The Streak Continues: 282
This blog was published just after 6:45am from my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Yesterday I enjoyed a long, easy swim of just under a mile and a too-long nap. Plus lots of golf, tennis, and the NFL on the big flat screen TV. I was in bed early at 9:00pm, up at 3:00am, and at my desk hard at work by 3:30am. This post, which took me about 3 1/2 hours to prepare, makes 282 in a row. 365 is well within sight….
As always, I would appreciate your using the BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases, using our Amazon logo-link for all of your household purchases, and visiting the BAA Online Store for your tripod, tripod head, LensCoat, miscellaneous, accessories, and eGuide purchases as well. Please remember, web orders only. 🙂
Ask and Ye Shall Receive
In the “Despicable Tales, 1D X Frame Rate, & Matters of Opinion” blog post here, I wrote under the heading of Blog Interactivity: While it is great that an average of more than 2,000 folks visit and learn from the blog each day it would be wonderful if more than a handful of folks tackled the questions that are designed to make the blog more interactive and less static. And I could have added, “more interesting for all as well.”
With 14 comments, folks really rose to the occasion. Such participation is greatly appreciated.
Lens Pen News
The Lens Pen sale will continue for one more day. The price increase will go into effect on Tuesday morning at 9am. We were overwhelmed by orders yesterday. You can read the whole story by scrolling down here. Or order one or more Lens Pen Mini Pros here for just $9.99 each plus shipping. As always, and ridiculous excess shipping charges will of course be refunded.
Click here to learn about all of our sensor cleaning supplies.
Coming Tomorrow (for sure!)
In tomorrow’s blog post I will share a great new Giottos Rocket-Air Super AIR Blower sensor cleaning tip.
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This image was created with the Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS EF USM AF lens hand held at 28mm with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital camera body. ISO 400: 1/1600 sec. at f/13 in Manual mode. Central sensor Surround/AI Servo/Rear Focus AF and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper version.
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Thanks Clemens!
Clemens Van der Werf is unquestionably one of my two most talented students with only Todd Gustafson giving him a run for the money. Thanks to Clemens for letting me use six of his Southern Ocean images in this blog post. Clemens has been on several Southern Ocean expeditions, several with me and most with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris.
Please note: all of the images here were created by Clemens Van der Werf. Comments praising me for my great images will be deleted as a matter of course and without comment.
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This image was created with the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens (hand held at 24mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400: 1/80 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. Central sensor/AI Servo/Surround Rear Focus AF on the nearest penguin and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
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Compositional Skills
Note Clemens’ superb compositional skills in each of the images presented here. Interestingly enough, when Clemens came on his first IPT he had no interest in bird photography. He just wanted to learn photography. Canon Explorer of Light Onne van der Wal recommended that Clemens study with me. He has done that in spades. He has attended well more than a dozen IPTs, Photo Cruises and Expeditions, and Bear Boat trips in all.
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This image was created with the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens, a Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400: 1/80 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. One sensor to the left of the central sensor/AI Servo/Surround Rear Focus AF on the neck of the nearest penguin was active at the moment of exposure. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
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AF Tip
In soft light/low contrast situations like the one above it is important to choose an AF point that falls on an area of contrast. Here Clemens activated a sensor that fell right on the spot where black hood of the front bird met the white breast. AF acquired and held focus easily resulting in a series of sharp images.
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This image was created with the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM lens for Canon EOS (hand held at 203mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 500: 1/320 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode. Central sensor/AI Servo/Surround Rear Focus AF on the nearest penguin and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
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Local Knowledge…
Even in wildlife-rich paradises like the Southern Ocean, each landing rife with almost unlimited photographic opportunities, a little bit of local knowledge goes a long way. On my first landing at Bailey Head, long-time CES leader Tom Murphy alerted me to the single hillside that would be best for photographing chinstraps with chicks at the nest with pleasingly distant backgrounds….
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This image was created with the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM lens for Canon EOS (this one hand held at 500mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400: 1/320 sec. at f/16 in Manual mode. Central sensor/AI Servo/Surround Rear Focus AF behind the base of the long toe on the bird’s left foot and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
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Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Lens Versatility
By simply looking at this image and the one above it is easy to tell that the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM lens is amazingly versatile. With it 10X zoom range and remarkable close focus abilities it really is a one-size fits all hand holdable lens for wildlife. The only drawback? For decent sharpness, you need to work at f/8 or smaller. Nikon users need not despair; a Nikon mount version is available.
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This image was also created with the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens (hand held again at 24mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400: 1/60 sec. at f/14 in Manual mode. Central sensor/AI Servo/Surround Rear Focus AF on the second closest penguin and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
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Exposure Quiz
OK boys and girls, here is your chance to shine and show how much you have learned here. List the images by number like this:
#1:
#2:
#3:
#4:
#5:
#6: +1 1/3 stops.
and then type in what you think was the correct exposure compensation for each image. I have given you my best guess for #6. Nikon folks will on average need to add 2/3 stop to their Nikon exposure compensations. When we follow up I will share my thoughts on each exposure and we will have Clemens chime in with his best recollections.
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Breathe deeply, bite the bullet, and live life to its fullest; we all get only one ride on the merry-go-round… Join me on this great trip. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. |
This Could Be You in the Southern Ocean!
I’ve been blessed. I’ve made three trips to the Southern Ocean, two extended trips that visited the Falklands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula, and one to the Falklands and South Georgia. Each was a truly amazing experience. With three trips under my belt, I have a pretty good idea about how to make great images at each of the iconic landings. And I would love the chance to share my knowledge with you.
And I know from personal experience that if you are a photographer who is going to invest in Southern Ocean voyage that you will want to put your money on Cheesemans’. No other tour company goes so far out of their way to ensure making every possible safe landing. And no other tour company will have you spending more time on land. Here, from the” Way to Go CES! (Cheeseman’s Ecology Safaris)” blog post here, is one of my favorite Cheesemans’ stories:
The landing at Bailey Head, Antarctica, was especially rewarding to me as I had been sitting in a zodiac 100 yards off shore on my 2007 trip when the zodiac in front of mine swamped and the captain of the ship called off the landing…. Early that day it looked as if my weather Karma might not be working. Ted’s “Good morning shipmates” was followed by the news that we would not be able to land at Bailey Head that morning as the swell was too big. The beach there is sloped tremendously and the sea strives to pull the zodiacs back into the ocean before folks have gotten off with their gear. Tom Murphy had said to me several days before, “We will get you on the beach at Bailey Head.” Ted concluded his morning greetings by saying, “We are sending out a scout team to see if landing is possible.”
After breakfast I was thrilled to hear Ted’s voice again on the PA, “We will be landing at 8am.” Afterwards folks noted that it was the calmest landing ever at this amazingly beautiful spot. My good weather Karma (courtesy of late-wife Elaine) had come through one last time. Along with St. Andrews Bay, it was one of my two favorite super-great once-in-a-lifetime days of the trip. And we even got to enjoy three additional hours at Hannah Point, Antarctica before calling it a wrap and heading for the feared Drake Passage. All thanks to Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris.
Why Sign Up Through BIRDS AS ART?
If you have been thinking and dreaming of finally visiting South Georgia and Antarctica, this is the trip for you. Quit dreaming and act now. Though I will not be an official leader on this trip, those who have traveled with me know that I cannot help but teach. I will make pre-trip gear recommendations. I will hold informal pre-landing briefings. In the same vein, everyone will receive a free copy of our Antarctica Site Guide once they are paid in full (August 15, 2014). I will be available on the ship to review your images,, answer questions, and conduct informal over-the shoulder Photoshop sessions. And best of all everyone who signs up under the auspices of BAA are invited to tag along with me on the landings where I will be glad to offer invaluable in-the-field advice. And the same goes for the ship-board birds in flight and marine mammal photography opportunities.
Do join us. To learn how to be part of the BAA group please e-mail me with the words Antarctica/Extended Expedition BAA Info Please cut and pasted into the Subject line.
The Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris Antarctica/The Extended Expedition Voyage
Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and Falkland Islands: December 13, 2014 to January 10, 2015
From the CES website:
Join us on a voyage of discovery to an awe-inspiring world devoted to nature, wildlife, science, and peace. This expedition will have you completely captivated, from the stunning vistas of Tierra del Fuego to the busy penguin rookeries of the Falklands, from the dramatic landscapes of South Georgia to the ice-covered terrain of the Antarctic. Board the comfortable, safe and newly upgraded Ortelius for an expedition offering an unparalleled 17 landing days in the Southern Ocean. Our voyage includes three days in the Falklands with a huge diversity of species, six days at South Georgia Island, the all but undiscovered rugged land of towering mountains and thriving colonies of penguins, seals, and albatross, one day at the South Orkneys with nesting Snow Petrels, and seven days along the Antarctic Peninsula, the wonderland of ice and inconceivably vibrant polar wildlife. During days at sea, our naturalists on the ship’s bridge and stern share sightings of whales and seabirds, including many of the world’s species of albatross. Maximum time both on shore and Zodiac cruising will be available for photography, wildlife experiences, and exploring the landscapes of the great Southern Ocean. Our priority is assuring the most in-depth wildlife experience in the Antarctic, an experience made possible by our excellent itinerary and committed expedition staff.
I can personally attest to the accuracy of everything above. 🙂
Additional Links
Learn about the global ocean here.
Antarctic Inspiration from Paul Mckenzie here.
Way to Go CES! (Cheeseman’s Ecology Safaris) here.
Or simply type any of the following words or phrases in the little white search box on the top right of this page, hit Search, and follow the links: penguin; Antarctica; South Georgia; Falklands. Have fun.
The Pull is Too Strong…
The pull is too strong. I need to go back. And I am. Do join me for an unparalleled wildlife and scenic photography experience. Please e-mail or leave a comment if you’d like to learn more.
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Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos, wrong words, misspellings, omissions, or grammatical errors. Just be right. 🙂
Beautiful shots, I especially like the landscape with the full moon. Clemens is a gifted photographer.
With the EOS 5 D Mk III I would go with these settings (always composing to the right!):
# 1: + 1/3
# 2: + 1 1/3
# 3: + 1 1/3
# 4: + 2/3
# 5: + 1 1/3
# 6: + 1 1/3
1. +1
2. +1
3. +2 2/3
4. 0
5. +1 2/3
6. +1
#1+1
#2+2 1/3
#3+2
#4 +1/3
#5 +2 1/3
#6: +1 1/3
1 +2/3
2 +1 1/3
3 +1
4 -2/3
5 +1 2/3
6 +1 2/3
Great set of photos.
#1 +1
#2 +2/3
#3 +2 2/3
#4 0
#5 +2 1/3
#6: +1 1/3
Don’t forget multiple winner in the two BAA Competitions. There should be a Van der Werf award because I know every time there’s a competitions he’s going to win a lot. Met him two years ago on the IPT. Simply a wonderful man to be around even without the photography.
Doug
The good news is that he cannot win anything in next year’s BAA contest! Why? He is a judge.
#1:+2/3
#2: 0
#3:+1 2/3
#4: +1/3
#5: +1 2/3
#6: +1 1/3
#1 +1/3
#2 +1 1/3
#3 +2
#4 -2/3
#5 +2 2/3
#6: +1 1/3
Canon 5D Mark III
#1 +2/3
#2 +1
#3 +2
#4 -1/3
#5: +2 1/3
#6: +1 1/3