Humming birds can be a difficult subject to photograph. The rate of speed they move makes it almost impossible to photograph while in flight. Your best photo opportunities present themselves while these fast flyers are feeding or they land to take that rare break.
Over the years, I have anticipated their seasonal arrival, and with camera in hand, I begin taking advantage of some great photo opportunities. The first time I attempted to photograph hummingbirds, I was not pleased with the results. My images were not in focus, and often times came out grainy and overexposed. Learning from these photos, a different approach was used in an attempt to improve the image quality.
After reviewing my errors, it was determined that first off, I was in a rush; I did not take the time needed to properly dial my camera into the environment I was shooting in. Secondly, I used the wrong lens for the situation. A super zoom lens was used and I did not need to employ such a lens for the situation. Based on these mistakes, I wanted redemption, and would not be denied.
On an early Saturday morning, I set up my camera near the hummingbird feeder and proceeded to patiently wait for these fast flyers to start their morning feeding frenzy. Surprisingly I waited almost an hour for some action and when the birds started to feed, they noticed my presence. Every time I would move to focus on the subjects, they would immediately fly away. To capture the images I literally had to be in position and motionless to snap the images. Over the coarse of the morning, the hummingbirds became more comfortable with my presence and even began to land on some of the existing vegetation’s we had planted in years prior to clean themselves. Although I was able to capture some nice images with their long tongues out, my position had some obstructions in place that took away from those photos. My advice when trying to photograph hummingbirds is simple. Patience and time, Allow them to become comfortable with your presence. Doing so will benefit you greatly.
The shots: Canon camera and Tamron lens combination. 270mm focal length with an aperture of f-8. ISO setting at 400 with a shutter speed of 1/500 to 1/800 of a second.
Michael Sargent is a top wildlife outdoor photographer in the eastern United States. See more:
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5 Comments
I particularly enjoy and love all wildlife. These shots are amazing! I’m not sure I could do what you have done.
Thank you Dani, Patience is key in having success with hummers.
Some brilliant shots here! thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
Thanks so much for sharing all the intricacies and patience needed to capture such brilliant photos.
I was amazed at all the work and patience you put into these photos. Waiting an hour totally motionless must have felt like a lifetime … however … the results were well worth it.