In the cloud forest of Ecuador I was able to photograph about a half dozen different species of hummingbird. This one is called the brown Inca hummingbird. I used a fast shutter speed (1/1600th of a second) and flash to freeze the motion of the wings. Depending on the species, hummingbirds can flap their wings between 12 and 80 times per second.
Thanks John. These guys were more cooperative than the other hummingbirds, pausing in mid air for a bit longer. I was told they are an endemic species, unique to the cloud forest region of Ecuador.
Thanks Shashikant, photographing hummingbirds can be very difficult, but also kind of easy at the same time. They are so fast, but they do hover motionless (except for the wings) for a second or two at a time. A couple of weeks ago I described photographing dolphins as being like playing whack a mole. Perhaps that analogy is even more appropriate for photographing hummingbirds. You need to be quick with the shutter, but once you know where they are, you can basically stay in one spot and fire away. I was at this spot for about an hour and was able to get decent shots of about six different species.
Thanks Zulekha. Yes, I did see a few with peacock-esque coloring. I’ll post some of those soon. It was these brown guys, however, that were the most cooperative and kept posing in front of that nice blurred out green background.
I adore hummers, often trying to photograph them but not with great success. You’ve inspired me to keep trying. They are a joy to listen to while gardening. As I sit now writing by the open window, I hear their high pitched call.
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Incredible beauty you’ve captured here.
I’m amazed that the camera can catch something so fast. Great shot, Sean.
Sean, I am a hummer nut and love to photograph them. This is a new one for me and a glorious shot. Thanks for sharing
Thanks John. These guys were more cooperative than the other hummingbirds, pausing in mid air for a bit longer. I was told they are an endemic species, unique to the cloud forest region of Ecuador.
I love the birds but where are the frogs????
MagnÃfico!
Totes gorge.
Look at those little feet! Never noticed that before…wait, those are feet right.
This is a fantastic pic. I wonder how long you might be waiting to get this perfect picture.
Many thanks.
Thanks Shashikant, photographing hummingbirds can be very difficult, but also kind of easy at the same time. They are so fast, but they do hover motionless (except for the wings) for a second or two at a time. A couple of weeks ago I described photographing dolphins as being like playing whack a mole. Perhaps that analogy is even more appropriate for photographing hummingbirds. You need to be quick with the shutter, but once you know where they are, you can basically stay in one spot and fire away. I was at this spot for about an hour and was able to get decent shots of about six different species.
Beautiful shot, did you see any of those beautiful peacock colored ones?
Thanks Zulekha. Yes, I did see a few with peacock-esque coloring. I’ll post some of those soon. It was these brown guys, however, that were the most cooperative and kept posing in front of that nice blurred out green background.
Lovely image. Great effort. Congratulations
I adore hummers, often trying to photograph them but not with great success. You’ve inspired me to keep trying. They are a joy to listen to while gardening. As I sit now writing by the open window, I hear their high pitched call.