Elaine Smith:
Flight of the Hummingbird
Thursday, May 15, 2025
The Lake House, 2319 Seabrook Island Rd, Seabrook Island
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Refreshments: 6:30
Announcements: 6:45
Presentation: 7:00
Cost: Free for SIPC members,
$5 for SI Birders members. First-time guests are free.
Access: Non-residents, please email seabrookislandphotographyclub22@gmail.com to arrange a gate pass.
Elaine Smith is a self-taught nature photographer who resides in the Upstate of South Carolina. Her husband Tim, is an avid birder, so Elaine naturally gravitates towards taking photos of birds, although other natural wonders find their way into her photos as well. Forty-two years ago, they moved to the fourteen acres of hardwoods in rural South Carolina that they lovingly refer to as “Hummingbird Hill” after the hundreds of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that visit their feeders every summer. Each year, Elaine sets up an outdoor photography studio to capture images of Ruby-throated hummingbirds in flight. She photographs hummingbirds in natural light, but her specialty is in off-camera multiple flash photography that freezes the wings in flight and captures sharp, detailed images of these tiny, incredibly fast birds.
In her presentation, among other topics, she will cover:
• Understanding hummingbird behavior to aid in capturing the best shot
• Natural light hummingbird photography
• How to set up and use an off-camera flash set up (deluxe and budget)
• Dream locations for birders and photographers.
This presentation will appeal to photographers of all levels as well as to bird enthusiasts. We hope you can join us on May 15.
-Submitted by Jeff Davis for the Photography Club
(Image credit: Elaine Smith)