Sharing Their Attitude

“How do you get those perched shots?” That’s a great question and just requires a little bit of biology and a tad of technology. The photo begins without the camera. These little lightning bolts do hold still with each individual selecting a daytime perch (not the same as nighttime). Depending on their character and assumed placement in the feeder peaking order, they find an “observation point” to watch the activity. Time of day, sun and heat can affect this perch. Once you find that perch and determine its regularity of use, you move to the photographic process. One of the keys here is, light. That attitude requires the right light. What’s the right light? What attitude, gesture do you want to share? In this case, I wanted soft light to be juxtaposition with being a small, cute hummer. Last is what is required for image size. The Calliope is only 3″ long, so I needed 840mm and getting nine feet away for what you see here. Size does matter in displaying the attitude and reaching your viewer. After this, it just takes time in the field and practice. You will be entertained during the whole process, it is a lot of fun, sharing their attitude.