Create Exciting Hummingbird Photos With These Tips

^{Note: This tip comes from Audubon’s article- How to Take Exquisite Hummingbird Photos}

Hummingbirds are wonderful to photograph for many reasons. They are inherently beautiful subjects that require flattering lighting and good craft. They are widespread across the Americas and will test any photographer's reflexes and reaction time.

Furthermore, they lend themselves to many photographic techniques—close-up, telephoto, high-speed, low-speed, video, remote-controlled, and even time-lapse.

This photographer tends to specialize in photographing hummingbirds in flight, utilizing somewhat exotic apparatus and advanced techniques.

While he often uses customized gear, he has also spent thousands of hours making images with just a fraction of equipment, much of it consumer-level.

It’s fun, and the resultant images can be exquisite and rewarding. Give it a try, and I think you'll find that out too.

Tip  #1 - Observation and Preparation are Everything

While Tip #1 applies to all bird photography, it is especially true with hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds are extremely intelligent and observant. Like many species of wildlife, they tend to follow patterns, and the more you know and recognize that pattern, the sooner you’ll create award-winning shots.

Before trying to capture images of hummingbirds, spend a lot of time observing them. Knowing your subject is one of a bird photographer’s main assets; I promise this will be a productive use of your time.

Erect a feeder and plant a lot of hummingbird-friendly flowers. (You can find them for your area using Audubon’s native plants database.) Create some excellent perches near the feeders where the birds will roost.

As you watch them, note the birds’ behavior patterns so you can predict what they might do when you start photographing them.

Tip #2 - Hummingbirds tend to be routine in their habits—especially where they perch. Follow them around with binoculars; you will discover their favorite hangouts and whether those hangouts are amenable to reasonable light and composition.

You can use it to your advantage if you don’t disturb their routine. Hummingbirds are fast and fearless. They quickly become accustomed to the presence of gear like a tripod and camera and ignore it—in fact, they often perch (and poop!) on it. 

At various times during the season, their plumage will be at its prime, and both males and females will exhibit ferocious territorialism. Regarding numbers, peak season is late March through August, and March sees the males in their best condition. They are beautiful and nasty. I have images of hummingbirds that have been impaled by the beaks of others. (Seriously.)

Tip #3 - Multiple feeders spread out at least 15 feet apart will reduce the occurrence of feeder “owners” or “bullies.”

Part 2 is coming soon!

Want more? If you want to learn more about bird photography, and capture beautiful shots of your own, we recommend downloading and printing out Photzy’s 10 Bird Photography Cheat Sheets (Special bonus available now!)