Hummer Shots
May 24th, 2006
Greetings feeders,
Our hummers are well into feeding again, and I’d like to improve upon a pursuit I began last summer – getting some good shots of them with my digital Sony Cyber Shot (DSC-V1). I had a few good shots last summer and tried various settings to get either blurred shots of the wing action, or still shots. My feeders are under shade, and even my good shots were dark in the middle of the day.
Any words of wisdom from seasoned hummer photographers, and persistent or lucky amateurs? What settings do you use to get your best shots?
– Chris Whelan
Entry Filed under: Hummingbird News
4 Comments Add your own
1. Frank Collins | May 29th, 2006 at 7:00 pm
Your comments about dark shots-try your camera on “Auto”. Can you get a light area to help the white balance work better? If at all possible try to take several automatic shots changing background. Hope this helps. Where are you located? If you are in Louisville, Ky., perhaps I can come there and use my Nikon D50. I am in Indianapolis.
Good luck.
2. Chris Whelan | June 14th, 2006 at 10:53 pm
Frank, thanks!
I’ll try experimenting with those suggestions. My camera has more versatility and options than I have taken the time to study. I need to create more spare time. Also, my hummers have not yet begun to feed heavily (a feeder a day, or so). When they do, it makes experimentation easier. Hopefully soon.
You’re not from Louisville, are you?
Chris
3. Alex Smythers | June 20th, 2006 at 12:18 am
Hummers move quickly. The trick is to set your camera for where you anticipate them - before they get there. Most are dark in color, so if you are photographing against a light background, open up the lens one or two lens stops.
You can use automatic settings, but a tripod will help a lot. Then take LOTS of pictures and save the best.
Alex
4. Eric Miller | May 8th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Go to DyessCreek.com’s Hummingbird Photography Page for a lot of tips for hummingbird photography. But basically, just get real close, be very still and use your flash.
Eric
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