Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

What’s Up?

Yesterday was a swim in a cold pool, core exercises, and beginning to catch up on 100s of unanswered e-mails. Been swamped. I did three programs at CNPA weekend past and I finished assembling each program about ten minutes before I went on stage. That’s cutting it close.

I started and finished this post on Tuesday morning. In all, it took about 2 hours to prepare and was published at 8:43am from my home in ILE.

Please Remember 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.

This image was created in cloudy conditions at La Jolla, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 110mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 as framed: 1/1250 sec. at f/5.6 in Av mode was spot on. AWB. DPP 4 performed superbly as I moved the Shadow slider to +4 during the RAW conversion to open up the details in the dark clothing. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. Central AF point (manual selection)/AI Servo/Rear Focus on the photographer’s face and re-compose (being sure not to shift my position while hand holding as that would throw off the focus). Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Chris Billman and friends

Photographer, Friends, and Dinosaur (?)

Pictured above are IPT veteran Chris Billman (Nickerson Beach & San Diego), a slew of Brandt’s Cormorants, and the original Canon 100-400 zoom lens.

This image was created in cloudy conditions at La Jolla, CA with the hand held 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 1/3 stops as framed: 1/125 sec. at f/9 in Manual mode. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. Central AF point (by necessity)/AI Servo/Expand/Rear Focus on the base of the bill just forward of and below the bird’s eye (as originally framed) was active at the moment of exposure as is almost 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. Non-breeding adult Brandt’s Cormorant head portrait

One man, two images, and lots of lessons

1-For whatever reasons there were large flocks of Brandt’s Cormorants on the cliffs at La Jolla this year, probably out-numbering double-cresteds by 100-1. And for whatever reason, they were all silly tame.
2-Note that Chris’s dungarees are pretty much covered in mud. Good photographers do not hesitate to get down and dirty when they need to.
3-Chris is properly supporting the lens with his left hand placed at least half way out on the lens barrel.
4-While the new 100-400 II is clearly superior to the older version there are still thousands of great images to be made with the venerable version.
5-While the newer lens with its incredible close focus of .98 meters is able to create tight head portraits of cormorants with any camera body and a skillful approach, you can zoom out enough to photograph a tall photographer even at fairly close range.
6-Note that with the cloudy conditions Chris was able to work without regard to sun angle.
7-The new 100-400 II becomes even more versatile with the addition of a 1.4X IC.
8-The 4-stop IS system on the 100-400II is quite effective, here at 1/125 sec at 560mm.

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Amazon.com

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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 :).

The 2015 UK Puffins and Gannets IPT

Due to a recent cancellation there are now two openings on this long sold out IPT. Scroll down for details and do not hesitate if you would like to join us. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris.

What’s Up?

My composition and image design presentation at the CNPA Annual Meeting was well received. Next up was “Refining Your Photographic Vision” during which Denise Ippolito and I explained what we saw and what we were thinking in a variety of shooting situations. As usual, our friendly bickering had folks rolling on the floor laughing out loud. We always enjoy trading (friendly) verbal insults but with Denise standing behind the laptop at the podium and me roaming the speaking floor with my own clicker, a new form of stand-up comedy was born: Clicker Wars. I guess that you had to be there to get it but the results were hilarious and the program received rave reviews. There were about 325 folks in attendance at each of the two programs.

I am doing a Photoshop session from 9-11am this morning and then heading to CLT for my 4:35pm flight to MCO.

This post took about 2 hours to prepare and was published at 6:20am from my hotel room at the Marriott in Spartanburg, SC.

Please Remember 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.

This image was also created on one of the seabird islands off the coast of the northern UK with the hand held Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops off the sky: 1/3200 sec. at f/4.5 AWB. Central AF point/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF as originally framed. This AF point that was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding) was on the bird’s left shoulder yet the image was sharp on the eye. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1

Atlantic Puffin Flying Circus

On our first IPT to the islands off Seahouses in the northern UK we had lots of chances to photograph puffins in flight. Armed with the knowledge gained on last year’s trip both Denise and I are sure that we will do much better this July. There is lots to learn by studying the shooting data for each of today’s three images. Questions are of course welcome.

This image was created on one of the seabird islands off the coast of the northern UK with the hand held Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2 1/3 stops off the sky: 1/1600 sec. at f/4. Cloudy WB. Central AF point (manual selection)/AI Servo Surround Rear Focus AF as originally framed. This AF point that was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding) was on the bird’s left flank yet the image is sharp on the eye. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2

My New UK Flight Plan

As many of the puffin flight ops involved incoming birds at a fair distance I have decided that I will be bringing either my 600mm f/4L IS II or a 500mm f/4L IS II on the upcoming IPT. Either will open up more opportunities for both flight photography and for creating tight head portraits. I will of course be using my long Series II TC on a tripod with the Mongoose M3.6. I will discuss the rest of my UK gear bag here in a few months.

This image was also created on one of the seabird islands off the coast of the northern UK with the hand held Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 2/3 stops off the sky: 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6. Central AF point/AI Servo/Surround Rear Focus AF as originally framed was on the tip of the bird’s bill and 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. AWB.

Your Favorite?

Please take a moment to leave a comment and let us know which of the three incoming puffin flight images is your favorite and be sure to let us know why you made your choice.

Images and card design copyright 2014: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. Click on the card to enjoy a spectacular larger version.

The 2015 UK Puffins and Gannets IPT
June 29 through July 5, 2015: $5499: Limit 10 photographers/Two openings due to a recent cancellation. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris.

Here are the plans: take a red eye from the east coast of the US on 28 June arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland on the morning of Monday 29 June (or simply meet us then either at the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) or later in the day at our cottages if you are driving your own vehicle either from the UK or from somewhere in Europe. Stay 7 nights in two gorgeous modern country cottages.

There are 5 days of planned puffin/seabird trips—weather permitting, and 1 full day of gannet photography with 2 sessions on the boat.

Images and card design copyright 2014: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. Click on the card to enjoy a spectacular larger version.

The Details

We will be staying in upscale country-side cottages that are beyond lovely with large living areas and lots of open space for image sharing and Photoshop lessons. The shared rooms are decent-sized, each with two roomy single beds and a private bathroom. See the single supplement info below.

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included. All 5 puffins boat lunches will need to be prepared in advance, taken with, and consumed at your leisure. I usually eat mine on the short boat trip from one island to the other. Also included is a restaurant lunch on the gannet boat day and a farewell fine dining thank you dinner. The cost of your National Heritage Trust is also included; that covers the twice a day landing fees.

Plan to fly home on the early morning of Monday 6 July or to continue your stay or travels.

Images and card design copyright 2014: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. Click on the card to enjoy a spectacular larger version. Scroll down to join us in the UK in 2015.

Single Supplement Info

The single supplement is $1475. As we will be renting a third cottage the $1475 is due with your deposit and is also non-refundable.

If you are good to go please send your $2,000 deposit check now to save a spot. The balance will be due on March 29, 2015. Please make your check out to “Arthur Morris” and send it to Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. 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.

We do hope that you can join us.

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 :).

What’s Up?

Jim drove me to Orlando Airport yesterday late morning. I went to Chili’s for lunch. I took my cold pouch out from between the two gel ice packs to inject for lunch. There was only one small problem. My insulin was on the shelf in my refrigerator at home :). I called WalMart in Spartanburg, SC and was able to order the three vials of insulin that I use every day. After my uneventful direct flight to Charlotte, NC I picked up my scrips with no problem.

Adam Jones presented a great program chock full of spectacular general nature images. The guy shoots everything and he is talented. My Keynote program, sponsored by Canon USA/Explorers of Light, is tomorrow morning. I still have a bit more work to do on it.

This blog post took about 1 hour to prepare. It was published at 4:59am from the CNPA Annual Meeting hotel in Spartanburg. Now I need to put the finishing touch on this morning’s program, “What Makes a Great Natural History Image.”

Neat

Like music? Check out ThePianoGuys’ “One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful” (5 Piano Guys, 1 piano) on You Tube here. Great sound and music but more incredible to listen and watch.

South Georgia October 2015

Do consider joining me in South Georgia next October for the trip of a lifetime. See here for the complete details.

Save $242

Register now for the South Georgia trip and receive a $242 on your return airfare. Please e-mail for details.

Please Remember 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.

I was Wrong in part: My Errors

Thanks to comments first left by first by John Armitrage and backed up by Steve Soderling the major premise of yesterday’s blog, that camera shake is greater with a crop factor camera, was incorrect. I was tricked (if you were) into this error because the shake appears much more evident when you are looking through the viewfinder of a crop factor camera than when you are looking through the viewfinder of a full frame or 1.3X crop factor camera. I apologize for my error.

Thanks to John and Steve for setting me straight. Note: I also appreciated Steve’s comments on 7D II resolution.

The principles discussed having to do with creating sharp images, however, remain good advice for folks hand holding telephoto lenses regardless of the camera that they are using. I do believe that my comments regarding 7D Mark II image quality and the other advantages of using a crop factor camera are indeed accurate. It was quite evident that Last night’s speaker, Canon Explorer of Light Adam Jones, concurs.

In addition to the error mentioned above I mistakenly noted that yesterday’s pelican image (sorry Prudence) was created with the 7D II when it was in fact created with the 1D X. That was an honest mistake.

Lately, there has been a slew of insightful comments.

This image was created in cloudy conditions on Salisbury Plain, South Georgia with the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 2X III, and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 stop: 1/200 sec. at f/7.1. Cloudy WB. AI Servo/Rear Focus/Zone AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure and nailed the bird’s eye. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1

Head Angle Fine Points

Compare the two images presented here today. Which image has the better head angle? Why?

This image was created in cloudy conditions on Salisbury Plain, South Georgia with the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 2X III, and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 stop: 1/200 sec. at f/7.1. Cloudy WB. AI Servo/Rear Focus/Zone AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure. With this image the three AF points activated by the AF system were just forward of the eye. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2

Oakum Boys

A young King Penguin–featured in today’s images–is known as an Oakum boy. “Oakum is a preparation of tarred fibre used in shipbuilding for caulking or packing the joints of timbers in wooden vessels…” (From Wikipedia here.) The color of the young penguins–this one about eight months old–resembled the color of oakum, thus their nickname.

My Opinion

In my humble opinion, one of the two head angles here is superb and one is lousy. Let’s see how many agree with me….

Images and card design copyright 2014: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. Click on the card to enjoy a spectacular larger version.

The 2015 UK Puffins and Gannets IPT

June 29 through July 5, 2015: $5499: Limit 10 photographers/Formerly sold out/Now: three openings due to two cancellations. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris.

Due to a cancellation there are now two openings on this trip.

Here are the plans for next year: take a red eye from the east coast of the US on 28 June arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland on the morning of Monday 29 June (or simply meet us then either at the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) or later in the day at our cottages if you are driving your own vehicle either from the UK or from somewhere in Europe. Stay 7 nights in two gorgeous modern country cottages.

There are 5 days of planned puffin/seabird trips—weather permitting, and 1 full day of gannet photography with 2 sessions on the boat.

Images and card design copyright 2014: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. Click on the card to enjoy a spectacular larger version.

The Details

We will be staying in upscale country-side cottages that are beyond lovely with large living areas and lots of open space for image sharing and Photoshop lessons. The shared rooms are decent-sized, each with two roomy single beds and a private bathroom. See the single supplement info below.

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included. All 5 puffins boat lunches will need to be prepared in advance, taken with, and consumed at your leisure. I usually eat mine on the short boat trip from one island to the other. Also included is a restaurant lunch on the gannet boat day and a farewell fine dining thank you dinner. The cost of your National Heritage Trust is also included; that covers the twice a day landing fees.

Plan to fly home on the early morning of Monday 6 July or to continue your stay or travels.

Images and card design copyright 2014: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. Click on the card to enjoy a spectacular larger version. Scroll down to join us in the UK in 2015.

Single Supplement Info

The single supplement is $1475. As we will be renting a third cottage the $1475 is due with your deposit and is also non-refundable.

If you are good to go please send your $2,000 deposit check now to save a spot. The balance will be due on March 29, 2015. Please make your check out to “Arthur Morris” and send it to Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. 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.

We do hope that you can join us.

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.

What’s Up?

A full day of work was interspersed with a nice swim, my core exercise program, and my first ice bath in two weeks. Then early to bed and early to rise. I have tons more on the 100-400II and the 7D II and lots more Southern Ocean and San Diego images to share with you here and will be doing that on a daily basis.

This blog post took about 3 hours to prepare. It was published at 5:25am from my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL.

CNPA

On Thursday I fly to Charlotte, NC and then drive to Spartanburg, SC to present 3 programs at the Carolina Nature Photographer’s Annual Meeting. My keynote presentation, “What Makes a Great Natural History Image,” is being generously sponsored by Canon USA/Explorers of Light. I hope to see many of you there. Be sure to say “hi” and get a hug. Learn more or register here.

IPT Updates

Click here for info on all currently scheduled IPTs. Please note that many are sold out.

Galapagos Photo-Cruise

With the recent cancellation of two spots, I am in dire need of putting a few more folks on the Samba for this incredible trip. Please contact me via e-mail to learn of the huge, ever-increasing 4-figure discount that I am offering. I need one male roommate and one couple. Happy campers only please :). In a hurry? Call me today, Wednesday, 11 FEB at 863-692-0906. See below for details.

Roseate Spoonbill/Hooptie Deux IPT

The Roseate Spoonbill/Hooptie Deux IPT is once again sold out with a waiting list.

The Palouse IPTs

IPT #2 is now sold out. There are two openings on the long-sold out #1 Palouse IPT.

South Georgia October 2015

Do consider joining me in South Georgia next October for the trip of a lifetime. See here for the complete details.

Save $242

Register now for the South Georgia trip and receive a $242 on your return airfare. Please e-mail for details.

Please Remember 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.

This image was created in sunny conditions at Coronado, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 158mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop off the blue sky: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode was spot on. AWB. After exposing for the WHITEs, the relatively dark underwings were lightened during the RAW conversion in DPP 4 by moving the Shadow slider to +4. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. Central AF point (manual selection)/AI Servo (always best for moving subjects)/Shutter Button AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure. The latter is almost 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:Heerman’s Gull in flight

Canon 100-400 II-7D II/You Can’t Handle This Versatility!

In the hands of a competent, creative photographer the 100-400II/7D II combo can yield an almost incredible variety of images even on a simple late afternoon walk on the beach. All of the images in today’s blog post were created on the afternoon of Day 2 of the recently concluded San Diego IPT.

This image was created in cloudy bright conditions at Coronado Beach, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 241mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 stop in late-in-the-day sun: 1/640 sec. at f/5 in Manual mode was perfect. AWB. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. AI Servo/Rear Focus/Zone AF as framed activated two AF points, four up and to the right of the center row that were active at the moment of exposure. The right-hand of those two AF points caught the tip of the bird’s bill and resulted in a sharp-on-the-eye image. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2: Adult Western Gull vertical in late afternoon light

Zone AF

I began experimenting with Zone AF on the San Diego IPT in an effort to overcome the problems resulting from the 7D II AF Grid Void. (Read more in the Two Things I Do Not Like About the 7D Mark II blog post.) See Image #2 in yesterday’s blog post here for another example. More coming soon.

Zone AF performed quite well in this image.

This image was created very late on a clear day at Coronado, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 400mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode was a bit of an under-exposure. The image was lightened during conversion in DPP 4 with the Brightness slider. AWB. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. One row below and two AF points to the right of the central AF point/AI Servo (always best with moving subjects)/Expand/Shutter Button AF as originally framed was active at the moment of exposure (the latter almost always best when hand holding). The active AF point fell on the lower reflection of the bird’s legs. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #3: First winter Sanderling running

The 7D II 1.6X Crop Factor

For me, the 7D Mark II crop factor is real. See the many previous comments and discussions. Having a hand holdable 640mm effective focal length lens when pursuing speedy subjects is a big advantage. AF is much more responsive when you do not have to add a 1.4X TC to the mix….

This image was created very late on a sunny afternoon at Coronado, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 241mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 2/3 stops: 1/1000 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual was perfect. Learn more about the correct exposure here below. Auto WB! Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. Center AF point/AI Servo/Expand/Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure. All potentially active AF points fell on the sky…. Again, see more below. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #4: US carrier headed to sea

The Correct Exposure for Silhouettes

The correct exposure for silhouettes should leave the image on the rear LCD looking washed out. Period. A simple Levels adjustment here brought this image too life. If your silhouettes look great with rich colors on the back of the camera then they are well under-exposed. Under-exposures result in smaller file size, reduced image quality, and less data in the RAW file….

AF Explanation

As no active AF point was anywhere near the ship it would seem impossible that AF was active at the moment of exposure when this image was created. My explanation is that in some low contrast situations one of my Custom Case 3 parameter settings enables the system to “hold AF” long enough for you to create a sharp image.

I got a lot of work done on the 7D Mark II User’s Guide on the flights to and from San Diego and hope to have at least a pre-publication version available for sale no later than February 20. Yes, that’s 2015. 🙂

ABP II

If you cannot create a workable exposure with any subject in consistent light in ten seconds or less then you need to get yourself a copy of “The Art of Bird Photography II” and study the section entitled “Exposure Simplified.” ABP II: 916 pages, 900+ images, on CD only. Order yours here, save the file to your computer, and archive the CD.

This image was created after sunset at Coronado, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 248mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 200. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops: 1/4 sec. at f/20 in Tv mode was perfect. Color temperature 9000K. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. 65-Point Automatic Selection/AI Servo/Rear Focus activated the two AF points just to the right of the central AF point as framed that were active at the moment of exposure (the latter almost 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 #5: surf at sunset pleasing blur

Pleasing Blur Techniques

To create this image I went to a lower than usual ISO, set a slow shutter speed, and panned slowly during the exposure. Note that at f/20 I ran the risk of having to deal with lots of dust bunnies. Had I taken the time to turn off Highlight Tone Priority, I could have gotten down to ISO 100 at f/10. Better yet would have been to have had my Singh-Ray 3-stop ND in my pocket; had that been the case I could have easily been working at f/5.6. Note that Highlight Tone Priority should be enabled only by those converting their RAW files in DPP.

Singh-Ray Filters

Singh-Ray filters have been used by the world’s top photographers for many decades. Singh-Ray has been and is the name in quality filters. I often use both their 3-stop and 5-stop Neutral Density filters in both the 77mm and 82mm sizes) to attain slower shutter speeds in a variety of conditions including bright sun with the 5-stop ND. Toward that end, BIRDS AS ART is working with Singh-Ray to produce a 5-stop Neutral Density filter to to fit the filter drawers of Canon Super-telephoto lenses. Stayed tuned for info on that.

No other filter manufacturer comes close to matching the quality of Singh-Ray’s optical glass that is 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 Neutral Density Filter, click on “Neutral and color density,” choose the filter and size that you want, and then click on Add to Cart. Wait for a new screen to render. Then click on the text after “Have a coupon?” and type artie10 into the blank box. 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.

This image was created on the way back to the car well after sunset at Coronado, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 400mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/100 sec. at f/5.6 in Av mode was right on. Color temperature 9000K. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. 65-point/AI Servo/Rear Focus AF 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 #6:full moon in pink sky

Being in the Zone

You will know when you are in the Creative Zone. It seems that there is a wonderful image practically everywhere that you look. On the way back to the vehicles I noticed that some light clouds surrounding the rising full moon gave the sky a magenta pink hue. The foggy halo around the moon added to my excitement. Those who were with me got excited too. The correct exposure here in Av mode avoided any blinkies on the sky.

Do consider joining me for a once in a lifetime trip to the Galapagos archipelago in July, 2015.

GALAPAGOS Photo Cruise of a Lifetime IPT/The Complete Galapagos Photographic Experience. July 14-28, 2015 on the boat. 13 FULL and two half-days of photography: $12,499. Limit 14 including the leader:/Openings: 4.

My two-week Galapagos Photo-Cruises are without equal. The world’s best guide, a killer itinerary, a great boat (the Samba), and the best leader with eight Galapagos cruises under his belt. 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, North Seymour and Isla Lobos for nesting Blue-footed Booby (most years), South Plaza, Floreana, and Urbina Bay, all spectacular in their own right. We visit every great spot on a single trip. Plus tons more. And there will he lots of opportunities to snorkel on sunny mid-days for those like me who wish to partake.

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 weather, 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. Note: some of the walks are a bit strenuous. Great images are possible on all landings with a hand held 70-200mm lens and a 1.4X teleconverter. I bring a longer lens ashore on most landings as that fits my style. I generally work with either the Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS or the Canon 200-400mm f/4 L IS with Internal Extender.

Do know that there is a NatureScapes Galapagos trip: one week for $8495. Thus, my trip represents a tremendous value; why go all that way and miss half of the great photographic locations?

The Logistics

Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador on July 12, 2015. Travel insurance/rest day: July 13 (We may or may not offer a photo outing on the 13th). Fly to the archipelago on July 14 and board the Samba. Get off the boat on July 28. Fly to Guayacil that afternoon. Fly home on the early morning of July 29 unless you are staying on or going elsewhere (or catching a red-eye flight on the evening of the 28th).

$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 Guayacil. 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 11/1/14. The final payment of $3449 per person will be due on 2/1/15. 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 my past two 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 Guayacil, beverages on the boat, phone calls, your meals in Guayacil, 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 complete itinerary and for additional info and images. Please cut and paste “Galapagos 2015 Info Please) into the Subject line.

IPT Updates

Would you like to visit some of the great bird photography locations on the planet? Would you like to learn from the best? Click here and join us.

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 :).

Learn the secrets of creating contest winning images in our “A Guide to Pleasing Blurs.”

A Guide to Pleasing Blurs

In our A Guide to Pleasing Blurs by Denise Ippolito and yours truly, we discuss just about every technique ever used mankind to create pleasingly blurred image. Ninety-nine point nine percent of pleasing blurs are not happy accidents. You can learn pretty much everything that there is to know about creating them in this instructive, well written, easy to follow guide.

If what you’ve learned here on the blog about theCanon EOS 7D Mark II has inspired you to purchase this great new camera body, please consider using the logo link above to support my efforts here in bringing you the latest, greatest educational materials on daily basis. Note: the 7D II is now in stock so no pre-ordering should be necessary.

If what you’ve learned here on the blog about the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens has inspired you to purchase this sharp, amazingly verstatile lens, please consider using the logo link above to support my efforts here in bringing you the latest, greatest educational materials on a daily basis.

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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!

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Amazon.com

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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.

What’s Up?

Sunday was packing day. Or night 🙂 Lots to do. But I still found time to get out to the cliffs one last time. This blog post, which took about an hour to prepare, was published at 9:01PM Pacific time on Sunday evening, one minute after midnight (on Monday) in the east. I fly home early on Monday morning. Very early. The alarm is set for 3:00am PT.

There are two new openings on the long sold out Palouse #1 IPT. See below for details.

I will be sharing additional 100-400 images along with additional positives and a very few negatives on the new lens. I used the 100-400 II a lot on my San Diego trip with both the 1D X and the 7D II and on occasion, with the 1.4X III TC. I shot most of the morning on Thursday and then again on Saturday with the hand held 1-4 II and the 1D X. With great results. More images and more comments soon.

South Georgia October 2015

Do consider joining me in South Georgia next October for the trip of a lifetime. See here for the complete details.

Save $242

Register now for the South Georgia trip and receive a $242 on your return airfare. Please e-mail for details.

Please Remember 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.

This image was created with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 349mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/2000 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual Mode. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. One AF point below the center AF point/AI Servo Expand/shutter button AF was active at the moment of exposure (as is almost always best when hand holding). Click on the image to see a larger version.

Success After 10 Days and More Than Two Decades of Trying…

The last time that I created a La Jolla Pelican head throw image that I really liked was more than 25 years ago. The last one, on film, was a BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year honored image. They ain’t easy. Every year I show up hoping to create another special one and this year was no exception. Many times on this trip every thing was lined up perfectly: clean background of Pacific blue or sky, square to the bird, exposure checked, shutter speed more than enough. Each time the bird would pull its bill pouch down over its neck–usually a sure sign that an elegant head throw was coming, and then quit just as I was thinking, “This is gonna be it. I am gonna be famous.”

Finally, on Sunday morning, February 8, 2015, everything was again set up perfectly. Only this time, after the bill pouch cleaning, the bird did what it was supposed to do. I made sure to go vertical and zoom out and created a series of four good ones. The first of those, is presented above. It was a very long drought…

Hand Holding the 100-400 II for Head Throws

I had thought that hand holding the 100-400 II for head throws would be more challenging than working with the 200-400 with the Internal TC on a tripod. I was wrong. Hand holding the much lighter lens allows for much freedom. By sitting and resting my left forearm on my left knee while waiting for the signs of an impending head toss I was able to completely avoid any fatigue.

Card and design by Denise Ippolito. Scroll down here to see lots more of Denise’s Palouse images.

Palouse #1. The Palouse A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. May 29-June 2, 2015/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12 photographers/Two openings due to a recent cancellation.

Card and design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.

The Palouse A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 5-9, 2015/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12 photographers/Openings 1.

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 or two. 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. 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 breakfasts, and Photoshop and image sharing sessions when possible.

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; Canon 5D Mark III bodies are a plus. And 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 touching on infrared photography.

A non-refundable $699 deposit is due now. The balance will be due on January 29, 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.

With the unpredictable nature of the photography business, I have not said this often lately, but 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; the latter is preferred.

Please send your deposit check made out to “Arthur Morris” to us at Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.

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…..

Amazon.com

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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 :).

Stuff

On Friday morning the very sweet Susan Carnahan who flew down from San Francisco for today’s program at the Natural History magazine and the Birds of the World exhibit opening joined Mike Gotthelf and me for a morning of photographic instruction. Inspired by the coastal fog we tried something new and different by visiting two of my favorite San Diego bird photography locations. My plan worked perfectly as we did quite well at both spots. That followed by a 90 minute working lunch at Deli-icious. More on that great eatery here soon.

This blog post, which took 1 1/2 hours to prepare, was published at 4:15am Pacific time on Saturday morning, 7:15am in the east.

I will be sharing 100-400 images along with additional positives and a very few negatives on the new lens. Promise. I used the 100-400 II a lot on this trip with both the 1D X and the 7D II and on occasion, with the 1.4X III TC. I shot all morning in La Jolla on Thursday with the hand held 1-4II and the 1D X. With great results. Images and comments soon.

South Georgia October 2015

Do consider joining me in South Georgia next October for the trip of a lifetime. See here for the complete details.

Save $242

Register now for the South Georgia trip and receive a $242 on your return airfare. Please e-mail for details.

Please Remember 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.

This image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender (at 320mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 1600. Evaluative metering +2 2/3 stops off the grey sky: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6 was about 1/2 stop underexposure. Four AF points to the right of the center AF point (manual selection)/AI Servo Shutter Button AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure. I have been switching between Rear Button and Shutter Button AF more and more recently. Click on the image to see a larger version. This DPP 4 screen capture represents the original RAW file.

The Original

In the JPEG above that represents the image out-of-camera note the following problems:

1-the image is underexposed.
2-the bush in the lower right corner may be distracting to some. Including me.
3-the top of the 2nd pelican’s head in the lower left corner is distracting.
4-a bit more room in front of the bird would have been nice.

The Situation

I had been making images of this bird rubbing its face on its back with the bill horizontally oriented and pointing toward the tail. Thus the selected AF point as noted above…. I was working with the Internal TC engaged at 478mm. Sensing the flap, I quickly disengaged the TC, zoomed out, and created a series of only three images. I am not very good at holding the shutter button down to the metal when I should…. The third frame, presented here, the image with the wings swept fully back, was the winner.

Note that the active AF point is illuminated in red.

Universal Advice for Better Flight and Action Photography with a Zoom Lens…

Avoid clipping wingtips, feet, heads, and assorted body parts: zoom wider!

This image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender (at 320mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 1600. Evaluative metering +2 2/3 stops off the grey sky: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6 was about 1/2 stop underexposure. Four AF points to the right of the center AF point (manual selection)/AI Servo 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. This JPEG represents the optimized master TIF file.

The Image Optimization

I lightened the image in DPP during the RAW conversion with the Brightness slider. I also applied Arash’s 1D X Noise Reduction values and opened up the darker tones with DPP’s amazing Shadow slider. Plus the usual.

In Photoshop I eliminated the intruding pelican head with Content aware fill. I employed the divide and conquer technique to separate the larger upper portion of the bush from the smaller lower portion. Then I selected the larger portion with the Patch Tool and executed Content Aware Fill. That left me to deal with the small layer of out-of-focus bush to deal with. I placed the whole image on its own layer and the used Denise Ippolito’s Protective Cloning on a Layer technique. This involves the use of both the Clone Stamp Tool and a Regular Layers Mask. I added canvas front by using using the crop tool method. I filled that in by using the Transform Tool to judiciously stretch the layer that I had selected from in front of the bird with the Rectangular Marquee Tool.

I did the usual Eye Doctor work on the bird’s eye> I selected the face and the bill with the Quick Selection Tool and sharpened that layer only with a Contrast Mask. The I selected the whole bird also with the Quick Selection Tool and applied a 50% layer of my NIK Color Efex Pro 50-50 Detail Extractor/Tonal Contrast recipe to that layer only.

Digital Basics

Everything that I did to optimize both of today’s images 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 II. 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 at 863-692-0906 weekdays to order.

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.

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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 :).

What’s Up

Wednesday was yet another great day. Today is the last morning of the IPT.

This blog post took more than four hours to assemble over the course of four days…. It was published at 5:49am Pacific time. Please note that I still have many exciting new images, tales, and lessons from my recently concluded Southern Oceans trip to share with you here over the course of the next few weeks and am looking forward to doing just that. Do consider joining me in South Georgia next October for the trip of a lifetime. See here for the complete details. In addition, I will surely be sharing more 100-400 images along with additional positives and a very vew negative on the new lens. I used the 100-400 yesterday afternoon with the 7D II and the 1.4X TC. Images and comments soon.

SAVE $242

Register now for the South Georgia trip and receive a $242 on your return airfare. Please e-mail for details.

Please Remember 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.

This image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III (at 529mm), and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop as framed: 1/800 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. Central AF point (by necessity)/AI Servo/Expand/Rear Focus on the bird’s eye and re-compose is tricky when hand holding as you need to stay absolutely still or risk throwing off accurate focus.Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Why?

“Why did you add the external TC when you were working only at 529mm? You could have done that with the lens and the the Internal TC engaged?”

I had mounted the external 1.4X III with the Internal TC already engaged to get me out to 784mm if and when I needed that.

Image Question

In this case, working wide open at f/8, I would have been much better off had the external TC not been in place. How would that have helped me make a somewhat sharper image here?

Note: removing the external 1.4X III TC loses you valuable time….

This image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III (at 365mm), and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3stop as framed: 1/1000 sec. at f/8. Central AF point (by necessity)/AI Servo/Expand/Rear Focus as framed fell on the center of the bird’s lower mandible and was of course 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.

The Versatility Factor

The huge and obvious advantage of the 200-400 (or any zoom lens) at La Jolla is that you are able to vary your framing almost instantly by zooming in or out as needed. Add in the fact that you can with an extra 1.4X TC in your pocket work at focal lengths from 200 to 784mm and you have quite a versatile rig.

For this image and the image below, sensing that a head throw was imminent, I dis-engaged the internal extender so that I could more easily zoom wider.

This image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III (at 315mm), and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop as framed: 1/1000 sec. at f/8. Central AF point (by necessity)/AI Servo/Expand/Rear Focus as framed fell just below the bird’s face and 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.

Why are Head Throws Like Bosque Blast-offs?

At Bosque, I often state that the best images are created within the first 2 seconds of the birds blasting off. The best head throw images are created in the first second. They often begin with the bird’s stretching their bill pouch over their necks. If you are zoomed in even a bit, this needs to be a horizontal capture. Then almost instantly the bird raises its bill with the pouch fully distended. This is the instant that you want capture. But you need to be zoomed out and vertical. Here, I was about one second too late….

Note: a Brown Pelican head throw film image of mine with the bill pouch fully distended was honored in a BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition early in this century. I think that IPT veteran Mike Gotthelf captured the magic moment with this head throw….

This image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III (at 654mm), and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop as framed: 1/800 sec. at f/8. Central AF point (by necessity)/AI Servo/Expand/Rear Focus 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.

The Payoff!

Finally, the 784mm advantage got me an image that I loved. Being able to zoom in to 654mm was the key here so that I could zero in on the colors and textures of that gorgeous bill pouch.

San Diego Site Guide

A BAA Site Guide is the next best thing to being on an IPT. And they cost only fifty bucks; a lot less than an IPT! I share everything that I know about the five killer photography spots within 20 minutes of downtown San Diego. Learn where and how and when to photograph the amazing California race of Brown Pelican; Marbled Godwits against bright buff backgrounds; Wood Ducks, Lesser Scaup, and Ring-necked Duck at point blank range; and a variety of stunning gulls (including Heerman’s, Western, and California) both perched and in flight. You will learn where to go on what wind and what tides are best for each coastal location. As usual, I have held nothing back. You can get your copy of the San Diego Site Guide by clicking here; it will prove most useful to folks visiting in the colder months, but many of the locations are productive in other seasons as well, especially spring.

You can learn about our 13 other great Site Guides by clicking here.

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.

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.

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.

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 :).

What’s Up

We enjoyed a pretty much perfect day yesterday. Great weather, great light, and great birds. Not to mention a wonderful lunch and a 2-hour image review/editing/DPP/Photoshop session.

This blog post took about 1 hour to assemble. It was published at 5:08am Pacific time. Please note that I still have many exciting new images, tales, and lessons from my recently concluded Southern Oceans trip to share with you here over the course of the next few weeks and am looking forward to doing just that. Do consider joining me in South Georgia next October for the trip of a lifetime. See here for the complete details. In addition, I will surely be sharing more 100-400 images along with additional positives and a very few negative on the new lens. I used the 100-400 yesterday afternoon with the 7D II and the 1.4X TC. Images and comments soon.

SAVE $242

Register now for the South Georgia trip and receive a $242 on your return airfare. Please e-mail for details.

Please Remember 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.

This image was created in the shade of an oak tree on a clear day with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with Internal 1.4x Extender and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II with the internal TC engaged at 560mm. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 stop as framed : 1/200 sec. at f/5.6. Central sensor/AI Servo Expand/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.

BIRDS AS ART IPTs Deliver

We are killing on the San Diego IPT. We were where we needed to be on Sunday for all the right reasons. We were right where we needed to be on Monday morning and everything was perfect. Tons of learning and tons of great images (coming soon). On Monday afternoon we were once again in the perfect spot with the right wind, gorgeous light, a pretty sweet sunset, and lots more great images (coming soon).

The tripod-mounted 200-400 with the internal TC in place and the 7D II worked out just fine for the ducks. When they swam close, I was able to zoom out easily. At effective 896mm (18X magnification) this combo is simply too much for most folks to hand hold in situations like this; not so much because of the weight but because of the huge magnification and relatively slow shutter speeds…. In any case, I did just fine seated behind my lowered tripod with the lens on the Mongoose M3.6 tripod heads.

Morro Bay offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects in a variety of attractive settings. Do consider joining me there on the March 20-22, 2015 Canon Destination Workshop. Complete info and register here

BIRDS AS ART Morro Bay, CA Canon Live Learning EOS Destination Workshop
March 20-22, 2015: $1050

Borrow great Canon gear. Head home with a print or two. Learn from the best.

Continue reading Canon 200-400mm f/4L IS with Internal TC (engaged) and 7D Mark II Just Ducky

What’s Up?

I scouted La Jolla for the second straight morning, the morning of Saturday, January 31. It was my first outing with the new lens. There is good news and bad news. Read on. I met seven of the nine folks on the sold out plus one more San Diego IPT at 7:30pm for a meet and greet and an introductory session. (BAA always reserves the right to go one over the published limit.)

This blog post took about 3 hours to assemble. I thought that I published it at 9:12pm PT, 12:12am ET on Saturday from my hotel room in San Diego, but when I woke up on Sunday morning I saw that it was still an unpublished draft. I am, therefore, publishing it at 4:44am Pacific time, which is 7:44am in the east. I still have many exciting new images, tales, and lessons from my recently concluded Southern Oceans trip to share with you here over the course of the next few weeks and am looking forward to doing just that. Do consider joining me in South Georgia next October for the trip of a lifetime. See here for the complete details.

SAVE $242

Register now for the South Georgia trip and receive a $242 on your return airfare. Please e-mail for details.

Please Remember 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.

This image was created on the morning of January 31, 2015 at La Jolla, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens (at 349mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 1600. Evaluative metering +1 stop as framed: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. Four AF points to the left of the central AF point (manual selection)/AI Servo Rear Focus AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is almost 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: Brown Pelican preening

The Plan

As I exited my vehicle I decided to keep things simple: grab the new Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens and do the whole morning with that and the 1D X . I brought the tripod topped with the Mongoose M3.6 but after the first few images things brightened up and I went hand held for the rest of the session.

On the good news front I had forgotten that you can screw off the lens foot with the Wimberley P-20 lens plate attached to save a few ounces when hand-holding the 100-400 II. As I never use the foot as a brace when hand holding as as some folks do–it always seems to get in my way–that is a nice plus for me.

This image was created on the morning of January 31, 2015 at La Jolla, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens (at 400mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 stop as framed: 1/640 sec. at f/8. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. Two rows above and one AF point to the left of the central AF point/AI Servo/Surround Shutter button AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is almost always best when hand holding). Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2: Brown Pelican/breeding plumage/tight vertical head portrait

Why the 1D X?

On my first scouting morning I made nearly every image with the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II and the 7D Mark II. I had no problem filling the frame with that set-up so I knew that I would be more than fine with the 100-400 II and the 1D X. Judging by the image above, I was very correct. 🙂

Note the beautiful color and the sharpness, a tribute to the lens, the 1D X, and my processing skills. 🙂

This image was created on the morning of January 31, 2015 at La Jolla, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens (at 400mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 1600. Evaluative metering +3 stops off the very light blue water: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. Central AF point (manual selection)/AI Servo/Shutter button AF as originally framed was squarely on the bird’s neck and was of course active at the moment of exposure. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #3: Non-breeding Brandt’s Cormorant landing

1/500th Second for Flight?

Many excellent flight photographers recommend a minimum shutter speed of 1/1600 sec. Going back to the days of film, I have always–when I focus accurately–been able to create sharp-on-the eye images at 1/500 sec and in so called “lousy” light I would much rather work at 1/500 sec. at ISO 1600 than at 1/1600 sec. at ISO 5000 (if my math is correct)…. In other words, with most flying birds 1/500 sec. is fast enough to prevent motion blur on the head and to create a sharp eye. 1/1600 sec is great when you have the light to work with.

Here, I love having the blurred wing tips to go along with the sharp eye.

This image was created on the morning of January 31, 2015 at La Jolla, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens (at 400mm) and the Canon EOS-1D X . ISO 1600. Evaluative metering +2 stops off the very light blue water: 1/640 sec. at f/5.0. Rig on the Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. Central AF point (manual selection)/AI Servo/Shutter button AF as originally framed was squarely on the bird’s neck and was of course active at the moment of exposure. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #4: Brown Pelican incoming flight

Lousy Light Exposure Question

Why +3 stops off the light blue water for the Brandt’s Cormorant image but only +2 stops off the same light blue water for the Brown Pelican flight image?

The Very Good

My new 100-400 II is exceedingly sharp. Contrast and color are just what I expect from Canon L glass. Except as noted below, the lens handles beautifully and balances perfectly with the 1D X as it will with the 7D II with the 7D Mark II and the Canon BG-E16 Battery Grip for the 7D Mark II.

The Ugly

I always cautioned folks purchasing the original 100-400 to check the smoothness of the push/pull zooming first thing out of the box. I advised that they set the loosey/tighty ring to smooth and turn point the lens toward the ground. Ideally, the lens would extend (zoom out) slowly due to gravity. I never thought that that might be a problem with a twist zoom design. I was wrong. I noticed right off the bat that the zoom was on the tight side. I did not even realize that there was a smooth/tight ring on the 100-400 II and I thought that my left wrist pain might have been clouding my evaluation. When I mentioned it to Patrick Sparkman who had joined me for the morning he suggest that I check the smooth/tight ring. That was a surprise. When I turned the ring all the way to loose I felt that the zoom was still much too tight. I had Patrick try it and he agreed. We compared it to the ease of zooming his Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. No contest. The zoom on my brand new lens is way too tight. I will continue to use it until I finish up here on February 8. I would much rather get a new lens than have the present one repaired….

If you own a 100-400 II please leave a comment and let me know how you find the ease of zooming. Bad left wrist or not, one shouldn’t have to struggle to zoom in or out.

San Diego rocks!

San Diego Natural History Museum Program & The Birds of the World Exhibit

On Saturday morning, February 7, 2015 I will be presenting “A Bird Photographer’s Story” at the San Diego Natural History Museum to kick off the Birds of the World photographic exhibit that will feature the images of about a dozen of the world’s top avian photographers. This program,which is being generously sponsored by the Canon Explorers of Light program, will be free and open to the public. I am proud to say that both Denise Ippolito and I will have images hanging in the show. The exhibit opening is scheduled for later that same day, February 7, 2015. (Times TBA).

Friday Morning Add-on In-the-Field Photo Session: February 6, 2015: $299.
Open to all.

This workshop includes 3 hours of in-the-field pelican photography instruction and brunch with image review and Photoshop instruction.

Images courtesy of and copyright Captain James Shadle (aka Froggie). All of the images here were created at Alafia Banks. Card creation and design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.

The Hooptie Deux/Roseate Spoonbills and More Instructional Photo-Tour via pontoon boat. 4 1/2 DAYs: $3200. SUN FEB 22 thru lunch on THUR FEB 26, 2015/Strict Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 1.

Due to a cancellation we now have a single opening on this trip which sold out minutes after being announced.

Meet and greet on the evening of SAT 21 FEB. Two great leaders: Captain James Shadle (Nikon) and Canon Explorer of Light Emeritus Arthur Morris.

Roseate Spoonbill is one of if not the most sought after avian photographic subjects in Florida. They are generally hard to find and somewhat difficult to approach. They are relatively easy to find at Alafia Banks—heck, you can’t miss seeing them, but even there they can on some days be somewhat difficult to approach. On some days we may be able to get ridiculously close to them. The huge incentive to get out to Alafia Banks in mid-February is the chance to photograph this species at the height of its spectacular breeding plumage….

Weather permitting there will be nine boat trips: 5 mornings and 4 afternoons! Mornings to Alafia Banks for spoonbills and Brown Pelicans (with lots of flight photography with the birds likely carrying nesting material), cormorants, ibises (both Glossy and White in breeding plumage. Many of the White Ibises will be sporting their spectacular, distended, red, naked (un-feathered) throat pouches—typically larger in the females. In addition we will get to photograph egrets including Great and Reddish, both in full breeding plumage, shorebirds, and more. There will be lots of flight photography opportunities. Afternoon trips either to Alafia Banks for spoonbills and more or to a more sheltered inland rookery location for a variety of nesting birds. In the event of horrific weather artie will either take the group to Fort DeSoto or will conduct an image review/Photoshop session. This IPT includes five lunches that will be followed by small group image sharing and review and some over-the-shoulder Photoshop instruction.

Important Notes

We stay in Brandon, FL for this IPT. From our hotel there it is is only about 20 minutes to the dock. The plan is for all nine sessions to be by boat. For the Alafia Banks segments, Captain Shadle provides light weight chest waders as much of the photograph will be done while we are standing in fairly shallow water behind our tripods. We help you get in and out of the boat with your gear. This is likely not the best trip for folks with balance problems. Note however that some folks may opt to stay on the boat. They usually have lots of chances for flight photography of spoonbills and other species but are almost always pretty far away from the spoonbills that land.

I recently saw a similar trip advertised two months too late for breeding plumage spoonbills (and two months too late for most of the rest of the species in breeding plumage). 5 Days: $3200. With only four boat trips…. The Hooptie IPT represents an incredible opportunity and with 3 slots filled already the remaining three spots should fill very quickly. We hope that you can join us. Scroll down for registration info.

All of the images here were created at Alafia Banks in the month of February. Images copyright Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. Card creation and design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.

Hooptie IPT Registration Info

A $449 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 11/22/2014. 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. If 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 :).

An Amazing Morning

After getting to bed on the late side (for me) after my long east to west travel day I woke up at about 3:30am Pacific time. Still on eastern time, I guess. For surely the first time in 44 years of visiting San Diego, I “slept in.” I felt a tiny bit of sore throat on Wednesday evening and did not want to get sick again so I did some work, listened to lots of You Tube music, and read a bit. As I said “Amazing.” At least for me.

On You Tube:

They’re Playing Our Song [Original Broadway Cast recording/full album). I saw this twice on the Big White Way, once with Robert Klein and Luci Arnaz.

“They’re Playing Our Song” from the 1979 Tony Awards here. Robert Klein is crazy nuts and lovable but the irrepressible Luci Arnaz steals the scene with her dancing, her engergy, and her smile. And her dress.

LES MISERABLES 10th Anniversary Dream Cast. After the finale, 17 Jean Valjeans from various worldwide productions come on stage and sing snippets from One Day More before joining together for a last, moving, powerful rendition. I was privileged to see Les Mis three times on Broadway.

This blog post took about 1 1/2 hours to assemble. It was published at 10:08pm PT, 1:08am ET on Friday from my hotel room in San Diego. I still have many exciting new images, tales, and lessons from my recently concluded Southern Oceans trip to share with you here over the course of the next few weeks and am looking forward to doing just that. Do consider joining me in South Georgia next October for the trip of a lifetime. See here for the complete details.

Please Remember 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.

This image was created on January 29, 2015 at 5:36pm at the Southbound Interstate 5 Camp Pendleton Viewpoint with the hand held Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens (at 200mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/30 sec. at f/2.8 in Av mode. WB = 8800K. Central sensor/AI Servo Surround/Rear Focus AF 1/2 way into the frame and re-compose. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.

The Situation

I drove from San Diego up to Santa Ana, CA and spent three hours with exercise physiologist Melvin Tann. Melvin works regularly on more than a dozen NFL players and many other notable professional athletes from a variety of sports. I pulled off Interstate 5 and stopped for a short nap before heading south again. It had been cloudy all day. At one point I glanced to my right and was shocked to see that the entire western sky was a glowing yellow-orange. I thought about getting off, driving west, and trying to get out to the beach. But alas,I kept driving. As I drove, the colors were becoming more and more intense. And I was more and more wishing that I had headed for some unknown beach.

As I-5 jogged west and then south the Pacific came into view on my right. And a spectacular view it was. The vast orange sky had dissipated but a swath of light sky just above the distant horizon left the ocean blood red. And then finally: Viewpoint: 2 miles. I parked, grabbed the 70-200, could not find my glasses, and used the camera’s lamp to set Av wide open. Plus 1/3 stop left some blinkies in the brightest portions of the sky so I went down to 0. I braced the lens against a signpost to make the images in this series as sharp as possible at 1/30 sec. The image above was the best of that lot.

This image was created at 5:38pm on January 29, 2015 at the Southbound Interstate 5 Camp Pendleton Viewpoint with the hand held Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens (at 200mm) and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/6 sec at f/4.5 in Av mode. WB = 8800K. Central sensor/AI Servo Surround/Rear Focus AF 1/3 of the way into the frame, re-compose, and pan left to right. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Pan Blur

I wanted a slower shutter speed so I simply dialed in a smaller aperture without bothering to note the new shutter speed. Due to the blend blur effect I was able to go 2/3 stop lighter without getting any blinkies. I tried to pan as smoothly as possible. I made about a dozen images. Only one worked. In retrospect I should have been on a tripod with the Mongoose M3.6, locked the vertical pan, and then panned left to right. This would have assured the distinct streak lines that I got only in this image. Excuses: I was in a big rush as the light was fading fast and the colors were so beautiful that I was not thinking clearly.

Your Favorite?

Which image do you like best, the sharp one or the pan blur? Be sure to let us know why.

Learn the secrets of creating contest winning images in our “A Guide to Pleasing Blurs.”

A Guide to Pleasing Blurs

In our A Guide to Pleasing Blurs by Denise Ippolito and yours truly, we discuss just about every technique ever used mankind to create pleasingly blurred image. Ninety-nine point nine percent of pleasing blurs are not happy accidents. You can learn pretty much everything that there is to know about creating them in this instructive, well written, easy to follow guide.

Card and design by Denise Ippolito. Scroll down here to see lots more of Denise’s Palouse images.

Palouse #1. The Palouse A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. May 29-June 2, 2015/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12 photographers/Sold Out with a wait list.

Card and design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.

The Palouse A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)/Eastern Washington State. June 5-9, 2015/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12 photographers/Openings 3.

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 or two. 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. 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 breakfasts, and Photoshop and image sharing sessions when possible.

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; Canon 5D Mark III bodies are a plus. And 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 touching on infrared photography.

A non-refundable $699 deposit is due now. The balance will be due on January 29, 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.

With the unpredictable nature of the photography business, I have not said this often lately, but 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; the latter is preferred.

Please send your deposit check made out to “Arthur Morris” to us at Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.

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