How to photograph hummingbirds

PSA Journal, June, 1991 by George E. Mathes, Anita Stouffer

Introduction

This article will be of special interest to those who enjoy photography and also appreciate the charm and beauty of one of nature's most interesting creatures. Our purpose is to show you how you can take pictures of hummingbirds, both in the field and in your own yard. It is easier than you think. Just follow these suggestions and fire away. One world of warning, it can become addictive.

Prerequisites to to Consider: First, a minimum of photographic knowledge and experience will be an advantage. This includes camera mechanics and handling, exposure and metering, lenses, flash photography, films and a sense of composition. Second, an understanding of hummingbird behavior will be helpful. This includes species identification, migration patterns, feeding habits, courtship and nesting rituals and keen observational skills. The third prerequisite is patience. Hummingbird photography is a rewarding experience for persons who have the interest and are willing to take the time to enjoy this fascinating branch of photography.

Photographic Equipment

Camera: A 35mm SLR camera is our choice. The reason for this is the composition we see in the viewfinder is the same as in the final slide or print. This is true regardless of the lens on the camera. Other 35mm cameras with zoom lenses and built-in flash are also recommended but are not as versatile as SLR cameras.

Your camera should have a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or faster. It should also be synchronized for electronic flash. Most 35mm cameras have a built-in light meter to estimate the correct exposure under ambient light conditions. Some recent cameras also have through-the-lens (TTL) metering of flash. Auto focus lenses, auto film advance and rewind, and other automatic features are desirable but not essential.

Lens: A good quality telephoto lens with a focal length of 210mm or a zoom lens with an equivalent focal length is recommended. A longer telephoto lens is OK but your depth-of-field will be limited. A macro lens, or a zoom lens with macro capability, is an asset when taking close-up pictures of perched or nesting birds.

Electronic Flash: You will need at least one electronic flash capable of being fired by the camera and synchronized at the camera's recommended flash setting. Two or more flashes connected to the camera's flash terminal will give better lighting than just one flash.

Tripod: A sturdy tripod is recommended. It is possible to hand-hold your camera but this is not advisable unless you have had considerable practice with this technique.

Shutter Release Cord: A long cable release cord an electronic remote control device is needed so the shutter can be activated several feet from the camera. We like to sit some distance from the area where the action is expected to take place and take our pictures from there.

Film: Select either color slide or color print film with a speed rating of between ISO 64 and 400. Faster films do not have the quality needed for either large projections or big enlargements. Slower films are not fast enough to stop the action of the bird's wings in flight or when hovering.

Our personal choice for slide film is Kodachrome 64 or 200. If you want more intense color, try Ektachrome 200HC film. Our favorite color print film is Kodacolor Gold 100 or 200. We also use Kodak Ektar 125. The latter is a professional color print film capable of excellent enlargements.

Preparation

Staging Area: Locate an area where hummingbirds have been observed. In all probability this will be near existing flower beds in your own garden or near a natural habitat. If you do not have a flower garden at the present time, select colorful flowers from a nursery, garden center or seed catalogue. Plant in a sunny location with good soil and adequate water.

Feeders: Find a suitable location and hang one or more feeders near a bed of colorful flowers. Feeders should be at or slightly above camera level. We like to have our feeders and cameras about 4 feet above ground level. Focus on a specific spot where you expect the action to take place. Be prepared to take your pictures when the birds are approaching the feeder, when they are feeding, or when they are hovering several inchew back from the feeder.

Perches: Be sure to have one or more natural or contrived perches near the feeder. Hummingbirds like to observe and protect their territory. Very often they will select a perch near the feeder and return time after time to the same spot prior to and just after feeding. Perches are also very good locations to focus your lens and wait until the hummingbird is in position and then take the shot.

Background: Look behind the feeder or perch. Try to find a plain uncluttered background, or do as we do and place a 32 x 40 inch neutral colored mat board several feet behind the feeder. We use gray, green or light blue to simulate the sky.

Camera Placement: Position yourself several feet in front of the feeder or perch. The exact distance will depend on the focal length of your lens. Move in close enough so that the hummingbird wil fill at least half of the frame. You will miss some shots this way but the results will be worth it. Remember, you are taking close-up pictures of hummingbirds, not scenery.