Consider changing your life and becoming a much better bird photographer by joining me on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). DeSoto, San Diego, Homer, and the yet-to-be announced July 2024 Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime all offer the opportunity for you to improve your skills both in the field and at the computer and to make some astounding images as well. Click here and see which IPT might be best for you.
What’s Up?
As usual, I walked/rope flowed 2.8 miles on Sunday morning and then headed home. Again I did my easy 48-length morning swim and a 40-length swim at 5:00pm after dinner for a total of one mile. With Hurricane Ian looking as if it were going to make a direct hit on first DeSoto IPT, both participants opted to re-schedule. And best of all, the AirBnB folks offered me a full refund! I was glad to learn that IPT veteran Dane Johnson’s Canon 100-400 II sold for the asking price just after being listed last week.
Today is Monday 26 September 2022. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took almost three hours to prepare makes one hundred eighty-five days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Please Remember
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Your Image Optimization Skills Matter!
This image was created on 18 October 2021 on a BAA In-the-Field Session at Sebastian Inlet, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld 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 640. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/3200 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect (plus a bit). AWB at 9:17:14am on mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Mullet school under attack from below
Blastoff!
Schools of baitfish are often herded to the surface by larger predatorial fish. At times, large schools of the smaller fish will break the surface in fear of their lives. Such blastoffs leave them open to attacks from above by the master of the air and sea, the Osprey. When conditions are right, October offers some fabulous photography at Sebastian Inlet as large schools of migratory fish are heading south. I will be visiting Sebastian more than ever this October.
BAA In-the-Field (ITF) Diving Osprey Sessions
You do, however, need to know when to stay home. One of the beauties of scheduling and ITF session with me is that we can decide whether (weather) or not to go. If the morning forecast is for sunny with a brisk NW wind, you can re-schedule or opt for a refund.
The cost of three hours of intense and personalized photographic instruction is $300.00. In addition to the Ospreys, Brown Pelicans, several species of terns, and Laughing Gulls often get in on the fishing action. Backup subjects include several species of shorebirds, herons, and egrets, and especially, Wood Stork.
At present, the following dates are available:
OCT 13-19, OCT 27 & 29-31, and NOV 4-12 (All 2022, of course.). Afternoon sessions may be added on for $200.00. Multiple day inquires are available for those coming from out of town. Fly to Orlando and grab a motel in Vero Beach.
This image was created on 18 October 2021 on a BAA In-the-Field Session at Sebastian Inlet, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld 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 640. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/3200 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect (plus a bit). AWB at 9:17:55am on mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: a Photo Mechanic screen capture of the Osprey emerging with a Mullet in its talons image
A Rare Sidelit Flight Image
t most
When shooting flight, I strive to point my shadow at the bird, usually not being more the 15 – 20° off sun angle a. But when spectacular action occurs right in front of you, albeit 70-80° off sun angle, what’s a photographer to do? Frame, acquire, focus, and shoot. The exposures that I set for Images #1 and #2 were perfect for the birds, but when the sunlit fish made their way into the frame, their bright sides were of course overexposed. That is where your image optimization skills pay off big time. Your handling of the raw conversion in such situations is the basis for the success of the image. I thought that I might have to do two different raw conversions for each of the two images — one normal one and one to save the blown highlights and then combine them and paint in the saved highlights. But by carefully handling the Whites, Highlights, and Shadows sliders, I avoided the extra work. And was happy with the resulting image below.
Note the red over-exposure warning on the cheek of the fish. RawDigger and Photo Mechanic rarely agree, but it this case, both were accurate.
This image was created on 18 October 2021 on a BAA In-the-Field Session at Sebastian Inlet, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld 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 640. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/3200 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect (plus a bit). AWB at 9:17:55am on mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #3: Osprey emerging with a Mullet in its talons
Balancing the Color
I hated the color in the raw file as captured and as seen in Image #2, above. There was a CYAN color cast and the BLUEs were off as well. Some work on the Color Mixer tab during the raw conversion paved the road to success. To deal with the heavy shadows, I relied on Tim Grey Dodge and Burn, lightening the shadowed areas in 20 or 30% increments. Next was some Eye Doctor work. Though they are the same “image,” Images #2 and #3 are vastly different, a no contest if you would. Note also that I added a bit of canvas below (using Content-Aware Crop) and removed the white latch on the Osprey’s left wing. Everything above as noted in BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II). Details below.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II).
You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)
Everything above– but for the Color Mixer stuff, and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — is covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.
Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: most of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.
You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here. Today, I convert my Sony raw files in Photoshop with Adobe Camera Raw.
You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Consider changing your life and becoming a much better bird photographer by joining me on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). DeSoto, San Diego, Homer, and the yet-to-be announced July 2024 Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime all offer the opportunity for you to improve your skills both in the field and at the computer and to make some astounding images as well. Click here and see which IPT might be best for you.
This all-new card includes only 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: 3 1/2 DAYS: FRI 20 JAN thru the morning session on MON 23 JAN 2023: $2099.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT 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 $599 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?
I walked/rope flowed 2.8 miles on Saturday morning, and then spent another 45 minutes at the Vulture Trees. I was so busy that I did not get my “morning” swim in until after 1:00pm! I did 48 lengths, and then 40 lengths at 5:00pm after dinner for a total of one mile. The heavy, afternoon rains of the last three months have continued to tape off, but tropical storm Ian is headed this way and is forecast to be a category 3 hurricane when it hits Florida midweek.
Today is Sunday 25 September 2022. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took almost three hours to prepare makes one hundred eighty-four days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
70-200mm Versatility is the Name of the Game at La Jolla
This image was created on 20 January 2022 on a BAA San Diego Instructional Photo-Tour. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 156mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 250: 1/125 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 10:21:21am on a cloudy morning.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Brown Pelican — La Jolla cliff-scape
Going Wide for Bird-scapes
While my usual style involves clean, tight, and graphic, I try to keep my eyes open for bird-scape opportunities. The usually bird-covered cliffs across from Goldfish Point provides interesting background fodder. If you do not have something wide with you as I did that day, think iPhone.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Brown Pelican adult and juvenile on cliff
The Lower Ledge
The perch rocks at the western end of the lower ledge at Goldfish Point are among my favorites. They are best worked by climbing down so that you move the ocean well away from the subject. Working from above, as I did for Image #2, brings up background detail. Over the years, you have seen photos of many birds perched on the right-most rock.
This image was also created on 20 January 2022 on a BAA San Diego Instructional Photo-Tour. I went with the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter (at 255mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1000: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Mnaul mod. AWB at 10:34:04am on a cloudy morni
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection produced a sharp on the eye image. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Brown Pelican — Pacific race adult in flight
Concentrate on Flight
The pelicans are so tame, close and beautiful that it is hard to concentrate solely on flight. I almost always get sucked in to shooting the perched birds and wind up missing lots of great incoming flight opportunities. The best way to make some great flight shots is to commit to doing flight photography while resisting all the nearby temptations. You may want to do just that on mornings with winds from the east or northeast so that the birds are flying at you and into the sun. Wish me luck. Or join me there.
Your Favorite?
Which of today’s three 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.
Save $1,500.00 by doing back-to-back trips. Save $2500 by doing all three trips. Please e-mail for couples discount info.
Change Your Life
Consider changing your life and becoming a much better bird photographer by joining me on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). DeSoto, San Diego, Homer, and the yet-to-be announced July 2024 Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime all offer the opportunity for you to improve your skills both in the field and at the computer and to make some astounding images as well. Click here and see which IPT might be best for you.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
2023 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs
IPT #1: MON 20 FEB 2023 through the full day on FRI 24 FEB 2023. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 3.
IPT #2: SAT 25 FEB 2023 through the full day on THURS 2 MAR 2023. Six full days/24 hours on the boat: $6600.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 3.
IPT #3: FRI 3 MAR 2023 through the full day on TUES 7 MAR 2023. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers. Openings: 3.
Save $1,500.00 by doing back-to-back trips. Save $2500 by doing all three trips.
These trips feature non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.
In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require a ton of good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when creating bird-scapes.
If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will stay out and be in the right spot.
We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.
Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader, who is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!
What You Will Learn
You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer. But only if that is what you want.
You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes.
You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode.
Most importantly you will learn to pick your best flight images from tens of thousands of images.
You will enjoy working with the two best and most creative boat captains on their sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck crafts.
The second and third IPTs are the only Bald Eagle workshops that feature an incredibly helpful first mate.
Only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.
Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
What’s Included
One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.
What’s Not Included
Your airfare to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.
Please Note
On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips, or 24 hours for the second trip, the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $225/hour.
Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer.
Deposit Information
A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check as above.
In Closing
I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of the three trips is to sign up for all of them. Can you keep up with me? If you have any questions, or are good to go for one, two, or all three trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.
What’s Up?
I walked/rope flowed 2.2 miles on Wednesday morning, and then spent 45 minutes at the Vulture Trees. I upped my two swims to 44-lengths each (totaling one mile). The more I hang from the chinning bar, the stronger the right shoulder becomes. For the past few days, the heavy rains have been tapering off. The bad news? Tropical storm Ian is headed this way.
Before you read the EXIF for today’s two featured images, click on each of them and try to figure out the focal length that was used to create them. Note: the focal length was the same for each. I kid you not.
Today is Saturday 24 September 2022. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took more than 90 minutes to prepare makes one hundred eighty-three days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Please Remember
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
I Kid You Not!
This image was created on 25 February 2020 on an Instructional Photo-Tour at Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK. I used the hand held Sony 70-200mm GM lens (now replaced by the greatly improved Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 280mm) and the Sony a9 II (now replaced by The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital camera body.) The exposure was determined via Zebras. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. ISO 800: 1/2500 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 10:21:30am on a cloudy morning.
Expand Spot S AF/C performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Bald Eagle — with blood on forehead and chin
The Most Valuable Lens on a Homer IPT
If I were limited to bringing only one lens on a Homer IPT, it would be a 70-200. As noted here previously, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens is vastly superior to the original version. Its performance with either TC is stunning: AF is lightning fast and accurate, and the images are razor-sharp.
The focal length ranges of the 70-200mm lenses are deadly on Bald Eagles in flight (with or without either TC), great for scenics and bird-scapes, and lethal at close range (because of their short Minimum Focusing Distances (MFDs) especially with either TC (accept as noted with Canon, below)
As noted here previously, the 70-200 situation with Canon mirrorless gear borders on insanity. The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM lensdoes not accept either the Canon Extender RF 1.4x or the Canon Extender RF 2x. This pretty much destroys the versatility of a hugely popular mid-range telephoto zoom. Canon folks have several options.
1- Go with one of the EF versions of the 70-200mm f/2.8 or with the (slower) EF 100-400mm IS II with a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R.
Whichever system you use, you will learn a ton on a Homer IPT and head home with a boatload of great images.
This image was created on 26 February 2020 on an Instructional Photo-Tour at Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK. I used the hand held Sony 70-200mm GM lens (now replaced by the greatly improved Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 280mm) and the Sony a7R IV (now replaced by The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital camera body.) The exposure was determined via Zebras. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. With all the dark feathers, however, adding another 1/3-stop to get to dead-solid perfect would have been ideal. ISO 800: 1/125 sec. at f11 (stopped down four stops) in Manual mode. AWB at 3:11:04pm on a cloudy afternoon.
Expand Spot S AF/C performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Bald Eagle — close-up of talons and feet
Questions
1- Why f/11?
2- Which of today’s two featured images is your favorite? Why?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All the images on this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.
The Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #1
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 27 September through the morning session on Friday 30 September 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2
3 1/2 Days: 7 October through the morning session on Monday 10 October 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Monday 31 October through the morning session on Thursday 3 November 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.
There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information. If you register soon and would like to share an AirBnB with me, shoot me an e-mail. Other possibilities including taking a cab to and from the airport to our AirBnB and riding with me. This saves you both gas and the cost of a rental car.
A $600 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check two months before the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.
Up Early, Stay Out Late!
Obviously, folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Spoonbills at DeSoto
Over the past years, Roseate Spoonbills have become regular visitors to Fort DeSoto Park. I know when and where to find them and can teach you to approach them successfully. Do consider joining me on one of the DeSoto IPTs.
What’s Up?
I skipped my walks on Tuesday morning to head into town for an 8:30am appointment. Before leaving, I spent 15 uneventful minutes at the Vulture Trees. I did complete both of my 40-length swims (totaling nine-tenths of a mile).
Today is Friday 23 September 2022. I headed down to the lake early for a walk/rope flow walk and some vulture photography. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about two hours to prepare makes one hundred eighty-two days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Please Remember
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Low Light Snowy Egret Raw Conversion from Soup to Nuts With Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Another Free YouTube Raw Conversion Video
This 13-minute video takes you through the complete optimization of a very sweet Snowy Egret image. It begins with the raw conversion: adjusting the Color Temperature and the Exposure and setting the White and Black Points. Also covered Color Temperature and Color Mixer adjustments. In Photoshop, we cover the level and crop, Topaz DeNoise, some image clean-up and Gaussian Blur work. Last I create a JPEG for the blog.
This image was created on 22 September 2021 on a Fort Desoto IPT. While seated on the damp sand, I used the hand held 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: 1/1250sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 7:34:03am on a sunny but hazy morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #1: Snowy Egret in Lagoon — the final video version.
An Important Step in all Image Optimizations
When optimizing an image, it is always best to compare the original image to the final optimized version to see how you did. I do that, of course, in Photo Mechanic, the world’s best image browser. When I did that at the end of the video, I realized that the color was off. The image looked a bit too MAGENTA, and when I revisited the color in Photoshop on Friday morning (the morning after if you would), I realized that there was also a BLUE color cast. Scroll down to see the improved version and learn how I made the changes.
This image was created on 22 September 2021 on a Fort Desoto IPT. While seated on the damp sand, I used the hand held 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: 1/1250sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 7:34:03am on a sunny but hazy morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #2: Snowy Egret in Lagoon — the color corrected after-the-fact version.
Correcting the Color After the Fact
After opening the image in Photoshop, I opened a Hue/Saturation layer, selected MAGENTA from the dropdown menu, and moved the slider all the way to the right to increase the MAGENTA saturation. That showed that there was indeed a MAGENTA color cast. To eliminate that cast, I moved the slider all the way to the left. At that point I realized that the image was too BLUE. So I opened the Camera Raw filter and went to the Color Mixer tab. There, I reduced the BLUE Saturation by 15 points and increased the BLUE Luminance by five points. That resulted in Image #2, the color corrected after-the-fact version.
Your Call
A- I like Image #1, the video version best because __________.
B- I like Image #2, the color corrected after-the-fact version best because __________.
C=- they look the same to me.
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 129 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 purchase 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.
Consider changing your life and becoming a much better bird photographer by joining me on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). DeSoto, San Diego, Homer, and the yet-to-be announced July 2024 Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime all offer the opportunity for you to improve your skills both in the field and at the computer and to make some astounding images as well. Click here and see which IPT might be best for you.
I was glad to learn yesterday that newbie Nancy Fischer took advantage of the late registration discount offer and will be joining DeSoto #1 and that many multiple IPT veteran Jim Dolgin will be joining the second DeSoto IPT for two days.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
2023 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs
IPT #1: MON 20 FEB 2023 through the full day on FRI 24 FEB 2023. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 3.
IPT #2: SAT 25 FEB 2023 through the full day on THURS 2 MAR 2023. Six full days/24 hours on the boat: $6600.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 3.
IPT #3: FRI 3 MAR 2023 through the full day on TUES 7 MAR 2023. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers. Openings: 3.
Save $1,000.00 by doing back-to-back trips.
These trips feature non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.
In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require a ton of good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when creating bird-scapes.
If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will stay out and be in the right spot.
We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.
Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader, who is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!
What You Will Learn
You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer. But only if that is what you want.
You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes.
You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode.
Most importantly you will learn to pick your best flight images from tens of thousands of images.
You will enjoy working with the two best and most creative boat captains on their sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck crafts.
The second and third IPTs are the only Bald Eagle workshops that feature an incredibly helpful first mate.
Only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.
Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
What’s Included
One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.
What’s Not Included
Your airfare to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.
Please Note
On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips, or 24 hours for the second trip, the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $225/hour.
Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer.
Deposit Information
A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check as above.
In Closing
I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of the three trips is to sign up for all of them. Can you keep up with me? If you have any questions, or are good to go for one, two, or all three trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission on items priced at $1,000 or more. With items less than $1000, there is a $50 flat-fee. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. If you are interested, please click here, read everything carefully, and do what it says. To avoid any misunderstandings, please read the whole thing very carefully. If you agree to the terms, please state so clearly via e-mail and include the template or templates, one for each item you wish to sell. Then we can work together to get your stuff priced and listed.
Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice only to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past years, we have sold many hundreds of items. Do know that prices for used gear only go in one direction. Down. You can always see the current listings by clicking here or on the Used Photo Gear tab on the orange-yellow menu bar near the top of each blog post page.
Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM Lens
BAA Record-low Price!
Amit Satiya is offering a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for a BIRDS AS ART record low $5898.00. The sale includes the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, lens trunk, the lens strap, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Amit via e-mail or by phone at 1-201-554-9820 (Eastern time zone).
Whenever I owned a Canon 500mm, I loved the 500 because it was smaller and lighter and thus easier to handhold, focused closer, and was much easier to travel with than the 600. Right now, a new one at B&H sells for $8999.00, and there is a used one in the same condition as Amit’s for a ridiculously high $7,198.95. Whichever on you compare it to, you will save a pocketful of cash by being the one to grab his lens. With a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R $99.00), this lens performs perfectly with an EOS R, R5, R6, or R7! artie
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV 24-600mm Digital Camera (with extras)
Multiple IPT veteran Bill Schneider is offering a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera with extras for a very low $1049.00. The sale includes the original box, the front lens cover, two extra batteries — (a $54 value each), three in all, a dual battery charger (a $25 value), a Sony 64GB card, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
I began bird photography with this great premium super-zoom bridge-camera. It was a great bang for my buck. I was able to get on those small, far away birds, and at the same time, it was a great macro lens. Not to mention everything in between! Anke Frohlich
This super-zoom bridge camera sells new for $1698.00. You can save a handsome $650.00 by grabbing Bill’s DSC-RX10 IV now. artie
Providing speed, reach, and versatile recording features, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV from Sony is a compact solution for the multimedia image-makers. Featuring an updated 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the RX10 IV is capable of up to 24 fps shooting at ISO 12800, as well as recording UHD 4K/30p or Full HD 1080/120p video. The sensor’s back-illuminated and stacked technologies afford a high degree of image quality with notable clarity and reduced noise to suit working in challenging lighting conditions. Complementing the shooting speed of the sensor and processor combination, this camera also offers a quickened 315-point focal plane phase-detection autofocus system for focus speeds as fast as 0.03 seconds.
Balancing the imaging capabilities, the RX10 IV is also characterized by its 25x ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens, which spans an impressive 24-600mm equivalent focal length range and uses Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize the effects of camera shake by up to 4.5 stops. Its optical design incorporates eight extra-low dispersion elements and six aspherical elements to control a variety of aberrations throughout the zoom range, and its f/2.4-4 maximum aperture range benefits working in low-light conditions.
Rounding out the RX10 IV is its characteristic robust form factor, which includes both a 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder along with a tilting 3.0″ 1.44m-dot touchscreen LCD. The intuitive design also features three dedicated control rings on the lens-a zoom ring, a manual focus ring, and an aperture ring-and the aperture ring can be de-clicked for smooth, silent aperture adjustments. The magnesium-alloy body is also weather-sealed to permit working in trying environments. Additionally, for sharing and control flexibility, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also available for wireless image sharing and remote camera control from a linked smartphone or tablet. Sony & B&H
What’s Up?
Wednesday began with a 2.9-mile walk/rope flow walk with a photography break after my 2-mile walk. Again, I worked the Vulture Trees. As my right shoulder continues to get stronger with two daily hanging-from-the-chinning-bar sessions, I have been increasing the length of my daily swims. Again, I did 40 lengths in the morning and 40 more in the afternoon (totaling nine-tenths of a mile).
Thanks to the many who commented on yesterday’s blog post. Jeff Walters suggested deepening the blue. I tried that, but it looked too phony to my brain. Adam suggested replacing the sky, but that it something that I have resisted doing as it seems too phony to me. The two versions that I created were artistic interpretations of the same raw file. Adding a third-party sky does not sit well with me. I am fine if you do it and if you like it. I only suggest that you always let folks know what you did.
Warren Howe summed things up best when he commented:
I think it is interesting just how many opinions there are on this topic. It just goes to show you, never worry what you think others will like. Make it the way YOU like it! BTW, I like the blue version …
BTW, I like the white sky version best. Why? I love the high key look and am always partial to white on white. As always, different strokes for different folks.
Today is Thursday 22 September 2022. I will be heading down to the lake early for a short photo session and then have to head into town for a bit. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post about two hours to prepare makes one hundred eighty-one days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection focused on the snow. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Out of focus adult Bald Eagle in flight during a brief but heavy snow squall.
Be Careful What You Pray For
For two weeks we had been wishing, hoping, and praying for snow. Late on our very last day, the snow came in spades, in the form of a heavy snow squall that hit out of nowhere. One moment there were a few light flurries, and the next moment the snow was so thick and heavy that we could barely see the eagles. Nor could the AF systems find the birds. They were blinded by the snow between us and the birds, so that is where they focused. The result were a few sharp snowflakes and an out-of-focus subject.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly with a DMF assist. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Adult Bald Eagle in flight in snow squall.
Problem Solving in the Field
What to do? The AF system could not get through the snow to “see” the subject. Sony GM telephoto lenses offer a Direct Manual Focus (DMF) switch. I recommend that it be set to ON all the time (except when working off a beanbag). When the AF system cannot “see” the subject, you can manually pre-focus even when the AF switch is set to AF, that is, when AF is active. This is a huge advantage for folks using Sony big glass. Aha! I’d zoom to 280mm with my left hand. Then I’d re-grip the lens so that my left hand was on the manual focusing ring. DMF allowed me to pre-focus on the eagles. Once the AF system could see the birds, it would acquire focus on the bird’s head or the eye and track accurately through the snow. The only disadvantage with this approach is that I was not able to zoom out.
As I say here often, I am proud that I am often able to come up with solutions to in-the-field photographic problems. Join me on an IPT to see my brain in action.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Adult Bald Eagle in flight in light snow.
The Very Brief Snow Squall
Within minutes, the ferocity of the snow squall diminished,, and the AF systems were able to “see” the subjects. With the much lighter snow, the rock wall background became visible.
Your Call?
Which of today’s three 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.
Consider changing your life and becoming a much better bird photographer by joining me on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT). DeSoto, San Diego, Homer, and the yet-to-be announced July 2024 Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime all offer the opportunity for you to improve your skills both in the field and at the computer and to make some astounding images as well. Click here and see which IPT might be best for you.
I was glad to learn yesterday that newbie Nancy Fischer took advantage of the late registration discount offer and will be joining DeSoto #1 and that many multiple IPT veteran Jim Dolgin will be joining the second DeSoto IPT for two days.
What’s Up?
Tuesday began with a 3-mile walk/rope flow walk with a photography break after 2 miles when the sun came out for 20 minutes. I worked the Vulture Trees. I had two very good images lined up and each time the bird flew just before I pressed the shutter button. You gotta love it. As my shoulder is getting stronger with two hanging from the chinning bar sessions I am gradually increasing the length of my daily swims. Yesterday I did 40 lengths in the morning and 40 more in the afternoon. The 80-lengths totaled nine-tenths of a mile.
Today is Wednesday 21 September 2022. I will be heading down to the lake early. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post about an hour to prepare and makes one hundred eighty days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Huge Thanks to Muhammad Arif
Muhammad texted me yesterday at 12:15pm asking if I was sick or had died. Why? I finished yesterday’s blog post at 6:15am and forgot to hit Publish. Thanks to Moe, the current streak is still alive. That’s what friends are for!
This image was created on 16 September 2022 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Working from the front seat of my vehicle, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter (at 1200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/1250 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be 1/6 stop from perfect. AWB at 8:33:16am on a partly cloudy morning.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Little Blue Heron juvenile on The Perch — blue sky version
Dealing with a Washed Out Sky
With the raw file properly exposed well to the right, the sky in the original was a pale, washed out shade of blue. To render the sky bluer, I worked the BLUE sliders in the Color Mixer tab of Adobe Camera Raw during the raw conversion: I moved the BLUE saturation to the right to increase it, and moved the LUMINANCE slider to the left (just a bit) to reduce it. Capture One offers similar HSL color controls. I am still planning on creating a Getting the BLUES Right video.
Sony Telephoto BLUBB DMF Reminder
If you are using a Sony Telephoto lens on a a href=”https://birdsasart-shop.com/blubb-big-lens-ultimate-bean-bag/” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>BLUBB, it is important that you remember to turn the DMF switch to OFF so that the focus does not change inadvertently while you are shooting (as might occur whenever you move the lens even slightly to fine tune the image design). At present, I believe that only Sony offers a Direct Manual Focus switch on some telephoto lenses. When I started doing this I thought that it would be challenging to remember to turn the switch OFF when working from the car with the BLUBB, but that has not been the case. If I forget to move the switch to ON when I go back to the tripod, I will be reminded as soon as I try to pre-focus manually and the focus does not change.
This image, from the same raw file as above, was created on 16 September 2022 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Working from the front seat of my vehicle, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter (at 1200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/1250 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be 1/6 stop from perfect. AWB at 8:33:16am on a partly cloudy morning.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Little Blue Heron juvenile — white sky version
Creating a White Sky Version
To render the sky white, I again worked the BLUE sliders in the Color Mixer tab of Adobe Camera Raw during the raw conversion: I moved the BLUE saturation to the left to decrease it, and moved the the LUMINANCE slider all the way to the right. Capture One offers similar HSL color controls. I am still planning on creating a Getting the BLUES Right video.
Your Call?
All are invited to leave a comment letting us know why they prefer the blue sky version or why they prefer the white sky version. My choice may surprise you.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
IPT #1: MON 20 FEB 2023 through the full day on FRI 24 FEB 2023. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 3.
IPT #2: SAT 25 FEB 2023 through the full day on THURS 2 MAR 2023. Six full days/24 hours on the boat: $6600.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 3.
IPT #3: FRI 3 MAR 2023 through the full day on TUES 7 MAR 2023. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers. Openings: 3.
Save $1,000.00 by doing back-to-back trips.
These trips feature non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.
In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require a ton of good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when creating bird-scapes.
If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will stay out and be in the right spot.
We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.
Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader, who is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!
What You Will Learn
You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer. But only if that is what you want.
You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes.
You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode.
Most importantly you will learn to pick your best flight images from tens of thousands of images.
You will enjoy working with the two best and most creative boat captains on their sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck crafts.
The second and third IPTs are the only Bald Eagle workshops that feature an incredibly helpful first mate.
Only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.
Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
What’s Included
One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.
What’s Not Included
Your airfare to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.
Please Note
On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips, or 24 hours for the second trip, the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $225/hour.
Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer.
Deposit Information
A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check as above.
In Closing
I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of the three trips is to sign up for all of them. Can you keep up with me? If you have any questions, or are good to go for one, two, or all three trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.
What’s Up?
Same old same old as for my daily regimen, but for the fact that the late afternoon swim was cut well short by yet more thunder and lightning. I did a bit of photography in the morning while taking a walk with the 400mm f/2.8 and the monopod.
Today is Tuesday 20 September 2022 and I need to get down to the lake soon. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post about an hour to prepare and makes one hundred seventy-nine days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Bon Voyage to Clemens!
Long-ago student and long-time friend Clemens Van der Werf, wife Adri, and Toby and Jake, their two beloved golden retrievers, came by for a pool deck dinner. Clemens recently sold his home in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and his flats boat. The family (including the two dogs, in very large crates), is flying to Frankfurt, Germany in three days and then driving to the Netherlands. They are renting a home for a month with an option to extend if need be. Clemens is looking good for his dream job. If that works out, they will be buying a home near his new place of employment.
When Clemens began taking IPTs, he had no interest in photographing birds or wildlife; he only wanted to learn to photograph his beloved Golden Retrievers and American’s Cup class sailing yachts. A fellow Canon Explorer of Light recommended that he take a course or two with me. You can read the whole story here, but the photos are no longer available). As they say, the rest is history; Clemens quickly developed into a world-class nature photographer. His work has been featured many times here on the blog. Type “Clemens” into the little white search box and ten pages of links will pop up. Here are two:
Over the past two decades, we have done a ton of photography together. I wish him good luck with the move, and with his new and exciting endeavors.
The image that Clemens is holding was created on 19 December 2013 at Brown Bluff, Antarctica. Clemens used a handheld Sigma 50-500mm lens with the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 400: 1/800 sec. at f/13.AWB at 11:55am on blessedly cloudy day.
Clemens’ Online Virtual Print Gallery
Image courtesy of and copyright 2014: Clemens Van der Werf Photography
Clemens Online Virtual Print Gallery
Mazel tov to Clemens on the move, and on continued success with his online virtual print gallery at Shop.clemensvanderwerf.com.
This image was created at Kachemak Bay, AK on 25 FEB 2020. I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (at 200mm) with the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body) that features incredibly accurate AF. ISO 1600. Exposure determined via Zebras on the rear wheel: 1/1600 sec. at f/3.2. AWB at 11:45am in a snowstorm.
Image copyright 2020: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.
Clemens Van der Werf at Homer in a blizzard — the man in black!
Clemens in Action at Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
Pray for snow in Homer as it offers spectacular photographic opportunities (as you can see below).
This image was also created at Kachemak Bay, AK on 21 February 2020. Again, I used the handheld Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens and the EOS-1D X Mark II. ISO 800: 1/2000 sec at f/3.2. As the image was created before I had begun working with RawDigger, the evaluation by this great app this morning showed that the raw file is more than 1/3 stop too dark. AWB at 11:37:53am on a cloudy morning.
Image #1: Adult Bald Eagle in flight — in your face
I Have No Clue
Because I had been shooting with Nikon and Sony at one time in about 2019, I have no clue as to how I wound up shooting with Canon on one of the 2020 Homer IPTs. I do, however, remember that Clemens loaned me his 300mm f/2.8L IS lens. I am not sure if the 1DX II was his or mine.
This image was created at Kachemak Bay, AK on 21 February 2020. I used the handheld Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens and the EOS-1D X Mark II. ISO 640: 1/3200 sec at f/3.2. As the image was created before I had begun working with RawDigger, the evaluation by this great app this morning showed that the raw file is more than one full stop too dark. AWB at 1:21:06pm on a cloudy afternoon.
Image #2: Adult Bald Eagle walking on fresh snow
Snow is the Bomb!
Blizzards, fresh snow on the ground, large snowflakes, and even snow squalls are more than welcome on the Homer Bald Eagle IPTs. Last year we had only a single snow squall, so we are overdue for more than a few snowfalls this year. Do consider joining me.
The Stronger Image?
Which of today’s featured Bald Eagle images do you like best? All are invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choice. Or not. Life is about choices.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
If you learn a lot by reading today’s blog post and studying the images, think how much you could learn on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour. Check out the schedule here, and then give Jim a call to leave your deposit. Remember, we only live once.
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM (with two great extras!)
BAA Record-low Price!
IPT veteran Dane Johnson is offering a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM zoom lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $1,247.00. There are no scratches, dings, or blemishes on the lens body or front/rear lens. The sale includes the original box, the front and rear lens caps, the carrying case with strap, a LensCoat Realtree Snow lens cover (which has been on the lens since it was taken out of the box), an Arca-Swiss compatible Really Right Stuff replacement lens foot LCF-54 (a $110 value), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Dane via e-mail or by phone at 559-593-0989.
This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its amazing .98-meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto zoom lens ever. By far. It is easy to hand hold, great for tight portraits, for birds in flight, for quasi-macro stuff, and lots more. For flight, it is fabulous with an EOS R, R5, R6, or R7! This lens sells new for $2399.00 so you can save a handsome $1152.00 by grabbing Dane’s lens (with two great extras!) right now. artie
What’s Up?
Sunday dawned cloudy but much brighter than Saturday had. I enjoyed an hour-long session at the Vulture Trees. With the soft light, I worked wide and utilized the shapes and colors of the perches and the dead pine trees to full advantage. I had always preferred early morning sun when working the vultures, but after yesterday, I need to re-consider.
I got in two swims, my bursts, and an early 2.1-mile rope flow walk. With NFL Package, I TIVO all the good NFL games each Sunday and then speed-watch them via fast forward. There was a slew of great games yesterday, but none more exciting than the Miami Dolphins comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The Fins trailed by three touchdowns, 35-14 going into the fourth quarter. Led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Miami raced past the stunned Ravens with a stirring fourth-quarter comeback. Tua threw for 469 yards and six touchdowns, four of which came during the final period. A 7-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle with 14 seconds left put Miami ahead for good after Baltimore had re-taken the lead on a field goal. Whew! (Yes, I was rooting for the Dolphins.)
Today is Monday 19 September and I will be heading down to the lake soon. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took more than two hours to prepare and makes one hundred seventy-eight days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Image #1: Car stuck in muck at ILE/September 18
It Could’ve Been Me
This car, not mine, was stuck in the muck near the pier bathroom. Another was stuck at the north end of the north field. One lady I talked to said that she had seen two other cars towed in the past few days. I had been very lucky on Friday.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Image #2: Vulture Trees pano/September 16
Vulture Trees Pano
Number two above is a crop of an iPhone image. The Candelabra tree is on our right. The first tree to the left of that one is another dead pine with lots of perch branches and lots of vultures. Despite all the birds, there are not many good chances as most of the perches offered cluttered backgrounds. With a long lens and careful choice of perspective, you can create some clean images of birds resting or stretching its wings, usually on a horizontal branch. Though we cannot see its trunk, there is a live tree right behind that one. Can you prove that there are five (not four) trees in the main grouping? If yes, please leave a comment.
Far to our left, you can see a single vulture perched atop what was the original Vulture Tree. As mentioned recently, most of the perch branches have rotted and fallen to the ground. When a vulture is perched at the base of the vee of the left-most perch — like the bird in Image #2, I opt not photograph it as I cannot come up with a pleasing image design.
Birds in Trees As Art
This image was created on 18 September 2022 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BAA) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 840mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1600 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect plus. AWB at 8:19:59am on sunny morning with just a bit of haze in the air.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
When I saw the bird in Image #3 perched in the clear on the left prong of the vee perch, I walked about sixty yards to my left through the wet grass to get the sensor parallel to the plane of the vulture’s spread wings. I made a few horizontal images before realizing that a vertical would be much better. Note that I went far enough left so that there would be some space between the bird’s left wing and the taller prong on the right. If you wish to create artistic images, just getting the bird in the frame and pushing the shutter button is nowhere near enough, even if the subject is razor sharp. A lot of thought needs to go into the creation of pleasing images.
This image was also created on 13 September 2022 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BAA) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 840mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1600 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect plus. AWB at 8:19:59am on sunny morning with just a bit of haze in the air.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #4: Turkey Vulture preening/trunk-scape
Trunk-scape
A lot of thought also went into the creation of this image. I made some with the bird in the lower right third before making some with the bird in the upper right third. The latter placement let me include lots of the gorgeous Spanish moss. In addition, the pattern and colors of the bark are a big plus. The orange on the trunk where the bark has fallen off picks up the bit of orange near the end of the perch. You can see this perch bottom right on the Candelabra tree as seen in the pano, Image #2.
Strategy/Image Design Question
The vultures feel safe in the trees; it is child’s play to approach them closely. Why is it better to add the teleconverter and move back rather than to simply move closer to get the same framing? Note that for both of today’s featured images, I did move back to get the beautiful framing that I wanted.
The Stronger Image?
Which of today’s two featured images, #3 and #4, do you like best? All are invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choice. Or not. Life is about choices.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All the images on this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.
The Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #1
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 27 September through the morning session on Friday 30 September 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2
3 1/2 Days: 7 October through the morning session on Monday 10 October 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Monday 31 October through the morning session on Thursday 3 November 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.
There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information. If you register soon and would like to share an AirBnB with me, shoot me an e-mail. Other possibilities including taking a cab to and from the airport to our AirBnB and riding with me. This saves you both gas and the cost of a rental car.
A $600 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check two months before the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.
Up Early, Stay Out Late!
Obviously, folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Spoonbills at DeSoto
Over the past few years, Roseate Spoonbills have become regular visitors to Fort DeSoto Park. I know when and where to find them and can teach you to approach them successfully. Do consider joining me on a DeSoto IPT.
What’s Up?
On Saturday — an early 2.5-mile rope flow walk, two swims totaling 3/4-mile, and my bursts. Par for the course. As it was cloudy-dark at dawn, I did not do any photography. It was looking as if the daily afternoon rain, thunder, and lightning would cancel my 34-length swim. When I finally ventured into the pool after 7:30pm, it was dark and cold and raining hard. But I was glad that I got my swim in. The relatively cold water (85° as compared to body temperature — between 98 and 99°), along with the exercise does a good job of lowering blood sugar.
Today is Sunday 18 September 2022. The forecast for today is the same as it was yesterday: cloudy with thunderstorms beginning at 2:00pm and continuing until 11:00pm. The water levels in Lake Weohyakapka (AKA Lake Walk in Water) are as high as I have seen in my 21 years at ILE. I will be working on and sending an e-mail to the SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group. It will deal with the new v1.31 Firmware Update and lots more. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 75 minutes to prepare and makes one hundred seventy-seven days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Please Remember
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Image #1: My tire tracks near the edge of the North Field
The Soggy Wet Fields
Ever since I saw a Black-bellied Whistling Duck on The Perch ten days ago, I wondered what I would do if I saw a good bird on the perch. Why? All three of the big fields at ILE have been inundated by heavy rains for three months. When I saw the juvie Little Blue Heron on The Perch on Friday, I decided to take a chance. As my tire tracks above show, I barely made it out! I am not planning on doing that again soon.
This image was created on 16 September 2022 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Working from the front seat of my vehicle, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter (at 1200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/1250 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be 1/6 stop from perfect. AWB at 8:33:16am on a partly cloudy morning.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: The A7INFO screen capture for the Little Blue Heron juvenile on The Perch image
The Tiny Green Square Gets Even Better!
Thanks to a comment left by Nelson two days ago, I updated both of my a1 bodies to firmware v1.31 early on Friday morning and then spent some quality time at the Vulture Trees. I felt that firmware update 1.30 noticeably improved Bird-Eye autofocus. According to Sony, the latest firmware update, v1.31, offers two benefits and improvements: It improves the accuracy of the Eye AF feature and improves the operational stability of the camera. Though I only photographed for an hour on Friday morning, it was obvious that the improvement in Bird-Eye AF was significant.
When you point a long lens at a bird, the a1’s AF system searches for the eye before you press or half-press the shutter button! When an eye is detected, a tiny green square lights up and tracks it. With v1.31, the system picked up the bird’s eye more quickly, and once you half-pressed the shutter button the eye tracking clearly seemed to be stickier.
No matter how great the eye tracking of your mirrorless camera body, two things will always be true:
1- When the bird turns its head away or buries it in its feathers while preening, the AF system will obviously quit tracking the eye. With v1.31, the AF system picked the eye up very quickly once it re-appeared.
2- Strong folks with excellent hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, fast reflexes, and great stamina will always get better results than the rest of us. They are better equipped to take advantage of the amazing new AF technologies that are available to us.
All that said, understand that I only had one hour with the lens and have not yet had an opportunity to evaluate v1.31 for flight photography. I will be doing that in spades on DeSoto IPT #1. I am positive that Bird-eye AF for flight photography will be improved, the question is, “By how much?”
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 129 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 purchase 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.
IPT #1: MON 20 FEB 2023 through the full day on FRI 24 FEB 2023. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 3.
IPT #2: SAT 25 FEB 2023 through the full day on THURS 2 MAR 2023. Six full days/24 hours on the boat: $6600.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 3.
IPT #3: FRI 3 MAR 2023 through the full day on TUES 7 MAR 2023. Five full days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers. Openings: 3.
Save $1,000.00 by doing back-to-back trips.
These trips feature non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.
In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require a ton of good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when creating bird-scapes.
If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will stay out and be in the right spot.
We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.
Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader, who is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!
What You Will Learn
You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer. But only if that is what you want.
You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes.
You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode.
Most importantly you will learn to pick your best flight images from tens of thousands of images.
You will enjoy working with the two best and most creative boat captains on their sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck crafts.
The second and third IPTs are the only Bald Eagle workshops that feature an incredibly helpful first mate.
Only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.
Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
What’s Included
One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.
What’s Not Included
Your airfare to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.
Please Note
On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips, or 24 hours for the second trip, the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $225/hour.
Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer.
Deposit Information
A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check as above.
In Closing
I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of the three trips is to sign up for all of them. Can you keep up with me? If you have any questions, or are good to go for one, two, or all three trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.
What’s Up?
I started my day with a 2.9-mile rope flow walk. I’ve added a 32-length morning swim in an effort to lessen the blood sugar rise that diabetics experience upon wakening — the dawn effect. I updated both of my a1 bodies to firmware v1.31 thanks to a comment left by Nelson two days ago and spent some quality time at the Vulture Trees. I will share what I learned in tomorrow’s blog post. I did a 34-length swim after dinner on a cold rainy afternoon. With the 66-length total I am now swimming 3/4-mile daily. And yes, the right shoulder is holding up nicely.
Today is Saturday 17 September with more of the same on the menu for me. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes one hundred seventy-six days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Could Anita Gail Erica North Have Been Right?
This image was created on 22 February 2022 on a Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK/Bald Eagle IPT. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 70mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. ISO 640: 1/1000 sec. at f/7.1 (stopped down 2 2/3 stops) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed the exposure to be within 1/6 stop of perfect. AWB at 3:50:10pm on a cloudy afternoon.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Adult Bald Eagle on moose carcass
Placing the Carcass
The captain had transported the road-killed Moose carcass from the mainland. As he carried it down the rocky beach (away from the boat), I can remember Anita North instructing me from the boat: “No. Don’t put it there. Move it forty yards more down the beach to the spot where the beach turns away to the right.” Thinking that we could get low enough to yield a distant and therefore pleasing background, I did not listen.
See Image #2, below, to see who was right.
This image was created on 22 February 2022 on a Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK/Bald Eagle IPT. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 470mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/1600 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 3:44:10pm on a cloudy afternoon. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect.
Tracking: Spot S AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Adult Bald Eagle on moose carcass
Who Was Right?
Though we were down by the water, and the rocky beach was a steep one, we could not get low enough to yield a pleasing, de-focused background. I am less than thrilled with the rocks being the bird. Had I listened to Anita and moved the carcass down the beach and placed it on the crest where the beach turned away to our right, the background would have been a thousand yards away and would have been rendered as a soft blur of earth tones.
Anita was right, and I was wrong. Anita Gail Erica North was Canada’s third female brain surgeon and is now a skilled photographer. Since she retired more than a decade ago, she has been traveling around the world photographing birds and other wildlife. In mid-October, she is heading back to Africa for five months on her own. I wish her a great safari.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II).
You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)
The techniques mentioned below, the basics of Quick Masking, and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.
Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: most of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.
You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here. Today, I convert my Sony raw files in Photoshop with Adobe Camera Raw.
You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.
What’ Up?
Same old, same old. I started Thursday with a 2.7-mile rope flow walk, did my bursts after my nap, did my chinning bar hanging and shoulder stretching, and enjoyed a 1/2-mile swim in the afternoon. I drove by the vulture trees after my walk but returned home to get to work.
I’ve been meaning to mention that I’ve seen as many as three Spotted Sandpipers on the pier at once, had the first-of-season juvenile Laughing Gull on Tuesday, and the first-of-season Belted Kingfisher on Wednesday. And yesterday, just as I was driving up to the vulture trees, an adult Bald Eagle dove on the vultures and scattered them before flying off. It was the second time that I missed that.
I am still offering a late-registration discount on the first DeSoto IPT. See yesterday’s blog post for complete details and e-mail for the discount details
Today is Friday 16 September 2022. For me, there is more of the same on tap. I am really looking forward to DeSoto #1 — I just love photographing at the beach. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes one hundred seventy-five days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
The Candelabra Vulture Tree — Hard to Resist
This image was created on 13 September 2022 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Standing at full height, 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 500. 1/1000 sec. at f/7.1 (stopped down 2 2/3 stops) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:35:13am on mostly sunny 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 #1: Turkey Vultures on the candelabra perch tree
The Candelabra Vulture Tree
From November through early summer, bird photography at ILE is often excellent. Late summer and early fall? Not so much. The Sandhill Cranes are not doing much, and seasonal heavy rains keep me from driving on the three large fields in fear of having to call a tow truck. At the south end of the South Field, however, there are almost always Turkey and Black Vultures perched in a series of six scattered pine trees. I call them the Vulture Trees. The tree on the very left was best for years as it was well apart from the other five. It offered some clean perches with sky backgrounds and some fabulous flight photography opportunities on mornings with an easterly component to the wind. Now, there are just two prongs available as perches; the birds rarely land there anymore.
Over the past few years, most of the large branches on the rightmost tree have fallen off (seen immediately above), leaving a sort of candelabra with the vultures as candles. I can stand on Banyan Drive, keep my sneakers dry, and work with the 600 GM alone or with either TC. The birds are relatively tame and allow a fairly close approach. To do that now, I would need to wear my surf booties.
To get wide enough to create Image #1, I switched the 600 for the 400 f/2.8 and walked away from the tree onto the lawn of the nice lady that lives in the last house on the block. I am glad that I did.
Image Questions
Was I right on sun angle? How do you know?
Which bird has the worst head angle?
This image was also created on 13 September 2022 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BAA) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 840mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1600 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect plus. AWB at 8:19:59am on sunny morning with just a bit of haze in the air.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Turkey Vulture — adult sunning
The Tip-top Perch
My favorite perch is the tall, topmost branch on the candelabra tree. It offers clean sky backgrounds. The bird in Image #2 is the same bird seen on that perch in Image #1.
All are invited to leave a comment letting us know what they like or don’t like about today’s featured Image #1. Or not.
Moving the Green
To improve compositional balance, the pine bough in Image #1 was moved from the center of the left frame-edge to the upper left frame-edge. And, for the same reason, the pine bough in Image #2 was moved from the lower left corner to the lower right corner. I moved the green boughs and covered them in their original position using Quick Masks. I applied a Gaussian Blur to the green in Image #1. In Image #2, it was pleasingly out of focus in the original frame.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All the images on this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.
The Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #1
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 27 September through the morning session on Friday 30 September 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2
3 1/2 Days: 7 October through the morning session on Monday 10 October 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Monday 31 October through the morning session on Thursday 3 November 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.
There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information. If you register soon and would like to share an AirBnB with me, shoot me an e-mail. Other possibilities including taking a cab to and from the airport to our AirBnB and riding with me. This saves you both gas and the cost of a rental car.
A $600 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check two months before the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.
Up Early, Stay Out Late!
Obviously, folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Spoonbills at DeSoto
Over the past few years, Roseate Spoonbills have become regular visitors to Fort DeSoto Park. I know when and where to find them and can teach you to approach them successfully. Do consider joining me on a DeSoto IPT.
What’s Up?
I did a 2.2-mile rope flow walk and spent a bit more time at the Vulture Trees early on Thursday morning. I got my easy 1/2-mile swim in just before the daily afternoon rains came. I got a ton of work done on my taxes and on the 2023 Galapagos Photo-cruise of a Lifetime.
I am still offering a late-registration discount on the first DeSoto IPT. Please e-mail for details.
Be sure to read about one of the top ten days in my life, below. All are welcome to share a great day in their life that comes to mind.
Today is Thursday 15 September 2022 and I have lots to do in addition to my daily rope flow walk and an afternoon swim. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes one hundred seventy-four days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Please Remember
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
It was great re-reading pages 58-63 on Applied Exposure Theory in your book. I had forgotten most of it (OK, all). But it did pose this question: If I use zebras (or blinkies in my Fuji X-H2s) to expose to the right until I can’t see zebras any longer, as taught in your RawDigger guide, I should get the best possible exposure, even although it may not be a theoretically perfect exposure. Would you agree with that?
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART — September 6, 2022 at 8:11pm
Hi Veit, Thanks for the plug for The Art of Bird Photography. I believe that all serious photographers should know that stuff cold. But, well less than 1% do. First off, blinkies (highlight alerts) are not at all similar to Zebras. In addition, nothing about Zebras (or blinkies) is taught in the RawDigger guide; all that RawDigger does is to accurately evaluate the exposure or brightness of your raw files. Zebras only work if the Zebra levels on your camera is set up properly. I wish that I could help more, but you are very confused about lots of things. Where do you live? with love, artie
Interesting video on the monopod. Thank you for your input. I have a little different setup with both pieces and learning, but often, I find myself picking up the whole works to get the shot in different flights, experimenting. The guy coming out of the crapper was funny; you handled it well when he said that he thought you were in the other room.:-) Always with love b
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART — September 8, 2022 at 9:06am
Hey Bob, Thanks! When the guy walked unexpectedly out of the bathroom at Nickerson in the middle of the video, it instantly reminded me of attending a ceremony honoring NYC Impact II grant recipients more than thirty years ago. It was at the NY Historical Society. Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, & Mary fame, was the speaker. But he only sang. He did several old hit tunes with new lyrics that he had written to honor the folks getting the grants when a fire alarm went off. He did not miss a beat, instantly inserting several lines that dealt seamlessly with the untoward fire alarm. It was obvious that he was a very skilled, prepared professional, and that he had done this before.
In that instant when the guy walked out of the bathroom, I was brought right back to that day. Elaine was there. After honoring the grantees, he ended with a bunch of old Peter, Paul, and Mary hits. Puff the Magic Dragon was the last of those with a happy ending that was added only at live performances. Most of the crowd was my age and there was not a dry eye in the house. I found him over wine and cheese, thanked him profusely, and gave him a huge hug.
It was easily one of the top ten days of my life. Heck, top five.
with love, a
To see and listen to a comic-strip-style illustrated version that will likely make you cry, click here. “A dragon lives forever, but not so little boys …” The sound of their voices is very special.
A Common Depth of Field Misconception
Note: Ryan is a skilled and experienced photographer.
Hi Artie, I’m not sure about your specific depth of field program, but my understanding of depth of field relative to the plane of focus is that 1/3 of the sharply focused portion of the image is in front of the plane if focus (closer to the camera) and 2/3 of it is beyond the plane of focus, not a 50/50 split as suggested in your discussion of your tern image. Ryan
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART — September 9, 2022 at 9:20am
Thanks for commenting, Ryan. You are correct when it comes to shorter focal lengths, but dead wrong as far as telephoto lenses where DOF is roughly 50-50. For today’s image this is pretty accurate:
Depth of field in front 0.14 m (49.58%)
Depth of field behind 0.14 m (50.42%)
And typical of DOF with long focal lengths. I am sure that this has been mentioned here before, but it never hurts to repeat the various lessons. with love, artie
Hi Artie, Thank you for this video. Why did you reduce the slider value by 2/3 when setting the “white point”?
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART — September 10, 2022 at 4:03pm
My pleasure. If you set the slider to the spot where the OvEXP warnings begin to disappear, your whites will be at 255. It is difficult to impossible to restore the detail. For years, I reduced the white slider value by half. More recently, I began reducing it by 2/3 so that I would have less work to do restoring detail to the whites. Please note that in the video I neglected to move the Highlight Slider to the left (as I should have). with love, artie
I prefer image #1. I would have cropped much tighter in 1a, to highlight the tail feathers and make the image more of an abstract. Have you thought about rotating the image 90 degrees CCW to make it a vertical where the bird appears diving? (Just a thought.)
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART — September 11, 2022 at 5:29pm
Thanks, Jim. I played around with the crop here several times. I did not have much room to come in some more on the left while keeping the 3X2 proportion. Your first idea however is good one. If I rotated it 90° that would have either brought the head into the photo (and I did not want to have anything to do with that very poor head angle) or I would have had to cut the tail in half. Neither of those appealed to me. Not to mention that changes the orientation of an image messes with my brain.
Sometime in the mid-1980s when I was a pure beginner, VIREO (then Visual Resources for Ornithology at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences), unbeknownst to me, sold a (film) image of a preening Anhinga of mine to what was then TLBQ, The Living Bird Quarterly. They rotated it 90 degrees and used it on the front cover. That was my first cover on a nationally distributed magazine. It turned out to be the first of many. About thirty-five years ago I said to myself, “I’ll stick with this hobby until I get my first cover and then go on to something else.” Not.
with love, artie
This image was created on 15 August 2022 at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, NY. While standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 640. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was within 1/3-stop of being perfect. AWB at 8:19:29am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #1A: Vertical out-of-the-box crop of the Osprey — fresh juvenal plumage in flight image
Speaking of the Crazy Osprey Crop (from the blog post mentioned above)
The few folks who commented did not like my crop, a crop that arose from the fact that the bird was looking out to sea. Simply put, the head angle was terrible. I thought that the crop was neat, creative, and effective. I am of course, a bit biased, but I still like it 🙂
I much prefer the pose and feather detail in 1. However, I thought (that the) eye in both 1 and 2A had been over-sharpened and lightened. If I haven’t explained that properly – when both images popped up, (the) detail in the eyes just appeared “too much”. Also, the water under the head in 2A appeared extra sharp adding to my first impression for that image.
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART — September 14, 2022 at 4:51pm
Thanks, Neil. You might be on to something. But …
With both images I selected the eye and the lores only, applied some Topaz Sharpen AI, and then reduced that layer to 75% opacity. The eyes were not lightened. And there was no sharpening below the bird’s head in Image #2. So, either you have amazing eyesight, or you are imagining things. I am not sure which. Anyhoo, I will cut back to 50% next time I sharpen an eye with Sharpen AI.
with love, artie
ps: I will post #1 to BPN where there are lots of eagle-eyed folks.
This image was created on 24 September 2020 on a Fort DeSoto IPT. Seated on damp sand I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the mega-mega-pixel a7R IV (now replaced, for me by The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.). ISO 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1600 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:31:21am on a party cloudy morning.
Zone/AF-C performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Laughing Gull attempting to steal baitfish from Brown Pelican
All are invited to leave a comment letting us know what they like or do not like about today’s featured image.
Nobody responded.
I loved the way the pelican was framed in front and behind by the two breaking waves. I loved green water in the lower third, and the blue water in the middle third. I liked that the gull was above the horizon line. I like the soft light. I like that the pelican’s bill is open, and that the tiny fish could be seen. I like the gull’s spread tail and the view of its underwings as it braked. My only problem with the image is with the gull’s (black) bill that is merged with its (black) right leg. In a perfect world, the bill would have been centered between the two legs of the gull.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Many multiple IPT veteran Warren Robb is offering a Canon 100-400mm EF f/4.5-5.6L IS II zoom lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $1248.00. The sale includes the rear lens cap, the front lens cap, the lens case, the original product box, a digital-camo LensCoat lens cover (worn since day one), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only.
Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Warren via e-mail or by phone at 817-915-5820 (Central time zone).
This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its amazing .98 meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto zoom lens ever. By far. It is easy to hand hold, great for tight portraits, for birds in flight, for quasi-macro stuff, and lots more. For flight, it is fabulous with an EOS R, R5, R6, or R7! This lens sells new for $2399.00 so you can save a handsome $1151.00 by grabbing Warren’s lens right now. artie
Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All the images on this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.
The Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #1
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 27 September through the morning session on Friday 30 September 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2
3 1/2 Days: 7 October through the morning session on Monday 10 October 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Monday 31 October through the morning session on Thursday 3 November 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.
There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information. If you register soon and would like to share an AirBnB with me, shoot me an e-mail. Other possibilities including taking a cab to and from the airport to our AirBnB and riding with me. This saves you both gas and the cost of a rental car.
A $600 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check two months before the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.
Up Early, Stay Out Late!
Obviously, folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Spoonbills at DeSoto
Over the past years, Roseate Spoonbills have become regular visitors to Fort DeSoto Park. I know when and where to find them and can teach you to approach them successfully. Do consider joining me on a DeSoto IPT.
What’s Up?
I headed down to the lake in the dark on Tuesday morning and did a 2.4-mile rope flow walk. When I was done, I headed to the Vulture Trees and created 421 images and two videos, most of preening Turkey and Black Vultures. It was the first time I photographed since returning from Long Island on the first of September. I did my bursts after my nap and then an easy 1/2-mile swim. The shoulder is feeling great as I’ve gotten back to doing my hanging and stretching exercises every day.
I was glad to learn of the sale of Jim Miller’s a7R IV and Don Selesky’s Canon 100-400 II, the latter before it was even listed. And I was thrilled to learn that long-ago multiple IPT veteran Greg Hritzo and wife Jenni will be joining me on the second DeSoto IPT. And Greg is thrilled to be getting back into bird photography after 15 years of abstinence. He will be trying out a Sony A1 and a variety of super-telephoto lenses.
I am offering a late-registration discount on the first DeSoto IPT. Please e-mail for details.
Today is Wednesday 14 September 2022. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes one hundred seventy-three days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
This image was created on 24 September 2020 on a Fort DeSoto IPT. Seated on damp sand I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the mega-mega-pixel a7R IV (now replaced, for me by The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.). ISO 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1600 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:31:21am on a party cloudy morning.
Zone/AF-C performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Laughing Gull attempting to steal baitfish from Brown Pelican
Your Opinion
All are invited to leave a comment letting us know what they like or do not like about today’s featured image.
It’s Always Something!
Aside from the fact that Fort DeSoto has the potential to offer great photography every day of the year, it is the great variety of avian action and flight opportunities that get me juiced up ever time that I walk onto the beach with a super-telephoto lens. As the late Gilda Radner said often in the role of Roseanne Roseannadanna on Saturday Night Live, “It’s always something!” At DeSoto, it seems that there is “always something” interesting to photograph. Looking back, it is hard to believe that Radner died (of ovarian cancer) in 1989, more than five years before I lost Elaine (to breast cancer).
Kleptoparasitism
K. Nishimura, in Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior, 2010
Kleptoparasitism, literally meaning parasitism by theft, is a form of resource acquisition where one animal takes resources from another. Although kleptoparasitism of food is the best-known example, the stolen resources may be food or another resource such as nesting materials. As with theft in human society, kleptoparasitism may be stealthy or aggressive.
Guy Beauchamp, in Social Predation, 2014
In kleptoparasitism, a predator loses some or all its prey to competitors from either the same or different species (Brockmann and Barnard, 1979). Kleptoparasites obtain food without actually expending time and energy searching and capturing prey. Kleptoparasitism is a form of contest competition as it results in the loss of resources through direct interactions.
Hugh Powell, an excerpt from Winged Pirates: Kleptoparasitism As A Lifestyle
from All About Birds on TheCornellLab website. You can read the entire article here.
Next time you go out birding, watch for pirates. They may not brandish cutlasses, guzzle grog, or walk the plank, but they’re out there, lounging in the leafy shade or plying the winds, just waiting to pounce on passing treasures.
Piracy, or “kleptoparasitism” to use the technical term, is quite common in the animal world, occurring in everything from mollusks to mammals and 197 species of birds (representing 33 families). The slender-winged frigatebirds of tropical seas are so adept that an entire pirate ship has become embedded in their name. Benjamin Franklin cited the Bald Eagle’s habit of stealing fish as a reason not to use it as the national symbol of the United States.
The Common Raven commits larceny of all kinds, including (according to Native American legend) stealing a piece of the sun to bring light to the people of the Pacific Northwest. And gulls don’t even limit their misdeeds to other birds: they nab ice cream cones from beachgoers and shoplift Doritos from convenience stores.
Doing the research for this blog post really opened my eyes. On Galapagos Photo-Cruises, the frigatebirds are constantly harassing several species of boobies to steal their prey. The chases are often spectacular. And the Brown Noddies often grab tidbits brought to the surface by predatory fish or diving Blue-footed Boobies. In San Diego, the Brand’s Cormorants repeatedly and persistently steal nesting material from their neighbors, often grabbing the entire nest made of seaweed in one fell swoop. And Brown Pelicans, gulls, and cormorants often join huge feeding sprees on baitfish brought to the surface, again by predatory fish. At Jacksonville, the Laughing Gulls — often in groups, harass the terns forcing them to drop the baitfish they are carrying. The gulls are adept at grabbing the meal out of the air as it plummets down to the sand.
And at DeSoto, the Laughing gulls frequently land on the heads of fishing pelicans hoping to grab a morsel as the larger birds squeeze the water out of their bill pouches after scooping up a bill-full of small baitfish.
If you have seen any neat or different examples of kleptoparasitism, please do share by leaving a comment. Eagles after Ospreys, anyone?
Huge crop of the Laughing Gull attempting to steal baitfish from Brown Pelican image
The Sony a7R IV was No Slouch for Bird Photography
Out of curiosity, I re-opened the optimized file for today’s featured image and zoomed in to about 225% and was amazed to see a tiny wriggling baitfish in the pelican’s bill pouch.
When selling multiple IPT veteran Jim Miller’s a7R IV three weeks ago on the Used Gear Page, I wrote:
For the past several years you have seen the incredible detail in my a7r IV images made with a variety of SONY lenses and both teleconverters. Before the a1, I typically used my 7r IV for about 50% of my bird photography and my a9 II in pure flight situations. As the a7r IVA sells new right now for $3498.00 (and the only “improvement” over the original a7R IV is more resolution in the rear monitor), you can save a cool $1601.00 by grabbing Jim’s sweet a7r IV ASAP. Though this 61-MP body is especially attractive to landscape and macro photographers, it is great for birds as well; you can pretty much crop to your heart’s content. For photographing bird in flight, I do not recommend its use with the 200-600 G lens. artie
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Steve Elkins of Bedfords let me know that he will be receiving two Sony 600mm f/4 GM lenses this week. These have been nearly impossible to come by. If you want to change your life, order one right now and be sure to use the BIRDSASART code at checkout to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air Fed-Ex. Click here to order yours now and make sure that you get one of the two (even though it will show up as Place Back Order.) That done, it would not hurt to shoot Steve an e-mail.
Use the discount code to purchase a Sony 600mm f/4 GM and receive any BAA book, e-guide, or e-book free.
Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All the images on this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.
The Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #1
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 27 September through the morning session on Friday 30 September 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2
3 1/2 Days: 7 October through the morning session on Monday 10 October 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Monday 31 October through the morning session on Thursday 3 November 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.
There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information. If you register soon and would like to share an AirBnB with me, shoot me an e-mail. Other possibilities including taking a cab to and from the airport to our AirBnB and riding with me. This saves you both gas and the cost of a rental car.
A $600 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check two months before the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.
Up Early, Stay Out Late!
Obviously, folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Spoonbills at DeSoto
Over the past years, Roseate Spoonbills have become regular visitors to Fort DeSoto Park. I know when and where to find them and can teach you to approach them successfully. Do consider joining me on a DeSoto IPT.
What’s Up?
I headed down to the lake at 8am on Monday and took an easy 1.6-mile rope flow walk. And I did my bursts after an early nap. I did skip my swim but hope to get back in the pool today.
Which, BTW, is Tuesday 13 September. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes one hundred seventy-two days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Got Mangroves? Consider Mangrove Soup
I also created this image on 19 September 2021 at Hidden Lagoon on a DeSoto Fall IPT. Again, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (this time at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1000. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was perfect. AWB at 8:28:23am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version.
Image #1: Snowy Egret with tiny baitfish
Mangroves: Not My Favorite Backgrounds
Stands of mangroves around the world often encircle small bodies of water — bays, lagoons, and estuaries, that act as nurseries for many species of fish. The fish, in turn, attract many species of birds in search of a meal. As the tides ebb and flow, schools of small fish may become trapped in small pools, providing easy pickings for the birds. Finding such situations can provide great action for bird photographers. And that is exactly what I found for my group on the morning of 19 September 2021.
Mangroves, however, are difficult backgrounds to work with, especially on sunny days when the specular highlights on whitewash or water droplets can be especially distracting, as can the occasional dead or dying yellow leaf. The closer the mangroves are to the subject, the more distracting they can be. Note that on cloudy days mangroves can provide lovely green backgrounds and lovely dark green reflections in the water.
Note: the specular highlights on the leaves in this image were eliminated using the clean-up techniques detailed below.
Image #2: The Photo Mechanic screen capture for the Great Egret hunting image
The Original
I included the Photo Mechanic screen capture here for two reasons:
1- To show that on occasion, the Photo Mechanic histogram may be correct.
2- So that you could see the specular highlights in the white-wash on the mangrove leaves.
Click on the screen capture to enlarge and note the ugly and distracting specular highlights on the leaves as well as the ugly and distracting dead and dying yellow leaves.
I created this image on 19 September 2021 at Hidden Lagoon on a DeSoto Fall IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 529mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1000. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2500 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:28:23am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version.
Image #2A: Great Egret hunting
Which is the Best Image?
Which is the stronger optimized image, Image #1, or Image #2A? Why?
Image Optimization Tips
I spent about twenty minutes cleaning up the specular highlights on the leaves and the white reflections in the lower right-hand corner in Image #2. Here are some tips on using the Spot Healing Brush (my personalized shortcut “J”) to soften or eliminate specular highlights:
1- Work large by clicking on an area with the Zoom Tool (Z).
2- When eliminating small specks as needed, it is OK to use the Spot Healing Brush as a stamp.
3- When softening or eliminating a series of specular highlights on a leaf, use the Spot Healing Brush by dragging the cursor over the highlights.
4- If you are less than happy with the results using the Spot Healing Brush, an alternative is to use the Patch Tool (my personalized shortcut “P”) to encircle small groups of specular highlights and then hit Shift + Delete, the default keyboard shortcut for Content-Aware Fill.
5- Note that I rarely if ever use the Clone Stamp Tool (S) for image clean-up work.
Everything mentioned above, including and especially my time-saving Keyboard Shortcuts, is detailed in Digital Basics II.
Image #2B: The RawDigger screen capture for the Great Egret hunting image
Dead-Solid Perfect Exposures
On the RawDiggger Adapted (Pink) histogram, the Green channel for dead-solid perfect exposures will show significant data right up to the 16,000 line. The 203 OvExp pixels (out of 51 million) are all in the specular highlights on the mangrove leaves (as seen in the Photo Mechanic screen capture above). with perfect exposures, the Green channel will reach the 8000 and 2/3 line.
Ho Hum, Another Perfect Exposure
What can I say? The combination of Zebras live in the viewfinder (with your camera set up properly) and post-capture study of the raw files in RawDigger makes it pretty much child’s play to come up with perfect exposure after perfect exposure. It would be impossible to overstate how much I have learned by studying RawDigger and how much better my exposures have become since I started with the program almost two years ago. The raw file brightness for today’s featured image is perfect with the G channel almost making the 16000 line. In other words, the raw file brightness is perfect.
RawDigger — not for the faint of heart …
Nothing has ever helped me learn to create perfect exposures to the degree that RawDigger has. I think that many folks are reluctant to learn that most of their images are underexposed by one or more full stops and that highlight warnings in Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, and your in-camera histogram are bogus as they are based on the embedded JPEGs. Only your raw files tell the truth all the time. Heck, I resisted RawDigger for several years … Once you get over that feeling, RawDigger can become your very best exposure friend no matter what system you are using. On the recent IPTs and In-the-Field sessions, we have demonstrated that fact. Convincingly.
The RawDigger Adapted (pink) Histogram
In the RawDigger e-Guide, you will learn exactly how to set up the Adapted “pink” RawDigger Histogram and how to use it to quickly and easily evaluate the exposure or raw file brightness of images from all digital cameras currently in use. RawDigger was especially helpful to me as I have struggled with R5 exposures and learned my new camera body, the Sony Alpha a1.
RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos
The RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos
by Arthur Morris with Patrick Sparkman
The RawDigger e-Guide was created only for serious photographers who wish to get the absolute most out of their raw files.
Patrick and I began work on the guide in July 2020. At first, we struggled. We asked questions. We learned about Max-G values. We puzzled as to why the Max G values for different cameras were different. IPT veteran Bart Deamer asked lots of questions that we could not answer. We got help from RawDigger creator Iliah Borg. We learned. In December, Patrick came up with an Adapted Histogram that allows us to evaluate the exposures and raw file brightness for all images created with all digital camera bodies from the last two decades. What we learned each time prompted three complete beginning to end re-writes.
The point of the guide is to teach you to truly expose to the mega-Expose-to-the-Right so that you will minimize noise, maximize image quality, best utilize your camera’s dynamic range, and attain the highest possible level of shadow detail in your RAW files in every situation. In addition, your properly exposed RAW files will contain more tonal information and feature the smoothest possible transitions between tones. And your optimized images will feature rich, accurate color.
We teach you why the GREEN channel is almost always the first to over-expose. We save you money by advising you which version of RawDigger you need. We teach you how to interpret the Max G values for your Canon, Nikon, and SONY camera bodies. It is very likely that the Shock-your-World section will shock you. And lastly — thanks to the technical and practical brilliance of Patrick Sparkman — we teach you a simple way to evaluate your exposures and the raw file brightness quickly and easily the Adapted RawDigger histogram.
The flower video takes you through a session where artie edits a folder of images in Capture One while checking the exposures and Max-G values in RawDigger. The Adapted Histogram video examines a series of recent images with the pink histograms and covers lots of fine points including and especially how to deal with specular highlights. The directions for setting up the Adapted Histogram are in the text.
If we priced this guide based on how much effort we put into it, it would sell it for $999.00. But as this guide will be purchased only by a limited number of serious photographers, we have priced it at $51.00. You can order yours 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.
Steve Elkins of Bedfords let me know that he will be receiving two Sony 600mm f/4 GM lenses this week. These have been nearly impossible to come by. If you want to change your life, order one right now and be sure to use the BIRDSASART code at checkout to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air Fed-Ex. Click here to order yours now and make sure that you get one of the two (even though it will show up as Place Back Order.) That done, it would not hurt to shoot Steve an e-mail.
Use the discount code and receive any BAA book, e-guide, or e-book free.
This all-new card includes only 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: 3.
San Diego IPT #3: 3 1/2 DAYS: FRI 20 JAN thru the morning session on MON 23 JAN 2023: $2099.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 5.
Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT 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 $599 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?
Me, late. I was in bed a bit after 8:00pm. My left knee (too much walking?) and my right shoulder (too many decades of carry a big lens incorrectly and too much swimming?) have been bugging me, so I took two Advil PM last night. (Dr. Oliver recommends that I never take even one.) I slept an unheard of (for me) eight hours to my first pit stop at 4:00am. I dozed on and off and finally got out of bed at six. For me, that is sleeping in. For whatever reason, I could not get Bosque out of my head for those last two hours. I will e-mail former refuge manager Phil Norton today.
Anyhoo, yesterday morning I decided to wear my knee brace for my rope flow walk. I walked the pier out and back and was thinking that my knee felt fine. Then I realized that I had put the brace onto my good knee, my right. I decided to switch the brace to my left knee, the bad one. I walked up the few steps to the bathroom on the small hill to the left of the base of the pier. I checked out the bench there and was pleased to see that it was clean and dry. So, I sat, took the brace off my right knee — the wrong one, and placed it on my left knee — the right one. I put my sneaker back on to resume my walk when I felt a few nips through my socks and knew instantly what was going on. There were a few dozen fire ants on my legs and they were stinging me through the thin, grey socks (and elsewhere). I’ve been wearing shorts for my walks on the still, warm mornings. I brushed off as many as I could on the way back to the car just a short distance away. I took off the sneakers and socks, put them behind the driver’s seat, drove home, and put them into the washing machine. I wound up with three large welts, all on my right leg. Once everything was dry I drove back to the lake and finished my walk.
I did my swim at about noon and then turned on the TV. Today is Monday 12 September 2022. The plan is to take one full day off from all physical activity. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes one hundred seventy-one days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Please Remember
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #1: The Photo Mechanic screen capture for the original Brown Pelican head throw — bill pouch from below image
Is This an Insta Delete?
While picking your keepers in Photo Mechanic, would you tag this one as a keeper or leave it un-tagged for deletion? Before you scroll down, ask yourself, why or why not? The image sure looks over-exposed to me.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #1A: The RawDigger screen capture for the Brown Pelican head throw — bill pouch from below image
A Different Story
Examining the raw file in RawDigger reveals that the image is not over-exposed, but is, instead, a dead solid perfect exposure. The 853 OvExp pixels (out of 51 million) are in the specular highlights on the edge of the visible portion of the upper mandible. All images, including verticals, present horizontally in the app. You always want the specular highlights to show as over-exposed else your image will be many stops underexposed.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #1B: The optimized Brown Pelican head throw — bill pouch from below image
The Image Optimization
Nothing much out of the ordinary is required when optimizing images that are exposed far to the right as long as there are no blown highlights. I began by moving the Exposure slider to -0.15, setting the white and black points, and moving the Highlights slider well to the left. The Clarity, Dehaze, and Vibrance sliders were set by rote. I will admit to doing some Color Mixer work to juice up the Oranges and Yellows of the bill pouch. Most of that (and tons more) is detailed in Digital Basics II.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #2: Brown Pelican head throw — bill pouch from below image
Your Call
The last image was created just before Image #1 and was part of about a ten-frame sequence. Head throws can occur unexpectedly and do not last long. The best strategy is to acquire and fire. The 30 frames per second shooting speed of the a1 gives you lots of different poses, even when creating short bursts. If you have a preference for either Image #1B or Image #2, please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice.
Framing Tight Head Throw Images
Framing tight head throw images can yield images with tons of interesting detail, but framing them is a big challenge. Best, as I did not do here, it to work wide in horizontal format so that you might create useable images that work as horizontals or when cropped to a vertical.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Steve Elkins of Bedfords let me know that he will be receiving two Sony 600mm f/4 GM lenses this week. These have been nearly impossible to come by. If you want to change your life, order one right now and be sure to use the BIRDSASART code at checkout to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air Fed-Ex. Click here to order yours now and make sure that you get one of the two (even though it will show up as Place Back Order.) That done, it would not hurt to shoot Steve an e-mail.
Use the discount code and receive any BAA book, e-guide, or e-book free.
OKC Photocon 2022
OKC Photon 2022 INFO
I will be doing a Master Class entitled “A Bird Photographer’s Story” at OKC PhotoCon 2022 in Oklahoma City, OK on Saturday 22 October 2022. Check out the great line-up of speakers and programs here (and be sure to scroll down all the way). Check out the schedule here. I am really looking forward to seeing Joe McNally’s program, The Camera is a Visa – Around the Globe, on Friday (4:30 to 6:30pm). You can see some of his amazing, incredibly eclectic work here.
This big photographic event is sponsored by Bedfords. Click here to register ($119.99). Save $20.00 when registering by using the BAACLASS code at checkout.
OKC Photon 2022 Free Critique Offer
Folks who use the BAACLASS code at checkout are invited to set up a ten minute/ten-image critique with me on Friday or Saturday afternoon by contacting me in advance via e-mail. Whatever your favorite subject or genre, I’d love to see your best work. Many photographers do not realize that the principles that guide us are the same whether we like to shoot birds, wildlife, nature, food, people and portraiture, weddings, wars, sports, architecture, old buildings, old cars, or our grandchildren. A great photo is a great photo. Understand that I will evaluate each image as if it were my won. Once you have purchased your ticket, send it to me by e-mail and I will shoot you the additional details via return e-mail. I hope to meet you and see your best work in OKC.
What’s Up?
Same old, same old. Lots of exercise and no photography to speak of. I began my rope flow walk very early on the pier and was considering photographing the 99.9% full moon with the 600mm f/4 and TCs as it set, but it quickly disappeared behind the low clouds on the western horizon.
Today is Sunday 11 September. I plan on taking things on the easy side today. I will be watching (and TIVO-ing) many NFL games and the US Open tennis men’s final. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes one hundred seventy days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Is Image 1A a Ridiculous Crop?
This image was created on 15 August 2022 at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, NY. While standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 640. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was within 1/3-stop of being perfect. AWB at 8:19:29am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #1: Osprey — fresh juvenal plumage in flight
The Situation
With a nice east wind at Nickerson Beach, I was photographing Common Terns returning to feed their chicks with the handheld 600mm f/4 GM lens. A bit too late, I noticed a young Osprey flying by to my left. As the bird was already by me and off light angle, I framed and fired without taking the time to add 1/3-stop of light. While I love the fresh plumage and the dorsal view, there was one thing about the image that led me to think about deleting it. Instead, I came up with the out-of-the-box crop below. What bugged me?
This image was created on 15 August 2022 at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, NY. While standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 640. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was within 1/3-stop of being perfect. AWB at 8:19:29am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #1A: Vertical out-of-the-box crop of the Osprey — fresh juvenal plumage in flight image
The Seemingly Ridiculous Solution
As soon as I saw the original frame of today’s featured image on my laptop, I envisioned the out–of-the-box crop mediately above. What do you think of Image #1A? Which version do you prefer? Why?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
This all-new card includes only 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: 3.
San Diego IPT #3: 3 1/2 DAYS: FRI 20 JAN thru the morning session on MON 23 JAN 2023: $2099.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 5.
Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT 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 $599 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, 3385, 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?
In the morning I did a very early 2.8 miles flow rope walk. There was a nice breeze from the east, but I did not make any images. I swam early, worked on my 2021 taxes, and again, watched lots of US Open tennis. For the past few days heavy rain, thunder, and lightning ruled out an afternoon walk. I headed out after dinner under threatening skies for what I hoped would be a long walk. The cool breeze persisted, and I walked the four miles from my home to Orange and Alba to check on the Tropical Royal Blue Water Lilies. They had dredged the drainage ditch and destroyed all but a very few small lily pads. Bummer. I am pretty sure that I have not walked 6.8 miles in a day since the Norway trip.
Today is Saturday 10 September 2022. I will be heading down to the lake early for a flow rope walk and see what develops after that. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about three hours to prepare and makes one hundred sixty-nine days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Eliminating Distracting Elements that Merge with the Subject or with Background Elements
Preening Western Gull Image Optimization Video with Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Before you watch, be sure to check out the problems with the original image capture, Image #1, below.
In this YouTube video I take you through the complete image optimization. It begins with the raw conversion: adjusting the Color Temperature and the Exposure and setting the White and Black Points. Next are Topaz DeNoise and the crop. Then, using two different methods, I show you how I eliminated the gull’s head and the pelican’s back. Last, I flatten the Layers and name and save the .TIF file.
You will learn why I run Topaz on its own layer and then do my clean-up work on a layer above the Topaz layer.
Note: In the video, I failed to move the Highlights slider to the left to bring more detail into the whites of the gull’s breast. My bad.
I created this image on 26 January 2022 on a San Diego IPT. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1600. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this image exposure was within 1/3-stop from being perfect. AWB at 7:27:49am.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version.
Image #1: The original: Western Gull — adult preening
Problems with the Original
The two main problems with the original are the shaded head of the gull below the subject that merges with its legs and with the rock, and the back of the pelican in the lower right corner that merges with the rock.
I created this image on 26 January 2022 on a San Diego IPT. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1600. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this image exposure was within 1/3-stop from being perfect. AWB at 7:27:49am.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version.
Image #1A: The optimized version: Western Gull — adult preening
Eliminating Distracting Elements that Merge with the Subject or with Background Elements
Be sure to watch the video (above) to learn a ton about how I used Photoshop. If you are happy with what you learned you will surely want to grab a copy of Digital Basics II and check out the other Photoshop videos here in the BAA Online Store.
Unique
I have never seen an image like today’s featured image with the fluffed-up feathers framing the gull’s face and eye. Have you? I believe that the fluffed-up feathers are the scapulars. I used to say that every image is unique, but with its 30 frames per second frame rate, the a1 has put an end to that thinking.
Questions and Comments
As always, all are invited to scroll down just a bit and leave a comment or ask a question.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II).
You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)
The techniques mentioned in the video along with tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.
Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: most of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.
You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here. Today, I convert my Sony raw files in Photoshop with Adobe Camera Raw.
You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All the images on this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.
The Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #1
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 27 September through the morning session on Friday 30 September 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2
3 1/2 Days: 7 October through the morning session on Monday 10 October 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Monday 31 October through the morning session on Thursday 3 November 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.
There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not unlikely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information. If you register soon and would like to share an AirBnB with me, shoot me an e-mail. Other possibilities including taking a cab to and from the airport to our AirBnB and riding with me. This saves you both gas and the cost of a rental car.
A $600 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check two months before the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.
Up Early, Stay Out Late!
Obviously, folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Spoonbills at DeSoto
Over the past years, Roseate Spoonbills have become regular visitors to Fort DeSoto Park. I know when and where to find them and can teach you to approach them successfully. Do consider joining me on a DeSoto IPT.
What’s Up?
I took an early 2.3-mile rope flow walk down by the lake and then scouted around looking for something to photograph. The whistling ducks did not return to the perches. There were lots of cranes, but I passed on them. I took an early swim and got a ton of work done on my 2021 taxes.
I was glad to learn yesterday that multiple IPT veteran Mike De Rosa and (non-photographer) wife Norma will be joining me on DeSoto #3.
Today is Friday 9 September. Until I head over to DeSoto for the first IPT at the end of the month, my days will be similar with lots of walking, swimming, and flow roping. And work. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes one hundred sixty-eight days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Instagram
Follow me on Instagram here. I am trying to feature both new and old images, especially images that have not appeared recently on the blog. Or search for birds_as_art.
BIRDS AS ART Image Optimization Service (BAA IOS)
Send a PayPal for $62.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 and put $62.00 on your credit card. Pick one of your best images and upload the raw file using a large file sending service like Hightail or DropBox and then send me the link via e-mail. I will download and save your raw file, evaluate the exposure and sharpness, and optimize the image as if it were my own after converting the raw file in Adobe Camera Raw. Best of all, I will make a screen recording of the entire process and send you a link to the video to download, save and study.
Induro GIT 304L Price Drop
Amazingly, we have two, brand-new-in-the-box Induro GIT 304L tripods in stock. They are $699.00 each (were $799.00) and the price now includes the insured ground shipping to the lower 48 states. Weekday phone orders only: 863-692-0906. Order yours here while they last.
Please Remember
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Monopod Follow-Ups
In the comprehensive monopod blog post here I accidentally missed one important point (now below). In addition, it has been added to that post.
4- For best results when using the mono-gimbal head, you need a lens that rotates smoothly in the tripod collar. Many super-telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses do not rotate smoothly. With Sony, the 400 f/2.8 is a dream. The 200-600, on the other hand, is unusable on the monopod as the lens sticks badly in the tripod collar.
A Blog Comment from Joe Przybyla. And My In-line Response
JP: Hi Artie, lordy, lordy a blog post about monopods. Good information, well presented and your video shows how I have my camera, lens and monopod with head set up.
AM: Thanks, Joe. This is the third post on the subject 🙂
JP: You mentioned it was difficult to add or take off a teleconverter when using the monopod, here’s how I do it. I know you wrote to take off a camera strap if using a long lens. If I remember correctly you use a Black Rapid strap that connects to the bottom lug on the camera. I use a strap attached to the top lugs on each side of the camera. When adding or removing a teleconverter I am standing. I remove the camera from the lens and let it hang by the strap which is around my neck. My left hand is holding the monopod and lens. Once the camera is hanging on the strap around my neck my right hand can add or remove the teleconverter and then attach the camera with my right hand while holding the monopod with my left hand. Also, with the camera hanging from the strap around the neck with the monopod supported by the crook of the left elbow both hands are free to remove the covers on the teleconverter.
AM: I am glad that that works for you. I absolutely hate any type of strap on a camera because they will often be a hindrance when you are trying to get to this or that button or dial, especially the shutter button.
JP: As you know from our conversations, I shoot flight at times with the monopod collapsed and attached to the camera. This would be when the bird has an erratic flight pattern or I have the monopod collapsed and I see a opportunity for a flight shot. The monopod and head do not add much weight to the camera and lens.
AM: There is a major difference in why we use a monopod. I am only using mine with big glass — for the most part the 400mm f/2.8. You are using it with lenses that weigh several pounds less. Though my monopod rig weighs only 1 pound, 13.7 ounces, the last thing that I want to do is add any weight at all to the big rig. Heck, when I walk with just the 200-600, I do not use a strap.
JP: I know you exercise a lot, try this. When watching television or sports have the camera and lens next to you. Every now and then take the camera and lens and lift it, hold it up, put it down, then lift it and hold it again. Do curls with that weight with both arms. That will help handholding. Being 79 years old I am not as strong as I could be, but I do this to help my handhold when needed.
AM: That is great advice. I have been doing so much handholding with both the 400 f/2.8 and the 600 f/4 that I am getting a bit stronger and better at handholding and keeping the bird somewhere near the middle of the frame.
JP: Using the monopod at Ft. DeSoto you will find that you will be able to quickly follow birds that move while staying on the light angle. Pick up the monopod and let the lens balance while quickly moving into position. Birds that move a lot, like Reddish Egrets or birds walking along the surf line are easily kept up with while staying on the light angle.
AM: While it is surely easier to move and stay on light angle when using a monopod than when using a tripod, handholding the lens alone is faster and easier still.
In closing, I will say that for me, the monopod will prove most advantageous when I am working with the 400 f/2.8 (and possibly with the 600 f/4) and doing birds in flight and in action. I do understand that for you the monopod is the best answer and that you use it nearly all the time with great success.
JP: Many thanks for all you have taught me with your books, videos and comments on my image posted on birdphotographers.net
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed quite well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Royal Tern — flying with baby blue crab for chick
A Bit Crabby
As you have seen in past blog posts, the variety of prey items that the Jacksonville terns carry back to their young borders on being astounding. Today’s chick-snack is a baby blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). I used a long-handled net in my early teens to catch what we mistakenly called “blue-clawed crabs”. They hung out on the pilings of the docks in the area where the Kings Plaza Mall in Brooklyn was built. Great stealth was required to get even one in the net. Cracking open the crabs after boiling them and extracting the meat was a chore, but they were great eating (always with a dab into cocktail sauce — ketchup and horseradish with a twist of lemon.
I am greatly looking forward to using the 400mm f/2.8 on the monopod on the three DeSoto IPTs. I have a few ideas on how to safely put the monopod on the beach when I want to use the knee-pod, foot-pod, toe-pod, or lens hood on the beach techniques. The perspectives for each of these techniques gets lower and lower in the order that they are presented — from knee-pod (the highest) to lens hood on the beach (the very lowest). Learning to use each of these techniques will allow you to carefully control the view (if any) of the bird’s feet and the degree of in-heaven-ness in your images. Consider joining me in DeSoto to learn this stuff in the field.
Focus Distance
I love that a7Info accurately records the focus distance, in this case, 16.3 meters. This allows me to determine the depth of field for any image. I use the PhotoPills Depth of Field (DOF) Calculator here. entering the EXIF for today’s featured image revealed that the total DOF for today’s featured image is a healthy .27 meters, roughly 10.3 inches. That means that the zone of sharp focus will be from 5.15 inches in front of the point of focus to 5.15 inches behind the point of focus, i.e., the plane of focus being the bird’s eye. Was that enough to cover the whole subject in today’s featured image?
Learn more about Wolfram Sons’ great a7Info app on his website here. Though the a7Info download is free for both Mac and PC, I suggest that everyone who partakes click on the pink Donate with PayPal link to support his efforts. I need to check out his new program, ExifChart Version 0.40 -beta- and see what it offers. Did I forget to mention that Wolfram is quick to respond to any and all e-mails should you need some help? Just click on the Contact logo on the home page.
Image #1A: An a7INFO screen capture for the “Royal Tern — flying with baby blue crab for chick” image
But Not Shabby!
Many AF systems will grab the bird’s near wing in situations where the bird is flying from one side of the frame to the other. Though Tracking Zone missed the eye by a small fraction, it is obvious from the a7INFO screen capture that the system was tracking the bird’s face and eye. The image is, however, tack=sharp on the tern’s eye. My belief is that the system that records the AF position is not quite fast enough to keep up with the tracking in real time. I have had many instances where the AF point was on the sky, but the bird’s eye skin/eyelashes were razor/laser sharp.
All in all, I’d have to say that the Sony A1 autofocus performance with today’s featured image was not shabby.
Note: this image was created with a1 Firmware v1.20. The update to Firmware v1.30 improved bird face/eye AF significantly.
Questions and Comments
As always, all are invited to scroll down just a bit and leave a comment or ask a question.
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 129 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 purchase 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.
Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All the images on this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.
The Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #1
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 27 September through the morning session on Friday 30 September 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2
3 1/2 Days: 7 October through the morning session on Monday 10 October 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Monday 31 October through the morning session on Thursday 3 November 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.
There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not unlikely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information. If you register soon and would like to share an AirBnB with me, shoot me an e-mail. Other possibilities including taking a cab to and from the airport to our AirBnB and riding with me. This saves you both gas and the cost of a rental car.
A $600 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check two months before the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.
Up Early, Stay Out Late!
Obviously, folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
What’s Up?
I started the day with a 3.5-mile walk along the lakefront. I have been assuming that with the heat, still, wet weather, there would not be many birds around. I was wrong. I saw several pairs of cranes and one of them copulated. There was an Anhinga on the only piling out of the water to the right of the pier. It had its wings spread and there was a perfect reflection. A pair of handsome caracaras was hanging out at the base of the pier. As I headed north, a flock of about 150 Cattle Egrets blasted off. Groups of White Ibises flew by several times. I saw several Ospreys. And the Bald Eagle pair was still at their long-empty nest. The most interesting sighting occurred on my second of three walks on the pier when three medium-sized, very white below Tringa-like shorebirds flew toward and then over the pier just 30 feet in front of me. I thought they were Lesser Yellowlegs but did not look right for that species. Perhaps they were Solitary Sandpipers. I did not see that one landed on the pier until it took flight to catch up with the other two. If I had seen it after it landed it is likely that I would have nailed the ID. I did see several Spotted Sandpipers flying around the pier, easily identified by their stiff, rapid wing beats. I came upon the best photographic situation as I walked by The Perch in the North Field: there was a Black-bellied Whistling Duck on The Perch and another on a smaller, closer perch that rarely gets any action.
I did not get into the pool until 6:15pm as it had poured, thundered, and lightninged all afternoon beginning at about 1:00pm.
Today is Thursday 8 September. I am going to get a very early start on my rope flow walk and then take a spin around the lakefront in my SUV in hopes of doing some photography, hoping to find a perched whistling duck or two. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes one hundred sixty-seven days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Spoonbills at DeSoto
Over the past years, Roseate Spoonbills have become regular visitors to Fort DeSoto Park. I know when and where to find them and can teach you to approach them successfully. Do consider joining me on a DeSoto IPT.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Needlefish Tug-of-War
The Situation
Two photographers to our right started screaming and pointing to the small hill just to the left of Anke and me. I spotted the tug-of-war and got on it quickly. I was working at 840mm, greedy as always despite the low light conditions. Note that my shutter speed was only 1/640 second, less than ideal for flight and action. I created a 20+ frame sequence of the tug-of-war on the ground. Once the adult took flight, I was much too tight at 840mm, and had zero chance of creating a sharp image at 1/640 second.
This image was created on 6 August by Anke Frohlich at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, NY. While standing at full height, she used the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 6400. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3-stop). RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was within 1/6-stop of perfect. AWB at 7:39:28pm on a cloudy dark afternoon.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #2: Adult Black Skimmer hoisting chick into the air
Another Approach
Anke got on the action less than a second after I did. She caught some of the tug-of-war and created an amazing sequence of the liftoff that included Image #2 above. Her style involves almost always abstaining from the use of teleconverters, almost always choosing a shutter speed fast enough to capture action (even when it is not expected), and working wide and then cropping. With wide apertures and fast shutter speeds, she will always make sharper images than someone using a teleconverter. And, as in this situation, framing wider often pays off in spades. All things being equal, shooting wider rather than tighter gives you a much better chance of keeping the action in the frame. With her approach, Anke consistently makes many more excellent images of birds in flight and in action than I do.
You can see more of Anke’s work on her Instagram page here.
Your Thoughts?
As always, feel free to comment on either or both of today’s featured images, or to ask a question.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Tuesday was much like Monday had been. I took an early 2.4 miles rope flow walk, got some work done on my taxes, did some food shopping in town, napped, did my bursts, did the Mattes isolated active stretching routine for my shoulders, swam, and took a 1.7 mile walk down by the lake late in the day. I was glad to learn that the sale of Geri Georg’s Canon 100-400II is pending and that multiple IPT veteran Micheal De Rosa and wife Norma will be joining me on DeSoto #3. As below, I am planning on using my Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM lens on the monopod every morning on the three DeSoto trips. That opens up the possibility of your renting my Sony 600mm lens on any of the DeSoto IPTs. Cheap, but on a you-drop-it, you-own-it-basis.
Today is Wednesday 7 September 2022. The schedule for today: finish this blog post, take an early rope flow walk, do some more serious work on my 2021 taxes, swim 1/2-mile, nap, do my bursts, watch some more tennis, and take another late walk. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about three hours to prepare and makes one hundred sixty-six days in a row with a new one.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Canon 100-400mm EF f/4.5-5.6L IS II Zoom Lens (with extra)
BAA Record-low Price! Sale possibly pending …
Galapagos IPT veteran (along with wife Sandy) Don Selesky is offering a Canon 100-400mm EF f/4.5-5.6L IS II zoom lens in excellent-plus condition (with an extra) for a BAA record-low $1248.00. There are some very minor scratches on the lens hood and the lens foot. The sale includes a Really Right Stuff L84 Multiuse Fore-Aft Plate with 1/4″-20 Screw (a $224.95 value), the original lens box, the front and rear lens caps, the carrying case with strap, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-40 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Don via e-mail or by phone at 1-970-219-4493 (Mountain time zone).
This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its amazing .98 meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto zoom lens ever. By far. It is easy to hand hold, great for tight portraits, for birds in flight, for quasi-macro stuff, and lots more. For flight, it is fabulous with an EOS R, R5, R6, or R7! This lens sells new for $2399.00 (not to mention the RRS plate) so you can save well more than $1151.00 by grabbing Don’s lens right now. artie
YouTube Video: Tips and Thoughts on Using a Monopod with Big Glass
After 39 years, I finally tried using a monopod with a big lens this past July. Learn what I learned in this 6 1/2-minute video by Anke Frohlich. I talk about setting up, using, and carrying a monopod and cover lots of the positives and negatives in the video. I did forget to mention one problem when using a monopod at the beach: if you want to use the knee-pod, ankle-pod, or foot-pod techniques, you may have a hard time finding a place to put the monopod. You can order your Wimberley Monoball Gimbal head here. If you are at all interested in using a monopod, be sure to read the entire comprehensive blog post below.
My MonoPod Concerns
So why had I long been dead set against the use of monopods with big lenses for serious bird photography?
1- I’ve been sure that stability would be much more of an issue with a monopod than with a decent tripod and a decent head. That, in part, because when I am talking to someone, folks often ask with good reason, “Do you ever stand still?” My balance ain’t so good anymore and when I try to stand still, I am always moving from side to side. I’d lead the league for sure in body-swaying index. That said, a monopod can never match the stability of a good tripod topped by a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro.
2- Some folks who use monopods successfully state that when they do flight photography, they shorten the monopod and lift it up with their rig. That might work with intermediate telephoto lenses, but, it would not work for me with any lens. Why? When you see a bird flying into range, you need to be ready almost instantly. I addition, the last thing I want to do is add weight to the 400 f/2.8/2X TC/a1 rig. That weighs 8 pounds, 6.8-ounces without the lens hood.
I firmly believed the above for almost 40 years. That said, I have been wrong many times in the past. For 39 years I firmly believed that the 400mm f/2.8 lenses were a bad choice for bird photography. Though I did not use it at all on Long Island, I am looking forward to using it a lot at DeSoto, at times, on a monopod.
I put the head on the right side of the lens, figuring it would be easier to get my left hand on the lens. The monopod with the mono gimbal head weighs only 29.7 ounces — 1 pound, 13.7 ounces. If you compare that with the weight of the Robus RCC-5560 Vantage Series C 4-Section Carbon Fiber Compact Tripod that I am using now with a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro — 5 pounds 15.7 ounces — you will quickly learn one of the huge advantages of using a monopod.
I have been trying (and failing) to create a good Osprey-with-a-fish blur every morning for the past few weeks. I decided to see how I could do shooting flight off the monopod. That first morning, I did not have many chances. I struggled. Then, I was hanging out on the pier seeing what might fly by and just minutes after sunrise, a young Green Heron landed about sixty feet from me, 60.03937 feet to be exact. I made a few images and began to move forward. I found it much easier to approach the bird stealthily with the lightweight stick of a monopod than with one of the three-legged monsters. Holding the monopod vertically right in front of me I was able to approach to 42.847769 feet.
The light was from almost directly behind the bird, but it was so soft that I kept shooting even when it struck the upper part of the young bird’s back. I was more than 90° off sun angle, a rarity for me. Working at ISO 1600 at 800mm/f/5.6, I began shooting at 1/125 sec. and ended at 1/160 second. I knew that I was pushing things. My fears were realized. I created more than 180 images and probably 80-90% of them were not sharp. But the best ones were very sharp, and those included the neatest poses (as above). Do understand that if I had been on the tripod I could not have gotten nearly as close without flushing the bird. And it was my first morning with the monopod, and I could have raised the ISO and the shutter speed significantly.
On my second morning with the monopod, also working at 800mm, there were a lot of low shutter speed Osprey opportunities, but little else to shoot. I did, however, make some huge and important discoveries. Here is what worked for me:
1- I mounted the monoball head so it was on the left side of the monopod. That simple change made things much easier. Why? See the video.
2- Be sure to balance your lens precisely (with or without a TC) in the clamp.
3- This may sound heretical to many, but once I did that, I began working with the monopod tilted about three degrees to the left. I kept the lens collar loose and used my kinesthetic sense to level the lens just as we have done for decades first with the Wimberley Head and then with the Mongoose. It took me a while to figure out why tilting the monopod was the way to go. Simply put, the center of gravity of your rig is placed right over the spot where the monopod contacts the ground.
4- For best results when using the mono-gimbal head you need a lens that rotates smoothly in the tripod collar. Many super-telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses do not rotate smoothly. With Sony, the 400 f/2.8 is a dream. The 200-600, on the other hand, is unusable on the monopod as the lens sticks badly in the tripod collar.
5- Increasing the length of the monopod so that the camera body was just above chin level, I found shooting flight to be a dream. It made it easy to frame the bird and easy to pan with it in flight. It is like handholding a big lens with an air hook.
6- The last thing that you want to do is to put a monopod (or tripod) with a heavy telephoto lens mounted on it on your shoulder. I did that for more than 25 years and lived to regret it. Ask my right shoulder about it some time. My solution for carrying a big lens mounted on this rig was to leave the tripod collar loosened, point the lens at the sky, tighten the big knob on the monoball, grab the monopod just below the lens, and rotate the lens so that the camera body is square to the ground. As seen in the video, the rig is easily carried using this method. And it works well on either side.
7- If you are set up at flight-height and need to shoot a bird on the ground, there are two options. You can lean the monopod forward or back to get lower almost instantly. If you have a moment, I believe it is better to lean the camera against your right shoulder, loosen the upper twist lock, and shorten the top leg section as needed, typical from four to six inches.
8- A word on the Robus monopods and tripods. They have the best twist locks I have ever encountered. They make it fast and easy to shorten or lengthen the monopod as needed. All the Robus gear is rugged and well made.
9- The Wimberley MonoGimbal Head is both light in weight and elegantly designed. It performs like a side-mounting gimbal head and renders big lenses practically weightless. And when properly set up, you can point the lens anywhere-anytime with ease. With the gimbal effect, you control the pitch simply by pointing the lens up or down. And you control the yaw, the side-to-side movement of the front of the lens, by panning. Like I said, anywhere, anytime.
More On Monopods
Here are some facts, “artie-facts” if you would. (Thanks, Gil.)
1- A tripod will always be more stable than a monopod.
2- When seated, using the knee-pod technique is more stable than using a shortened monopod.
3- When using a monopod to keep your lens on this or that subject for extended periods, the monopod supports the weight of your lens and camera body. Note, however, that fatigue will become a serious factor over time as it requires some effort on your part to stabilize the rig, to keep the monopod in the same spot. Lactic acid will build up, especially in your left arm. With a tripod the three legs provide the support needed to keep the lens in the exact same spot with no effort required on your part.
4- You cannot shoot at ground level with a monopod.
5- Unlike a tripod, you cannot use your monopod as a clothes horse on which to hang your vest. In the same vein, simple tasks that are easily done when working on a tripod are much more difficult to execute when working on a monopod. These tasks including adding or removing teleconverters, switching cards, or changing a battery. Why? You need to hold onto the monopod while executing a chore. You do not need to hold a tripod.
6- If you are doing flight photography at the beach with the monopod and you want to switch to the knee-pod technique, finding a good spot for the monopod can be difficult?
7- If you are close to your vehicle and waiting for action in an otherwise static situation, say at an eagle or Osprey nest, for example, choosing a monopod over a tripod is insanity.
8- Blog regular Adam posted this comment yesterday: I returned to the redtail nest the next day with a big lens and a monopod — I didn’t want to drag the tripod through the overgrown field. I regretted every moment of as one of the fledglings kept making high speed passes at me; tracking the bird was problematic with the lens on the monopod. Once I went to handholding, there was no problem keeping the bird in the viewfinder.
Adam is 100% correct. If you can handhold a big lens or an intermediate telephoto lens for that matter for short periods of time, most folks will generally do a lot better handholding than working off a monopod or a tripod. But, here are the buts:
a- many folks including me are not capable of handholding a 600mm f/4 lens, even the latest greatest lightest versions, for more than a few minutes.
b- for most folks, including all mortals, handholding a big lens for extended shooting sessions is simply not possible.
9- Here is the great news. I have developed a new technique for shooting flight with big glass on a monopod. It’s like handholding with the lens on a sky hook. It is much easier to shoot flight off the monopod using this method than it is when working off a tripod. At places like Jacksonville, where the flight photography is nonstop, but you want and need to be light and mobile, this new technique will be a Godsend. I used this setup and technique every morning at Jacksonville. Be sure to watch the free YouTube video that opens this post.
10- Folks who work with intermediate telephoto lenses who walk and stalk and point and shoot (can you say warblers and songbirds?) and have trouble with the weight of their rigs, may very well do much better with a monopod than with straight handholding. They too will benefit from the information in the Monopod/Monoball Video.
11- I have removed the hand strap from my Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65 because I have no use for it and it occasionally gets in the way. On a related note, if you have a camera strap on your camera body when using any telephoto lens, ditch it fast.
12- Another slight revision: when doing pure flight, I lengthen the monopod so that the viewfinder is right at eye-level.
13- The Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65 is 65 inches tall. It should be good for flight for folks as tall as about 6-foot 1 or 2 inches tall. The only viable option that I can find is the Gitzo GM4552L Series 4 Carbon Fiber Monopod. At nearly 75 inches tall, this one would work for flight for all but the very tallest NBA players, those over 7-foot 1 or 2 inches tall. It is, however, a Series 4 model that weighs 1.6 pounds, 1/2-pound heavier than the recommended Robus model. And it cost $300.88 more than the RCM-439 4.
Additional Monopod Comments
I forgot to mention that if you are using a ballhead atop your monopod rather than the Wimberley MonoGimbal Head you are making your life very difficult. For no reason at all.
It is obvious that you can get lower when using the toe-pod or foot-pod techniques and working off the tilted rear monitor than you can when working off a shortened monopod. In addition, I feel using the knee-pod technique is just about as stable as using the shortened monopod. At DeSoto, I will explore the possibility of using a hybrid technique: the shortened monopod/knee-pod technique. The big advantage there (if it wires!) would be that you do not have to find a parking spot for your monopod.
The Monopod Calming Effect?
One thing seems perfectly clear to me, approaching a bird is a lot easier with a monopod-mounted lens than it is with a tripod-mounted lens. Most of the Great Blue Herons that sit on the pier railings at ILE do not allow a close approach. They tend to fly off when you are a mile away. Perhaps the monopod/monoball combo has some sort of tranquilizing effect on the birds at ILE.
In My Opinion
In my opinion, purchasing a monopod stand (stabilizing base) makes no sense at all.
Tracking: Zone/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: Royal Terns — flying in formation
Summing Up
Monopods offer much less stability than tripods. On average, they weigh about 66% less than a tripod/Levered-clamp FlexShooter rig. And because they are much less cumbersome, it is easier to get close to birds with a big lens mounted on a monopod than it is with a tripod. For me, those three statements are irrefutable fact.
But from where I sit, the huge advantage of using a monopod with a Wimberley MonoGimbal Head will be for flight photography. I did great with it on my second visit to Jacksonville. On the first trip, handholding the 400mm f/2.8 for three straight shooting sessions was a huge challenge.
Thanks again to BPN-friend Joe Przybyla for urging me to try a monopod for the past two years. His efforts helped me to continue to learn and grow as a photographer and an educator.
Spoonbills at DeSoto
Over the past years, Roseate Spoonbill have been become regular visitors to Fort DeSoto Park. I know when and where to find them and can teach you to approach them successfully. Do consider joining me on a DeSoto IPT.
Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All the images on this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.
The Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #1
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 27 September through the morning session on Friday 30 September 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings five.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2
3 1/2 Days: 7 October through the morning session on Monday 10 October 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers.
Fall 2022 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Monday 31 October through the morning session on Thursday 3 November 2022. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.
There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not unlikely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information. If you register soon and would like to share an AirBnB with me, shoot me an e-mail. Other possibilities including taking a cab to and from the airport to our AirBnB and riding with me. This saves you both gas and the cost of a rental car.
A $600 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check two months before the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.
Up Early, Stay Out Late!
Obviously, folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
