Photographing Hummingbirds (continued)
Third Attempt
Move the Feeder - OK, time for stronger action,
the feeder was moved right next to the deck in the
back of the house. It was suspended from a location near the overhead gutter. So, another trial, this
involved another attempt at setting the camera + telephoto up on a tripod and triggering the
camera through the remote. The only improvement was a notch up in comfort since I could now sit in a deck
chair awaiting customers. Results? Same as the first attempt above.
Getting a Clue
I finally got a clue to taking pictures of the little guys. At a local art show I noticed that
someone was selling pictures of hummingbirds, quite nice pictures I might add.
The photographer
was very gracious and explained how she took the pictures. First there were no expensive DSLRs or
telephotos. She simply stood very close to the feeder and took pictures with a point and shoot
using the macro mode. So the message here is: that the little guys don't mind someone standing right
next to the feeder (a foot or two away).
Fourth Attempt
OK, getting closer now (literally). Hanging out right by the feeder with a normal lens on the camera,
that was good news for arms sore from holding up a heavy telephoto. The pictures were better but still
not good enough to want to show someone. The main problem was trying to use the flash which caused the
maximum shutter speed to be too slow. While thinking about this last problem I thought why not
try something different. And it worked - see the next try.
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