When we first moved in to our cabin in 2014, Mary and I were struck by the presence of the ruby-throated hummingbirds in our yard and their inherent beauty. Mary immediately began developing a homemade nectar to supplement the hummingbirds' diet. We have a plethora of natural flowers on which the hummers feed, as well. I spent time photographing them from a distance and realized, after a few seasons, that I needed to get closer to the birds in order photograph them better. I developed a methodology for acclimating the hummers to my presence which allowed me to live among them and photograph them more closely. I've developed a tutorial, which will help you to become closer to these wonderful birds and hopefully capture your own great hummingbird photos.

Tutorial on Capturing Better Hummingbird Photos

Female Hummingbirds in Flight

Young Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird in Flight

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Young Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird in Flight

Not long after young hummingbirds leave their nests, they begin feeding along with the adults. After several weeks, the young males begin developing darker spotted feather patterns on the chin area below their necks. These spots form the foundation for the eventual emergence the characteristic red feathers on the necks of the male birds. I've read that these feathers are not actually red, but contain an absence of pigment that reflects the red color when full spectrum light shines on the feathers.

Mark Wolsky Photography

Capturing Hummingbirds in Flight

Female Hummingbirds in Flight