January 4th, 2023 Wanted to Buy
If you have a Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens in excellent or better condition that has been sitting on a shelf for a while and would like to make someone happy and get a decent price for it, please let me know via e-mail.
Homer Late Registration Discounts
If you are at all interested in traveling to Homer with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.
San Diego IPT Late Registration Discounts
If you are at all interested in traveling to San Diego to improve your photography and enjoy the phenomenal Brown Pelican photography this month, please shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.
What’s Up?
The forecast for Tuesday was basically rain all day. I was sitting in my car at La Jolla working on my next YouTube video in the dark. It was pouring rain. The rain let up as it began to get light. I headed down to the main cliffs with the 400mm f/2.8 on the tripod and the 70-200 on my shoulder via a Black Rapid Curve Breathe Strap. I started off doing blurs with the 400 f/2.8 and in short order, it was bright enough to go sharp at about ISO 2000 — 1/1000 sec. at f/2.8. I wound up at ISO 800 — 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8. It is hard to beat the 400mm 2.8 for low light flight photography and staying well back from the incoming birds produces some very sweet backgrounds. After a while, looking for something different, I took a walk to find some new perspectives. And struck gold. The flight tapered off so I went back down the hill with just the hand held 70-200mm with the 1.4X TC. I had a ball and created some new and different images. And so it has been going: horrible forecasts with a zillion pelicans, tons of great chances, new opportunities, and new discoveries. I’ve been creating between 2800 and 4000 images each morning since I arrived.
Right now I’d have to say that the photography here rivals the greatest nature photography locations on the planet: East Africa, the Falklands, and South Georgia among others. There is still time for you to get in on the actoin by signing up for either the 2nd or third San Diego IPT.
Today is Wednesday 4 January 2023. The forecast is for more rain. I will surely give it a go. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes two hundred eighty-two days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and then go back to every other day.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Induro GIT 304L Tripod
Out of production for more than two years, BAA just sold its last one. The good news is that we have located two more new-in-the-box tripods. They will be available for shipping at the end of January. Best to order yours now to be sure that you get one. We will not run your card until your item ships. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now to avoid being disappointed.
Great Gear Question
Steve White
January 3, 2023 at 11:23 am
I love both images. I don’t prefer one over the other because they are totally different and both are great.
Question: how do you carry the 400 and the 600 in the field at the same time? And I assume you had the 70-200 with you also? I have the 200-600 and 600. They both will fit with camera attached in my Kiboko and Mindshift 36L, but that is more weight I want to deal with in the field. Just curious.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Steve. And for your excellent question.
The situation at La Jolla is unique. From the car to the top of the steps is about 10 yards. On cloudy mornings I have been heading down the steps with the 400mm f/2.8 lens in my left hand, the 70-200/a1 rig on my shoulder via a Black Rapid Curve Breathe Strap, and the tripod in my right hand. On clear mornings I’ll move the 70-200 to the front of my body and carry the 600 f/4 in an old Domke lens bag via the lens strap on my right shoulder. I take my time getting down the steps. Once I get down to the main cliff, I make sure the 600 in a save spot, that is, somewhere in front of me where I can keep my eye on it.
I would never think of taking both big lenses to a place like De Soto where you might walk a mile or two in a single session. Note also that I never ever carry anything on my back 🙂 If I need to bring a short zoom lens I will wear my old X-tra Hand vest.
|
|
|
This image was created on 1 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 800. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be within 1/6-stop of perfect. AWB at 9:28:17am on a cloudy day.
Tracking: Zone was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Brown Pelican landing on low cliff
|
Vertical Original Flight Photography?
Today’s featured image was created as a vertical original. It is un-cropped.
Why Shoot Birds in Flight as Vertical Originals?
1- Why not?
2- You never know when you will come up with something different and exciting.
3- When you could sell images, vertical made for great magazine covers.
4- It is fun and extremely challenging.
Your Call?
Is today/s featured image anything special? What do you like? What don’t you like?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
January 3rd, 2023 Homer Late Registration Discounts
If you are at all interested in traveling to Homer with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.
San Diego IPT Late Registration Discounts
If you are at all interested in traveling to San Diego to improve your photography and enjoy the phenomenal Brown Pelican photography this month, please shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.
New Listings
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
BAA Record-low Price!
Neal McEwen is offering a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens in excellent condition for a BAA record-low by far $1099.00. The lens was recently serviced by CPS with the 11-Point EF Lens Maintenance Service. The sale includes the original box and packing materials, the front and rear lens caps, the tripod collar, the lens hood, the carrying case with strap, 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 Neal via e-mail or by phone at 1-404-326-0505 (Eastern time zone).
This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its amazing .98-meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto zoom lens ever. By far. It is easy to hand hold, great for tight portraits, for birds in flight, for quasi-macro stuff, and lots more. For flight, it is fabulous with an EOS R, R5, R6, or R7! This lens sells new for $2399.00 so you can save a handsome $1300.00 by grabbing Neal’s lens ASAP. artie
What’s Up?
With less than ideal conditions on Monday morning at the La Jolla Cliffs I enjoyed yet another spectacular 3000+ image morning. After feasting on pelicans I headed down the coast and found four cooperative Black Oystercatchers on their favorite rock shelf. I’ve been creating so many great images that I have been staying in every afternoon in order to get some work done.
I was glad to learn that Barbara White’s husband took advantage of the late registration and spouse discounts and will be joining us on IPT #3. And I was thrilled to learn that Mark Smith, bird photography’s You Tube rock star, will be joining me in Homer for two or three of the Bald Eagle IPTs.
Today is Tuesday 3 January 2023. The forecast is for rain early replaced by light rain at about 8am. I have been on such a hot streak that I will surely give it a go. This blog post took about an hour to prepare and makes two hundred eighty-one days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and then go back to every other day.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Induro GIT 304L Tripod
Out of production for more than two years, BAA has just one of my favorite-ever tripods left in stock. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab this last one here right now.
|
|
|
This image was created on 26 December 2022 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1250. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/400 sec. at f/4 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect.When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect.AWB at 7:15:10am, 25 minutes before he sun would come over the hill to the east.
Tracking: Spot (S) was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #1: Brown Pelican sub-adult high key
|
High Key Simplicity
I call this one “Charcoal Grey High Key.” It is hard to imagine a simpler image: a pelican on a rock in the pre-daw shade with a white water background. The yellow bill tip, the pink eye skin, and the red and olive of the bill pouch add just enough color to bring this one to life. I even like the hint of CYAN in the water.
The Lessons
1- In the first few frames, the feet were lost behind the out of focus rock mound in the foreground. To get taller, I pulled in the legs of the tripod. Bingo.
2- The key to success of high key images, is to push the exposure far to the right and then some. This ensures that the darker tones will not be under-exposed.
|
|
|
This image was created on 2 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 800. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect plus a bit as I needed to overexpose the sky to get the best out of the bird’s dark feathers. AWB at 7:49:02am as the sun broke through the clouds in the east ten minutes after the sun came over the hill to the east (albeit behind the clouds at first).
Tracking: Zone was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #2: Brown Pelican backlit braking to land on cliff
|
Morning Backlight at the Pelican Cliffs
I’d done some backlit stuff at the pelican cliffs in year’s past. Thanks to the very talented Phil Colla for the reminder. You can see Phil’s eclectic images here on Instagram or on his Natural History Photography website, OceanLight.
Anyhoo, when the sun peeked through the clouds on Monday morning I traded the 400mm f/2.8 for the 600mm f/4 and went to work.
So, just what is special about this complex image? The backlight is superb. The braking pose is dynamic as the bird turned to its right to land. The color is sweet, though I may have overdone it a bit — the raw file was pretty bland. I love that you can see a hint of the other pelicans that are roosting on the cliff.
The Better Image?
So, which is the stronger of today’s two featured images? If you leave a comment, please let us know why you made your choice.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
January 2nd, 2023 Homer Late Registration Discounts
If you are at all interested in traveling to Homer with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.
San Diego IPT Late Registration Discounts
If you are at all interested in traveling to San Diego to improve your photography and enjoy the phenomenal Brown Pelican photography this month, please shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.
What’s Up?
It poured all night and slacked off at about 6am on Sunday morning. I got to La Jolla at about seven. The wind was from the west at about 25mph with higher gusts. The main cliff was wall-to-wall pelicans. I made a few images of the zillions pelicans with the tripod mounted 70-200 for about 20 minutes and then — gasp — shot video for nearly 90 minutes using both the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 600mm f/4. Thanks to Mark Smith, I have my a1 bodies set up perfectly to capture slow motion video. The next step is learning to process the videos. Mark has a great a1 Video How-to course online. If you would like advance information on the course, please let me know via e-mail.
Today is Monday 2 January 2023. The forecast for the morning is for mostly cloudy with a gentle breeze from the SW. I will head to the cliffs and probably explore a bit along the coast to the south in search of shorebirds and gulls. This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes two hundred eighty days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and then go back to every other day.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Induro GIT 304L Tripod
Out of production for more than two years, BAA has just one of my favorite-ever tripods left in stock. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab this last one here right now.
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, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
|
|
|
This image was created on 1 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1600. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 8:48:39am on a stormy morning.
Tracking: Spot (S) was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #1: Brown Pelican flock on the water
|
The Armada
I noticed two big groups of pelicans several hundred yards offshore. As I had never seen anything like it before, I switched from videos to stills and made a few images of the flotilla. Click on the image to enlarge it and see why this scene reminded me of a huge convoy of WW II ships with the three Heermann’s Gulls acting as destroyer escorts. Can you say “Victory at Sea”?
|
|
|
This image was also created on 1 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. Again, while standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 2500. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 9:46:05am on a stormy morning.
Tracking: Spot (S) with Bird Face/Eye enabled was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #2: Brown Pelican cliff party
|
Umbrella Excitement
To say that the sidewalk cliffs were crowded with pelicans would be an understatement. I had been looking for an image of the birds packed like sardines in a can but wasn’t finding anything. When a woman walking down the hill struggled to hold on to her umbrella, the birds freaked. Composing through the lens, I trusted Tracking: Spot S with Bird Face/Eye enabled so that I could re-compose after picking my main subject, the handsome breeding plumage bird in the upper right. I had my shot.
|
|
|
This image was also created on 1 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 88mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. A 3-stop 77mm ND filter was screwed on to the front of the lens. ISO 64. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1.3 seconds at f/11 (stopped down four stops). AWB at 10:56:25am on a stormy morning.
Manual Focus with Focus Peaking. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Brown Pelicans on cliff in storm
|
NDs for Moving Water Blurs
I travel with 77mm and 95mm three- and five-stop Neutral Density filters. The 77mm sizes fits my 24-105 and my 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses while the larger ones fit my Sony 200-600mm. They allow me to get to very low shutter speeds even on sunny days. I even have a 10-stop ND for 77mm.
Your Call?
As expected, the really bad weather on Sunday provided many unique photographic opportunities. Heck, twice I kept my back to the wind to protect my gear as two short rain squalls swept through La Jolla.
Which of today’s three very different featured images do you like best? All are invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choice. I am not sure if anyone will go with my pick.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
|
|
