March 10th, 2023
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artie, knackered in Seattle
i-Phone photo by Bob Eastman
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What’s Up?
I slept for most of the 3-hour red-eye flight from Anchorage to Seattle and arrived just after 5:00am. On my layover in Seattle, I set my alarm and fell asleep on a padded bench in the Alaska Lounge for about twenty minutes when I heard a woman saying urgently, “Sir, sir, we do not permit sleeping on the bench seats.” Ugh! Then I slept for more than two hours at the very beginning of the SEA to Orlando leg. We got in early and Jim picked me up at about 5:15pm. We had dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse near the airport and were home before 8:15pm Florida time. The door-to-door trip from Homer to home took 28 1/4 hours. I slept for 10 hours last night and awoke at 6:00am feeling great.
The eagle photography opportunities this year were unmatched. Everyone was great and eager to learn. In prior years we’d have a slow day on occasion. This year, dozens and dozens of eagles responded to our offerings in every bay we visited. We did great in China Post, in Peterson, in Sadie Cove, on McKeon Spit, at Elephant Rock, and made several high tide visits to Franklin Flats. At every stop, we were inundated by eagles with as many as 50 birds in the air at once. The first two trips enjoyed snow on the ground and our two mega-days were 25 February and 1 March, so I made sure to include both of those dates on the two trips planned for 2024. Working closely with Captain Gabe, we came up with new ideas that helped us deal with the sometimes less-than-ideal wind and sky conditions. And when the conditions were perfect as they often were, we were in the right spot to take full advantage of them. Do consider joining me in Homer next year to improve your photography by leaps and bounds.
Today is Friday 10 March 2023. I will head down to the lake to check on the eagle nest and see if there are any crane chicks around. This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes three hundred forty-five days in a row with a new educational post written just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
The plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then begin posting every other 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.
Please remember that 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.
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All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
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2024 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs
IPT #1: WED 21 FEB 2024 through the full day on SUN 25 FEB 2024. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers.
IPT #2: MON 26 FEB 2024 through the full day on FRI 1 MAR 2024. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers. Limit 5 photographers.
Register for both trips to maximize your travel dollars and enjoy a $1000 discount while you are at it.
This trip features non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.
In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require some good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when pleasing creating bird-scapes.
If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If the conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will be in the right spot.
We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.
Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader and instructor. He is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and Sony. You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer. But only if that is what you want.
You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes.
You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode.
Most importantly you will learn to pick your best flight photographs from tens of thousands of images.
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You will enjoy working with the best and most creative boat captain on his sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck watercraft.
Only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.
Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions.
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All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
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What’s Included
One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.
What’s Not Included
Your airfare to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.
Please Note
On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $225/hour. The leader will pay for the bait.
Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer. In 2023 those included Moose, Great Grey, and Short-eared Owls.
Deposit Information
A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (the latter made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check (as above).
In Closing
I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of these two trips is to sign up for all of them. Can you keep up with me? If you have any questions, or are good to go for one, or two of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.
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This image was created on 6 March 2023, the next-to-last day of the third and final 2023 Kachemak Bay/homer Bald eagle IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO set 1600. 1/2000 sec. at f/7.1 (stopped down 2/3-stop). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be about 1/3 stop short of perfect. AWB at 5:53:36pm on a warm, sunny afternoon.
Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 800mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Bald Eagle adult posturing
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Always Searching for New and Different
With a run of warm sunny afternoons, I went ashore at McKeown Spit with the 400mm f/2.8 and both TCs. After doing some flight with the 1.4X TC at 560mm, I tried for some 800mm close-ups and head portrait by adding the 2X teleconverter. As you can see above, the backgrounds are creamy and dreamy if you get low and the sharpness and image quality are superb. When handholding this combo and working static subjects, you will do best by going with a relatively fast shutter speed while raising the ISO so that you can stop down a bit for extra sharpness. All as I did with today’s featured image.
Remember that when working at 800mm you have 16X magnification and that unsharpness due to gear shake when handholding can be significant; most of the time you would be better off on a sturdy tripod topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro.
Your Call?
What do you think of today’s featured image? Does anything bug you?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
March 9th, 2023 What’s Up?
On getaway day, Bob Eastman and I were greeted by a glorious sunrise over China Post. Monte Brown joined us in our search for the Great Gray Owl that had been hanging out by the airport. Incredibly, Wilderness Bob spotted the owl along the edge of a huge, dense, spruce grove as we drove by. We could barely find the owl even after Bob pointed it out to us. The bird was quite accepting. and we left it perched in the very same spot as it was when we arrived.
Bob drove every inch of the way from Homer to Anchorage just as he had when we drove down. We had dinner at So Thai where they offer the world’s creamiest, sweetest, most delicious Panang Curry. I cannot wait to get back there next year to enjoy another bowl.
In yesterday’s blog post, I had a soft spot in my heart for the momma Moose image because she appeared so gentle. And yes, I know that more folks are killed each year by Moose than by bears.
The three of us hung out near the rental car counters and then checked in for our red-eye flights. Bob and I were thrilled that our two checked bags came in just under the 50-pound limit. Monte left first on his flight to Denver en route to Indianapolis and home. I was next for my 12:50am flight to Seattle connecting to Orlando arriving at 5:05pm. Jim and I will likely stop for dinner and be back at ILE by 9:00pm or so. Bob gets into Seattle an hour after I do, connects to Minneapolis, MN, and then faces a 350-mile drive home to Reedsburg, WI with a heavy snowfall predicted along the way. You will be learning more about Bob’s amazing life on the blog here soon.
Today is Thursday 9 March 2023. I am scheduled to arrive in Seattle at 5:17am for my flight to Orlando after a 3+ hour layover. This blog post took about two hours to prepare including the time spent on three image optimizations and makes three hundred forty-four days in a row with a new educational post written just for you.,. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
The plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then begin posting every other 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.
Please remember that 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.
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.
Induro GIT 304L Tripod
Price reduced $50.00 on 16 FEB 2023
Out of production for more than two years, BAA sold its last one in December. The good news? We have two more new-in-the-box tripods. They are now available for only $649.00 (were $699.00). The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now by clicking here to avoid being disappointed.
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.
Nikon D500 DSLR Camera Body
Larry Peavler is offering a like-new Nikon D500 DSLR Camera Body with only 2,408 actuations for a BIRDS AS ART Record-Low $749.00. The sale includes one battery, the charger, the cable, the front body cap, the strap, the original product box, and insured ground shipping via a major carrier to the lower 48.
Please contact Larry via e-mail
The D500 is Nikon’s top-of-the-line crop factor body. It multiplies your focal length by 1.5X. Joe Przybyla and Dan Kearl, both excellent photographers on Bird Photographer’s.Net, use the D500 as their workhorse camera bodies. Joe, the co-author of The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide, was after this old dog for a long time to try a D500 when I used Nikon. artie
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This image was created on 8 March 2023 in Homer, AK. Working from the balcony of my first floor hotel room, I used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 126mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. ISO 500: 1/50 sec. at f/5.6 (stopped down 2-stops) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:24:22am on a partly cloudy morning.
Manual focus with Focus Peaking performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Sunrise over mountains and Kachemak Bay
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Bay View Rooms at Land’s End
The advantage of booking a bay view room at Land’s End Resort is that you can peek out your window to check on sunrise every day. Homer saved the very best sunrise color for our last morning. I had been using Red as my Focus Peeking color until Bob Eastman encouraged me to try Yellow. That is now my preferred Focus Peeking color. Using the 5-second self-timer on a windless morning with a sturdy tripod insured all sharp images. What fun!
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This image was created on 8 March 2023 in Homer, AK. Standing at full height on a snowbank, I used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000: 1/200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:32:21am in the shade on what would become a sunny morning.
Manual focus with Focus Peaking performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Great Grey Owl
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Working on a Snowbank
Working off a tripod set up on a snowbank creates many challenges. At times, you and or your tripod may post-hole. This often results in the tripod being lower than you had hoped for and can be quite unstable. It is best to stamp your feet down into the snow and sink the tripod in until you have a fairly steady base. Then it is time to get to work.
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This image was created on 8 March 2023 in Homer, AK. Standing at full height on a snowbank, I used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L 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 1000: 1/500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide-open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:46:58am in the shade on what would become a sunny 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 #3: Great Grey Owl
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Your Calls?
Which is your favorite of today’s three featured images? Why? Which of the two Great Grey Owl images do you like best, the tighter image, #2, the one with direct eye contact, or the wider image, the one with the owl looking coyly away from the camera? Why?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
March 8th, 2023 Galapagos 2023 Opening
Due to a cancellation, I have an opening for a single male photographer on the Galapagos 2023 Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime IPT, the world’s finest photographic cruise of the famed archipelago. I am offering it with a substantial discount. If you are interested in joining a great group, or have questions, please get in touch via e-mail ASAP.
What’s Up?
The last morning of the 3rd Homer IPT was yet another fabulous one. We enjoyed loads of diving, twisting, and turning eagles in flight, still blue water, butter light, and flocks of Pacific Loons in front of Iliamna Volcano. Charlie Curry and Mark Harrington caught the 4:40pm flight to Anchorage. Monte Brown, Bob Eastman, and I headed out at 5:00pm to try for Short-eared Owl and struck out. The bird was on a perch close to the road as we drove up only to see it driven off by crows, never to be seen again. We did come across a lovely mom moose with a large calf and then enjoyed yet another gorgeous sunset. Uncharacteristically, we rarely saw a cloud on the last IPT.
Photography has been so good that I am far behind in picking my keepers. I have about 15,000 images from the past few days to get through.
As for yesterday’s two similar featured images, I felt that Image #2 was by far the best. The wings-swept-back landing pose with outstretched talons was far more dramatic than the static flight pose in Image #1. And I loved the wider view at 70mm. I created Image #1. Bob Eastman created Image #2. Thanks to all who commented and to those who liked my image best, but as I see things, it was really no contest. Two very skilled bird photographers, Cliff Beittel and Brian Small, agreed emphatically with me.
I will reply to each comment as soon as today’s offering is posted. And then I need to get packing.
I asked Bob Eastman to classify himself as a photographer, expecting him to answer “intermediate.” His answer, “OK.” I’d guess that those are about the same. Bob has worked hard at his photography and made great sacrifices to attend the first and third Homer IPTs. He has been a great roommate and is a great guy; we get along famously and are very much on the same page. We say “Hi” to everyone we pass and clown around with the kids we see in the hallway. On one hand, Bob has consistently made many great images over the past two plus weeks. On the other hand, his work has improved dramatically. He does, of course, use the Sony a1 (along with an a7r IV for scenics and the rest). A future blog post or two will feature more of Bob’s excellent images and his incredible life story.
Anyhoo, today’s best gear makes it easy for beginning and intermediate photographers to create fantastic images as long as they listen to their instructors and work hard. 🙂
First-timer Charlie Curry sent me the lovely text below (as he unexpectedly left earlier than planned).
Arthur, thanks for the great Eagle IPT in Homer. You are a gentleman and a scholar. Your Socratic method is unique for photography workshops and is very effective. I had heard that you were a great teacher. Now I know that it is true. I appreciate your attention to detail and your willingness to teach.
Best, Charlie
I have my dates for the two February 2024 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs. If you are interested in doing both 5-day trips and driving from Anchorage and Homer and back with me (with a big discount), or are interested in the $500 early-registration discount, please get in touch via e-mail. Please note that several spots are already sold.
Today is Wednesday 8 March 2023. Bob Eastman, Monte Brown, and I will be driving up o Anchorage for dinner at So Thai. Then we will return the rental SUV and hang out at the airport for our red-eye flights to Seattle (Bob and I) and to Denver (Monte). This blog post took 90 minutes to prepare including the time spent on the two image optimizations and makes three hundred forty-three days in a row with a new educational post written just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
One thing is for sure — it will be a long trip home as I will not be back to ILE until about 9:00pm on Thursday evening.
The plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then begin posting every other 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.
Please remember that 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.
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.
Induro GIT 304L Tripod
Price reduced $50.00 on 16 FEB 2023
Out of production for more than two years, BAA sold its last one in December. The good news? We have two more new-in-the-box tripods. They are now available for only $649.00 (were $699.00). The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now by clicking here to avoid being disappointed.
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.
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This image was created on 7 March 2023 at Homer, AK. Standing at full height on a snow bank along the side of the road, I used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L 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 2000. 1/400 sec. at f/2.8 (wide-open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (with a bit of the snow properly showing as over-exposed to ensure detail in the dark fur). AWB at 6:04:44pm in the shade on a mostly sunny afternoon.
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: Moose female, head portrait
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The Mooses
As we drove down the airport road, we spotted two Moose browsing along the edge of the road, a momma and her large calf. As we exited the SUV with our gear, the large animals were totally at peace with us. The continued to feed on leaves and twigs of small trees and bushes. Having taken my tripod along because the arthritis in my left thumb and wrist had flared up near the end of the trip turned out to be the winning move as the light levels were extremely low and the dark-toned animals were completely in the shade.
Yes, I know that Moose is the plural of Moose 🙂
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This image was created on 7 March 2023 at Homer, AK. Standing at full height on a patch of grass adjacent to an icy parking lot, I used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +2-stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 500: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be about 1/6 stop short of perfect. AWB at 6:26:44pm just before the sunset.
Manual Focus with Focus Peeking performed perfectly at 180mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Augustine Volcano at sunset
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Big Glass
Though we were a lot closer to Augustine on the Homer Spit than we were in China Post Bay across the Cook Inlet, I went to my longest focal length — the 400mm f/2.8 and the 2X TC. As I was shooting through a lot of humid atmosphere, I selected the edges of the volcano and used the masking feature in Topaz Sharpen AI to sharpen the edges of the volcano. As Monte had Bob had only their 200-600s with them, they each opted to put a card in my camera and make a few images. The Moose and the sunset put a nice finishing touch on the end of our Homer visit.
Your Call?
Which of today’s two vastly different featured images do you like best? Why?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
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