Capturing the essence of the Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus) in its native habitat was a thrilling and technically demanding experience. This remarkable shot was taken at La Minga Ecolodge near Cali, Colombia, a renowned birding hotspot along the Andean “Km 18” birding route. The area’s lush cloud forest provides an ideal environment for photographing rare and vibrant species like the Golden Tanager, known for its luminous yellow feathers and striking black wing markings.
For this photograph, I used a Canon R5 paired with a Canon RF 100-500mm lens at its maximum focal length of 500mm. To ensure maximum sharpness while balancing the dim light of the forest, I set the camera to 1/350 second at f/6.7, with ISO 400. This ISO level provides exceptional image quality on the R5 due to its advanced sensor, virtually identical to ISO 100 with negligible noise. The fast shutter speed helped freeze the tanager’s subtle movements while preserving feather detail and color vibrancy.
The composition emphasizes the tanager against a backdrop of deep greens, highlighting its radiant plumage. Soft, diffused natural light filtered through the forest canopy, adding a natural glow that enhanced the bird’s golden hues. The thoughtful placement of the subject on a moss-covered perch created a visually pleasing contrast.
This photograph is a testament to the region’s biodiversity and the importance of preserving habitats like the Andean cloud forest. Thanks to the expertise of local birding guide Asherita Viajera, whose deep understanding of the area enhanced the entire experience, this encounter became even more meaningful. Such collaborations remind me of the essential role that local knowledge and conservation efforts play in sustaining biodiversity.
©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer
