Bok Tower Flower Lessons. Sandisk 4TB SSHD Warning. Why Do You Photograph Birds and Natural History? And, What Happens to Our Images When We Die?

Your Call?

Which of today’s featured flower images do you like best? All are invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choice.

Important Retraction

Thanks to Craig Elson (via e-mail) and to Lisa Cuchara (who left this comment at the last blog post):

Lisa Cuchara — September 29, 2023 at 6:51 pm

Be very careful with those Sandisk SSD drives. Learn more in the article here — The Newer SanDisk Portable SSDs Are Failing So Frequently We Can No Longer Recommend Them. This situation has been serious enough that other staff members at PetaPixel have stopped using SanDisk portable SSDs regardless of their age. I no longer use them.

A-1 Group Member Craig Elson via e-mail

Hope you’ve had a great summer in Iceland and the Galapagos! Saw today’s blog just now and thought I would write to you directly instead of posting on the blog so that you could decide how to handle. Given how busy you’ve been, I am guessing you’ve missed all the recent press about the problems with the Sandisk Extreme Pro SSDs, the 4TB ones in particular. In short, they cannot be trusted any longer. Well…maybe they can be, now, after the firmware updates, but the way the company has handled this mess, I personally just don’t think you can trust them any longer. In any event, just wanted to make you aware of it since so many people take your advice and counsel and I didn’t want you to be caught off guard on this.

Best, Craig

The Bottom Line

I have been using an older version of the Sandisk 4TB SSHDs without a problem for several years. I was totally unaware of the very serious problems with the newer versions. At present, I cannot recommend purchasing either of the newer versions. If you are currently using a reliable 4TB SSHD, please contact me via e-mail. When purchasing anything or renting an AirBnB, it is always wise to check out the reviews. See the reviews on the current Sandisk SSHDs here.

What’s Up?

I had a ball photographing flowers at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales on the morning of Thursday past. With mostly cloudy skies and barely a breeze, conditions were perfect. I will share of few of those new images with you here in the next blog post. Most importantly, I had a ton of fun enjoying the process, looking for the perfect subject, finding the best perspective, and framing the image.

Today is Saturday 30 September. When Jim went shopping on Friday, I had him pick up two pounds of fresh tuna from Junior’s Fish Market but forget to tell him to grab six avocados at Publix. So this morning, I will be heading out early in hopes of doing some wildflowers at the Ridge Audubon center in Babson Park. On the way home, I will be stop at the supermarket in Lake Wales to pick up the main ingredient for guacamole! Wherever you are an whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon 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!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

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.

Ryan Sanderson — September 28, 2023 at 11:53pm

Artie, Have you considered what happens to your photos and the storage devices that hold them when you’re no longer here? It’s an inevitability we all face and as I think about it, do these images get saved or appreciated by anyone? Does someone go through the many photos that so many photographers have taken but have never even looked at once after they’ve been downloaded? Sorry if this sounds kind of dark, it’s just had me wondering.

My Reply

Thanks for the excellent question, Ryan. Yes, I have considered that. Upon my death, hopefully not this week, it is very likely that all the hard drives and images will wind up in the garbage can. Not the trash cans on our computers, but literally, the large, hard plastic receptacles that we wheel to the curb once a week. (Note — I am aiming at least to make 81 to equal or beat my Dad’s longevity, but who knows?)

For me, the key is accepting reality. What is the (potential) value of my images? Unless I succeed in placing images from the past few years with Getty, the answer is $0.00 or very close to it. It is now exceedingly rare that we sell the rights to an image or images. As noted here before, such sales are down more than 99% since 2001 when BAA sold such rights for more than $220,000.00. The market is so depressed that we barely make an effort anymore.

So, why do I keep photographing? Because I love the process and I love the challenge of photographing birds. And I love making (and looking at) good images. Both old and new images are used to generate ideas for the blog which in turn generates at least some income — affiliate sales, IPTs (also down precipitou$ly), and the sale of educational materials like books, CDs, and PDFs.

When it gets down to the nitty gritty, I simply love looking at and optimizing both new and old images. Doing so give me great pleasure. When I spent more than $4.5K a few years ago to recover three years plus of recent (but mostly worthless) images, that was done to preserve the memories — the locations, the experiences, the friends I was with, and of course, in many cases, memories of the birds depicted in the photos.

When I mentioned recently how much fun I had seeing the newly backed up images from the office computer, I was not kidding. And I cannot wait to share the family images with my two daughters and their families. And I can’t wait to go exploring the main Elements HD folders, and strangely — to deleting hundreds of inferior images. Every time that I come across a good image that I had totally forgotten bout, it’s like getting a happiness injection.

If anyone needs help with learning to accept reality, check out The Work of Byron Katie. You can surely find some peace but doing the Work.

Why Do You Photograph?

Please take a moment to leave a comment and let us know why like or love to photograph free a wild birds.

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 4001. Yes, 4001 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.

B&H Simplified

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

B&H

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can 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 image was created on the morning of 28 September 2023 at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL. Crouching, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera body. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial: 1/500 second at f/3.5 (wide open) in Manual Mode. Cloudy WB at 8:21:05am on a cloudy, almost windless morning. Manual focus with (Blue) focus peaking. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #1: Starry Rosinweed blossom

Horizontal versus Vertical Compositions with Round Flowers

With most round flowers — there are many, I begin with a bullseye image design by working tight and placing the circular blossom dead center with just a small border around it. That is what I did with Image #1. Then, as I often do , I moved the tripod back a bit and went vertical. Moving it to my left changed the background and introduced several nice elements including a new bud that I was able to position right in front of a second, smaller flower. As always, perspective is very important when doing nature photography.

This image was also created on the morning of 28 September 2023 at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL. Again, crouching a bit, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera body. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial: 1/400 second at f/3.5 (wide open) in Manual Mode. Cloudy WB at 8:45:05am on a cloudy, almost windless morning. Manual focus with (Blue) focus peaking. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #2: milkweed blossoms

Breezy Day Flower Options

Even though there was not much wind on Thursday morning, I sometimes had to deal with a breeze when photographing in relatively open areas. Even a slight breeze requires intermediate shutter speeds of from 1/250 to maybe 1/1000 second (depending of course, on wind speed). Especially when working in low light conditions as I was early on at Bok, your options include the following:

1- Working wide open with a moderate shutter speed while sacrificing depth-of-field (as I did with Image #2)

2- Stopping down two or three stops while dropping the shutter speed and hoping that the breeze stops for a moment.

3- Raising the ISO dramatically and going with a small aperture and a relatively high shutter speed.

Note that with the 2nd and third options, bringing up unwanted background detail is often a concern. (And yes, I have heard of “focus stacking.”)

Another problem with a breeze is that accurate focus may be thrown off (as it was in Image #2). I had focused (manually) on the single tiny blossom just left of dead center, but the wind blew the flower head slightly toward me just as the shutter was released.

Image #2A: Step 1 noise reduction screen captures milkweed blossoms

New, 2-Step Noise Reduction Technique

I recently began experimenting with a new, 2-step noise reduction procedure. The results with step 1, as seen above, are quite excellent. With the addition of the second step, the results are spectacular. I will be sharing details on this new NR procedure and lots more in the upcoming Digital Basics III video series. Stay tuned.

This image was also created on the morning of 28 September 2023 at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL. Again, crouching a bit, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera body. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial: 1/80 second at f/8 (stopped down 1 1/3 stops) in Manual Mode. Cloudy WB at 9:15:31am in the woods on a cloudy, almost windless morning. Manual focus with (Blue) focus peaking. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #3: Yellow Crane Orchid

Depth of Field with Telephoto (and other) Macro Lenses

Whenever you are working with a telephoto lens anywhere near the minimum focusing distance, depth-of-field is minuscule, most often measured in mere fractions of an inch. A docent couple riding around on a four-wheeler kindly led me to the stand of Yellow Crane Orchids. Most of the blossoms were a bit past their prime. And photographing orchids is often difficult because they are oddly-shaped and anything but flat. I stood on the path a looked for a shot for more than a few minutes before spotting something that I liked, Image #3. I made a few images focusing on the near edge of the orange part of the flower, and then a few more focusing on the center of the flower. I converted two raw files, the sharpest one of each. In Photoshop, I selected the sharper flower center, put it on a layer, dragged it atop the images with the sharp near edge, and refined that layer using the Transform command followed by a Regular Layer Mask. Let’s call it a crude, manually assembled, two-frame focus stack.

Robus RC-5558 Versus Robus RC-5558-3

The Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod has four leg sections. The Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod has three leg sections. At the last minute, I decided to bring the RC-5558-3 to Bonaire. Both weigh almost exactly the same (5.2 and 5.1 lbs. respectively) and can support any lens that you own. The closed length of the 5558 is 22.5″ as compared to 26.9″ for the 3-leg section 5558-3. That makes the 5558 a bit easier to pack. At times, it may be easier to work with a 3-leg section tripod than it is to work with a 4-leg section tripod as there is one less twist lock to deal with. Whenever I need to get low, the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber tripod with four leg sections is the clear favorite for me.

Topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro, either should be fine for folks up to about 6′ 1″ tall. Taller folks or those who need a tall tripod when working on a ladder, for example, are directed to the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod that comes in just about one foot taller and weighs only 5.6 lbs. If you are looking to save a bit of weight check out the Robus RCC-5560 Vantage Series C 4-Section Carbon Fiber Compact Tripod.

Do know that on average, RWS (Really Wrong Stuff) tripods cost more than twice as much as the comparable Robus models and do not perform as efficiently as my Robus 5558s do.

This image was also created on the morning of 28 September 2023 at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL. Again, crouching a bit, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera body. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial: 1/640 second at f/8 (stopped down 1 1/3 stops) in Manual Mode. Cloudy WB at 9:49:29am in the woods on then sunny morning. Manual focus with (Blue) focus peaking. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #4: rear of unknown sunflower species strongly backlit

Strong Backlight with Flowers

The cloudy skies cleared and the sun came out at full strength. I stumbled upon Jim and we decided to head back to ILE. As we walked toward the visitor center and the parking lot, I noticed some nice patterns on the rear side of a strongly backlit, large, bright-yellow sunflower. I was ready to pass on the chance when I noted a shaded bush that I could use to create a black background to accentuate the backlight. After that it was just a matter of getting the lens in the exact right spot. Using several of my newly-learned Photoshop techniques made the image optimization a lot easier than creating the image! I will be sharing all of those techniques and lots more in the upcoming Digital Basics III video series.

Typos

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