February 26th, 2023 Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera Body
BAA Record-low Price!
Dennis Westover is offering a Sony a9 II mirrorless camera body in excellent condition for a BAA record-low $2198.00. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it including the manuals, one battery, the charger, the front body cap, the strap, the USB cable and cable protector, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 US-addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Dennis via e-mail.
As things worked out, the a9, and then the a9 ii, turned out to be life-changers for me. From the moment I tracked that first incoming Brandt’s Cormorant at La Jolla, I knew that at that time, the SONY a9 series bodies featured the world’s best AF. I upgraded to the a9 ii as soon as it was released for the slightly larger body size. At one point I owned two a9 ii bodies. A new a9 ii sells for $4,498.00 so you can save an astounding $2300.00 by grabbing Dennis’s a9 ii ASAP. Add a new 200-600 GM (using one of my affiliate links, of course), and you will have a superb Sony rig for bird photography. Note that a new Sony a1 sells for $6498.00. artie
What’s Up?
On Saturday, the first day of the second Homer IPT, I studied the weather forecast carefully, consulted with Captain Gabe, and decided to head across Kachemak Bay at 2:30pm. Though the north wind was not quite perfect, multiple IPT veterans Monte Brown and Robert (“Bear Bob”) Sabine and I had a fantastic session. The eagles were hungry and flying non-stop — we even had our first sunset silhouette chances. After a day of image review Bear Bob made a ton of excellent image.
My favorite David Pugsley image in yesterday’s blog post was #6, the non-breeding plumage Black-bellied Plover pulling the seaworm; I loved the tension created by the taut, angled prey item and the raised foot. The oystercatcher, the ruffling Forster’s Tern, and the Willet with a baby crab were all tied for second.
Today is Sunday 26 February 2023. With more small craft warnings in the forecast, we are unsure of today’s schedule. With snow in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday, we are very excited. We will surely get to review some of Monte’s images and do some more Photoshop. This blog post took more than 90 minutes to prepare (including the time spent on the image optimizations) and makes three hundred thirty-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.
Please, please, pretty please remember to use my B&H or Bedford’s affiliate programs for all your new gear purchases. If you use B&H, please be sure to click on any B&H link in the blog to start your search. Or simply start with this link. There is always the option of e-mailing me for gear advice and for the correct links.
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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This image was created on 2 February 2023 at La Jolla, CA. Standing at full height, I used the handheld 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 800. 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide-open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be 1/2-stop short of perfect. AWB at 8:11:51am on a cloudy-bright 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 #1: Adult breeding plumage Pacific-race Brown Pelican flying above breaking wave
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Improving My Flight Photography
I had wanted to become a better flight photographer for several decades. I struggled with Canon AF for 34 years. Nikon AF was better, but far from perfect. The Sony a9 and a9ii bodies were a huge improvement. The a1, however, was the realization of my long-term dream of science-fiction-like autofocus with almost instantaneous focus acquisition and deadly face-eye tracking. Yes, AF with the Canon mirrorless bodies and the Nikon Z9 (and previous Nikon mirrorless bodies) is vastly improved. But neither system has Zebras for stills, and the Z9 weighs a ton — 2.9 pounds with a battery and a card. As far as not having Zebras, I have watched Canon and Nikon folks struggle with exposure on recent IPTs while Sony folks are nailing most every one. I am especially proud of multiple IPT veteran Carolyn Johnson who had learned to up the ISO until she sees Zebras on the highlights without being scared of high ISOs.
If you’d like to learn exactly why I feel that the a1 is best by far, please click here.
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This image was created on 3 February 2023 at La Jolla, CA. Again, standing at full height, I used the handheld 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. 1/1600 sec. at f/2.8 (wide-open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be less than 1/6 stop from perfect. AWB at 7:35:14am on a cloudy dark 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 #2: 2-year-old Pacific-race Brown Pelican in flight– wings up landing pose
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The Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Somewhat surprisingly, I have really fallen in love with this lens. It absolutely killed for flight in San Diego, and I brought it to Homer while leaving the 600mm f/4 at home. I have used it often on the boat in extreme low light conditions, but the 70-200 f/2.8 GM II lens remains my most valuable in Homer.
It has always been difficult for me to handhold the Sony 600mm f/4 for more than a few minutes at most. Then, fatigue and shoulder pain set in. Though the 400 f/2.8 weighs only four ounces less than the Sony 600mm f/4, I can handhold the 400mm f/2.8 for long flight photography sessions. How can that be? It is much shorter than the 600 f/4 and is far less bulky. In addition, the 400 is much better balanced with more of the weight to the rear of the lens.
And yes, I am quite blessed to be able to own both the 400 2.8 and the 600 f/4. Do understand that for most folks who love birds and can only afford one of these two lenses, the 600mm f/4 is almost always the better of the two, especially for folks who photograph small birds and live in locations where the birds are both distant and skittish.
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This image was created on 4 February 2023 at La Jolla, CA. Again, standing at full height, I used the handheld 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. 1/2000 sec. at f/4 (stopped down one-stop in error) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be less than 1-3-stop under. AWB at 7:35:14am on a cloudy dark 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: Adult breeding plumage Pacific-race Brown Pelican flying down the lens barrel
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Flight Photography in San Diego
As you see in this post and in other fairly recent posts, flight photography opportunities abound in San Diego. While the pelicans are large and relatively slow flying, there are plenty of other more challenging subjects. Those include many species of gulls and terns, Black Oystercatcher and Whimbrel, and most especially, the Brandt’s Cormorants that regularly fly in at high speed, of carrying seaweed for their nests. If you would like to improve your flight photography, consider joining me on a San Diego IPT next season.
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This all-new card includes images created on my JAN 2022 visit to San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
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The 2023/2024 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs
San Diego IPT #1. 3 1/2 DAYS: WED 27 DEC thru the morning session on Saturday 30 DEC 2023. $2099.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
San Diego IPT #2. 4 1/2 DAYS: TUES 9 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 13 JAN 2024: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: TEUS 23 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 27 JAN 2024: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT morning sessions.
Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.
I discovered some really neat spots on my 2022/23 visit. As a result, the first and second IPTs may include an afternoon or two of landscape photography.
Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.
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San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
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Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not
Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.
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Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
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It Ain’t Just Pelicans
With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning, there is usually some excellent flight photography, at times with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego. Each IPT will include one or two duck sessions.
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Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
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The San Diego Details
These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon shoot. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.
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San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
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Deposit Info
A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2023/2024 San Diego IPTs. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.
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Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
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Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late
On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
February 25th, 2023 The Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #1: Practically Private
The Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #1. Tuesday 28 March through the morning session on 31 March 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers.
With no-one signed up for the first DeSoto IPT, you can sign up right now and be assured of a private or near-private trip. Shoot me an e-mail if you would like to join me or if you have any questions and scroll down for additional details. There is an excellent chance that we could share an AirBnB in Gulfport. DeSoto in late winter can be spectacularly good.
What’s Up?
On Friday, the last day of the first Homer IPT, we did a ton of image review and Photoshop work. I created Camtasia screen recordings of all the raw conversions and image optimizations and will be sending them to everyone in the group. Only Vasili is heading home today.
I ranked yesterday’s images as follows: #3, the striking eagle blur, because I got the eye sharp and I love the colors and the degree of blurring; tied for second: #4, the scenic, in part because I use Viveza for the first time in a long time to bring the bland, washed out raw file to life, and #1, for the color and graphic design. Strangely, #2, the banking eagle images used to be honored in the most prestigious photo contests, but today, with the great mirrorless cameras, they are now so easy to create that they have become almost commonplace.
Today is Saturday 25 February 2023. We will be sailing at 2:30pm and staying out late in hopes of a sunset. This blog post took more than two hours to prepare (including the time spent on the image optimizations) and makes three hundred thirty-two 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.
Please, please, pretty please remember to use my B&H or Bedford’s affiliate programs for all your new gear purchases. If you use B&H, please be sure to click on any B&H link in the blog to start your search. Or simply start with this link. There is always the option of e-mailing me for gear advice and for the correct links.
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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This image was created on 10 February 2023 by multiple IPT veteran and Galapagos 2023 registrant David Pugsley. Lying flat on his belly, he used the Panning Ground Pod-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 1000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: American Oystercatcher with tidbit
Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: David Pugsley Photography
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A Little-Known Fact About Fort DeSoto
In the Fort DeSoto/Sarasota Site Guide, I write that this Pinellas County Park has the potential to offer great photography every day of the year. It is not that the photography is great every day, but that you can have a great day in winter, spring, summer, or fall. Be sure to stay away on mornings with clear skies and a strong NW wind. On Sunday July 4 many years ago, folks got fantastic images of a breeding plumage Curlew Sandpiper, a very- rare-in-the US shorebird breeds in the Siberian Arctic and migrates to sub-Saharan Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Last fall a Bar-tailed Godwit was present at DeSoto and was easily found and photographed for several months.
It is not, however, the occasional rarity that makes DeSoto great. It is the very tame, regularly occurring species that have made it one of the top North American bird photography hotspots.
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This image was created on 10 February 2023 by multiple IPT veteran and Galapagos 2023 registrant David Pugsley. Lying flat on his belly, he used the Panning Ground Pod-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Willet with baby crab
Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: David Pugsley Photography
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Lying Flat versus Foot- or Ankle Podding
All of the above allow you to work with very low perspectives.
Lying flat on the ground with a big lens makes it easier to find the bird in the frame and to photograph walking, running, and birds taking flight. Some folks are even able to shoot flight while prone. The two main disadvantages are back strain and muddy, wet, and/or sandy clothes. With a Panning Ground Pod or working off a flattened tripod topped with a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro, following moving subjects is relatively easy.
Sitting and placing the lens on an ankle or between your feet or toes only gets your butt wet and muddy. When supporting the lens on some part of your foot or feet and working off the tilted rear monitor, it can be very difficult to find even a still subject in the frame. Panning and staying level is close to impossible. Sitting and working on a Panning Ground Pod or a flattened tripod with the tilted rear screen allows for panning, but it is not as easy to follow moving subjects as it is when lying flat. When I work off the tilted rear screen, I need my reading glasses so that I can see the AF icons and tracking.
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This image was created on 10 February 2023 by multiple IPT veteran and Galapagos 2023 registrant David Pugsley. Lying flat on his belly, he used the Panning Ground Pod-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 640. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #3: Forster’s Tern ruffling
Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: David Pugsley Photography
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The Panning Ground Pod
The Panning Ground Pod currently shows as out of stock in the BAA Online Store. We can, however, have one drop shipped to you from Chris Klapheke of OPG. To order yours, please Call Jim in the office Monday through Thursday at 863-692-0906.
This product gets you super-low and enables you to pan easily with moving subjects. Can you say intimate?
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This image was created on 10 February 2023 by multiple IPT veteran and Galapagos 2023 registrant David Pugsley. Lying flat on his belly, he used the Panning Ground Pod-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #4: Non-breeding Laughing Gull taking flight after bath
Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: David Pugsley Photography
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David Pugsley
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, David took a keen interest in photography back in 1986. The catalyst? The appearance of Halley’s comet. As an avid astronomer, he wanted to capture the comet on film, and he did just that.
That first venture into the world of photography lead to many classes and countless images during his high school years, followed by acceptance into Ohio University’s prestigious School of Visual Communications. While attending OU, he developed a love and appreciation for capturing a moment in time. Unfortunately, his path into a photography career would take a detour upon completion of his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Happily, that detour — many years in the worlds of graphic design and marketing, came to an end in 2008 when he reignited his passion for both photography and the outdoors and its inhabitants. His goal is to capture wildlife (including and especially birds), nature, and landscape images that you would be proud to display on the walls of your home, office or business. You can see more of David’s images on his website here, on Instagram at pixels_by_pugs or on his FaceBook page: David Pugsley Photography.
David and wife Michelle will be traveling with me to the Galapagos this coming August.
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This image was created on 10 February 2023 by multiple IPT veteran and Galapagos 2023 registrant David Pugsley. Lying flat on his belly, he used the Panning Ground Pod-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #5: Ring-billed Gull preening
Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: David Pugsley Photography
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Low Perspective Verticals
Creating low perspective verticals can be challenging even with a vertical grip can be challenging. It is easier with cameras that have monitors that can be tilted vertically. That feature is not available with the Sony a-1. If you have your face to the viewfinder rotating the lens clockwise in the tripod collar can help as this puts the shutter button on the bottom where it is easier to reach.
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This image was created on 10 February 2023 by multiple IPT veteran and Galapagos 2023 registrant David Pugsley. Lying flat on his belly, he used the Panning Ground Pod-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #6: Black-bellied Plover in non-breeding plumage pulling seaworm
Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: David Pugsley Photography
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Strongest?
Which of David Pugsley’s six featured images is the strongest? Why?
Unsolicited via e-mail from Pete Myers
I just spent 4 days in the field in a graduate course in bird photography taught by Artie Morris at Fort DeSoto. After almost 50 years of experience pointing cameras at birds from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego, New Zealand and beyond, I thought I was good enough. But what I learned from Artie in just four days has taken me to a whole new level. As he aptly puts it, “birds as art,” not simply bird photography. One of those 4 days was the most satisfying I’d ever experienced, anywhere. The IPT left me euphoric about what I’d learned, and frighteningly committed to recreating my portfolio with the techniques and insights he taught me.
Unsolicited via e-mail from IPT veteran Eugen Dolan
Arthur, Thank you very much for your overwhelming infectious enthusiasm that helped get me up on some mornings. Also, your ability to express yourself- and explain in great detail why you like or may not like an image – was very helpful in allowing me to better analyze my images. Eugen
Via e-mail from Jim Miller
I can’t stop thinking about how much fun the DeSoto IPT was, and how much I learned. There were so many things that suddenly made perfect sense after I had been confused for so long. Thank you very much for the wonderful trip, and for being a great teacher. As I worked through the raw files last week, I realized what a fantastic lens the 600 IS is. Thanks for the rental! Maybe someday I will be able to afford one. Some images for critique are attached. Thank you again, Artie. It was really wonderful to be with you and learn from you.
Via e-mail from Lee Sommie
I want to thank you for making the Fort DeSoto IPT; it was a fun and educational experience for me. I truly did not want the adventure to end. I now look through the viewfinder with an artist’s mindset. And the real bonus was making new friends with fellow students. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for wildlife photography. I had a great time with you and look forward to more adventures on future IPTs.
Via e-mail from Muhammad Arif
I had a great time at Fort De Soto. Thank you for all the instruction, for your help and pointers; my photography has already improved tremendously, and I’ve never made such good bird photos before. I wish I could’ve joined you on Monday and Tuesday morning as well, but work got in the way. It was also nice meeting the folks on the IPT. Thanks again for everything and I hope to join you at a future IPT sometime again.
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Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, many in full breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull landing on head of Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull in flight, Reddish Egret sunrise silhouette, Great Blue Heron with needlefish, Yellow-crowned Night Heron with ghost crab, Roseate Spoonbill, Sanderling in breeding plumage, and white morph Reddish Egret in glorious breeding plumage.
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The 2023 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tours (IPTs)
Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #1: Tuesday 28 March through the morning session on 31 March 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers.
Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #2: Tuesday 11 April through the morning session on 14 April 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5.
Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #3: Tuesday 9 May through the morning session on 12 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 4.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for terns and gulls, wading birds, and shorebirds in spring. Many of the birds will be in full breeding plumage. Simply put, DeSoto is the new Ding Darling. Migrant shorebirds are in abundance, and many are exceedingly tame. We should have great chances on Royal and Sandwich Terns and both white- and dark-morph Reddish Egrets. 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 along with some American Oystercatchers. We will enjoy lots of great flight photography, especially with the Brown Pelicans.
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Again, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull in flight, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Sandwich Terns copulating, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret with reflection, breeding plumage Short-billed Dowitcher, American Oystercatcher, Royal Tern, white morph Reddish Egret, and Snowy Egret in marsh.
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In Addition!
We should also get to photograph a variety of other shorebirds including Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, Snowy, and Piping Plovers, Willet, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit, and most especially, Red Knot, with many individuals in their handsome breeding plumages. In spring the T-shaped peninsula and the newly formed sandbar, Outback Key, are literally packed with avian treasures.
With just a bit of luck, we may get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable species: Roseate Spoonbill. And we will surely get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. With luck, they will have Laughing Gulls landing on their heads. And though not guaranteed, 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.
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Yes, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: breeding plumage Dunlin, dark morph Reddish Egret displaying, Laughing Gull vertical front-end portrait, Laughing Gull with prey item, landing on head of Brown Pelican, breeding plumage Royal Tern displaying, Royal Terns — pre-copulatory stance, Laughing Gulls copulating, Laughing Gull head portrait, breeding plumage Sandwich Tern with fish, and a rare treat, a breeding plumage White-rumped Sandpiper.
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What You Will Learn on a DeSoto IPT
- 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
- 2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
- 3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
- 4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
- 5- To age and identify many species of shorebirds including various sandpipers, plovers, dowitchers, and possibly yellowlegs.
- 6- To spot good situations and to choose the best perspective.
- 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
- 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
- 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
- 10- More than you could ever imagine.
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You got it by now! Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Roseate Spoonbill, immature Brown Pelican in flight, the heron/egret hybrid, American Oystercatcher feeding, immature Royal Tern on railing, Great Egret morning silhouette, Black Skimmer in surf, and underside head portrait of Great Blue Heron.
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The Details
Morning sessions will run two and one-half to three hours; afternoon sessions about two. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till noon and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy. We may opt to visit a great North Tampa rookery if conditions warrant that.
There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session before and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:30am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We will be getting wet.
Your $599 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check three months before the trip begins. If you wish to pay in full right off the bat, you can make your check out to BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice two months before the trip. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
February 24th, 2023 Your Call
All are invited to leave a comment stating their preference for each of today’s four featured images. Please put them in order with your favorite image first and your least favorite of the four. Ambitious folks can comment on why they made their choices. I will share my list and my reasons with you here tomorrow.
What’s Up?
Thursday was the least fantastic day of the first Homer/Kachemak Bay IPT. That said, the day was filled with great photo chances and provided countless opportunities for folks to learn. And learn they did. Carolyn created her first a1 videos of flying eagles. Vasili, Carolyn, and Bob Eastman all worked on creating pleasing blurs at the end of the day. And Bear Bob learned that he should have listened to me and brought his Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens on the trip. In low light conditions, that lens shines no matter what system you are using. Except for Robert Sabine who left his home, it has been everyone’s most valuable lens by far.
In yesterday’s blog post, my favorites, in order, were 2, 3, and 1. Image #2 was pretty much perfect but it would have been nice to have had the second talon dropped down (as Adam suggested). I loved the three amigo eagles for its sharpness, the image design, and the single calling bird. #1 was OK but I plan on trying for something similar but more dynamic.
Today is Friday 24 February 2023. I just heard from Captain Gabe who called off sailing today because of small craft warnings with five to eight foot seas in the forecast. We have lots of image review and Photoshop to catch up on and we did get in 19 3/4 of our allotted 20 hours on the boat.
This blog post took about two hours to prepare (including the time spent on the image optimizations) and makes three hundred thirty-one 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.
Please, please, pretty please remember to use my B&H or Bedford’s affiliate programs for all your new gear purchases. If you use B&H, please be sure to click on any B&H link in the blog to start your search. Or simply start with this link. There is always the option of e-mailing me for gear advice and for the correct links.
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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This image was created on 23 February 2023 on Day Four of the first Homer Bald Eagle IPT at Kachemak Bay, AK. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. ISO 1250: 1/250 sec. at f/8 (stopped down four stops) in Manual mode. AWB at 11:25:08 am on a dark, dingy morning.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Crab shell on snow
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The Sony 70-200 f/2.8II GM as a Quasi-Macro Lens
After trying and failing to get some eagles to land on moose antlers, several of us looked along the wrack line for something to photograph. We did some shell and seaweed close-ups. We shot some stuff in situ, and we placed some stuff like this crab shell on an area of unblemished snow. Most of the 70-200 f/2.8 lenses have a decent close focus. The Sony version II has an outstanding Minimum Focusing Distance (MFD) of 15.7 inches. I think that that is at 70mm and is increased a bit as you go to longer focal lengths. IAC, you are able to get right over a subject and shoot straight down.
Why f/8?
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This image was also created on 23 February 2023 on Day Four of the first Homer Bald Eagle IPT at Kachemak Bay, AK. Again, I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide-open) in Manual mode. AWB at 4:00:50pm on a very dark, dingy morning.
Tracking: Zone AF/C performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Bald Eagle adult beginning dive
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The Sony 70-200 f/2.8II GM as a Super-fast Low Light Flight and Action Lens
The weather in Alaska is always variable. Yesterday was on the dark side with a few sprinkles of rain here and there. With the birds at close range, the bare (i.e., no TC) 70-200 II is the ticket to success, allowing for the use of high shutter speeds and relatively low ISO settings. On brighter days, the addition of the 1.4X TC gives you more reach when needed. Not to mention that the lens is relatively tiny and light allowing pretty much everyone to be able to handhold it for long flight photography sessions.
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This image was also created on 23 February 2023 on Day Four of the first Homer Bald Eagle IPT at Kachemak Bay, AK. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 185mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 160: 1/30 sec. at f/4 (wide-open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:52:16am on a dark, dingy morning.
Tracking: Spot Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Bald Eagle striking blur
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The Sony 70-200 f/2.8II GM as a Blur Lens
Most any intermediate telephoto lens would work well for blurs. The beauty of the 70-200 is that it is light and the zoom is smooth and fast. With the 1.4X in place here I had the extra reach when I needed it. And AF with the Sony version II is vastly improved over the original model.
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This image was also created on 23 February 2023 on Day Four of the first Homer Bald Eagle IPT at Kachemak Bay, AK. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. ISO 320: 1/160sec. at f/4 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 5:22:54pm on a cloudy afternoon.
Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C performed just fine. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #4: Snow-covered mountain-side with fog bank
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The Sony 70-200 f/2.8II GM as a Landscape Lens
No matter the manufacturer, the 70-200 lenses are favored by many professionals and talented amateurs for scenic and landscape photography. The raw file for this image was blah, blah, blah. The raw conversion helped and I used Viveza from the NIK Collection to add texture to the white sky and to brighten and color up the row of trees (both alive and dead).
Summing Up
The 70-200mm lenses are extremely versatile. I could have added 100 very different images to this post, all made on the first Homer IPT.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
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