Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Kudos!

Kudos to Stuart Edwards who left the comment below on the last blog ost.

January 23, 2024 at 11:09am

The relatively short focal length and the distance to the subject makes for the broad area in focus even at the wide aperture.

What’s Up?

Though it stopped raining for the IPT, the weather has been anything but typical San Diego sunshine. As lousy as the weather has been, the pelican photography has been the polar opposite — totally amazing, the best I have ever had in 35 years of photo visits. Right now, I have 7,416 un-editd images from the first two days of the IPT to go through. Monte Brown created more than 8000 images on Wednesday alone! There was so much flight and action on the main cliff that we opted to stay for five hours and skip the afternoon session.

You still have time to have your life changed and learn a ton by signing up soon for the second 2024 San Diego IPT (info below).

Today is Thursday 25 January 2024. I will be meeting Monte and Keith Solberg early for Day 3 of the first San Diego IPT.

Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great day.

Please remember to use the B&H 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!

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.

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens, or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com

B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

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.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

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.

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.

This image was created on 24 January at La Jolla, CA on Day 2 of the first 2024 San Diego IPT. While seated on a dirt cliff I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 336mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 11:30:48am on a cloudy morning. Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Breeding plumage adult Pacific-race Brown Pelican landing TIGHT — horizontal

Midday Flight Photography

Midday flight photography is best done on cloudy days. With a gentle breeze from the northeast early on, there were dozens of pelicans flying in, but in the light wind, most were not high enough. The birds were 100% copasetic — head and shoulders portraits of gorgeous birds were there for the taking with any telephoto lens. We talked about isolation, AF, head throws, and exposure. At about 10:30 the wind switched to the SW and the intensity picked up so we turned around and faced north to photograph the pelicans flying in to land, many right in front of us. For most of the morning I used the 70-200 with either the 1.4X or the 2X TC.

While it is much easier to shoot flight with the camera oriented to horizontal capture, it is very difficult to frame the image as the bird approaches point-blank range without clipping the feet. I did that on about 300 images. I got very lucky with this bird as I mis-framed 22 of the 24 close-range shots. That after 33 more distant images of the same bird flying right at me from a distance. I should have realized soon that turning the camera on end and creating tight vertical flight originals was the best way to deal with clipping the feet. As below.

This image was also created on 24 January at La Jolla, CA on Day 2 of the first 2024 San Diego IPT. Again, while seated on a dirt cliff I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 11:31:44am on a cloudy morning. Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. 2-year old Pacific race Brown Pelican landing TIGHT — vertical original!

Duh!

As I said above, shooting vertical originals of pelicans in flight at point blank range is the best way to go when the birds are flying right at you at point blank range. I wish that I had come to my senses sooner

The traditional use of this technique is when you are working in horizontal format photographing banking birds and clipping the wingtips; you switch to vertical and can then easily fit the banking birds in the frame without clipping the wingtips. Having a vertical grip on your camera body makes shooting vertical flight easier, but I hate the added weight so I sold mine a few moths ago. Without a grip, you simply rotate to your right 90° counter-clockwise and go to work.

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.

The 2024 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs

San Diego IPT #2: 3 1/2 DAYS: WED 31 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 3 FEB, 2024: $2149.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings 4.

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 new 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2024 San Diego IPT. 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.

Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

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.

Amazon

In it’s infinite wisdom, the Amazon affiliate program recently eliminated all types of generic and logo links as well as product-specific links such as those formerly featured on the Great (Photographic Accessory) Stuff tab here (and above on the orange-yellow menu bar).

In this and many future blog posts, I will post an item that contains my Amazon Affiliate link. If you do not wish to purchase the item, you can help support the work that I do here by clicking on the link and then continuing to shop. Please consider making it a habit to visit the blog before you do your Amazon shopping online. Great news: it will not cost you a penny more, works great with your Amazon Prime or Amazon Business accounts, and will be gratefully appreciated.

Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanies

Why spent $10-30K on your photo gear and then skimp on protecting it? Especially when you travel.

Most folks know that I have been protecting my gear with Carhartt Beanies (AKA Watch Caps) for decades. They are far less costly than the LensCoat stuff, offer far more protection in terms of absorbing shock during travel by air or by car, and yield better protection against moisture as well. I double the hats for my camera bodies. You can buy thinner, cheaper watch caps, but they simply do not do the job. Best of all, the beanies come in a variety of styles and at least 40 colors; well-organized folks can color-code their gear by using one color for TCs, a different one for camera bodies, etc., etc., etc. Click on the logo link above to check out my very favorite Carhartt Beanie.

When rain threatens, I make sure to have an extra cap in my fanny pack. If it starts to drizzle or rain, I simply place the beanie over my camera body. They are thick and in addition, they repel the raindrops. I have never had a problem with a lens in the rain. Camera bodies, you ask? Well yes. But never when protected by a Carhartt beanie

What’s Up?

With the cloudy skies and a breeze from the north, I opted to neglect the pelicans on Saturday morning and work the Brandt’s Cormorant colony. Birds were flying out and in right off the bat, but none were returning with nesting material. Just before 8:00am, the action really heated up. The 70-200 f/2.8 is the perfect tool for the point blank incoming flight. It’s super-fast f/2.8 aperture, the light weight and ease of handling, and the efficient zooming mechanism make working the cormorants an absolute pleasure.

Be sure to click on the three flight images to get an idea of the incredible sharpness of the photos. That despite the ridiculously narrow d-o-f at f/2.8.

There is still time to join San Diego IPT #2 (or #1 if you live nearby).

Today is Sunday 21 January 2024. Many multiple IPT veteran and good friend Monte Brown and I will be meeting San Diego ER doc Bryan Love for a morning session at La Jolla. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great day.

Please remember to use the B&H 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!

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.

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens, or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com

B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

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.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

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.

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.

This image was created on 20 January 2024 while scouting at La Jolla for the San Diego Instructional Photo-Tours. I used the handheld 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 ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 12800: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:13:14am on a then cloudy-dark morning. Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Brandt’s Cormorant head portrait in green (leaf) heaven

Perspective

I was surprised to see this bird is building its nest about three feet from the fence. Maybe less. I have never seen one setting up anywhere near that close. Standard procedure is to shoot over the fence that is only about 3 feet high. Had I stood while making this image, I would have had an ugly background of dirt and out-of-focus cormorants. Crouching down let me shoot between the wooden slats of the fence and get a bit closer to the bird.

If this nest hatches in about two months you would be able to shoot almost straight down at the chicks. But only with a close focusing lens like the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens!

Don’t Fear the High ISOs

In retrospect, I did not need to be at 1/2500 sec. for this image. I would have been better off halving the shutter speed and doubling the aperture. Or even tried 1/640 sec. at f/5.6. Either way, I would have been at ISO 12800. As you can see, with my new 2-step noise reduction technique (as detailed in the Digital Basics III Video series), this formerly absurdly high ISO was not a problem at all.

This image was also created on 20 January 2024 while scouting at La Jolla for the San Diego Instructional Photo-Tours. Again, I used the handheld 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 ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 3200: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:01:24am on a then-cloudy morning. Wide AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Brandt’s Cormorant with seaweed for nest construction

High ISOs for Flight and Action Shooting

When I began shooting flight on Saturday morning, I needed ISO 8000 to get to the right exposure at 1/2500 sec. As the morning brightened, I was able to reduce my ISO settings. Sony Zebras makes life so, so easy.

This image was also created on 20 January 2024 while scouting at La Jolla for the San Diego Instructional Photo-Tours. Again, I used the handheld 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 ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2500: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:44:36am on a then-cloudy somewhat brighter morning. Wide AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3: Brandt’s Cormorant with seaweed for nest construction braking to land point blank

Press the Button for an Occasional Miracle

I barely squeezed the whole bird into the frame from top to bottom. Actually, when I executed the obvious crop to a square, I had to add a bit of canvas above and below to give the subject a bit more room to breathe. The three frames before this one and the seven frames after it, all featured badly clipped wings.

The Lesson

Push the shutter button and hope for the best. You never know which chocolate you might get

This image was also created on 20 January 2024 while scouting at La Jolla for the San Diego Instructional Photo-Tours. Again, I used the handheld 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 ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:55:58am on a then-cloudy but a bit brighter morning. Wide AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #4: Brandt’s Cormorant braking to land looking doofy

Mr. Doofy

For whatever reason, the bird in Image #4 seems to have a doofy look on its face. Be sure to click on the image to see it larger and check out the goofy look

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2024 San Diego IPT. 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.

Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

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.

This Just In: 1/18/2024 — 12:16pm Pacific Time

Not too late to join me in San Diego …

Thursday morning at La Jolla was beyond spectacular. In perfect conditions, I created 3460 images. Now all I need to do is pick the best ones. But first, a nap.

What’s Up?

I did a bit of photography on Wednesday morning and took a long scouting walk. Of yesterday’s three images, my favorite was Image #3, the bill pouch cleaning. Nobody liked any of the images. Sorry to Sue, she does not count. She always likes all of them but the silhouettes that she feels are “too dark.”) All the rest are “well made and interesting.” Many folks have kindly tried to explain to her what a silhouette is but she ain’t having it.

In the previous post, the golden brown background was my favorite.

Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great day. My late Mom would not be shocked to learn that I am headed out early to photograph pelicans! If you are interested in joining me for an In-the-Field Instructional Session in San Diego this month, please get in touch ASAP either via e-mail or by calling or texting my cell at 863-221-2372. I was thrilled to learn recently that two folks signed up for San Diego #2. Both are first timers: Jeanette LaPorte and Tom Baker. It is not tool late to sign up for either IPT and be ensured of almost private instruction. Get in touch as above to learn of the couples or late registration discounts.

Please remember to use the B&H 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!

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.

This image was also created on 17 January 2024 on the cliffs at La Jolla. Again, standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber 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 3200. 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 7:32:03am on cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone/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: Brown Pelican Pacific race juvenile braking to land

If …

If you have a question about this image, please leave a comment.

This image was created on 17 January 2024 on the cliffs at La Jolla. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber 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. 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 7:53:13am on cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone/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: Brown Pelican breeding plumage Pacific race with bill pouch distended right after head throw

If …

If you have a question about this image, please leave a comment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2024 San Diego IPT. 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.

Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

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.

Via Text from Sigmon Whitener

Sadako and I had a great time with you on the 2 1/2-DAY DeSoto IPT. And, in just a couple of days, we learned a lot more than we ever expected to.

Your Call?

Which of the three background colors do you prefer for a preening white pelican?

These Just About Sum It Up

Keith Solberg: January 13, 2024 at 6:40pm

I like the bird’s pose. The rocks are OK, but IMO they might be better if they were roughly the same height. The extra height on the right upsets the image’s balance for me.

with love, a

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART: January 13, 2024 at 11:11pm

Thanks for leaving a comment, Keith. For me, the extra height of the rocks on the right balance’s the image perfectly. And just for the record books, I think that it is a fantastic image.

Cliff Beittel: January 14, 2024 at 7:53pm

Agree about the height of the rocks on the right–bird seems positioned perfectly against the background. The background has a desert look–like Joshua Tree NP without the trees. Not a negative, just different and interesting.

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART: January 15, 2024 at 7:08am

Thanks, Cliff. The ambience under the bridge is not very pleasing :-).

As I was making that image, I thought, “I am not gonna like those rocks — they are too close to the bird.” I was happy that the super-wide f/2.8 aperture blurred them so nicely.

with love, a

What’s Up?

I learned on Saturday morning that Alaska Airlines had cancelled my nonstop Monday afternoon flight from Orlando to San Diego as the airline was forced to ground many Boeing 737 Max 9 flights after last week’s mid-air cabin panel blowout. (You can learn about the FAA investigation here.) I called the airline and looked into new flights for Monday. I went with one where I’d have to leave Orlando more than two hours earlier, layover at DFW for two hours, and arrive in San Diego at about the same times as originally planned.

But when the Buffalo Bills/Pittsburgh Steelers game (go Bills!) was moved from Sunday to Monday, I decided that I did not want to miss that game and the Philadelphia Eagles/Tampa Bay Buccaneers (go Bucs!) as well. So I looked for a flight on Tuesday and found a nonstop from MCO to SAN. I called Alaska on Saturday evening, but with so many cancellations and delays because of the grounded aircraft and the frigid weather and snow, the recording said, “The longest wait time to speak to an agent is five hours.” I went to bed.

I woke at 5:30am on Sunday and figured that if I called then, I could quickly change my flight. I got a message stating: “The longest wait time to speak to an agent is six hours.” With no choice, I plugged my cell phone in and waited on hold. I did get lots of work done making sure that I took the phone with me when I left my office. After two hours twenty minutes, a pleasant agent answered and changed my flights in a very few minutes. I will be flying to San Diego nonstop on Tuesday afternoon.

I’ve been flying Alaska a lot recently and honestly say that they have fantastic customer service. All of my flights have been pleasant and all of my luggage has arrived on time — knock on wood …

Today is Monday 15 January 2024. I will continue packing for my 4-week CA trip. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great day.

Please remember to use the B&H 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!

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.

This image was created at Lakeland, FL on 10 January by Sigmon Whitener on a 2 1/2-DAY Fort DeSoto private IPT. He used a RWS monopod/Wimberley MonoGimbal Head-mounted Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens with the Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 400: 1/1250 second at f/8 in Manual mode. At 8:56:43 on a sunny morning. Image optimization and how-to video by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART Image #1: American White Pelican preening Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: Sigmon Whitener

Change of Plans

Leery of the forecast on Wednesday morning, I suggested that we detour and head for Lakeland and the white pelicans instead of walking North Beach at Fort DeSoto in a northwest wind. Sigmon and Sadako agreed. There were about two dozen of the big birds lined up on their favorite bulkhead. It turned out to be a fabulous morning.

The Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera Body versus the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera Body

The two cameras are virtually identical. As the Z8 does not have the built-in battery grip, it is physically smaller and weighs almost a full pound less — the Z8 is 2.0 pounds with a battery and a flash card as compared to 2.9 pounds for the Z9. The Z8 costs exactly $1500 less. AF performance and the image quality are identical, both of course are dependent on the skill of the operator.

Unless you have a problem with its smaller body size and the lack of a vertical grip, the Z8 would be the way to go. If I were shooting Nikon, I’d be using a Z8.

If you are a Nikon user who can add any relevant info here, please leave a comment sharing what you know.

You can purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store for $69.00. Or Call Jim weekdays at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. The Nikon Z9 Guide for Wildlife Photographers

The Nikon Z9 Guide for Wildlife Photographers/by Warren Hatch — Editorial Consultant: Arthur Morris
Updated for Firmware V4.0

In this downloadable e-book (you will receive a link by e-mail), you’ll learn everything a wildlife photographer needs to know about the Nikon Z9. The Z9 is one of the most complex camera bodies ever made. In this guide, the brilliant Warren Hatch will teach you exactly how to set up your Z9 for bird, wildlife, and nature photography. The camera offers hundreds of settings and options. Selecting the right combination of these is essential in order to effectively use the Z9 in the field.

This 83-page guide, created in the tradition of the many mega-successful BIRDS AS ART Camera User’s Guides, includes:

1- Extensive information on the autofocus system and the optimal settings for the various shooting situations that wildlife photographers encounter including and especially for birds in flight.

2- The camera controls – what they do and how to customize them for your shooting style and varying conditions.

3- Configuring the camera so that you never need to take your eye from the viewfinder when the action unfolds.

5- Insights and details on using legacy F-mount lenses on the Z-9.

6- Practical advice about the camera batteries and chargers.

7- How to take advantage of the new capabilities introduced with firmware v2.00.

8- The AF-area Modes you should use and those you should avoid.

Order yours here in the BAA Online Store for $69.00. Or Call Jim weekdays at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand.

Learn more about this great guide in the blog post here.

This image was created at Lakeland, FL on 10 January by Sadako Whitener on a 2 1/2-DAY Fort DeSoto private IPT. She used a RWS monopod/Wimberley MonoGimbal Head-mounted Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens with the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 200: 1/1000 second at f/6.3 in Manual mode. At 8:26:02am on a sunny morning. At 8:26:02am on a sunny morning. Image optimization and how-to video by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. Image #2: American White Pelican preening Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: Sadako Whitener

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens

This Z lens was designed specially for Nikon mirrorless. It weighs only 5.2 pounds. It is somewhat of a hybrid as it is an S series lens with PF (Phase Fresnel) elements. The PF lens element effectively compensates for chromatic aberration and ghosting when combined with ordinary glass lens elements. Utilizing a Phase Fresnel element allows Nikon engineers to use fewer elements. This results in a lighter, more compact lens. Since any movement of the lens when shooting results in unsharpness ( a factor of the square of the focal length), you need to employ good sharpness technique when handholding long lenses like this or using them on a monopod. Both Sigmon and Sadako did well with sharpness.

Yes, and as expected, the Z 800 PF is exceptionally sharp. Having the center of balance well to the rear makes handholding easier for folks who can manage 5-pounders. With this Z lens, you can assign ISO to the Programmable Control Ring on the lens barrel. I was surprised to learn that the control ring operates without click stops, that is, the ISO changes seamlessly. I recommend that everyone using this lens adapt this strategy so that they can quickly and easily change the ISO without having to push and hold a button and then turn a dial. Note that with with all systems, I advise working in Manual Mode, setting the best shutter speed and aperture for the situation, and then controlling the exposure by changing the ISO.

This lens offers full-time manual focus override. This feature enables users to focus manually by turning the focusing ring when the AF system of a mirrorless camera body is temporarily blind. This seeming inexplicable situation is explained in detail in The Art & Science of Photographing Birds in Flight. If I were shooting Nikon, I would surely own and use this lens.

This image was created at Lakeland, FL on 10 January by yours truly while leading a 2 1/2-DAY Fort DeSoto private IPT. Crouching down behind my Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, 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 500. 1/1000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:47:04am on sunny morning. Tracking: upper center Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image & image optimization by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART Image #3: American White Pelican — first year scissors preening

Changing Background Colors in the Field!

Somewhere, sometime long ago, I wrote something to this effect: “It would be great if we could move the elements of an image around in the frame, but that is not possible when photographing free and wild birds. Thus, the only way we can move stuff around in the frame or change the color of the background is to change our perspective.”

The light was sweet and there were several nice background colors to work with:

Sigmon’s blue background in Image #1 was the lake.

Sadako’s green backdrop in Image #2 was the reflection of foliage on the far shoreline.

The orange/gold setting for my Image #3 was the reflection of some fall colors on a large bush.

Note that each of us had to work off sun angle to some degree to get the background color that we wanted.

We all got low when making our images to move the background farther away. But, as is often the case, we could not get too low as that introduced dark elements on the far shoreline.

The lesson: take great care when choosing your perspective.

The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide You can purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.

The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide

126 pages, 87 photographs by Joe Przybyla and Arthur Morris.
The PDF for this e-Guide is an electronic download sent via e-mail.

Purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.

I had thought about doing a guide to some of the great but little-known photo hotspots around central Florida for about a decade, but those plans never came to fruition. I met Joe online in the Avian Forum at BirdPhotographer’s.Net about two years ago. Joe’s photography has improved tremendously over the past few years; he credits the BAA blog, my books and PDFs, and his participation on BPN. The one thing that I learned right from the get-go about Joe is that he is a hard and tenacious worker, always striving to improve his skills and to grow his knowledge base. As he knew of more than a few good spots in central Florida, I broached the idea of us doing a photographic site guide that covered many of the little-known photographic hotspots from Brandon to Lakeland to Joe Overstreet Road to Indian Lake Estates (my Florida home for the past 20 years or so). After more than many, many dozens of hours of effort, The BIRDS AS ART Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide is now a reality. Thanks to Joe’s wife Dottie for her review of our writing. We all learned once again that writing is a process, a back-and-forth process. All thanks to the white pelicans of Lakeland. Below are the locations that are detailed in this e-Guide. Please note that last season, Gatorland did not offer a Photographer’s Pass.

• Indian Lake Estates: Sandhills Cranes with chicks and colts, lots of vultures, and Ospreys up the kazoo!
• Gatorland, Kissimmee: Learn to make great images of wading birds in a cluttered rookery.
• The Brandon Rookery: Great for nesting Wood Storks, Great Egrets, and more.
• Circle Bar B Reserve, Lakeland: Here you will find a great variety of avian subjects in a great variety of habitats.
• Lake Morton, Lakeland: There are lots of silly tame birds here including and especially American White Pelican during the colder months.
• Lake Mirror, Lakeland: Tame Anhingas, Limpkins, and a zillion White Ibises at times.
• West Lake Parker, Lakeland: Here, if you are lucky, you will have a chance for two difficult birds: Snail Kite, and Purple Gallinule.
• Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville: Crested Caracara, meadowlarks, Loggerhead Shrike, and much more on the fenceposts and barbed wire.

Each location includes a map, a detailed description of the best spots, best season, light and time of day instructions, the expected species, and an educational and inspirational gallery that is designed to open your eyes as to the possibilities.

You can purchase a copy here in the BAA Online Store.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

What’s Up?

The first day of the private IPT was massively successful. The weather forecast was calling for a NW wind and partly sunny for St. Pete. After consulting with Sigmon and Sadako, we decided to drive an hour to Lakeland and hope for the American White Pelicans. Though the forecast for Lakeland was for clouds and a wind from the northwest, it turned out to be sunny and clear with a breeeze from the east. And oh, the pelicans were there in force. We shot until 10:00am and then headed back to our AirBnB. Our afternoon was unexpectedly great as we wound up surrounded by about a dozen species of plovers and sandpipers including two cooperative Marbled Godwit. A fishing Snowy Egret visited and an Osprey dived and caught a big fish right in front of us.

After lunch at Neptune Grill in Gulfport, we did a long image review session. Dinner at the AirBnb was scrumptious baked chicken and a glorious salad prepared by Chef Morris. Sedaka was the sous chef, and she and Sigmon cleaned up the huge mess that I made and did all the dishes.

Today is Thursday 11 January 2024. We just arrived at DeSoto for Day 2. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great 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.

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.

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens, or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com

B&H Simplified

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

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.

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.

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. My affiliate link work 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.

This image was created on 28 March 2023 on a Fort DeSoto IPT. Seated on damp sand I used the foot-pod technique with 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. 1/2000 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 (ho hum). AWB at 8:07:35am on a partly overcast 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: Little Blue Heron, molting juvenile hunting

Juvenile Little Blue Heron

Young Little Blue Herons are often mistaken for Snowy Egrets by those not paying attention to detail. The first clue is the GISS (general impression, size, and shape); little blues are stockier and not as dainty as snowies and the bill is stouter as well. Fresh juveniles are pretty much white but not as bright white as snowies. In addition to the slightly thicker bill, the bills of juvie LBHs are light grayish blue at the base becoming duskier and darker toward the distal half. The legs range from yellow to greenish yellow. The bill and legs of Snowy Egret are black except for the young ones. Like LBHE chicks, SNEGs are born with legs that range from yellow to greenish yellow. After a few months the legs of SNEG become black with a yellow stripe on the back of the leg. As they approach their first birthday, the began to grow in some blue feathers. Fairly soon they become splotchy (pied).

Note: The acronym GISS was first used in WWII to identify military aircraft. Birdwatchers also use JIZZ to mean the same thing. Without getting into the debate of JIZZ vs GISS, JIZZ seems to be the winner; it was first used to describe birds in 1921. Simply put, if you see someone you know well in a crowd at a great distance you are often quite sure of who they are. Over time, that’ how it works with bird ID

This image of the same bird was also created on 28 March 2023 on a Fort DeSoto IPT. Seated on damp sand I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld 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 800. 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 9:42:39am on then-cloudy morning. Tracking: Upper center Zone/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: Little Blue Heron, molting juvenile with tiny fiddler crab

Follow Attractive Subjects and Then Work Them Hard

Some bird photographers are happy to go out and make a few images of a given species and then move on to something else. I have long advised folks that once they find a nice subject that they stay with it and work hard to create a variety of images depicting different behaviors and different image designs. Always keep the basics in mind. If you are photographing the whole bird, consider whether it would do best in a horizontal frame or a vertical one. Always be mindful of the background when choosing your perspective. When the sun is shining, it is generally best to stay within 10 or 15 degrees of sun angle, the direction that your shadow is pointing. If something in the background is worth including in the frame, be sure to include the whole thing with at least a small border around it.

If you are using a zoom lens, you can zoom in or out to vary the size of the subject. If you are using a fixed focal length lens, you must use human zoomin’ by moving farther or closer to the bird. In that same vein, be sure to check that you are not clipping off a head, feet, or a wing tip.

This image of the same bird was also created on 28 March 2023 on a Fort DeSoto IPT. Seated on damp sand I again used the knee-pod technique with the handheld 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 640. 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 9:48:56am on then-cloudy-bright morning. Tracking: Upper left Zone/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: Little Blue Heron, molting juvenile on beach

The Situation

We began photographing this bird (and many others) in the long, skinny pool to the left of the parking lot at North Beach. I followed it as it flew off to the south east and saw it land near the entrance to Hidden Lagoon. When the action slowed, I took the group over to the lagoon where it hunted for Fiddler Crabs.

Your Call

Which of today’s featured images is your favorite? Be so kind as to leave a comment letting us know why you made your choice.

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.

Be sure to click on the composite to view a larger, high-res version. All images from 2023 Fort DeSoto Spring IPTs. Clockwise from upper left around to center: Snowy Egret in breeding plumage with crest blowing; Osprey striking; Brown Pelican sunrise silhouette; Royal Terns copulating; Marbled Godwit striding; Royal Tern courtship feeding; Snowy Egret hunting; Laughing Gull in breeding plumage along flight; Reddish Egret in flight with killifish.

The 2024 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tours (IPTs)

Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #1: THURS 14 March through the morning session on SUN 17 March, 2024. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers.

Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #2: Wednesday 8 May through the morning session on SAT 11 May 2024. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5.

Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for terns and gulls, wading birds, and shorebirds in springtime. Though DeSoto can be great any day of the year, spring is my very favorite time to be there as 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.

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.

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. On the May trip, many of the shorebirds will be 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. I almost forgot to mention — Laughing Gulls in breeding plumage are to die for!

You do NOT need a fast super-telephoto lens to do this trip!

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.

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.

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.

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 during 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). For folks who register soon, the is an excellent chance that we can share an AirBnb to reduce lodging and meal costs and maximize your learning opportunities.

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.

More INFO

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunset colors. 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 non-refundable $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. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372 for more info.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

No Homer IPT Price Increase!

Despite that fact that the hourly boat fee has been increased by 33%, I have decided not to raise the price of the 2025 Homer IPTs. Scroll down for details.

Amazing!

Two folks who have traveled with me to Homer before signed up for both trips within an hour of posting. Only 3 slots left on each trip.

What’s Up?

Not much. It rained most of Saturday morning. I have been doing lots of walking and swimming in my pool that has been as low as 67.1° F and walking one and a half miles most every day. Plus my bursts.

Please note that the last three Bob Eastman items in today’s post were excerpted from two previous 2023 posts. Whether or not you missed “The Happy Life of Hapless Bob Eastman” it is worth a read. As I do, Bob chooses to be happy. (Byron Katie — www.TheWork.com)

Today is Sunday 7 JAN 2024. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day too. It is very cloudy with a NW breeze so I will be heading down to the lake after my early morning cold-shock walk/swim.

Catching Up

Astoundingly, my very favorite image from the 200-600 video was Andrew Schonbek’s Dunlin flapping after bath. Please remember that Andrew was a 100% Sony beginner when he arrived in Gulfport for a DeSoto IPT. I can help you too. Of my images, I’d go with the Herman’s Gull with the black sand background. That followed by the Piping Plover grabbing a fly off the beach and the copulating skimmers.

My three picks from the Twenty-four of My 2023 Favorite Images video are as follows:

1- The screaming kittiwake for its dynamism.

2- The baby oystercatcher getting fed for the colors and the cuteness.

3- The Common Tern killing the tiny chick for the graphic drama.

That said, there were at least another dozen that I really, really loved. Maybe more …

Mongoose M3.6

Bosque IPT veteran Dwaine Tollefsrud is offering a Mongoose 3.6 tripod head in excellent condition for a very low $380.00. It comes in the original box and includes insured ground shipping via major courier to US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Dwaine via e-mail or by phone at 605-431-5712 (Mountain Time Zone).

The Mongoose was my go-to super-telephoto lens tripod head for more than a decade. We still sell a few each year new for $680.00 (plus shipping). It is difficult to find a used one so Dwaine’s Mongoose is an excellent buy. artie

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.

This image was also created on 4 March 2023 by Bob Eastman on the third Homer IPT. Again, he used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 374mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation the Thumb Dial. Evaluative metering -2/3 stop. AUTO ISO SET ISO 250: 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Shutter Priority mode. AWB at 6:05:50pm, 36 minutes before sunset with some lovely clouds on the horizon. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Bald Eagle with wings raised — sunset silhouette Image courtesy of and copyright 2024, Bob Eastman

My Inadvertent Photo Theft

In the blog post here, the new YourTube video (Best 2023 Sony 200-600 Images) drew very, very few comments. Beginning at the 2:52 mark, I shared two Bald Eagle silhouette images that I honestly believed were mine.

Thus, I was surprised to see this comment:

Bob Eastman/January 5, 2024 at 12:00pm

Glad to hear that your Homer IPTs are filled and hopefully you have a good driver. And thanks for using my two Bald Eagle unset Happy New Year my friend! Always with love b

I was sure that Bob was mistaken, but was aghast when I saw that the two photos in question obviously had Bob-Eastman in the caption. I called him to apologize, but we played phone tag for most of the day. When we finally got to chat yesterday afternoon, I was glad to learn that Bob was actually thrilled that I had mistaken his photos as mine.

I clearly remember standing behind Bob at our newfound spot and forcefully moving him into perfect position. Note that Augustine Volcano is included on the left side of the image. Thank me very much Bob did a great job zooming out for the take-off shot!

This image was created on 4 March 2023 by Bob Eastman on the third Homer IPT. He used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation the Thumb Dial. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop. AUTO ISO SET ISO 125: 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Shutter Priority mode. AWB at 6:28:20pm, 14 minutes before sunset with some clouds on the horizon. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Bald Eagle — sunset silhouette Image courtesy of and copyright 2024, Bob Eastman

Bob Eastman and BIRDS AS ART

Bob Eastman began hanging around the blog about two years ago. It was obvious that he was eager to learn photography. We e-mailed a lot and spoke a few times. Bob’s message was always the same: “I really want to learn from you. I am dreaming of getting to Alaska. I want to attend an IPT. But I do not fly. I am deathly scared of getting on an airplane.”

Skip ahead to February 18, 2023. Carolyn Johnson and I have just gotten off our flight from Seattle to Anchorage. A strange looking guy meets us at the top of the stairs that lead down to bag claim. He has a big smile on his face as he greets us, but his teeth are brown and yellow rotten and misshapen. “Howdy, artie!” he says, his voice very loud and 100% hillbilly, “I’m Bob Eastman.” Carolyn and I were taken aback. We each thought, “What have we gotten ourselves into?” Fortunately, Bob had had us fooled. He removed his fake rubber teeth and gave us each a big hug as we all laughed out loud.

“Bob,” I asked, what are you doing here? I thought that your plane was going to crash.” “It almost did,” he said. “We were 30 minutes out of Seattle when the plane dropped 700 feet in seconds. Everyone not seated with their seatbelts fastened went flying. So did trays and drinks and everything else that was not tied down. I was sure that I was going to die. Once we resumed stable flight the pilot came on and explained that we had hit a pocket of dead air.”

The next day Bob drove every inch of the way from Anchorage to Homer. He turned out to be a super-nice guy. He was a great roommate. He can be zany. He is funny and laughs easily. He is enthusiastic about everything he does. He is very eager to learn. He did the first and the last Homer IPTs. He asked a thousand questions. I loaned him the SUV during the 2nd IPT, and he was off in search of owls and Moose and anything else he could find to photograph after dropping the group at the dock. And he was always there for us with a warm vehicle to greet us when we got off the boat. He drove every inch of the way back to Anchorage even though Monte Brown offered to drive several times. Neither of his return flights crashed. When he got back to Minneapolis, he faced a snowstorm and a six hour drive back to his home in Wisconsin. That wound up taking eight hours. At night. In the dark. Somewhat miraculously, he made it home safely.

After you read Bob’s biography below, you may be surprised to learn that he (like my late-Dad) is completely devoid of any bitterness despite the bad luck he has had for the past five or so decades. He is a skilled and knowledgeable outdoorsman. He loves life, loves photography, speaks of the time he spends outdoors with reverence, and cherishes every minute of every day. And best of all, he is my friend.

On the drive back up to Homer and for several more hours as we waited for our red-eye flights into the early morning of 9 March at Ted Stevens International Airports, I interviewed Bob and learned all about his bad luck life. The story really is hard to believe.

Bob Eastman in Zany Mode disguising himself as a Moose

The Happy Life of Hapless Bob Eastman

As told to Arthur Morris

Robert Allen Eastman was born on February 25, 1957, in Milwaukee, WI. At age five, he was on his bike chasing the ice cream wagon. After purchasing four fudgsicles, he was worried about them melting. He kept checking on them until he drove his bike right at the rear fin of a 1957 Cadillac. He split his head open and arrived home bleeding profusely. He woke up two months later after being placed in a medically induced coma to reduce the swelling in his brain. Reading was a challenge , and he was unable to concentrate long on anything.

His family summered at a cottage on the Wisconsin River. His neighbor was washing out a portable cement mixer. Bob was seven. The neighbor was in his house when Bob spotted a shiny rock that he wanted. He stuck his hand in to grab it but fins inside the machine grabbed his coat and lifted him up and down as it spun. He screamed and the neighbor came out and pulled the plug. His right elbow was wrecked, his arm broken in several places. At the hospital, they put his arm in a cast and sent him home.

His parents threw him out at age 15. He got a job working in a pallet factory but was fired due to his age. By 16, he began using drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and acid. He had stolen a bicycle for transportation. When the cops came asking about the bike, Bob – realizing that his life was on a very bad path, told them that he had stolen the bike, told them about his stash, and told them that he needed help. They arrested him. He was placed in Lincoln Hills Juvenile Detention Center until he was 18.

He credits his stay at the center with turning his life around.

While he was there, a team of state doctors re-broke his cement-mixer damaged right arm and set it properly. The improvement was huge.

When he was released, he rented a cabin and got a job driving a forklift, loading trucks and trains on the docks. While trying to help another driver with his load, the forklift wound up on top of Bob. Six fellow workers lifted the 6,000-pound machine off him. He had fractured his right femur. When he could walk on the leg, he went to work in the shipping office.

Thursday night was taco night at Skyline Ski Resort. He ran into a rival from high school named Jerry. Both of them were drunk. Bob grabbed a girl’s car keys and went for a joyride with Jerry. Long story short, Bob wound up marrying Susan three months later.

They had three sons. Walking home through a park after having a drink with an old friend and turning down a ride, he was mugged and severely beaten by to men to the tune of three broken ribs and a bloodied face and head after he refused to give them his wallet with seven dollars in it. Bob got to his feet, broke the arm of one of his attackers, and spent several days in the hospital.

While camping with his wife in Tomahawk, WI, Bob began running a high fever and became delusional. They borrowed a car, got lost, and knocked on a farmer’s door. He came out with a pistol followed by his wife with a shotgun. They met the ambulance on the road. The EMTs put Bob on a gurney but neglected to strap him down. The lady EMT slipped and dropped the gurney. Bob fell off the gurney 75 feet down a steep slope into a cattail marsh. Bob was waist deep in mud and muck.

By the time the other EMT fished Bob out, he was incoherent and covered with mud and slime. His temperature was 105° F. His appendix –previously misdiagnosed by a family doctor, had ruptured. He underwent emergency surgery the next morning. Bob spent another two weeks in the hospital.

In the winter of 2005 Bob went ice-fishing. Alone. The temperature was 20° F. He broke through the ice and miraculously clawed his way out of the frigid water and tried to make his way back to his car, about 1-½ miles away. He almost made it, but collapsed 100 yards short to die. A passerby had seen Bob from the main road but kept on going. After ten miles, he made a U-turn as he felt that something just did not seem right. He saw that Bob, now covered in ice from head to toe and near death, was in dire need of help. He dragged Bob up to his car, pushed and pulled him into the back seat, and drove him 15 miles to the nearest emergency room at Hartford Memorial Hospital.

Bob was in the hospital for a week. Despite advanced hypothermia, he escaped relatively unscathed. Bob never saw the man again. “An angel,” he says.

When Bob was about 50, he was working at a tool and die machine shop in Flint, MI. On his way back to his apartment in Detroit, he got lost and wound up on the Windsor Bridge into Canada. He followed a small white van with a red cross on it into Canada. The van was pulled over by Canadian customs and so was Bob, It turned out that the guys in the van were carrying two million US dollars’ worth of cocaine. The agents incorrectly assumed that Bob was part of the drug convoy.

He was locked in a room for ten hours without access to a bathroom. He was questioned relentlessly. Bob kept protesting his innocence. He was finally released – without apology, the next day after the Mounties contacted his boss.

He lost that job in 2007 during the recession. Next, he was employed by Benz Metal Industries. He was running a water jet machine that can be used to cut anything. He was loading 55 pound bag of garnet valued at $11.00. When it slipped out of his hand, he grabbed at it. He fell face first onto a pallet of garnet bags. He dislocated his left shoulder and ruptured four spinal vertebrae in his neck. He told the boss who sent him to the doc. They did an MRI of his lower back and incredibly, missed his neck injuries. The MRI showed degenerative discs and a herniated disc in the lumbar region at L4. The doctor suggested physical therapy.

That caused excruciating pain in his neck. The therapist diagnosed a neck injury. Bob went back to see an orthopedic surgeon who recommended an MRI of the head and neck. That done, Bob was told not to move anything and to re-visit the surgeon. They tried cortisone injections and physical therapy. At that point, a Workers’ Compensation nurse become involved in the case. Things got worse and worse. Pain medication was prescribed: Vicodin, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone, all nasty stuff.

After six months of increasing medication, the pain became worse. His right side began to go numb. He had no feeling in his right hand and could not button a shirt. They put Bob on a Fentanyl patch, 100 mcg every two days. Nothing helped. So, it was back to the surgeon. Bob agreed to anterior cervical neck fusion. Workmen’s Comp cut him off completely stating that his problem was from a pre-existing condition. They would not agree to pay for the surgery.

Bob continued to get worse and worse. His weight had dropped from 185 to 130 pounds. He went to an attorney who arranged Badger Care insurance through the state of Wisconsin. One and one-half years after his accident, the surgery was performed at The Orthopedic Medical Hospital at Milwaukee, WI.

After a tough recovery, Bob was back in physical therapy. Progress was very slow. Seven months after the surgery, he went back to light duty and computer work. No lifting.

Fasten your seatbelt.

Standing next to his boss in the shop, next to the water jet machine, a ten thousand pound steel plate, 5 X 20 feet long was hanging vertically, held by a grab claw and hoist. It was swinging inexorably toward Bob. His boss noticed it and shoved Bob out of the path of the plate. Bob fell backwards onto a pallet of steel plates. He landed on his butt.

He was taken by ambulance to the hospital where injuries to his lower back were diagnosed. After a year of failed physical therapy, three rods were surgically placed in his right hip at the SI joint, an “SI Fusion.” He walked out of the hospital that same day and felt great within a week. “That was my best surgery ever,” he told me.

Another year of physical therapy followed so that Bob could adjust to everyday life while dealing with his neck and SI fusions. He has been out of work ever since his boss had tried to save him.

Bob had been an outdoor person since childhood and loves walking in nature. In 2011, right after the second injury, Bob purchased a Canon Elan 5 and a 70-300mm zoom lens and began carrying it on his walks. Another nature photographer was born.

In 2021, at age 64, while scouting for a good cliffside location from which to photograph the coming Fourth of July fireworks in Wisconsin Dells, Bob slipped and fell 30 feet down the 100-foot cliff until he got wedged between some rocks. Fishermen on the river called rescue, but they did not show up for an hour. Once they located Bob, they rappelled down the cliff, got Bob into a rescue basket, and lowered him down to the river where he was taken by boat to the Wisconsin Dells Dam and then by ambulance to Mauston Hospital. Just bruises and some pain, but no broken bones or serious injuries.

Bob returned a week later to photograph the fireworks display from a safe spot on a folding chair down by the river.

On February 14, 2022, Bob had his left shoulder replaced. It had been injured more than 14 years before when he dropped the bag of garnet. The surgery was quite successful; Bob gets around just fine now without any pain meds.

Bob says, “My life has been a journey, and it’s not over yet. I’m looking forward to the rest of it.”

Postscript: While Bob was in Homer, he often went out on his own looking for owls. He fell on the ice and re-injured his right arm. When he returned home, he had the arm x-rayed: he has an elongated stress fracture of his ulna. When the doctor examined the x-rays of his right arm he was floored; “What the hell happened to your elbow?”

This image was created on 23 February 2023 by Bob Eastman on an Instructional Photo-Tour at Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK. He used the handheld 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 ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 11:33:42am on a cloudy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Bald Eagle scavenging Moose rack Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: Bob Eastman Image optimization by BIRDS AS ART

What Bob Learned on the Homer IPTs

Bob learned that patience paid off. (I am still working on that oneHe wanted an image of the eagle inside the Moose antlers and stayed with it until he got what he wanted. He needs to teach me that lesson. Bob learned not to be concerned about high ISO settings with Sony and to expose far to the right by mastering Zebra technology. He learned how to get the right exposure for the adult eagles on white sky days: set the wide open aperture, pick your preferred fast shutter speed for flight, and then raise the ISO until the analogue scale shows +2 stops on the sky. That would almost always result in some Zebras either on the sky or on an adult eagles white head. Bob took every word that I said as the holy grail. That paid off nicely on the IPT and will continue paying off until he falls off another cliff. Or not!

Bob learned to shoot sunsets in Shutter Priority mode with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial. Like most beginners, and me at time, he often failed to add enough light. Bob learned that to get the brightest sunset or sunrise colors, you should put the subject directly between you and the sun. While that seems obvious, folks often seem to miss that important point. Bob learned that when you have two flying birds in the frame, press the shutter button. Do not try to visualize the perfect image. Do not try to compose a pleasing image; just press and hold the shutter button. It’s the old Forrest Gump life is like a box of chocolates thing — you never know what you are gonna get.

To this day, Bob and I speak at least once or twice a month. He is a great friend.

No Homer IPT Price Increase!

Despite that fact that the hourly boat fee has been increased by 33%, I have decided not to raise the price of the 2025 Homer IPTs. Scroll down for details.

All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK

2025 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs

IPT #1: FRI 14 FEB 2025 through the full day on TUES 18 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 3.

IPT #2: WED 19 FEB 2025 through the full day on SUN 23 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 3.

Register for both trips to maximize your travel dollars and enjoy a $1000 discount while you are at it. In 2024, three of the five participants did both trips!

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.

All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!

What You Will Learn

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.

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.

You will enjoy working with the best and most creative boat captain on his sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck watercraft.

There will be only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.

Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions.

All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK

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.

Important 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 $300.00/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 2024 those included Moose, Sea Otter, a variety of sea ducks in the harbor, and Great Grey and Short-eared Owl.

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.

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 both of them. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one or both of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

This infrared image was created on a Palouse IPT with the hand held Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens and a Canon EOS 5D Mark II converted to infrared at 720nm. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/320 sec. at f/9. Custom White Balance off the green grass. The AF point to the left and below the center AF point/One Shot/Rear Focus AF as framed. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Old Grain Elevator

This image was created many years ago on Thanksgiving Day at Bosque del Apache NWR with the handheld Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 278mm) and my Kolari Vision-converted EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2 stops: 1/800 sec. at f/5.6. Custom WB. All 9 AF points/AI Servo/Shutter Button AF was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). Click on the image to see a larger version. Red-winged Blackbird flock in front of mountains/IR

Canon EOS 5D Mark III/24-105 Infrared Rig with Many Extras!

Morro Bay IPT veteran Dane Johnson is offering a Canon EOS 5D Mark III (converted to infrared, as noted below) in near-mint conditions with the BG-E11 battery grip (in like-new condition) and a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens (also in near-mint condition) for a ridiculously low $999.00. The Super Color Infrared (590nm) conversion was performed by Life Pixel in November 2017 and included a custom lens focus calibration. The shutter count is approximately 12,330. The sale includes everything above, the front body cap, the front and rear lens caps, the EW-83H lens shade, all the items that came in the original boxes (camera strap, battery charger, cables, manuals, etc.), the original product boxes, a Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch (cable release), two RRS L-plates (for the camera and for the battery grip), three extra LP-E6 batteries, four Delkin 32GB CF 700X UDMA 6 compact flash cards, a Hoodman loupe for checking focus in the rear panel in live-view mode, a Photoshop action for channel switching the color channels (loaded on the CF card in the camera), 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 Dane via e-mail or by phone at 1-559-593-0989 (Pacific time zone).

As you can see above, I dabbled in IR for a while. I had some good results from Bosque and the Palouse. Dane’s offer above has so many extras that you could toss the camera and still come out ahead! artie

What’s Up?

There is an only one spot left on the first Homer IPT. Please e-mail for late-registration discount e-mail. I am willing to practically give the spot away for free to fill the boat. Homer #2 is sold out.

Thanks to the many who commented on my twenty-four favorite 2023 images in the previous blog post. It’s not too late to chime in if you missed doing so. I will share my top three with you here in the next post.

Sun with a NW wind on Tuesday morning went as expected — not too good. I did spend some time photographing a young Red-shouldered Hawk that sat on The Perch for two consecutive mornings. And there were a zillion Cattle Egrets feeding on the South Peninsula — actually about 200. The Forster’s Tern flock was up to 45 birds. And on my way yesterday afternoon, there were two Bonaparte’s Gulls swimming alongside the pier.

Today is Wednesday 3 January. As the forecast is calling for mostly cloudy skies with a NE breeze. — pretty good, I will head down to the lake with some rotten, smelly fish carcasses and heads when this offering is posted. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great 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.

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.

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens, or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%. .

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com

B&H Simplified

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

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.

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.

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.

This image was created on 1 January 2024 down by the lake at ILE. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 448mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:32:14am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum for Sony). Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Bald Eagle 4-year old in flight

The Situation

On the morning of the first day of the year, it was mostly sunny with a breeze that was switching from the northeast to the southeast. Driving around, I spotted the 4-year old Bald Eagle sitting on the grass on the North Field. Set up at 1200mm on the BLUBB, my heart rate increased as I drove slowly into position. In the early sunlight, the bird looked huge and regal. Then it flew off, harassed by the caracaras.

I put out some fish scraps and as I made my way back to the car, the sub-adult eagle swooped in followed quickly by the caracaras. I came up empty, sat on a pillow on the grass right by the car, and had a few good chances. The eagle flew by several times; today’s two feature images were made in the same second on the bird’s best approach. Though it never came down to the yummy salmon head, I was glad to create a few decent flight shots.

I did not stay long once the Black Vultures took over. I went back to patrolling in my SUV and again spotted the 4-year eagle on the grass near the caracara nest tree. This time I stayed farther back. As I got on sun angle, both caracaras dived on the eagle and drove it away. I’ve been trying for chase flight shots but so far have come up empty.

This image was created on 1 January 2024 down by the lake at ILE. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 448mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:32:14am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum for Sony). Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Bald Eagle 4-year old in flight

Consecutive Frames

As the 4-year eagle flew by, I got on it as quickly as possible. The first two frames, _A1G0822 & _A1G0823, were clearly the best as they were the only ones made before the bird turned away to the west. As expected with a 30 fps body, the two images were created in the same second. Both are excellent

Your Call?

Though obviously very similar, I believe that one of the two images has a more dynamic flight pose, and that the other one has slightly better sky color.

Which is the more dynamic flight pose?

Which image has the best blue sky?

I will share my thoughts with you here soon.

Re-published!

This post was originally published on Wednesday 27 December 2023. Then it mysteriously disappeared. Thanks to blog regular Dan Carr I was able to re-construct the photos and links and re-publish it on SAT 29 December 2023.

Your Call?

Which is the strongest of today’s three featured images? Why did you make your choice? I have a clear favorite that might surprise some folks. I will share my choice and why I made it in the next post.

Andrew. December 25, 2023 at 3:17am

So you pay $100 for “pro support” and you wait three months for a lens repair. Great success! I don’t know what’s wrong with Sony but their repair centers suck big time! I had my a7R IV sent for repair in NJ for broken front cover. They didn’t have parts in stock and had to order it from Japan. All took 4 weeks. I don’t understand how a repair center doesn’t have a stock of main parts and how ordering parts, even from Japan, takes weeks.

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. December 25, 2023 at 1:01pm

It would be nice if they had more parts in stock, but there are a lot of lenses and cameras, and thus, many, many thousands of parts. They do keep you abreast of the delays — that is better than waiting for months and not knowing anything They do pay the round trip shipping by FedEx. And, you can get a loaner quickly.

How’s this? I debated about approving a $650 charge to repair my 200-600 as it is a relatively inexpensive lens. Anyhoo, I gave them the go ahead. They needed so many parts that they sent me a brand new one with no additional charges! That ain’t shabby.

with love, artie

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens, or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%. .

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com

The Gardiner Brothers

The other day I received a short pass-along-video from a friend via Message and shared it with many on my i-Phone. I loved it and so did everyone else. I tracked the brothers down and found their YouTube channel here. Surfing around there, I found this one. — The Galway Girl and two Galway Guys! — and loved it too. At 30 seconds, it is surely worth a click.

Galway Girl is an Ed Sheeran number sung beautifully above by Malinda. It is not a big stretch to imagine her as Sheeran’s sister.

The Gardiner Brothers are professional Irish dancers, social media personalities and influencers. Michael (born 1995) and Matthew (born 1999) are Irish-American dancers and choreographers, born in Denver and now living in Galway, Ireland. They are both cast members of Riverdance and have toured the world extensively since auditioning for the show in 2015. They are known for their rhythm, innovation, and syncopation and have both won the Irish dancing World Championship multiple times. (Wiki).

What’s Up?

With the winds shifting to the north and the west, I have not been heading down to the lake for a photo session recently. Yesterday, I edited another 2000 vulture/caracara/crane images and saved eight of 39 videos. I hope to process one or two of them soon and share them here with you.

It was Wednesday 27 December 2023 when this was first published. Then it disappeared. All was good as I had lots of work to do. There is still a ton of great stuff in today’s post so be sure to read the whole thing. It took me about three hours to prepare this post. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great 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.

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.

Picking 25 Flight Keepers out of 348 Images

Lately, I have been enjoying some great action with both Black and Turkey Vultures at my road kill cafe set-ups, usually baited with fish heads and carcasses courtesy of Mike from Junior’s Fish Market in Lake Wales, FL. On a very dark Sunday morning past, I created 39 videos with the Peashooter Min-rig, the 70-200 II, the 1.4X TC, and the a-1. I am learning.

With the amazingly accurate AF systems of today’s fast frame-rate mirrorless camera bodies, you need to quickly determine which are the very best of so many sharp images. It is all about flight poses, wing positions, head angles, and more. Sit next to me as I pick my keepers from a great flight photography session. As always, Photo Mechanic makes picking your keepers super-fast and super-efficient.

The truth be told, while editing the video I went to the Trash and grabbed two images that I realized should have been kept. Then I edited the final 27 down to 13. So, 13 keepers out of 348 original captures — a 3.7% keeper rate.

This image was created on 23 December 2023 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Seated on damp sand, 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 1600. 1/4000 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 (ho hum). AWB at 8:46:14am on very cloudy morning. This image was created on 13 September 2022 down by the lake near my home at ILE. 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 500. 1/1000 sec. at f/7.1 (stopped down 2 2/3 stops) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:35:13am on hazy, sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/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: Turkey Vulture soaring above lake

New Remove Tool Miracle Discovery

If you watched the video, you will have noticed that I clipped the tips of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th primary feathers at the top frame-edge. Once I got the image into Photoshop, I expanded canvas top and right using Content Aware Fill. As expected, that crudely repaired the clipped feathers. Very crudely. Rather than use the Clone Stamp Tool as I usually would, I tried the new Remove Tool to trim away the edges and shape the feathers. I was beyond astounded. I will include the details in a future Digital Basics III volume, most likely the next one, #4.

This image was created on 23 December 2023 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Seated on damp sand, 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 1600. 1/4000 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 (ho hum). AWB at 8:46:14am on very cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone/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: Crested Caracara landing on small beach

Bad Luck and Trouble

“Hope for the best.’ ‘But plan for the worst.” Jack Reacher in Bad Luck And Trouble by Lee Child.

The plan was for me to get a clean shot at the caracara braking to land. But I was photo-bombed by a Turkey Vulture that merged with the tail and a bit more. The image optimization was far more difficult than I had imagined and took more than half an hour. Be sure to see the before and after animated GIF below Image #3.

This image was also created on 23 December 2023 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Seated on damp sand, 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 1600. 1/4000 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 (ho hum). AWB at 8:56:11am on very cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone/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: Black Vulture braking to land

Greedy but Successful!

As this is the full frame original, it is obvious that I was lucky to fit the whole bird in the frame at 400mm. Remember that you cannot win the lottery unless you buy a ticket. In flight photography terms, that means that even if the shot seems difficult or near impossible, it always pays to press and hold the shutter button.

Heck of a Lot of Work!

As noted above, the image optimization depicted above took more than 30 minutes. I used my usual cadre of clean-up tools and techniques including the Patch Tool, the Clone Stamp Tool, Divide and Conquer, and the new Remove Tool. All as detailed in DB II and in the DB III video series.

The Digital Basics III Video Series

The Digital Basics III Video Series

I realized about a year ago that my digital workflow had changed significantly and was thinking about writing a Digital Basics III … More recently, I have learned and begun working with two great new Photoshop Tools, the Remove Tool and the Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool. The former is like a smarter Spot Healing Brush Tool on steroids and the latter is a huge step up from the fabulous Color Mixer Tool. During that same time frame, I came up with a new and improved 2-step noise reduction technique. I still use Divide and Conquer, Quick Masks, Layer Masks, an expanded array of personalized keyboard shortcuts, and tons of other stuff from both versions of Digital Basics.

As soon as I realized that I did not want to take on another large writing project, I realized that by creating a series of videos I could much more easily share all the details of my current digital workflow and much more easily incorporate additional new tips, techniques, and tools as I went. And so, The Digital Basics III Video Series was born. You can check out Volume I/#1 here and Volume I/#2 here.

You might opt to purchase single videos or to subscribe to Volume I and save $26 by ordering the first five videos in one fell swoop. You can purchase the five videos in Volume I by clicking here. The videos will be most valuable for folks using the latest version of Photoshop (2024) or Lightroom along with Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI. Check out the amazing stuff in Volume I/#3 below.

Retroactive Discount Savings

If you have previously purchased a single video and learned a lot, you can upgrade to the complete DB III Volume I series and save $26.00 by calling Jim at 863-692-0906 weekdays, Monday through Friday at noon.

Click on the composite to view a larger version and be even more impressed. The Art & Science of Photographing Birds in Flight with the Sony α-1 e-Book/PDF link sent via e-mail: $150.00

The Art & Science of Photographing Birds in Flight with the Sony α-1

by Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris

First of all, if you use Nikon or Canon (or Olympus or Fuji) gear, do not be put off by the title. While a portion of the guide deals with the Sony α-1, there is a ton of priceless information, tips, and techniques that can help you become a better flight photographer. No matter what system you are using. If you don not use an α-1, be sure to read down to the bottom to save a few bucks.

Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris have created the definitive and most comprehensive ever treatise on photographing birds in flight. With more than sixty years of experience photographing birds, they know what you need to know but have not figured out yet! You will be astounded by the depth of their knowledge and the tips they have to offer. More than six months in the making, the guide contains 229 pages, 24,321 words,97 exceptional and inspirational flight images — each with a legendary, enlightening BIRDS AS ART caption, and 22 screen captures. The guide contains a wealth of useful, practical, and for the most part — never-before-available information.

Purchase

Click here to purchase your copy in the BAA Online Store.

What Everyone Will Learn

We will teach you the basic concepts that you need to master to become a great flight photographer along with the techniques used by the world’s best flight photographers.

You will learn that most any telephoto lens can be perfect for flight photography in a given situation; focal lengths for the images in the book range from 200mm to 1200mm and everywhere in between.

We discuss the merits of various lenses in depth, including and especially comparing the 400mm f/2.8 lenses with the 600mm f/4s.

We guide you in getting your hands on the flight photography lens that will best meet your needs. We offer a variety of handholding and rest position tips and include tips on working with a big lens on a tripod when working with a flight lens that is otherwise too heavy for you.

Both authors offer their thoughts on getting the right exposure when photographing birds in flight. You will learn to get the right exposure on foggy days and even when photographing black birds in white sky conditions.

You will learn the tremendous importance of pre-focusing, of finding the bird in the viewfinder quickly, acquiring focus almost instantly (with tips on doing all three).

You will learn the role of image stabilization in flight photography and the best settings.

Both authors share their thoughts on using the focus range limiter switch. In the same vein, you will learn to use Direct Manual Focus to make your flight photography life easier.

All will learn about the best wing positions and the importance of the background with images of birds in flight. With lots of examples.

You will learn about the best shutter speeds (and the best aperture) to use when photographing flying birds.

You will learn to photograph flight while seated and the many advantages of doing so.

You will learn the best methods of controlling high ISO noise.

All will learn to properly and safely format their flash cards.

You will learn what to do when your AF system is temporarily blinded.

All will learn the huge effect that wind strength and direction has on flight photography and to evaluate the quality and direction of the light on both sunny and cloudy days.

You will learn why it is vitally important to shoot aggressively when photographing birds in flight.

You will learn to carefully observe and evaluate a variety of bird behaviors that may shine light on some excellent opportunities for photographing birds in flight. And about getting into the best position from which to photograph.

You will learn to be a much better flight photographer.

What Sony Folks Will Learn

Exactly how Artie uses Zebras to come up with perfect exposure after perfect exposure.

The fine points and recommended settings for Optical Steady Shot (OSS).

The concept of Auto-Focus (AF) tracking in the α-1.

Everything there is to know about the complex Sony autofocus system.

About all the AF patterns, how to quickly switch them, and about those favored by each author. And why.

The Tracking and Non-tracking AF patterns. When and why Arash uses Non-Tracking Zone. And why Artie uses only two AF patterns.

How to set and use Bird Face-Eye detection for flight photography.

How and why to assign various custom functions to the various programmable buttons on the α-1 body.

The perfect settings for the many, many Menu items that are vitally related to flight photography.

How and why the Sony α-1 uses both contrast and phase detection AF to determine focus (and the benefits thereof).

Which are the best memory cards for the Sony α-1.

To quickly access frequently used menu items.

Non-Sony α-1 Discount

Using the honor system, folks who do not use a Sony α-1 body are invited to click here to save $25.00 on the purchase price of the guide.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

No Worries

I did get the text from Dan Carr who found it cached on Google! It will take me a while to re-do all the links. I am hoping that it was a one-off!

A First

After 4,137 blog posts, a published blog post has disappeared from the face of the earth. And it was a long one. If you happen to have a browser window open with the “Picking Flight Keepers in Photo Mechanic and Tons More!” post in it, or, if you can otherwise access it, please cut and paste the content and send it to me via e-mail. Many thanks, much love.

ps: I am hoping that this does not become a pattern.

What’s Up?

The north wind eased up a bit on Thursday morning so I drove down to the lake for an hour and made some nice images of the usual suspects — Cattle Egret, Little Blue Heron, Sandhill Crane, and Turkey Vulture. And, I had some fun when I created two source images for a LBH stitched, skinny vertical, panorama.
On my Vitamin D walk I counted a record high 20 Forster’s Tern on the pier railing, along with a single adult Bald Eagle. I am doing a bit of cold therapy in addition to my daily swims.

Yesterday afternoon, Jim distributed DB III Volume I/#3 to all who purchased the series.

Today is Friday 22 December 2023. The forecast is for cloudy with a breeze from the northeast. I will be heading down to the lakeshore and bringing some salmon skins along. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great 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.

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 Simplified

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

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.

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.

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.

The Digital Basics III Video Series

The Digital Basics III Video Series

I realized about a year ago that my digital workflow had changed significantly and was thinking about writing a Digital Basics III … More recently, I have learned and begun working with two great new Photoshop Tools, the Remove Tool and the Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool. The former is like a smarter Spot Healing Brush Tool on steroids and the latter is a huge step up from the fabulous Color Mixer Tool. During that same time frame, I came up with a new and improved 2-step noise reduction technique. I still use Divide and Conquer, Quick Masks, Layer Masks, an expanded array of personalized keyboard shortcuts, and tons of other stuff from both versions of Digital Basics.

As soon as I realized that I did not want to take on another large writing project, I realized that by creating a series of videos I could much more easily share all the details of my current digital workflow and much more easily incorporate additional new tips, techniques, and tools as I went. And so, The Digital Basics III Video Series was born. You can check out Volume I/#1 here and Volume I/#2 here.

You might opt to purchase single videos or to subscribe to Volume I and save $26 by ordering the first five videos in one fell swoop. You can purchase the five videos in Volume I by clicking here. The videos will be most valuable for folks using the latest version of Photoshop (2024) or Lightroom along with Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI. Check out the amazing stuff in Volume I/#3 below.

Digital Basics III Volume I/#3 image

Digital Basics III Volume I/#3

In DB III Volume I/#3 you will sit beside me as I optimize three more images on my no longer available 16″ MacBook Pro (M2 Max, Silver). In each image I will take you through the complete and current BAA Digital Workflow. In Volume I/#3 we will cover the use of the new Remove Tool, the new Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool (L-TAT), my new 2-step noise reduction techniques, and tons of image clean-up including Divide and Conquer. We will be using several Quick Masks and learning to refine them with Regular Layer Masks. You will learn how and when to expand canvas using Content-Aware Crop — a real time saver. As the last step in my workflow, you will learn how to use the three options available under Image > Tone, Contrast, and Color to perfect the look of your image by applying one or more of them and reducing the Opacity to taste.

In #3, you will also learn to replace the head of a bird with the more attractive head of the same bird from another frame. You will learn to create an image that shows the shadow side detail of the bird and a second image processed as a silhouette, both from the same, properly exposed raw file. We evaluate each raw file in RawDiggger, go through every step in the raw conversion in Photoshop 2024, create and save a master file, create a high quality JPEG, and then properly close the image.

As you follow along in this 58+ minute video, you can pause and/or rewind to maximize your learning.

You can purchase DB III/Volume I/#3 alone for $25.00 here, or you can opt to purchase the Volume I series, videos #1 to 5, for the bargain rate of $99.00 for the first five videos. To do that, click here. The plan is to publish about one video per week or ten days. If the project is well received, there will be future volumes. I have already picked images for DB III, Volume I, #’s 4&5.

Retroactive Discount Savings

If you have previously purchased a single video and learned a lot, you can upgrade to the complete DB III Volume I series and save $26.00 by calling Jim at 863-692-0906 weekdays, Monday through Friday at noon.

Apple 16″ MacBook Pros (M3 Max, Space Black)

I was stunned recently to learn that my relatively new, very much beloved, souped-up-to-the-max Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (M2 Max, Silver) is no longer in production. It has been replaced by many versions of the 16″ MacBook Pros (M3 Max) laptops. Huge thanks to both Mike Lavigne and Sarah Lane; last week, after consulting me on their laptop choice, each of them used my B&H affiliate link last week to purchase a new, souped up Apple 16″ MacBook Pros (M3 Max)!

If you go for one of the machines below, be sure to add three years of Apple Care, the world’s greatest customer service.

Amazingly, the top of the line version is now in stock in black: Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (M3 Max, Space Black). That was not the case just last week.

I prefer silver. If you want the Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (M3 Max, Silver) model, it will be built for you and available in two to four weeks after you place your order.

If your budget will not allow you to go for the top-of-the-line models above (128GB of RAM with an 8TB Solid State Hard Drive), or if you can go with a 4TB SSD, you can begin by checking out the Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, Space Black) and then upgrading to your specifications as needed. As always, feel free to e-mail me with questions or for advice.

Head Replacement

In the original image, one of the first in the series, the female’s head was totally obstructed by grasses. I saved another image from the series where we could at least see the female’s eye. (In Photo Mechanic, I use a yellow color tag to denote images being saved as source material.) We converted both images using the same settings, then painted a Quick Mask of the head from the source image, moved it roughly into place on the main image, then fine-tuned the placement and refined the Quick Mask with the addition of a Regular Layer mask. Then we removed some of the grasses that were blocking parts of m’lady’s bill.

Going Both Ways

As long as gently backlit images are exposed properly to the right, you have the option of going both ways with the optimizations. First, we aimed to make a fairly natural looking image that revealed detail on the shaded side of the bird. When that image was saved, we re-converted the image and went for the dynamic silhouetted look. Again, both master .TIF files were prepared from the same raw file.

Easy-Peasy

I had planned on processing this Nickerson Beach Black Skimmer blast-off blur for nearly a year. It is the first image on the video and was intended to review the basics of my current workflow.

Clockwise from the upper left: in pink/purple predawn reflections; squabbling over feeding territory; with wings raised; with sand flea; ruffling after bath; on the edge of the surf with one foot raised. Be sure to click on the composite image to view a larger, sharper high-res version. Morro Bay Long-billed Curlew Images

2024 Morro Bay 3 1/2-DAY BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): WED 7 FEB through the morning session on SAT 10 FEB 2024: $1999 (Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 3).

There will be a short Meet and Greet after dinner on your own at 7:00pm on TUES 6 FEB 2024.

Join me in one of the most beautiful and scenic places on the planet to photograph a large variety of birds of sea and shore. As above, the star of the show will be Long-billed Curlew. There will be lots of Marbled Godwits, Whimbrels, and Willets as well, and lots of the smaller shorebird species like Black and Ruddy Turnstone. Black Oystercatcher is likely and we should get to photograph large flocks of Western Sandpipers in flight over the bay. With any luck we should enjoy some colorful sunrises and sunsets. There are lots of gulls including Western, California, and Mew. There is one location where we may get to photograph Western, Clarke’s, Eared, and Pied-billed Grebe, Lesser Scaup, and Common Loon. We may run into some passerines including Anna’s Hummingbird, Brewer’s Blackbird, and White-crowned Sparrow. And we have a chance for several species of raptors. Yikes, I almost forgot California Poppy, California Ground Squirrel, and Sea Otter.

The Details

This IPT will include four 3-hour morning photo sessions and three 2-hour afternoons (all times are approximate and dependent on conditions, most especially the weather), three working (image review and Photoshop) brunches (included), and of course tons of great in-the-field instruction photographic instruction. Each working brunch will be followed by Instructor Nap Time (INT). On cloudy days with a poor afternoon forecast, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a single long session and skip the afternoon. To ensure very early starts and that you get some sleep, breakfasts and dinners will be your responsibility. This IPT will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone.

Your $699 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim during weekday business hours before noon Eastern time at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance and instructions for sending your check two 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.

Clockwise from the upper left: Great Egret fishing at sunset; pair of Western Gulls; Bird-Sh_t Rock at sunset; pan blur of the beach north of the rock on a foggy morning; shorebird flock over bay at sunset; Wild Turkey tom strutting. Be sure to click on the composite image to view a larger, sharper high-res version. Morro Bay Miscellaneous

Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late

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 as is pretty much the case 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 sleep and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. Or watching folk leave the beach just before the western sky lights up.

What You Will Learn

I short, you will learn more than you could ever have dreamed of. All will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode. The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.