Today is Wednesday, 9 December 2020. I was up early again. As usual. It is even colder than yesterday, but with less wind; I have not decided whether or not I will head down to the lake this morning. I have lots of work to do. But I do love photography …
I have been swimming my slow half-mile every day and did get in the pool yesterday afternoon; it was quite cold when I got out. I did make it down to the lake 30 minutes before sunset and had a nice session with the very dependable Mother’s Day crane family. The surviving colt — recognized by a gray patch on the front of its almost fully red crown — is doing quite well. At seven months, it is a big as its mother and bigger than its father!
Steve Elkins at Bedfords came through with R5 bodies and RF 100-500 lenses for quite a few folks early this week. Those included many blog folks like old friend Steve Freno (and his beloved adopted daughters) and blog-regular Roger Dietrich. Both ordered additional lenses and accessories as well. All that while other are languishing on long waiting lists with the big camera dealers … Save your e-mail receipts for a free copy of the BAA Canon R5/R6 AF Guide (coming soon) and to earn a discount on the BAA R5 Camera User’s Guide …
Fort DeSoto In-the-Field Instructional Sessions
I will be headed over to Fort DeSoto to photograph early on Friday and Saturday mornings. The weather is looking very good. If you would like to join me for one or two morning sessions (and possibly for a Friday afternoon session as well), please contact me via e-mail to learn the low rates.
Most Importantly
As always, if what you read or learn here inspires or convinces you to purchase an R5 or 6, and/or the RF 100-500 lens, and/or the RF Extender 1.4X, please use my B&H affiliate links or get in touch with Steve Elkins at Bedford to save 3% on your new gear and get it a lot quicker …
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line. The recent delay is the result of my recent conversations with Iliah Borg, the brains behind RawDigger. It is likely that the Shock-your-World section will shock you.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
The BAA Canon R5/R6 AF Guide
I will be working on and completing a short Canon R5/R6 AF e-mail Guide today. If you used my B&H affiliate link or got your camera from Steve Elkins at Bedford, the guide will be free. If not, the cost will be $20.00. Details on obtaining a copy of the guide will be published tomorrow.
The BAA Used Gear Page
The Used Gear page continues to be red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list for the past ten months at the bottom of the page.
New Listing
Canon EOS-1DX Mark II Professional Digital Camera Body (with extras!)
BAA Record-low Price!
Sold first day of listing!
Bryan Berkowitz is offering a Canon EOS-1DX Mark II in excellent condition (with extras) for a BAA record-low $2099.00. The sale includes the front cap, the manual, the battery charger, the original LP-E19 battery and an extra, two straps, a Sony Cfast 2.0 64GB memory card, the Sandisk Cfast 2.0 USB card reader, a Transcend 64GB memory card, and insured ground shipping via major courier to all 50 US addresses only. The camera body received a clean bill of health from Canon Professional Services in November 2020. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
The EOS-1DX Mark II is a Canon flagship professional camera body. I made many fine images with mine. It is rugged and fast and featured Canon’s best AF system (before the release of the 1DX III — $6499.00). The 1DX II is still in production and sells new for $4,499.00 so you can save a very cool $2400.00 on this great deal from Bryan. artie
Price Drops
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Lens
Price Reduced $100.00 on 9 DEC 2020
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens in excellent plus condition for the very low price of $550.00 (was $650.00). The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
The relatively lightweight and inexpensive 16-35mm wide angle zooms are great for serious landscape shooters on a budget. The heavier faster Nikon AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED lens sells for a shopping $1951.95. Who needs the speed when you are on a tripod? The 16-35 f/4 Nikkor sells new for $1096.95 so you can save a pretty penny by grabbing Karen’s lens. artie
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens in excellent plus condition for the very low price of $750.00 (was $850.00). The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
The 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses in all systems are huge favorites with nature and wildlife photographers. They are fast, very sharp, and extremely versatile. All pair well with a 1.4X teleconverter. They are great for bird-scapes, wildlife, large mammals, scenics, sports, low light situations, and lots more. artie
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens and TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter Kit for Nikon F
Price Reduced $100.00 on 9 DEC 2020
Karen McCormick is offering a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens and TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter Kit for Nikon F in excellent plus condition for a remarkably low ($400.00 (was $500.00). The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
Offering an impressively versatile range with a portable form factor, the Nikon F-mount 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM from Sigma is a Contemporary-series telephoto zoom characterized by its sophisticated optics and flexible handling. One FLD element and three SLD elements are used to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range and a Super Multi-Coating also helps to suppress flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy when working in strong lighting conditions.
Balancing the optical design, this lens also features a Hyper Sonic Motor, which provides especially fast and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override. An Optical Stabilizer also works to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. Additionally, a removable, rotating tripod collar is included to suit working on a tripod or monopod. B&H
I have seen many excellent sharp images created by folks on IPTs and on BPN. As this kit sells new for $1,289.00 Karen’s offering is a great bargain for a beginning bird photographer using Nikon gear. artie
Back in Stock
Three sold yesterday!
We now have fifteen of the hugely popular Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro tripod heads in stock. Click on the preceding link to learn more about this amazing head, the ballhead that thinks it’s a gimbal head and — thanks to the amazing counter-balanced spring mechanism — works great with any rig from the longest, heaviest super-telephoto lens to a camera-body-mounted wide angle. The latter is possible because of the bi-directional clamp; it is no longer necessary to travel with a gimbal head for long lens photography and a ballhead for scenic photography. And after just a moment’s adjustment, the double ball enables you to ensure that every image you take is on the level.
Please Remember
With income from IPTs approaching zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!
You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.
Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists 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 a9 ii, 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.
125 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
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… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Upper Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and worked perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: First-winter Willet foraging in the surf
Willets: a Dime a Dozen
Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) is a large, common shorebird that is related to birds in the yellowlegs Tringa tribe. The semipalmata refers to the fact that this species has partial webbed toes. Willet can be found along coastal shorelines almost anywhere in North America and are fairly common inland as well throughout the US and the prairie provinces of Canada.
Note: Recent genetic evidence suggests that Willet falls within the genus Tringa. The American Ornithological Union has recognized willets as Tringa semipalmata rather than Catoptrophorus semipalmatus.
There are two races of Willet, a western race and an eastern race. Willets nest throughout their range and move south in the winter. If you take a walk on a coastal beach it is likely that you will encounter a Willet, even on crowded beaches. They are quite common on the beaches and sandbars at Fort DeSoto, it very rare to encounter them in flocks. There, they are quite tame and easily approached as they forage in the shallows. At times, they swim.
Though they are almost always available subjects, making a really good image of a Willet is a challenge (unless you get them flapping after a bath or in flight when you can see their prominent white wing stripes). My best advice for creating a good Willet image is to get low. With today’s featured image I am pretty sure that I was sitting on the beach. The problem with that strategy is that you have to get up and down often when following the bird. But the results are worth it.
A Wave Can Make or Break an Image
You have heard it here dozens of times before: when you are photographing along the edge of the surf be aware of the position of the breaking waves. Even small waves can have a large impact on the success of an image. Watch them as they break and roll through your frame. If your image has a wave breaking and it intersects your subject’s head or body, it will generally ruin the photo. A wave just above (and/or below) the bird can frame the subject nicely. And a wave breaking right at the feet of the subject (as in Image #1) can be quite lovely.
So, when you are photographing a bird along the edge of the surf be aware of the position of the waves.
Image #1A: RawDigger screen capture for first-winter Willet foraging in the surf
RawDigger Screen Capture
First, note the 11,000 over-exposed (OvExp) pixels in the Green channel. The over-exposed pixels are noted by the rosy red OvExp warning on the brightest strip of the surf. In the RawDigger (RD) e-Guide, you will learn how and why such an over-exposure can be saved easily without any loss of detail. You will learn to use the RD histogram when evaluating exposures. And you will learn to evaluate the Max G values as a way to learn to mega-expose all of your images to the right so that you will minimize noise, maximize image quality, best utilize the dynamic range of your camera’sensor, 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 smooth transitions between tones. And your optimized images will feature rich, accurate color.
Why So Long?
Many folks have been learning to use RawDigger from their pre-publication copies for months. They, and many others might be asking, Why is it taking so long for artie to finish the RawDigger e-Guide?
I was almost finished several months ago when IPT veteran Bart Deamer asked some questions that I could not answer. So Patrick and I got in touch with Iliah Borg, the creator of RawDigger. That opened many cans of worms and after extensive e-mail conversations with Iliah we got a handle on things. This new understanding required a virtual re-write of the guide.
I was pretty much done about six weeks ago when along came the Canon R5. Examining the R5’s CR.3 raw files in RD opened up a new can of worms and triggered more e-mails conversations with Iliah Borg. With his and Patrick’s help, I now have an even deeper understanding of RawDigger. Now I just need to get back to the guide and do the required work.
Typos
In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).
Today is Tuesday 8 December 2020. It dawned clear and chilly with a NW wind, so I opted to stay in and create a short v-Log video for y’all instead of heading down to the lake with wind against sun conditions.
I had a ton of fun with my loaner Canon gear yesterday. Inn dreary conditions, I put the lens on a tripod for the first time to create some in-camera Art Vivid HDRs and some in-camera Multiple Exposures. Neither of those is available with SONY. I will be sharing my favorite image HDR Art Vivid image with you here soon.
It looks as if I will be headed over to Fort DeSoto to photograph early on Friday and Saturday mornings. If you would like to join me for one or two morning sessions (and possibly an afternoon session as well), please contact me via e-mail to learn the low rates.
Steve Elkins at Bedfords came through with R5 bodies and RF 100-500 lenses for quite a few folks yesterday. Those included many blog folks like old friend Steve Freno (and his beloved adopted daughters) and blog-regular Roger Dietrich. Both ordered additional lenses and accessories as well. All that while folks are languishing on long waiting lists with the big camera dealers … Save your e-mail receipts to earn a discount on the BAA R5 Camera User’s Guide …
Most Importantly
As always, if what you read or learn here inspires or convinces you to purchase an R5 or 6, and/or the RF 100-500 lens, and/or the RF Extender 1.4X, please use my B&H affiliate links or get in touch with Steve Elkins at Bedford to save 3% on your new gear and get it a lot quicker …
Great R5/RF 100-500 News from Bedfords
I spoke to Steve Elkins at Bedford Camera on Thursday and was excited to learn that he will be getting his biggest-yet shipment of Canon R5 bodies and RF 100-500 lenses early next week. You can save 3% on your order by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax (if any is due) total. In addition, by using the code you will get free 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.
If you buy the Canon rig that I am testing you will save a very handsome $212.91. Using any of my affiliate links is the best way to thank me for the work that I do here on the blog.
Back in Stock
We now have eighteen of the hugely popular Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro tripod heads in stock. Click on the preceding link to learn more about this amazing head, the ballhead that thinks it’s a gimbal head and — thanks to the amazing counter-balanced spring mechanism — works great with any rig from the longest, heaviest super-telephoto lens to a camera-body-mounted wide angle. The latter is possible because of the bi-directional clamp; it is no longer necessary to travel with a gimbal head for long lens photography and a ballhead for scenic photography. And after just a moment’s adjustment, the double ball enables you to ensure that every image you take is on the level.
Please Remember
With income from IPTs approaching zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
Topaz Still on Sale!
Right now Topaz is offering price reductions on the Utility Bundle and the Creator Bundle. The former normally sells for $359.96. It is on sale now for $249.95. Click here, scroll all the way down to the sale, and enter the ARTHUR15 code at checkout to save an additional 15%! The Creator Bundle usually sells for #279.97 and is now on sale for $149.99. Using the ARTHUR15 code at checkout brings the price down to $127.49!
The BAA Used Gear Page
The Used Gear page continues to be red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list for the past ten months at the bottom of the page.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Great Topaz News!
Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said just a while back and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!
You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.
Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists 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 a9 ii, 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.
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… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Please feel free to share your thoughts on this image. Can you guess the ISO? What direction was the slight breeze from? Do you see anything funky in the processing? Any and all comments are welcome.
There were lots of excellent and incisive comments. The ISO for this one was 800. I was set up for flight so ISO 400 on this clear morning would not have yielded enough shutter speed. The sun was in the east southeast and right behind me pointed at the pelican. The bird, facing into the breeze, was angled somewhat toward me. The wind, therefore, was from the south or southeast. Note that had there been any western component to the wind, the bird would have been angled away from me. With a northwest wind, the bird would have been turned 180 degrees, facing and flapping into the wind (as they always do).
As for the processing — most thought that the image was straight out of camera; watch the short video and then keep reading.
American White Pelican flapping v-Log Video
I worked hard to isolate this single American White Pelican at South Padre Island, TX. Once I did, the bird rewarded me by flapping in place. Join me on my MacBook Pro as I discuss the pluses and minuses of each of the keepers in the series. In addition, we take a look at the Advanced Color Wheel in Capture One.
Image #1B: an unsharpened large crop of the face of American White Pelican flapping in place
Where Was the AF Point?
In the Two Part Exercise in Thinking blog post here, IPT veteran Joel Eade left this comment (in part):
#1- I would say the wind is from the south or southwest and ISO no more than 800. I see no photoshop tricks, but you are a master at that game. I do think the AF grabbed the near wing rather than the head/eye.
Joel nailed the ISO and was close on the wind direction. But as noted above, if there had been any west in the wind, the bird would have been angled away from me. Based on his comment, though, I decided to check on the AF point and the sharpness of the bird’s eye in the posted image (Image #1 above).
I remember that when in the field, I was sure that SONY nailed the focus. So, I brought the image into RawDigger and learned — using a somewhat convoluted method — that the active AF was on the top of the base of the bill about one-fourth of the way down — at a point right near the frame edge in Image #1B. As I was quite far from this large bird, the depth-of-field was more than enough to cover the bird’s eye. I concluded that the eye was not razor sharp because of motion blur. I selected the face and eye using a Quick Mask, put the selection on its own layer, and brought the layer in Topaz Sharpen AI.
Image #1C: the face and eye layer in Topaz Sharpen AI at 100%
Topaz Sharpen AI on the Face and Eye Layer
First note that Topaz Sharpen AI on Auto went with Stabilize indicating that motion blur was the problem rather than accurate focus. Click on the screen capture to see the increased sharpness in the after image on our right. Note also the super-soft edges that come with using Quick Masks.
Learn everything that there is to know about creating, refining, and transforming Quick Masks in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.
Image #1D: another tight crop of the face and eye showing the benefits of some Eye Doctor Work
Eye Doctor Work
The last piece to the apparent sharpness puzzle was to darken the pupil and lighten the iris just a bit. Compare the eye in Image #1D with the eye in Images 1B and 1C. You can learn Digital Eye Doctor techniques and tons more great Photoshop tips along with all of my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail.
And Finally!
As I mentioned in the video, though this was the best frame in the sequence, I wished that the near-wing had been fully up. I immediately thought of a trick that I had seen for the first time in Alan Murphy’s PhotoShop Trickery for Bird Photographers video. This video is full of neat Photoshop techniques. Amazing, most of them were brand new to me the first time that I watched it. To learn Alan’s technique for helping a bird to spread it wings more fully, purchase the video below using the link provided.
Removing background noise and distractions
How to do a graduated background blur
Creative ways to use the liquify tool
How to create eye contact on an image
How to create a natural catchlight
How to remove red eye
How to fix a bad eye
How to repair clipped wings
Fixing messed up feathers
How to deal with high contrast
How to remove leg bands
How to stitch heads
How to balance warm ambient light with cool light from flash
How to change high-key backgrounds
This Hi Definition MP4 video can be either downloaded to your dropbox, computer, tablet, mobile device, or be streamed.
How to look for, find and choose the right perch.
What perches do not work and why.
How to match the perch for a particular species.
How to present a perch to the scene
How to trim a perch to look fantastic
How to support the perch
How many perches do you set up
Working with mounds, stumps and elevated perches
How to choose a good background
How to deal with background challenges
How to break up a flat background so it’s mottled
How to find and use gradient backgrounds
How far should the background be from the perch
Should you wear camo
Working from a blind
How to set up your lens and tripod for blind work
The correct tightness of your lens support
Is concealment important
Plus, many tips for being a better bird photographer
This Hi Definition MP4 video can be either downloaded to your dropbox, computer, tablet, mobile device, or can be streamed.
How to prepare your backyard for photography
How to work with backyard feeders
What feeders work best for bird photography
How to get birds from your feeders onto perches
How to set up a water drip
How to work with berry perches
How to make and use home made suet
How to bring in woodpeckers
What food works best for what species
How to set up perches around feeders
Photo blinds for the backyard
The video can be downloaded to your Mac or PC, streamed to your favorite device, or saved to your Dropbox Account.
How to do ambient light Hummingbird photography
How to setup for multi-flash Hummingbird photography
How to photograph songbirds in flight using a tiny feeder
How to setup and use a PhotoTrap trigger system
How to make and use a decoy owl for photographing Raptors in flight
What gear and settings work best
Blind construction and camo for flight photography
Flight photography techniques that will help you succeed
The video can be downloaded to your Mac or PC, streamed to your favorite device, or saved to your Dropbox Account.
Total run time: 1 hour: More than 1.5 hours.
Typos
Feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :). with love, artie
There were lots of incisive comments on the Two-part Exercise in Thinking blog post here. Old friend and BAA student, the very skilled and oft-published bird photographer, Cliff Beitel, spotted my SUV in the eye of the B&W vulture image! Note: with the sun coming up in the southeast and the bird angling somewhat toward me there would never be western component to the wind … I will be going back over the two images in that post this week. Promise.
I enjoyed another great session with my loaner Canon gear this morning; I have been implementing various suggestions left in the comments on the two R5/RF 100-500 posts. There are some very smart folks out there; I thank them all for their help. If you own an R5, I cannot urge you enough to carefully go over the Comments (and my responses) in the last few blog posts. Or, you can wait for the BAA Canon EOS-R5 User’s Guide. Folks who purchase an R5 or and R6 and/or any RF lenses using my B&H links or Bedfords should save their e-mail receipts as they will be entitled to a discount.
Be sure to read all the way down to learn about Jim Brandenburg. You owe it to yourself. If COVID has got you feeling down, be sure to explore some of the links on the Brandenburg Gallery Facebook page here.
Today is Monday 7 December 2020. It is just past 7:30am. It is dark and drizzly here at ILE. I will be heading out to do some photography as soon as I get dressed. Thanks, Jim!
Most Importantly
As always, if what you read or learn here inspires or convinces you to purchase an R5 or 6, and/or the RF 100-500 lens, and/or the RF Extender 1.4X, please use my B&H affiliate links or get in touch with Steve Elkins at Bedford to save 3% on your new gear and get it a lot quicker …
Great R5/RF 100-500 News from Bedfords
I spoke to Steve Elkins at Bedford Camera on Thursday and was excited to learn that he will be getting his biggest-yet shipment of Canon R5 bodies and RF 100-500 lenses early next week. You can save 3% on your order by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax (if any is due) total. In addition, by using the code you will get free 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.
If you buy the Canon rig that I am testing you will save a very handsome $212.91. Using any of my affiliate links is the best way to thank me for the work that I do here on the blog.
Back in Stock
We now have eighteen of the hugely popular Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro tripod heads in stock. Click on the preceding link to learn more about this amazing head, the ballhead that thinks it’s a gimbal head and — thanks to the amazing counter-balanced spring mechanism — works great with any rig from the longest, heaviest super-telephoto lens to a camera-body-mounted wide angle. The latter is possible because of the bi-directional clamp; it is no longer necessary to travel with a gimbal head for long lens photography and a ballhead for scenic photography. And after just a moment’s adjustment, the double ball enables you to ensure that every image you take is on the level.
Please Remember
With income from IPTs approaching zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
Topaz Still on Sale!
Right now Topaz is offering price reductions on the Utility Bundle and the Creator Bundle. The former normally sells for $359.96. It is on sale now for $249.95. Click here, scroll all the way down to the sale, and enter the ARTHUR15 code at checkout to save an additional 15%! The Creator Bundle usually sells for #279.97 and is now on sale for $149.99. Using the ARTHUR15 code at checkout brings the price down to $127.49!
The BAA Used Gear Page
The Used Gear page continues to be red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list for the past ten months at the bottom of the page.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Great Topaz News!
Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said just a while back and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!
You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.
Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists 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 a9 ii, 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.
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… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
This image was created on 15 February 2011 on a Hooptie Deux trip to Alafia Banks in Tampa Bay with Captain James Shadle. I used the
tripod/Mongoose-mounted Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens with the 1.4X II TC (now replaced for EF lenses by the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III and the long-defunct EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at about +1/3 stop: 1/800 sec. at f/11. AWB at 8:29am on a sunny morning.
Tracking Expand Flexible Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection.
Click the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Roseate Spoonbill in mega-breeding plumage preening
Gorgeous!
This is the most gorgeous breeding plumage Roseate Spoonbill I have ever seen. Anywhere. The birds that breed in Texas are, on average, more colorful on the breast than the Florida birds but I have not been there. Yet. I hope to get there early this spring.
The Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens was one of my all-time favorite telephoto lenses.
My favorite AirBNB super-host ordered two prints to decorate my favorite Gulfport AirBNB. This one will be printed on canvas at 24X 24″. The 1D IV was a 16.1 MO 1.3X crop factor body. As this is a fairly large crop, I decided to run the image file through Topaz Gigapixel AI on Auto at 2X before re-sizing it. See below for the amazing results …
Be sure to click on the image to better see the amazing improvement.
Topaz Gigapixel AI on Auto at 2X on the Roseate Spoonbill in mega-breeding plumage preening
Topaz Gigapixel AI on the Roseate Spoonbill in mega-breeding plumage image
With this one I was stunned by the results. I am not sure how Gigapixel AI performs its magic; the image is rendered at twice the file size, and amazingly sharper and cleaner. Note the improved sharpness of the eye and the incredible detail at the base of the upper mandible in the after version on the right. Artificial intelligence indeed. This one will make a stunning canvas print.
This image was created on 9 September 2006 near Fort DeSoto. I used the tripod/Mongoose-mounted Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM lens and the long, long-defunct EOS-1D Mark II N. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at about +1/3 stop: 1/1000 sec. at f/6.3. AWB right at sunset with some light clouds on the western horizon.
Click the image to see a larger version.
Image #2: Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette
Too Long Ago …
I would have sworn that this image was made with a handheld lens, probably the original 100-400. But the EXIF showed that it was made with the first 600 f/4 L IS lens. That one was so heavy that I could not have handheld it even for a few seconds. Ah, the times they are a changing … I do remember being so nervously excited as everything came together that I screwed up the juxtaposition of the subject and the sun. The sun in this image needed to be re-positioned to our right to improve the compositional balance.
Again, be sure to click on the image to better see the amazing improvement.
Image #2B: Topaz Sharpen AI on Auto on the Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at 100%
Topaz Sharpen AI on the Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette image
For this EOS-1D Mark II N (8.2MP) file, I first put it through Topaz Gigapixel AI at 2X. The image was improved, but did not look very sharp. So next I applied Topaz Sharpen AI on Auto. Much better. After being re-sized to 30 X 20″, I uploaded the file to the printer’s website.
The cover image was re-mastered with Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI.
Though published more than a decade ago, the oft-overlooked The Art of Bird Photography II, remains an incredible resource for all bird and nature photographers.
ABP II is the continuation of the How-To classic, “The Art of Bird Photography; The Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques.” One chapter covers all aspects of Digital Photography and includes a section on understanding histograms. It also includes Artie’s (then-current) digital workflow along with tons of great Photoshop tips. Other chapters include “Equipment; What’s New?,” “Advanced Composition and Image Design,” “It Ain’t Just Birds,” “Exposure and Flash Simplified,” and “Advanced Sharpness Techniques & Creating Pleasing Blurs.” The “Practicalities” chapter includes a detailed section on setting up your backyard for bird photography as well as sections on photographing on safari and on the tundra. Each image in the book includes the all technical data and is accompanied by the legendary educational captions that made Artie’s free on-line Bulletins, and now the BAA Blog, so popular. Most chapters include one or more galleries designed to illustrate and reinforce the principles covered in the text. There are two copies of the book on the CD. Open the “Spreads” version to best enjoy the beauty of the images and the layout and design. Open the “Single Pages” version for easy reading.
Note: You can port this CD to an iPad – please e-mail us for instructions
Note: This CD is also available as a digital download – you can see it here.
The front cover of the CD is an image from the same series as Image #2, the Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette. To learn how the foggy GBH image on the back cover was created from a very foggy image, see the blog post I Haven’t the Foggiest blog post from 2013 here. The back cover of ABP II features a wonderful quote from friend and fellow professional Jim Brandenburg, 40 or so words that I will always cherish:
Arthur Morris’s bird photographs have a truly unparalleled elegance. As artist, he shares a rare gift of intimacy in his work, then as teacher, powerfully describes the steps of this most delicate ballet with his shy and elusive feathered partner.
Learn lots more about ABP II and our other educational offerings here.
Jim Brandenburg
Incredibly, I know that there are more than a few folks who have never heard of Jim Brandenburg. Jim (born November 23, 1945) is an environmentalist, nature photographer, filmmaker, and philanthropist based near Ely, Minnesota. His career includes 10 years as a newspaper photojournalist, more than 30 years as a contract photographer for National Geographic, and commissions from such groups as the United States Postal Service and the BBC. Jim Brandenburg is a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers.
Jim is incredibly creative. He is inspirational. He is spiritual. He is philosophical and to me, often seems mystical. He is thoughtful — he seems to consider each word and thought before he verbalizes it. I met him several times many years ago and he was quite kind to me. Most recently, I re-read his monumental Chased by the Light and was re-inspired. If you do not know the story of the epic work, I urge you to check out the video. Watch the video at the preceding link and learn the story of the time when Jim embarrassed a wolf …
I spent well more than an hour this morning “catching up” with Jim. I learned a ton by visiting the Brandenburg Gallery Facebook page here. I learned that Jim, six months older than I am, has not been resting on his laurels. See 93 Days of Spring here. I learned of the completion of Jim’s winter project here.
Typos
Feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :). with love, artie
