Humming bird tips?

[arlon]

Any thought for getting some decent hummingbird shots? Probably use a 200mm micro nikkor lens, lets me fill the frame at about 4ft? I saw a few this weekend so i guess they are starting their southern trek a little early this year. I sure would like to get some decent pictures. I may try setting up a "blind" in a window with a feeder. Prefer a natural setting but will do what I have to except sit outside for hrs. getting skeeter bit! Any thought on lenses/lighting would be appreciated. I don't want to blast them with a flash if I can help it. Arlon

[Jim Neely]

I usually use a longer lens, but if you can get that close a 200 will work.

I bought a single tube feeder (hamster bottle) and hang it out for a few days for the hummers to get used to it with sugar water (1:4 sugar to water).

Next, use multiple flashes at reduced power, so the flash duration is shorter. The flashes will need to be fairly close to be adequate at 1/64 or 1/32 power.

You need to try to expose so that you get some ambient light for the background or put another flash on the background. Some hummer shooters I know use home made backgrounds. If you spray paint poster board to look like sky and/or sky & clouds they can be pretty good looking backgrounds.

Good luck.

jn

[arlon]

Some great "backyard" pics of hummers on pbase.

http://www.pbase.com/kybirder/hummingbirds

I just want to get one even close to these.. Arlon

[JamesB]

I have used my 50mm and my 105mm. I had to get really close with the 50mm lens.

What you need to do is set your feeder in a good location giving you good natural light as well as a good back ground.

Set your tripod out by the feeder for a few days just a few feet away so they will get used to it.

Then you need to go sit or stand near the feeder for a little while so they will get used to you. Try not to flinch or move when they buzz you. They wont hit you but they will get close enough to feel the wind off their wings

then a day or so later start taking photos. you will probablly not get a whole lot of keepers the first go around, as the hummers are still a little skittish of you and the flash and camera noise.

Im going to try the multiple flashes this year to see if I can get some better than last year.

James

[Patti Edens]

Lots of good tips in this thread...
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=28766

Patti