How to override slow flash sync speed: Here is an article I wrote on how to override the slow flash sync speed when shooting hummingbirds and other fast objects in low light. Note &...

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

Here is an article I wrote on how to override the slow flash sync speed when shooting hummingbirds and other fast objects in low light.

Note & disclaimer
The article focuses on how to freeze all of the bird, all the way out to the wingtip. It does not address pictures composition or how to take the top notch best shots.

https://www.facebook.com/PhotographyByBorisEkner/posts/219753742074118

As an example; these photos was shot at ISO 100 and 1/40 of a second.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Boris Ekner wrote:

Here is an article I wrote on how to override the slow flash sync speed when shooting hummingbirds and other fast objects in low light.

Note & disclaimer
The article focuses on how to freeze all of the bird, all the way out to the wingtip. It does not address pictures composition or how to take the top notch best shots.

https://www.facebook.com/PhotographyByBorisEkner/posts/219753742074118

As an example; these photos was shot at ISO 100 and 1/40 of a second.

I have copied your article to study and maybe try it.
One question - Why not just use the high speed sync setting? I have used it on humming birds, and with my flash I can get out to about 5 meters. Since they are at feeders or flowers on potted plants that is far enough. I have been in a chair less than 8 feet from the feeder and had them chase each other around my head so close I felt the moving air from their wings. More than close enough for high speed sync flash. The only draw back so far is that I must be at a very high shutter speed if the light is at all good or I get a sharp image with the wings surrounded by blurs or ghost images of the wings from the natural light.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Great article and thanks for taking the time to author and share it. I found it very informative and something that I surely will try for it solves issues that I have at times.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

robertjerl wrote:

I have copied your article to study and maybe try ... (show quote)

Thanks for the feedback.

To answer your question; my camera does not provide high speed sync, so I have to be a bit creative... 😃

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

sippyjug104 wrote:

Great article and thanks for taking the time to author and share it. I found it very informative and something that I surely will try for it solves issues that I have at times.

Thanks, and let me know how you succeed. 😃

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Boris Ekner wrote:

Thanks for the feedback.

To answer your question; my camera does not provide high speed sync, so I have to be a bit creative... 😃

Ah! Except for my Sigma SD10 (kept as an emergency spare with 3 lenses) all my dslr bodies have done high speed sync.

I may try your method anyway. Sort of like some institutions still teach use of a slide rule or a sexton in case you find yourself without all the modern electronics or at least no power for them somewhere the other side of nowhere.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Thank you ... we all need to have Knowledge Tools to deal with these complex wounder cameras we have.

With fast shutter speed even with normal flash the back ground illuminated with sun does not get exposed much [energy reaching sensor] and is thus suppressed. Your hummers have black background.... same works for flowers.

AlohaBob Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Link says content not available.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

The link is down or broken now. What was the trick?