Suggestion on photographing a hummingbird?

9 years 3 months ago #423565 by Frost Photography
I have this hummingbird that visits my office window I would say 2-3 times per month.  It seems to feed off a spider web that goes from a bush to the side of my home office window.  How would you suggest I set up my camera to capture this elusive bird?  

"The quickest way to make money at photography is to sell your camera."
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9 years 3 months ago #423570 by effron
A telephoto lens and a fast shutter speed. Shoot lots of frames. Don't be afraid to use an off camera flash if needed. Those hummers can be a challenge....;)

Why so serious?
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9 years 3 months ago #423587 by Joves

effron wrote: A telephoto lens and a fast shutter speed. Shoot lots of frames. Don't be afraid to use an off camera flash if needed. Those hummers can be a challenge....;)

:agree:
And a lot of patience.


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9 years 3 months ago #423615 by Greg Friedman
Don't you need one of those shutter triggers that will go off when the bird breaks a IR beam?  


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9 years 3 months ago #423621 by JeremyS

Greg Friedman wrote: Don't you need one of those shutter triggers that will go off when the bird breaks a IR beam?  


No, that would work assuming you can predict where the bird will go, however it is easily done without one. Just shoot lots of frames and be very lucky.

I've been trying to get a shot of my local hummingbird for a year or so, and I still have no success. 


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9 years 3 months ago #423626 by garyrhook
You will find that, even at 1/4000 s for a shutter speed, you will not freeze the wings. Yes, they move that fast.

A flash would help, but I don't think most folks use one. It's about persistance and patience. Feeders are helpful and help you predict their arrival.


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