November 5th, 2022 A Blog Post to Inspire Your Compositional Creativity
While I am proud of every blog post, I am especially proud of today’s offering.
When we head out with our gear, everyone is on the same playing field. We get to choose our subjects. We all have the same light and wind and weather to work with. We consider the same subject or subjects, the same sky, the same water, the same land, and the same vegetation at hand. By carefully choosing a lens and our perspective, we determine exactly what we want to include in our images. Then we utilize our camera’s AF system and our knowledge of exposure to create the image we envisioned. To me, this represents the great challenges and rewards of nature photography. In addition, your post-processing skills determine the success of the optimized image.
So, I am especially proud of today’s post and the eight featured images because they show what you can do with the same rig and a creative mind. Each image below was created with the 400mm f/2.8, a 1.4X TC, a Sony a1, and a good measure of creativity and skill. Consider joining me on an Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT) to live and learn the concepts illustrated below. In any case, I hope that you are inspired.
What’s Up?
I got lots done on Friday. Working with Eric Bowles, we are just about finished with our letter to concerned NANPA members; it should be going out on Monday. I have also been working on my Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle B&H Event Space program. I was glad to learn that the sale of Bill Wingfield’s Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II lens is pending.
Today is Saturday 5 November. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 3 1/2 hours to prepare including the time spent on the eight image optimizations and makes two hundred twenty-three days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
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This image was created on 3 November 2022, the wonderful fourth morning of the third DeSoto IPT. While standing at full height, I used the Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65″/Wimberley MonoGimbal Head-supported Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure compensation on the Thumb Dial. Shutter Priority +2.3-stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 3200. 1/250 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be about 1/3-stop too dark. AWB at 7:43:52am with the sun behind me obscured by early morning clouds.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: American White Pelicans in pink/purple/blue early morning light
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A Pink/Purple/Blue Predawn Bird-scape
With some clouds on the eastern horizon, I was surprised by the pink/purple/blue early morning light as this light occurs most often on dead-clear mornings. The plan, that I call out to the group, was to get some pelicans floating in the still water near the lee-shore where the pre-dawn color was brightest. The east breeze being was somewhat blocked by the vegetated shoreline creating the still water.
The monopod enabled me to work at a fairly-slow-for-560mm shutter speed. Had I been handholding, all else being equal, sharpness would surely have suffered. Having been in Shutter Priority mode for pre-dawn blurs, I opted to stay with that for a while.
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This image was also created on 3 November 2022, the wonderful fourth morning of the third DeSoto IPT. While seated on a hard-sand path, I used the shortened Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65″/Wimberley MonoGimbal Head-supported Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure compensation on the Thumb Dial. Shutter Priority +1.7-stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 800. 1/40 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be about 1/6-stop too dark. AWB at 8:02:58am as the sun broke through the early morning clouds.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: American White Pelican swimming with o-o-f marsh grass foreground
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Image Design Via Perspective
I wanted to get lower but with the tide fully high, I was reluctant to sit in almost a foot of water. So, I shortened the monopod, sat on the path, and included the out-of-focus grasses in the foreground. Note that in Shutter Priority mode I needed less plus compensation because the green vegetation — darker than the light blue water, influenced the meter toward a lighter exposure.
Up-In-the-Frame
When you wish to include the full reflection, you must use your camera’s AF system to place the bird higher in the frame than you would when creating a filed-guide portrait. With Sony, that is easy, as long as you remember to do it. Note that as the sun got higher in the sky that I (properly) abandoned Shutter Priority and went to Manual mode.
Keeping Your Eyes Open. And Moving.
All successful bird and wildlife keep their eyes open and scanning in all directions unless they are actively photographing something great. In this case, everyone in the group noticed the large flocks of pelicans flying in from behind us. There was no shot when the long lines were coming in to join the large flock on the sandbar, but when this group turned back to the east (into the wind), to land, I liked what I saw.
Sony a1 Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection
The performance of Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled borders on science-fiction like. In addition to detecting the bird’s eye with a tiny green square even before you half-press the shutter button, you can place the bird anywhere in the frame as the AF tracks the eye. I began by moving the AF point in the center up a few clicks, acquired the eye, and the recomposed left or right as needed depending on which way the bird was facing.
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This image was also created on 3 November 2022, the wonderful fourth morning of the third DeSoto IPT. While seated in six inches of water, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/2000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:31:40am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #6: American White Pelican swimming — battleship pose
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Getting Lower
As the tide dropped, I opted to sit in the water and use the knee-pod technique (while ditching the monopod). When these huge pelicans are swimming toward you, they remind me of one of the now obsolete WW II-vintage battleships.
From r/Ask Historians on the Reddit.com website here:
u/ilikedota5 asked:
Why are battleships obsolete since world war two?
thefourthmaninaboat/Moderator wrote:
Battleships have become obsolete because in the modern threat environment they are not as capable at dealing damage as other possible options. Aircraft were the battleship’s main competitor at dealing damage immediately after WW2. Compared to a battleship, aircraft could deliver a heavier strike, over a longer distance, and much quicker. For example, for a target 300 miles away, it would take the typical fast battleship 10 hours at full speed to reach it. Aircraft would take a tenth of the time. The typical carrier aircraft cost tens of thousands of pounds, while a battleship cost closer to ten million. Hundreds of aircraft could be produced, maintained and flown for the cost of a battleship, and together those aircraft packed a bigger punch. Aircraft were more versatile than a battleship, and could project power over a much larger radius – including inland. A battleship can really only contest only the sea within range of its guns, while aircraft can contest anywhere they can fly to.
Battleships also represent a major liability – in a threat environment where everything is vulnerable, having a single, large, expensive target making up the majority of your combat power is foolish. If you lose a single aircraft, or small warship, then you have lost comparatively less than if you lose a battleship. Modern weaponry, especially nuclear weapons (as demonstrated at Bikini Atoll) make battleships just as vulnerable as any other ship or aircraft.
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This image was also created on 3 November 2022, the wonderful fourth morning of the third DeSoto IPT. While seated in six inches of water, I used the foot-pod technique (with some trepidation) with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 400. 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:37:22am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #7: American White Pelican flock on sandbar
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Getting a Lot Lower With Some Trepidation
When sitting in the water using the foot-pod technique, the wavelets may at times lap against the lens hood. One needs to work carefully to avoid dunking their rig. But for me, the ultra-low perspective, as seen in Images #7 and 8, is well worth the risk.
My Favorite Bird?
Which is my favorite bird in the flock?
Despoiled Wilderness
The natural wilderness that is Outback Key at Fort DeSoto Park is spoiled by a proliferation of large signs as well as by the stakes, strings, and ribbons that protect the Least Tern colonies in spring. At nearly all beach-breeding bird colonies, the strings and ribbons (at least) are removed when the nesting birds have left the colony. Important signs might be lowered and reduced in size and number to better persevere the wild aspects of the key. It took me more than thirty minutes to remove the posts, strings, and ribbons that marred the raw file for Image #7.
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This image was also created on 3 November 2022, the wonderful fourth morning of the third DeSoto IPT. Again, while seated in six inches of water, I used the foot-pod technique (with some trepidation) with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 400. 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:37:22am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #8: American White Pelican — small-in-the-frame swimming with its reflection
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Your Call?
Which of today’s eight featured images is your favorite? Please enlarge each image, make your choice, and leave a comment letting us know why you made your choice. I have two that I really love and will share those here with you on Tuesday.
The Jackpot Question
Which two of today’s eight featured images have something that bugs me? Leave a comment noting those two and the thing in each that bugs me.
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Click on the image to better see the green eye-AF boxes in action.
Sony Alpha 1 Flight Photography AF Points!
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The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group: $150.00 (or Free)
The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group is going great guns as more and more folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based answers. As the a1 is becoming more readily available, more and more folks are getting their hands on this amazing body. The group is now up to up to an astounding 131 lucky and blessed folks, and more than a few folks own two or more a1 bodies! Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. The best news is that everyone in the group receives an e-mail that includes a .DAT file with my a1 settings on it, and explicit directions on how to load my settings onto your a1; talk about convenience! I am now offering a .DAT file compatible with firmware update 1.20. Your entry into the group includes a consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE. New a1 folks will now receive six e-mails instead of the previous 28! You will receive new e-mails as they are published. Simply put, this e-mail guide is an incredible resource for anyone with an a1.
All who purchased their Alpha 1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link — B&H or Bedfords — will receive a free Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up Guide and free entry into the Info Updates group after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.). Others can purchase their guide here in the BAA Online Store.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
November 4th, 2022 What’s Up?
The last morning of the third DeSoto IPT was spectacular. Again, I headed out with the 400mm f/2.8/1.4X TC/Sony a1 rig. This time, a little birdie told me to bring the monopod, so I did. The results were fabulous. In the pre-dawn, the American White Pelicans finally cooperated, not by flying, but by swimming slowly toward us. At first, they swam in still pink/purple/blue predawn water, and soon after that, in the gorgeous soft, sweet light, they in delicious blue water with their mirrored reflections. The monopod allowed me to make sharp images early on at 1/250 second. In addition, it is actually easier to carry the 400 f/2.8 on the monopod than it is to carry the lens alone. And the monopod is, far, far less cumbersome than lugging the tripod.
We had a single fly-by, fishing Caspian Tern when it was cloudy-bright. At the fishing pier, super-tame juvenile Ruddy Turnstones were on the menu. I checked out of my AirBnb at 11:03am and made lots of shopping stops on the way home.
Today is Friday 4 November 2022. I may head down to the lake early to see what’s up and about. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about an hour to prepare including the time spent on the image optimizations and makes two hundred twenty-two days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
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This image was created on 2 November 2022, the third morning of the third DeSoto IPT. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 400. Exposure for the Sandwich Terns was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/5000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 10:31:55am on a party sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #1: Willet in flight banking to land
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Beating the Dead Horse
When something unexpected happens, press the shutter button now and ask questions later. I saw the Willet flying in from right to left at the very last moment and called it out to the group as I raised the lens and fired off a short burst. As happened yesterday with the incoming oystercatcher, no one else was able to get on the bird. It was over almost before it began.
I created only six frames — all of them razor sharp, and kept three of them. I knew as I pressed the shutter button that the images would be under-exposed because I was set up for the diving Sandwich Terns — a much whiter subject. I was right; each image was more than one stop underexposed. Had I taken even a moment to raise the ISO three or four clicks, I would have wound up with nothing. I brightened the image during the raw conversion and Topaz DeNoise handled the noise nicely. Understand, however, that image quality would have been better (as seen when viewed at high magnification) had the raw file been properly exposed to the right. But again, when you do not have the time, grab the shots.
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This, the same image flopped, image was created on the computer.
Image #2: Willet in flight banking to land/flopped
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Heading Left or Heading Right? — That is the Question
Do you prefer Image #1 or Image #2? Image #1 shows the bird as it flew in life. For Image #2, I simply created a new layer, hit Command + T for the Transform Tool, Control left-clicked on the layer, and selected Flop Horizontal from the dropdown menu.
If you prefer one version over the other, please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice.
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Click on the image to better see the green eye-AF boxes in action.
Sony Alpha 1 Flight Photography AF Points!
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The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group: $150.00 (or Free)
The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group is going great guns as more and more folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based answers. As the a1 is becoming more readily available, more and more folks are getting their hands on this amazing body. The group is now up to up to an astounding 131 lucky and blessed folks, and more than a few folks own two or more a1 bodies! Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. The best news is that everyone in the group receives an e-mail that includes a .DAT file with my a1 settings on it, and explicit directions on how to load my settings onto your a1; talk about convenience! I am now offering a .DAT file compatible with firmware update 1.20. Your entry into the group includes a consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE. New a1 folks will now receive six e-mails instead of the previous 28! You will receive new e-mails as they are published. Simply put, this e-mail guide is an incredible resource for anyone with an a1.
All who purchased their Alpha 1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link — B&H or Bedfords — will receive a free Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up Guide and free entry into the Info Updates group after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.). Others can purchase their guide here in the BAA Online Store.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
November 3rd, 2022 On Getting Better
Consider joining me on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). The San Diego, Homer, and the yet-to-be announced Spring DeSoto IPTs, the July 2023 Jacksonville IPT, and the July 2024 Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime, all offer the opportunity for you to dramatically improve your skills both in the field and at the computer and to make some astounding images as well. Click here and see which IPT might be best for you.
What’s Up?
Day 3 of the third DeSoto IPT dawned cloudy. The American White Pelicans were as sedentary as they were on Tuesday — so much for bird behavior being repetitive. We bailed early and headed for the fishing pier with the nice east wind. We had lots of action with diving pelicans, Laughing Gulls, Sandwich Terns, and lots of silly-tame wading birds on the railings and in flight. The variably cloudy sky made getting the exposures perfect difficult even with Sony’s Zebras; we’d go from cloudy dark to full sun in just a moment. I taught the boys and girls to go one or two clicks darker for the Snowy Egrets than for the Sandwich Terns, and one or two clicks lighter for the darker Brown Pelicans. Each click is 1/3-stop.
Mike and Norma stayed in on Wednesday afternoon while Bob Reis and I did another session with the shorebirds at ground level. We began with a juvie Piping Plover that posed right in front of us for what seemed like an eternity. We had some winter Western Sandpipers, two oystercatchers, a Short-billed Dowitcher, two Black Bellied Plovers, and a handsome Willet. We did lots of wide shot bird-scapes as the light was soft and sweet and the breeze created gorgeous patterns in the water. I took the group out for a late thank you dinner to Pia’s Trattoria in Gulfport.
Today is Thursday 3 November 2022, the last morning of the third DeSoto IPT. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about an hour to prepare including the time spent on the image optimizations and makes two hundred twenty-two days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
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This image was created on 2 November 2022 on the third morning of the third DeSoto IPT. While standing at full height I used the handheld the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2500. 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:34:00am on a cloudy morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Laughing Gull scolding incoming American Oystercatcher
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Just Hanging Around
We were standing around near the base of the pier waiting for the Sandwich Terns to dive and come up with a baitfish when I spotted an incoming oystercatcher. I called it out to the group, but no-one saw it fast enough to get on the bird. I fired off about ten frames and kept four. My two favorites are today’s featured images. I like one better first but changed my mind.
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This image was created on 2 November 2022 on the third morning of the third DeSoto IPT. While standing at full height I used the handheld the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2500. 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:34:00am on a cloudy morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Laughing Gull scolding incoming American Oystercatcher
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560mm Handheld and Loving It at DeSoto
The 400 f/2.8 GM lens with the 1.4X TC and an a1 has become my primary rig at DeSoto. It is great to head out onto the beach without a tripod. At times, the prime lens alone is even more deadly without the teleconverter. I have been using the 600 with either TC on the flattened tripod in the afternoons for the shorebirds. With great success.
Your Call?
Which of the two images do you like best? Leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice.
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Click on the image to better see the green eye-AF boxes in action.
Sony Alpha 1 Flight Photography AF Points!
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The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group: $150.00 (or Free)
The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group is going great guns as more and more folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based answers. As the a1 is becoming more readily available, more and more folks are getting their hands on this amazing body. The group is now up to up to an astounding 131 lucky and blessed folks, and more than a few folks own two or more a1 bodies! Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. The best news is that everyone in the group receives an e-mail that includes a .DAT file with my a1 settings on it, and explicit directions on how to load my settings onto your a1; talk about convenience! I am now offering a .DAT file compatible with firmware update 1.20. Your entry into the group includes a consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE. New a1 folks will now receive six e-mails instead of the previous 28! You will receive new e-mails as they are published. Simply put, this e-mail guide is an incredible resource for anyone with an a1.
All who purchased their Alpha 1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link — B&H or Bedfords — will receive a free Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up Guide and free entry into the Info Updates group after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.). Others can purchase their guide here in the BAA Online Store.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
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