Photographing hummingbirds is amazingly easy once you know how to set it up. I am currently putting together a new photo tour to Ecuador designed to capture some of the most beautiful hummers in the world. It will be up on my website probably within the week. I photographed this green crowned brilliant hummer in Costa Rica, and I used four flash units: one on the background (a large print of out of focus foliage), two on the front of the bird, and one as a very subtle rim light behind the hummer. The power of the flashes was reduced to 1/16th power, and that's what made the extremely short flash duration (about 15,000th of a second) to freeze the wings. I used a 70-200mm lens for this shot, f/14, 1/200th of a second to sync with the flash units.
5 Comments
Jan 12, 2016, 6:58:33 PM
Jim - Hi Bob, Yes, taking this gear to Ecuador requires some planning, but I do it. My local guide also supplies some stuff.
To trigger the flashes, a Pocket Wizard works well. Jim
Jan 12, 2016, 1:45:41 PM
Bob Vestal - Gorgeous image. Taking 4 strobes and light stands plus other gear to Ecuador might be a bit logistical challenge, but the results could be fabulous. Did you use Pocket Wizards to trigger?
Jan 12, 2016, 12:17:26 AM
Lorraine - Beautiful! I do not understand the concept of how to sync my flash. I read what you say and my eyes cross. I use mine indirectly when I absolutely have to in TTL with my Nikon .... but if I am honest, I don't really 'get it'
Small brain in California! Thanks for your good work!
Jan 11, 2016, 11:57:28 PM
Jim - Hi Lorraine, To sync your flash to the camera, all you have to do is use a shutter speed of 1/200th. That's it. Jim
Jan 11, 2016, 11:57:27 PM
Jim - Hi Lorraine, To sync your flash to the camera, all you have to do is use a shutter speed of 1/200th. That's it. Jim