How do you get pics of iridescence?

[joneus]

the sun was shining *just* right on my "black" EE, Bowling Ball, today & I swear she has purple stripes going across her green iridescent feathers. At first I thought it was a trick of the light, but they were on every single feather on her back & wings. I moved individual feathers around to be sure- the stripes didnt move or disappear they way they would if it was just the light.

I'm not much of a photographer, but- how do you get a picture of that? Its really cool!

 

[Illia]

Exactly as you see it

Get the bird in some light, but make sure the light (preferably sun

is at a high angle/elevation otherwise you'll get more white sheen than iridescence. Make sure your camera gets good color too because a camera's ability to capture high quality, high spectrum color is a must.

 

[joneus]

Thanks!!

Okay... the sky has clouded over, but most of the stripes are still visible, so I took some pics with the macro setting and a soft flash. I couldnt get a good shot of the total effect, but these should give you the idea:

I knew she had some purple iridescent feathers, but hadn't noticed the stripes before.

*giggle* I have a stripey Bowling Ball... or rather, a "marble colored Bowling Ball."

Chickens are cool!

 

[allmychickens]

I LOVE your Orange and white one in the back ground!!!!

 

[Illia]

That's a Wheaten color you see in the background.




The best to do is photograph her whole body, like the last photo, but on a sunny day in the summer or late spring.

 

[joneus]

Quote:
Thanks! Thats Brittany Louise!


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Will I be able to get a clear photo of something so subtle from a distance? I only saw it this morning because the sun was just right and she was literally standing on my feet. The pics I posted were taken in my kitchen while I was holding her under one arm. (<--ETA)

I guess I'll have to add: "chasing my chickens around with a camera on a sunny day" to my list of hobbies.

This could be a fun adventure!

 

[DebiSmith]

These are great - love how you brought out the hidden glories of the feathers

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I just love black birds, the sheen on their feathers is amazing! You're EE is beautiful. Here's a picture of my big, black Cochin boy standing in the sun looking gorgeous...

 

[ChickLover98]

I love to take pictures of my black Cochin cockerel Onyx. Your chooks feathers are so cool! The stripes are neat!

 

[KBlue]

I love black critters precisely for their iridescence.

Do you have Photoshop? You could try applying a HDR filter (high dynamic range) to your picture. It'll (should!) bring out some of the subtleties (sp?) of the iridescence.