Hummingbird - Various Blossoms

[Donkees]

Roberta Davidson

[AndyS]

1. I want to thank you for posting these gorgeous

images of birds. They have prepared me for the coming summer season and to become a much better photographer.

What makes these photos so spectacular is the composition that includes the flowers. The color of the flowers balance the brilliance of the hummers. They also offer visual weight to the main subject which is of course the birds.

My feeders went out today and I've ordered various hanging baskets as well as some artificial blooms that will hold sugar water and provide the balance and color. I've also prepared my studio flash to move to the feeders so I can provide more detail in the intricate feathers and freeze the wings if I want. The flash won't bother the birds, it fires at 1/10,000 second which is too fast for the nervous system of the birds to recognize.

Now if the hummers will just cooperate . . .

[Donkees]

2. I have every confidence in your creativity, devotion to the work, and I trust that you'll inspire

others. We all need to keep being inspired. This particular set of photos does eliminate most of the visual clutter. It becomes easier to focus on the essence, easier to lead the viewer's eye around shapes and to engage the imagination. Some of these types of photos have a meditative quality to them.

Your hummingbirds will be delighted by the beautiful hospitality. It seems you're just waiting for the guests to arrive.