Multicolored Tanager
The Multicolored Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima), endemic to Colombia, is one of the most vibrant and sought-after birds in the Andes. This photograph was taken at La Minga Ecolodge, situated in the Río Bitaco Forest Reserve near Cali, at an elevation of 1988 meters. The bird’s striking green, blue, and orange plumage contrasts beautifully against the muted tones of the surrounding cloud forest, creating a visual masterpiece of color and texture. Capturing such a rare and dynamic species in its natural environment is both a privilege and a technical challenge.
The exposure settings for this photograph were carefully selected to meet the demands of the environment and the bird’s behavior. A shutter speed of 1/350 sec ensured that the tanager’s brief moment of stillness could be captured without motion blur, while an aperture of f/6.7 provided the perfect balance between depth of field and light intake. This allowed the tanager to remain sharply in focus while softening the background for an appealing bokeh effect. The ISO 400 setting optimized image quality by minimizing noise while maintaining light sensitivity in the shaded, diffused lighting conditions of the cloud forest. Shot from a distance of 6.12 meters with a Canon R5 and a 100-500mm lens, this image highlights the vivid colors of the tanager’s plumage and its serene surroundings. Every technical decision contributed to showcasing the delicate beauty of this rare species and its fragile habitat, making this photograph a celebration of nature’s brilliance and a reminder of the importance of conservation.
©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer
Multicolored Tanager
The Multicolored Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima), endemic to Colombia, is one of the most vibrant and sought-after birds in the Andes. This photograph was taken at La Minga Ecolodge, situated in the Río Bitaco Forest Reserve near Cali, at an elevation of 1988 meters. The bird’s striking green, blue, and orange plumage contrasts beautifully against the muted tones of the surrounding cloud forest, creating a visual masterpiece of color and texture. Capturing such a rare and dynamic species in its natural environment is both a privilege and a technical challenge.
The exposure settings for this photograph were carefully selected to meet the demands of the environment and the bird’s behavior. A shutter speed of 1/350 sec ensured that the tanager’s brief moment of stillness could be captured without motion blur, while an aperture of f/6.7 provided the perfect balance between depth of field and light intake. This allowed the tanager to remain sharply in focus while softening the background for an appealing bokeh effect. The ISO 400 setting optimized image quality by minimizing noise while maintaining light sensitivity in the shaded, diffused lighting conditions of the cloud forest. Shot from a distance of 6.12 meters with a Canon R5 and a 100-500mm lens, this image highlights the vivid colors of the tanager’s plumage and its serene surroundings. Every technical decision contributed to showcasing the delicate beauty of this rare species and its fragile habitat, making this photograph a celebration of nature’s brilliance and a reminder of the importance of conservation.
©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer