Fine Artist, Mel Hofmann began her journey with hummingbird photography when she received a DSLR camera as a Christmas gift from her wife in 2009. Prior to this, she had been creating fine art textiles and digital art in her Berkeley, California Studio. Hummingbirds became her favorite subject and provided the perfect opportunity for her to learn a lot about digital photography. In the process, she also learned a great deal about their behavior which she has documented in her photographs. She started by using the Sports setting on her Nikon D60 (upgraded since then) and discovered that using longer lenses allowed her to capture the shots that she was seeking. With some photography classes, she learned how to use the manual settings on her camera.
Patience and taking many shots while hummingbirds are feeding, bathing, resting, collecting nesting materials, building nests and tending to their chicks are the keys to getting quality images in addition to a good camera. Where Mel lives in California, both Anna's and Allen's hummingbirds are common. A garden can supply all the habitat required unlike some parts of the USA where feeders are more commonly used. Natural light in the early morning and late afternoon are ideal for getting the best photographs. Mel has explored gardens all over the San Francisco Bay Area to capture her best shots. She has also included one of her Backyard nesting photographs on one of the cards in her Sacred Journey Medicine Cards deck. A collection of her fine art photography including hummingbird photography is included on her website. Please contact her to inquire about purchasing prints.
Message:
The mother Hummingbird meticulously lays down twigs, leaves, spider webs, and bits of lichen to form a strong, soft nest. She cares for her eggs until they hatch. As the chicks grow, the nest opens, flattens, and forms a platform launching their new lives. Before fending for themselves, finding their own nectar and insects, their mother cares for them for an additional week. Nesting Hummingbird may come when you’re almost ready to make a change or embark on an adventure. This is both terrifying and thrilling, as both risk and adventure await. By always actively seeking the sweetest nectar, Hummingbird reminds you to be vigilant now, searching out the sources of nourishment to survive this change. Keep replenishing your energy stores. Recognize how far you have come and honor your journey as a survivor with the potential to thrive.
Anna’s Hummingbirds photograph, Berkeley, California, USA.
Link to purchase the Sacred Journey Medicine Cards deck
Looking forward to reading your comments.
All my best,
Mel
I absolutely love your cards/now my cards! They are beautiful and incredibly thought-provoking and heart-opening.
These hummingbird photos are absolutely spectacular