Hummingbird blitz
Aug, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at my Lakehouse in the Catskill Mountains in Delaware County New York. I was not even aware there were hummingbirds in this region until someone gave me a hummingbird feeder as a housewarming gift. I put it out just for the heck of it and low and behold - I had hummingbirds! There are a few that I now know and recognize and I look forward to seeing them each spring. I got right to planting some honeysuckle and bee balm! This photo was the result of those efforts.Time
This was taken late in the afternoon when the sun was starting to set. It's my favorite time of day actually. The hummingbirds make an evening blitz to get their dinner nectar and there is a lot of activity.Lighting
Mother Nature provided this great late afternoon light perfect for fast moving subjects like this little hummingbird getting her evening nectar. When you look through the lens and see that perfect lighting you pray that someone or something will show up so you can take advantage of the extra beauty it highlights. Low and behold this little ruby throated hummingbird showed up and started going flower to flower. I was able to follow her and got this frontal photo.Equipment
I was outside so I had my little "travel" camera that I carry around the garden just in case. It's my little Canon SL1 - the smallest/lightest SLR out there. I had my 75-250mm light lens. It's not as heavy or sturdy as my other lenses but it's a great lens to carry around with the SL1 as they are extremely light and easy to grab and go. They're also terrific to use after a day using my larger/heavier 70D and 100-400mm lens. Of course when an opportunity like this comes along you sometimes wish you had your first tier equipment but it's always better to have any camera handy then none at all!Inspiration
I love animals and nature and adore these little aerodynamic miracles. I had not seen any humminbirds for a few hours so I assumed they were elsewhere or resting. Then this little girl showed up and I grabbed my little camera and shot away.Editing
I cropped this photo as it was a bit "cluttered" with out-of-focus bee balm stems from the garden. I wanted to show the tenacity in the hummingbird's face so I cropped out the background a bit and focused on the activity going on.In my camera bag
When I know I'm going to take wildlife photos, I have my Canon 70D and my newest go-to lens, the 28-300mm lens (which I LOVE). When I'm out in the garden or driving to/from work I carry the SL1 and 75-250mm lens for ease. I have to say I've captured some of my favorite photos with the little SL1 and even have a hummingbird favorite where one is in flight looking at me - taken with a little point-and-shoot. I have an array of lenses including some primes and other zooms but the aforementioned are my workhorses.Feedback
I know many photographers set up stages where a hummingbird might be taken but I personally prefer the natural ones. They're harder to get but there's something simpler and more basic about them. But I love the professionally lighted ones too! Anything that showcases God's beautiful creatures is a-ok with me! Patience is key and getting the hummingbirds comfortable with your presence is also quite helpful. Just keep shooting and you might surprise yourself.
