If you time it just right even the wings of a hummingbird in flight can be reasonably sharp at relatively slow shutter speeds.
1/2000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This is one of several Broad-tailed Hummingbirds I photographed in the mountains of the west desert two weeks ago. They were feeding on a flowering currant bush and I caught this one as it hovered over the flowers.
Generally I prefer even the wings of hummingbirds to be at least reasonably sharp but on this morning I was struggling for enough light and shutter speed to accomplish it. Usually it requires SS’s of 1/3200 – 1/5000 for hummers but here I had only about half that and the wings are still fairly sharp. In previous and following shots of the same bird they were just a blur so what happened here?
The difference is because in this shot I caught the wings at the apex of their beat cycle, in-between going up and going down, so they were traveling at a much slower speed. And it just happens that this is one of my preferred wing positions so things worked out nicely.
A brief post today because it’s looking like I’ll actually be able to go shooting this morning and I may be going early. This blustery spring it’s been rare to have decent morning light for bird photography so I’d better jump on the chance while I have it.
Ron
PS – I was too optimistic about going shooting this morning. It’s mostly clear here but all my shooting spots are either socked in with clouds or likely to be by the time I could get there. Staying home, again!
Wow! Nice going!
Ron, thank you for the beautiful photo of a hummingbird. My favorite bird. Love to see them hover in thin air as they come and go from our feeder.
I am so sorry to hear you are not out in the field. Sorry for you and selfishly sorry for us.
Love that hummer suspended in the air.
Thanks EC, on both counts.
Beautiful shot — I love that wing position as well! Sorry you weren’t able to get out among ’em this a.m.
Thank you, Marty. Not going was depressing after getting my hopes up.
Hummers are one of my favorites and I am being visited by black chins. Thanks for the great picture.
You’re welcome, Betty.
That is one beautiful natural photo. Thanks for sharing Ron.
I’m glad you like it, Everett. Thanks.
Beautiful!
Thanks, Charlotte.
I’m enjoying watching the black chin hummers at the feeder right outside my window. 😀 I’m hoping to see some other varieties but I’m not sure what we get…yet! LOL
🙂
Gorgeous photo. Looks as if you had one of those baited setups with strobe lights and remote triggers. Your skill and timing sans baiting make for a better picture in many ways.
Thanks for making that observation, Lyle. The only times I’ve ever shot setups is when photographing birds at my feeder either for practice or to test my gear and I don’t post those shots or even keep them. I’m not a setup/baiting kinda guy…
And your comment about not using flash/strobes is well taken. That’s when having a fast lens really helps.
Great shot and explanation, congratulations on timing your shutter to match the wing beats. Weather vexation is never ending here as well, it just won’t stop. Here’s to clear mornings.
Thanks, Dave. Around here “clear mornings” are nearly in the same category as Ivory-billed Woodpeckers – probably extinct!
Great shot Ron! Love the clarity of the shot.
This year due to the weather I believe, Orioles are using both the hummingbird feeders and suet for food! Says something for the lack of their regular food. Makes me worry that we are seeing the beginning of a dire situation.
Hope your weather is better than ours at this point!
Dick, our weather isn’t bad and the forecast is finally looking better after months of clouds and rain.
Excellent photo…everything coordinates beautifully! The bit of softness at the wing tips is a non-issue in my mind… Good luck on your morning’s activities. 😊
Thanks, Kathy. Right now things are looking a little iffy for shooting this morning but I still hope to go.
Great shot!! I hope some day to see these guys in person. Happy shooting!
I hope you have the opportunity, Joanne.