This photograph of the Steely-vented Hummingbird (Saucerottia saucerottei) was taken at La Minga Ecolodge, near Cali, Colombia, a region known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation. The bird, with its radiant green feathers and striking metallic blue tail, perched briefly on a branch, allowing me to capture its brilliance against the natural backdrop of the Andean foothills.
The image was taken with a Canon R5 paired with a 100-500mm lens at 500mm. The settings were thoughtfully chosen to suit the conditions: a shutter speed of 1/1000 second was selected in TV mode to prepare for capturing hummingbirds in flight, but when this one landed, the moment became an ideal opportunity for a detailed still. The aperture was set at f/6.7 to balance depth of field and sharpness, while the ISO was pushed to 800 to compensate for the fading afternoon light. Despite the increased ISO, the advanced sensor of the R5 delivered an image nearly indistinguishable from those taken at ISO 100. The built-in stabilization of the camera also ensured sharpness at this long focal length.
This particular photograph showcases not only the remarkable beauty of the hummingbird but also the efforts of La Minga Ecolodge to protect and encourage biodiversity in Colombia. As a photographer, moments like these remind me of the importance of blending patience, preparation, and technology to create impactful images that tell the story of nature’s wonders.
©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer
