Last updated: November 2026
Short answer: the Hummingbird Gardens Signature Session is hummingbird photography in gardens chosen for their flowers and their birds, with natural light or with flash. Some sessions take place in the gardens and trails of the lodge where you are staying, and others in specialized gardens that Physis visits. Because the sites are spread across the cloud forest and highlands and the Caribbean lowland rainforest, one private program can bring a wide range of species within reach. No species is ever guaranteed.
Session at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Subject | Hummingbirds (species vary with elevation and region) |
| Technique | Natural light or flash, at flowers in gardens |
| Regions | Cloud forest and highlands; Caribbean lowlands and rainforest |
| Where | Lodge gardens and trails, and specialized hummingbird gardens |
| Season | All year |
| Included in | Private Physis programs; not sold separately |
How many hummingbird species can I photograph in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has more than 50 species of hummingbirds, and they are not the same everywhere: the cloud forest and highlands have their own species, and the lowland rainforest has others. That is why Physis works with sites in both environments. On a program that combines rainforest and cloud forest, around 20 species can come within reach of your lens. Which ones visit on a given day depends on flowering, season and weather.
Where do the sessions take place?
- At your lodge: the gardens and trails of the place where you are staying, which lets you photograph at the best light without travelling.
- In specialized gardens: places Physis visits because of their great variety of flowers and, as a result, of hummingbirds.
- In two kinds of forest: sites in the cloud forest and highlands, and sites in the Caribbean lowlands and rainforest.
Natural light or flash?
Both are possible, and the choice depends on the site and on the image you want. Natural light gives a softer, more environmental photograph: the bird at a flower, in the colors of the garden. Flash freezes the wings and brings out the iridescence of the feathers. For the full multi-flash setup, see the Hummingbird Multiflash Signature Session and our multi-flash field guide. Many photographers do both in the same program.
Add the Hummingbird Gardens session to your program
Physis designs private photography programs in Costa Rica around the sessions you choose. Tell us which Signature Sessions you want in your private program. Private programs start from US$4,000.
What equipment and settings do I need?
| Field need | Practical starting point |
|---|---|
| Lens | A telephoto of 300 mm or more, or a 100–400 mm zoom; a close-focusing lens helps in small gardens |
| Natural light | A fast shutter speed, 1/2000 s or faster, to hold the body sharp; the wings will still show movement |
| Flash | Low flash power gives a very short burst of light, which is what freezes the wings |
| Background | Move your position until the background is far away and even in tone |
| Support | A tripod or monopod helps during long waits at one flower |
For a wider packing list, see what camera gear to bring to Costa Rica.
How do we photograph hummingbirds responsibly?
Keep a respectful distance, move slowly and stay on the paths so the garden is not damaged. Sessions keep away from nests, and flash is used at low power. Read more about our ethical approach to bird photography.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to photograph hummingbirds in Costa Rica?
Hummingbirds can be photographed all year, and the session runs in every season. What changes is the flowering, the weather and some of the species present.
Is this the same as the Hummingbird Multiflash session?
No. The multiflash session is built around one lighting technique with several flashes. The Hummingbird Gardens session is built around the gardens and the variety of species, with natural light or flash.
Can I book this session on its own?
No. Signature Sessions are included in private Physis programs and are not sold separately.
Related pages
- Private bird photography tours in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica’s microclimates and altitude for photographers
See all Signature Sessions
Combine hummingbird gardens with multiflash, quetzals, king vultures, boat sessions and more in one private program.
