There is a fascination with hummingbirds which I share with most people. They can maneuver better than any flying machine created by man. I’ve been photographing stills of hummers for a long time. Sometimes with more success than others! I’m looking to improve.

Slow motion

I want to learn more about the flight patterns and movements of these tiny little critters. I’ve studied flight patterns and tendencies of the little guys and gals to follow the same flight path in their approach and departure from a flower or feeder. Seeing the patterns that the wings take by slowing down the speed has been instructional to say the least.

Take a look at the figure eight pattern when hummingbirds are in flight that happens so fast you are never aware of it. Can you say hover boys and girls? The figure eight motion is what makes it possible. Add in a little flick or push by the tail feathers in different orientations and the rest of the story becomes apparent.

Capture kit

fotopro E6L tripod
FotoPro E-6L tripod

For this video I used the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III with a 40-150mm M.Zukio f/2.8 lens mounted on a FotoPro Eagle E-6 Gimbal tripod. The tripod works as a super smooth gimbal making tracking of these quick critters much easier and with a smoother look whether making video or tracking for still frames. I’m a FotoPro USA Ambassador but became one because I enjoy the build and performance of them so much. Let me know if you have any questions about them. Or, if you have one please share your experiences in the comments.

Yours in Creative Photography, Bob