tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania

Still trying to get things right. Relatively new to photography and trying to get a grasp. These were shot with a Canon T6s and a Canon 70-200mm.

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If bird photography is what you have in mind you are on the right track. I find the second and third shots with the hummingbird slightly soft.
These images can improve using flash for fill-in but I will not make at this time further comments on the technique. It could make things more difficult for you.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Great start, photo are back lite making it difficult to get sharp focus on the subject. Try shooting from a different angle, just a suggestion.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Fast moving tiny subjects - a great technical challenge! Camerapapi and Bultaco have both alluded to the difficulty of shooting a dark subject against a bright background. Along with using flash or shooting from a different angle would be time of day: do the hummingbirds visit when the background is more shaded?

These suggestions and questions are all related to exposure, but you may not want to delve into that aspect just yet if you are concentrating on focus and sharpness. Let us know

Skiextreme2 Loc: Northwest MA

Nice photographs. If those weren't taken from a tripod, try using one if you can. Hummingbirds are very fast moving (the wings vibrate the body too) and the tripod may help with sharpness. A faster shutter speed would also help.

Dik

After the hummers have become accustomed to using the feeder, you can place large white reflectors around it to provide fill light. I have also been successful placing obstructions around the feeder so they need to approach from one direction only. Makes it easier to preposition camera for the hovering shots.

tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania

Thank you all for the feedback. Actually, I was just sitting outside this morning having a cup of coffee and was looking at settings on my camera when this hummer arrived. I did not want to move because he was very easily spooked. U only see them in the morning and not too often. Great suggestions from all of you. Thanks.

Joe Blow

# 2 & 3 are a little soft because they focused on the front portion of the feeder (or whatever that round object is). I would suggest a center, single focus point to help eliminate the front focus. Also, raise your ISO and close your aperture will give a longer focus. That would cost some of your bokah, bit I don't think that would really hurt much.

As others have mentioned, getting a small, fast moving object is a true challenge and you did a good job. To add to that, action photos have a much lower keeper rate than posed shots. And, it is so much harder to adjust your camera first to be perfect for these specific situations. And, after the fact criticisms are a lot easier than being there on the spur of the moment.

If these are regular visitors then try out different settings. Just have a cup of coffee and newspaper or tablet to occupy your time between visits. And be assured, these are darned good shots. Ya did good.

tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania

Thanks Joe, I’ll try that tomorrow