Steep Ravine

Tip on Taking Pictures of Hummingbirds

I got an ask on taking pictures of hummingbirds. Its really freaking hard and I’m not great at it, but here are some of my tips. 

• Stalk them. Hummingbirds take tons of breaks (at least Anna’s Hummingbrids here in SF) and they usually have a favorite perch. For instance I saw that hummingbird above EVERY DAY in the same exact spot for over a year. Once you know where they will be go wait and be patient.
• Put your focus point in the middle of the camera if possible. Then use continuous focusing and take A TON of photos. I delete 20 for every decent shot I get.
• Put your camera in burst mode!
• The aperture / shutter speed / ISO balance is the most important. I HATE high ISO, but this is the one time I will sacrifice. Put your ISO up around 400-800 so you can narrow your aperture and get more depth of field and still take a fast shot. When they are flying I usually use 1/400-1/800 and their wings will still be blurry!

Solid article with more great information on taking pictures of hummingbirds.

(Taken in San Francisco from 2007 - 2013)

Hummingbird Flapping

(San Francisco, California - 3/2013) 

Hummingbird and Bees Pollinating

I love that the hummingbird’s wings are flapping so fast you can see the blur over its face!

(Presidio, San Francisco - 2/2013)

Self Portrait and Hummingbird

I wanted to document my long hair before I axe it.

(San Francisco, California - 2/2013)

Up Close and Personal With an Anna’s Hummingbird

I can’t believe this picture is on the radar! I am so excited and humbled - and it seems like a perfect time to share my favorite picture of a hummingbird I’ve taken.

To all everyone who’s followed me for a while THANK YOU, to all the new folks THANK YOU.

PS - if you take original photos message me so I can check your stuff out.

Peace and Love,

-Cam

(Lake Tahoe, California - 8/2011)

Silhouette of Hummingbird on Branch

I took this at lunch yesterday, I thought this looked like a Japanese drawing - so much elegance and grace.

(San Francisco, California - 1/2013)

Reading on the porch to the sound of thunderstorms and hummingbird wings (he came to say hi, see him?). I love Santa Fe.

Robin, Hummingbird and Beach (I was pretty jazzed these guys hung out so close. The robin had a worm even!)

“Abstract Hummingbird”. I don’t know why I like this so much but I do.

Angel Island, Alcatraz and Hummingbird