What’s Up?
As much as I love California, it feels great to be home. I swam for the first time in three-plus weeks on Tuesday; the pool was 67 degrees and I was shaking and shivering when I got out after my slow half-mile swim. On Wednesday, the pool was up to a balmy 69 degrees. I’ve been walking every morning and doing a series of shoulder and core exercises most afternoons. I’ve been off insulin for three months and with the keto diet and the intermittent fasting program, I am looking forward to learning the results of my next a1c test in mid-February. I weighed 173 pounds this morning, down from my whoa-you-better-get-back-on-the-wagon weight of 188 1/2 about a year ago. No worries — I have been losing very slowly.
I was glad to learn that the Spoonbill Boat IPT sold out rather quickly. I was also glad to learn that IPT veteran Steve Leimberg sold his Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II Lens in near-mint condition for a BAA Record-low $5400.00 (was $5,989.00) and that Jerry Barrack sold his Sigma APO Macro 180mm 1:3.5 HSM IF lens in near-mint condition for a silly-low $199.00 (was $299.00), both in mid-January.
Homer Bald Eagle Photography Lessons
Click on the play triangle to learn about getting the right exposure for black and white subjects in sun or on cloudy or snowy days, the best lenses for eagle photography in Homer, creating pleasing blurs, basic and advanced composition, and tons more in this free video. Click on the little broken white square lower right next to YouTube to view the video full screen. Hit Escape to exit full screen. Enjoy!
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This image was made with the tripod-mounted Canon Lens 500mm f/4L IS lens. ISO 250: 1/2000 sec.at f/5.6. If you missed the Homer IPTs announcement (there are two separate trips), or if you are thinking of attending, be sure to see the complete offering here. Image #33: Bald Eagle landing |
More On Homer
For the first trip only, I am offering a $500/person discount for those who sign up with a friend or spouse. You can access the complete trip offering here.
IPT #1: FEB 25 through the full day on MAR 1, 2020. Six full days: $4799.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 2.
IPT #2: MAR 3 through the full day on MAR 7, 2020. Five full days: $3999.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 2.
Via e-mail from Multiple IPT veteran Greg Ferguson:
I attended this IPT in 2011 and can only say it was the most intensive bird photography I have ever experienced. My arms were tired and sore from shooting so many action photos. It is highly recommended! I called Jim today and signed up for a reprise. Greg
Via e-mail from Multiple IPT veteran Dick Curtain:
I attended the Homer IPT in the past and can only say it was a great experience. Many eagles, beautiful scenery, great instruction, and many fond memories. Don’t miss it.
IPT Updates
- The Greatest-ever Bald Eagle Experience IPTs:
- IPT #1: FEB 25 through the full day on MAR 1, 2020. Six full days: $4799.00 (Price reduced to $3999.00!). Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 2.
- IPT #2: MAR 3 through the full day on MAR 7, 2020. Five full days: $3999.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 2
- The 2020 Hooptie Deux/Roseate Spoonbill Boat 3 1/2 DAY IPT — MAR 19 thru the morning session 22 MAR 2020: $2599.00. Limit: 5 photographers/Sold out
BIRDS AS ART
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Money Saving Reminder
If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.
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… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
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This image was created on the 2020 San Diego IPT on January 12, 2020 (by me). Image #1: Photo Mechanic screen capture of A Great Splash as the Wood Duck headed for an oak tree to gather acorns!
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My Best Effort …
As mentioned here previously, January 12, 2020 was only the second time that I had seen the Wood Ducks blasting out of the water to land in an oak tree and forage for acorns. On both occasions, others got the shoot while I failed. At the least, once I saw what was going on I should have removed the teleconverter. When folks comment (often) that I have a great lens and a great camera, I usually respond by saying that it’s not lens and it’s not the camera, pointing to my chest, then my head, and then my eyes: it’s about the heart and desire, the practiced skills, and the vision of the person holding the rig.
But there are other factors. I write here often that I am not a very good flight photographer. Many folks scoff at that. But because of previously lacking and now deteriorating strength, stamina, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills, the fact is that I am not a very good flight photographer. Kudos to Terry and Luis for getting the shot in a difficult situation.
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This image was created on the 2020 San Diego IPT on January 12, 2020 by multiple IPT participant Terry Tsuchiyama. He used the hand held Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens and the Nikon D850 DSLR. ISO 500: 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6. Image #2: Wood Duck headed for an oak tree to gather acorns!
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Terry’s Leaping Wood Duck
The two things that I love about Terry’s excellent image are the gold water background and the fact that the bird is angling toward the photographer.
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This image was created on the 2020 San Diego IPT on January 12, 2020 by multiple IPT participant Luis Grunauer. He used the tripod-mounted Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSL. ISO 1600: 1/2000 sec at f5/6. Image #3: Wood Duck headed for an oak tree to gather acorns!
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Luis’s Leaping Wood Duck
The two things that I love most about Luis’s image are the water dripping off the bird’s feet and the spectacular view of the evenly lit underwings.
Your Call?
Which of today’s two featured images is the strongest? Please leave a comment with your chooice and the reasons behind it.
If In Doubt …
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Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂
To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.
As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.
I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who will be visiting the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.
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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 :).
I really like both pic’s. The Golden water background is perfect on #1 and the nice both wings up evenly and the clear look of the underwings is about as good as it gets. Thanks for sharing! Artie any updates on your Health Basics File regarding your current diet and eating habits to go along with your intermittent fasting and exercise regimen. As well as any supplements use to combat the diabetes and blood sugar issues. I’m prediabetic and trying to avoid the Pharmaceuticals. Any update would be welcomed. God Bless.
Hi Jeff,
Me too.
Learn about intermittent fasting here. Learn about keto with a simple search; there is tons of info out there. I would recommend getting in touch with Clif Oliver as noted in the Health Basics File on the supps questions. He is brilliant.
with love, artie
Thanks
Hello Artie,
#1 is fantastic! Love the color. Almost Canon like colors!
#1 or #2?
a
#1 Color is canon like. Like that one the best.
Re: It’s not the lens and it’s not the camera. Some folks see a great photo and remark, “Wow! What kind of camera do you use?” That’s akin to asking Babe Ruth, “Wow! That ball flew right out of the stadium! What kind of bat do you use?” Or asking a dinner party hostess, “Wow, Mary, that was a fabulous meal! What kind of pots do you use?”
Hey Tom, I agree, but only 100%.
with love, artie
#1 for me with the water splash, golden background and the feeling of motion in the image. I must admit I love the detail in image #2 but #1 is my favorite.
Hard pushed to choose but I do like Terry’s showing the splash.
Wow – Congratulations—–OFF insulin
What a milestone!!
Eugen
Of the Images I like #1 because of the delicate golden background – totally complements the Ducks Colours.
#2 is the stronger to me. It tells the story of where the duck was coming from with the big splash. (I’m fond of splashes.) And there’s a bit of wing blur showing motion, adding to the story. The shutter speed was perfect for both. The gold with blue water gives a gorgeous background.