Biggest-ever Fort DeSoto Fall IPT Late-Registration Discounts
It’s not too late. Just hop on a Southwest flight to Tampa (TPA) and learn more about bird photography than you could have ever imagined. If you would like to explore the possibility of doing just that, consider joining me at Fort DeSoto next week for either the two-day weekend trip, the 3 1/2 day IPT, or both, please shoot me an e-mail to learn of the largest-ever late-registration discounts. If are an IPT veteran, please mention that for an additional discount. There have not been any red tide problems at DeSoto. I hope that you can join me.
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Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All of the images in this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this September. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron. |
The 2018 Fort DeSoto Fall Weekend IPT/September 22-23, 2018: 2 FULL DAYS: $949. Limit 8/Openings 7.
The trip above and the trip below can be combined.
The 2018 Fort DeSoto Fall IPT/September 24 (MON) through the morning of September 27 (THURS), 2018: 3 1/2 DAYS: $1749. Limit 8. Meet and Greet at 7:30pm on the evening of September 23 (SUN)
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With luck, we may get to photograph two of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit and the spectacular Long-billed Curlew. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher almost guaranteed. 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. We may very well get to see and photograph the amazing heron/egret hybrid that has been present for three year. And we should get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and 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.
On the IPT you will learn basics and fine points of digital exposure and to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
There will be a Photoshop/image review session after lunch (included) each day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
This IPT will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with the hotel information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same hotel (rather than at home or at a friend’s place).
Because of the late date you may pay in full by credit card. Register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please remember that the meet and greet will take place at 7:30 on the evening of Sunday, September 23. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
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Obviously folks attending the IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors. The good news is that the days are relatively short in late September. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur. |
Early and Late
Getting up early and staying out late is pretty much a staple on all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Being in the field well before the sun comes up and staying out until sunset will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers arrive.
The Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
I have received several e-mails asking my opinion of the new Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. I did a bit of research and came up with the following:
I do not know much about the ESO R or about any mirrorless bodies.
I did learn this:
The 5D IV body alone weighs 1.76 lbs.
The EOS R weighs 1.45 lbs with battery and memory card so it is a bit lighter.
The EOS R requires an adapter if it will be used with EF lenses. I have never been a fan of having to use an adapter.
The frame rate of the EOS R is 8fps, 7 fps for the 5D IV.
Both are full frame and both produce 30+ MP files.
The cost of the EOS R is $2299. The 5 D IV is $3099.
There is no need to micro-adjust mirrorless cameras like the new ESO R.
If you pre-order an R, please use these links:
Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM
If you are a blog regular who is planning on getting your hands on the new Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM please use this link to pre-order from B&H. The faster you order, the faster you will have your new lens in your hands.
The new version tips the scales at only 6.71 pounds, nearly two pounds lighter than the 600 II and even lighter (by slightly more than 1/4 pound) than the 500 II. Best of all for the extremely weight conscious, the tripod collar is removable! In addition, it focus down to 13.78 feet, one foot closer than the 600 II. If I were still using Canon I would be the first one on the pre-order list …
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Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
Hi Artie. You mention that mirrorless cameras do not need to be micro adjusted, why is that.
Many thanks
Andy Gregory
UK
I read that Canon has announced a firmware update which will address the frame rate in continuous mode on the new R.
While talking about new equipment, what’s your take on the new Nikon 500mm?
I know that folks love the 300 P. The 500 P weighs less than 2 ounces less than the 200-500. The latter of course offers great versatility and the 500 P costs almost 3 times as much … The 2-5 is a cheap lens but I love mine. Both are relatively slow at f/5.6. And, I use a 1.4 TC with good results with the 2-5. With me owning the 600 f/4 I do not see a 500 P in my future …
with love, artie
ps: if you do pre-order one, please start with my B&H link.
Artie,
The frame rate on the new R is not as good as it sounds. Here is an quote from dpreview:
In terms of performance, the EOS R can shoot continuously at 8 fps in AF-S and 5 fps in AF-C ‘shooting speed priority’ mode. If you want to use ‘tracking priority’ mode in AF-C the frame rate drops to just 3 fps.
Why would you need 8 fps in “single” shooting mode?
Hi Warren, I loved my 5D Mark IV bodies and now I love my Nikon D850 bodies 🙂
with love, artie
ps: thanks for the info.
Artie before I rush and buy I would like to know how the performance is compared to a 5D IV, or indeed a 1DX, I cannot understand why someone would preorder before seeing results or reading comparisons – what am I missing?? I know a lot of people order a new release but I don’t understand – just don’t get it????
Is the focus “better” faster or more accurate as 5D/1DX is the camera build as robust as an SLR like the 5D/1DX, is it likely to be equally durable/robust.
Is this so well developed it is likely to replace the SLR or is that quite some time off?
Hi Jon,
Don’t know and don’t know 🙂 Time will tell.
with love, artie