Good Morning America
Listening to a John Prine mix on YouTube while preparing today’s blog post I came across a really sweet song here. The intro is quite neat as well. The song was written by Steve Goodman who wrote lots of Prine’s stuff. It put a big smile on my face. Ain’t music grand? What type do you like?
The Fact$ of Life
Right now, the market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%). Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.
In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,000.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4002. Yes, 4002 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.
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My Call
Though I liked the Hoppy image in Thursday’s post, my clear favorite was Crabby.. Some might be surprised that the former was a large crop and the latter was a huge crop. The image quality of sharp SONY A1 image files is truly astounding.
What’s Up?
The third (sunny) morning of the second DeSoto IPT turned out to be a bit adventurous as we negotiated the breach at the New Far Bar at DeSoto. We all survived. The photography was good, but not as good as it had been on the previous epic morning. Clue #1: cloudy mornings with very strong east winds often turn out epic. Clue #2: it is more difficult to photograph on sunny days than it is on cloudy (or even foggy) ones.
The sad truth, however, is that many photographers do not venture forth on stormy days. Steve Pumillia and I worked some feeding herons and White Ibises at my favorite afternoon spot. In sunny conditions. On sunny Thursday, I kept 275 of the 5173 images that I made, 148 of 2990 on our last morning (after the first edit). The bird photography at DeSoto has been fantastic and will continue for at least anther month. I took Friday afternoon off 🙂
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This image was created on 12 April 2023 on the second Fort DeSoto IPT. Seated on dry sand I used the lowered, no-longer available Induro GIT 204 tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens 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. 1/3200 sec. at f/3.5 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:51:04am on then-cloudy bright morning. Tracking: expand Spot AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Royal Tern Gathering: post copulatory stand, interloper, and by bystander |
Two BIRDS AS ART Royal Tern Masterpieces
“Two BIRDS AS ART Royal Tern masterpieces,” he said modestly. After clicking on each image to enlarge it, let me know if I have overrated either of today’s featured images? And let us know why.
Both of today’s images were created on the epic Wednesday past detailed to some degree in the previous post.
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This image was also created on 12 April 2023 on the second Fort DeSoto IPT. Seated on dry sand I used the lowered, no-longer available Induro GIT 204 tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/3200 sec. at f/3.5 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:35:29am on then-cloudy morning. Tracking: expand Spot AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Royal Tern pair — post copulatory display |
More Questions
Which of today’s two featured images do you like best? Why? I have a clear favorite.
Which of the images was more the result of serendipity and less the result of planning and forethought? Can you explain why?
The Sands They are a Shiftin’
On Thursday morning, we discovered that the sand ridge at the New Far Bar upon which both of today’s features image were created was gone with the overnight high tide.
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Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, many in full breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull landing on head of Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull in flight, Reddish Egret sunrise silhouette, Great Blue Heron with needlefish, Yellow-crowned Night Heron with ghost crab, Roseate Spoonbill, Sanderling in breeding plumage, and white morph Reddish Egret in glorious breeding plumage. |
The 2023 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tours (IPTs)
Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #3: Tuesday 9 May through the morning session on 12 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 4.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for terns and gulls, wading birds, and shorebirds in spring. Many of the birds will be in full breeding plumage. Simply put, DeSoto is the new Ding Darling. Migrant shorebirds are in abundance, and many are exceedingly tame. We should have great chances on Royal and Sandwich Terns and both white- and dark-morph Reddish Egrets. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two along with some American Oystercatchers. We will enjoy lots of great flight photography, especially with the Brown Pelicans.
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Again, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull in flight, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Sandwich Terns copulating, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret with reflection, breeding plumage Short-billed Dowitcher, American Oystercatcher, Royal Tern, white morph Reddish Egret, and Snowy Egret in marsh. |
In Addition!
We should also get to photograph a variety of other shorebirds including Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, Snowy, and Piping Plovers, Willet, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit, and most especially, Red Knot, with many individuals in their handsome breeding plumages. In spring the T-shaped peninsula and the newly formed sandbar, Outback Key, are literally packed with avian treasures.
With just a bit of luck, we may get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable species: Roseate Spoonbill. And we will surely get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. With luck, they will have Laughing Gulls landing on their heads. And though not guaranteed, Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
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Yes, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left around to center: breeding plumage Dunlin, dark morph Reddish Egret displaying, Laughing Gull vertical front-end portrait, Laughing Gull with prey item, landing on head of Brown Pelican, breeding plumage Royal Tern displaying, Royal Terns — pre-copulatory stance, Laughing Gulls copulating, Laughing Gull head portrait, breeding plumage Sandwich Tern with fish, and a rare treat, a breeding plumage White-rumped Sandpiper. |
What You Will Learn on a DeSoto IPT
- 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
- 2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
- 3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
- 4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
- 5- To age and identify many species of shorebirds including various sandpipers, plovers, dowitchers, and possibly yellowlegs.
- 6- To spot good situations and to choose the best perspective.
- 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
- 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
- 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
- 10- More than you could ever imagine.
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You got it by now! Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left around to center: Roseate Spoonbill, immature Brown Pelican in flight, the heron/egret hybrid, American Oystercatcher feeding, immature Royal Tern on railing, Great Egret morning silhouette, Black Skimmer in surf, and underside head portrait of Great Blue Heron. |
The Details
Morning sessions will run two and one-half to three hours; afternoon sessions about two. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till noon and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy. We may opt to visit a great North Tampa rookery if conditions warrant that.
There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session before and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:30am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We will be getting wet.
Your $599 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check three months before the trip begins. If you wish to pay in full right off the bat, you can make your check out to BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice two months before the trip. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I like Classical music and I’m on the Board of the St Petersburg Opera for 13 years. No, not sutffy. We’re having the Opera Cowgirls https://www.operacowgirls.com/ this weekend! They make opera sound like Joe Green. Should be very fun! Dress for this and all other performances is come comfortable.l
Image #1 and #2 of Royal Tern are interesting. Image#1 looks like a female is flying and coming and image #2 with the kids gone and the man and woman together!
What a great song, Artie. I was in Chicago when the City of New Orleans derailed, killing some people, in the early 1970s, and all Chicago radio stations stopped playing that song. I saw Arlo not long ago and he was as good as ever. Emmylou Harris is another favorite. We flew to Atlanta a few years ago to hear her. “Together again.”
Typo: Clue #2: it is more difficult to photograph on sunny days than it is on sunny ones.
Thanks and fixed.
with love, artie
exposure is outstanding (as usual)…Mystical vibe
A stellar pair of Royal’s today Art! Love them both but have to say #1 is a clear favorite.
The post or possibly even pre-copulatory stand, the Royal to the right looking on and especially the Royal flying overhead which seems very serendipitous. It’s the Royal flying in overhead that makes this a real standout IMO, I’m even wondering if you had seen this unfolding and kept the shutter pressed if it may have even been possible to have the same scene with the flying Royal in sharp focus as well. The Royal Terns are so much fun to watch and photograph this time of the year.
As always, THANKS for sharing your images and knowledge with us mortals!!
Music question… late 60’s and early 70’s rock and pop are tops in my book, age may have a lot to do with that.
#1 is simply epic and my favorite. One wouldn’t even think to photoshop such a grouping, let alone expect it to actually happen. Was serendipity a factor? Absolutely! That’s part of the fun. #2 shows an expected behavior after copulation so you were ready and waiting.
You nailed it 🙂 Image #1 is the full frame horizontal image. And yes, I had seen the display just minutes before with another pair. They do not always follow up with that.
much love, a
Image #1 is simply wonderfully frenetic and beautifully executed. #2 is elegant and symphonic. They have their respective beauty and place and you have expertly captured and processed them.
I like the wing spread in #2. “You stay back, I’ll take care of this.” Of course the bird is not thinking that at all but in MHO I think it’s a good caption. #1 is a good story too, but I think I like the fewer birds in #2 which makes it a more standout subject.
Artie, i didn’t get an email saying this was posted like you send Sue?
Yep overrated! You processed these with your foot tapping to Prine or WAIT you did an amazing job and Under Rated them as i think epic to say the least! I love image #1 the above bird doing a flyover as Top Gun buzzes the tower and perfectly framed and the bystander watched the show with amazement, well captured my friend. The dark patch of grass in the middle is a little distracting and draws my eye but i love the flyover!
#2 is again over the top epic as the right wing seems to touch the other birds chest and their in awhh for the brief moment again well captured and they both are quite fantastic however my favorite in #1 for all the action. serendipity humm i am thinking #2 as normally afterwards each bird displays the happiness by a quick dance knowing this you stayed on the birds?
Always with love b
Image 2 for me too. Something “funky” (as you would say) going on with the wings on the tern on the right…almost like the liquefy filter in Photoshop…but I like it. The terns seem to be thinking (judging by their stance) “I’m not interested in what you have to say, so I’m ignoring you”.
I’m fine with copulation image 1.
Image 2, no contest for me as I’ve no real interest in seeing images of copulating birds!
Re “City of New Orleans”, many have covered this song, not heard John Prine’s version, but the one I remember was by John Denver. I might like Prine’s version better, but not my favourite…
If you had clicked on the link, you would have known that it is to Arlo Guthrie’s hugely popular first version. Willie Nelson’s version topped the U.S. country singles chart. I am not sure if John Prine ever did a cover.
Best to avoid the blog for a while as several copulation images are coming to a theater near you. I have created many thousands of them in the past few days. It is just part of what makes Fort DeSoto great for nature photography in spring.
with love, arite