Title:
“The Duel”

Equipment Used:
OM System OM-1 Mark II with M.Zuiko 300mm f/4 IS PRO

Description / Method:

This image was taken in our backyard in Catalina, Arizona. I was waiting quietly near a patch of blooming Yellow Bells when these two rivals appeared — one determined to feed, the other determined to stop him. The moment they squared off, I was ready.

These tiny aerial acrobats move with lightning speed, defending their feeding territory with surprising ferocity.

I find fighting hummingbirds to be one of the most challenging subjects to photograph. Its a combination of luck, timing and persistence and patience to get a shot like this one.

No flash was used. Shot entirely in natural light, this image relies on the OM-1 Mark II’s incredible Pro Capture mode, which makes it possible to freeze split-second encounters like this one in perfect detail.

(FYI: I also use the Sony A7IV for my photography, so the Tamara lens would work great for me)