Hummingbirds are some of the most spectacular birds to try to capture in a photograph. Their bright, iridescent colors shimmer in the sunlight, and their fast, darting movements make them a challenge to focus on. So are hummingbirds truly difficult to photograph? There are some unique factors to consider when trying to photograph these pint-sized powerhouses.
Why hummingbirds are challenging photo subjects
There are several inherent characteristics of hummingbirds that can make them tricky to photograph:
- Small size – Hummingbirds are tiny, usually measuring 3 to 5 inches long. Trying to capture these small subjects in the frame can be difficult.
- Speed – Hummingbirds can flap their wings up to 80 times per second and fly at speeds over 30 mph. Their rapid movements are hard to track and stay focused on.
- Erratic behavior – Hummingbirds hover, change directions instantly, and dart quickly from flower to flower. Predicting their behavior is almost impossible.
- Camouflage coloration – The iridescent colors of hummingbirds often blend into the environment, making it hard to separate them from the background.
- Low light conditions – Hummingbirds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon when light conditions are darker and more challenging for photography.
- Fearlessness – Hummingbirds often allow people to get remarkably close, which means it’s harder to frame them properly and completely in the shot.
All of these factors combine to make hummingbirds a difficult subject to capture clearly in photographs. The technical skills needed to overcome these challenges are what make hummingbird photography so rewarding, yet so frustrating at times.
Camera settings for photographing hummingbirds
Certain camera settings can help increase your chances of capturing a great hummingbird photo:
- Fast shutter speed – Use a shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second or faster to freeze the hummingbird’s movement.
- Telephoto lens – A telephoto lens in the 200-400mm range allows you to zoom in tightly on the bird from a distance.
- Wide aperture – Using the widest aperture setting (lowest f/stop number) helps isolate the bird against a blurred background.
- Continuous autofocus – Switch your lens to AI Servo mode to maintain continuous focusing on the active, darting bird.
- High ISO – Don’t be afraid to raise the ISO to 400 or higher to allow a faster shutter speed, even in low light.
Adjusting these key settings is a start, but it takes practice and technique to get them right in the moment when a hummingbird zips into frame.
Techniques for photographing hummingbirds
Beyond camera settings, certain techniques will give you a better chance at coming away with great hummingbird photographs:
- Use a dedicated flash – Adding a flash with high-speed sync helps fill in shadows and freeze motion even in bright sunlight.
- Add a perch – Set up a small branch or feeder to attract the bird to one spot you can pre-focus on.
- Watch their behavior – Observe hummingbirds to learn their flight paths and perching preferences.
- Track the bird – Pan and follow the hummingbird as it moves instead of waiting for it to come to you.
- Try burst mode – Use burst mode shooting to capture multiple frames of the hummingbird in motion.
- Get on their level – Shoot from low angles around flowers to capture the bird’s perspective.
- Have patience – It can take time for hummingbirds to get comfortable around you and provide photo opportunities.
Applying these techniques along with the right gear and settings gives you the best chance to get that special hummingbird photo before the opportunity darts away.
Ideal hummingbird photo gear
Certain cameras, lenses, and accessories are best suited for hummingbird photography:
Cameras
- DSLR or mirrorless camera – for speed, interchangeable lenses
- Full frame or crop sensor – for image quality and ability to enlarge
- High frame rate – at least 6-10 frames per second continuous shooting
Lenses
- Telephoto zoom – 200mm to 400mm ideal focal length range
- Fast aperture – f/2.8 or larger for blurred backgrounds
- Image stabilization – Vibration reduction allows slower shutter speeds
Accessories
- External flash – Better lighting control and freeze motion
- Remote trigger – Reduces camera shake for sharper shots
- Tripod/monopod – More stability for framing and focusing
The right combination of equipment makes hummingbird photography much more rewarding. High speed cameras and lenses allow you to better capture their non-stop motion.
Ideal hummingbird photo setup
Creating an optimal setting in your yard or garden can really boost your odds of getting great hummingbird shots:
- Have multiple feeders – Gives more opportunity for poses and flight paths
- Use natural perches – Flowers, branches, etc give nice composition
- Choose a clean backdrop – Solid walls, fences, green bushes provide separation
- Position for good light – Direct sun or diffused light reduces shadows
- Set up a blind – Concealed spot allows you to get closer to their activity
- Be patient and still – Moving will make the birds retreat quickly
Providing the birds quality food sources and a safe environment will encourage them to repeatedly return and provide more changes for great photos.
Photographing hummingbirds takes skill and practice
Getting stunning photos of hummingbirds in flight takes a combination of patience and photographic skill. The equipment is only part of the equation. You have to anticipate the birds’ behavior, compose well, and adjust camera settings quickly. Your reflexes are tested trying to track a subject moving at high speeds while also capturing sharp focus. But the reward is worth it – freezing glorious, feathered gems in flight through your lens.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are challenging photo subjects that require specialized techniques and equipment to capture properly. Their tiny size, speed, erratic movement, and tendency to disappear quickly make them a frustrating yet rewarding species to photograph. Using the right high-speed gear, maximizing your camera settings, employing clever techniques, and creating an attractive setup for the birds are keys to success. With practice and persistence, you can get stunning photographs of these shimmering jewels of the bird world. The images you capture will make all those blurry shots and missed moments worthwhile.
