Derek Barraza Photography

05/15/2026

Which of these two photos captures the essence of the rain and its effects on this little bird?

April’s rain storm was brief and lite. Photographed this Allen’s Hummingbird taking it all in. He enjoyed the rain and also sought shelter at times. Nature has a way of calming our senses while nurturing the earth and all of its inhabitants.

Captured with Nikon Z 9 Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR.

Photo in hibiscus: ISO 1600 660mm (DX) f8 1/1000s
Photo on wire: ISO 2500 600mm f6.3 1/2000s

04/20/2026

Join us this Thursday, 4/23, 5:30p at Board & Brew Lake Forest!

Local chapter now forming! Join us this Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Board & Brew, Lake Forest, 5:30p - 7:00p. Network with local business owners and entrepreneurs interested in growing business opportunities.

Registration just $10 in advance, $15 at the door, includes famous Board & Brew half sandwich.

TEAM Referral Network Orange County is a category exclusive professional referral networking organization. We are forming chapters throughout Orange County now. Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Irvine, & Mission Viejo area chapter will begin meeting in May.

Reservation your spot now! Register at:

https://buy.stripe.com/3cI8wRbrb6u95B1a7t4ZG03

03/12/2026

03/12/2026

Caught this Red Tailed Hawk changing position to the top of my neighbor’s evergreen tree, about 60 feet up, 50-60 yards away. This is one a nesting pair of hawks living in the tree. These birds make flying look effortless. They can glide and hover for long periods of time without having to flap their wings.

Used my Nikon Z 8 with the Z 180-600mm in cropped (DX) mode.

Nikon Z 8 Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR
ISO 1250 900mm (DX mode) f8 1/2500s

03/06/2026

These two Anna’s hummingbirds were inseparably following each other around the garden the past few days. Sometimes it seemed that they were courting. Other times fighting for feeding spots.

These photos were taken under low light conditions. Cropped and processed with Topaz and Lightroom.

Nikon Z 8 Nikkor Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S
ISO 2500 140mm f3.5 1/2000s

02/25/2026

One of many neighborhood hawks. This Cooper’s Hawk stayed perched in my neighbors tree long enough to catch this photo. The angle was a challenge and the light was fading. Fortunately, caught a clear pic before dusk.

Nikon Z 9 Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR
ISO 25600 600mm f8 1/2500s

02/23/2026

Three pics from early February. We had some amazing weather the first two weeks of the month and the hummingbirds were loving it!

Photo 1: Allen’s Hummingbird - Nikon Z 8 Nikkor Z 180-600mm ƒ5.6-6.3 VR ISO 1250 320mm f8 1/2500s

Photo 2: Anna’s Hummingbird - Nikon Z 8 Nikkor Z 180-600mm ƒ5.6-6.3 VR ISO 2000 550mm f8 1/2500s

Photo 3: Allen’s Hummingbird - Nikon Z 9 Nikkor Z 135mm ƒ1.8 S Plena ISO 1000 135mm f4.5 1/2500s

02/13/2026

Allen’s Hummingbird working the backyard flora for a meal. In this photo, the hummingbird selects the fuchsia plant’s fresh blooms.

Nikon Z 8 Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR
ISO 2500 550mm f8 1/2500s

02/04/2026

Very happy for the mild weather these past few weeks. The hummingbirds seem to really enjoy this break from traditional winter weather.

Nikon Z 8 Nikkor Z 180-600mm VR

See photo captions for camera settings.

— in Lake Forest, CA.

01/28/2026

Epic showdown between two Anna's , showcasing their territorial dominance.

Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR
ISO 2200 210mm f8 1/2500s