I have been a professional portrait photographer for many years, but it wasn’t until 2020, that I started to deeply explore the world of hummingbirds. One morning, I was sitting gazing out my office window  with a sad feeling about the world events we were all facing. I was feeling lost without having family photo sessions coming in and to not hold a camera for long, always makes me feel something is missing from my very being! 

Suddenly, I had a powerful thought enter my mind. “put your zoom lens on, pick up your camera and go outside now, there is a hummingbird waiting for you!” Curiosity lead to me to the garden. 

Hummingbirds are very challenging to photograph, they are tiny and super fast. “ They travel at 20 to 30 miles per hour (32 to 48 kilometers per hour) during regular forward flight, but they can reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) when diving. “

I went outside and there in the garden was a hummingbird by one of the Salvia’s I had planted. Grateful for my intuition’s guidance, I had my camera settings set to capture this tiny fast bird! Camera set, f.8, 2500 sec! Within one moment of me stepping out into the garden I was able to capture a tiny glorious hummingbird! 

A huge sense of peace came over me, I felt hope, joy and awe! While I continue to have a passion for photographing hummingbirds, that morning would prove to be extremely rare! ! I have learned to be still, patient and ready for the unexpected. There are times it has taken me hours to just get that one magical photo! But when I do, it always fills my heart with joy and awe. 

Like many of us, I have always been fascinated and intrigued by their beauty. Beyond their beauty, I found them to be healing, grounding and up lifting. 

Many of us feel they are messengers from loved ones who have passed away. When in their presence they seem to bring us hope. I looked deeper at what spiritual and cultural beliefs felt about hummingbirds. I discovered I was not alone in the feeling I received while in their presences. 

Core Spiritual Meanings

Mindfulness and Presence: Their ability to hover in place instantly teaches focus and being completely in the present moment.
Messengers of Love: Many people view a sudden hummingbird sighting as a comforting sign from a loved one who has passed away.  Joy and Sweetness: Their constant search for nectar represents finding delight and nourishment in everyday moments. Resilience and Strength: Despite their tiny size, they endure long migrations, symbolizing inner power and survival through hard times.

Cultural Tradition

Native American Traditions: Seen as healers, bringers of good luck, and sacred symbols of wisdom, beauty, and love. Aztec Mythology: Linked to the powerful sun and war god, Huitzilopochtli, representing warrior souls and strength during difficult journeys. Caribbean and Mexican Folklore: Revered as gentle communicators carrying good intentions and blessings between people or from the spirit realm. 

While photographing children in my garden, I often will let them know we may get lucky and see one of my favorite humming birds, who I call Georgie. I have called him this for years. One day, I thought, why are earth do I call this bird Georgie, it seems like a hummingbird should have a more enchanting name. Just the other day, I had the random thought to look up what the name Georgie means and to my great surprise I find the name fitting!! 

Greek Roots: Georgie comes from the Greek name Georgios, which stems from geōrgos (ge meaning “earth” and ergon meaning “work”). 

Yes, Georgie is an earth worker!!!! 

Key Ecological Benefits

 Pollination: As they sip nectar, pollen sticks to their bills and feathers, transferring it from flower to flower and helping plants reproduce. 
Ecosystem Health: Certain specialized flowers rely heavily on hummingbirds for cross-pollination, particularly in areas where bees or other insects are scarce. 
Pest Control: They eat hundreds of small insects and spiders every day—including mosquitoes, gnats, and aphids—which reduces the need for chemical pesticides. 

These little earth workers are good for the environment and our souls! 

I find when photographing children in the garden they feel it and light up with joy when I ask them to call out his name! 

My passion for hummingbirds and nature as lead me to expand my little business. I sell my fine art prints at local craft fairs, and plan to open up an online shop. Proceeds from the sale of prints and cards from the online shop will benefit endangered hummingbirds. 

For the curious, I invite you to explore these websites ~ 

International Hummingbird Society: Support global conservation, habitat protection, and educational initiatives via the International Hummingbird Society Donate Page. https://www.hummingbirdsociety.org/

Hummingbird Conservation Networks: Formerly the Hummingbird Monitoring Network, you can fund specific research and protection projects through the Hummingbird Conservation Networks Donate Page. https://savehummingbirds.org/

For more information about my portraits of hummingbirds, please email me @creativeimagesbyjessicacomcast.net

May the magic of hummingbirds bring you joy and if you visit my garden I hope you get to see Georgie! 

In light, 

Jessica