September 10th, 2015 Stuff
As I prepare this blog post I am flying at 35,000 feet on my way to MCO. Online and plugged in. 🙂 It will be good to be home for a while. I have been on the road since August 10, almost a month.
This blog post took a solid three hours to prepare. It was published at 8:15am on Thursday, September 10, 2015. Please remember to use my B&H affiliate links, especially for your major gear purchases.
The Namibia and the Galapagos IPTs
Both of the above mentioned trips are off to great starts with 7 or 8 spots spoken for on the April 2016 Namibia trip and 5 or 6 deposits on the way for the 2017 Galapagos Photo-Cruise IPT. Learn more about the Namibia IPT here. And learn more about our next great Galapagos trip here. Denise Ippolito will be co-leading both of these great workshops. Lots of Happy Campers are on board already. And Bill Lloyd who recently joined us on the 2015 UK Puffins trip is signing up for both Namibia and Galapagos!
Why So Far in Advance?
Several folks have asked why we are asking for deposits for trips like the Galapagos Photo-Cruise (above) and the Bear Boat IPTs (below) so far in advance. We often hear, “2017????”
A Galapagos Photo-Cruise involves leasing the vessel for nearly $100,000, that after putting down a hefty deposit to secure the dates. So we must know that we can put x number of folks on the boat fairly far advance to avoid taking a bath of many tens of thousands of dollars. That’s why you often see phrases such as “this trip needs 9 to run by fill in the month and year….” By planning far in advance we generally have a good idea as to whether we can make our nut, that is, get to our break-even point. On the rare occasion that we do need to back out, the tour operator has time to fill the dates.
With the Bear Boat trips mentioned below the situation is similar but not identical. We cannot show up with a client or two and expect the outfitter to be happy with us. So we ask for nonrefundable deposits both to protect ourselves and the outfitters. In this specific instance are trying to put together back to back trips and need to know if we can make both a go, again mainly to keep the outfitter happy. Former colleagues of mine have learned that once you screw an outfitter badly that the well dries up pretty quickly and your business is no longer welcome. Denise and I strive to avoid that at all costs.
Many folks plan and budget for their photo travels well in advance. We have heard this all too often, “That is the perfect trip for me and I would surely sign up if I were not already signed up with A for their B workshop….” So just inside two years for most big trips seems to offer a fair balance for us and for most folks. Some folks are reluctant to sign up for a trip that is 22 months away. They often say, “How do I know where I will be in 22 months?” I say, “Yes, you are right and I feel the same way. But do understand that you do not know for sure where you will be in 22 days. Or even in 22 minutes. Or in what condition. :)”
The 2017 Bear Boat IPT(s)
Mid-July offers folks the very best chance to photograph football sized Brown Bear cubs at famed locations like Hallo Bay in Katmai National Park, AK. The sows almost never bring their tiny spring cubs out in the open in June or even early July; they are so small then that predation by other bears is likely. But by mid-month, these little cuties are often seen nursing and frolicking with each other. Though little in nature photography is guaranteed, mid-July offers the absolute best chance to photograph the small cubs with their moms. In order to get our mid-July dates we had to reserve out dates four years in advance. We can guarantee that you will see and photograph a great variety of Brown Bears, the coastal from of Grizzly Bear, at close range. They will be of different age classes and and come in a great variety of colors–the blondes are my favorites. They will be clamming and grazing on the luxuriant meadow grasses. In addition, we will get to photograph both Horned and Tufted Puffins and several species of shorebirds. Common Mergansers with chicks are possible. Wolf is a remote possibility.
If you would like to be put on the Interested List and receive early notice of the two great trips that we are planning, please shoot me an e-mail with the words “2017 Bear Boat Spring Cubs IPT” cut and pasted into the Subject line. Denise and I hope that you can join us. Dates and rates TBA.
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This image was created on DAY 5 of the 2015 Bear Boat IPT with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens, the Canon Extender EF 2X III, and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 800. Evaluative metering -1 2/3 stops as framed: 1/160 sec. at f/9.
Center AF point (by necessity)/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure. This image is un-cropped. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Brown Bear (coastal grizzly) eating Pink Salmon
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Priceless Image Perfection?
For me, today’s image–with the salmon’s gills splayed, its mouth wide open, and the bear’s teeth bared–is quite special. The image as presented is pretty much right out of camera. I did remove a brown thingie from the bear’s snout and a very few grains of sand and specular highlights. I would appreciate hearing as to whether you think this image is strong enough to be entered in the BBC and Nature’s Best contests? If I do enter it, I would prepare a version that matched the RAW file, that is, one without any clean-up.
As is almost always the case with bear photographs, my NIK 50-50 recipe did wonders on the bear’s fur. Remember, since we are properly exposing for the brightest silver and white highlights on the salmon, the bear’s fur will be about 1 2/3 stops under-exposed. We reviewed that concept numerous times on the Bear Boat IPT. It is covered in great detail in the chapter on exposure in the original “The Art of Bird Photography.” ABP is curre available in soft cover only.
So many choices…
Was I happy choosing the 500 II over the 200-400 with Internal Extender?
For the first day or two of the Bear Boat IPT, I was wishing that I had brought along the 200-400 with Internal Extender rather than the 500 II. Especially since multiple IPT veteran Phil Frigon had his along. But in retrospect, many of my very favorite images–including today’s featured image–were created at 1000mm (albeit at f/8). Even with the internal TC in place and an external TC added, the 2-4 gets you only to 784mm (again at f/8). Rounding that off to 800m still gives a tremendous advantage in reach to the 500 II/2X II TC combo by a factor of 100 to 64. Why? The size of the subject in the frame is proportionate to the square of the focal lengths. Why? Because the size of the subject in the frame is the area covered by the subject, and area is a function of length X width.
There were two 600 IIs on the trip. The difference in weight of the 500 II as compared to the 600 II is only 1.61 pounds, but it seems like a lot more when you are carrying the lens around all day. The difference in bulk, however, is astounding. The smaller 500 is easier to travel with, easier to carry in the field, and all around easier to work with. And I am able to hand hold it for short periods of time without much of a problem (especially when photographing from the skiff). The 600 II seems huge in comparison.
Lastly, the 500 II was a great fit with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, always on my shoulder via a Black Rapid RS-7 strap.
With so many folks looking to go lighter and lighter, the 500 II makes a great choice and offers you 20X magnification with the 2X III in place and a full frame camera body. And the 7D II with the 1.4X III TC and the 500 II gets you out to 1344mm, nearly 27 X.
Was I happy choosing the 500 II over the 200-400 with Internal Extender? Yes, very.
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Subject and focal lengths from upper left to right and then around to center.
Palouse Falls: 11mm; homemade kiddie race car: 105mm; barn siding pan blur: 798mm; Rolling fields diorama: 110mm; Crayola drums: 343 mm; Hay barn interior: 19mm; vintage gas station: 40mm; Dilapidated farm building: 13mm; Denise’s tree Infrared: 20mm.
Images and card design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.
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The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 3-7, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 10-14, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
Double Header!
Maximize both your travel dollars and your learning experience by signing up for both IPTs.
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Images and card design by Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure.
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The Palouse IPTs
Rolling farmlands provide a magical patchwork of textures and colors, especially when viewed from the top of Steptoe Butte where we will likely enjoy spectacular sunrises and possibly a nice sunset. We will photograph grand landscapes and mini-scenics of the rolling hills and farm fields. We will take you to some really neat old abandoned barns and farmhouses in idyllic settings. There is no better way to improve your compositional and image design skills and to develop your creativity than to join us for this trip. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Photoshop and image sharing sessions when we have the time and energy…. We get up early and stay out late and the days are long.
After 6 days of back-breaking scouting work in early June 2014 we found all of the iconic locations and, in addition, lots of spectacular new old barns and breath-taking landforms and views. On three additional scouting days in 2015 we discovered several more truly amazing locations. We will teach you what makes one situation prime and another seemingly similar one a waste of your time.
What’s included: In-the-field instruction, guidance, lessons, and inspiration, our newfound but very extensive knowledge of the area, all lunches, motel lobby grab and go breakfasts, and Photoshop and image sharing sessions when possible. There will be a meet and greet at 7:30pm on the evening before each workshop begins.
You will learn and hone both basic and advanced compositional and image design skills. You will learn to get the right exposure every time. You will learn to develop your creative eye. You will learn the basics of HDR (high dynamic range) photography. You will learn a variety of in-camera creative techniques. Most importantly you will learn to see the situation and to create a variety of top-notch images. Do see both of our blogs for lots more on that in the coming weeks. You will learn how the quality and direction of light combine to determine the success of your images. And–please don’t gasp–we will be working quite a bit with sidelight when creating landscapes. Lastly, we will be doing some infrared photography.
To Sign Up
A non-refundable $699 deposit is due now. The balance will be due on February 15, 2016. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
With the spectacular success that we enjoyed in 2015 it seems quite likely that this one will fill up very quickly. Please let me know via e-mail that you will be joining us. Then you can either call Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 during business hours or send us a check to leave a deposit; the latter is preferred. If by check, please make out to “Arthur Morris” and mail it to: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail: artie or denise.
Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options. You can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check. Whenever purchasing travel insurance be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
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Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
September 9th, 2015 Stuff
I am in the airport at Kodiak, AK headed for Anchorage with a 41-minute connection to my Seattle flight and then a nine hour layover before heading to Orlando with a stop somewhere, arriving in Orlando at MCO at 4:40pm where I will be met by my right-hand man, Jim Litzenburg. The Bear Boat IPT was beyond phenomenal. There will be lots of great images and lessons coming soon. The group was great and everyone learned a ton. Details to follow.
Best news: I learned this afternoon that Denise Ippolito finally recovered from the flu; she is currently leading her group on the Swan Island Dahlia Farm Creative Adventure Workshop.
Galapagos 2017
I would assume that after viewing the variety and quality of the images in recent and past blog posts that most passionate nature photographers would wish to join us on the next Galapagos photo adventure during the second and third weeks of August, 2017. For complete details please see the blog post here. It looks as if five deposit checks are on their way. If you would like the complete tentative itinerary, please shoot me an e-mail with the words “Galapagos August 2017 Tentative Itinerary Please” cut and pasted into the Subject Line. The best news is that there will be two great leaders, yours truly and Denise Ippolito.
Please Help Support My Work on the BAA Blog
Thanks a Stack! It’s been a great summer!
The last ten weeks as a B&H affiliate have been quite rewarding. Thanks a stack to the many who used our B&H links for purchases large and small. Right now I am working closely with my B&H rep to have four 400 DO and two 100-400 II BAA Affiliate orders expedited. It has been nearly impossible to come by a 400 DO II. I am hoping that my efforts pay dividends fairly soon…. 100-400IIs are now in stock at B&H. The 400 DO II lenses continue to be in very short supply. The sooner you order, the sooner you will get yours; I am working closely with my contact at B&H to have the current orders expedited when a shipment does actually arrive.
To show your appreciation for my efforts here, we ask, as always, that you use our the B&H and Amazon affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your purchases. B&H is recommended for you major photography gear purchases, Amazon for your household, entertainment, and general purpose stuff. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially Gitzo tripods, Wimberley tripod heads, and the like. We sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And we are always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.
I would of course appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and visiting the BAA Online store as well.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog or via a BAA Online Bulletin is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charges a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly–I offer free pricing advice, usually sells in no time flat. In the past few weeks we have sold nearly everything in sight. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the old Canon 500mm, the EOS-7D, and the original 400mm IS DO lens have been dropping steadily.
You can see all of the current listings here.
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This image was created at Kodiak, AK on Monday, August 31, 2015. I used the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 321mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 800. Evaluative metering at-1 stop in soft, cloudy light: 1/160 sec. at f/8 in Av mode. AWB.
One AF point to the right of the center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Salmon carcass on black sand beach, Kodiak, AK
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Still More 100-400 II Versatility: Black on Black
Depth-of-field Issues…
I did a pretty good job of getting parallel to the plane of the fish. The teeth of the upper jaw are sharply focused but at f/8 the teeth of the lower jaw are not sharp; they were not covered by the narrow depth-of-field. Note: at about 3 feet with a full frame camera and a focal length of 300mm the total depth-of-field is about .01 feet or less 1/8 inch. At f/5.6 with everything else the same the total depth-of-field is zero.
Best would have been to put the lens on a tripod positioned almost directly above and as close as possible to parallel to the plane of the fish and worked at f/32 using my flower technique: Live View (for mirror lock) with the 2-second timer. The total d-o-f would have been about 1/2 inch and would have covered the teeth in both jaws and rendered the grains of sand sharper as well. While hand holding is fun and convenient it is sometimes the easy way out for the lazy photographer, in this case me.
Exposure Question
Considering the quality of the light, cloudy soft in this case, why did I need to go to -1 stop of EC for this image?
The Situation and the Set-Up
I organized a Photo Day on our in case of delay day on Monday, August 31. We rented a Ford Expedition for the day and tooled around Kodiak. After being at Miller Point for sunrise with wind gusts to more than 50mph, we made our way down a rutted road (more on that road someday….) and wound up on a beautiful black sand beach that had recently be cleaned of footprints by high tide. I knew that the beach would make a lovely background and took a walk in search of a good subject. I walked by lots of salmon in various stages of decay, none of them ideal. When I spotted the nearly all black salmon featured in today’s image I thought that it would make a pretty neat image.
I created a few images and noted several imperfections in the sand so I moved the fish to a more pristine section of beach. It took several tries before I was really happy with my placement of the fish.
Diagonals
Incorporating diagonal lines into your compositions will often make them more powerful. I tried this one straight in the frame and with the fish pointed up a bit and with it pointed down a bit. Up a bit was my favorite.
Add Green…
In the CD book, The Art of Bird Photography II, I wrote, “Add green whenever possible.” The bit of seaweed at the end of the fish’s jaw surely added interest to today’s image. ABP II: 916 pages/900 plus images each with its own BAA educational caption, on CD only.
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San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects. With annual visits spanning more than three decades I have lot of experience there….
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2016 San Diego 4 1/2-DAY BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT) JAN 8 thru the morning of JAN 12, 2016: $1899 (Limit: 10)
Meet and Greet at 7:00pm on the day before the IPT begins
Two great leaders: Arthur Morris and Denise Ippolito
Join us in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s and Double-crested Cormorants in breeding plumage with their amazing crests; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Duck; other species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heerman’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals (depending on the current regulations) and California Sea Lions likely; and Bird of Paradise flowers. And as you can see by studying the two IPT cards there are some nice landscape opportunities as well.
Did I mention that there are wealth of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter?
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Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings.
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The San Diego Details
This IPT will include five 3 1/2 hour morning photo sessions, four 2 1/2 hour afternoon photo sessions, five lunches, after-lunch image review and Photoshop sessions, and a thank you dinner. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility.
A $499 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. You can send a check (made out to “Arthur Morris) to us at 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, will be due on 11/1//2015. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
Facebook
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Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
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In 2015, we are offering a 3-DAY IPT before Thanksgiving and a 4-DAY IPT after the holiday. You can attend either and spend Thanksgiving Day with your family. Sign up for both and we will be glad to apply a $100 discount to your balance. We know that there are lots of less costly workshops being offered these days. Many of them are downright cheap. Please remember that you get exactly what you pay for. With us you will have two full time pros there for you every minute we are in the field. Together they have more than 28 seasons of experience at the refuge. If you want the finest in photographic instruction and want to be assured of being in the right spot at exactly the right time every day, do join us.
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Bosque del Apache 2015 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). 3-FULL DAY IPT: NOV 22-24, 2015. $1149. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Meet and greet and introductory slide program after dinner on your own at 7:00pm on SAT NOV 21.
Just 2 spots left.
Tens of thousands of Snow Geese, 10,000 Sandhill Cranes, ducks, amazing sunrises, sunsets, and blast-offs. Live, eat, and breathe photography with two of the world’s premier photographic educators at one of their very favorite photography locations on the planet. Top-notch in-the-field and Photoshop instruction. This will make 21 consecutive Novembers at Bosque for artie. This will be denise’s 7th workshop at the refuge. Nobody knows the place better than artie does. Join us to learn to think like a pro, to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather, especially the sky conditions, the light, and the wind direction. Every time we make a move we will let you know why. When you head home being able to apply what you’ve learned on your home turf will prove to be invaluable.
This workshop includes 3 morning and 3 afternoon photography sessions, an inspirational introductory slide program after dinner on your own on Saturday, 11/21, all lunches, and after-lunch digital workflow, Photoshop, and image critiquing sessions.
There is never a strict itinerary on a Bosque IPT as each day is tailored to the local conditions at the time and to the weather. We are totally flexible in order to maximize both the photographic and learning opportunities. We are up early each day leaving the hotel by 5:30 am to be in position for sunrise. We usually photograph until about 10:30am. Then it is back to Socorro for lunch and then a classroom session with the group most days. We head back to the refuge at about 3:30pm each day and photograph until sunset. We will be photographing lots of Snow Geese and lots of Sandhill Cranes with the emphasis on expanding both your technical skills and your creativity.
A $449 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 7/25/2015. If you cancel and the trip fills, we will be glad to apply a credit applicable to a future IPT for the full amount less a $100 processing fee. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check (made out to “Arthur Morris.”) You can also leave your deposit with a credit card by calling the office at 863-692-0906. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
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In 2015, we are offering a 3-DAY IPT before Thanksgiving and a 4-DAY IPT after the holiday. You can attend either and spend Thanksgiving Day with your family. Sign up for both and we will be glad to apply a $100 discount to your balance.
We know that there are lots of less costly workshops being offered these days. Please remember that you get exactly what you pay for. If you want the finest in photographic instruction and want to be assured of being in the right spot at exactly the right time, do join us.
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Bosque del Apache 2015 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). 4-DAY IPT: (three full and two 1/2 DAYS) NOV 28-DEC 2, 2015. $1499. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Meet and greet at 3pm on SAT NOV 28 followed by an afternoon photo session at the crane pools and the introductory slide program after dinner on your own.
Just 3 spots left.
Tens of thousands of Snow Geese, 10,000 Sandhill Cranes, ducks, amazing sunrises, sunsets, and blast-offs. Live, eat, and breathe photography with two of the world’s premier photographic educators at one of their very favorite photography locations on the planet. Top-notch in-the-field and Photoshop instruction. This will make 21 consecutive Novembers at Bosque for artie. This will be denise’s 7th workshop at the refuge. Nobody knows the place better than artie does. Join us to learn to think like a pro, to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather, especially the sky conditions, the light, and the wind direction. Every time we make a move we will let you know why. When you head home being able to apply what you’ve learned on your home turf will prove to be invaluable.
This workshop includes 4 afternoon (11/28through 12/1), 4 morning (11/29 to 12/2) photography sessions, an inspirational introductory slide program after dinner on your own on Saturday, 11/28, all lunches, and after-lunch digital workflow, Photoshop, and image critiquing sessions.
There is never a strict itinerary on a Bosque IPT as each day is tailored to the local conditions at the time and to the weather. We are totally flexible in order to maximize both the photographic and learning opportunities. We are up early each day leaving the hotel by 5:30 am to be in position for sunrise. We usually photograph until about 10:30am. Then it is back to Socorro for lunch and then a classroom session with the group most days. We head back to the refuge at about 3:30pm each day and photograph until sunset. We will be photographing lots of Snow Geese and lots of Sandhill Cranes with the emphasis on expanding both your technical skills and your creativity.
A $599 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 7/25/2015. If you cancel and the trip fills, we will be glad to apply a credit applicable to a future IPT for the full amount less a $100 processing fee. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check (made out to “Arthur Morris.”) You can also leave your deposit with a credit card by calling the office at 863-692-0906. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail after July 29.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
September 8th, 2015
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Tame birds and wildlife. Incredible diversity. You only live once….
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GALAPAGOS Photo Cruise of a Lifetime IPT/The Complete Galapagos Photographic Experience. August 8-22, 2017 on the boat. 13 FULL and two half-days of photography: $12,499. Limit: 13 photographers plus the leader: yours truly. Openings: 7.
Same great trip; no price increase!
This trip needs nine to run; in the unlikely event that it does not, all payments to BAA will be refunded in full.
My two-week Galapagos Photo-Cruises are without equal. The world’s best guide, a killer itinerary, a great boat (the Samba), and two great leaders with ten Galapagos cruises under their belts. Pre-trip and pre-landing location-specific gear advice. In-the-field photo instruction and guidance. Jeez, I almost forgot: fine dining at sea!
The great spots that we will visit include Tower Island (including Prince Phillips Steps and Darwin Bay), Hood Island (including Punta Suarez, the world’s only nesting site of Waved Albatross, and Gardner Bay)—each of the preceding are world class wildlife photography designations that rank right up there with Antarctica, Africa, and Midway. We will also visit Fernandina, Puerto Ayora for the tortoises, Puerto Egas—James Bay, and North Seymour for nesting Blue-footed Boobies in most years, South Plaza for Land Iguanas, Floreana for Greater Flamingoes, and Urbina Bay, all spectacular in their own right. We visit every great spot on a single trip. Plus tons more. And there will be lots of opportunities to snorkel on sunny mid-days for those like me who wish to partake.
It is extremely likely that we will visit the incredible Darwin Bay and the equally incredible Hood Island, world home of Waved Albatross twice on our voyage. The National Park Service takes its sweet time in approving such schedule changes.
We will be the first boat on each island in the morning and the last boat to leave each island every afternoon. If we are blessed with overcast skies, we will often spend 5-6 hours at the best sites. And as noted above, mid-day snorkeling is an option on most sunny days depending on location and conditions. On the 2015 trip most snorkeled with a mega-pod of dolphins. I eased off the zodiac to find hundreds of dolphins swimming just below me. Note: some of the walks are a bit difficult but can be made by anyone if half way decent shape. Great images are possible on all landings with either a hand held 70-200mm lens and a 1.4X teleconverter or an 80- or 100-400. I sometimes bring a longer lens ashore depending on the landing. In 2017 I will be bring the Canon 400mm IS DO II lens. In the past I have brought either the 300mm f/2.8L IS II or the 200-400mm f/4 L IS with Internal Extender.
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Do consider joining me for this once in a lifetime trip to the Galapagos archipelago. There simply is no finer Galapagos photography trip. Learn why above.
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An Amazing Value…
Do know that there are one week Galapagos trips for $8500! Thus, our trip represents a tremendous value; why go all that way and miss half of the great photographic locations?
The Logistics
August 6, 2017: We arrive a day early to ensure that we do not miss the boat.
August 7, 2017: There will be an introductory Galapagos Photography session and a hands on exposure session at our hotel.
August 8, 2017: We fly to the archipelago and board the Samba. Heck, on the 2015 trip some people made great images at the dock in Baltra while our luggage was being loaded!
August 22, 2017: We disembark late morning and fly back to Guayaquil midday; most will overnight there.
Most will fly home on the early morning of July 23 unless they are staying on or going elsewhere (or catching a red-eye flight on the evening of the 22nd).
$12,499 includes just about everything: all transfers, guide and park fees, all food on the boat, transfers and ground transportation, your flights to the archipelago, and three nights (double occupancy) in a top notch hotel in Guayaquil. If you are good to go, a non-refundable deposit of $5,000 per person is due immediately. The second payment of $4,000 is not due until 11/1/16. The final payment of $3449 per person will be due on 2/1/17. A $200 discount will be applied to each of the balances for couples or friends who register at the same time.
Purchasing travel insurance within 2 weeks of our cashing your deposit check is strongly recommended. On two fairly recent cruises a total of 5 folks were forced to cancel less than one week prior to the trip. My family and I use Travel Insurance Services and strongly recommend that you do the same.
Not included: your round trip airfare from your home to and from Guayaquil, beverages on the boat, phone calls, your meals in Guayaquil, personal items, and a $600/person cash tip for the crew and the guide—this works out to roughly $40/day to be shared by the 7 folks who will be waiting on us hand and foot every day for two weeks. The service is so wonderful that many folks choose to tip extra.
Please e-mail for the tentative itinerary or with questions. Please cut and paste “Galapagos 2017 Tentative Itinerary Please” into the Subject line.
September 7th, 2015 Stuff
I am currently leading the 2015 Bear Catching Salmon Bear Boat IPT. I will be back very soon.
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This image was created on our day off between the two 2015 Palouse IPTs with the hand held Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens (at 55mm) and the here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
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Old White Schoolhouse with Green Trim
This small white building caught my eye in the soft light. Two farmers drove up in their truck while I was photographing it. We started chatting. I learned that the father of one of them had gone to school in the building. He had it moved from 20 miles away to its present location on his property when he learned that it was scheduled to be demolished.
Worth a Damn or Not?
Do you like this image or do you find it boring? If the latter, is there anything that you like about it? What could I have done to improve this image? Would you have created it or something similar? Would you have made a different image of the same subject? Please be frank and be sure to let us know why you feel the way that you do.
Exposure Error
I should have known better. This image was about one full stop underexposed. Where did I go wrong? Be sure to mention the quality of the light and the overall tonality in your answer.
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Subject and focal lengths from upper left to right and then around to center.
Palouse Falls: 11mm; homemade kiddie race car: 105mm; barn siding pan blur: 798mm; Rolling fields diorama: 110mm; Crayola drums: 343 mm; Hay barn interior: 19mm; vintage gas station: 40mm; Dilapidated farm building: 13mm; Denise’s tree Infrared: 20mm.
Images and card design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.
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The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 3-7, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 10-14, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
Double Header!
Maximize both your travel dollars and your learning experience by signing up for both IPTs.
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Images and card design by Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure.
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The Palouse IPTs
Rolling farmlands provide a magical patchwork of textures and colors, especially when viewed from the top of Steptoe Butte where we will likely enjoy spectacular sunrises and possibly a nice sunset. We will photograph grand landscapes and mini-scenics of the rolling hills and farm fields. We will take you to some really neat old abandoned barns and farmhouses in idyllic settings. There is no better way to improve your compositional and image design skills and to develop your creativity than to join us for this trip. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Photoshop and image sharing sessions when we have the time and energy…. We get up early and stay out late and the days are long.
After 6 days of back-breaking scouting work in early June 2014 we found all of the iconic locations and, in addition, lots of spectacular new old barns and breath-taking landforms and views. On three additional scouting days in 2015 we discovered several more truly amazing locations. We will teach you what makes one situation prime and another seemingly similar one a waste of your time.
What’s included: In-the-field instruction, guidance, lessons, and inspiration, our newfound but very extensive knowledge of the area, all lunches, motel lobby grab and go breakfasts, and Photoshop and image sharing sessions when possible. There will be a meet and greet at 7:30pm on the evening before each workshop begins.
You will learn and hone both basic and advanced compositional and image design skills. You will learn to get the right exposure every time. You will learn to develop your creative eye. You will learn the basics of HDR (high dynamic range) photography. You will learn a variety of in-camera creative techniques. Most importantly you will learn to see the situation and to create a variety of top-notch images. Do see both of our blogs for lots more on that in the coming weeks. You will learn how the quality and direction of light combine to determine the success of your images. And–please don’t gasp–we will be working quite a bit with sidelight when creating landscapes. Lastly, we will be doing some infrared photography.
To Sign Up
A non-refundable $699 deposit is due now. The balance will be due on February 15, 2016. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
With the spectacular success that we enjoyed in 2015 it seems quite likely that this one will fill up very quickly. Please let me know via e-mail that you will be joining us. Then you can either call Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 during business hours or send us a check to leave a deposit; the latter is preferred. If by check, please make out to “Arthur Morris” and mail it to: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail: artie or denise.
Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options. You can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check. Whenever purchasing travel insurance be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
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Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
September 6th, 2015 Stuff
I am currently leading the 2015 Bear Catching Salmon Bear Boat IPT. I will be back soon.
Galapagos 2017
I would assume that after viewing the variety and quality of the images in recent and past blog posts that most passionate nature photographers would wish to join us on the next Galapagos photo adventure during the second and third weeks of August, 2017. If that includes you, please shoot me an e-mail with the words “Galapagos August 2017 Photo-Cruise” cut and pasted into the Subject Line. The best news is that there will be two great leaders, yours truly and Denise Ippolito.
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This image was created on the last morning of the 2015 Galapagos Photo-Cruise with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 271mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark 5.6.. ISO 400. Spot Metering (!) +2/3 stop as framed: 1/2500 sec. at f/7.1 in Av mode. This image was about one half stop too dark. AWB.
One row down and three AF points to the left of the center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). The active AF point was squarely on the large chick’s eye. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Large Blue-footed Booby chick with adult’s feet on rock
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Baby Booby/Getting Down to the Essence…
Our guide, Juan, had brought a few of the folks in the group back to the landing so that they could get back a bit early to finish packing. I, and a few other diehards, needed more time with the frigatebirds and the Blue-footed Boobies…. So we enjoyed an extra 45 minutes of free play. As the action with the frigatebirds in flight died we figured that we would surprise Juan by heading back towards the landing to meet him.
Instead, several blue-footed nests with large chicks surprised us. 2015 had been a very poor year for this species due to it being a poor season for inshore baitfish. For today’s featured image the obvious choice for me was to zoom in on the chick and the adult’s feet rather than to zoom out and make an image of the chick and the whole adult. The latter would have included lots of extraneous stuff in the background while zooming in reduced the scene to the two major elements: the resting chick and the blue feet of the adult.
Spot Metering (?)
Again, spot metering had previously been set inadvertently and I did not catch it for a while. Normally, I never use spot metering. As above, this image was about one half stop underexposed. Why? Note: I lightened the image during the RAW conversion in DPP 4 by moving the Brightness Slider to +0.50.
The above as detailed in theDPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide by Arash Hazeghi and yours truly. Learn how and why I and many other discerning photographers choose and use this free program to convert their Canon RAW files here. The latest version of DPP 4 supports all of the newer Canon camera bodies and several older models including the EOS-7D and the EOS-1D Mark IV. The DPP IV Guide is the ideal companion to the 7D Mark II User’s Guide, a runaway best seller.
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This image of the same two birds was created by multiple IPT veteran Lou Newman on the 2015 Galapagos Photo-Cruise with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 278mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 400: 1/1600 sec. at f/8.
Blue-footed Booby chick at the nest with adult. Image courtesy of and copyright 2015 Lou Newman:
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The Wide Shot
Thanks to multiple IPT veteran Lou Newman for allowing me to share the image immediately above with you here. I know that Chris Billman made a similarly-framed image when the chick was sleeping. Comparing my image with Lou’s you can imagine that I had gotten closer to the bird. In addition I was a bit to the right of where he had been and had raised my tripod some to eliminate most of the background clutter. In the RAW file I had a small stick in the upper right hand corner of the frame and a tuft of grass intruding in front of the chick’s head. Each was covered with a Quick Mask that was refined with a Regular Layer Mask.
Which Do You Prefer?
Which of the two images do you prefer, the wide shot or the tight shot? Be sure to let us know why.
Digital Basics
All of the above as detailed in my Digital Basics File–written in my easy-to-follow, easy-to-understand style. Digital Basics File is an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. It includes my complete digital workflow, dozens of great Photoshop tips, details on using all of my image clean-up tools, the use of Contrast Masks, several different ways of expanding and filling in canvas, all of my time-saving Keyboard Shortcuts, Quick Masking, Layer Masking, and NIK Color Efex Pro basics, Contrast Masks, Digital Eye Doctor techniques, using Gaussian Blurs, Tim Grey Dodge and Burn, a variety of ways to make selections, how to create time-saving actions, the Surface Blur (background noise reduction) settings as taught to me by Denise Ippolito, and tons more.
APTATS I & II
Learn the details of advanced Quick Masking techniques in APTATS I. Learn Advanced Layer Masking Techniques in APTATS I. Mention this blog post and apply a $5 discount to either with phone orders only. Buy both APTATS I and APTATS II and we will be glad to apply at $15 discount with phone orders only. Please call Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-221-2372 to take advantage of this offer. I am pretty sure that we have extended that offer to the BAA Online Store as well… No time to check right now. 🙂
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
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Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
September 5th, 2015 Stuff
I am currently leading the 2015 Bear Catching Salmon Bear Boat IPT. I will be back very soon.
Wrong Lens at the Moment of Impact…
After our two-day weather delay due to high winds on the Inside Passage we sailed south from Juneau, AK and photographed the fog-enshrouded hills and mountains that lined the passage. Thick forests of pine, hemlock, and spruce covered the slopes right down to the waterline.
Several Humpback whales were spotted far off the bow. As we approached slowly we counted about eight whales. Most were relatively distant as the captain cut the engine so I went with the 500II/1.4X III/7D II combo in an effort to photograph the tails as the behemoths dove. How’d that work ? Not great. I was always a bit too slow at raising the lens and framing the subject.
Out of nowhere a whale surfaced well less than a football field’s length off the starboard bow. It was swimming right at the boat. Denise called out, “Do they ever hit the boat?” The crew all answered. “Nope.” Was about to point out that the whale, with its amazing echo-location abilities, would surely dive and pass underneath our boat. Then, as suddenly as it appeared, it struck the boat head-on with a tremendous thud. Everyone but Denise was stunned and stood slack-jawed.
With 1120mm of effective reach I was effectively dead in the water. Denise, however–having previously removed the 2X TC from her 70-200 f/2.8L IS–reacted instantly and made two frames right at the moment of impact. Even having zoomed out to 70mm she had no chance to include the whale’s entire tail but today’s featured image proved to be very powerful.
Thanks to Denise for allowing me to use her image in today’s post.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
September 4th, 2015 Stuff
I am currently leading the 2015 Bear Catching Salmon Bear Boat IPT. I will be back soon.
Galapagos 2017
I would assume that after viewing the variety and quality of the images in recent and past blog posts that most passionate nature photographers would wish to join us on the next Galapagos photo adventure during the second and third weeks of August, 2017. If that includes you, please shoot me an e-mail with the words “Galapagos August 2017 Photo-Cruise” cut and pasted into the Subject Line. The best news is that there will be two great leaders, yours truly and Denise Ippolito.
Please Help Support My Work on the BAA Blog
Thanks a Stack! It’s been a great summer!
The last ten weeks as a B&H affiliate have been quite rewarding. Thanks a stack to the many who used our B&H links for purchases large and small. Right now I am working closely with my B&H rep to have four 400 DO and two 100-400 II BAA Affiliate orders expedited. It has been nearly impossible to come by a 400 DO II. I am hoping that my efforts pay dividends fairly soon…. 100-400IIs are now in stock at B&H. The 400 DO II lenses continue to be in very short supply. The sooner you order, the sooner you will get yours; I am working closely with my contact at B&H to have the current orders expedited when a shipment does actually arrive.
To show your appreciation for my efforts here, we ask, as always, that you use our the B&H and Amazon affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your purchases. B&H Is recommended for you major photography gear purchases, Amazon for your household, entertainment, and general purpose stuff. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially Gitzo tripods, Wimberley tripod heads, and the like. We sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And we are always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.
I would of course appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and visiting the BAA Online store as well.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog or via a BAA Online Bulletin is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charges a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly–I offer free pricing advice, usually sells in no time flat. In the past few weeks we have sold nearly everything in sight. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the old Canon 500mm, the EOS-7D, and the original 400mm IS DO lens have been dropping steadily.
You can see all of the current listings here.
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This image was created on the last morning of the 2015 Galapagos Photo-Cruise with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 400mm) and the Canon EOS 7D MK II.. ISO 400. Spot Metering (!) +2 1/3 stops off the sky: 1/1250 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode. AWB.
Center AF point (Manual selection)/AI Servo/Shutter Button AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). The active AF point just caught the bottom of the frigatebird’s inflated pouch. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Male frigatebird in flight with inflated pouch
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North Seymour/Part II: Whimsical Flight Pose
As mentioned here before, our last landing at North Seymour on the morning of July 28 was beyond perfect. Sweet early morning light turned to cloudy bright and we enjoyed a variety of spectacular birds both perched and in flight.
This, the 2nd frame of a two frame sequence, was the better of the two though the first one is quite good on its own; when I saw this one on the rear LCD, I jumped for joy. With the whimsical pose the frigatebird seemed to be saying, “Hey, look at me. What fun I am having.” Out of camera the image design was fortuitously perfect with the bird on the right and the small mountain nicely placed on the left. A small crop was executed from below and from the right, in part to level the horizon and in part tighten up the composition just a bit.
Is it Real or is it Photoshop?
If you believe that everything in the image above is as it was straight out of camera, let us know. If you think that the tip of the tail was clipped and replaced or that this or that body part or feature was added or replaced, please let us know and be sure to present the telltale evidence.
Spot Metering (?)
At some point before I made this image, spot metering had been set inadvertently. I never use spot metering. So how and why did I end up with a perfect exposure?
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
September 3rd, 2015 Stuff
I am currently leading the 2015 Bears Catching Salmon/Bear Boat IPT. Enjoy.
Please Help Support My Work on the BAA Blog
Thanks a Stack! June was a Great Month.
The last two months as a B&H affiliate have been quite rewarding. Thanks a stack to the many who used our B&H links for purchases large and small. Right now I am working closely with my B&H rep to have four 400 DO and two 100-400 II BAA Affiliate orders expedited. It has been nearly impossible to come by a 400 DO II. I am hoping that my efforts pay dividends fairly soon…. 100-400IIs are now in stock at B&H. The 400 DO II lenses continue to be in very short supply. The sooner you order, the sooner you will get yours; I am working closely with my contact at B&H to have the current orders expedited when a shipment does actually arrive.
To show your appreciation for my efforts here, we ask, as always, that you use our the B&H and Amazon affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your purchases. B&H Is recommended for you major photography gear purchases, Amazon for your household, entertainment, and general purpose stuff. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially Gitzo tripods, Wimberley tripod heads, and the like. We sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And we are always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.
I would of course appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and visiting the BAA Online store as well.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog or via a BAA Online Bulletin is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charges a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly–I offer free pricing advice, usually sells in no time flat. In the past few weeks we have sold nearly everything in sight. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the old Canon 500mm, the EOS-7D, and the original 400mm IS DO lens have been dropping steadily. You can see the complete listings here.
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This image was created down by the lake down by my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL with the BLUBB-supported Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/400 sec. at f/9. AWB.
Center AF point/AI Servo Spot/Rear Focus AF on the crane’s eye and recompose was necessary to get the bird well down and right in the frame. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Sandhill Crane on nest in marsh with blooming pickerelweed background
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Pickerelweed City…
In early spring pickerelweed is in bloom along the lakeshore at Indian Lake Estates where Sandhill Cranes nest and Great Egrets feed. Note in each image how the flowers dramatically add to the success of each image.
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This image was created on the same morning at Indian Lake Estates, FL with the BLUBB-supported Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 400. Evaluative metering -2/3 stop: 1/640 sec. at f/9 in Manual mode. AWB.
The AF points down and one column to the right of the center AF point/AI Servo Spot/Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #2: Great Egret in marsh with blooming pickerelweed background
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Image Design Questions…
What are some of the image design principles that make both of today’s images work? There are at least three major ones….
Your Favorite?
Which of today’s two images is your favorite? Why?
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In 2015, we are offering a 3-DAY IPT before Thanksgiving and a 4-DAY IPT after the holiday. You can attend either and spend Thanksgiving Day with your family. Sign up for both and we will be glad to apply a $100 discount to your balance. We know that there are lots of less costly workshops being offered these days. Many of them are downright cheap. Please remember that you get exactly what you pay for. With us you will have two full time pros there for you every minute we are in the field. Together they have more than 28 seasons of experience at the refuge. If you want the finest in photographic instruction and want to be assured of being in the right spot at exactly the right time every day, do join us.
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Bosque del Apache 2015 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). 3-FULL DAY IPT: NOV 22-24, 2015. $1149. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Meet and greet and introductory slide program after dinner on your own at 7:00pm on SAT NOV 21.
Tens of thousands of Snow Geese, 10,000 Sandhill Cranes, ducks, amazing sunrises, sunsets, and blast-offs. Live, eat, and breathe photography with two of the world’s premier photographic educators at one of their very favorite photography locations on the planet. Top-notch in-the-field and Photoshop instruction. This will make 21 consecutive Novembers at Bosque for artie. This will be denise’s 7th workshop at the refuge. Nobody knows the place better than artie does. Join us to learn to think like a pro, to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather, especially the sky conditions, the light, and the wind direction. Every time we make a move we will let you know why. When you head home being able to apply what you’ve learned on your home turf will prove to be invaluable.
This workshop includes 3 morning and 3 afternoon photography sessions, an inspirational introductory slide program after dinner on your own on Saturday, 11/21, all lunches, and after-lunch digital workflow, Photoshop, and image critiquing sessions.
There is never a strict itinerary on a Bosque IPT as each day is tailored to the local conditions at the time and to the weather. We are totally flexible in order to maximize both the photographic and learning opportunities. We are up early each day leaving the hotel by 5:30 am to be in position for sunrise. We usually photograph until about 10:30am. Then it is back to Socorro for lunch and then a classroom session with the group most days. We head back to the refuge at about 3:30pm each day and photograph until sunset. We will be photographing lots of Snow Geese and lots of Sandhill Cranes with the emphasis on expanding both your technical skills and your creativity.
A $449 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 7/25/2015. If you cancel and the trip fills, we will be glad to apply a credit applicable to a future IPT for the full amount less a $100 processing fee. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check (made out to “Arthur Morris.”) You can also leave your deposit with a credit card by calling the office at 863-692-0906. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
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In 2015, we are offering a 3-DAY IPT before Thanksgiving and a 4-DAY IPT after the holiday. You can attend either and spend Thanksgiving Day with your family. Sign up for both and we will be glad to apply a $100 discount to your balance.
We know that there are lots of less costly workshops being offered these days. Please remember that you get exactly what you pay for. If you want the finest in photographic instruction and want to be assured of being in the right spot at exactly the right time, do join us.
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Bosque del Apache 2015 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). 4-DAY IPT: (three full and two 1/2 DAYS) NOV 28-DEC 2, 2015. $1499. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Meet and greet at 3pm on SAT NOV 28 followed by an afternoon photo session at the crane pools and the introductory slide program after dinner on your own.
Tens of thousands of Snow Geese, 10,000 Sandhill Cranes, ducks, amazing sunrises, sunsets, and blast-offs. Live, eat, and breathe photography with two of the world’s premier photographic educators at one of their very favorite photography locations on the planet. Top-notch in-the-field and Photoshop instruction. This will make 21 consecutive Novembers at Bosque for artie. This will be denise’s 7th workshop at the refuge. Nobody knows the place better than artie does. Join us to learn to think like a pro, to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather, especially the sky conditions, the light, and the wind direction. Every time we make a move we will let you know why. When you head home being able to apply what you’ve learned on your home turf will prove to be invaluable.
This workshop includes 4 afternoon (11/28through 12/1), 4 morning (11/29 to 12/2) photography sessions, an inspirational introductory slide program after dinner on your own on Saturday, 11/28, all lunches, and after-lunch digital workflow, Photoshop, and image critiquing sessions.
There is never a strict itinerary on a Bosque IPT as each day is tailored to the local conditions at the time and to the weather. We are totally flexible in order to maximize both the photographic and learning opportunities. We are up early each day leaving the hotel by 5:30 am to be in position for sunrise. We usually photograph until about 10:30am. Then it is back to Socorro for lunch and then a classroom session with the group most days. We head back to the refuge at about 3:30pm each day and photograph until sunset. We will be photographing lots of Snow Geese and lots of Sandhill Cranes with the emphasis on expanding both your technical skills and your creativity.
A $599 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 7/25/2015. If you cancel and the trip fills, we will be glad to apply a credit applicable to a future IPT for the full amount less a $100 processing fee. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check (made out to “Arthur Morris.”) You can also leave your deposit with a credit card by calling the office at 863-692-0906. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail after July 29.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
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Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
September 2nd, 2015 Stuff
I am currently leading the 2015 Bear Catching Salmon Bear Boat IPT. I will be back soon.
Galapagos 2017
I would assume that after viewing the variety and quality of the images in recent and past blog posts that most passionate nature photographers would wish to join us on the next Galapagos photo adventure during the second and third weeks of August, 2017. If that includes you, please shoot me an e-mail with the words “Galapagos August 2017 Photo-Cruise” cut and pasted into the Subject Line. The best news is that there will be two great leaders, yours truly and Denise Ippolito.
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This image was created on the first afternoon of the 2015 Galapagos Photo-Cruise with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens with the Canon Extender EF 2X III and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 400. Evaluative metering -2/3 stop as framed in full late afternoon sun: 1/250 sec. at f/10 in Manual mode. AWB.
Center AF point (by necessity)/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). The selected AF point was just below the crab’s right eye. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
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400 DO II + 2X III TC: Warm-up Sally Lightfoot
The first afternoon landing on the 2015 Galapagos IPT (and on the 2017 IPT as well) is at Bachas. Bachas is Spanish for barges, for the two usually-buried-in-sand-but-sometimes-exposed by-the-tides skeletons of barges that were used to haul fresh water during World War II.
After a wet landing there is a short walk to one of two lagoons but the group was captivated by numbers of Sally Lightfoot Crabs on a small rock pile so we spent some quality time there. Normally these beautiful crabs are fairly easy to approach but as we needed to stay off the rocks I went for my long lens, the 400 DO II with the 2X III TC. My makeshift “800mm” lens paired perfectly with the 100-400 II for the remainder of the trip. The fact is that if had had to choose between the 400 DO II and the 100-400 II for the entire trip I would have gone with the new zoom lens for its incredible versatility, its close focus, and its amazing 4-stop IS system. That in short.
Bachas makes for a great first afternoon, a place with an easy wet landing, a place to make sure that all of your gear is working just fine.
Exposure Question
Why -2/3 stop EC?
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Above is the before and after animated GIF. Note especially the dramatic improvement of the light blues of the crab’s shell.
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The RAW Conversion
The RAW conversion in DPP 4 was relatively straightforward. DPP 4 is amazingly simple to use, especially after your create and save a recipe file for each ISO for each camera body. Arash’s recommended Luminance and Chrominance settings and the correct Sharpness setting are entered and saved in each recipe. After applying the recipe, the only thing that I needed to do here was bring the Highlight down a bit. I did not want to open up the darks at all so I did not touch the Shadow slide. You can find both Highlight and Shadow sliders on the Perform basic image adjustment tab. With this image I did make a few changes on the Saturation and Luminance sliders for the REDs on the Adjust image colors tab.
DPP 4: fast, simple, and easy to use with great color and the highest image quality available…. Learn more about this 100% free software in the DPP RAW Conversion Guide (not free) here.
The Image Optimization
The big problems with this image were the specular highlights and other white specks on the lava rock. I used my usual clean-up tools: the Spot Healing Brush, the Clone Stamp Tool, my beloved Patch Tool, and a series of Quick Masks that were refined by Regular Layer Masks. Here again I tried Content Aware Fill on one problematic area and it failed miserably. I applied a layer of my NIK Color Efex Pro 50-50 recipe to the crab only at an unusually high 85% opacity. That worked wonders by taming the light BLUE highlight areas of the shell, opening up some of the darker areas on the crab, and revealing detail in the REDs. On that layer I did some Selective Color work adding some BLACK to the WHITEs, the NEUTRALs, and the BLACKs. The former helped to further enrich the light BLUEs on the shell, the latter two to darken the lava rock.
Total time in Photoshop: about 25 minutes, most of that on the lava rock cleanup.
Everything that I did to optimize today’s image is covered in detail in my Digital Basics File–written in my easy-to-follow, easy-to-understand style. Are you tired of making your images look worse in Photoshop? Digital Basics File is an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. It includes my complete digital workflow, dozens of great Photoshop tips, details on using all of my image clean-up tools, the use of Contrast Masks, several different ways of expanding and filling in canvas, all of my time-saving Keyboard Shortcuts, Quick Masking, Layer Masking, and NIK Color Efex Pro basics, Contrast Masks, Digital Eye Doctor techniques, using Gaussian Blurs, Tim Grey Dodge and Burn, a variety of ways to make selections, how to create time-saving actions, the Surface Blur (background noise reduction) settings as taught to me by Denise Ippolito, and tons more.
APTATS I & II
Learn the details of advanced Quick Masking techniques in APTATS I. Learn Advanced Layer Masking Techniques in APTATS I. Mention this blog post and apply a $5 discount to either with phone orders only. Buy both APTATS I and APTATS II and we will be glad to apply at $15 discount with phone orders only. Please call Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-221-2372 to take advantage of this special offer. I am pretty sure that we have extended that offer to the BAA Online Store as well… No time to check right now. 🙂
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You can order your copy of “The Photographers’ Guide to Canon Digital Photo Professional 4.0” (aka the DPP 4 Raw Conversion eGuide) by Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris by clicking here.
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The DPP 4 eGuide (PDF)
Learn how and why I and many other discerning photographers choose and use only DPP 4 to convert their Canon RAW files in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide by Arash Hazeghi and yours truly. The latest version supports all of the newer Canon camera bodies and several older models including the EOS-7D and the EOS-1D Mark IV. The DPP IV Guide is the ideal companion to the 7D Mark II User’s Guide, a runaway best seller.
The DPP 4 eGuide (PDF) Updated for 1D Mark IV and the original 7D
The DPP 4 eGuide was recently updated to include the luminance and chrominance noise reduction values for both the 1D Mark IV and the original 7D. If you purchased your copy from BAA please e-mail Jim and request the DPP 4 1d IV/7D update. Please be sure to cut and paste page 1 into your e-mail as proof of purchase.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
September 1st, 2015
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This image was created at Gilbert Bay, Port Snettisham, AK on our Inside Passage cruise. I used the tripod-mounted Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 263mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 1600. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/80 sec. at f/6.3 in Av mode. AWB.
With the Singh-Ray 77mm Warming Circular Polarizer set to dark.
Center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Pink Salmon in stream below waterfall
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More 100-400II Versatility: Fish as Art?
The more that I use the 100-400II, the more I am amazed by its versatility. On our Gilbert Bay hike I was able to create head portraits of Coastal Brown Bear, a race of grizzly, photograph large wildflowers, and make some Salmon as Art images as well. I think that the artistic success of today’s featured image is due in part to the soft light, the sweet green and brown tones, and the relatively slow shutter speed. Note that the Singh-Ray LB Warming Circular Polarizer set to dark allowed me to better see the fish below the surface by eliminating the bothersome surface reflections to some degree. A polarizer will not, however, completely eliminate bright specular highlights.
The Left Knee
On our first weather-delayed day we walked about a mile to the falls near the Mendenhall Glacier. After the treatment by Dr. Dan Holland a few days before, the knee had felt great, better than it had in months. That evening, despite the even terrain, my left knee ached plenty. I am not sure if it was the Rx Pain Relief Bracelet that I put in place or something else, but despite lots of gnarly up and down climbs over roots and rocks at Gilbert Bay, the problematic knee has felt great ever since. Go figure.
The RAW Conversion
The RAW conversion in DPP 4 was straightforward. DPP 4 is amazingly simple to use, especially after your create and save a recipe file for each ISO for each camera body. Arash’s recommended Luminance and Chrominance settings and the correct Sharpness setting are entered and saved in each recipe. After applying the recipe, the only thing that I need do with 98% of my images is to adjust the Highlight and Shadow sliders on the Perform basic image adjustment tab. Fast, simple, and easy with great color and the highest image quality available…. Learn more about DPP 4 in the DPP RAW Conversion Guide here.
Please let me know if creating recipe files is detailed in the DPP 4 guide; if not, I will do a free tutorial here on the blog.
The Image Optimization
The big problem with this image were the specular highlights (reflections) on the surface of the water, especially those in the upper left corner. I used my usual cadre of clean-up tools, the Spot Healing Brush, the Clone Stamp Tool, my beloved Patch Tool, and a series of Quick Masks that were refined by Regular Layer Masks. I even tried Content Aware Fill on one problematic area and it worked like a charm. I applied a layer of my NIK Color Efex Pro 50-50 recipe and reduced the opacity to about 33%. Total time in Photoshop: about 30 minutes.
Everything that I did to optimize today’s image is covered in detail in my Digital Basics File–written in my easy-to-follow, easy-to-understand style. Are you tired of making your images look worse in Photoshop? Digital Basics File is an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. It includes my complete digital workflow, dozens of great Photoshop tips, details on using all of my image clean-up tools, the use of Contrast Masks, several different ways of expanding and filling in canvas, all of my time-saving Keyboard Shortcuts, Quick Masking, Layer Masking, and NIK Color Efex Pro basics, Contrast Masks, Digital Eye Doctor techniques, using Gaussian Blurs, Tim Grey Dodge and Burn, a variety of ways to make selections, how to create time-saving actions, the Surface Blur (background noise reduction) settings as taught to me by Denise Ippolito, and tons more.
APTATS I & II
Learn the details of advanced Quick Masking techniques in APTATS I. Learn Advanced Layer Masking Techniques in APTATS I. Mention this blog post and apply a $5 discount to either with phone orders only. Buy both APTATS I and APTATS II and we will be glad to apply at $15 discount with phone orders only. Please call Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-221-2372 to take advantage of this special offer. I am pretty sure that we have extended that offer to the BAA Online Store as well… No time to check right now. 🙂
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You can order your copy of “The Photographers’ Guide to Canon Digital Photo Professional 4.0” (aka the DPP 4 Raw Conversion eGuide) by Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris by clicking here.
|
The DPP 4 eGuide (PDF)
Learn how and why I and many other discerning photographers choose and use only DPP 4 to convert their Canon RAW files in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide by Arash Hazeghi and yours truly. The latest version supports all of the newer Canon camera bodies and several older models including the EOS-7D and the EOS-1D Mark IV. The DPP IV Guide is the ideal companion to the 7D Mark II User’s Guide, a runaway best seller.
The DPP 4 eGuide (PDF) Updated for 1D Mark IV and the original 7D
The DPP 4 eGuide was recently updated to include the luminance and chrominance noise reduction values for both the 1D Mark IV and the original 7D. If you purchased your copy from BAA please e-mail Jim and request the DPP 4 1d IV/7D update. Please be sure to cut and paste page 1 into your e-mail as proof of purchase.
Singh-Ray Filters
Singh-Ray filters have been used by the world’s top photographers for many decades. As always, I will have my 77mm Singh-Ray Warming Polarizer in my vest in case of rainbows. And I now travel (as above) with various Singh-Ray ND filters so that I can create pleasing blurs even with clear skies and bright sun. See here for a great example.
No other filter manufacturer comes close to matching the quality of Singh-Ray’s optical glass, comparable to that used by NASA. And they continue to pioneer the most innovative products on the market like their ColorCombo polarizer, Vari-ND variable and Mor-Slo 15-stop neutral density filters. When you use their filters, you’ll create better, more dramatic images and, unlike other filters, with absolutely no sacrifice in image quality. All Singh-Ray filters are handcrafted in the USA.
Best News: 10% Discount/Code at checkout: artie10
To shop for a Singh-Ray 77mm LB (Lighter, Brighter) Warming Circular Polarizer (for example), click on the logo link above, click on “Polarizers/Color Enhancing,” then click LB Warming Polarizer, choose the size and model, add to cart, and then checkout. At checkout, type artie10 into the “Have a coupon? Click here to enter your code” box, and a healthy 10% discount will be applied to your total. In addition to enjoying the world’s best filter at 10% off you will be supporting my efforts here on the blog. Aside from seeing underwater, this filter is great for enhancing rainbows.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
August 31st, 2015 My Sunday
4:50am: Awoke in the Best Western in Ketchikan, AK. Took my blood sugar and injected for the dawn effect. Checked e-mails.
6:10am: Injected my slow-acting insulin for most of the day and the fast acting to cover my breakfast.
6:20am: Enjoyed corned beef hash with two eggs over easy.
6:50am: Finished re-packing for my 5-legs worth of flights to Kodiak.
7:29am: Made it to the lobby for the 7:30 shuttle to the ferry.
7:32am: Arrived at the ferry. Van driver Kayla helped me by rolling one of my two checked bags down the very long ramp.
7:35am: Boarded ferry to KTN.
7:45am: Exited the ferry with my two checked bags, my Think Tank roll aboard, and my Think Tank Urban Disguise laptop bag. I was wearing my Xtrahand vest with not much in it besides my insulin and frozen gel ice packs.
7:47am: No baggage carts. It took two trips to lug my bags up the very long and very steep ramp. That took two trips. Lugged them up two sets of about 8 steps. Three trips for that. I had hardly begun and I was exhausted.
8:10am: Checked in for my flights. Nailed the weights: 49 and 47.5. Good thing that they don’t weigh the carry-ons ☺
9:58am: On the plane. Met a guy knew from Anchorage about 12 years ago. First flight is to Wrangel. 26 minutes. Very bumpy. Totally in the clouds.
10:25am: They lied about the 26 minutes. We were delayed in flight. The plane in front of us missed its approach and had to go around again. That’s what we did for quite a while. In very white clouds and fog.
10:51am. Finally on the ground in Wrangel way late after a bumpy, foggy, delayed flight…. Now on to Petersburg.
10:57am. At the gate. Good news: the book (Strategic Moves by Stuart Wood) that I had had trouble getting interested in suddenly got interesting. was glad that I had not tossed it….
11:33am. Still on the ground in Wrangel. It is looking as if I might miss my flight to Kodiak…..
11:54am: Wheels up into the rain and fog. Only 14 minutes flying time to Petersburg. Yikes!
12:08pm. Everyone enjoyed a really exciting landing in high winds and fog with a big bump. It was a bit scary to say the least. I am sure that others besides me thought about our mortality…. I was thinking that some really good folks were flying the plane….
1:12pm: In the air again and headed for Juneau. Finished a Sudoku puzzle and started another.
1:38pm: On the ground at Juneau after another short flight. Next stop, Anchorage. Maybe I will make my flight to Kodiak….. I was very tired but could not sleep.
Now I have lost track of time and flights. IAC, I made it to Anchorage with an hour to spare. My flight to Kodiak was on a seemingly toy plane, a Dash 8-100. After some discussion they insisted that I check my roll aboard as regular baggage. “Sorry, we no longer gate check. And by the way, you have 4 ½ minutes to get back to the Ravn counter to check the bag.” The two agents there had sent me to the gate ☺.
So, I grabbed the 500 II and put it on my shoulder via the lens strap. My 1D X went into on of the large pockets of my Xtrahand vest. A set of stacked teleconverters went into the other large vest pocket. The 100-400 II went into my spacious Think Tank Urban Disguise laptop bag. Someone asked a while back “Which one?” but I have not had time to respond. I use the largest top-of-the line model. For times like these. I shoved the sweatshirt that I had been wearing into the roll aboard for a bit more padding.
Coming into Kodiak we were again severely buffeted by high winds, and again the pilots got us on the ground safely. I learned later that many ANC to ADQ had been cancelled earlier in the day due to the high winds. I picked up my rental SUV for a photo outing tomorrow and peeked back in the terminal to pick up my two checked bags. Not so fast. My two bags and the three bags of the other gentleman who got on the flight out of Ketchikan were MIA. The word on the street was that the five missing bags were in Anchorage. Mine are supposed to be at the hotel before 11pm….
Best to denise who is slowly recovering from the flu at the Best Western in Ketchikan. I am hoping to dodge the flu bug….
ps: thanks to Leo the van driver my two checked bags did make it into my room at about 11pm last night while I slept peacefully.
August 30th, 2015 Stuff
I fly from Ketchikan, AK to Kodiak tomorrow via the “milk “run” that visits several small towns on the way to Juneau, AK. Then to Anchorage and then on to Kodiak. Wish me luck. Good luck also to Denise. She has the flu and has wisely decided to get well in Ketchikan for a few more days before flying on to Portland for her Swan Island Dahlia Workshop. Get well soon Lady D.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog or via a BAA Online Bulletin is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charges a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly–I offer free pricing advice, usually sells in no time flat. In the past few weeks we have sold nearly everything in sight. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the old Canon 500mm, the EOS-7D, and the original 400mm IS DO lens have been dropping steadily.
You can see all of the current listings here.
Brand New Listing
Used AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm F/4 G ED VR II
Mike Ederegger is offering a used AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm F/4 G ED VR II in excellent condition for $4,995.00. The sale includes the original box, the front and rear lens caps, the lens hood, and the case that holds the lens w/camera attached, the Really Right Stuff LCF-14 foot, and insured shipping via FED-EX Ground. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made. Please contact Mike by e-mail or by phone at 262-443-6052 Central Time.
The version II of this versatile lens is supposed to be a huge improvement from the original model. artie
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This image was created on the 2015 San Diego IPT with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III (at 560mm), and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/1250 sec. at f/9 in Av mode. AWB.
Center AF point (by necessity)/AI Servo Expand/Shutter Button AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Brown Pelican scratching
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Thanks to Jean Luc’s Girlfriend…
Jean-Luc Vaillant has probably been on more than 10 IPTs with me, the world over. Near the end of last year’s San Diego IPT his beautiful girlfriend joined the group for a morning of photography. As a beginning bird photographer, she was using Jean-luc’s old 100-400. It was well after 10am and most of us were standing around chatting about the morning’s successes. I had that sort of “The light is too harsh/there are no good pictures to be made attitude….”
Then I noticed the beginner pointing her lens at a backlit pelican. Just as I was thinking, “Jeez, that looks pretty sweet.” I pointed the situation out to those around me and moved to get into position. Her pelican did a spectacular head throw. And then another. Click, click, click. Click, click, click. She got off two good sequences.
I managed to get a few lovely backlit scratching images. If you have an open mind, everyone–beginners included–can teach you a thing or two.
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This image of Lana was also created on the 2015 San Diego IPT with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 400mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/500 sec. at f/7.1 in Av mode. AWB.
On AF point above the center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Shutter Button AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #2: Lana at work…
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Lana
Lana taught the more experienced photographers a thing or two that day….
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San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects. With annual visits spanning more than three decades I have lot of experience there….
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2016 San Diego 4 1/2-DAY BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT) JAN 8 thru the morning of JAN 12, 2016: $1899 (Limit: 10)
Meet and Greet at 7:00pm on the day before the IPT begins
Two great leaders: Arthur Morris and Denise Ippolito
Join us in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s and Double-crested Cormorants in breeding plumage with their amazing crests; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Duck; other species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heerman’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals (depending on the current regulations) and California Sea Lions likely; and Bird of Paradise flowers. And as you can see by studying the two IPT cards there are some nice landscape opportunities as well.
Did I mention that there are wealth of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter?
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Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings.
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The San Diego Details
This IPT will include five 3 1/2 hour morning photo sessions, four 2 1/2 hour afternoon photo sessions, five lunches, after-lunch image review and Photoshop sessions, and a thank you dinner. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility.
A $499 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. You can send a check (made out to “Arthur Morris) to us at 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, will be due on 11/1//2015. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
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We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
August 29th, 2015 What’s Up?
I am currently en route to Kodiak, AK. For mail order or other help please contact Jim by phone M-F at 863-692-0906 or via e-mail at the staffbaa address. To register for an IPT please contact Jennifer by phone during weekday banker’s hours at 863-692-0906 or via e-mail to our Verizon address with ATTN: JEN in the subject line. AS a side note, my right hand man Jim Litzenberg can help you with just about anything BIRDSASART.
Please Help Support My Work on the BAA Blog
Thanks a Stack! June was a Great Month.
The last six weeks as a B&H affiliate have been quite rewarding. Thanks a stack to the many who used our B&H links for purchases large and small. Right now I am working closely with my B&H rep to have four 400 DO and two 100-400 II BAA Affiliate orders expedited. It has been nearly impossible to come by a 400 DO II. I am hoping that my efforts pay dividends fairly soon…. 100-400IIs are now in stock at B&H. The 400 DO II lenses continue to be in very short supply. The sooner you order, the sooner you will get yours; I am working closely with my contact at B&H to have the current orders expedited when a shipment does actually arrive.
To show your appreciation for my efforts here, we ask, as always, that you use our the B&H and Amazon affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your purchases. B&H Is recommended for you major photography gear purchases, Amazon for your household, entertainment, and general purpose stuff. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially Gitzo tripods, Wimberley tripod heads, and the like. We sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And we are always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.
I would of course appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and visiting the BAA Online store as well.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog or via a BAA Online Bulletin is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charges a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly–I offer free pricing advice, usually sells in no time flat. In the past few weeks we have sold nearly everything in sight. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the old Canon 500mm, the EOS-7D, and the original 400mm IS DO lens have been dropping steadily. You can see the complete listings here. The Used Gear Listings are quite slim as a slew of mostly intermediate telephoto lenses (mostly old 100-400s) along with a 300 II sold within the past week. There are still two old 100-400s priced to all along with some great super-telephoto lenses listed including a Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS and a Sigmonster.
You can see all of the current listings here.
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This in-camera HDR Art Vivid image (dynamic range +/- 2 stops) was created on one of the 2015 Palouse IPTs with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender (at 560mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop yielded a base exposure of 1/320 sec. at f/5.6 in Av mode. AWB.
Center AF point (Manual selection)/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF on the bovine’s eye and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Longhorn Steer
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Tooling Around
On one of our day long scouting trips before the 2nd Palouse ITP–what a way to spend your day off, denise and I came across a neat set of ranch ornaments. They were cute as can be. The 200-400 with the TC engaged gave me just enough reach to photograph them pretty much at eye level from the paved road.
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This image was created on one of the 2015 Palouse IPTs with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender (at 480mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/640 sec. at f/5.6 in Av mode. AWB.
Center AF point (Manual selection)/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF on the bovine’s eye and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #2: Longhorn Cow
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Cow Exposure Questions
All of the images here were taken on a cloudy day.
1-Why did I add only 1/3 stop for the steer image?
2-Why did I add 2/3 stop for the cow image?
3-Why did I add one whole stop for the mother and child reunion image?
4-How would your thinking on the correct exposure compensations have changed on a clear morning at 10:00am with your shadow pointed at the cows?
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This image was created on one of the 2015 Palouse IPTs with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender (at 560mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 stop: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6 in Av mode. AWB.
Center AF point (Manual selection)/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF on the bovine’s eye and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #3: Longhorn Cow and Calf/Mother and Child Reunion
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Your Favorite?
Which of the three images is your favorite? Be sure to let us know why?
One Last Question
Would you have liked to photograph this situation? Why or why not?
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Subject and focal lengths from upper left to right and then around to center.
Palouse Falls: 11mm; homemade kiddie race car: 105mm; barn siding pan blur: 798mm; Rolling fields diorama: 110mm; Crayola drums: 343 mm; Hay barn interior: 19mm; vintage gas station: 40mm; Dilapidated farm building: 13mm; Denise’s tree Infrared: 20mm.
Images and card design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.
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The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 3-7, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 10-14, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
Double Header!
Maximize both your travel dollars and your learning experience by signing up for both IPTs.
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Images and card design by Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure.
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The Palouse IPTs
Rolling farmlands provide a magical patchwork of textures and colors, especially when viewed from the top of Steptoe Butte where we will likely enjoy spectacular sunrises and possibly a nice sunset. We will photograph grand landscapes and mini-scenics of the rolling hills and farm fields. We will take you to some really neat old abandoned barns and farmhouses in idyllic settings. There is no better way to improve your compositional and image design skills and to develop your creativity than to join us for this trip. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Photoshop and image sharing sessions when we have the time and energy…. We get up early and stay out late and the days are long.
After 6 days of back-breaking scouting work in early June 2014 we found all of the iconic locations and, in addition, lots of spectacular new old barns and breath-taking landforms and views. On three additional scouting days in 2015 we discovered several more truly amazing locations. We will teach you what makes one situation prime and another seemingly similar one a waste of your time.
What’s included: In-the-field instruction, guidance, lessons, and inspiration, our newfound but very extensive knowledge of the area, all lunches, motel lobby grab and go breakfasts, and Photoshop and image sharing sessions when possible. There will be a meet and greet at 7:30pm on the evening before each workshop begins.
You will learn and hone both basic and advanced compositional and image design skills. You will learn to get the right exposure every time. You will learn to develop your creative eye. You will learn the basics of HDR (high dynamic range) photography. You will learn a variety of in-camera creative techniques. Most importantly you will learn to see the situation and to create a variety of top-notch images. Do see both of our blogs for lots more on that in the coming weeks. You will learn how the quality and direction of light combine to determine the success of your images. And–please don’t gasp–we will be working quite a bit with sidelight when creating landscapes. Lastly, we will be doing some infrared photography.
To Sign Up
A non-refundable $699 deposit is due now. The balance will be due on February 15, 2016. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
With the spectacular success that we enjoyed in 2015 it seems quite likely that this one will fill up very quickly. Please let me know via e-mail that you will be joining us. Then you can either call Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 during business hours or send us a check to leave a deposit; the latter is preferred. If by check, please make out to “Arthur Morris” and mail it to: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail: artie or denise.
Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options. You can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check. Whenever purchasing travel insurance be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
August 28th, 2015 Stuff
It is now 5:45am on Monday, August 24, 2015. I have been up for a few hours. We will be departing to the south about 1 1/2 days late for our Inside Passage adventure in a very few minutes.
This blog post is scheduled to be published from the Cloud at 6:00am on Friday, August 28, 2015.
The 2017 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Galapagos Photo Cruise
I would assume that after viewing the variety and quality of the images in recent and past blog posts that most passionate nature photographers would wish to join us on the next Galapagos photo adventure during the second and third weeks of August, 2017. If that includes you, please shoot me an e-mail with the words “Galapagos August 2017 Photo-Cruise” cut and pasted into the Subject Line. The best news is that there will be two great leaders, yours truly and Denise Ippolito.
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This image was created at Sante Fe, at 7:45 am on Day 12 of the 2015 Galapagos Photo Cruise with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 255mm) and the amazing Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop as framed: 1/400 sec. at f/8 in Manual Mode. AWB.
Center AF point (Manual selection)/AI Servo/Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Galapagos Sea Lion–tight face portrait of youngster showing whiskers
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No Flies!
We usually do very well with the sea lions on the afternoon landings at Gardiner Bay on Hood Island but this year every Galapagos Sea Lion was covered with flies, even those that had just come out of the bay. Two days later on our morning landing at Sante Fe the group made up for the lost opportunity in spades; the weather was on the cool side with some nice cloud cover and the virtual absence of flies. The pinnipeds were practically smiling.
100-400II Versatility
I continue to be amazed by the incredible versatility of the relatively new Canon 100-400mm II IS L lens with its remarkable .98 meter minimum focusing distance. Here I was able to get close, zoom out to 255mm (yes, the actual focal length at close range was actually a bit less but who cares?), and create a lovely portrait. I varied my framing and wound up with about ten keepers in the series. Another favorite showed whiskers only.
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This image was created on our second of consecutive Hood Island (Espanola) landings at at 7:41am on Day 11 of the 2015 Galapagos Photo Cruise with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 400mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 400: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode. 1/2500 sec. at f/5/6 yielded blinkies on the bird’s head. AWB.
Center AF point/Shutter Button AF Expand AI Servo AF was of course active at the moment of exposure as is pretty much mandatory with moving subjects. The selected AF point fell just above the base of the bird’s right wing. This meant that the assist point directly below the center AF point had grabbed and tracked the leading edge of the bird’s right wing right next to the head. This yielded a very sharp on the eye image. Click to see a larger version.
Image #2: Waved Albatross/flat flight right at me
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Less Wind Can Be a Good Thing
On our second visit to Hood Island and the Waved Albatross colony there was barely any wind at all in the early morning. These rare and benign conditions found the albatrosses flying due east along the coast into the gentle breeze and towards us and the light. But best of all they were flying much lower than they usually do. I grabbed my favorite new flight lens, the 400 DO II, and went to work hand held.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
August 27th, 2015 Stuff
This is another one that I started at my Mom/s last week. I an still sitting next to denise at 35,000 feet. We have one hour, 12 minutes till Salt Lake City. And then only another ten hours till we get to Juneau. 🙂
This blog post should be published automatically at 6:00am on Thursday, August 27, 2015.
Namibia IPT
If you missed the info on this great trip, please click here. So far we have assembled a cast of international participants: one from the US, two from South Africa, one from Hong Kong, and one from Australia. More than a few are world class photographic talent….
Please Remember to shop the BAA Online Store, and to use our Affiliate Links 🙂
To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you use our the B&H and Amazon affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your purchases. B&H is recommended for you major photography gear purchases, Amazon for your household, entertainment, and general purpose stuff. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod heads, Gitzo tripods, Wimberley heads and plates, LensCoats and accessories, and the like. We sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And we are always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. I just learned that my account was suspended during my absence; it should be up and running by Monday at the latest.
I would of course appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and visiting the BAA Online store as well.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog or via a BAA Online Bulletin is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charges a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly–I offer free pricing advice, usually sells in no time flat. In the past two months we have sold almost everything in sight. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the old Canon 500mm, the EOS-7D, and the original 400mm IS DO lens have been dropping steadily. You can see the complete listings here.
The August 10, 2015 Issue of the Ask Tim Grey eNewsletter
Today’s Question
Arthur Morris asked a question in his blog post here about checking the RGB values in Lightroom. When I use the eyedropper tool it shows a value in percentage. Is there a way to show the actual RGB values?
Tim’s Quick Answer
It is possible to view RGB values in Lightroom as 8-bit per channel values (0 to 255) rather than as a percentage (0-100), but only by enabling the Soft Proofing display in the Develop module. It is critical to keep in mind that the Soft Proofing preview (and therefore the RGB value presented) are based on the specific profile and settings you establish for the soft proofing display, and thus don’t necessarily represent the actual final RGB values for the image.
More Detail
When you move your mouse over the image in Lightroom’s Develop module, the RGB values for the pixel under the current mouse position will be displayed below the histogram at the top of the right panel. Those values are displayed as a percentage rather than the range from zero to 255 that are commonly used to describe RGB data.
You can turn on the Soft Proofing checkbox on the toolbar below the image preview area to have the RGB values shown as 8-bit per channel RGB values (0-255) rather than as percentages. However, those values will be based on the settings established for soft proofing, meaning the values are only meaningful in the context of a specific printer, ink, and paper combination.
What that translates to is that I recommend only using the Soft Proofing option if you are indeed preparing a photo to be printed, and you need to evaluate the output you can expect based on a specific printer, ink, and paper combination.
For more general purposes, I recommend leaving the Soft Proofing checkbox turned off while applying adjustments to your images and evaluating the overall photo. That means you’ll see RGB values as percentages rather than as the 8-bit values you might be accustomed to. But a little bit of math can provide a translation, and with a little bit of experience you’ll gain an understanding of how the values relate to each other.
It is worth noting that the 8-bit values themselves aren’t a full representation of the information in your images, assuming we’re talking about RAW captures, for example. Lightroom actually processes your photos (in the Develop module) with a 16-bit per channel workflow. In other words, the actual underlying values for a photo could range from zero to 65,536, not just zero to 255.
I should also hasten to add that I don’t agree with Arthur Morris’ suggestion that the brightest value for an image should have RGB values of around 240 or so. As far as I’m concerned there is no reason to restrict your processing of a RAW capture to avoid white values that are brighter than a specific value. With some print workflows there used to be (and in some cases still is) a reason to keep the whites from getting too bright. That isn’t the case today for most workflows. Restricting your bright values arbitrarily is only limiting the dynamic range of your final image, without providing a true benefit.
Tim Grey
Tim and I have been friends for many years. He has been a guest co-leader on three (I think) BIRDS AS ART IPTs over the years. He is knowledgeable and has a dry wit that leaves many folks in stitches. Early on I turned to Tim for digital help. Now my first choice is always Denise Ippolito who almost always knows the answer. I do have one new question on an totally unrelated subject that has baffled both denise and me. I will run it as a blog post and see if Tim or anyone else can help.
My Comments on Tim’s Comment
First off I have made a personal and career choice to keep things simple. I have been told many times that there are serious errors in my workflow. John Shaw nearly fell of his chair while guest co-leading a Fort DeSoto IPT when he saw me flatten an optimized image and convert it to 8-bit. Let me repeat, my choice is to keep things as simple as possible. I have no clue at all about several topics that Tim writes about above. Despite my image processing short-comings and short-cuts, my optimized TIFFs look good when viewed full size and even my 1200 wide (<395kb) JPEGs have been drawing rave reviews for many years as far as color, image quality, and sharpness. Simply put, they look great. Not bad for someone who according to many experts is doing so many things wrong....
Secondly, we rarely do any printing at BIRDS AS ART. What little printing we do is done by my righthand man, Jim Litzenberg. The prints all look great to me and we have never had one returned.
I should hasten to add that I do not agree at all with Tim Grey's suggestions above. I love my WHITEs right around 235 or so (not 240--that is denise's preference). As I said in the original post, I find it difficult and time consuming to tease detail out of WHITEs in the mid-240s and the low 250s. To my eye, the WHITEs in my optimized images look bright and reveal lots of fine feather detail (except in fog or snow when creating images that have good detail in the WHITEs is simply not possible).
I have noted often that though WHITEs that come in at 254, 254, 254 may in fact be theoretically perfect, I want no part of them. I prefer practically perfect WHITEs to theoretically perfect WHITEs. Going back to the simpler approach, if you place your WHITEs at 254, 254, 254 as it seems that Tim is recommending, then you are maximizing contrast at the highlight end of the equation. When working in full sun, the last thing that I want to do is increase contrast.
So how has my “keep it simple not so perfect approach” fared? Most importantly, I love the look of my images on my Macbook Pro. And more than a few of my digital images, including many with large areas of white feathers, have been honored in the most prestigious international contests including the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and the Windland Smith Rice Nature’s Best competition. All have been optimized with the goal of bringing the WHITEs into Photoshop with the RGB values no greater than the mid-230s.
So who is right? It does not matter. You and your photos are what matters. Learn to control your WHITEs during the RAW conversion wherever you do them. Experiment with various RGB values be they numeric or percentages. Determine where you want your WHITEs to be by trial and error. Settle on what looks best to you in various settings (electronic or print) and stick to your guns until you see a need for change.
Final Thoughts
Two highly honored images of mine come to mind quickly: King Penguin breast abstract and Gannets in Love. Each feature lots of WHITEs all brought in to Photoshop in the mid-230s.
Lastly, I am proud to say that as far as viewing the RGB values in Lightroom in the “Bashing Lightroom?” post here, the conclusions matched most of what Tim Grey wrote above. So thanks again to Alan Lillich for contributing that excellent summary and thanks of course to Tim Grey for allowing me to republish his newsletter content here.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
August 26th, 2015 Stuff
It is 5:26am on Monday, August 24, 2015. I have been up for a few hours. The boat’s generator just came on and we will be departing to the south about 1 1/2 days late for our Inside Passage adventure.
This blog post is scheduled to be published from the Cloud at 6:00am on Wednesday, August 26, 2015.
Bill Lloyd Save Your Butt Tip…
In the blog post here, where I mentioned the posterior pain that came with 20 hours of travel and much too much sitting, Bill Lloyd who had so much fun on the UK Puffins Trip that he immediately signed up for our Namibia IPT, was kind to leave this potentially pain relieving solution:
I mentioned this briefly on the UK Puffin IPT to Denise: the ThermaRest Travel Cushion really has made a huge difference in my travel comfort. So much so, that I use it while driving long distances as well. It weighs only a couple ounces and is self-inflating; the key is that after it fills you need to let out the air until it is only about 1/3 full> It rolls up nicely and will easily slip into the top of the great Think Tank Urban Disguise bags that you both use. If you don’t try it, you’ll never know how great it is.
If I have to get some sleep on a plane, the ThermaRest cushion, foam earplugs, and even those silly sleep mask blindfolds are a must. And they do work.
You’ve got my sympathy, keepin’ the nether regions happy is a top priority for me when I travel! Bill
Following Up With Bill
Not being one to part so quickly with 30 bucks I had a few more questions for Bill. I sent him the Amazon link and asked if I had the correct item. He responded:
Yep that’s it. It’s self inflating. Open the valve and in a minute or two it’s fluffy. Close the valve and sit on it, then slowly open valve to let air out. You want it something like only a third full, your butt almost contacting the seat. If you’re perched, rolling around on the thing, that’s too much air. Bill
Then I wrote back as follows: Am I correct in thinking that it gets down to almost nothing when you squeeze all the air out?
He answered:
Pretty close. I open the valve and roll up as tight as I can from the opposite end. Close the valve and it stays rolled up. I’ve got an Urban Disguise like you guys, it can go in the top center compartment rolled, or I used to pull it out flat (deflated) and stash it under the large side flap – B.
I am having Jen order one for me today. You can order yours by clicking on the logo link above. Many thanks Bill!
Why Bill Signed Up for the Nambia IPT
It was great to see you again.
As you know, I haven’t been on an IPT in some years. I came away from the 2015 UK Puffins and Gannets IPT surprised at how much my photography improved with the “refresher” course. Nothing beats making images on an all day week-long intensive experience like that – I’d truly forgotten. Those of us to your right hadn’t even noticed the Razorbill pair copulating until you called out to us: we were still getting puffins in flight.
So, it was a no-brainer signing up for Namibia! When I saw the price, I had my deposit in the mail even before the itinerary was up – and I think waiting for years to go to Africa is going to pay off with this trip. Really looking forward to traveling with you and Denise, getting wildlife and landscape images together doesn’t seem to be the rule with most tours I’ve looked at in the past – it’s usually one or the other. Be seein’ ya!
Bill
Join Us In Namibia
Learn how by clicking here. So far we have assembled a cast of international participants: one from the US, two from South Africa, one from Hong Kong, and one from Australia. More than a few are world class photographic talent….
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Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
August 25th, 2015 Stuff
I started this blog post last week when I was at my Mom’s. I am finishing while sitting in 22B at 35,000 en route from JFK to SLC and then on to Seattle and Juneau. Sitting next to me in 22A working on some of her Iceland images is denise ippolito. We are headed for our SE Alaska Inside Passage cruise. There are gale warnings for Saturday and Sunday. Yikes!
This post took about an hour to prepare. If all goes well, it will be published automatically at 6:00am on Tuesday, August 25, 2015.
Can Denise’s Tree Be a Circle?
The funny thing about photos of Denise’s tree is that whenever I look at them my left hip hurts…. A lot. See here for “here ” for “Hip-wrecked on the Prairie” if you missed that tale.
Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM Fisheye Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens
The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM Fisheye Ultra-Wide Zoom lens is fun to use. It gives you a perfect circle at 8mm with a full frame camera body–be sure to zoom out fully, and it gives you a 15mm fish eye when used with a 1.6X crop factor camera like the EOS 7D Mark II. Again, you must be sure to zoom out completely or you will clip the corners.
Making good images with what I affectionately call “the circle lens” can be a bit tricky…. I have not yet figured out how to work with it on clear days. If you work with the sun behind you your shadow will be an integral part of the image. And if you turn around and include the sun in the frame you will have all sorts of diffraction and flare…. I love playing with the circle lens in the pre-dawn or on cloudy days when both of the problems mentioned above are no longer factors.
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Subject and focal lengths from upper left to right and then around to center.
Palouse Falls: 11mm; homemade kiddie race car: 105mm; barn siding pan blur: 798mm; Rolling fields diorama: 110mm; Crayola drums: 343 mm; Hay barn interior: 19mm; vintage gas station: 40mm; Dilapidated farm building: 13mm; Denise’s tree Infrared: 20mm.
Images and card design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.
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The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 3-7, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
The Palouse ~ A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 10-14, 2016/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12
Double Header!
Maximize both your travel dollars and your learning experience by signing up for both IPTs.
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Images and card design by Denise Ippolito/A Creative Adventure.
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The Palouse IPTs
Rolling farmlands provide a magical patchwork of textures and colors, especially when viewed from the top of Steptoe Butte where we will likely enjoy spectacular sunrises and possibly a nice sunset. We will photograph grand landscapes and mini-scenics of the rolling hills and farm fields. We will take you to some really neat old abandoned barns and farmhouses in idyllic settings. There is no better way to improve your compositional and image design skills and to develop your creativity than to join us for this trip. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Photoshop and image sharing sessions when we have the time and energy…. We get up early and stay out late and the days are long.
After 6 days of back-breaking scouting work in early June 2014 we found all of the iconic locations and, in addition, lots of spectacular new old barns and breath-taking landforms and views. On three additional scouting days in 2015 we discovered several more truly amazing locations. We will teach you what makes one situation prime and another seemingly similar one a waste of your time.
What’s included: In-the-field instruction, guidance, lessons, and inspiration, our newfound but very extensive knowledge of the area, all lunches, motel lobby grab and go breakfasts, and Photoshop and image sharing sessions when possible. There will be a meet and greet at 7:30pm on the evening before each workshop begins.
You will learn and hone both basic and advanced compositional and image design skills. You will learn to get the right exposure every time. You will learn to develop your creative eye. You will learn the basics of HDR (high dynamic range) photography. You will learn a variety of in-camera creative techniques. Most importantly you will learn to see the situation and to create a variety of top-notch images. Do see both of our blogs for lots more on that in the coming weeks. You will learn how the quality and direction of light combine to determine the success of your images. And–please don’t gasp–we will be working quite a bit with sidelight when creating landscapes. Lastly, we will be doing some infrared photography.
To Sign Up
A non-refundable $699 deposit is due now. The balance will be due on February 15, 2016. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
With the spectacular success that we enjoyed in 2015 it seems quite likely that this one will fill up very quickly. Please let me know via e-mail that you will be joining us. Then you can either call Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 during business hours or send us a check to leave a deposit; the latter is preferred. If by check, please make out to “Arthur Morris” and mail it to: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail: artie or denise.
Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options. You can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check. Whenever purchasing travel insurance be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
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Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
August 24th, 2015 Stuff
I am sitting on the boat just after breakfast again looking at a second day of high winds and rain. That’s why they call it nature photography….
This blog post should be published automatically from the Cloud at 6:00am on Monday, August 24, 2015. Enjoy.
Please Help Support My Work on the BAA Blog
Thanks a Stack! It’s been a great summer!
The last ten weeks as a B&H affiliate have been quite rewarding. Thanks a stack to the many who used our B&H links for purchases large and small. Right now I am working closely with my B&H rep to have four 400 DO and two 100-400 II BAA Affiliate orders expedited. It has been nearly impossible to come by a 400 DO II. I am hoping that my efforts pay dividends fairly soon…. 100-400IIs are now in stock at B&H. The 400 DO II lenses continue to be in very short supply. The sooner you order, the sooner you will get yours; I am working closely with my contact at B&H to have the current orders expedited when a shipment does actually arrive.
To show your appreciation for my efforts here, we ask, as always, that you use our the B&H and Amazon affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your purchases. B&H Is recommended for you major photography gear purchases, Amazon for your household, entertainment, and general purpose stuff. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially Gitzo tripods, Wimberley tripod heads, and the like. We sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And we are always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.
I would of course appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and visiting the BAA Online store as well.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog or via a BAA Online Bulletin is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charges a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly–I offer free pricing advice, usually sells in no time flat. In the past few weeks we have sold nearly everything in sight. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the old Canon 500mm, the EOS-7D, and the original 400mm IS DO lens have been dropping steadily.
You can see all of the current listings here.
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This image was created with the hand held Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens (at 65mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops: 1/400 sec. at f/8.
Center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF on the center of the image about 1/5 of the way into the frame and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial.
Image #1: Glacier near Juneau, AK wide shot
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The Benefit of Gale Force Winds…
Our inside passage cruise departure was delayed for at least a day on Saturday by a big storm with gale force winds. We lucked out that afternoon as the rain let up for a few hours and we visited a beautiful glacier. The storm clouds turned out to be a big plus. I went back and forth on bringing the tripod and both tripod heads, the Mongoose and a small ballhead, and once we arrived at the location I was sorry that I had opted to leave them on the boat. How many times do we have to learn lessons like that before we quit being lazy? (Note: the folks who supplied us with the Giotto’s tiny ballhead that I have used for years have gone belly-up; I am hoping to get my hands on a viable alternative soon.)
The Wide View
I sat on the ground using my elbows-on-knees tripod technique to ensure adequate sharpness. And since I was creating originals for potential HDRs I turned off Auto Align. As things worked out, I went with a single image. I did the sky with NIK Viveza using three large control points and the foreground after selecting it with the Quick Selection Tool with my NIK Color Efex Pro 50-50 recipe reduced to 25%. Fast and easy.
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This image was created with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 400mm) and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops: 1/80 sec. at f/8.
Center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF about 1/3 of the way into the frame on the large rock on our right and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial.
Image #2: Glacier near Juneau, AK tight shot
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The Tight View
I switched the 24-105 for the 100-400 to get fairly tight on the glacier. Again I went with a single image. I like the colors and patterns.
Your Fave?
Which of today’s two images do you like best? Be sure to let us know why.
The 5D III
The 5D III is always my first choice for scenics, flowers, and urbex photography. I love the relatively large images files and the 5D III’s excellent control of noise (provided that you expose to the right).
Canon’s Two 50+ Megapixel Camera Bodies
At some point soon I will surely get my hands on a Canon EOS 5DS R DSLR as a potential replacement for the 5D III that has provided yeoman service for so many years. Learn more https://www.birdsasart-blog.com/baa/2015/02/21/canons-two-new-50-megapixel-camera-bodies-you-must-read-this-before-you-buy/ and here to see if this camera or the Canon EOS 5DS DSLR might be best for you.
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In 2015, we are offering a 3-DAY IPT before Thanksgiving and a 4-DAY IPT after the holiday. You can attend either and spend Thanksgiving Day with your family. Sign up for both and we will be glad to apply a $100 discount to your balance. We know that there are lots of less costly workshops being offered these days. Many of them are downright cheap. Please remember that you get exactly what you pay for. With us you will have two full time pros there for you every minute we are in the field. Together they have more than 28 seasons of experience at the refuge. If you want the finest in photographic instruction and want to be assured of being in the right spot at exactly the right time every day, do join us.
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Bosque del Apache 2015 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). 3-FULL DAY IPT: NOV 22-24, 2015. $1149. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Meet and greet and introductory slide program after dinner on your own at 7:00pm on SAT NOV 21. This trip is a near sell out.
Tens of thousands of Snow Geese, 10,000 Sandhill Cranes, ducks, amazing sunrises, sunsets, and blast-offs. Live, eat, and breathe photography with two of the world’s premier photographic educators at one of their very favorite photography locations on the planet. Top-notch in-the-field and Photoshop instruction. This will make 21 consecutive Novembers at Bosque for artie. This will be denise’s 7th workshop at the refuge. Nobody knows the place better than artie does. Join us to learn to think like a pro, to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather, especially the sky conditions, the light, and the wind direction. Every time we make a move we will let you know why. When you head home being able to apply what you’ve learned on your home turf will prove to be invaluable.
This workshop includes 3 morning and 3 afternoon photography sessions, an inspirational introductory slide program after dinner on your own on Saturday, 11/21, all lunches, and after-lunch digital workflow, Photoshop, and image critiquing sessions.
There is never a strict itinerary on a Bosque IPT as each day is tailored to the local conditions at the time and to the weather. We are totally flexible in order to maximize both the photographic and learning opportunities. We are up early each day leaving the hotel by 5:30 am to be in position for sunrise. We usually photograph until about 10:30am. Then it is back to Socorro for lunch and then a classroom session with the group most days. We head back to the refuge at about 3:30pm each day and photograph until sunset. We will be photographing lots of Snow Geese and lots of Sandhill Cranes with the emphasis on expanding both your technical skills and your creativity.
A $449 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 7/25/2015. If you cancel and the trip fills, we will be glad to apply a credit applicable to a future IPT for the full amount less a $100 processing fee. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check (made out to “Arthur Morris.”) You can also leave your deposit with a credit card by calling the office at 863-692-0906. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
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In 2015, we are offering a 3-DAY IPT before Thanksgiving and a 4-DAY IPT after the holiday. You can attend either and spend Thanksgiving Day with your family. Sign up for both and we will be glad to apply a $100 discount to your balance.
We know that there are lots of less costly workshops being offered these days. Please remember that you get exactly what you pay for. If you want the finest in photographic instruction and want to be assured of being in the right spot at exactly the right time, do join us.
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Bosque del Apache 2015 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). 4-DAY IPT: (three full and two 1/2 DAYS) NOV 28-DEC 2, 2015. $1499. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Meet and greet at 3pm on SAT NOV 28 followed by an afternoon photo session at the crane pools and the introductory slide program after dinner on your own.
Tens of thousands of Snow Geese, 10,000 Sandhill Cranes, ducks, amazing sunrises, sunsets, and blast-offs. Live, eat, and breathe photography with two of the world’s premier photographic educators at one of their very favorite photography locations on the planet. Top-notch in-the-field and Photoshop instruction. This will make 21 consecutive Novembers at Bosque for artie. This will be denise’s 7th workshop at the refuge. Nobody knows the place better than artie does. Join us to learn to think like a pro, to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather, especially the sky conditions, the light, and the wind direction. Every time we make a move we will let you know why. When you head home being able to apply what you’ve learned on your home turf will prove to be invaluable.
This workshop includes 4 afternoon (11/28through 12/1), 4 morning (11/29 to 12/2) photography sessions, an inspirational introductory slide program after dinner on your own on Saturday, 11/28, all lunches, and after-lunch digital workflow, Photoshop, and image critiquing sessions.
There is never a strict itinerary on a Bosque IPT as each day is tailored to the local conditions at the time and to the weather. We are totally flexible in order to maximize both the photographic and learning opportunities. We are up early each day leaving the hotel by 5:30 am to be in position for sunrise. We usually photograph until about 10:30am. Then it is back to Socorro for lunch and then a classroom session with the group most days. We head back to the refuge at about 3:30pm each day and photograph until sunset. We will be photographing lots of Snow Geese and lots of Sandhill Cranes with the emphasis on expanding both your technical skills and your creativity.
A $599 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 7/25/2015. If you cancel and the trip fills, we will be glad to apply a credit applicable to a future IPT for the full amount less a $100 processing fee. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Whether or not your spot is filled, you will lose your deposit. If not, you can secure your spot by paying your balance.
Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check (made out to “Arthur Morris.”) You can also leave your deposit with a credit card by calling the office at 863-692-0906. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
August 23rd, 2015 What’s Up?
We finished the 2015 Galapagos Photo Cruise with a spectacular morning at North Seymour Island. Our session lasted from 6:00 till 9:30am and was blessed with spectacular early morning light and then again by thickening cloud cover. Just what the doctor ordered. We spent a magical morning photographing fluffy white frigatebird chicks, adults with inflated red pouches both perched and in flight, and displaying Blue-footed Boobies. Best of all was a bright yellow Land Iguana basking in golden early morning light.
When I typed this a few weeks ago, I needed to take a quick shower and finish packing when we got back on board the Samba I had not yet had time to take a look at my Day 15 images. We bid a fond farewell to our ship, our great guide, and our great crew. Most folks wound up tipping several crew members above and beyond the already generous tip schedule. I began working on this blog post late in the trip, continued on the flight to Guayaquil, and am putting the finishing touches on it on my Super Shuttle ride from my Mom’s in Holbrook to JFK for the flights to Juneau with Denise Ippolto. You can check out denise’s brand new Iceland gallery here. Amazingly I nailed her favorite image just from looking at the JPEGS. Then, after a bit of study, I picked her second favorite. She was amazed. I fanned on # 3, but as Meat Loaf said, “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad.”
The 2017 BIRDS AS ART/A Creative Adventure Galapagos Photo Cruise
I would assume that after viewing the variety and quality of the images in this blog post that most passionate nature photographers would wish to join us on the next Galapagos photo adventure during the second and third weeks of August, 2017. If that includes you, please shoot me an e-mail with the words “Galapagos August 2017 Photo-Cruise” cut and pasted into the Subject Line. Those who previously requested advance notice should be receiving it in short order. The best news is that there will be two great leaders, yours truly and Denise Ippolito.
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This image was created at the highlands of Puerto Ayora at 8:55am on July 21, Day 8 of the 2015 Galapagos Photo Cruise. I used the tripod-mounted Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens with the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 800: Evaluative metering at zero: 1/500 sec. at f/10 in Av mode.
Center AF point/Spot AF/Shutter Button AI Servo AF was active at the moment of exposure as is pretty much mandatory with moving subjects. The selected bird’s folded wing as originally framed. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Galapagos White-cheeked Pintail displaying male
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White-cheeked Pintail Displays
While photographing a large Galapagos Tortoise in a tiny pond several in the group had the rare chance to photograph the pintails displaying. Heck, just have them at close range was a pretty rare opportunity. To enjoy the best chances I did not hesitate walking into the muddy water with my pretty much brand knew Merrell hiking boots.
The photographic problem was that drakes displayed without any warning and lasted only a second or two as they tipped forward. I was glad to get the sensor on the bird at all in these circumstances. In the image above the AF point as originally framed was on the bird’s folded wing which was in front of the plane of the bird’s eye. This left the eye a bit less than sharp but after doing some Eye Doctor work and applying a Contrast Mask to the face in post processing the optimized image looked just fine. That’s why God invented Photoshop…
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This image was also created at the highlands of Puerto Ayora at 8:55am on July 21, Day 8 of the 2015 Galapagos Photo Cruise. For this one I used the tripod-mounted Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens with the Canon Extender EF 2X III and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 800: Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/160 sec. at f/11 in Av mode. AWB.
Center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF (and release) as originally framed. The selected AF point had fallen on the corner of the tortoise’s mouth. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #2: Galapagos Tortoise (Santa Cruz race), 25-year old youngster yawning.
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Tortoise Tips
My very best tips for photographing tortoises are to get close, get low, and use some extra depth of field. By getting down to the creature’s eye level you will create more intimate images and effectively move the background farther from the subject thus producing soft, out-of-focus backdrops.
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This image was also created on our second of consecutive Hood Island (Espanola) landings at at 9:35am on Day 11 of the 2015 Galapagos Photo Cruise with the hand held Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens with the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 400: 1/4000 sec. at f/7.1 in Manual mode (via histogram check) is the equivalent of the super-bright white in full sun/ISO 400 exposure: 1/3200 sec. at f/8. AWB.
Center AF point/Shutter Button AF Expand AI Servo AF was of course active at the moment of exposure as is pretty much mandatory with moving subjects. The selected AF point fell on the tips of the bird’s secondaries and tertials; universal advice for better flight photography: “pan faster!” Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #3: Red-billed Tropicbird approaching cliff nest to land
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Manual Mode (Again!)
On our first visit to Hood we had some great chances with the tropicbirds. As noted above, the bright whites were as bright as any I have ever encountered anywhere on the planet. As some of the birds were flying against the sky while others, attempting to land at their cliffside nest sites, flew against the dark blue ocean. It was 100% mandatory to work in manual mode to prevent the severe over exposure of the bird if you had been working in Av mode with a bit of plus compensation for the sky…. As noted here recently, Manual mode is the way to go when it comes to flight photography.
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This image was created at James Bay, Puerto Egas at 9:16am on Day 14 of the 2015 Galapagos Photo Cruise with the hand held Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop as framed: 1/640 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode in barely sunny conditions. AWB.
Center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Rear Button AF was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). The center AF point was on the base of the bird’s bill. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #4: Adult Striated Heron with struggling Sally Lightfoot Crab
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Bingo!
Earlier in the morning someone in the group asked if Striated Herons ever caught Sally Lightfoot Crabs. “Only if you are lucky,” I replied. “They never go after a full sized adult but they will try for younger crabs as large as 3-4 inches across the shell. We had been working on the small heron, a close relative of our Green Heron, and had been creating some crab blurs for about an hour when our patience paid off.
I was set up for the blurs and was well out of position when the heron struck its prey. I scrambled to my feet as quickly as possible, changed the mode to Manual, set the ISO to 800, the aperture to f/6.3, and adjusted the shutter speed to 1/640 sec. which showed the +2/3 stop EC that I wanted. All that while praying and moving as quickly as possible to my left to square up to the bird and get pretty much on the weak sun angle. Many folks fail to realize that on all but the darkest of cloudy days that the light still has direction to it. So when it is cloudy bright or even cloudy I strive to get on sun angle to provide even lighting on the subject. My quick prayers were answered and I was rewarded with a few good frames before the heron shook the crab so violently that the legs began to fly off in every direction. The open, somewhat menacing crab claw was the icing on my cake.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!
Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&H here!
We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post. Remember, B&H ain’t just photography!
…..
Amazon.com
Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link:
Amazon Canada
Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems. Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking here. Many thanks to those who have written.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
August 22nd, 2015 Stuff
It is 4:38am Alaska time as I start this short blog post, 8:38 Eastern time.
We safely made it from JFK to Juneau yesterday.
This blog post was published at about 9:45am Eastern time from my motel room in southeastern Alaska.
Eyes Burning, Butt in Severe Pain….
I left my Mom’s at 5:55am and denise headed to the airport from her home on the Jersey shore. We both arrived way early for our JFK flight to Salt Lake City. At 5+ hours, it was long flight. The seats were more uncomfortable than comfortable. We shared and worked on images, denise’s from Iceland, mine from the Galapagos and the Nickerson Beach IPT. We had a two hour layover in SLC for our next flight to Seattle. By this time, we were both very tired.
It was a beautiful new plane but again the seats were uncomfortable. And they did not recline. Neither of us slept a wink. Last, after another two-hour layover, was our two hour flight to Juneau. An old plane but the seats were a bit roomier. We both slept for the first 1 1/2 hours until the “we are now descending” announcement. For me, that last half hour was brutal and painful, the longest 30 minutes of my life. Oh, did I mention that we were an hour late out of Seattle due to a late-arriving aircraft?
They kept warning of our impending landing but the plane seemed to keep on flying forever. After more than 20 hours of travel my eyes were burning fiercely and my butt ached. Finally we landed at our destination. Though there is a gale warning for today and Sunday, we are hoping to enjoy some good photography over the next seven days. Without anyone getting seasick.
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This is one of my very favorite 1D s Mark III images. At the Venice Rookery with the old 600mm f/4L IS lens.
Image copyright Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
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Two Brand New Listings
Used Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
Brian Miller is offering a used Canon 1Ds Mark III in excellent condition for $1,399. The sale includes the manual, an extra battery, the battery
charger, and insured shipping via FED-EX Ground. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Brian by e-mail or by phone at 225-936-6730 (Central time zone).
The 1Ds Mark III produces superb 21.1 mp files and AF is superb as well. The 1Ds III suffered none of the AF system problems that some encountered with the EOS-1D Mark III. I owned and use one for about three years. artie
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I created this image on the last Southern Oceans trip with the 300 II, the 2X III TC, and the 7D II.
Image copyright Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
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Used Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens
Joseph Higbee is offering a used Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS ll USM lens in excellent condition for $4750. The sale includes all the items in original box: lens trunk, lens hood, fabric front cover, rear lens cap, wide lens strap, strap for lens case, CD and instruction papers. Also included is a very worn Black LensCoat and a Kirk Enterprises LP 59 lens foot. And insured shipping via UPS Ground. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joe by e-mail e-mail or by phone at (253) 846-1254 or (253) 318-8280 (Pacific time zone).
The 300 II is a superbly sharp and versatile lens that kills with both TCs. In addition, it is a great flight lens. Joe’s price matches the lowest-ever BAA price…. Act now. artie
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All of the images on the card were made on South Georgia. This remote wilderness island offers both spectacular scenery and hordes of tame wildlife and birds. From top left clockwise to the center: Southern Elephant Seal, courting King Penguin pair, King Penguin abstract, Grey-headed Albatross, King Penguin rookery on Salisbury Plain, Macaroni Penguin head portrait, King Penguin molting Okum Boy, Macaroni Penguin pair, King Penguin preening, Southern Elephant Seal yawning, the view of Gold Harbour from a Light-mantled Sooty Albatross nest.
Click on the image to see an extra large version.
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The Southern Ocean
South Georgia Expedition Voyage
I’ve been blessed. I’ve now made four trips to the Southern Ocean, three expeditions that visited the Falklands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula, and one to the Falklands and South Georgia. Each was a truly amazing experience. South Georgia has been the star of the show each time: rugged snow covered peaks, tame and abundant wildlife including Southern Elephant Seal and Southern Fur Seal, and penguins: more King Penguins than you could ever have dreamed of. Gentoos. And my favorite, the golden-yellow spaghetti-topped Macaronis. With four trips to South Georgi under my belt, I have a pretty good idea about how to make great images at each of the iconic landings. In addition, we should have some pretty good flight photography sessions from the stern of the ship. I would love the chance to share my knowledge with you.
Going Light
On my recent trip, I found myself going with shorter lenses and lighter gear than on any previous Southern Ocean Expedition. In part that was due to the crop factor of the 7D Mark II, in part because going light makes life (and landings!) much easier. I made many landings with just the 7D II and the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. I refined the way that I got my gear safely from ship to shore. Lots more on that here soon.
Cheesemans’ Well Deserved Kudos
I know from personal experience that if you are a photographer who is going to invest in Southern Ocean voyage, you will want to put your money on Cheesemans’. No other tour company goes as far out of their way to ensure making every possible safe landing. And no other tour company will have you spending more time on land. Michael Viljeon from South Africa was aboard the Ortelius on a Southern Oceans voyage that preceded the Cheesemans’ trip that we were both on. As we headed back to Ushuaia, he said, “The folks that ran that first trip were pathetic. Too rough. No landing today. Surf too high today. No landing. Wind wrong direction. No landing. Cheesemans’ routinely and safely gets folks on land in conditions where the leaders of other tour companies do not even bother getting out of their bunks.”
Here, from the” Way to Go CES! (Cheeseman’s Ecology Safaris)” blog post here, is one of my favorite Cheesemans’ stories:
The landing at Bailey Head, Antarctica, was especially rewarding to me as I had been sitting in a zodiac 100 yards off shore on my 2007 trip when the zodiac in front of mine swamped and the captain of the ship called off the landing…. Early that day it looked as if my weather Karma might not be working. Ted’s “Good morning shipmates” was followed by the news that we would not be able to land at Bailey Head that morning as the swell was too big. The beach there is sloped tremendously and the sea strives to pull the zodiacs back into the ocean before folks have gotten off with their gear. Tom Murphy had said to me several days before, “We will get you on the beach at Bailey Head.” Ted concluded his morning greetings by saying, “We are sending out a scout team to see if landing is possible.”
After breakfast I was thrilled to hear Ted’s voice again on the PA, “We will be landing at 8am.” Afterwards folks noted that it was the calmest landing ever at this amazingly beautiful spot. My good weather Karma (courtesy of late-wife Elaine) had come through one last time. Along with St. Andrews Bay, it was one of my two favorite super-great once-in-a-lifetime days of the trip. And we even got to enjoy three additional hours at Hannah Point, Antarctica before calling it a wrap and heading for the feared Drake Passage. All thanks to Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris.
Why Sign Up Through BIRDS AS ART?
If you have been thinking and dreaming of finally visiting South Georgia, this is the trip for you. Quit dreaming and act now. Though I will not be an official leader on this trip, those who have traveled with me know that I cannot help but teach. I will make pre-trip gear recommendations. I will hold informal pre-landing briefings. In the same vein, everyone will receive a free copy of our Antarctica Site Guide once they are paid in full (July 2, 2015). I will be available on the ship to review your images,, answer questions, and conduct informal over-the shoulder Photoshop sessions. And best of all, everyone who signs up under the auspices of BAA are invited to tag along with me on the landings where I will be glad to offer invaluable in-the-field advice. And the same goes for the ship-board birds in flight and marine mammal photography opportunities.
Do join us. To learn how to be part of the BAA group please e-mail me with the words Antarctica/Extended Expedition BAA Info Please cut and pasted into the Subject line. Learn a bit more by scrolling down here.
Important Notes
#1: If you fail to e-mail me as noted directly above, and register directly with CES you MUST let them know that you would like to be part of the BIRDS AS ART group.
#2: Joining the BIRDS AS ART group as above will not cost you one penny.
The Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris South Georgia Expedition Voyage
An in-depth Adventure aboard the Ortelius: October 29 to November 17, 2015
From the CES website:
We are very excited to be able to bring this special in-depth expedition to you. This is a product of years of experience leading voyages to South Georgia and a passion for everything found here. Our itinerary is specifically designed to take advantage of the vibrant early season on South Georgia when snow blankets the mountains and early summer brings special wildlife treats seldom experienced. We will explore vast colonies of King Penguins, elephant seals in their peak of breeding activity, and colonies of Wandering, Gray-headed, Light-mantled, and Black-browed albatross. This cruise allows us many days to explore this truly unique island, the crown jewel of the Antarctic. The landscape filled with expanses of glaciers pouring into the sea provides rare beauty and photogenic impressiveness that words cannot convey. We will enjoy about nine days in the midst of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich island on the planet! Exceptional leadership expertise will enrich your experience throughout the voyage. Our priority on this special expedition is to give you the maximum time possible in the field so you can explore at your own pace during a special time on South Georgia. Come explore South Georgia with us!
I can personally attest to the accuracy of everything above. 🙂
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Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
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