November 4th, 2024 Your Call
Which are the two strongest of today’s nine featured images? Why?
What’s Up
Sunday morning belonged to Bob Eastman. We were ready to give up and head back to our AirBnB for some eggs. Just as Bob started the car, we noticed five Ospreys in the air right in front of us. We hesitated. Two of the birds dove and each emerged with a fish. Bob was first to the rocks. As one of my a-1 bodies had gotten wet, I went to the trunk to grab my second a-1 body. When I could not find it, I grabbed an a9 iii and headed toward the action.
Bob said excitedly, I just got one emerging with a fish!” “Great!” I said, “There is no card in this camera.” I headed back to my SUV and grabbed the card out of my wet a-1.” When I got back to Bob, he was so excited that he could barely speak. An Osprey dove in front of him, just left of sun angle. The bird had caught a large bunker and was struggling to lift it out of the water. Bob fired away. Then an adult Brown Pelican dove on the Osprey and grabbed the fish. Bob kept firing. The two birds battled for the fish. The Osprey flew off fish-less. We reviewed the images. Bob had gotten several great ones. I got three eggs over easy.
I will of course be sharing some of Bob’s pelican thievery images with you here on the blog fairly soon.
Every morning has been great, and we’ve done well in the afternoons too. The fish are migrating and the Ospreys are diving. If you would like to join Bob and me, scroll down for details and then get in touch via e-mail or cell phone: 863-221-2372 ASAP, and get yourself a plane ticket. There is lots of room for you at the nicest AirBnB I’ve ever been in.
Today is Monday 4 November. Yes, we will be up early and heading for Sebastian. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a great day.
Please remember to use the B&H 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!
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.
Supporting My Efforts Here
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, are all set for gear, or live overseas, consider leaving a BAA Blog Thank You Gift here.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear from the wrong shop.
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This image was created on 2 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL. 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 800. 1/80 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 7:26:25am with lots of clouds in the eastern sky.
Tracking: (upper center) Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Wood Stork with Mullet
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Face Replacement
I was trying to create some pleasing blurs when a Wood Stork grabbed a Mullet. I raised the shutter speed and the ISO a few clicks each hoping to possibly make a sharp image. I kept four of about 15. The first image had the face sharp and the last image was the best pose. After creating a Quick Mask of the sharp face and eye dropping it in place was child’s play.
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This image was also created on 2 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL. Again, 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 250. 1/50 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 7:32:26am with lots of clouds in the eastern sky.
Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Great Egret landing
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Insane Sharpness at 1/50 Second
A mixed species group of birds had cornered a school of baitfish against the shoreline in a small lagoon. When this Great Egret flew in to join the feeding spree, I saw the opportunity to create a nice pleasingly blurred image. While reviewing my 1000 or so images from our Saturday session, Image #2 looked fairly sharp. When I enlarged it in Photo Mechanic, I was stunned to see that the bird’s eye was razor sharp. Yes, matching the speed of a bird in flight with your panning speed helps, but attaining such sharpness at 1/50 sec. is still mind boggling.
Note the sweetness of the background at f/2.8. Can you say bokeh?
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This image was also created on 2 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL. Again, 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 1250. 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:03:20am on a still cloudy morning.
Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Sanderling flock on beach
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I’ve been spending some quality time with the Sanderling flock on most cloudy mornings. On Friday past, they put on a wondrous show, blasting off every few minutes and swirling and turning our over the breaking waves. On Saturday? No so much. But I did like this pano crop for the mood.
Ospreys Diving on Saturday Morning
Early on Saturday morning, there were more than 30 Ospreys patrolling the inlet. With the east wind, sun angle is a challenge. The solution is to get as far out on the jetty as possible. Without endangering yourself or your gear. I pushed the envelope (as usual) and nearly got knocked off my feet when a large wave hit me from behind at knee level.
The bummer was that a had about a dozen birds hit the water right down sun angle from me; each came up without a fish 🙁
Peregrine!
I spotted the Peregrine just as someone well to my left screamed it out. I quickly adjusted the exposure for the darker-than-an-Osprey subject and found the bird in the frame as it first flew toward me and then turned left and streaked east down the center of the inlet. Whenever I have an exciting subject in the frame, a spurt of adrenaline increases my heart rate. Oftentimes, I get so excited that I screw up by misframing every image. On Saturday morning, I nailed them all.
Why 840mm?
Most everyone at Sebastian is hand holding. That includes everyone using 600mm f/4 lenses. Except me. And nobody using a 600mm f/4 lens has mounted a 1.4X teleconverter. Again, except me. It is much easier to keep a bird in the frame at 600mm than it is when working at 840mm. In addition, it is much easier to avoid clipping wingtips when using a shorter focal length.
So why do I add the 1.4X TC? I want raw files with more pixels on the subject than the rest of the boys and girls. Not to mention that a lot of the action takes place in the middle of a very wide inlet.
Enlarge the image and check out the fine feather detail on the falcon’s underwing.
Why a Tripod?
Easy question. I almost always use a tripod with my 600mm f/4 lens because I cannot comfortably hand hold it for more than a few moments. And contrary to popular opinion, with the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro it is relatively easy to get on flight and action.
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This image was also created on 2 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 4:21:46pm on a cloudy afternoon.
Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #8: Brown Pelican juvenile taking flight with bill open
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East Wind Afternoons
The winds have blown from the east since we arrived. Sunny afternoons are quite difficult as you have wind against sun conditions. On Saturday past, it was cloudy so we worked the inlet. There were lots of Ospreys patrolling but they were not diving. I concentrated on the young pelicans fishing. Just after this young bird had scooped up some small batfish with his bill pouch, it took flight.
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This image was also created on 2 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 4:46:55pm on a cloudy afternoon.
Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #9: Osprey overhead
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White Sky Exposures
In a recent e-mail, Alan Murphy, wrote: I remember shooting with you in Florida one gray sky day and I was inspired by how quickly you nailed in-camera composition and exposure. The best in the field.
With the white skies and the Ospreys not diving, I went for the overhead “T” shot. That after adding 2 1/2 stops of light to the gray sky exposure. You need to have a ton of blinkies on those gray or white skies in order to come up with a good exposure for the birds above you.
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Do not click on the composite image; simply scroll down for the best viewing.
While Sebastian Inlet is justifiably famous around the world for the Ospreys diving for migrating saltwater fish each fall, there are a variety of desirable avian subjects there as well in October and November. Keep reading if you would like to join me on what will surely be a memorable photographic and learning experience.
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Pick Your Own Dates Short-notice Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More BAA Personalized Instructional Workshops
Ridiculously Inexpensive!
Dates: October 29 (arrive on the afternoon of Monday the 28th) thru the morning session on Saturday 22 November
Right now, I have four folks for the last week, 17-22 NOV. So any few days (or a week!) after 28 OCT and before mid-NOV would be fabulous.
As BIRDS AS ART lost more than $100,000 in tax year 2023, I am moving forward looking more at sharing expenses than at making money. Simply put, for more reasons than I will list here, sharing an AirBnB or VRBO place maximizes learning while reducing your overall travel costs.
Consider joining me at Sebastian Inlet this fall for some great bird photography and a ton of learning. Life is short; what are you waiting for? While a 600mm f/4 lens is ideal, you could do the whole trip with a variety of other lenses including a 500mm f/4, a 400mm f/2.8, a 400mm DO, a 200-600, a 100-500, a 300mm f/2.8 with TCs, or one of the great new Nikon Z telephoto or telephoto zoom lenses.
Bob Eastman is driving from Wisconsin and doing all 26 days, from 28 OCT thru the morning session on 22 NOV, prime time for Ospreys diving and catching a variety of saltwater fish. There are four bedrooms in this great AirBnB property that is just 22 minutes from the south jetty at the State Park, 24 minutes from the northwest pool where the Ospreys spent a lot of time last year. Please note that NOV 21-22 are sold out.
Hopefully, those who come would stay for a week or ten days (or all 26 days!) to maximize the opportunities. As above, fewer days would work also. Fly to Melbourne (MEL) or Orlando (MCO) and rent a car. Local folks who would like to arrange a morning or two of In-the-Field Instruction during October should get in touch via e-mail.
Here, if you stay in the AirBnB with me, are the ridiculous low rates for the in-the-field sessions (that include the daily Image Review and Photoshop sessions).
$250 for a morning session
$150 for an afternoon session.
Brunch and dinners at the AirBnB will cost you $20/day.
If you are interested, let me know your preferred dates via e-mail and I will get back to you with the per/night price for the lodging.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
November 2nd, 2024 Your Calls
Autofocus-wise, which of today’s six featured images do you think is the most amazing? Separate question: which is your favorite image? Why? for both.
What’s Up?
Bob Eastman and I are having fun every day at Sebastian Inlet. On Thursday afternoon we spent lots of time with the very cooperative white morph Reddish Egret along with Wood Storks and a variety of other wading birds. It drizzled on Friday morning so we spent a productive 45 minutes working a flock of about 800 Sanderlings as the flew in formation over the waves, alternating turning to show us their white bellies and an instant later, their flashing white wing stripes. Oh, to be a shorebird.
In the last blog post here, I too loved Bob’s Snowy Egret. But I would not trade it for my Osprey trying to lift off — Image #2. Did you not notice the fish???
Today is Saturday 2 November 2024. We will be headed back to Sebastian early again. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, we hope that you too choose to have a wondrous day.
Be sure to click on each image to enlarge is and check out the amazing autofocus capabilities of the Sony a9 iii, 120 frames per second with 0.5 second pre-capture. Be sure also to check out Karen McCormick’s like new a9 iii below.
Please remember to use the B&H 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!
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.
Supporting My Efforts Here
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, are all set for gear, or live overseas, consider leaving a BAA Blog Thank You Gift here.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear from the wrong shop.
Sony a-9 iii Mirrorless Camera Body
Used Gear Page regular Karen McCormick is offering a Sony a9iii Mirrorless camera in like-new condition for a ridiculously low $4,798.00. The sale includes the original product box, the body cap, the battery charger, one battery, the 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.
Your purchase will also include my two a9 iii Set-up e-mails and any future updates.
Please contact Karen via e-mail.
I’ve loved my a9 iii so much for flight and action that I sold two of my a-1 bodies to purchase a second a9 iii. Working at 120fps gives you four times as many wing positions and flight poses as any other mirrorless camera body. Most every single image will be sharp on the eye. And the raw files can stand up to decent crops. A new one sells at B&H for $5,998.00. B&H does not have a single used one in stock. KEHs, is offering a like-new a9iii for $5823.00! If you have been thinking of an a9 iii, grab Karen’s a9 iii right now and save $1,200.00. artie
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This image was created on 8 March 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL Seated on a two pillows, I used the hand held a href=”https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1746375-REG/sony_fe_300mm_f_2_8_gm.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/SO30028GM/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xSO30028GM” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1200: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:06:24am with some clouds in the low eastern sky.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Roseate Spoonbill braking to land
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Made for Stick Marsh
The Sony 300mm f/2.8 is perfect for the incoming spoonbills at Stick Marsh. And for pelican and Brandt’s Cormorant flight at La Jolla. And for the Bald Eagles at Homer. And as I am getting older every single day, I am loving and more often than not using this versatile lens bare or with either teleconverter as my go-to walk-around rig. As you will see with Images #2 and #3 below, the AF is ridiculous even with the 2X at f/5.6.
The a9 iii gave me four perfect frames of this incoming spoonbill, each razor sharp on the eye, and each with a significantly different wing position. Bob Eastman helped me pick this one out as my favorite.
The AirBnB that I rented for mid-late March/early April 2025 is close to being sold out. If you would like to explore the possibility of joining me there next spring, please get in touch via e-mail.
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This image was created on 31 May 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Walking on the pier, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 600mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2500: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:08:42am on a very cloudy afternoon.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Boat-tailed Grackle males chasing
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My Hand-holdable 600mm f/5.6 Rig With Science-fiction-like Autofocus
The Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 600mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera rig is superb for those who like to walk around without a tripod and concentrate on both flight & action and general bird photography.
Again, the incredible frame rate of the a9 iii produced four spectacular, almost identical frames. And again, East Bobman helped me select the cream of the crop.
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This image was created on 31 May 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on a pillow on the beach left of the pier, I used the hand held a href=”https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1746375-REG/sony_fe_300mm_f_2_8_gm.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/SO30028GM/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xSO30028GM” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 600mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:11:45am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Black-bellied Whistling Duck braking to land
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Hand holding Forever
The 300 f/2.8 is so small and light that most folks can hand hold it comfortably for hours on end. And that includes me at age 78 with a bum right shoulder. In our first three days at Sebastian I used the 300 most often with the 1.4X TC more than 50% of the time. With the dark skies this morning I went to the 400mm f/2.8. Hand held. Also with ease.
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This image was created on 8 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Walking on the pier, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 420mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 5000: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be 1/6 stop short of perfect. AWB at 9:10:22am on a cloudy morning.
Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #4: Boat-tailed Grackle female taking flight
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Pre-Capture on This One!
There is no doubt about it, setting and using 0.5 second pre-capture was 100% responsible for creating this image. Humans, especially old ones with slow reflexes, are just not quick enough to press the shutter button soon enough to catch liftoff. I have Pre-capture on My Menu so that I can turn it on when shooting flight and action. As long as you are actively focusing, the camera will save the 30 images prior to your pressing the shutter button (belatedly!)
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Those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, can order their a copy here for $209.93.
Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.
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The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide
Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.
If not, you can purchase a copy here for $209.93. Yes, it never hurts to use my links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail before you make a major purchase, I can often save you some money.
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This image was created on 15 October 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 1/1000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:48:52am early on a sunny morning.
Tracking: (upper left) Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #5: Red-shouldered Hawk adult on The Perch II
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a9 iii Raw File Color Tip
Huge thanks to Anita North, currently on in the middle of a six-month African safari to multiple countries by herself!. On a rare phone call recently, I mentioned that I was less than thrilled with the somewhat boring color of most a9 iii raw files. She told me to set Adobe Vivid as the Color Profile during the raw conversion in Adobe Camera Raw. Wow! The results are gorgeous. For this one I actually decreased the Vibrance a bit before hitting “Open.”
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This image was created on 28 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 185mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2500: 1/2000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:13:10am on a then very cloudy morning.
Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #6: Sandhill Crane adult throwing dried grasses
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Cranes Getting Frisky
Before Bob and I headed to Sebastian Inlet, the cranes were beginning their courtship behaviors. Those the grass tossing that almost always results in jumping, dancing, bowing, and running. I’d expect to have a few chances on copulating cranes when we get back to ILE.
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BIRDS AS ART SONY A9 iii Images
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a9 iii E-mail Set-up and Info Guide
For those who think that my comments on the a9 iii are pure hype, know that I did sell two of my three a1 bodies.
If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up), a Buttons and Dials Guide, and an a9 iii Info Sheet.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
October 31st, 2024 What’s Up?
Bob Eastman and I had a fabulous morning at Sebastian Inlet on Wednesday. We had three Ospreys dive into the water within 20 feet of us. All caught a fish. Each struggled to get it out of the water. Each failed. But oh, what an adrenaline rush. Check out the images then get in touch with me via e-mail or cell phone: 863-221-2372 ASAP, and get yourself a plane ticket. There is lots of room for you at the nicest AirBnB I’ve ever been in.
Today is Thursday 31 October 2024. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you choose to have a great day.
Please remember to use the B&H 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!
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.
Supporting My Efforts Here
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, are all set for gear, or live overseas, consider leaving a BAA Blog Thank You Gift here.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear from the wrong shop.
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This image was created on 30 October 2024 at Sebastian Inlet State Park,FL. Standing at full height, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 4000. 1/3200 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:19:14am in the shade before the sun broke through. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be perfect.
Zone AF-C AF with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Osprey taking flight after a missed strike
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Challenging Exposures
The day began with heavy cloud cover. That followed by bright sun at about 8:15am. To make things even more difficult, the birds would fly in and out of the shadows thrown by the bridge behind us. By 9:00am the sun was so bright that we decided to head home early. By the time we got over the bridge, it was cloudy dark We decided to try a different spot, and by the time we got in position, it was cloudy bright. I almost forgot to mention that we had several rainbows. The sun cam out with a vengeance at 10:00am so we hit the road, celebrating a great morning.
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This image was also created on 30 October 2024 at Sebastian Inlet State Park,FL. Again, standing at full height, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 5000. 1/3200 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:22:09am in the shade before the sun broke through. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be dead solid perfect.
Zone AF-C AF with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Osprey struggling to take flight wit fish in its talons
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Do Not Be Afraid of High ISOs
Image #1: ISO 4000. Image #2: ISO 5000. You wind up with much higher image quality and much less noise by using a high ISO than you’d get by underexposing at a lower “supposedly better” ISO. Don’t be a high ISO chicken.
My double Noise Reduction technique worked wonders on all of today’s featured images, including and especially #s 1 & 2. This technique, scoffed at by many, is detailed in the Digital Basics III Video Series.
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This image was created on 30 October 2024 on an Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet State Park,FL by my good friend Bob Eastman. Seated in a low field chair he 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. 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be 1/6 stop short of perfect. AWB at 8:25:35am on a then 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 #3: Snowy Egret midair squabble
Image courtesy of and copyright 2014: Bob Eastman
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Kudos to Bob on This One!
We both got on this fight quickly and — thanks to Sony Zebra technology, came up with the right exposure in an instant. That was no easy chore. I got some good ones, but would trade them all for Bob’s two best. As I say often, less experienced photographers with their cameras set up properly and a modicum of instruction can — in a given situation — create better images than a professional using the same gear. I was a bit to Bob’s left shooting the 300mm f/2.8 with the 1.4X TC and a v2.02 a-1.
Going Long
I grabbed the 600 with the 1.4X, took my tripod to a little used vantage point, and waited for an Osprey to catch a fish and fly into the wind toward me. It did and I shot.
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This image was also created on 30 October 2024 at Sebastian Inlet State Park,FL. Standing at full height, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/4000 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:22:09am on a then cloudy fairly bright morning. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be dead solid perfect.
Zone AF-C AF with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #5: Brown Pelican sub-adult in flight lookin to dive
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White Sky Photography
When we tried a new spot after the clouds came, we ran into a guy with a lens who was leaving. We started chatting and when I told him that I preferred clouds to sun at 9:30am he was astounded. He was terribly in fear of high ISOs. We chatted a bit more and I learned that he was shooting in Manual mode with AUTO ISO, and that he did not know how to view the histogram on his R6. When I tried to explain a few things to him he was totally resistant. So, I wished him a happy birthday and went off to create Image #5.
Just for the record, if you use AUTO ISO with manual mode you lose all control over exposure; when you do wind up with a good or perfect exposure, it is due to pure luck.
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Do not click on the composite image; simply scroll down for the best viewing.
While Sebastian Inlet is justifiably famous around the world for the Ospreys diving for migrating saltwater fish each fall, there are a variety of desirable avian subjects there as well in October and November. Keep reading if you would like to join me on what will surely be a memorable photographic and learning experience.
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Pick Your Own Dates Short-notice Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More BAA Personalized Instructional Workshops
Ridiculously Inexpensive!
Dates: October 29 (arrive on the afternoon of Monday the 28th) thru the morning session on Saturday 22 November
Right now I have four folks for the last week, 17-22 NOV. So any few days (or a week!) after 28 OCT and before mid-NOV would be fabulous.
As BIRDS AS ART lost more than $100,000 in tax year 2023, I am moving forward looking more at sharing expenses than at making money. Simply put, for more reasons than I will list here, sharing an AirBnB or VRBO place maximizes learning while reducing your overall travel costs.
Consider joining me at Sebastian Inlet this fall for some great bird photography and a ton of learning. Life is short; what are you waiting for? While a 600mm f/4 lens is ideal, you could do the whole trip with a variety of other lenses including a 500mm f/4, a 400mm f/2.8, a 400mm DO, a 200-600, a 100-500, a 300mm f/2.8 with TCs, or one of the great new Nikon Z telephoto or telephoto zoom lenses.
Bob Eastman is driving from Wisconsin and doing all 26 days, from 28 OCT thru the morning session on 22 NOV, prime time for Ospreys diving and catching a variety of saltwater fish. There are four bedrooms in this great AirBnB property that is just 22 minutes from the south jetty at the State Park, 24 minutes from the northwest pool where the Ospreys spent a lot of time last year. Please note that NOV 21-22 are sold out.
Hopefully, those who come would stay for a week or ten days (or all 26 days!) to maximize the opportunities. As above, fewer days would work also. Fly to Melbourne (MEL) or Orlando (MCO) and rent a car. Local folks who would like to arrange a morning or two of In-the-Field Instruction during October should get in touch via e-mail.
Here, if you stay in the AirBnB with me, are the ridiculous low rates for the in-the-field sessions (that include the daily Image Review and Photoshop sessions).
$250 for a morning session
$150 for an afternoon session.
Brunch and dinners at the AirBnB will cost you $20/day.
If you are interested, let me know your preferred dates via e-mail and I will get back to you with the per/night price for the lodging.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
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