Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
November 18th, 2024

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions.

What’s Up?

On Saturday, multiple IPT veteran Sandra Calderbank joined Bob Eastman and me for a morning of instruction at Sebastian Inlet. Following the #1 rule for wind against sun conditions, we arrived very early to be in position to work the sunrise. Here is how I helped Sandy set up for Shutter Priority with AUTO ISO with her v 2.02 firmware a-1:

1- Turn the ISO down one click past 50 to AUTO. (We both normally use the Thumb Dial for ISO when shooting in Manual mode.)

2- Move the Command Dial (if that’s what they call it) to “S” for Shutter Priority. Set a slow shutter speed for pre-dawn blurs, something in the neighborhood of 1/10 to 1/60 second.

3- In Custom Key/Dial Set assign Exposure Compensation to the Thumb Wheel. Turn the Thumb Wheel clockwise to add light, usually to between +1 to +2 1/3 stops depending on the tonality of the background.

When the sun comes out, you will want to get back to Manual mode with ISO on the Thumb Dial. Simply reverse the steps:

1- In Custom Key/Dial Set assign ISO to the Thumb Wheel.

2- Move the Command Dial (if that’s what they call it), to “m” for Manual mode.

3- Set the ISO (and the shutter speed and aperture) as usual and as needed.

It should be relatively easy to set up any Canon or Nikon camera to do the same thing:

1- Set the ISO to AUTO.

2- Assign Exposure Compensation to a convenient dial or wheel.

3- Set Shutter Priority.

To get back to manual mode, just reverse the steps.

We had a very nice sunrise. We struggled with the wind against sun conditions for the rest of the morning. While picking my keepers, I was pleasantly astounded by how many good images I had created on a day when conditions were far from ideal. Six of those images are shared with you in today’s post along with more than a few helpful lessons.

On Sunday morning, Bob and I enjoyed a spectacular sunrise. Bob worked almost exclusively on the beach with his 16-35 Sony lens. Working mostly with slow shutter speeds in Shutter Priority with AUTO ISO, I concentrated on the large Sanderling flock that fed along the shore and occasionally blasted off out over the waves. They put on an amazing show.

The morning turned crazy (again) with dozens of pelicans and ospreys diving on baitfish. With the NNE wind in our face, the birds were all flying away from us. We ventured out on the jetty, got drenched by waves, and in short order, left the jetty in fear of the waves breaking over it. Wet and shivering, we headed back to our AirBnB a few minutes after 8:00am!

Today is Monday 18 November 2024. I am looking forward to working with Steve Shore (again) and meeting and working with his wife Elisabeth for the first time. They flew from Dallas to Orlando and arrived at the AirBnB at about 7:30 last night.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, are all set for gear, or live overseas, consider leaving a BAA Blog Thank You Gift here.

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear from the wrong shop.

This image was created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing on the beach at high tide, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority -0.3 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 100: 1/10 sec. at f/20 (stopped down 3 2/3 stops). AWB at 6:46:02am on a party cloudy morning just after sunrise. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Sunrise sky/Atlantic Ocean abstract

Un-Intentional Camera Movement Images

The term ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) has always bugged me. Why? It is possible to create pleasing blurs when you are (or are attempting to) keep the camera still. And you can create some nice blurs with the lens on a tripod and the subject or subjects moving be they avian or liquid. I was set up in Shutter Priority Mode with AUTO ISO looking to create some flight or wave blurs. When the sun peeked through an opening in the dark clouds, I forget to increase the shutter speed. I made a single frame at 1/10 second and then switched to 1/250 second and created some sharp versions. Note that with a sliver of red sky against an otherwise dark sky I needed a bit of minus Exposure Compensation (rather than my usual +2.0 EC).

The raw file was properly exposed but needed some TLC during the image optimization to bring out the potential I saw. When trying to create pleasingly blurred images, happy accidents are very rare but always welcome.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Seated on the beach at high tide, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority -1.7 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 100: 1/250 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1 1/3 stops). AWB at 6:50:12am on a party cloudy morning just after sunrise. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #2: Reddish Egret on berm

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Get Up Early!

The first rule of dealing with wind against sun conditions at beaches and lakes is to arrive early to take advantage of possible silhouette/backlit situations. With a west wind in the morning the birds will be flying toward you and away from the rising sun. Minutes after creating Image #1, this Reddish Egret landed on the berm so Sandy and I sat so that we could include the sky. The -1.3 stops EC is due to the fact that the raw file was a vertical that included the sun in the frame. Thus, after cropping this one to a horizontal I needed to open up the dark tones in Photoshop.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing at the base of the South Jetty I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 600mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:19:11am on a then mostly sunny morning.

Tracking: lower center Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #3: Sanderling flock backlit blast-off

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Use the Strong Backlight

We were at the base of the South Jetty attempting to photograph some low-in-the-sky Royal Terns before they turned left and away from us into the NE wind. I fanned on one good diving chance and then turned around to look south. I adjusted my shutter speed to get a few blinkies on the breaking waves and said to Sandy, “I hope they blast off.” Five seconds later, they did.

The key to the success of this image was moving the zone brackets to the bottom of the frame so that focus would be on the birds at the bottom of the frame that were closest to me.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/3200 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:01:56am on a mostly sunny morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #4: Osprey flying away with pinfish in its talons

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Experiment

The sun came out for a while. The Ospreys were kiting on the far side of the inlet, facing away from us, and catching an occasional fish. So, I figured what the heck and put the 2X TC on the 600. With the wind then from the north, the only thing available was the butt shot. Sometimes, they can work well. With the spread tail and the wings symmetrical, I like this particular butt shot. Go figure.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Again I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2500. 1/4000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:14:30am on a then partly cloudy morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #5: Osprey kiting

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Pray for Clouds

A large cloud covered the sun for a few moments and the wind shifted to the east for just a bit. Long enough for me to increase my exposure and get on an Osprey to my left that was more or less facing me. I was quite amazed by the sharpness at 1200mm.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Again I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 640. 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:50:48 am on a then cloudy/very bright morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #6: Osprey in flight with fish/silhouette

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Think Way Out of the Box

We drove across the bridge to the Northwest Pool in hopes of getting an Osprey flying east with a fish in its talons. No luck there. Still with the 2X on the 600, I thought that I might have a chance of creating a late morning silhouette against the now cloudy very bright skies. The problem was that the entire inlet walkway north of the bridge is closed for nine months for the renovation of the North Jetty. The only option was to set up just north of the bridge and shoot over the chain link fence. As soon as I got set up and adjusted the exposure, an Osprey with a fish flew up to my right. I made three good frames on this pass. I called Bob and Sandy over but that was the last of it.

Some days everything seems to go right, even in lousy conditions.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

November 16th, 2024

Shutter Priority -- Please Do Not Tell Me That Real Photographers Must Use Manual Mode 100% of the Time

Your Call

Which of today’s three featured images do you think is the strongest? Why?

What’s Up?

Conditions were perfect on Thursday morning: cloudy bright conditions with an 18 mph wind from the southeast. There was not much going on until about 9am when the tide began to ebb. Both Bob and I had some very good chances with Ospreys catching and carrying fish. Bob of course had three chances with pelicans attacking an Osprey and trying to steal its fish. I had none of those :-(. I need to stay closer to Mr. Eastman as he appears to be the Pelican Whisperer.

We stayed in on Thursday afternoon with clear skies and an east wind. On Friday morning the forecast was for a northwest wind and clear skies at sunrise followed by increasing cloudiness. I told Bob that we might have some good sunrise silhouette opportunities. We did. Things were pretty dead again until the tide began to recede. Once again, the Ospreys began fishing and catching. With the W/NW wind in our face and the North Jetty closed, even the cloudy skies did not help much. Just before we left, we were at the end of the jetty and had a decent chance with an Osprey carrying a fish right above us.

On Friday evening, Bob wanted to shoot the rising full moon. I hung out on the beach doing mostly Sanderlings until the moon rose. I think that I made some nice blurs … The moon was lovely when it got over the low clouds.

Today is Saturday 16 November 2024. Mr. Eastman and Mr. Morris will be at Sebastian Inlet well before sunrise as is usual.

This image was created on 13 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing at full height on the South Jetty I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 415mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +2.0 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 800: 1/30 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open). AWB at 6:46:05am on a then cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.

Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Osprey with yellow-tailed menhaden

Shutter Priority — Please Do Not Tell Me That Real Photographers Must Use Manual Mode 100% of the Time

As folks who have joined me on an IPT and those who seriously study the blog or photo books in an effort to improve their bird photography know, I will go to Shutter Priority with Auto ISO at sunrise and sunset fairly often. The huge advantage is that it is far easier to make drastic changes in your settings than it is when working in manual model. See the details on that below the next image.

A Wild and Crazy Morning

At dawn on the mostly cloudy morning of Wednesday 13 November the inlet was alive with bait and diving birds. You could feel the energy. With a stiff wind from the east, the waves were breaking against the South Jetty rocks. Of today’s three featured images, this one best conveys the soft light and the chaotic action.

300mm f/2.8 G Lens vs 200-600 GM Lens

Though the 300mm f/2.8 G lens with the 2X TC is smaller and lighter and 1/3-stop faster than the 200-600, I prefer the latter for early mornings as it is more versatile. That versatility enabled me to zoom out to 415mm for Image #1. Had I been at 600mm with the 300/2X rig I would not have been able to get the whole bird in the frame. Zooming out is ideal for Sanderling flock blurs as well. Moments later I created Image #2 at 600mm (at the cost of only one click of ISO).

Though I’ve offered Bob Eastman the use of my 400mm f/2.8, he has opted to stick with his 200-600 for most of the trip; and he has been making many superb images with it. It proves my oft-stated point that folks with “only” a 200-600 can become excellent bird photographers in short order. With the announcement of the Sony a-1 II coming very soon, a-1 prices will plummet. It soon may be possible to get started with a used Sony a-1 and a new 200-600 GM for less than $5k!

A Guide to Pleasing Blurs

Learn everything there is to know about creating pleasingly blurred images in A Guide to Pleasing Blurs by Denise Ippolito and yours truly. This 20,585 word, 271 page PDF is illustrated with 144 different, exciting, and artistic images. The guide covers the basics of creating pleasingly blurred images, the factors that influence the degree of blurring, the use of filters in creating pleasing blurs, and a great variety of both in-the-field and Photoshop techniques that can be used to create pleasingly blurred images.

Artie and Denise teach you many different ways to move your lens during the exposure to create a variety of pleasingly blurred images of flowers and trees and water and landscapes. They will teach you to recognize situations where subject movement can be used to your advantage to create pan blurs, wind blurs, and moving water blurs. They will teach you to create zoom-blurs both in the field and during post-processing. Artie shares the techniques that he has used and developed for making blurred images of flocks of geese in flight at his beloved Bosque del Apache and Denise shares her flower blur magic as well as a variety of creative Photoshop techniques that she has developed.

With the advent of digital capture creating blurred images has become a great and inexpensive way to go out with your camera and have fun. And while many folks think that making successful blurred images is the result of being a sloppy photographer, nothing could be further from the truth. In “A Guide to Pleasing Blurs” Artie and Denise will help you to unleash your creative self.

This image was created on 13 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing at full height on the South Jetty I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation (EC) on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +2.0 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 10000: 1/2500 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open). AWB at 6:58:20am on a then sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.

Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Brown Pelican adult in flight: downstroke

When Dealing with Vastly Different Shutter Speeds and Lighting Conditions, Working Faster and More Efficiently is Always Better

Twelve minutes after I created the Osprey blur, Image #1, above, the sun came out for a bit. The EC remained the same, +2.0 stops. All I needed to do was increase the shutter speed from 1/30 sec. at 1/2500 sec. So, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000 is six full stops, plus another 1/3 stop to get to 1/2500 sec. makes 6 1/3 stops. That means nineteen 1/3-stop clicks to increase the shutter speed from 1/30 to 1/2500 sec. That takes about 2.5 seconds. I did not have to manually change the ISO from 800 to 10,000 as AUTO ISO took care of that instantly.

Had I been working in Manual mode I would have needed 19 clicks to increase the shutter speed as needed, and then would have needed to raise the ISO from 800 to 10,0000! That would have taken about eleven 1/3 stop clicks plus the time needed to check the exposure. From Image #2 to Image #3 was even easier. I simply changed the EC from +2.0 stops to +1.0 stops. Everything else remained the same so that took perhaps one-half second. Having to change only one exposure parameter is always better than having to change two. And having to change only two exposure parameters is always better than having to change three.

Yes, you need to have a good understanding of exposure theory in order to set the correct EC, but that is also true when shooting in Manual mode. In and around sunrise and sunset Shutter Priority mode enables you to work quickly and efficiently no matter which way you are pointing your lens. The best way to learn Exposure Theory is to study and master the principles in the chapter on Exposure in The Art of Bird Photography.

A New Photoshop Trick!

It is a given that fine detail at ISO 10,000 will be lacking. When enlarged in Photoshop, the face and the bill of the pelican were total mush. So I tried something new and was very happy with the result. I will be sharing this technique and tons more new Photoshop stuff in Volume II of the Digital Basics III Video Series. You can expect to see the first offering in early to mid-December.

This image was created on 13 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More extended IPT. Standing at full height on the South Jetty I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +1.0 stop. AUTO ISO set ISO 320: 1/2500 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open). AWB at 7:08:57 am as the rising sun hit the light clouds to the east. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead perfect.

Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #3: Brown Pelican diving at sunrise

Sometimes, Everything Falls Perfectly Into Place

I set the exposure for the brightly colored sky nearest to the sun. I did not want to include the sun in the frame as that creates an exposure nightmare. When the pelicans dove in just the right spot, Tracking: Zone AF-C handled this contrasty situation with ease. At times, prayers are answered.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

November 14th, 2024

Wanted -- One Boreal Forest Bird & Bald Eagle Photographer

Sony a-1 II

If you are thinking of purchasing a Sony a-1 II soon, do not pre-order one. Wait till I can supply a link so that you can earn a free setting guide when and if I purchase one.

Thanks!

Thanks for all the erudite comments on the last blog post. That would be none, to be exact 🙂

What’s Up?

After two pretty good (but too warm for November!) days. Wednesday morning at the inlet was insane not to mention the breezy, cool fall weather. Dozens of pelicans and Ospreys dove for fish almost non-stop for an hour. The photography was so good that I was giddy with excitement. With one huge dark cloud on the eastern horizon, I opted for the 200-600/a-1 combo so that I could do blurs at first and then go for sharp when the sun came out. It was an in and out morning of sun and clouds. Thank the lord for Sony Zebra technology. I still have room for one more at the AirBnB in Sebastian. As the weather has cooled, the Osprey action should continue to heat up. I am looking forward to Steve and Elisabeth Shore’s arrival this coming Sunday.

There is a single opening on the first Homer Bald Eagle IPT (flight photography until you cannot lift your lens any longer) this coming February along with two days of songbird set-up photography at a private home in Anchor Point, AK before the Eagle IPT. The songbird feeder sessions are $500/day. I am offering a substantial discount on the IPT to the person who wishes to do seven great days of photography and learning in a gorgeous winter setting. Scroll down for complete details. Please contact me via e-mail or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up 🙂

Today is Thursday 14 November 2024. As John Johnson headed back to Naples after the thrilling morning session yesterday, Bob Eastman and I will be headed back to the state park for our 17th straight early morning of photography, learning, fun, and friendship.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, are all set for gear, or live overseas, consider leaving a BAA Blog Thank You Gift here.

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear from the wrong shop.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 420mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 10:54:48am on a cloudy morning.

Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Pine Grosbeaks — male and female on spruce bough with cones

Pine Grosbeak

This species is the star attraction at the feeders. In most years, they are relatively abundant. In 2024, I did not bring my 600mm f/4 to Homer and did 90% of my photography with the Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens. I used the bare lens for most of the eagle flight photography — it was perfect. For eagle head portraits and at the feeders, I added either teleconverter for a fast, lightweight, hand holdable rig that allowed me to get into position quickly and easily.

I’ve been getting some great stuff with the hand held 300mm and the 2X TC in the very difficult wind-against-sun afternoon sessions at Sebastian.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 600mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 9:33:40am on a partly sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Pine Grosbeak female with berries

Bingo

With permission from our host, I stuck a small branch with a cluster of mountain ash berries in the snow and crouched down when a female arrived to chow down. As the sun had popped out for just a minute, I was able to get right on sun angle and create a fine series of images. Folks working on a tripod were D-E-A-D dead!

Those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, can order their a copy here for $209.93.

Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.

The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.

If not, you can purchase a copy here for $209.93. Yes, it never hurts to use my links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail before you make a major purchase; I can often save you some money.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 600mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 500. 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 11:06:36am on a cloudy bright morning.

Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #3: Red-breasted Nuthatch on spruce bough with cones

Both Nuthatches

Both Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches visit the feeders in most years. I still am trying for a good white-breasted image. Image #3 is my only and thus best ever red-breasted photo. They are fast buggers.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 600mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/1600 sec. at f/8 (stopped down 1 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 2:54:56pm on a cloudy bright morning.

Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #4: Red Crossbill immature male on spruce cone

Both Crossbills

Both Red and White-winged Crossbills come to see at Steve’s place in Anchor Point. I am hoping that both species are more plentiful in 2025 than they have been in the past. Chances of that are good as the two days are earlier than I’ve ever been.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 600mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1600 sec. at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 3:33:58pm on a cloudy afternoon.

Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #5: Boreal Chickadee

Bringing the 600mm f/4 in 2025

I will be bringing my Sony 600mm f/4 lens just for this species. I plan on concentrating on this little speedster at both 840 and 1200mm.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 600mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 1/2500 sec. at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 3:43:30pm on a cloudy afternoon.

Tracking: (upper right) Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #6: Redpoll male on spruce bough

Redpolls Lumped

From the Cornell All About Birds website here:

Ornithologists and birders across the Northern Hemi­sphere have long grappled with the question of how many species of redpolls —- small, streaky finches with neat red caps —- exist. In its 2024 checklist update, the American Ornithological So­ciety provided a clear answer: the three redpoll species previously recognized by the AOS -— Common, Hoary, and Less­er Redpoll (of Europe) —- are now a single species, known simply as Redpoll.

Hoary Redpoll was formerly the frosty white version. Follow the link above to check out the interesting scientific backstory on the new species, Redpoll.

No Homer IPT Price Increase!

Despite that fact that the hourly boat fee has been increased by 33%, I have decided not to raise the price of the 2025 Homer IPTs. Note that similar trips with 40% less time on the boat cost $5800!

2025 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs

IPT #1: FRI 14 FEB 2025 through the full day on TUES 18 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 1.

IPT #2: WED 19 FEB 2025 through the full day on SUN 23 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Sold Out.

Adding two days of songbird set-up photography ($500/day) at a private home in Anchor Point, AK before the first Bald Eagle IPT will earn you a substantial discount IPT #1 . If you’d like to do seven great days of photography and learning in a gorgeous winter setting, please contact me via e-mail or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up 🙂

This trip features non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.

In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require some good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when pleasing creating bird-scapes.

If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If the conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will be in the right spot.

We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.

Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader and instructor. He is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and Sony. You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.

All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!

What You Will Learn

You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.

You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes. You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode. Most importantly, you will learn to pick your best flight photographs from tens of thousands of images.

You will enjoy working with the best and most creative boat captain on his sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck watercraft.

There will be only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.

Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions.
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All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK

What’s Included

One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.

What’s Not Included

Your airfare to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.

Important Notes

We toss frozen herring chunks to bring the eagles into photographic range. The late Jean Keene, the Eagle Lady, fed the eagles in Homer for many decades and brought the population back from the brink of extinction.

On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $300.00/hour. The leader will pay for the bait.

Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer. In 2024 those included Moose, Sea Otter, a variety of sea ducks in the harbor, and Great Grey and Short-eared Owl.

Deposit Information

A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (the latter made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check.

In Closing

I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of these two trips is to sign up for both of them. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one or both of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.