How to Photograph HUMMINGBIRDS

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8 EASY tips for improving your hummingbird photography. Hummingbirds can be some of the most interesting subjects to photograph... they can also be the most tricky. I share some simple tips that helped me when I was first starting off with photographing hummingbirds. I can't wait for their return! Hope you enjoyed and happy birding!
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Table of Contents
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Tip #1
2:17 - Tip #2
4:17 - Tip #3
5:23 - Tip #4
6:58 - Tip #5
8:11 - Tip #6
9:34 - Tip #7
10:33 - Tip #8

[@StefanoIaniro]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/stefanoianirowildlife04211

[@Maybachdemon]

"Sorry, i get distracted by birds" story of my life, Stefano lol Great video as always!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Hahaha. That's why I can't 100% focus on any conversation had outside. Too many birds around 😅

[@ronrotunno2901]

Really good stuff, thank you! I was out for Hummingbirds yesterday for the first time just outside Sedona. Your shutter speed chart was a great guide.

[@vitannah]

I just started photographing hummingbirds as we've moved out of the suburbs of Austin to a more rural setting and I hung 4 feeders. What was a couple of birds turned into MANY fun, beautiful hummingbirds. I am inspired by your tips and eager to try. Thanks for posting this awesome video and I look forward to checking out more of your videos!

[@KICAUMANIA888]

Pretty little hummingbird. Indonesia

[@robertor.8008]

Thank you, Regarfs from México

[@visualvacationist8212]

Thank you. Focus limiter tips are going to help so much

[@o.kempers3046]

I wish we had those awesome birds over here in Holland. Thnx for sharing.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@DrMucker]

really nicely done .. you mentioned Belize ..we go to Belize and have been shooting Hummingbirds in and around Malfunction Junction on the road to Caracol .. and around Big falls area ..

[@CamillaI]

Well we don't get any Hummingbirds here in the UK , but they seem a great one to photograph ! I will know what to look for now after this video well done Stefano 👍😍

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! You never know, one might get pushed of course and end up in your neck of the woods one day. 😉

[@davegalegor2865]

Great training! Thank you!

[@StephenHOutdoors]

Just the info I needed! In the Summer, right before/after a thunderstorm is my favorite time to photograph birds. The lighting makes the colors look amazing!

[@iczemi]

Thank you so much. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. So inspiring. 🎄🎇

[@felipeaugusto8933]

Thank you very much for the tips

[@andrewd1288]

Very helpful--Thanks so much!

[@MarcosJPinto]

Just subscribed, loved the video and the tips. There are so many humming birds in my backyard I decided to register them, but so far I've only managed to take almost useless blurry pictures. Now I guess I will improve them with your videos. Greetings from Brazil. Thanks a lot.

[@mahteef]

There's some really good tips here on focusing not just for hummingbirds. Thanks!

[@skepticalline789]

Really glad i found this channel , you Make it exciting to go out and shoot . :)

[@ExpectoPatronum538]

I am lucky to have them all year round! Thanks for the tips

[@StefanoIaniro]

Very lucky! Glad you enjoyed!

[@gregoryspowell]

great video. truly amazing images

[@hereskrista1161]

This was all great info!!

[@lincolnjohnson5129]

Right on time, too!

[@StefanoIaniro]

That was the plan 😁

[@SLNANOREEFER]

thank you so much for this!!!

[@reyfierro281]

Thank you very much

[@nh6405]

I watched so many hummingbird photography videos till I found yours to be the best. No one explained much except showing the pictures that they took. I set up a hummingbird feeder right outside the window where I can get close to them(3-4 ft). I have a Fuji X-S10 with 70-300mm lens and one with 2.8-50 mm macro lens. I used both lenses and still cannot get a clear picture of the bird since there are so many trees and camera mainly focus on the tree leaves and bluer the bird out. Would love your thoughts of how to fix this. Thank you

[@stephg8445]

Thank you, Stefano, for your helpful tips, and congrats on your amazing photos!

[@peterwarne4388]

All your posts are stuffed with useful and well arranged information - wonderfully planned and thought through - thank you.

[@patsyts4331]

I love your videos. They are so peaceful, and you’re so knowledgeable. Thank you for sharing

[@bhalchandrakapatkar1710]

👍👍 thanks 👍👍 Happy 👍

[@joefranklin82]

you are by far the most honest photographer I have seen, and your work is amazing :)

[@quentinvanginhoven2231]

Well done and inspiring, Stefano!! Birding comes earlier in the (new) EWM. I've shared your posts with the students.

[@nrocha2466]

Yup harsh sunlight creates very harsh shadows which is hard to correct in post. Best avoided. Also best to have sun to your back when possible...

[@loucifelli2532]

Great video!! What i have learned from my experience is my biggest challenge was finding them! I learned not to look for them...Listening for them is the best way for me when they are not in sight.

[@paulvalerio3887]

Your Hummingbird portfolio is fantastic!! Nice Work!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!

[@ajayjg01]

Great video 😊

[@Ripper77pep]

Thanks Stefano for sharing all your knowledge on bird photography, it is really appreciated :)

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!

[@JeffWeymier]

Great video

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you!

[@TrapBoiFuse561]

Just got a few shots of some at the golden gate this week 1000s are there

[@StefanoIaniro]

That's awesome! So lucky. I've always wanted to see massive numbers like that

[@michaeldanielsG19]

Awesome video. Hummingbird photography is my favorite wildlife to do. I will share this with my local Book of Faces Hummingbird group.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Glad you enjoyed and thanks for sharing!

[@russellward178]

great tips thanks from New Hampshire USA

[@ruubenvandenheuvel2869]

So great. Infectious and inspirational. Thank you.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@janicetefft8859]

Excellent video

[@robertnelson3179]

Thanks I have a feeder in my backyard and really enjoy watching them buzzing around. Ours stay around year round here.

[@ivorgottschalk6432]

Great tips, hope to find hummingbirds locally in Toronto this spring. Thanks Stefano!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Goodluck! You'll probably be getting some a few days before we do here in Quebec 🙂

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

I am also on the East Coast, and have been getting lot's of good Hummingbird shots, like you I like to show movement in the wings. I tend to pre focus just in front of the feeder. Hope to get a video up soon.Really enjoyed this video thanks for sharing.

[@juancardenascarrasco2321]

Great video Amigo, Sending my love from Cusco Peru!

[@ayrmiller8479]

I DID find it helpful , thank you for making this video! Will help me in filming and photographing the hummingbirds I search for.🥂

[@neonbirding2680]

Thanks, I did not know that about the AF difficulty on the branch or bird. They will develope Animal Detect AF somday soon. That will make instant AF acquisition.

[@fillyphotos]

Wicked video and amaaaazing photos. I always love your Hummingbird shots. I actually just bought my friend a beautiful glass feeder for her birthday while she's in the garden 24/7 haha

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thanks so much! That's a great gift 🎁

[@susanfirth2279]

Great timing for this video. Just waiting for them to return. They don't typically hang around my garden/feeders for some reason but I keep trying.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Yeah I had the same issue in my yard. Two things that helped were adding a shallow bird bath and adding perches around the yard so they had areas to land more easily. Hope you can get them to stay longer 🙂

[@rinofalvo2854]

Great video Stefano!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you! 🙂

[@nehimaZA]

Dude that focus limiter tip was so pro. Thank you! I feel so stupid cause I've completely forgotten about using it.

[@cobythebirdnerd3790]

Hi Stefano, this was a very very helpful video! I’m waiting for my ruby Throated Hummingbirds to return. 🙂 thanks for sharing

[@StefanoIaniro]

Glad you enjoyed! Same here, we're about two weeks ahead here so they might be here earlier than expected!

[@ramanjitahluwalia]

beginner lens for wild life photography - I am using kit len 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 III

[@nicedward7544]

Just watching this missing mine. Can't wait for spring. I usually shoot 1/2000- 1/4000 to get goofy shots of them. My longest glass is a 200 prime but I try to at least get them at f4. They get in my face when their sugar water is low lol. I imagine at 400-600 it requires f6.3 or above for them to be all in focus close ish. I need to get more flowers around the yard that they like though. I plan on lining my back deck with hummer flowers this year. I've been shooting for a long time but have only lived somewhere they visit the past couple of years. I need a 600😢

[@johnnyc613]

Awesome content thanks for the tips! Trying for my fort ruby throats for the first time this season ....!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Goodluck! Hope they come in huge numbers 🙂

[@johndoskoch5457]

Thanks for a timely video and tips Stefano. Waiting for our first hummer of the season here in N MI. I think my biggest takeaway is that I need to start taking video of these beautiful birds! My 9th easy tip would be to set up a natural perch (wood branch) close to the feeders. Our ruby throats have used it regularly, and I can get great stills that way. Happy shooting!

[@StefanoIaniro]

Yes very good tip! Should be any day now, just waiting for some south winds here!

[@CarlHackman]

Great video. I've taken up photography recently at the young age of 60 and only have a T2i and 55-250mm STM lens, but have set up a couple of feeders and now have a few hummingbirds regularly coming into our garden. My instagram photos aren't the best, but I'm loving seeing these beautiful birds. The bossy mature male will fly down while I change the feeders over and drink while it is still in my hands :)

[@B30pt87]

I'm not even a photographer and I found this interesting.

[@markheatherington8367]

Thanks for the tips Stefano, I'm partial to HB shots with blurred wings as well. A very high shutter takes the hum factor away and looks a tad unnatural to me. Thanks

[@pawsoff606]

Love it! And you have such an awesome and relaxing way of explaining things. I’m so excited to travel to the tropics again to photograph more hummingbirds!

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad you enjoyed! And same here. While editing this video I realized I haven't been able to update any of my Hummingbird footage for a year and half now 😕

[@jeremylutersz3374]

That was a great video I was wondering do you shoot in Aperture or Shutter mode

[@KurtisPape]

Hey, watched a whole heap of your videos today, amazing photography! Im currently using Nikon P1000, ive been getting some great sharp photos, but only if the conditions are perfect. Now its my first time birding going into winter (Aus) ive noticed im rarely getting good shots now because its cloudy a lot more often and the 6mm sensor can't keep up. Im wanting to go sony, the lens is a given, the 200-600G but the camera body is the biggest consideration. Fellow youtuber Mark Smith recommends A9 and says he had no luck with the A7R IV with the 200-600, but you seem like you are getting really good results. Since im used to shooting at 3000mm with 18MP I feel like going to a 600mm lens will change my photography style but I feel like the extra megapixels will allow me to crop more. Also I can the the A7iv for $1000 less then the original A9. 1 last question, people say because of the high MP on A7r, the shutter speeds need to be higher, there is more noise and the focus is slower, is any of this true? if so is it only a small difference, im sure it will be a big improvement over my cheap point and shoot camera.

[@geoffreychevallier8378]

I love what you do ! are you using x2 or x1.4 teleconverter?

[@jeremyhearne13]

Very helpful video. Do you ever use flash? I find I have to shoot at a very high ISO to get the shutter speed that I need.

[@alchemist_x79]

Great tips. I needed to be cheered up and all the cute hummingbirds (and my cat swatting at the screen trying to attack them) definitely helped! My tripod went over on its side on a hard surface with a7RIII and 100-400GM on it the other day, breaking the lens off the mount and ruining the camera. They're both being sent to Sony to see if they can be salvaged, and I used the opportunity to upgrade to the RIV which comes this week, but I'll be stuck with the 70-300 in crop mode for a while :\

[@StefanoIaniro]

Awhh that's such a bummer! Sorry to hear that. Good thing you have a backup option for the time being! Happy to hear it cheered you up!

[@comeraczy2483]

Thanks a lot for another great video with awesome footage and awesome pictures! Winter is in fact my favourite hummingbird season: I put the feeders in my bedroom and enjoy the show from my bed. What lens are you using for the closeups? I am using a 180mm macro but find it extremely challenging because of the slow focus and lack of limiter. Also, when you say taking burst of photos, I am wondering how you do that, my hummingbirds fly away as soon as they hear the shutter. Are you using the electronic shutter?

[@StefanoIaniro]

So glad you enjoyed! Most of the closeup shots were taken using the Sony 100-400. Since it has a really close minimum focusing distance, I was able to get shots that resemble a macro lens. For bursts and hummingbirds, I'm never using the electronic shutter. I find it easier to habituate them to the sound of the shutter over time. Plus if you're trying to get in-flight shots with electronic shutter, depending on your camera you can get some pretty wonky results

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

Some great tips Stefano! I would add 1 more - put your feeders out early in the spring so you can increase your chances of a male finding it then hanging out. :)

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thank you! And that's a great tip! Thanks for sharing

[@catherinedesilets8960]

Hey Stefano I’ve just found your channel & subscribed ❣️ I’m in British Columbia 🇨🇦 & I believe I’ve got the orange/rust colored Roufus in the spring & summer & the pink/green Anna all year long. The Anna I put out heated feeders & grow lights for them & see them feeding even with the snow outside Can you send links to any home photographer equipment you could recommend as I am hoping to start photographing this winter Thanks 🙏🏻

[@Birbyvideography]

Here in Singapore we don't have hummingbirds at all, but instead we have Sunbirds that look very similar. They evolved separately I'm quite sure, and many people are fooled into thinking this region has hummingbirds at all.

[@StefanoIaniro]

I've seen photos of the sunbirds. I can see why people get fooled, they're equally as beautiful!

[@rodbotic]

I am out in Vancouver, and the Anna's never leave. the Rufus' have arrived just this week.

[@StefanoIaniro]

That's awesome! I remember a biologist talking to me about how more feeders has helped the Anna's stay longer in the area!

[@GloriaDahlke]

😇😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Random-yz8gb]

I have a gh5 with 200mm lens is that enough equipment?

[@jeremyhearne13]

I really like your videos, but I do have a question about the focus point. If I focus on the edge of the feeder and then go back to the hummingbird, will it be sharp? It seems to be that you risk the bird not being in focus.

[@SR-sg7qk]

I did use lightroom . But had issues on sing it . It maybe just I tried using others tips and was confused. So I deleted the online use. I wish they would bring out a down loadable DVD on it again.

[@cbtsmith1]

Do you or have you ever utilized a flash set-up for photographing hummingbirds?

[@capy6314]

Hello sir I've a question i want to become a wildlife filmmaker im from india and this is the last year of my school, i want to study wildlife filmmaking in uwe Bristol, should i apply for this course "BA (hons) filmmaking" (because there's no undergrad program to study wildlife filmmaking) and then hop into "MA wildlife filmmaking course" please clear my view

[@StefanoIaniro]

Hey, that's awesome! I'm not too familiar with the program and don't know anyone who has taken it. So I'm not too sure about that one. Sorry!

[@capy6314]

@@StefanoIaniro its okay sir! Thankyou so much for replying i love your work, your videos are really helpful and amazing.

[@SR-sg7qk]

Do you have suggestions on good feeders to use?

[@nirupamsarkar2626]

In which place should i go for birds !! How you get to know about birds, where they are ! Love from India♥️

[@StefanoIaniro]

I'd start with some local bird books/guides and read up on the species and their behavior/habitat. Start with common species and work your way up to the rarer ones. You can also use eBird to check local hotspots and find where to go birding 🙂

[@nirupamsarkar2626]

@@StefanoIaniro you just made my day !! Very humble of you . Thanks for your suggestion .. will follow it .

[@johnnyc613]

Do you sit in your blind in order to get your hummingbird shots ??

[@StefanoIaniro]

I have in the past but it really comes down to how comfortable the hummingbirds are. Most areas I've been in, they are so comfortable with movement, especially around feeders. Where the blind works best is when you're working with nests or anytime they're more "wild" and away from feeders

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

We’ve had our first visitor but he didn’t stay for more than a couple of days.

[@StefanoIaniro]

That's awesome though! Such an exciting time!

[@seeingdragons4319]

OMG get on with it already!! We came here for camera settings.

[@justinweeks6608]

This is a very niche title lol

[@StefanoIaniro]

Haha yeah basically North and South America unless a big wind pushes them elsewhere in the world 😅

[@nancywhite2014]

My tip #1 when photographing hummingbirds in Costa Rica, do NOT try to capture on a Kodak easy-share camera. Get a better camera with a faster shutter speed. So many missed photo opportunities.

[@twiztedzero1685]

Why is the caption language in Vietnamese , and changing it to auto translate English still results in WORD SALAD ... great. That was the laptop ... So I went to my phablet and tried there and yup same thing word salads. ARGHHHHH! Frustrating.

[@StefanoIaniro]

Ugh, I don't understand why they do that for some videos. I'm not in WiFi range and have limited data but I'll fix the subtitles when I'm back in range in a couple of days. Sorry 😔