Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
May 29th, 2024

Two Very Different Whistling Duck Images!

Canon EOS 5D Mark III/24-105 Infrared Rig with Many Extras!

Price reduced $100.00 on 29 May 2024

Morro Bay IPT veteran Dane Johnson is offering a Canon EOS 5D Mark III (converted to infrared, as noted below) in near-mint conditions with the BG-E11 battery grip (in like-new condition) and a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens (also in near-mint condition) for a ridiculously low $899.00 (was $999.00). The Super Color Infrared (590nm) conversion was performed by Life Pixel in November 2017 and included a custom lens focus calibration. The shutter count is approximately 12,330. The sale includes everything above, the front body cap, the front and rear lens caps, the EW-83H lens shade, all the items that came in the original boxes (camera strap, battery charger, cables, manuals, etc.), the original product boxes, a Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch (cable release), two RRS L-plates (for the camera and for the battery grip), three extra LP-E6 batteries, four Delkin 32GB CF 700X UDMA 6 compact flash cards, a Hoodman loupe for checking focus in the rear panel in live-view mode, a Photoshop action for channel switching the color channels (loaded on the CF card in the camera), 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 1-559-593-0989 (Pacific time zone).

When I shot Canon, I dabbled in IR for a while — had a ton of fun and made some good images at Bosque and the Palouse. Dane’s offer above has so many extras that you could toss the camera in the trash and still come out ahead! artie

Important Notice

After an update on 4 May, WordPress stopped sending post notifications. We are aware of the issue and are working on rectifying it. You can always visit the blog by visiting or bookmarking www.BIRDSASART-Blog.com.

Supporting My Efforts 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.

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. For nearly a week of private instruction and great flight photography, check out the Jacksonville IPT.

Your Call?

Which of today’s two featured images is the strongest? Anyone who sees this blog post is invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choice.

What’s Up?

I spent five 1/2 hours on the phone yesterday afternoon sharing my laptop screen with a senior tech guy name Mario from HomePage Security. He is a brilliant guy and was worked like a dog fixing many errors on both BPN and the BAA Blog. He has not yet fixed the blog post notification problem. But we are not giving up yet.

The early morning whistling duck flight photography continues to be excellent. By using different lenses and lens/TC combinations with the a9 iii, I have been able to create some strikingly different images. Today is Wednesday 29 May 2024. I will be headed down very soon to look for more different duck stuff. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have a great day.

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) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

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.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

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

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

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 stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on Thursday 26 May 2024 down by the lake near my home. Standing at full height, I used the handheld 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 800: 1/4000 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:17:52 am on a variably sunny morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Blacked-bellied Whistling Duck flock on final approach

Still Great!

The Whistling Duck action continues to be excellent every morning to the left of the pier down by the lake as the clear sunrises continue. You can see with today’s two, totally different flight images, I am always driving for something new. Before I walked into the lake to get a bit closer to any incoming birds, I grabbed the 300mm f/2.8/1.4X TC rig. In this, the first frame of about a twenty-frame sequence, I got really, really lucky: the birds were arranged perfectly — I could not have painted this one any better. In addition, the six ducks were very close to being on the exact same plane.

This image was created on 28 May 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2500. 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 raw file brightness was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:17:11am on a clear sunny morning.

Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper version.

Image #2: Black-bellied Whistling Duck — braking to land

Pano Crop to Maximize the Marsh Grass Background

I expanded canvas right just a bit using Content-Aware Crop. The trick to doing that successfully is to work in small increments. The top of the original frame was mostly clear green while the lower left area had the lovely, mottled colors. Thus, a small crop from above to create the pano crop. In this one I also love the warm early morning light and the neat braking pose.

a9 iii E-mail Set-up and Info Guide

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 sold the second of my three a1 bodies last week. Lots more on the switch coming soon.

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) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Typos

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

May 27th, 2024

Picking My May 25 Keepers -- Avoiding the Grasses

Image #1: “Left of the pier down by the lake near my home”

Left of the Pier

As many as three dozen whistling ducks along with two families of Limpkins and several other species have been providing excellent morning photography action in the tiny bay to the left of the pier. Each day, I have been trying something new. And the best news is that everything has been working. On Saturday past, I put the BLUBB right down on the ground and shot the 1200mm/a1 rig off of that. I made sure to turn off Direct Manual Focus (to prevent throwing off the focus) and was surprised to see how easy it was to frame the shots and follow slowly moving birds. When working off the rear screen, be sure to bring your reading glasses 🙂

For the Limpkin shots in the video below, I did work off a lowered tripod topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro. The levered-clamp makes it beyond easy to switch back and forth.

The biggest problem at this spot is that emerging grasses often obstruct the subjects.

Note the big lens balanced nicely on the BLUBB, the two pillows for me to sit on, and the 300mm f/2.8/1.4X TC/a9 iii rig on an extra pillow where it can be grabbed quickly as a duck flies in to join the party.

Picking My Keepers From an Exciting Morning Down By the Lake

Sit besid me as I pick my keepers from last Saturday morning. Learn why which images are best and why. Learn to see, evaluate, and use the light, and to choose the best perspective. And learn how to avoid or at least minimize the grasses!

Which of the 58 surviving images do you think are best? Which is your fave? Note: Well more than half of those will be deleted after the second edit.

As most of you know, blog post notifications quit working on 4 May. Best is to favorite www.BIRDSASART-Blog.com and visit every other day to avoid missing lots of great lessons.

This image was created on 25 May 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp sand, my rig was supported by the BLUBB that I had placed on the ground. I was using the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x 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 2000. 1/1000 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:30:00am on sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Black-bellied Whistling Duck between the grasses

Bingo!

This one off the BLUBB features an ultra-low perspective. I like it best because the duck is perfectly framed by the usually distracting grasses.

If you would like to see more “Picking Your Keepers” video, please leave a comment.

Typos

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

May 25th, 2024

Ugly Sticks Gone. Why the Sony a9 iii for Bird Photography?

Important Notice

After an update on 4 May, WordPress stopped sending post notifications. We are aware of the issue and are working on rectifying it. You can always visit the blog by visiting or bookmarking www.BIRDSASART-Blog.com.

Supporting My Efforts 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.

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. For nearly a week of private instruction and great flight photography, check out the Jacksonville IPT.

What’s Up?

Photography down by the lake has been getting better every day. The good news is that the area to the left of the pier is attracting lots of birds. The bad news is that there is lots of emerging and dying vegetation that adds clutter to the backgrounds. Keep reading to learn one way of dealing with the dead grasses.

Today is Saturday May 25 2024. And yes, I will be heading down to the lake early again today. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have a great day.

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) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

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.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

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

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

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 stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 23 May 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1250 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was very close to being dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:36:54am on a sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/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: Photo Mechanic screen capture for the Mottled Duck — drake floating image

Things to Note

1- The Photo Mechanic histogram shows that the image was properly exposed well to the right. RawDigger showed that I might have been able to go 1/3 stop lighter without getting in trouble.

2- Most importantly, note that when I pressed the shutter button that even though the subject was surrounded by dead grasses, none of those skewered its body. Thus, eliminating the dead grasses would be relatively simple.

3- Notice that with the long focal length (1200mm), it looks as if I were a lot lower than I actually was, as if I were seated on the ground rather than in the driver’s seat of my SUV. With the subject size constant, the longer the focal length, the lower the angle of declination.

This image was created on 23 May 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1250 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:36:54am on a sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/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: Mottled Duck — drake floating (optimized)

The Clean-Up

The (relatively new) Remove Tool (my personalized keyboard shortcut J), made this repair child’s play. It is a combination of the old Spot Healing Brush on steroids and a artist’s brush. After cleaning up the lower right corner, I used the Remove Tool to paint in the highlights on the blue water. The more I use this new tool, the more I am amazed by it. You can learn how to use this tool (along with the new Luminance – Targeted Adjustment Tool) in the now completed Digital Basics III Video Series.

Your Call

If you are one of the very few reading this blog post, do you like the original version with the bird surrounded by dead grasses or the cleaned up version? Why? To me it is a no-brainer.

Image #2A: This is an unsharpened 100 percent crop of the optimized .TIF file for the Mottled Duck — drake floating image

Sony a9 iii Sharpness and Fine Feather Detail at 1200mm

As stated here recently and often, I have no idea why the optimized 24MP a9 iii files look as sharp and as detailed as the 50mp a1 files. Note the sharpness of the tiny feather on the top of the duck’s head just behind its eye.

Combine the above with the a9 iii’s vastly improved ergonomics and its far superior autofocus system and it is hard to understand why most Sony bird photographers are still using the a1.

a9 iii E-mail Set-up and Info Guide

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 sold the second of my three a1 bodies last week. Lots more on the switch coming soon.

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) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Typos

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