How can I photograph hummingbirds?

Question

The rules for photographing normal birds largely don't apply to hummingbirds. You're unlikely to be able to predict or keep up with their flight path, especially with autofocus. Additionally, the wings move so fast that traditional shutters only capture them well at max speed with bright light.

What are some techniques to overcome the focus and wing-freeze issues?

Answer

Disclaimer: This is second hand information, so YMMV.

While I was guiding a tour in Ecuador, I met a photographer who spent almost 10 years chasing hummingbirds for a book. We spent an hour or so talking about how to photograph them. Here are the basics:

• They are too fast to freeze with a high-speed shutter.
• Use flash with an ultra-fast discharge speed. He said around 1/20,000s.
• He said using the flash on lower power increases the discharge speed.
• Shoot continuously as fast as possible.
• Manual focus on where you want them to be. Usually an interesting flower or branch.
• They can be moved by hand while in their sleeping state. They are very delicate, avoid nets to catch them.
• Move them to a tent with a sweet flower as bait and studio lighting setup. Take a few shots and let them go. They need to eat every few minutes apparently.
• Learn about the flowers they like to know where they'll be and how to bait them.

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