These photos are not as good as some of you folks can achieve but I'm quite proud of them.

Camera set on tripod with Metz 58 AF-2 set to P-TTL HSS. I was about 12 feet away from the feeder as it was hanging up under the overhang of the cottage. Pentax remote cable plugged into camera. I stood near camera and waited, when I heard the hum of this hummingbird (yes, you CAN hear them hovering, they're quite loud) I just fired away a number of times.

After each flash, the hummingbird seemed to back away as if he/she was rather puzzled probably thinking "This never happened the LAST time I drank from this feeder", he/she then quickly moved up for another drink.

These are the best photos I achieved out of quite a few (30ish). I'd love to have a better lens or build a hide to get closer. Maybe next time.

[joe.penn]

Good shots Michael! It's rather tough getting good shots of the Hummingbirds, they are so small and you need really good and rather long glass to get good enough pics that you can crop in to fill the frame without losing image quality.

[mtansley]

Thanks for the compliments.

They are small aren't they? A better lens would help but that's going to have to wait for awhile. House mortgage and other needed expenses come first, darn it!!

However, I also remember that the longest journey starts with the first step so I thought this would be a good first step and it's nice having a place to post these photos without having to worry about people criticizing your work because you're either new to this type of photography or just don't have quite the right combination of equipment or skill.

[imtheguy]

Pat yourself on the back for getting such clean looking snaps at iso1600 from a k20d. That by itself is tough.

I read somewhere that by covering all but one feeder flower, you can better focus your remote camera knowing exactly where the shot will end up instead of trying to anticipate.

[BillM]

Think you did a real nice job Mike.Critters are exposed to lightning also,get
somewhat 'used' to flash over time.Bet with a little patience you can get
in even a little bit tighter and birds will still be comfortable.
Might be able to turn flash power down a bit.How about home built diffuser

FWIW... make my own nectar. Plain white cane sugar only.
1 part sugar to 4 parts water(by volume). heat water in microwave,
doesnt have to boil,just so its hot then mix in sugar,
let cool...voila...Way cheaper,dont need dye either

Dont want to use water from softener,would want to use filtered drinking water.
Again,only white cane sugar,no substitutes.

[charliezap]

Nice job Mike--When I take a dozen or so I'm happy when I get just one real nice one to post.--charliezap