Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

The Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM Lens. Not for everyone …

When it comes to a workhorse focal length for bird photography, I would recommend a 600mm f/4 over the 400mm f/2.8 for just about everyone. Why? The size of the bird in the frame is determined by the square of the focal length. Thus, a 600mm focal length will always have a huge 36:16 advantage over a 400mm focal length. Except, perhaps, for some folks living in either southern corner of the US. Bird photographers living in San Diego or in many Florida locations have access to lots of fairly large and tame birds. That said, I’d still recommend that all bird photographers should own a 600mm f/4 lens before considering a 400mm f/2.8.

So, aside from sports photographers, who is the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM lens meant for? It would be the perfect complement for serious bird photographers who already own a 600mm lens who wish to change up their style a bit while enjoying the hand hold-ability of a 400mm f/2.8 lens and who wish to routinely produce images with smooth, soft, creamy, luscious, de-focused backgrounds like those seen in today’s 9 featured photographs, all made in only three mornings. Robert Hollyer’s 400mm f/2.8 lens is now priced at rock bottom and we could not find a single used copy available from any of the major retailers. If the 400 f/2.8 is a good fit for you, it would be best to get in touch with him immediately.

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens

Price reduced a shocking $600.00 on 13 July 2024
Price reduced a shocking $400.00 on 18 December July 2024

Used Gear Page veteran Robert Hollyer is offering a Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens in Like-New condition for a BAA record low $9398.00 (was $9,998.00). The sale includes the front lens cap, the rear lens cap, the lens hood, the lens strap, that hard case & strap, the original product box, 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 Bob via e-mail or by phone at 1-206-359-0018 PST.

I purchased my Sony 400mm f/2.8 two years ago to complement my 600mm f/4. Robert is selling his because he rarely uses it, opting instead for the 600mm f/4! It is far easier for me to handhold the 4 ounces lighter, much smaller, and better balanced 400 f/2.8 than it is to handhold the 600mm f/4. The 400 kills for flight with or without the 1.4X teleconverter. This lens sells new right now for $11,998.00 at B&H and there are used copies going for $10998.00 as well. Act quickly to save a handsome $3,000.00 by grabbing Robert’s might-as-well-be-new 400mm GM lens. And remember, you can’t beat the f/2.8 bokeh! artie

Today’s Blog Post

Including the time spent on the nine image optimizations, today’s blog post took more than six hours to create. That plus an additional six plus hours in the field. There is a wealth of information in today’s post. Please take the time to read and enjoy it.

If you missed the item on bokeh in the last blog post, you might wish to check out the rerun by scrolling down to the bottom of this post.

What’s Up?

Today is Wednesday 18 December. Bob Eastman and I will be heading down to the lake at 6:45am to put out a dead, smelly, rotting raccoon. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it. Whatever you choose to do, we hope that like us, you choose to be happy and have fun.

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.

This image was created on 14 December 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on a pillow on the South Peninsula, I used the toe-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000. 1/2000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:06:41am on a partly cloudy morning. Tracking: 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: Sandhill Crane adult foraging

Nosybody

We had set up a road kill cafe on the South Peninsula cafe but the wind was less than ideal. The light clouds were a blessing. The Turkey Vultures came in first followed by hordes of Black Vultures. A local pair of cranes moseyed on over and gave the vultures what for. At times they blocked out flight shots. When one of the foraging cranes wandered over to me, I put the lens on my toes and worked off the rear screen.

Without my reading glasses, I relied on Tracking Zone to render the eye tack sharp. I love the sharp eye with everything else in the frame blurred by the f/2.8 aperture and the point blank working distance.

This image was also created on 14 December 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Again, seated on a pillow on the South Peninsula, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000. 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:08:51am on a partly cloudy morning. Tracking: 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: Black Vulture in flight

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Look for the Odd-flying Bird

In the morning with the wind from the north with a touch of west, the trick is to find the one bird out of dozens that is not flying and landing into the wind. This was one of the very few that morning.

This image was also created on 14 December 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Crouching on the slope that leads down to a canal, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 250. 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:43:43am on a then sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3: Sandhill Crane foraging

Change of Strategy

Once the sun came out for good, I worked my way down the slope to the canal between the South Field and the South Peninsula in an effort to photograph the crane from a low perspective and include the wicked storm cloud to the west in background. As for the head angle, I am more and more liking the view of the top of a crane’s head with just a sliver of one eye visible.

Whatever your definition of bokeh, you will likely consider the soft, sweet background in this image something to die for.

This image was also created on 14 December 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Now standing on the slope that leads down to a canal, I again used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 250. 1/3200 sec. at f/3.2 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:48:18am on a then sunny morning. 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 #4: Sandhill Crane adult head and neck portrait

Curiosity

This crane walked right up to me and posed. What’s not to love about the wide open 400mm f/2.8? Another incredibly soft and sweet background, more bright colors, and more incredible sharpness and contrast.

This image was created on 15 December 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 handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:08:26am on a mostly sunny morning. Tracking: 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 #5: Crested Caracara braking to land

A New Roadkill Cafe Location

I have long considered setting up a morning roadkill cafe in winter at the edge of the canal that abuts the North Field. During the (relatively) colder months — it was 85° here yesterday, the sun comes up well to the south of east allowing for being perfectly on sun angle. When we got back from Sebastian, Bob set up a low perch in the perfect spot we had discussed previously.

The first menu item was an 80-pound female Wild Boar we had picked up on SR 630. Yes, 80 pounds. We set it out on the afternoon we had found it, Saturday past, as we figured it would last several days at least. To our surprise, the entire carcass but for a single lower jawbone, was gone the next morning. We were puzzled until we noted a trail of flattened grasses going down to the water. “Woodsman” Bob figured that the only explanation was that it had been a midnight snack for a large gator.

Anyhoo, we put out some old fish scraps and lots of birds came to the party. Though far smaller than either of the vulture species, the caracaras more than hold their own at the dining table.

This image was also created on 15 December 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Still working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:54:29am on a sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #6: Bald Eagle in flight gaining altitude

Bokeh

I would describe the bokeh in this image, i.e., the quality of the out-of-focus background, as sweet and luscious. That thanks for the most part to the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM lens.

Occasional Roadkill Cafe Visitors

The Bald Eagles that nested in two different trees in the South Field for the past three years moved across the South Canal and built a new nest in a live pine tree. Photography is pretty much impossible. Another pair of lakefront eagles has always nested somewhere in the woods northeast of the North Field. On occasion, a Bald Eagle will drop by for a look-see. This bird flew over the bait once, circled behind us, and then flew by again right at us. It was a very good chance and both of us made some really nice images. A few years ago, I put out a dead rabbit on the South Peninsula. The light (cloudy bright) and wind (east) were perfect as the first vulture landed. Then a Bald Eagle swooped down and flew off with the rabbit. Party over.

This image was also created on 15 December 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on the grass beside my SUV, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:10:54am on a sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #7: Black Vulture taking flight

The Knee-Pod Rest Position

In the second edition of the revised The Art & Science of Photographing Birds in Flight with the Sony α-1 (and More), I write in detail about how I use my left knee as an efficient rest position while seated and hand holding the 400mm f/2.8 GM lens. On our first morning at the new location, birds were constantly landing on and taking flight from the handsome new perch. (Great Job, Bob!). Though only 4 ounces lighter than the Sony 600mm f/4 lens, I can hand hold it easily for long flight sessions. Holding the lens up while waiting for a vulture to take flight is, however, another story.

Details on the updated version will be available here soon.

So I sat on the grass, bent my left knee, and rested my forearm on the knee until a bird would take flight at which point I would need only to lift the rig an inch or two while firing away. Wide AF tracked the bird’s face and eye perfectly. Fortunately, the a9 iii features Pre-capture. When I am shooting take-offs, I take a moment to visit My Menu and increase the Pre-capture time to the max, 1.0 seconds. At 60 fps, I had a hard time picking the best image from about 7 keepers.

The new Sony a-1 II will feature Pre-capture along with the brilliant 51MP raw files and a rear screen that tilts both ways.

Sony a-1 II Pre-order Info Updated

The new camera will begin shipping in two days.

Those who wish to receive my Sony a-1 II settings for free in the form of a CAMSET.DAT file with instructions and an explanatory Buttons and Dials Guide should pre-order from one of my affiliate programs as below.

To pre-order your Sony a-1 II from B&H, you must use this link: Sony a-1 II

Once your camera ships, you must send me your B&H receipt to me via e-mail.

If you were on the B&H please-notify-me list and order using a link that they sent you, I will not receive the credit and you will not receive my camera set-up guide information for free.

Those who prefer more personalized service, a far shorter wait list, enjoy free second day air FedEx, and receive 3% back on their credit card when their a1 II ships, should to visit the Bedford website here, at or after 9:30am today, search for the Sony a-1 II, pre-order they camera body, and enter the BIRDSASART discount. There is no need to e-mail Steve Elkins.

Thanks to those who pre-order using one of my affiliate links and for the faith they place in the information provided by BIRDS AS ART.

This image was created on 16 December 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 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 800. 1/4000 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:18:06am on a sunny morning. Wide 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: Turkey Vulture taking flight

A Slightly Different Tack

When shooting flight from the car, I usually prefer to move the BLUBB to the front passenger seat and place it on top of my lens collection. That gives me more room to maneuver the lens. When trying for the takeoff shot, however, I rest my left forearm on the big beanbag (instead of on my left knee as in the previous example). Older folks like and including me, will find Pre-capture a huge plus when photographing birds taking flight.

This image was also created on 16 December 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Again working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, 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 800. 1/4000 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7::47:38am on a sunny morning. Wide 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: Black Vulture dorsal view — turning in flight

Dorsal View/Wings Forward

The combination of flight pose and wing position in Image #9 is one of my very favorites. If you can think of a good name to describe this flight pose, please leave it in a comment.

Detective Question

How is the water level in Lake Walk-in-Water at this season? How do you know?

Bokeh

The word “bokeh” was used often in today’s post. First off, nobody is sure how to pronounce the word. A web search offers several alternatives. The video might or might not have the definitive answer, but it is a fun watch.

Not only are most folks not sure how to say the word, but not everyone agrees on its meaning. Some state that it refers only to the quality of out-of-focus specular highlights, while others are sure that it refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas in the background. Some say that bokeh is determined by the focal length and aperture, while others believe that bokeh has more to do with the construction of a given lens. Check out the Bokeh: A Term that Means More than Blurry and Fuzzy article by Allan Weitz on the B&H Explora page here. Mr. Weitz makes some interesting points along with more than a few that I do not agree with.

When it comes to bokeh, I am not sure of much. I am sure, however, that some spectacular bokeh is featured in many of the images above.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

On Friday morning, Bob Eastman enjoyed his first roadkill cafe experience with the ILE vultures. When he returned from Vero he showed up with a huge, very smelly dead raccoon that he shoveled up on SR 60 and placed in a large cooler. He did not have faith in the creature, but I did. We put it to the left of the pier and the Turkey Vultures found the stinking mess in about two minutes. When the sun broke through the clouds, however, I knew that we needed to move it to the South Peninsula. We did. Despite a brisk wind from the north, we did OK. Remember that as the sun rises it moves to the southeast presenting a wind-against-sun condition. Though not as bad as a northwest wind on a clear morning, a wind from the north at this time of the year is far less than ideal. Anyhoo, we had more than 80 vultures on the long dead raccoon in short order. The Turkey Vultures predominated at first, but when we left at 8:30, there were 30 Black Vultures finishing off the remains of Rocky.

We had a very few birds land the “wrong way” and did our best with those. As a side benefit, we had the first-ever birds landing on newly-planted-by-Bob The Perch III. After a harrowing day of trying and failing to pick up the new pool pump being shipped by UPS to older daughter Jennifer’s home in Babson Park, we headed down to the lake at our usual 5:00pm and did well with a pair of dancing cranes. I used one of my two a9 iii bodies all day. I had forgotten how incredible the AF system is with that mirrorless body.

Today is Saturday 14 December and Bob and I will be heading down to the lake at 6:55am as usual. Whatever you choose to do, we hope that like us, you choose to be happy and have fun.

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! Jacksonville in late June/early July 2026 and Nickerson Beach/JBWR August dates and details will be announced soon. You can always e-mail for advance notice with new trips.

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.

This image was created on 13 December down by the lake near my home. Standing on the beach to the left of the pier, I used the hand held 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 technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000: 1/500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:06:24am in the shade with some clouds in the eastern sky. Tracking: (upper center) Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Sandhill Crane, female calling

Love the Soft Light and the Sand Background

As you learned in the Bird Photography Shutter Speed YouTube video in the blog post here, 1/500 sec. is borderline risky when photographing a calling crane. It worked perfectly for this image. Using Tracking: (upper center) Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection enabled, a9 iii grabbed the crane’s eye and stuck to it like glue.

This image was also created on 13 December down by the lake near my home. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 6400. 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:29:46am on a mostly sunny morning. Tracking: (center) Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Red-shouldered Hawk, adult screaming

Processing a9 iii Raw Files

I shoot my a9 iii bodies with Color Creative Look NT (neutral). The raw files do not look as richly colored as a-1 raws. The trick is to change the profile to Adobe Color, Adobe Standard, or Adobe Vivid during the raw file conversion in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). At times, Adobe Landscape looks even better. That is how each of today’s featured images wound up with rich, gorgeous, natural-looking colors.

This image was also created on 13 December down by the lake near my home. Standing on the beach to the left of 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 1250: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:44:12am on a partly sunny 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 #3: Crested Caracara in flight — wings fully up

Just One Good Chance

This handsome adult Crested Caracara flew over Stinky Rocky when we placed it on the beach just to the left of the pier. As it flew left to right into the north wind, I was astounded at how the a9 iii’s AF system tracked the eye even during the downstroke. Working at only 60 fps, I created more than 60 images of this single flyby. I kept four with this one being my favorite.

This image was also created on 13 December down by the lake near my home. Standing on the South Peninsula, 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 800: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:05:55am on a then sunny morning. Tracking 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: Turkey Vulture adult taking flight from The Perch III

Pre-Capture

As noted above, I usually work with my a9 iii at 60 fps rather than at 120 fps, the max. I keep Pre-capture at 0.5 sec., one-half second. When I am positive that a bird is going to take flight, I will usually pay a very short visit to My Menu and increase that to 1.0 sec., one full seconds.

Remember that for Pre-capture to work you need keep the shutter button half pressed an see the tiny green box tracking the bird’s eye in order for the Pre-capture images to be saved to the card once you press the shutter button. As with this image, Pre-capture is most valuable in take-off situations.

This image was also created on 13 December down by the lake near my home. Seated on the South Peninsula, 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 800: 1/4000 sec. at f/5 (stopped down 2/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:32:20 am on a then sunny morning. Tracking 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 #5: Black Vulture braking to land

Be On the Lookout for Wrong Way Birds

When trying to shoot flight in wind-against-sun situations, you must train yourself to look for birds that are not flying the right way, in this case, those that are not landing directly into the wind. By 8:30am, there was a bit of west in the north wind. This bird should have been landing away from us, but for whatever reason, it gave us a halfway decent chance. The a9 iii made the best of my good luck.

Twenty other Black Vultures landed facing away from us; butt shots only!

This image was also created on 13 December down by the lake near my home. Sitting below the hill to the north of the parking circle, I used the hand held 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 technology with Exposure Compensation (EC) on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +1 stop. AUTO ISO set ISO 250: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (stopped down one stop). AWB at 5:21:17pm with some clouds in the western sky. Wide AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #6: Sandhill Crane, male displaying at sunset

60 fps is Fast!

Even using the slowed down frame rate, I created nearly 8000 images of the silhouetted cranes on the small hill in less than 20 minutes. Most folks believe that that is just too many images. But, the truth be told, picking the 49 keepers took less than five minutes. How? Working in Photo Mechanic, I keep my finger on the right arrow key and pause only when an image jumps off the screen and screams, I am special, save me! When I come to a long series of static shots that I like, I will randomly tag two of them and continue on to the action shots.

This image was also created on 13 December down by the lake near my home. Sitting below the hill to the north of the parking circle, I used the hand held 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 technology with Exposure Compensation (EC) on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +0.7 stop. AUTO ISO set ISO 250: 1/6400 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open). AWB at 5:25:06pm with some clouds in the western sky. Wide AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #7: Sandhill Crane, female dancing at sunset

Your Calls?

Which of today’s featured images is the strongest? Why? Which of the two crane silhouettes do you like best? Why?

Typos

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

Nearly Comprehensive YouTube Video Guide: Shutter Speeds for Bird Photography

View, bookmark, and study this 46-minute video and learn about choosing a suitable shutter speed for all types of bird photography — for static subjects, for flight, and for various types of action. Not to mention for creating the pleasingly blurred images that I love. There is so much info in this 46 minutes video that serious bird photographers will wish to bookmark it for study. Scroll down to see the succinct summary below.

Note the Piping Plover image at the 31:40 mark was created by Clemens Van der Werf. It was inadvertently credited to David Pugsley.

What’s Up?

Today is Tuesday 10 December (can you believe it?) 2024. Bob and I will be headed down to the lake before 7:00am, but our streak of 46 in a row morning sessions together will end tomorrow as Mr. Eastman is headed to Vero Beach for 2 days to attend to some business. Despite perfect conditions on Monday morning, we pretty much wound up with squadoosh. On Monday evening we tried something new by working some backlit Boat-tailed Grackles bathing fifteen minutes before sunset. Whatever you choose to do, we hope that like us, you choose to be happy and have fun.

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.

Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens

Price reduced $500.00 on 10 December 2024

Multiple IPT veteran Geri Georg is offering a rarely used Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens in Excellent Plus to Near-mint condition for the might-a-well-be-giving-it-away price of $599.00 (was $1099.00).

The sale includes the original box, the front and back lens caps, the lens pouch, the lens hood, 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 Geri via e-mail or by phone at (970) 219-4493 (MTD).

This lens is a scenic photographer’s dream come true. It sells new at B&H for $2199.00. Grab Geri’s pretty much new lens and save an incredible $1600.00. artie

Characterized by a revamped optical design, the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM from Canon is a workhorse wide-angle zoom and member of the well-regarded L-series of lenses. Featuring a series of specialized elements, this lens utilizes a trio of aspherical elements and two ultra-low dispersion glass elements to control a variety of aberrations for high sharpness and clarity. Both SWC and ASC coatings have also been applied to the elements in order to reduce lens flare and ghosting for increased contrast and color accuracy.

Complementing its optical prowess, a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor offers fast, smooth, and near-silent autofocus performance, which is further benefitted by full-time manual focus operation and an internal focusing design. The lens is both water and dust-resistant, and fluorine coatings have also been applied to the front and rear elements to protect against fingerprints and smudges from affecting image quality. B&H and Canon

Shutter Speeds for Bird Photography

Below are my general recommendations for focal lengths up to 600mm. When adding teleconverters to long lenses you need to up your shutter speeds, unless you are on a sturdy tripod with a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro.

Exact shutter speeds will vary depending on the skill and sharpness techniques of the photographer, and again, on the focal length they are using. Again, in general, the longer the focal length the faster the shutter speed you will need (all else being equal).

Birds in flight

Ideal: 1/3200 or 1/4000 sec. or faster.

Usually acceptable: 1/2500 sec.

Sometimes you can get away with shutter speeds ranging from 1/1600 to 1/2000 sec.

On occasion, only when caught with your pants down, you might come up with something sharp at 1/1250, 1/1000, 1/800, 1/640, 1/500 sec., or even slower. But those are never recommended for flight.

Note: folks who want razor sharp wingtips when doing flight photography on small, fast species recommend a shutter speed of 1/8000 sec.

Birds in action

Ideal: 1/2000 or 1/2500 sec. is usually plenty unless the action is violent. With lots of light, go with 1/3200 or 1/4000 sec .

Usually acceptable: 1/1600 or 1/1250 sec.

In a pinch (such as in extreme low light conditions), you can often come up sharp at 1/1000, 1/800, 1/640, 1/500, or even 1/400 sec..

Birds moving slowly (as when preening, walking or swimming)

Ideal: 1/2000, 1/1600, 1/1250, or 1/1000 sec.

Usually acceptable: 1/800, 1/640, 1/500, or 1/400 sec. will often be sufficient.

Usually risky: 1/320 to 1/250 sec. You might get one or two sharp ones in a series.

Static Subjects/Lens Unsupported (hand holding, lens not braced)

Most folks can be assured of sharp results with a shutter speed of 1/1000 sec. or faster. Folks with superb hand holding sharpness techniques and do well at 1/800, 1/640, 1/500 sec. or even slower on occasion.

Static Subjects/Lens Supported (knee or foot pod technique, braced in some way as on a fence or with the lens hood on the ground, or best of all on a tripod).

1/500, 1/400, 1/320, or 1/250, or even 1/200 sec should work well (as long as the bird is not moving).

Folks with excellent sharpness technique should be fine down to 1/60 sec. or even slower (even when working at 1200mm).

Shutter Speeds for Pleasing Blurs

For decades, the classic blur speed has been 1/15th second. Remember that at a given shutter speed, the degree of blurring will increase as the distance to the subject decreases. All of that dependent of course on the speed and behavior of the subject and the skill of the person doing the panning. Faster shutter speeds ranging from 1/20 to 1/125 sec. (or faster) can work with birds flying or running by at close range. Slower shutter speeds in the range of 1/2 to 1/13 sec. can produce spectacular images on occasion. The slower the shutter speed you employ the fewer keepers you will have but your chances of creating a contest winner will increase.

Typos

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

This image was created on 5 December 2024 — hey, that is today! — down by the lake at Indian Lake Estates, FL. I used the handheld peashooter rig, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 242mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 3200: 1/1250 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:21:14am just as the sun came over the distant pines to the east. Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Sandhill Crane courtship dance jump

What’s Up?

Despite perfect conditions this morning, Thursday 5 December, 2024, Bob Eastman and I did not have a lot of good chances but for the pair of cranes that danced for us very early on. As the birds are silly tame, I went with the peashooter rig to gain 1 1/3 stops of light at f/4 as compared to the 200-600mm G lens at f/6.3. When this one came up in Photo Mechanic, I wanted to jump for joy, just as I did when opening a multitude of presents during the holidays when I was a little boy growing up in Brooklyn. I was thrilled with the sharpness at only 1/1250 sec. and love the wide, bird-scape look of today’s featured image.

My Mom, Hazel Louise Morris, was Protestant when she married my Dad, PFC Robert Edward Morris, a non-practicing Jew. When I was about nine, my Mom took some classes and converted to Judaism. For many years before that, the holidays were a bonanza for the Morris children, my younger sister by two years, Ilene Carol Morris, my much younger sister, the late Arna Lee Morris, and me, Arthur Edward.

Why a bonanza? We always had a Christmas tree and celebrated Hanukkah as well. That meant eight nights of presents in addition to the thrill of opening more gifts on Christmas morning. How good can it get?

There are lots of children in and around San Diego, one of my favorite cities in the world — Hazel and Bob are buried there, who do not receive a single holiday gift. Martin Wood, president and CEO of Delkin Devices who make the flash cards that I have used and depended on of the past quarter century, first became involved with Toys for Tots in 2004. The involvement began when the airport manager at Ramona Airport, Bo Donovan, asked Martin to participate in the annual program. The first year, Delkin Devices and Donovan raised $1,500 for Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots is a program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that collects (and purchases, with donated funds), new, unwrapped toys during the fall and winter to distribute to children in need as Christmas gifts. Major Bill Hendricks of the Marine Corps Reserve founded the program in 1947 in Los Angeles, California.

Martin Wood with Delkin HR Director Paige Rinehart and a local TV anchor with Delkin Devices’ 2023 donation check for $20,000!

Please Help/Toys For Tots

Martin and Delkin need your help to reach their goal this year. As above, he has always put his money where his heart is, with the needy children of San Diego. Please stop what you are doing and help by clicking on the convenient Donate Button below and making a PayPal donation. Nobody but you will know that you have donated, but I can guarantee that you will be enveloped by a warm glow if you do.

Donate

Martin Wood with Delkin CFO Frank Provost, two San Diego Marines, and last year’s huge Toys For Tots check for $147,520!

An e-Mail From Delkin Devices President and CEO

Update on 19th annual Toys for Tots Three Days Out!

Hello Generous friends, Things have improved, but we are not there yet!

So far, we have collected $32,050 from all our generous sponsors, and folks giving to help the less fortunate kids in Southern California. We are technically $118,200 short of our goal for the event. Toys like everything else have gone way up in price, making this even more important.
Last year a box of toys cost around $325. This year it is closer to $500!

But do not despair, this is not far off from where we were three days before the collection last year.

We have hundreds of boxes of toys coming in. These are counted at around $500 each. Last year we ended up around 298 boxes, so those could be enough to put us over the goal.

We have Bikes and eBikes, they are counted at $75 for small, $125 for large, and $250 for eBikes. And we always collect a few checks and cash at the event, last year just over $11k. The day of the event sometimes adds 20+ boxes of toys from the generous folks walking into and out of Wal-Mart. Remember, it helps poor kids, it is with the Marines, whom you can trust, it is non-denominational, and it is tax deductible!

Paige and I along with Jorge Barajas (Delkin Quality Engineer) will be on TV, both 7/39 and Telemundo tomorrow at 6:15AM, between news programs in the AM to promote the event. Our ads in the papers are paying off, we get a box or two a week of toys from folks dropping off at the building. An article about this, our 19th year, was in the Poway Chieftain, which brought on more donations.

Big Box Storage, a sponsor has their bus stop ads all over town, and will probably bring a box to the event. Wake World has their annual auction, please pop over and buy some donated Delkin products along with many others that all goes to the Tots. This year a local business has a boat on auction! Check it out here.

Please donate any amount you can, even $5 goes to the Marines as a worthy donation to buy a toy for a kid who might get nothing!

Date Saturday, December 7th, 2024
Time 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (we will be there earlier and later)
Location Poway Wal-Mart — 13425 Community Rd 9off Poway Rd) Parking Lot

Donations

See the Military Trucks and Jeeps (WWII) at the office and the event. Marines will be there, a giant American Flag, and a Marine Corp Crane. Plus, a free lunch with Taco Love, Holiday Music, happy, friendly people, etc. Please invite your neighbors, friends, Family, and all those you know to help us this year. Send me your ideas and advice to continue growing this event. 100% of every penny and Barbie doll goes to the kids through the US Marines.

Thanks very much.

Martin

The 2024 BIRDS AS ART Toys For Tots check.

Please Give What You Can Comfortably Afford

A donation of as little as $5.00 can put smile on the face of a child this holiday season. Please Donate whatever you can afford. Every little bit helps but you need to act fast.

Thanks with love, artie

Hanukkah

Hanukkah (also spelled “Chanukah”), is an eight-day winter “festival of lights,” which begins each year on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev. Because the Hebrew calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the dates of Jewish holidays according to the Gregorian calendar change yearly. For this reason, the beginning of Hanukkah can range from late November to late December.

In short, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a group of Jewish warriors defeated the occupying Greek armies. The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and spirituality over materiality.

This festival commemorates events in Judea more than 2,000 years ago when the Syrian king Antiochus ordered the Jews to abandon the Torah and publicly worship the Greek gods. This act provoked a rebellion led by Judas Maccabeus, climaxed by the retaking of the Temple in Jerusalem, which the Syrians had desecrated. The army of Jews won despite their small numbers. In an eight-day celebration, the “Maccabees” (as the rebels came to be known), cleansed and rededicated the Temple.

According to the Talmud, there was only enough consecrated oil to re-light the candelabra for one day, yet, miraculously, it remained lit for eight days until a new supply of pure oil (likely olive oil), was made.

Adapted from the article by Catherine Boeckmann on the ALMANAC website here.

Typos

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

I Can’t Believe I Forgot the Yellow Onions!

In response to Maggi Fuller’s question at the Was it the Sony 200-600 G Lens? Was it the Sony α-1 with Firmware v2.02? Was it My Sony α-1 with Firmware v2.02 Camera Setup (.DAT file)? Or was it My Teaching Ability? blog post here, I posted this:

No secrets here. Adapted from my late Mom Hazel’s recipe.

Hazel’s Apple Celery Stuffing

Amounts are by the seat of your pants.

Cut some sourdough bread into small pieces. Toast it for ten minutes in the oven at 325°. Cut up a sweet apple or two, a yellow onion or two, and a few stalks of celery along with some finely chopped garlic and chopped fresh herbs: rosemary and thyme, etc. Sautée it all in a pan till everything is soft.

Put the toasted bread in a large bowl and add enough chicken broth to cover it all. Leave for five minutes. Pour off the remaining liquid into a large bowl. Squeeze any remaining the liquid out of the bread (and into the bowl).

Add the sautéed apples, celery, onions, and seasonings to the bread and knead well.

Ignore the safety warnings not to put the stuffing inside the turkey. Hazel Morris did it that way for many decades and it was always great. As she made a ton of stuffing (I did not), she baked some in the oven.

Once the bird is stuffed, put it in the oven for the recommended time. Baste the turkey in apple juice and then baste it with the remaining chicken stock. Continue to baste it every 30 minutes.

When the bird is done, remove most of the stuffing with a large spoon and then allow the bird to cool for 30 minutes before carving it. Slowly drizzle flour and a single teaspoon of corn starch to the pan drippings and simmer it until it thickens. This year I used organic spelt flour as it was all I had. It worked out perfectly. I should mention that everything but the turkey was organic. Because of the apple juice, it will be the best turkey gravy you ever tasted.

Happy holidays,
Chef Morris

What’s Up?

Mornings have been tough here recently, but we’ve enjoyed some great Sandhill Crane silhouette photography most evenings.

Today is Monday 2 December 2024. Bob Eastman and I headed down to the lake early. It was a chilly 44° morning with a stiff breeze from the north. Far less than ideal. There was not much around. We worked a crane pair and (without much success), tried for some backlit Cattle Egret images. We positioned ourselves near the pier as the workmen flushed the vultures on the railing but with the north wind, we had zero chance of success.

I said to Bob, “Let’s check The Perch one last time before we head home for breakfast.” I thought that one of the vultures might have landed on the perch. Actually, there was one Turkey Vulture (TV) on The Perch and another on the smaller, lower perch to the southwest. We photographed both birds for a while. The one on the low perch flew off so we continued to work the TV on The Perch. A Black Vulture (BV) flew in and we both expected the TV to give up the perch. It did not. When the dust cleared, the BV and the TV were sitting peacefully next to each other like two peas in a pod, their folded wings almost touching. We had about ten minutes to photograph this unique situation before the TV departed.

When the action occurred, we both fired continuously. Neither of us has any idea if we got anything fabulous. But I will find out after breakfast. Bob went exploring in his truck soon after we got back. Wherever you are, we hope that you too choose to have a great day.

I am thinking of renting an AirBnB for two months next fall. If you are interested in joining me for a month or two after reading today’s blog post and checking out Elisabeth Shore’s wonderful images, please get in touch via e-mail.

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.

It’s Safe to go in the Water Now

Sony a-1 Firmware Update Update

Last spring, Sony announced firmware update v2.00 for the a-1, its flagship camera body. In short order the firmware story became an embarrassing fiasco. Over time, they announced v2.01 that caused terrible problems when the camera was used with the hugely popular 200-600 G lens. After some time, they released v2.02. About six weeks ago, with some trepidation, I purchased a used a-1 and updated it to v.2.01, and then to 2.02. I am happy to report that it is now possible to go back into the water.

The last update, v2.02, offers some great stuff for bird photographers.

v.2.02 Benefits

Battery life with 2.02 is fine. There are no issues with the 200-600 G lens. Bird Face-Eye AF is significantly improved. Wide AF with Bid Face-Eye tracking has improved drastically. Formatting a card takes about two seconds as compared to 10 seconds or more with previous firmware versions. But the very best news is a brand new feature called Focus Recall. Huge thanks to Arash Hazeghi for pointing it out to me as we worked on an update to the Sony a-1 (a9 iii) flight guide. I took what he taught me about programming Preset Focus/Zoom to a single button for flight photography and turned it into what will surely turn out to be a huge game-changer for general bird photography.

I call it “double button focus recall.” I programmed two easy-to-reach (previously unassigned) buttons to PRESET Focus Distance. I can then register a close focusing distance to one button and a far focusing distance to the other. A tap of either button instantly brings me to either as needed.

Here is a practical, real life example. I am walking out on the pier. There are some very tame Turkey Vultures and a Limpkin perched on the railing. As I slowly approach the birds, I focus on the nearest one and then press and hold the near-focus button. Th camera registers the focus distance my current close focus distance. I might or might not create a few images. Before continuing my approach, however, I take a moment to focus on the end of the pier and this time I press and hold the far focus button. That becomes my far focus distance. Then I tap the close focus button for the birds on the railings and go to work.

I glance up and see an Osprey carrying a large Crappie in its talons flying over the end of the pier. I tap the AEL button to get to my pre-registered far focusing distance. The AF system will have a relatively easy time of seeing the subject. And once the bird is framed, initial focusing acquisition will be virtually instantaneous. Had the AF system been left at the close focusing distance (while working the birds on the pier railing), there is a good chance that the system would have been temporarily blind when I attempted to acquire focus on the Osprey in flight.

Understand that neither the close nor the far focusing distances need to be anywhere near precise. As long as the AF system is in the general neighborhood (as far as focusing distance is concerned), it will not struggle to acquire focus. Once the Osprey flies by, Artie simply taps the AF-On button to instantly get back to the approximate focusing distance for the birds on the railing.

Yesterday I sent the SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Notes e-Mail J (23 OCT 2024) Firmware Update Update item to the entire group; it began like this:

Dear a1 Gang,

I hope that all of you are well, having fun, and making some great images. Big time thanks and congrats to the twenty folks in the group who have gotten my v2.02 settings onto their a-1 bodies. Many of them helped by letting me know of typos and other errors in the two instructional e-mails. After ten full days or working every morning with my v2.02 Firmware a-1, the 600mm f/4, and the 300mm f/2.8 (each with either TC), I can wholeheartedly recommend that most everyone with an a-1 would be best to update to Firmware v2.02.

If you are a member of the a-1 group and have not received e-Mail J, please e-mail me with your current and correct e-mail address 🙂

a-1 Group members can receive the two e-mails by sending a PayPal for $50.00 (with the words a-1 v2.021/v2.02 Firmware updates in the Subject line) to birdsasart@verizon.net or by calling the office at 863-692-0906 with a credit card to pay the $50.00. No worries if you have already updated to v2.02 — pay the $50.00 and I’ve got you covered.

If you are not a member of my a-1 group and would like to update your camera body and get all of my current setting on it, you will need to either send a PayPal for $125.00 (with the words a-1 v2.021/v2.02 Firmware updates in the Subject line) to birdsasart@verizon.net or call Jim at 863-692-0906 with a credit card to pay the $125.00.

All of the images in today’s blog post were created with my v2.02 CAMST202.DAT on my α-1 mirrorless camera body.

This image was created on 30 November 2024 down by the lake at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing at full height below the hill just north of the parking circle, I used the handheld peashooter rig, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 98mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2500: 1/2000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:23:02am on a very cloudy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Sandhill Crane lying down with bill touching the ground

Mastering the Process

Some things never change:

1- See the shot that you want.
2- Working in Manual Mode, set an appropriate shutter speed for the situation.
3- Set the aperture, usually wide open for bird photography (unless you are very close to the subject).
4- Adjust the exposure by changing the ISO; strive to expose to the right.
5- Pick an AF method, pattern, and/or point that will best allow you to create the image that you’ve envisioned.

Some might ask, “Why such a fast shutter speed for a bird lying on the ground?” As there were three birds atop the small rise, I was hoping for a fight, some courtship dancing, or a copulation. I had framed an image with three birds in the frame when suddenly something strange happened.

A First-ever Crane Behavior

Over the past two plus decades, I have spent many hundreds, perhaps thousands of hours, observing and photographing the behavior of the local Sandhill Cranes. Never before Saturday morning had I seen a bird lie on the ground and then seemingly stick the tip of its bill in the ground for five seconds. I was quite puzzled. Things began to make sense when a few moments later a fourth crane flew in and drove off the other two cranes that had surely been a mated pair.

I surmised that the odd behavior was of a submissive nature. Any thoughts?

And yes, a very large crop was needed to isolate the single bird on the ground from the two in the background.

This image was also created on 30 November 2024 down by the lake at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 478mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 3200. 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:10:37am on a then cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect. Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Cattle Egret taking flight

Advanced Flight Photography From Your Vehicle

For the last few mornings, a large flock of Cattle Egrets has been on the pier before sunrise feasting on a huge hatch of midges. When the first fisherman shows up, they disperse. Large groups usually wind up on the South Peninsula where they continue to forage for the tiny flying insects. The groups move across the field like an advancing army, always traveling either north or south. On Saturday morning they were moving from south to north. The birds in the back of the flock would take flight one at a time and fly to the north to the front of the pack. By almost constantly moving my SUV as the flock morphed to the north, Bob in the back seat and I in the driver’s seat had some good chances on the birds taking flight. This was my narrow favorite from a group of five keepers. We were both using the 200-600. Being able to zoom out saved the day of Image #2.

This image was also created on 30 November 2024 down by the lake at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Robus RC-5570 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:20:14am on then cloudy bright morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Image #3: Cattle Egret capturing midge

When Everything is Perfect, Stay on the Shutter Button Until it is Not

The bird was foraging atop a small ridge. Its body was square to the imaging sensor for several seconds. Tracking: Zone grabbed the bird’s eye and stuck with it. The bird was facing south so the north wind splayed the feathers on its back. As it grabbed for a midge, I pressed and held the shutter button down. I created about 100 images before the bird turned away. One was perfect.

To emphasize the bug, a large crop was executed.

This image was also created on 30 November 2024 down by the lake at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Again, seated in the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Robus RC-5570 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at8:45:33am on then cloudy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Image #4: Turkey Vulture on The Perch

“An Appropriate Shutter Speed”

With the bird sitting placidly on The Perch, 1/1000 second was more than fast enough to create a handsome portrait. With no reason at all to stop down, the aperture was left at the wide open aperture, f/5.6. Next, I raised the ISO until Zebras covered the sky and there was a smattering of zebras on the ivory white tip of its bill.

Mastering the process will enable you to create pleasing images in any conditions.

Happy Bird Day!

The stuffed, 16 lb. turkey is in the oven. I was about to buy one turkey thigh yesterday at Publix for $7.99 when a friendly lady pointed out that I could buy a whole turkey for eight dollars and change. So I did! Don’t eat too much and enjoy the football games.

Comments on the photos in the video above and questions about how they were created are of course welcome. Leave a comment -:)

Thanksgiving Blessings with Bob. Plus Photo Tips by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART with Robert Eastman

I am blessed in too many ways to count. I have two wonderful daughters and four great grandkids. I do not have to worry about money. And I am — at age 78, relatively healthy.

I get out to photograph almost every single morning. And most evenings as well. I am privileged to be using amazing Sony gear and to be making consistently sharp images at 1200.mm. And I have been blessed to have a great friendship with Bob Eastman who drove down from Wisconsin in late October 2024 to spend some quality time with me. We have been having a ball and just put the turkey in the oven!

Click below to learn more about Bob’s amazing life that includes sticking his arm in a cement mixer when he was young, several serious industrial accidents, falling off a cliff and being rescued by the mountain squad, and being dropped off a stretcher by paramedics into a swamp! Through it all, he is a smiling happy man who — like me, enjoys every single day as a gift and a blessing.

Learn more about Bob’s amazing life here.

See Bob’s amazing pelican stealing fish from Osprey sequence here.

Learn why your raw files should look washed out on cloudy days here.

And Learn why, how, and when to use Shutter Priority (albeit only rarely) here.

much love, artie

Typos

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

Your Call?

You know the drill by now. Be a mensch and leave a comment letting everyone know which image you think is the strongest and why you made your choice.

Sony Alpha 1 (a-1)

Used Gear Page regular and BAA friend Anthony Ardito is offering a (firmware v2.02) Sony A-1 camera body in like-new condition for a ridiculously low $3,396.00. The sale includes a like-new Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip (a $348.00 value), the original product boxes, the owner’s manual, the USA warranty card, the camera strap, one battery and charger, the cords, 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 Anthony via email at e-mail.

Simply put, the a-1 is the best camera body I have ever used. By far. It features a science-fiction-like AF system with Bird Face/Eye tracking that produces stunningly sharp 51- MP raw files with rich colors. I currently own two of them and used them both non-stop on my recent 26-day Sebastian Inlet trip. After a $1,000.00 price drop, they are selling new right now at B&H for $5498.00. Grab Anthony’s pretty much new a-1 with the vertical grip and save a handsome $2,500.00. artie

What’s Up?

Winter came early to central Florida. On Friday morning, we woke to clear skies with a brisk northwest winds. And a rather chilly 44° Fahrenheit! I knew that those conditions would be beyond terrible for morning bird photography with the wind blowing right at the sun. Those conditions, however, are perfect for pre-dawn and sunrise silhouettes. I knew that two spots might work. The four amigos decided on the Northwest Pool. The bright orange glow sunrise was gorgeous but our views were blocked by the bridge. We did OK, and then moved to the SE corner of the small bay. Steve and I opted to get our feet wet and get on sun angle while Elisabeth and Bob opted to stay dry. The in-the-water warriors had some good chances on a Caspian Tern fishing in the early morning light. I will share the single best of those images on the blog with you here at some point. I shot 1200mm the whole morning.

With the wind from the west and sunny skies that same afternoon I knew exactly where we needed to be. We did great with several wading bird species
catching baitfish at fairly close range, lots of cooperative Wood Storks, and tern and pelican flight. I shot 1200mm the whole afternoon.

Our somewhat failed experience that morning led us to the South Jetty on Saturday morning. Conditions were virtually identical, but just a bit colder! We left 15 minutes earlier than the day before and that turned out to be the right move as we were greeted in the pre-dawn by a few dozen pelicans fishing between us and the sunrise. A fisherman fought and landed a 5-foot Black-tipped Reef Shark that (quite amazingly) hit a pencil popper, a lure that splashes as it is pulled along the surface. Elisabeth and Bob could not resist so they headed down the beach to photograph the blessed event and the release of the shark.

Steve Shore and I stayed with the pelicans. I shot 1200mm the whole morning. Everyone including and especially me learned a ton and made some good images. I share my favorites of those with you here in this blog post.

We were back in the AirBnb early on getaway day. After breakfast we all finished packing up and cleaning the joint. Bob and I drove back to Indian Lake Estates while the Shores drove to MCO for their non-stop flight to Dallas.

Incredibly, after 26 straight days of great bird photography at Sebastian, Bob Eastman and I headed down to the lake at ILE for sunset on Saturday night. We were blessed with a Great Egret on The Perch II. Shooting from the car at 840mm, I finally got the better of Bob when the bird took flight into another orange marmalade sky. Photos soon.

Today is Sunday 24 November 2024. I am pretty sure that most will not be shocked to learn that Bob and I headed down to the lake early. It is 8:37am now as I get to finishing this post. When you are hot, you are hot. We began our morning doing backlit fire-in-the-mist vulture tree-scapes followed by Sandhill Crane backlit fire-in-the-mist silhouettes follow by a perch Osprey in early morning light followed by backlit Turkey Vulture wing feather patterns. Breakfast will come after I hit Publish.

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-1 II Pre-order Info Updated

Those who wish to receive my Sony a-1 II settings for free in the form of a CAMSET.DAT file with instructions and an explanatory Buttons and Dials Guide should pre-order from one of my affiliate programs as below.

To pre-order your Sony a-1 II from B&H, you must use this link and only this link at or after 9:30am Eastern time today, 20 November 2024:

Sony a-1 II

Once your camera ships, you must send me your B&H receipt to me via e-mail.

If you were on the B&H please-notify-me list and order using a link that they sent you, I will not receive the credit and you will not receive my camera set-up guide information for free.

Those who prefer more personalized service, a far shorter wait list, enjoy free second day air FedEx, and receive 3% back on their credit card when their a1 II ships should to visit the Bedford website here, at or after 9:30am today, search for the Sony a-1 II, pre-order they camera body, and enter the BIRDSASART discount. There is no need to e-mail Steve Elkins.

Thanks to those who pre-order using one of my affiliate links and for the faith they place in the information provided by BIRDS AS ART.

Fresh caught Alaskan seafood caught sustainably. Save $20 on your first order by clicking here.

Wild Alaska Salmon and Seafood Company

Ever since my two daughters sent me a big box of salmon filets and sea scallops from Wild Alaska Salmon and Seafood Company for my birthday a few years ago, I have been ordering salmon and scallops from them. Now that Junior’s Fish Market in Lake Wales is closing, I will be depending on Wild Alaska every month. I always order Sockeye filets and the Sea Scallops. The stuff comes frozen solid, is easy to prepare, and tastes pretty much as good as the fresh stuff would.

You can save $20 on your first order by clicking here. Eating wild caught seafood is about as healthy as you can go. The scallops are a real treat. When you sear them, be sure to cook them in the liquid that comes in the bag and be sure not to overcook them. I bake or broil the lightly seasoned salmon filets skin side down in olive or coconut oil.

Buy Direct from the Fisherman

Captain Tony has been fishing in Alaska since 1990. Wild Alaska is famous for their wild caught Sockeye and King Salmon! All of our other fish, including Ahi Tuna, Shrimp, Scallops, Cod, etc., are responsibly sourced, caught the right way and closely inspected by Capt. Tony to meet our high standards of quality and freshness. They catch and process all 5 species of wild pacific salmon, and source our other seafood products from high quality sustainable fisheries.

The stuff tastes great and is good for you. Internet orders to the continental United States are shipped from their fulfillment center in the Midwest allowing their seafood products to reach US customers in perfect condition. The flavor and texture of their salmon and other products remain fresher than fresh is because the stuff is frozen the same day it is caught.

Learn more and check out some neat salmon and scallop images in the blog post here.

This image was created on 23 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing at full height on the South Jetty, I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported 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 Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +2.0 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 400: 1/30 sec. at f/8 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 6:31:27am roughly 18 minutes before sunrise on a clear day, just 7 minutes after first light! Tracking: Zone 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 #1: Brown Pelican pre-dawn flight blur

Shutter Priority and 1200mms Rock!

As you learned (or re-learned) in the Shutter Priority — Please Do Not Tell Me That Real Photographers Must Use Manual Mode 100% of the Time blog post here, working in Shutter Priority with AUTO ISO and Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial is usually the most efficient way to work at sunrise and sunset. Another plus is that it is super-simple to vary your shutter speeds when creating pleasingly blurred images in low light. You only have one parameter to change; the camera takes care of everything else.

I will be sharing Bob Eastman’s amazing discovery that makes switching from Manual mode to Shutter Priority with AUTO ISO and Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial with the Sony a-1 with my Sony Info and Updates e-mail group soon. It is a real time saver.

On Friday morning, Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning, I need took the 2X teleconverter off my 600mm lens. And I never took my 1200mm rig off the tripod (except when moving from one spot to another). The results have been beyond outstanding. Strange considering that many folks opt to never add even a 1.4X TC to the mix. More soon on that topic.

This image was created in Photoshop from Image #1 above. Image #2: Brown Pelican pre-dawn flight blur (purple trim version)

Messing Around in Photoshop

Most of this funkiness was created by changing the Color Temperature and moving the sliders in Color Mixer.

This image was also created on 23 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing at full height on the South Jetty, I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported 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 Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +2.0 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 640: 1/30 sec. at f/8 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 6:31:57 am roughly 18 minutes before sunrise on a clear day, just 7 minutes after first light! And 30 seconds after Image #1 was created. Tracking: Zone 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 #3: Pterodactyl Brown Pelican pre-dawn flight blur

Pterodactyls

Pterodactyls are rarely seen in flight over the Atlantic Ocean anymore. But when working at slow shutter speeds as a Brown Pelican turns in flight to begin a dive, the resemblance can be eerie.

Note: the primaries of the left wing were replaced by the primaries of the right wing using a flopped Quick Mask that was first rotated and warped and then refined after the addition of a regular layer mask.

This image was also created on 23 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing at full height on the South Jetty, I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported 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 Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +2.0 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 320: 1/60 sec. at f/8 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 6:39:33am roughly 10 minutes before sunrise on a clear day. Tracking: Zone 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 #4: Brown Pelican pre-dawn diving flight blur

Diving versus Flapping

You never want to try to create a pleasing blur of a single, gliding pelican. A singe flapping bird can be decent as with Image #1. But making images as they begin to run upside down and dive is the bomb, as in Images #3 and #4. Notice that I increased my blur speed from 1/30 to 1/60 second for this one.

This image was also created on 23 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Still standing at full height on the South Jetty, I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported 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 Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +2.0 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 500: 1/500 sec. at f/8 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 6:48:17am right at the time of sunrise on a dead clear day. Tracking: Zone 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 #5: Brown Pelican in orange marmalade sunrise sky

Orange Marmalade Sunrise Sky Color

Sunrise on Sunday reminded me of Bosque deal Apache NWR on a cold clear morning. When it used to be good. Wherever you are, you need to arrive very early in order to enjoy the orange pre-dawn glow that intensifies as sunrise approaches. Note that by working in Shutter Priority with AUTO ISO and Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial that it took only a moment to go from a blur speed (1/30 or 1/60 sec.) to a quasi-sharp (for distant subjects) shutter speed — 1/500 sec.

This image was also created on 23 November 2024 at Sebastian Inlet, FL on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Still standing at full height on the South Jetty, I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported 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 Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +1.3 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 2500: 1/4000 sec. at f/8 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:05:07am about 15 minutes after sunrise on a dead clear day. Tracking: Zone 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 #6: Brown Pelican in orange marmalade sunrise sky

Discovering Victory at Sea

Once the sun had been up for a while, I advised the group to concentrate on the bright sky below and left or right of the sun and to try to create some breaking wave-scapes. As I explored the ocean through the lens at 1200m, I noticed that there were some distant pelicans fishing just above the waves. For Image #6, I was able to combine a diving pelican with a backlit breaking wave-scape.

The spray being blown of the tops of the breaking waves is properly called spindrift. Any foam on the surface of the water is called spume.

Home Early

We were actually headed back to the AirBnB by 7:30am on Saturday after enjoying some excellent backlit chances including both blurred and sharp opportunities, I had to laugh as we were leaving as we encounter several photographers showing up to photography diving Ospreys in an utterly impossible wind against sun situation,.

Typos

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

.

Sony a-1 II Pre-order Info Updated

Those who wish to receive my Sony a-1 II settings for free in the form of a CAMSET.DAT file with instructions and an explanatory Buttons and Dials Guide should pre-order from one of my affiliate programs as below.

To pre-order your Sony a-1 II from B&H, you must use this link and only this link at or after 9:30am Eastern time today, 20 November 2024:

Sony a-1 II

Once your camera ships, you must send me your B&H receipt to me via e-mail.

If you were on the B&H please-notify-me list and order using a link that they sent you, I will not receive the credit and you will not receive my camera set-up guide information for free.

Those who prefer more personalized service, a far shorter wait list, enjoy free second day air FedEx, and receive 3% back on their credit card when their a1 II ships should to visit the Bedford website here, at or after 9:30am today, search for the Sony a-1 II, pre-order they camera body, and enter the BIRDSASART discount. There is no need to e-mail Steve Elkins.

Thanks to those who pre-order using one of my affiliate links and for the faith they place in the information provided by BIRDS AS ART.

What’s Up?

Monday morning was Day-1 at Sebastian with Steve Shore and his lovely wife Elisabeth (say “eh-LEASE-uh-bet”). We had lots of cooperative subjects down by the gentle surf including Great and Snowy Egrets and lots of Wood Storks. It was a cloudy morning with a bit of a west breeze that turned to the north as the morning wore on. Though conditions were less than ideal for fishing and catching Ospreys, everyone managed a few good flight shots. All in all it was a perfect morning for teaching.

The highlight of our afternoon was the Sabine’s Gull. We all got some nice top shots as it came down to fish and Mr. Eastman got some decent images of one in flight with a Mullet in its bill.

In today’s blog post we will take a look at what you can do with properly exposed to the right raw files made on cloudy days. Yes boys and girls, they should look washed out and over-exposed. There was not however, a single over-exposed pixel in any of today’s featured images. Remember that the histograms on your camera, in Lightroom and Photoshop, and in Photo Mechanic, all mislead photographers as they are based on the embedded JPEGs. Only RawDigger can accurately evaluate the exposure of a raw file. Sorry Charlie; that’s the way it is.

The Ospreys were fishing and catching on Tuesday morning. With the clouds and a south wind Steve and Elisabeth Shore, Bob Eastman, and I did not leave the inlet until after 11:00am. What fun.

Image 1: The Photo Mechanic screen capture for the Brown Pelican ready to dive — pano crop image

Blah

The best word to describe the color and contrast of this properly exposed to the right raw file would be “blah.” With the bird at the bottom of the frame and too much boring sky above, the need for a pano crop was obvious. Bringing such images to life is actually straightforward.

This image was created on 6 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing in the water at the Northwest Pool, This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 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 1600. 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:02:47am on a cloudy morning. Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image 1A: The Brown Pelican ready to dive — pano crop

The Basic Workflow Plus Some Color Mixer Work

I followed my basic workflow as detailed in both Digital Basics II and the the Digital Basics III Video Series Volume I. This improved both the color and the contrast and then some judicious Color Mixer work really popped the pelican. Easy peasy.

Image #2A: The Photo Mechanic screen capture for the Osprey overhead with Yellow-tailed Menhaden

Overhead and Hazy

I was near the end of the South Jetty. I looked up and saw an Osprey right over my head carrying a fish. I raised my lens as fast as possible and fired off a handful of frames. In two out of three keepers, I clipped a wing slightly. Note that all of the data is piled up on the far right side of the histogram.

This image was created on 15 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing near the end of the South Jetty, 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 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 dead solid perfect. AWB at 9:45:00am on a cloudy, heavily overcast 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 #2A: Osprey overhead with Yellow-tailed Menhaden

The Successful Image Optimization

All that I did was set the white point and the black point, adjust a few more sliders, do a bit of Color Mixer work, add my double noise reduction technique, and voila: Photoshop magic!

Image #3A: The Photo Mechanic screen capture for the Sanderling beach-scape image

Washed Out and Boring

Understand that your properly exposed to the right raw files made on cloudy days should look flat and washed out. Doing so produces raw files with little ISO noise that enable you to increase the contrast and reveal clean, rich colors during the image optimization. As below, those steps are simple as can be.

This image was created on 17 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing near the base of the South Jetty, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 223mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority +1.7 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 800: 1/13 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open). AWB at 6:35:06am on a cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect. Tracking (lower center) Expand Spot AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3A: Sanderling beach-scape

Simple as Can Be

Nearly all of the incredible color and contrast work on today’s three featured images was done during the raw conversion in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). ACR is the conversion engine in both Photoshop and in Lightroom. Learn the steps in either Digital Basics II or the Digital Basics III Video Series/Volume I.

The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II). You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.

The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)

The techniques mentioned above and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.

Please note: the Divide and Conquer technique was inadvertently omitted from DB II. It is detailed in a free excerpt in the blog post here.

Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: most of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.

You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here. Today, I convert my Sony raw files in Photoshop with Adobe Camera Raw.

You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.

The Digital Basics III Video Series

The Digital Basics III Video Series

I realized more than a year ago that my digital workflow had changed significantly and was toying with the idea of writing a Digital Basics III. More recently, I learned and begun working with two great new Photoshop Tools, the Remove Tool and the Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool. The former is like a smarter Spot Healing Brush Tool on steroids and the latter is a step up from the fabulous Color Mixer Tool. During that same time frame, I came up with a new and improved 2-step noise reduction technique. I still use Divide and Conquer, Quick Masks, Layer Masks, an expanded array of personalized keyboard shortcuts, and tons of other stuff from both versions of Digital Basics.

As soon as I realized that I did not want to take on another large writing project, I realized that by creating a series of videos I could much more easily share all the details of my current digital workflow and much more easily incorporate additional new tips, techniques, and tools as I went. And so, The Digital Basics III Video Series was born.

The videos will be most valuable for folks using the latest version of Photoshop (2024) or Lightroom along with Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

On Saturday, multiple IPT veteran Sandra Calderbank joined Bob Eastman and me for a morning of instruction at Sebastian Inlet. Following the #1 rule for wind against sun conditions, we arrived very early to be in position to work the sunrise. Here is how I helped Sandy set up for Shutter Priority with AUTO ISO with her v 2.02 firmware a-1:

1- Turn the ISO down one click past 50 to AUTO. (We both normally use the Thumb Dial for ISO when shooting in Manual mode.)

2- Move the Command Dial (if that’s what they call it) to “S” for Shutter Priority. Set a slow shutter speed for pre-dawn blurs, something in the neighborhood of 1/10 to 1/60 second.

3- In Custom Key/Dial Set assign Exposure Compensation to the Thumb Wheel. Turn the Thumb Wheel clockwise to add light, usually to between +1 to +2 1/3 stops depending on the tonality of the background.

When the sun comes out, you will want to get back to Manual mode with ISO on the Thumb Dial. Simply reverse the steps:

1- In Custom Key/Dial Set assign ISO to the Thumb Wheel.

2- Move the Command Dial (if that’s what they call it), to “m” for Manual mode.

3- Set the ISO (and the shutter speed and aperture) as usual and as needed.

It should be relatively easy to set up any Canon or Nikon camera to do the same thing:

1- Set the ISO to AUTO.

2- Assign Exposure Compensation to a convenient dial or wheel.

3- Set Shutter Priority.

To get back to manual mode, just reverse the steps.

We had a very nice sunrise. We struggled with the wind against sun conditions for the rest of the morning. While picking my keepers, I was pleasantly astounded by how many good images I had created on a day when conditions were far from ideal. Six of those images are shared with you in today’s post along with more than a few helpful lessons.

On Sunday morning, Bob and I enjoyed a spectacular sunrise. Bob worked almost exclusively on the beach with his 16-35 Sony lens. Working mostly with slow shutter speeds in Shutter Priority with AUTO ISO, I concentrated on the large Sanderling flock that fed along the shore and occasionally blasted off out over the waves. They put on an amazing show.

The morning turned crazy (again) with dozens of pelicans and ospreys diving on baitfish. With the NNE wind in our face, the birds were all flying away from us. We ventured out on the jetty, got drenched by waves, and in short order, left the jetty in fear of the waves breaking over it. Wet and shivering, we headed back to our AirBnB a few minutes after 8:00am!

Today is Monday 18 November 2024. I am looking forward to working with Steve Shore (again) and meeting and working with his wife Elisabeth for the first time. They flew from Dallas to Orlando and arrived at the AirBnB at about 7:30 last night.

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.

This image was created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing on the beach at high tide, 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 via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority -0.3 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 100: 1/10 sec. at f/20 (stopped down 3 2/3 stops). AWB at 6:46:02am on a party cloudy morning just after sunrise. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect. Tracking 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 #1: Sunrise sky/Atlantic Ocean abstract

Un-Intentional Camera Movement Images

The term ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) has always bugged me. Why? It is possible to create pleasing blurs when you are (or are attempting to) keep the camera still. And you can create some nice blurs with the lens on a tripod and the subject or subjects moving be they avian or liquid. I was set up in Shutter Priority Mode with AUTO ISO looking to create some flight or wave blurs. When the sun peeked through an opening in the dark clouds, I forget to increase the shutter speed. I made a single frame at 1/10 second and then switched to 1/250 second and created some sharp versions. Note that with a sliver of red sky against an otherwise dark sky I needed a bit of minus Exposure Compensation (rather than my usual +2.0 EC).

The raw file was properly exposed but needed some TLC during the image optimization to bring out the potential I saw. When trying to create pleasingly blurred images, happy accidents are very rare but always welcome.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Seated on the beach at high tide, 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 via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Shutter Priority -1.7 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 100: 1/250 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1 1/3 stops). AWB at 6:50:12am on a party cloudy morning just after sunrise. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect. Tracking 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 #2: Reddish Egret on berm

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Get Up Early!

The first rule of dealing with wind against sun conditions at beaches and lakes is to arrive early to take advantage of possible silhouette/backlit situations. With a west wind in the morning the birds will be flying toward you and away from the rising sun. Minutes after creating Image #1, this Reddish Egret landed on the berm so Sandy and I sat so that we could include the sky. The -1.3 stops EC is due to the fact that the raw file was a vertical that included the sun in the frame. Thus, after cropping this one to a horizontal I needed to open up the dark tones in Photoshop.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Standing at the base of the South Jetty 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:19:11am on a then mostly sunny morning. Tracking: lower center Zone 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 #3: Sanderling flock backlit blast-off

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Use the Strong Backlight

We were at the base of the South Jetty attempting to photograph some low-in-the-sky Royal Terns before they turned left and away from us into the NE wind. I fanned on one good diving chance and then turned around to look south. I adjusted my shutter speed to get a few blinkies on the breaking waves and said to Sandy, “I hope they blast off.” Five seconds later, they did.

The key to the success of this image was moving the zone brackets to the bottom of the frame so that focus would be on the birds at the bottom of the frame that were closest to me.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted 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 1600. 1/3200 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 8:01:56am on a mostly sunny morning. Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #4: Osprey flying away with pinfish in its talons

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Experiment

The sun came out for a while. The Ospreys were kiting on the far side of the inlet, facing away from us, and catching an occasional fish. So, I figured what the heck and put the 2X TC on the 600. With the wind then from the north, the only thing available was the butt shot. Sometimes, they can work well. With the spread tail and the wings symmetrical, I like this particular butt shot. Go figure.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Again I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted 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 2500. 1/4000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:14:30am on a then partly cloudy morning. Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #5: Osprey kiting

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Pray for Clouds

A large cloud covered the sun for a few moments and the wind shifted to the east for just a bit. Long enough for me to increase my exposure and get on an Osprey to my left that was more or less facing me. I was quite amazed by the sharpness at 1200mm.

This image was also created on 16 November 2024 on the Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More Extended IPT. Again I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted 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 640. 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:50:48 am on a then cloudy/very bright morning. Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #6: Osprey in flight with fish/silhouette

Dealing With Wind Against Sun Conditions: Think Way Out of the Box

We drove across the bridge to the Northwest Pool in hopes of getting an Osprey flying east with a fish in its talons. No luck there. Still with the 2X on the 600, I thought that I might have a chance of creating a late morning silhouette against the now cloudy very bright skies. The problem was that the entire inlet walkway north of the bridge is closed for nine months for the renovation of the North Jetty. The only option was to set up just north of the bridge and shoot over the chain link fence. As soon as I got set up and adjusted the exposure, an Osprey with a fish flew up to my right. I made three good frames on this pass. I called Bob and Sandy over but that was the last of it.

Some days everything seems to go right, even in lousy conditions.

Typos

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

Sony a-1 II

If you are thinking of purchasing a Sony a-1 II soon, do not pre-order one. Wait till I can supply a link so that you can earn a free setting guide when and if I purchase one.

Thanks!

Thanks for all the erudite comments on the last blog post. That would be none, to be exact 🙂

What’s Up?

After two pretty good (but too warm for November!) days. Wednesday morning at the inlet was insane not to mention the breezy, cool fall weather. Dozens of pelicans and Ospreys dove for fish almost non-stop for an hour. The photography was so good that I was giddy with excitement. With one huge dark cloud on the eastern horizon, I opted for the 200-600/a-1 combo so that I could do blurs at first and then go for sharp when the sun came out. It was an in and out morning of sun and clouds. Thank the lord for Sony Zebra technology. I still have room for one more at the AirBnB in Sebastian. As the weather has cooled, the Osprey action should continue to heat up. I am looking forward to Steve and Elisabeth Shore’s arrival this coming Sunday.

There is a single opening on the first Homer Bald Eagle IPT (flight photography until you cannot lift your lens any longer) this coming February along with two days of songbird set-up photography at a private home in Anchor Point, AK before the Eagle IPT. The songbird feeder sessions are $500/day. I am offering a substantial discount on the IPT to the person who wishes to do seven great days of photography and learning in a gorgeous winter setting. Scroll down for complete details. Please contact me via e-mail or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up 🙂

Today is Thursday 14 November 2024. As John Johnson headed back to Naples after the thrilling morning session yesterday, Bob Eastman and I will be headed back to the state park for our 17th straight early morning of photography, learning, fun, and friendship.

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.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 10:54:48am on a cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone 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 #1: Pine Grosbeaks — male and female on spruce bough with cones

Pine Grosbeak

This species is the star attraction at the feeders. In most years, they are relatively abundant. In 2024, I did not bring my 600mm f/4 to Homer and did 90% of my photography with the Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens. I used the bare lens for most of the eagle flight photography — it was perfect. For eagle head portraits and at the feeders, I added either teleconverter for a fast, lightweight, hand holdable rig that allowed me to get into position quickly and easily.

I’ve been getting some great stuff with the hand held 300mm and the 2X TC in the very difficult wind-against-sun afternoon sessions at Sebastian.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 9:33:40am on a partly sunny morning. Tracking: Zone 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: Pine Grosbeak female with berries

Bingo

With permission from our host, I stuck a small branch with a cluster of mountain ash berries in the snow and crouched down when a female arrived to chow down. As the sun had popped out for just a minute, I was able to get right on sun angle and create a fine series of images. Folks working on a tripod were D-E-A-D dead!

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.

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.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 500. 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 11:06:36am on a cloudy bright morning. Tracking: Zone 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 #3: Red-breasted Nuthatch on spruce bough with cones

Both Nuthatches

Both Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches visit the feeders in most years. I still am trying for a good white-breasted image. Image #3 is my only and thus best ever red-breasted photo. They are fast buggers.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/1600 sec. at f/8 (stopped down 1 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 2:54:56pm on a cloudy bright morning. Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #4: Red Crossbill immature male on spruce cone

Both Crossbills

Both Red and White-winged Crossbills come to see at Steve’s place in Anchor Point. I am hoping that both species are more plentiful in 2025 than they have been in the past. Chances of that are good as the two days are earlier than I’ve ever been.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1600 sec. at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 3:33:58pm on a cloudy afternoon. Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #5: Boreal Chickadee

Bringing the 600mm f/4 in 2025

I will be bringing my Sony 600mm f/4 lens just for this species. I plan on concentrating on this little speedster at both 840 and 1200mm.

This image was created on 22 February 2024 at Anchor Point, AK. 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 1/2500 sec. at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 3:43:30pm on a cloudy afternoon. Tracking: (upper right) Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #6: Redpoll male on spruce bough

Redpolls Lumped

From the Cornell All About Birds website here:

Ornithologists and birders across the Northern Hemi­sphere have long grappled with the question of how many species of redpolls —- small, streaky finches with neat red caps —- exist. In its 2024 checklist update, the American Ornithological So­ciety provided a clear answer: the three redpoll species previously recognized by the AOS -— Common, Hoary, and Less­er Redpoll (of Europe) —- are now a single species, known simply as Redpoll.

Hoary Redpoll was formerly the frosty white version. Follow the link above to check out the interesting scientific backstory on the new species, Redpoll.

No Homer IPT Price Increase!

Despite that fact that the hourly boat fee has been increased by 33%, I have decided not to raise the price of the 2025 Homer IPTs. Note that similar trips with 40% less time on the boat cost $5800!

2025 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs

IPT #1: FRI 14 FEB 2025 through the full day on TUES 18 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 1.

IPT #2: WED 19 FEB 2025 through the full day on SUN 23 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Sold Out.

Adding two days of songbird set-up photography ($500/day) at a private home in Anchor Point, AK before the first Bald Eagle IPT will earn you a substantial discount IPT #1 . If you’d like to do seven great days of photography and learning in a gorgeous winter setting, please contact me via e-mail or 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 trip features non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.

In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require some good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when pleasing creating bird-scapes.

If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If the conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will be in the right spot.

We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.

Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader and instructor. He is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and Sony. You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.

All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!

What You Will Learn

You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.

You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes. You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode. Most importantly, you will learn to pick your best flight photographs from tens of thousands of images.

You will enjoy working with the best and most creative boat captain on his sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck watercraft.

There will be only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.

Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions.
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All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK

What’s Included

One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.

What’s Not Included

Your airfare to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.

Important Notes

We toss frozen herring chunks to bring the eagles into photographic range. The late Jean Keene, the Eagle Lady, fed the eagles in Homer for many decades and brought the population back from the brink of extinction.

On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $300.00/hour. The leader will pay for the bait.

Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer. In 2024 those included Moose, Sea Otter, a variety of sea ducks in the harbor, and Great Grey and Short-eared Owl.

Deposit Information

A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (the latter made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check.

In Closing

I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of these two trips is to sign up for both of them. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one or both of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.

Typos

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