Tips for Photographing Hummingbirds

By Mark Bettis, Villa Ridge, Missouri

It takes a little practice to get great hummingbirds photos, but it's always worth it in the end. Here are a few technical tips and tricks that I've learned.


  • I was photographing hummingbirds with a shutter speed of 1/2000th of a second, but I found I can get even more detail with a 1/4000th of a second.

  • If you do use a faster shutter speed, then you'll need a wider aperture setting.

  • To get a wider aperture setting, set the shutter speed and let the camera figure out the aperture. Or you can go to a manual setting where you set both the shutter speed and aperture. The manual mode takes a little practice, but it's worth it.
    • Hummingbird
  • I use a manual setting on my camera because I like hummingbird pictures a little overexposed verses what the camera would calculate on its own.

  • Don't forget to set a high ISO value. I usually have an ISO setting of 1600 and no less than 800. In other words, a higher shutter speed requires a higher ISO.

  • Use a single focus point when taking a picture.

  • Use your camera to its fullest potential. You'll never be sorry.