San Diego IPT Late Registration Discount

If you are interested in joining me in San Diego to improve your photography by leaps and bounds and enjoy the phenomenal Brown Pelican photography this month, please shoot me an e-mail for IPT #3 late registration discount info. Though different every day, the photography has been consistently and astoundingly good.

Homer Late Registration Discounts

If you are interested in traveling to Homer, AK with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info. Several folks are in the process of registering so do not tarry. The first IPT is looking sold out as I await the last two deposit checks.

What’s Up?

The last morning of the 2nd San Diego IPT was phenomenal. There were fewer pelicans on the Left Ridge, making it easy to isolate single birds. The Left Ridge offers clean ,distant backgrounds. Those range from deep Pacific-blue when the sun is shining to cyan when it is a bit cloudy to white as in today’s featured image when it is cloudy or foggy. Can you say high key? Without the high winds of the previous day, there was little flight photography. But, by going with the 600 rather then the 400, I made some really nice images of red-pouched birds well away from the main cliff.

Then I took the group down the coast to The Crevice to try for some surfing pelicans. There was some big surf there and we arrived at high tide, so I was surprised that one Black Oystercatcher with its sidekick Whimbrel were resting near their usual hangouts. We had a few good chances with the surfing pelicans but I did not get anything memorable.

After wishing everyone well, I headed to Cafe Vahik for brunch. In the afternoon, for old time’s sake, I drove down to Imperial Beach and walked along the shoreline down to the Tijuana River. The huge expanse of wetlands to the east has been protected (i.e., closed) for several decades. Anyhoo, I came across a Say’s Phoebe, two dozen Western race Snowy Plovers, four Dunlin, a few Sanderlings, several Marbled Godwits, and hordes of Willets. I stopped at Silver Strand State Beach for sunset and was fortunate to find a single cooperative Willet that was sun-setably cooperative.

Today is Thursday January 12 2023. I am meeting blog regular Jordan Cait at the main pelican cliff for a morning In-the-Field session. This blog post took more than an hour to prepare and makes two hundred eighty-nine days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

It is looking as if Homer may be sold out fairly soon. Please do not forget to use my B&H or Bedford’s affiliate programs for your new gear purchases.

My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then go back to posting every other day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Induro GIT 304L Tripod

Out of production for more than two years, BAA just sold its last one. The good news? We have located two more new-in-the-box tripods. They will be available for shipping at the end of January. Best to order yours now to be sure that you get one. We will not run your card until your item ships. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now to avoid being disappointed.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

Photo Mechanic 42-image screen capture

The Exciting Story

As you can see in the screen capture, I was working vertically when I created _A1G3984. The last image in that 34-frame sequence was made at 8:47:40am. When the young pelican to its left began to stretch 10 seconds later, I followed my own advice — when unexpected action happens press the shutter button. I created 27 images, each with one or both wings clipped. The first one was made at 8:47:49. The last vertical, _A1G4011, was created at 8:47:50am. Thus, the vertical sequence ran for less than 2 seconds.

The bird held the pose seemingly forever, and turned a bit so that the pose became more dramatic, I decided to go for the gusto and rotate the lens to horizontal. It took about two seconds to switch from vertical to horizontal and two more seconds to fit the bird in the frame. I remember holding my breath and praying that the bird would continue to hold the pose. The first perfect stretch was created at 8:47:54am. The last frame was made at 8:47:55am. The 13-frame perfect sequence was created in well less than two seconds.

The entire stretch lasted for about six seconds. In bird photography, that is an eternity.

The last image in the screen capture is the optimized version of _A1G4022, my pick as the best of the verticals.

This image was created on 11 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA, the last morning of the 2nd San Diego IPT. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 800. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to dead soliid perfect. AWB at 8:47:55am on a partly sunny morning. Tracking: Spot S with Bird Face/ye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version. Brown Pelican wing stretch

Elegant Angularity

Adding diagonal lines to your compositions is always a huge plus. Here, the bird’s elegant pose provided the angularity. All I had to do was hope that the pose would last long enough for me to get from vertical to horizontal — it did! And then fit the entire subject in the frame. I did!

Your Thoughts?

What do you like about this image? What don’t you like? Would you have added a bit of canvas all around?

This all-new card includes images created on my JAN 2022 visit to San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The 2022/23 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs

San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: THURS 19 JAN thru the morning session on MON 23 JAN 2023: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 4.

Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT and In-the-Field Sessions.

Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.

Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not

Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.

Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

It Ain’t Just Pelicans

With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning there is usually some excellent flight photography as well, often with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego.

Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The San Diego Details

These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2022/23 San Diego IPTs. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.

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

Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late

On all BIRDS AS ART IPTs, including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.

Typos

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

San Diego IPT Late Registration Discount

If you are at all interested in traveling to San Diego to improve your photography and enjoy the phenomenal Brown Pelican photography this month, please shoot me an e-mail for IPT #2 late registration discount info. The photography has been consistently and astoundingly good.

Homer Late Registration Discounts

If you are at all interested in traveling to Homer with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info. Several folks are in the process of registering so do not tarry.The first IPT is looking very sold out as I await the last two deposit checks.

What’s Up?

Day 3 of the 2nd San Diego IPT was quite amazing. With no big waves things were a bit difficult at the main pelican cliffs so I took the group down the hill. I quickly found a spot with great flight photography for Royal Terns and Brown pelicans. I created 5210 images. All but one of the folks in the group created more images than I did!

Today is Tuesday 10 January 2023. For more than a week, the forecast for today had been for 100% rain all day. By last night it was down to 80%. This morning is showing no rain for many hours beginning at 7:30am so that is when I will meet the group. This blog post took more than two hours to prepare and makes two hundred eighty-seven days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

It is looking as if Homer may be sold out fairly soon. Please do not forget to use my B&H or Bedford’s affiliate programs for your new gear purchases.

My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then go back to posting every other day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Induro GIT 304L Tripod

Out of production for more than two years, BAA just sold its last one. The good news? We have located two more new-in-the-box tripods. They will be available for shipping at the end of January. Best to order yours now to be sure that you get one. We will not run your card until your item ships. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now to avoid being disappointed.

This image was created on 6 January 2023. I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with a twist with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 50. 1/2 second at f/14 (stopped down 4 2/3 stops) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:57:56am on a mostly sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect. Manual focus with focus peaking performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Children’s Pool breakwater on huge surf day/100% juiced up version

Three Versions

Today’s post features three versions of the same image, my favorite from the huge surf day in San Diego, 6 January 2023. Image #1 was my first effort and featured juiced up colors. I lowered the color temperature to bring up the BLUE and then played around with the Saturation and Luminance of the AQUAs and GREENs under the Color Mixer tab to really boost the colors. Image #2 was converted conservatively with the original color temperature, the white and black points set as usual, the Highlights slider at -40, the White slider at +20, the Blacks at -50, Clarity at +10, Dehaze at +2, and Vibrance at +10. To create a middle-of-the-road version, I dragged a 50% opacity layer of Image #3 onto Image #2.

This image was created on 6 January 2023. I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with a twist with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 50. 1/2 second at f/14 (stopped down 4 2/3 stops) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:57:56am on a mostly sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect. Manual focus with focus peaking performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Children’s Pool breakwater on huge surf day/straight up conversion version

Singh-Ray 5-stop Mor-Slo Solid Neutral Density (ND) Filter

To get down to 1/2 second, I used a Singh-Ray 5-stop Mor-Slo Solid Neutral Density (ND) Filter that was screwed on to the front of the lens. Note that I still needed to stop down to f/14 for the right exposure at 1/2 second. A 10-stop Mor-Slo™ Solid Neutral Density (ND) Filter would have been better as it would have allowed me to work at a wider aperture. I am not sure if my artie10 discount code still works at Singh-Ray but I will let you know.

Here is some advice for Sony folks that might help others as well. When shooting long exposure blurs, I find that setting the exposure to show no Zebras avoids over-exposing the brightest highlights.

Singh-Ray Filters

Singh-Ray filters have been used by the world’s top photographers for many decades. Who? Art Wolfe, Tony Sweet, Ian Plant, Denise Ippolito, Nevada Weir, Brenda Tharp, Cole Thompson, Chuck Kimmerle, and the late Galen Rowell among others. Singh-Ray has been and is the name in quality filters. I often use a 77mm warming polarizer set to dark at Bosque to get to a slower shutter speed in too-bright conditions. Toward that end, BIRDS AS ART is working with Singh-Ray to produce a 5-stop Neutral Density filter 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 5-Stop Mor-Slo Fliter (for example), click on the logo link above, click on “Neutral and color
Solid Neutral Density Filters (glass), then click on “Mor-Slo™ 5, 10, 15 and 20-Stop Solid Neutral Density Filters (glass),” choose the size and model, add to cart, and then checkout. At checkout, type artie10 into the “Have a coupon? Click here to enter your code” box, and a healthy 10% discount will be applied to your total. In addition to enjoying the world’s best filter at 10% off you will be supporting my efforts here on the blog. I use the George Lepp models in 77mm and 95mm for my 3-stop NDs.

This image was created on 6 January 2023. I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with a twist with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 50. 1/2 second at f/14 (stopped down 4 2/3 stops) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:57:56am on a mostly sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect. Manual focus with focus peaking performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3: Children’s Pool breakwater on huge surf day/50% juiced up version

Breaking Wave Blur Shutter Times

While photographing the huge surf just four days ago, I did lots of experimenting with shutter speeds ranging from 1/8 second to 15 seconds. Shutter speeds in excess of 2 seconds produced creamy milky water that showed little shape or form. Those in the range of 1/2 to 2 seconds showed the most pleasing bridal veil effects where the water ran down in streaks. My very favorite for those was right at about 1 second.

Your Call?

After clicking on each image to enlarge it, all are invited to leave a comment letting us know which version they liked best, the juiced up version (Image #1), the conservatively processed version (Image #2), or the middle-of-the-road version, Image #3. Please let us know why you made your choice. I have a very clear choice.

With All Due Respect

With all due respect for all the faithful bird photographers using the latest Canon mirrorless bodies, those using the vaunted (and large and very heavy) Nikon Z9, and anyone using a dSLR, the Sony a1 is the cream of the crop by far. It is the easiest to learn to use efficiently and the easiest to use efficiently. And as far as getting the right exposure, Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb wheel leaves all the others in the proverbial dust. If you would like to receive an e-mail explaining in greater detail why the Sony A1 is best y far, please click here

Click on the image to better see the green eye-AF boxes in action. Sony Alpha 1 Flight Photography AF Points!

The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group: $150.00 (or Free)

The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group is going great guns as more and more folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based answers. As the a1 is becoming more readily available, more and more folks are getting their hands on this amazing body. By June 1, 2022, the group was up to an astounding 124 lucky and blessed folks. (More than a few folks own two or more a1 bodies! Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. The best news is that everyone in the group receives an e-mail that includes a .DAT file with my a1 settings on it, and explicit directions on how to load my settings onto your a1; talk about convenience! I am now offering a .DAT file compatible with firmware update 1.20. Your entry into the group includes a consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE. New a1 folks will now receive six e-mails instead of the previous 28! You will receive new e-mails as they are published. Simply put, this e-mail guide is an incredible resource for anyone with an a1.

All who purchased their Alpha 1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link — B&H or Bedfords — will receive a free Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up Guide and free entry into the Info Updates group after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.). Others can purchase their guide here in the BAA Online Store.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

On a fair weather weekend day in winter, you can expect a good number of photographers on the cliffs at La Jolla. in contrast to the big crowd on the January 2nd federal holiday, everyone was respectful of the birds and the other photographers. A bit of haze to the east came and went providing lovely soft light. The biggest complaint from the group was that there were so many pelicans that it was difficult to isolate a subject. As the morning progressed, many photographers wandered off as predicted. By moving slowly and getting low, the group was able to get ridiculously close to the birds. Bryan Love was shooting pelicans with his Sony 24-70mm II lens!

Bryan, and Steve Murdock (who had attended a Bosque IPT 17 years ago), both needed help setting up their a1 bodies. Multiple IPT veteran John Dupps gave his Nikon 500mm PF and his new Z9 a good workout. And Sanjeev Nagrath used his Canon mirrorless R5b bodies with both his Canon RF 600mm and the RF 100-500. The tame birds and the soft light made for an ideal teaching laboratory so we photographed until after 11:00am, enjoyed a long working brunch, and took the rest of the day off.

Today is Sunday 8 January 2023. We will be headed early to Santee Lakes. This blog post took about an hour to prepare and makes two hundred eighty-six days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

It is looking as if Homer will be sold out fairly soon. Please do not forget to use my B&H or Bedford’s affiliate programs for your new gear purchases.

My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then go back to posting every other day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Induro GIT 304L Tripod

Out of production for more than two years, BAA just sold its last one. The good news? We have located two more new-in-the-box tripods. They will be available for shipping at the end of January. Best to order yours now to be sure that you get one. We will not run your card until your item ships. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now to avoid being disappointed.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 7 January 2023 on Day 1 of the second San Diego IPT. While seated on damp sand behind my lowered tripod I used the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/2000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be just short of perfect. AWB at 8:46:09am on a then-cloudy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: The Photo Mechanic screen capture for today’s featured image

Wish That I Had Pointed the Lens Down a Bit More

When I saw the original while reviewing images during brunch with the group on Saturday morning I really like the whitewashed patterns and colors on the sandstone rock. They looked a bit like some prehistoric cave art. I wished that I had pointed the lens down a bit more to include more of the rock and less of the sky.

Can you envision a crop that would put more emphasis on the rock?

This image was created on 7 January 2023 on Day 1 of the second San Diego IPT. While seated on damp sand behind my lowered tripod I used the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/2000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be just short of perfect. AWB at 8:46:09am on a then-cloudy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: The Optimized version of Brown Pelican scratching

Saved by the Crop

working with Original Ratio, I began by pulling the Crop Tool in a bit from the top left to eliminate the bird on the left frame-edge. To put more emphasis on the handsome rock, I cropped from above and from the right. Bingo!

I did a bit of whitewash clean-up on the top of the rock just to our right of the bird’s bill. As you can see by viewing the high rest version, sharp a1 images can stand up to healthy crops.

This all-new card includes images created on my JAN 2022 visit to San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The 2022/23 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs

San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: THURS 19 JAN thru the morning session on MON 23 JAN 2023: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 4.

Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT and In-the-Field Sessions.

Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.

Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not

Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.

Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

It Ain’t Just Pelicans

With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning there is usually some excellent flight photography as well, often with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego.

Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The San Diego Details

These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2022/23 San Diego IPTs. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.

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

Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late

On all BIRDS AS ART IPTs, including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.

Typos

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

San Diego IPT Late Registration Discount

If you are at all interested in traveling to San Diego to improve your photography and enjoy the phenomenal Brown Pelican photography this month, please shoot me an e-mail for IPT #2 late registration discount info. The photography has been astoundingly good.

Homer Late Registration Discounts

If you are at all interested in traveling to Homer with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info. Several folks are in the process of registering so do not tarry.

What’s Up?

I enjoyed another great am session at La Jolla on Thursday despite the sometimes drizzly weather. There are still a zillion pelicans, probably five to ten times more than I have seen in the last five decades of visiting La Jolla in winter. With the low light and light rain for the past few days, both the 400mm f/2.8 and the 70-200mm f/2.8 II (that latter usually but not always with the 1.4X TC) have been my most valuable lenses.

Today is Friday 6 January 2023. The forecast is for cloudy with a gentle east breeze early on (very good) switching to the north at about 9am (bad unless the clouds persist). The surf forecast is for 15 to 20 footers that would match the highest waves in 100 years in San Diego. In general, high surf conditions are great for bird photography as it keeps the birds moving when it breaks on the lower cliffs and drives the birds to the higher cliffs. This blog post took about an hour to prepare and makes two hundred eighty-four days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

It is looking as if Homer will be sold out fairly soon.

My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then go back to posting every other day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Induro GIT 304L Tripod

Out of production for more than two years, BAA just sold its last one. The good news? We have located two more new-in-the-box tripods. They will be available for shipping at the end of January. Best to order yours now to be sure that you get one. We will not run your card until your item ships. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now to avoid being disappointed.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 5 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. While standing behind my somewhat lowered tripod, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/60 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be absolutely dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 6:59:59am on dank, dark morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Brown Pelican Pacific-race breeding plumage adult — head and bill portrait

The Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM Lens in the Dark

The light gathering capabilities of the 400 f/2.8 are a huge plus in low light. With the wide open lens on the tripod, I am confident making sharp images at 1/60th second. Early on a dark cloudy morning, I lowered my tripod about a foot, dialed up the ISO until there were significant Zebras on the yellow and white feathers of the birds crown, and fired off a dozen virtually indistinguishable very sharp images.

Image Design Question

Why did I lower my tripod before creating Image #1?

Image Question

Does anything about Image #1 bug you? What and why?

This image was also created on 5 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height, I again used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/60 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect (ho hum again). AWB at 9:13:00am on an off and on drizzly morning. Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Brown Pelican Pacific-race breeding plumage adult in greenery

No Problem Adding Green Here

With this handsome adult pelican sitting in the wet vegetation, adding green was not a problem. I long ago gave up my vertical grip and have no problem at all working in vertical format either on the tripod or when handholding.

Image Question

Does anything about Image #2 bug you? What and why?

Your Call?

Which of today’s two featured images do you like best? Why?

Typos

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

Wanted to Buy

If you have a Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens in excellent or better condition that has been sitting on a shelf for a while and would like to make someone happy and get a decent price for it, please let me know via e-mail.

Homer Late Registration Discounts

If you are at all interested in traveling to Homer with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.

San Diego IPT Late Registration Discounts

If you are at all interested in traveling to San Diego to improve your photography and enjoy the phenomenal Brown Pelican photography this month, please shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.

What’s Up?

The forecast for Tuesday was basically rain all day. I was sitting in my car at La Jolla working on my next YouTube video in the dark. It was pouring rain. The rain let up as it began to get light. I headed down to the main cliffs with the 400mm f/2.8 on the tripod and the 70-200 on my shoulder via a Black Rapid Curve Breathe Strap. I started off doing blurs with the 400 f/2.8 and in short order, it was bright enough to go sharp at about ISO 2000 — 1/1000 sec. at f/2.8. I wound up at ISO 800 — 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8. It is hard to beat the 400mm 2.8 for low light flight photography and staying well back from the incoming birds produces some very sweet backgrounds. After a while, looking for something different, I took a walk to find some new perspectives. And struck gold. The flight tapered off so I went back down the hill with just the hand held 70-200mm with the 1.4X TC. I had a ball and created some new and different images. And so it has been going: horrible forecasts with a zillion pelicans, tons of great chances, new opportunities, and new discoveries. I’ve been creating between 2800 and 4000 images each morning since I arrived.

Right now I’d have to say that the photography here rivals the greatest nature photography locations on the planet: East Africa, the Falklands, and South Georgia among others. There is still time for you to get in on the actoin by signing up for either the 2nd or third San Diego IPT.

Today is Wednesday 4 January 2023. The forecast is for more rain. I will surely give it a go. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes two hundred eighty-two days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and then go back to every other day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Induro GIT 304L Tripod

Out of production for more than two years, BAA just sold its last one. The good news is that we have located two more new-in-the-box tripods. They will be available for shipping at the end of January. Best to order yours now to be sure that you get one. We will not run your card until your item ships. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now to avoid being disappointed.

Great Gear Question

Steve White

January 3, 2023 at 11:23 am

I love both images. I don’t prefer one over the other because they are totally different and both are great.

Question: how do you carry the 400 and the 600 in the field at the same time? And I assume you had the 70-200 with you also? I have the 200-600 and 600. They both will fit with camera attached in my Kiboko and Mindshift 36L, but that is more weight I want to deal with in the field. Just curious.

Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Steve. And for your excellent question.

The situation at La Jolla is unique. From the car to the top of the steps is about 10 yards. On cloudy mornings I have been heading down the steps with the 400mm f/2.8 lens in my left hand, the 70-200/a1 rig on my shoulder via a Black Rapid Curve Breathe Strap, and the tripod in my right hand. On clear mornings I’ll move the 70-200 to the front of my body and carry the 600 f/4 in an old Domke lens bag via the lens strap on my right shoulder. I take my time getting down the steps. Once I get down to the main cliff, I make sure the 600 in a save spot, that is, somewhere in front of me where I can keep my eye on it.

I would never think of taking both big lenses to a place like De Soto where you might walk a mile or two in a single session. Note also that I never ever carry anything on my back 🙂 If I need to bring a short zoom lens I will wear my old X-tra Hand vest.

This image was created on 1 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 800. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be within 1/6-stop of perfect. AWB at 9:28:17am on a cloudy day. Tracking: Zone was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version. Brown Pelican landing on low cliff

Vertical Original Flight Photography?

Today’s featured image was created as a vertical original. It is un-cropped.

Why Shoot Birds in Flight as Vertical Originals?

1- Why not?

2- You never know when you will come up with something different and exciting.

3- When you could sell images, vertical made for great magazine covers.

4- It is fun and extremely challenging.

Your Call?

Is today/s featured image anything special? What do you like? What don’t you like?

Typos

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

Homer Late Registration Discounts

If you are at all interested in traveling to Homer with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.

San Diego IPT Late Registration Discounts

If you are at all interested in traveling to San Diego to improve your photography and enjoy the phenomenal Brown Pelican photography this month, please shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info.

What’s Up?

It poured all night and slacked off at about 6am on Sunday morning. I got to La Jolla at about seven. The wind was from the west at about 25mph with higher gusts. The main cliff was wall-to-wall pelicans. I made a few images of the zillions pelicans with the tripod mounted 70-200 for about 20 minutes and then — gasp — shot video for nearly 90 minutes using both the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 600mm f/4. Thanks to Mark Smith, I have my a1 bodies set up perfectly to capture slow motion video. The next step is learning to process the videos. Mark has a great a1 Video How-to course online. If you would like advance information on the course, please let me know via e-mail.

Today is Monday 2 January 2023. The forecast for the morning is for mostly cloudy with a gentle breeze from the SW. I will head to the cliffs and probably explore a bit along the coast to the south in search of shorebirds and gulls. This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes two hundred eighty days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and then go back to every other day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Induro GIT 304L Tripod

Out of production for more than two years, BAA has just one of my favorite-ever tripods left in stock. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab this last one here right now.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 1 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1600. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 8:48:39am on a stormy morning. Tracking: Spot (S) was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version. Image #1: Brown Pelican flock on the water

The Armada

I noticed two big groups of pelicans several hundred yards offshore. As I had never seen anything like it before, I switched from videos to stills and made a few images of the flotilla. Click on the image to enlarge it and see why this scene reminded me of a huge convoy of WW II ships with the three Heermann’s Gulls acting as destroyer escorts. Can you say “Victory at Sea”?

This image was also created on 1 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. Again, while standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 2500. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 9:46:05am on a stormy morning. Tracking: Spot (S) with Bird Face/Eye enabled was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version. Image #2: Brown Pelican cliff party

Umbrella Excitement

To say that the sidewalk cliffs were crowded with pelicans would be an understatement. I had been looking for an image of the birds packed like sardines in a can but wasn’t finding anything. When a woman walking down the hill struggled to hold on to her umbrella, the birds freaked. Composing through the lens, I trusted Tracking: Spot S with Bird Face/Eye enabled so that I could re-compose after picking my main subject, the handsome breeding plumage bird in the upper right. I had my shot.

This image was also created on 1 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 88mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. A 3-stop 77mm ND filter was screwed on to the front of the lens. ISO 64. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1.3 seconds at f/11 (stopped down four stops). AWB at 10:56:25am on a stormy morning. Manual Focus with Focus Peaking. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3: Brown Pelicans on cliff in storm

NDs for Moving Water Blurs

I travel with 77mm and 95mm three- and five-stop Neutral Density filters. The 77mm sizes fits my 24-105 and my 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses while the larger ones fit my Sony 200-600mm. They allow me to get to very low shutter speeds even on sunny days. I even have a 10-stop ND for 77mm.

Your Call?

As expected, the really bad weather on Sunday provided many unique photographic opportunities. Heck, twice I kept my back to the wind to protect my gear as two short rain squalls swept through La Jolla.

Which of today’s three very different featured images do you like best? All are invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choice. I am not sure if anyone will go with my pick.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

On Friday, I enjoyed a different kind of wonderful morning with the pelicans. As predicted, there was a barely perceptible breeze from the east so there was not much flight and the birds that did land came in very low. The few photographers who came late left early leaving all of the beautiful pelicans for me to enjoy. With the 400mm f/2.8 on the tripod and both TCs in my fanny pack, I made my way safely down the crevice and in a very few minutes was point blank with several dozen pelicans. With its amazing minimum focusing distance (MFD) of less than 9 feet, this lens offers 0.16X magnification. Compare that to the 0.14X magnification of the Sony 600mm f/4 GM. How can the be? Magnification is measured at the MFD; the 400 f/2.8 focuses much closer than the 600mm f/4’s 14.8 feet.

Anyhoo, with either TC added, the lens I did not like for nearly forty years becomes a giant macro lens. I had a ball doing body parts and faces and bill and wing detail as the birds slept peacefully, some almost within arms-length of me. I got some good ones and learned quite a bit for the next time.

Today is Saturday 31 December 2022. The forecast for this morning is for more of the same, cloudy skies with a gentle wind from the east. I may head down the coast early. This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes two hundred seventy-eight days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Induro GIT 304L Tripod

Out of production for more than two years, BAA has just one of my favorite-ever tripods left in stock. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab this last one here right now.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 28 December 2022 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height I used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 2500. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/640 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:48:18am on a cloudy morning. Manual focus with Focus Peaking performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the higher res version. Image #1: Anna’s Hummingbird displaying

Anna’s at La Jolla

Over the years, heck, the decades, there is a single yucca tree near the pelican cliffs that the male Anna’s hummingbirds frequent often. I have never seen a female there. They are totally oblivious to the many humans that pass by within yards.

To drive away intruders, the Anna’s will display aggressively whenever another hummer zips by. At times, the will take flight in pursuit. When photographing the territorial displays, I find that shutter speeds of 1/500 sec. or faster will produce sharp images and will eliminate almost all motion blur.

This image was also created on 28 December 2022 at La Jolla, CA. Again, while standing at full height, I used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 2500. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/640 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:51:25am on a cloudy morning. Manual focus with Focus Peaking performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the higher res version. Image #2: Anna’s Hummingbird displaying

Hummingbird Behaviors and Habits

When perched, hummingbirds are almost constantly doing something interesting. They display (Image #1), they stretch their wings (Image #2) in a variety of ways, often fanning their tails as they do, they sing, and they threaten other birds. They are constantly moving their heads either lighting up the gorget (as in all three of today’s featured images), or turning the head and neck feathers jet-black. Photographing hummingbirds is never boring and is always a challenge.

Image design Question

Why did I place the subject right of center looking out of the frame in Image #2

This image was also created on 28 December 2022 at La Jolla, CA. Again, while standing at full height, I used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 2500. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:10:13am on a cloudy morning. Manual focus with Focus Peaking performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the higher res version. Image #3: Anna’s Hummingbird — shaded cave background

The Cave Background

When the hummers are perched on the yucca leaves, it is not possible to use the shaded water inside the opening of the cave as a background. When the bird perches well to your right, you are good to try for that. So I did.

Your Call?

Which of today’s three featured images is your favorite? All are invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choice.

Typos

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

Induro GIT 304L Tripod

Out of production for more than two years, BAA has just one of my favorite-ever tripods left in stock. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab this last one here right now.

This all-new card includes images created on my JAN 2022 visit to San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The 2022/23 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs

San Diego IPT #2. 4 1/2 DAYS: SAT 7 JAN thru the morning session on WED 11 JAN 2023: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 2.

San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: THURS 19 JAN thru the morning session on MON 23 JAN 2023: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 5.

Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT and In-the-Field Sessions.

Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.

Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not

Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.

Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

It Ain’t Just Pelicans

With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning there is usually some excellent flight photography as well, often with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego.

Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The San Diego Details

These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2022/23 San Diego IPTs. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.

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

Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late

On all BIRDS AS ART IPTs, including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.

What’s Up?

Again, the dire weather forecast for this week failed to materialize. It rained most of the night and quit at about 6am. There was a strong NW wind so the cloudy skies were a blessing. I did high ISO flight, mostly with the tripod-mounted 600mm f/4. The incoming pelicans were parachuting down with their feet hanging below them as they floated down to land. As the wind dropped, I created many fine images of the male Anna’s Hummingbird — 70 keepers after the first edit! I used the tripod-mounted 600mm f/4 with the 1.4X TC. This bird has been quite reliable this year. I went to Hospitals for the sunset that showed promise but fizzled. I had some nice land/sea/wave-scapes lined up with the tripod-mounted Sony 70-200mm II lens. As I was shooting down from atop the cliff, the zillion tourists were somewhat of a problem.

Today is Thursday 29 December 2022. The forecast is for cloudy with a gentle SE breeze. I will be at the cliffs early. This blog post took about an hour to prepare and makes two hundred seventy-six days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Be sure to click on the image to view the larger, high res version. See me in the center of the pupil. Image #1: Pelican Eyeball Self-Portrait

Pelican Eyeball Self-Portrait Courtesy of the Sony a1
And Excellent Long Lens/TC Sharpness Technique

Yes, that is my reflection in the center of the bird’s pupil, working off the tripod just beyond the fence. Pretty sharp, no?

There is a spot at La Jolla where, in certain weather conditions, you can get 15 feet from the pelicans without even trying. You can get a bit closer by putting one leg of the tripod over the fence — just do it slowly. To ensure accurate focus and sufficient depth of field where you need it, learn to use Focus Peaking. Most modern dSLRs and mirrorless bodies offer this feature. With Sony, I set Focus Peaking up so that the in focus overlay is red.

When working with long effective focal lengths and relatively slow shutter speeds, you need to employ your best long lens sharpness techniques. Join me on an IPT to learn exactly how.

The astounding image quality of the a1 speaks for itself in this huge crop of the image below. And the same might be said about my long lens sharpness techniques.

This, the original image for the eyeball crop above, was created on 27 December 2022 at La Jolla, CA. While standing at full height I used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 1000. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/60 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1 1/3-stops). AWB at 3:50:15pm on a cloudy afternoon. Manual focus with Focus Peaking performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the higher res version. Image #2: Brown Pelican (Pacific-race) 2-year old resting — face portrait

Looking for Special & Executing the Plan

I walked by this resting young bird about six times while searching for a colorful adult. Each time I passed it, the pink eye-skin called out to me. Finally, I succumbed and went to work. I set up perfectly parallel to the face. I was lucky to have the out-of-focus feathers of the next young pelican as the brown background. Focus Peaking showed me that f/9 covered the face. Experience told me that I could make sharp images at 1/60 sec. at 840mm. And Zebras showed me that I needed ISO 1000 to create a perfect exposure in the low light. Vision plus technique paves the road to making successful images.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

Monday morning might have been the most spectacular yet for pelicans. There were more pelicans in La Jolla than I had ever seen in my forty years of visits. With a big surf, there were lot of birds up top. In fact, there were pelicans everywhere. With so many birds, I walked back up the steps and grabbed the 600mm f/4 and the tripod to better isolate single birds. Though I have barely begun to edit the 2155 images, I have already color coded a few very special ones.

Today is Tuesday 27 December 2022. As the weather is supposed to take a turn for the worst for nearly a week, I am not sure what I will be doing in the morning. I am sure, however, that I will get some good and different stuff despite the poor weather. This blog post took 2 1/2-hours to prepare and makes two hundred seventy-four days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

This image was created in the fog on 23 December 2022 on the third morning of the first San Diego IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) Working in Shutter Priority + 1.7-stops with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial, Zebra technology was used to determine the correct exposure. AUTO ISO set ISO 2000! 1/250 second at f/6.3 (wide open). AWB at 7:27:47am in dense fog. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid-perfect. Expand Flexible Spot AF-C with Bird Face-eye Detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: The Original image

The Original

The JPEG above depicts the raw file for the Brown Pelicans — Pacific race adults on cliff image. Aside from the fog, understand that the image looks washed out because it is properly exposed to the right. Many folks delete such images out of ignorance. With digital capture, it is fairly easy to transform the foggy looking images into fairy crisp, colorful images. I do understand, however, that some folks may prefer a foggier version, even one very close to the original.

Image #2: Adobe Camera Raw settings for the Brown Pelicans — Pacific race adults on cliff in fog image

Adobe Camera Raw Settings

In this case, adjusting the sliders is a good start. In addition to what you see above I did some Color Mixer work as well. I still need to do that video!

Before and After Crop, Add Canvas, and Average Blur Color Balance

As you can see by viewing the animated GIF, I cropped out the young bird on our left, and added lots of canvas right to maintain the 3X2 proportion. The final (and huge to me) improvement was using the Average Blur Color Color Balance technique on a Layer. The results were quite magical as this completely eliminated the overall BLUE cast.

This image was also created on 23 December on the third morning of the first San Diego IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) Working in Shutter Priority + 1.7-stops with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial, Zebra technology was used to determine the correct exposure. AUTO ISO set ISO 2000! 1/250 second at f/6.3 (wide open). AWB at 7:27:47am in dense fog. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid-perfect. Expand Flexible Spot AF-C with Bird Face-eye Detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3: The optimized version of the Brown Pelicans — Pacific race adults on cliff image

Your Call?

Do you like the optimized version, Image #3? Or would you prefer a somewhat foggier version?

San Diego IPT ##2 Late Registration Discount Info and In-the-Field Instructional Photo Sessions

Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to receive the San Diego IPT #2 Late Registration Discount info. Note that due to one cancellation and one switch, there are now two opening on San Diego #2. As I will be in San Diego for five weeks, I have lots of free days for In-the-Field Instructional Sessions, again, e-mail for rates and details.

This all-new card includes images created on my JAN 2022 visit to San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The 2022/23 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs

San Diego IPT #2. 4 1/2 DAYS: SAT 7 JAN thru the morning session on WED 11 JAN 2023: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 2.

San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: THURS 19 JAN thru the morning session on MON 23 JAN 2023: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 5.

Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT and In-the-Field Sessions.

Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.

Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not

Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.

Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

It Ain’t Just Pelicans

With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning there is usually some excellent flight photography as well, often with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego.

Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The San Diego Details

These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2022/23 San Diego IPTs. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.

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

Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late

On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.

Typos

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

Your Call?

Which of today’s four featured images is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice and you will likely learn something!

What’s Up?

Happy holidays to all.

We spent the last morning of the first San Diego IPT at Santee Lakes. Though it was not the greatest day ever, we had many good chances with Wood and Ring-necked Ducks. And we ended the morning with decent images of a Lewis’s Woodpecker, a rare visitor to San Diego. I took the afternoon off despite the nice weather.

Each of the three pelican mornings has been among the best I have enjoyed in three decades of photographing in San Diego. Remembering that you only live once, you just might want to call Jim at the office at 863-692-0906, leave a deposit for the second or third San Diego, or e-mail me and ask about doing a few In-the-Field Days in January, and then get yourself a flight to San Diego.

Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to receive the San Diego IPT #2 Late Registration Discount info.

Today is Sunday 25 December 2022. For those who celebrate the holiday, I hope that Santa brought you what you wanted. With clear skies and a NE breeze skies forecast for today, I will surely head to the pelican cliffs. This blog post took two hours to prepare and makes two hundred seventy-two days in a row with a new, educational post just for you. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

This image was created on 23 December on the third morning of the first San Diego IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) Working in Shutter Priority + two-stops with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial, Zebra technology was used to determine the correct exposure. AUTO ISO set ISO 2500! 1/20 second at f/5.6 (wide open). AWB at 6:42:34am about an hour before the sun would crest the hill to the east. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid-perfect. Expand Flexible Spot AF-C with Bird Face-eye Detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Brown Pelican juveniles — pre-dawn landing blur

Necessity, the Mother of Invention

If you insist on making only sharp images in extreme low light conditions, you will be working with unheard of high ISOs. Note that at 1/20 second I needed ISO 2500 to get the right exposure. What would the ISO have been had I been working even at a conservative 1/1600 second for flying birds? I am not gonna take the time to figure it out but even if your camera goes that high, the results would be horrific at best.

My choice is to go with the flow and strive to some create pleasing blurs. Remember that the shower the shutter speed you choose, the lower your percentage of keepers will but that your chance of winning a prestigious contest will be.

This image was also created on 23 December on the third morning of the first San Diego IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) Working in Shutter Priority + 1.7-stops with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial, Zebra technology was used to determine the correct exposure. AUTO ISO set ISO 2000! 1/250 second at f/6.3 (wide open). AWB at 7:27:47am in dense fog. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid-perfect. Expand Flexible Spot AF-C with Bird Face-eye Detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Brown Pelicans — Pacific race adults on cliff

Working in Shutter Priority!

As regular readers know, I sometimes opt to work in Shutter Priority Mode in low light. That is easiest to do with Sony because of Zebras. It was easy to got from a very low blur shutter speed to the fast enough shutter speed of 1/250. sec. The trick is that you have to know your way around getting the right exposure with whatever gear you are using.

Fog Processing

Because of the fog, the properly exposed raw file for Image #2 was totally flat and lacking contrast and color. I will walking about processing such images in a blog post here soon.

This image was also created on 23 December on the third morning of the first San Diego IPT. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 102mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 640: 1/1250sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:39:48am on after the fog returned. Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3: Brown Pelicans and photographers on the lower shelf

Taking a Walk

While Anar stayed on the cliffs, I took a walk up the steps and down the hill with the handheld 400 f/2.8 and the 70-200 on a Black Rapid Curve Breathe Strap on my shoulder. I used the latter to create Image #3. Here’s a good tip for creating bird scape and scenic images with a zoom lens: always zoom a bit wider so that you have room to crop if need be. With this image, I cropped from above and the right to eliminate a pelican on the right frame-edge

2022/2023 Juvenile Brown Pelicans

The last breeding season was surely a banner one as there are a zillion young of the year birds this year. Some years, you have to search to find two or three juvie. You can tell them from the adults by their brown upper parts and their white bellies. The adults are silver/grey above with speckled charcoal or nearly black bellies.

This image was also created on 23 December on the third morning of the first San Diego IPT. While standing, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/1600 sec. at f/3.5 (stopped down 2/3-stop in error) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 9:15:33am on a then foggy morning. Tracking: Flexible Spot S AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #4: Brown Pelican juvenile landing in light fog

The 400mm f/2.8

The lens that I advised against for nearly forty years has become one of my favorites and has been incredibly valuable in San Diego. It is superb for low light flight at La Jolla, especially if you know where to be.

San Diego IPT ##2 Late Registration Discount Info and In-the-Field Instructional Photo Sessions

Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to receive the San Diego IPT #2 Late Registration Discount info. Note that due to one cancellation and one switch, there are now two opening on San Diego #2. As I will be in San Diego for five weeks, I have lots of free days for In-the-Field Instructional Sessions, again, e-mail for rates and details.

This all-new card includes images created on my JAN 2022 visit to San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The 2022/23 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs

San Diego IPT #1. 3 1/2 DAYS: WED 21 DEC thru the morning session on Saturday 24 DEC 2022. $2099.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 5.

San Diego IPT #2. 4 1/2 DAYS: SAT 7 JAN thru the morning session on WED 11 JAN 2023: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 2.

San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: THURS 19 JAN thru the morning session on MON 23 JAN 2023: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 5.

Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT and In-the-Field Sessions.

Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.

Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not

Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.

Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

It Ain’t Just Pelicans

With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning there is usually some excellent flight photography as well, often with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego.

Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The San Diego Details

These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2022/23 San Diego IPTs. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.

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

Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late

On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.

Typos

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