Take Amazing Hummingbird Pictures

Get to know your camera. Play with the settings before the hummingbirds arrive. I know which settings will give me my sharpest image (an ISO of 800 with an f-stop of 8). I also like to use a flash. Sometimes hummingbirds aren't in direct sun, so using a flash might help bring out their beautiful iridescence.

Use a tripod. Set it up about 15 feet from a flower that a hummer is likely to visit. Position yourself so you'll be able to get a profile shot of the bird while it's hovering at the blossom. If your camera has a bracketing feature, use it. It will take multiple photos with one click of the shutter to give you your best shot.

Use movable flower boxes to your advantage. I have two that I can move to maximize stopping points and get different backgrounds. I also try to have the sun at my back; both sunrise and sunset are ideal times. And I make sure to position myself and my flowers so that my view is clear. Finally, I make note of the flowers and the spots the hummingbirds visit most often so I'll know where they'll be before they get there.

Use water to your advantage. I look forward to spring and summer, when I can put solar fountains in my birdbaths. The Anna's and rufous hummingbirds head for the 6-inch-high water spray as soon as the sun comes up. I grab my camera and stand not too far from the bath, making sure there's a fairly solid background behind my photo. The small bamboo fence I added to disguise my chain-link fence makes for better pictures!

Patience, patience! It's easy to hang around my feeder and photograph the traffic, but to me that feels like cheating. I prefer finding a garden filled with colorful flowers and a nice flat rock to sit on. Most hummingbirds are shy, so I try to go solo whenever possible. And keep this in mind: Put the birds' safety, health and happiness ahead of the photos. That way you can feel good about sharing their space.

Observe from a distance. Hummingbirds take pains to protect their food. They'll often find a perch that gives them a view of the food source and any potential intruders. So locate that protective perch and photograph them there. Also, find a well-protected spot for yourself: Hide behind a post, a hanging plant or even a tree trunk. Keep in mind that natural settings are best, so spend some time among the flowers, too.