Adrian Binney, EPSA, LRPS
July 2025 - Green Crowned Brilliant
Original
About the Image(s)
I believe this is it right name - seems appropriate in that it is a brilliantly coloured bird. I took this in Costa Rica in 2022 and have just redeveloped it, using the much improved remove tool within Lightroom (to get rid of the branch). I was of course lucky to get the tongue out, especially what looks being fully out - I was at 10 fps. Full settings - 1/640 f4, ISO 5,000 - At that time, I had a 300mm f4 prime lens, so this is FF equivalent of 600mm. All PP was using Lightroom.
7 comments posted
Adrian, Nice image and sparked my attention since I have been photographing hummingbirds lately. Image is sharp, well exposed with a nice pose. I do find the tree truck distraction and have included a 4x3 crop for you consider. Bruce Posted: 07/09/2025 16:00:09
Thanks Bruce - I hadn't thought of that crop I agree it creates a cleaner image! Posted: 07/09/2025 17:08:39
Thanks Bruce - I hadn't thought of that crop I agree it creates a cleaner image! Posted: 07/12/2025 08:52:29
Beautiful colors, sharpness and eye detail. The ambiance makes for a perfect soft box look. And, of course that tongue really adds to the composition, in fact might even make the shot. Great effort! Posted: 07/13/2025 15:32:18
Hi Adrian,
Hummingbirds are such beautiful creatures with their vibrant colours and iridescent shine. You've captured this one with great sharpness and detail, and the addition of its extended tongue is a fantastic element, it really gives us a sense of how long it needs to be to reach into flowers.
I also like the suggestion of a tighter crop, and you might consider cloning out the small dark line just to the right of the border for a cleaner composition. Posted: 07/18/2025 08:51:29
Hummingbirds are such beautiful creatures with their vibrant colours and iridescent shine. You've captured this one with great sharpness and detail, and the addition of its extended tongue is a fantastic element, it really gives us a sense of how long it needs to be to reach into flowers.
I also like the suggestion of a tighter crop, and you might consider cloning out the small dark line just to the right of the border for a cleaner composition. Posted: 07/18/2025 08:51:29
Very nice ... I agree with the others about additional cropping ... however it is still nice the way you presented. Another bird captured from a place I will never visit. Thanks :) Posted: 07/20/2025 19:04:40
Adrian,
First, I agree with your ID of the species.
Such nice sharp detail in those tiny feathers, amazing what we can do at such high ISOs these days. The tongue sticking out makes this frame special for sure.
My preference tends to looser crops (as I'm sure you've noticed!) so I like your original. I also feel it gives more context and more of a story to include the vertical stalk.
Either way, it's a lovely image! Posted: 07/25/2025 20:23:45
First, I agree with your ID of the species.
Such nice sharp detail in those tiny feathers, amazing what we can do at such high ISOs these days. The tongue sticking out makes this frame special for sure.
My preference tends to looser crops (as I'm sure you've noticed!) so I like your original. I also feel it gives more context and more of a story to include the vertical stalk.
Either way, it's a lovely image! Posted: 07/25/2025 20:23:45