Hummingbird Dive
Mar, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken off of the deck in my backyard in Virginia. I set up feeders on my deck to attract the local Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. For the past five years I've photographed them regularly throughout their seasonal stay, and some have become quite used to me and my camera sitting out on the deck while they feed and scrap for territory.Time
Because the backyard is mostly wooded, I tend to photograph the hummingbirds throughout the day when the sun is stronger and allow them to stand out from the dark background rather than during the early or late hours. This particular image was taken midday. It's also important to have high shutter speeds, well over 1/1000th of a second, to freeze their wings.Lighting
Again, I always like to have the sun shining strongly to show off the iridescent colors on the birds' bodies. Therefore, I try and position myself so that they seem to gleam in the light.Equipment
This image was taken with a Nikon D800E and a Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VRII lens. I mostly shoot the hummingbirds hand held because they move so quickly I find a monopod or tripod is limiting. If I do want a specific shot, such as a bird with a certain flower, I will set up a tripod and remote. But more often then not it's best to be ready for action because they move so quickly.Inspiration
I love to watch the hummingbirds fight for territory, and one of my goals it to get two birds tussling in the air. So far I haven't captured my ideal image yet, but this one shows a bird diving toward a foe. It's very hard to get these little birds in flight, and I was pleased that this one turned out as well as it did.Editing
I typically process my images in Lightroom. This one was edited lightly, using the highlights and shadows sliders as well as some sharpening. I also tend to bump the saturation up slightly to emphasize the birds' colors.In my camera bag
I photograph birds primarily with Nikon equipment. I currently have a D810 and D3S. My favorite lens is the 70-200 2.8 VRII because I do enjoy shooting handheld, and the larger lenses are more difficult for me to use. When I photograph birds from a more stationary position, I'll use a 300 2.8 or a 200-400 4 on a tripod or monopod.Feedback
Patience is key with hummingbirds. They are quick and elusive, but once they grow more comfortable with having you around and the click of the shutter, they often begin to ignore you. I often sit out on the deck and read a magazine and just let them fly around me at the feeders. I find that the more I'm out, the better. Then, when I do take the camera out and they hear the shutter click, they're not as skittish. Capturing them flying is challenging! There are lots of deletes for the few good shots, but practice certainly helps you figure out their flight patterns.
