This photo shows a blue-tailed emerald hummingbird, frozen in a split second as it hovers silently in front of a bright yellow flower. Its iridescent plumage catches the light in a way that looks almost magical, while its tiny talons are retracted, as if for a moment it is completely at one with the air. The flower, with its soft, wavy edges, hangs gracefully from a thin stalk and, together with the bird, forms an almost dancing duo in an otherwise calm, even background.
The inspiration for this picture came four years ago during a working visit to Curaçao. I was immediately enchanted by the speed, elegance and almost elusive presence of the hummingbirds that flitted by there. Since then, I have spent hours, days - even weeks - observing, preparing and capturing these magnificent creatures.
My goal was clear: I wanted to capture a hummingbird and a flower together, completely isolated from their surroundings, so that all attention would be focused on their fragile beauty and the fleeting moment they share. This photo is the result of endless patience, sharp timing and a deep-seated fascination with the smallest great thing in nature.
My name is Tim Leusink and I am a hobby photographer focusing mainly on nature in the broadest sense of the word. When I smell the outdoors, and go out with my camera l, I forget everything around me and am totally in the moment... Read more…