Hummingbirds are some of the most challenging birds to photograph due to their small size, speedy movements, and iridescent feathers. However, with the right techniques and camera settings, you can capture stunning images of these tiny birds. In this article, we’ll cover the key settings you need to use to photograph hummingbirds successfully.
Use a fast shutter speed
The most important camera setting for photographing hummingbirds is a fast shutter speed. Hummingbirds beat their wings up to 80 times per second, so you need a shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second to freeze their motion. Otherwise, you’ll end up with blurry photos of hummingbird wings. A shutter speed of 1/2000th to 1/4000th of a second is ideal for stopping hummingbird flight. This allows you to capture ultra-sharp images of hummingbirds, even when they are hovering and rapidly changing direction.
Select a wide aperture
You’ll need a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to allow enough light to reach the camera sensor for fast shutter speeds. Set your aperture to the lowest f-stop number your lens allows, which is usually around f/2.8 or f/4. The wide aperture not only lets in more light, but also results in a shallow depth of field. This creatively blurs the background and keeps the viewer’s eye on the hummingbird.
Enable continuous shooting mode
Hummingbirds rarely slow down and are always on the move. To increase your chances of capturing good shots, switch your camera to continuous shooting or burst mode. This allows you to hold down the shutter button and take multiple photos in quick succession as the hummingbird zips around. You’ll increase the odds of getting some nice, sharp shots this way.
Activate autofocus
Hummingbirds are so tiny and fast that accurately focusing can be tough. Fortunately, modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras have sophisticated autofocus systems that can lock onto hummingbirds quickly. Use the continuous autofocus mode so your camera adjusts focus automatically if the hummingbird moves. You can also place your focus point or zone over a nectar feeder area that hummingbirds frequent to maximize focus accuracy.
Get as close as possible
One of the challenges of hummingbird photography is simply getting close enough to the tiny birds. Hummingbirds are easily frightened by large, looming objects like humans with cameras. Use a long telephoto lens in the range of 300mm to 600mm so you can fill the frame without scaring them away. If possible, set up a nectar feeder with a perch near a natural backdrop and camouflage yourself nearby. A zoom lens lets you frame tight shots of hummingbirds as they feed.
Add flash for color
Hummingbirds have iridescent plumage with brilliant colors. But those colors can sometimes look washed out or dull if only shooting in natural light. Using flash brings out the vibrant colors and also freezes motion. For best results, use a TTL flash unit on your camera hot shoe and bounce the light off a wall or reflector panel. This provides soft, even lighting that makes the hummingbird colors pop. Just be careful not to overdo the flash power and startle the birds.
Use single point autofocus
Single point autofocus locks the focus on a precise place in the frame, which is ideal for small subjects like hummingbirds. When a hummingbird comes into the feeder or hovers in front of a flower, you can set the single autofocus point right on its head or eye to ensure tack-sharp focus. This prevents the autofocus system from getting distracted and focusing on the background instead.
Activate image stabilization
Camera shake can easily blur your shots when using fast shutter speeds with telephoto lenses. But image stabilization counteracts this and lets you handhold the camera at slower shutter speeds before blur becomes apparent. Always keep your image stabilization system active, whether it’s lens-based or in-body stabilization. This gives you extra insurance against camera shake for ultra-sharp hummingbird images.
Find good lighting
Photograph hummingbirds in bright, even light whenever possible. Dappled sunlight filtering through leaves works well. Bright sunlight brings out iridescent colors, but be careful to avoid harsh shadows. Front or backlighting works nicely by illuminating the translucent wings against darker backgrounds. Cloudy days actually produce soft, pleasing light for photographing hummingbirds too.
Shoot in RAW format
The RAW image format records more color data and gives you more flexibility for adjusting white balance, exposure and colors during editing. This helps maximize the vibrant iridescence in hummingbird feathers. The large file sizes also hold up better for cropping and enlarging tight shots of hummingbirds. Just be sure your memory card has enough capacity when shooting in RAW.
Use a sturdy tripod
A tripod provides a stable platform for your camera when using long telephoto lenses or when you wish to use very slow shutter speeds. Set up where hummingbirds regularly feed and compose your shot. Then wait patiently for them to enter the frame. The tripod prevents camera movement so you get ultra-sharp images as hummingbirds hover and feed. Using a tripod also allows you to maximize depth of field by using narrower apertures if desired.
Pick the right season
In most regions, spring and summer are the best times to photograph hummingbirds. Food sources like flowers and nectar feeders attract them and provide good photograph opportunities before migration in the fall. Mornings and evenings when light is softer tend to be more active times. Females are especially active coming and going from nests during this time of year.
Use a fast memory card
Having a fast memory card is essential when using burst mode shooting and fast shutter speeds. Otherwise, your camera’s buffer will fill up quickly. Opt for SD cards rated U3 or UHS Class 10. And consider large capacity cards up to 512GB so you can shoot longer raw image bursts. Some top memory card models for wildlife photography include SanDisk Extreme Pro, Lexar Professional 1066x, and Sony SF-G Series Tough.
Compose carefully
When photographing hummingbirds, carefully consider your composition. Zoom in tight to highlight colors and details in the feathers. Shoot at eye level to connect with the tiny birds. Include natural perches and backgrounds to show habitat and context. Adjust your position so flowers or feeders are in focus and use leading lines to draw the eye. Creative compositions make your hummingbird photographs pop.
Follow the light
Keep an eye out for how the light changes when photographing hummingbirds. As the sun moves across the sky, pay attention to ideal lighting angles and backgrounds. You may need to reposition yourself to keep your subject properly illuminated. Watch for shadows that could obscure detailing. Being observant about lighting nuances results in excellent exposures and color.
Have patience
Photographing hummingbirds requires patience and persistence. They are constantly on the move and won’t pose for you or wait until you’re ready. You must anticipate their behaviors and be ready for fleeting opportunities. Don’t give up if it takes time to get the shots you want. The more time you spend observing and shooting hummingbirds, the better your timing will become.
Conclusion
Photographing hummingbirds is challenging but highly rewarding. Using the right combination of camera settings allows you to capture the detail, color, and beauty of these energetic pollinators. Fast shutter speeds, wide apertures, and jitter-free camera handling are essential to getting great shots. You also need knowledge of hummingbird behavior and patterns to anticipate prime photo ops. With practice and persistence, you’ll delight in the stunning hummingbird images you’re able to achieve.
