If you would like to join me early at Stick Marsh tomorrow for an -in-the-Field Session, Friday 15 March, try me on my cell at 863-221-2372 ASAP. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up. Then shoot me an e-mail as well. Time and life are short and the weather is looking perfect. A 70-200mm f/2.8 lens with a TC is fine.
From David Policansky via e-mail:
Hi, Artie. I finally got my images downloaded to my computer. I have a few nice ones from the day I wandered around the docks before the IPT started, but, and forgive the hubris, I’m blown away by how many really nice images I made on the first, dark, snowy day. Many were almost perfectly exposed (thanks again for your coaching) and I needed only to open up the shadowy parts of the wings a bit in editing. A surprising number were pretty darned sharp. And at least on my monitor most of them, even those created at ISO 5000, don’t have much noise. And then there were some whose compositions I really like.
As you know, many people have helped to make me a better photographer. But even though I’ve been photographing for many decades, and even though I’ve gone on several IPTs with you before this latest one, you helped me raise my photography to another level. And even though my post-processing skills and my editing program are rudimentary, attending your Photoshop workshops really helped me and I was able to apply what you taught us even though I shoot JPEGs and don’t use Photoshop.
So thanks again, again.
with love, Dr. Fish
You Do Not Need a $20K rig to learn bird photography or to make great images on an IPT!
David was using the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens with a Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera. New, his incredibly small and light rig cost him just a shade over $2000.00, $2,049 to be exact. He did quite well and I hope to be sharing some of his work with you here soon.
What’s Up?
Stick Marsh was amazing on Tuesday past, one of the best mornings ever. I am falling deeply in love with the a9 iii. Photos and more soon.
Indian Lake Estates has been decent at times despite the fact that there are currently zero crane babies so far this season. And I have not been able to locate a bird on eggs. I do, however, have hope, as I have seen several single cranes hanging out in the marsh down by the lake. With the higher than usual water levels and the vegetation sky high, there is a good chance that there are a few cranes on eggs. Time will tell. The eagle pair down by the lake have two large young in the new (obstructed) nest but they have not fledged yet. Yesterday there were thousands of migrant Tree Swallows flying around everywhere.
JBWR
If you would like to learn the secrets of photographing shorebirds at the East Pond, check out the amazing opportunities available in mid- to late August in and around New York City by scrolling down. And yes, NYC! The first to register may opt to share my Lido Beach Air BnB with me (and enjoy a discount on the IPT as well). If you are interested, please get in touch via e-mail ASAP.
Today is Thursday 14 March 2024. I will be heading down to the lake early for a bit with the a9 iii, the 300mm f/2.8, the 600mm f/4, and both TCs. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you will be having fun too. I do, of course, have a long to-do list.
Speaking of the Sony 300mm f/2.8 lens, five folks have kindly used one of my (two) affiliate links to purchase theirs. They will be receiving the first-ever BAA lens guide before the end of the month as a thank you.
This from multiple IPT veteran Monte Brown via e-mail this morning:
I tried the Sony 300mm f/2.8 lens for a few minutes this evening and so far it is amazing, lightweight, fast, and sharp. Unbelievable that it can be a 600 with the 2X and still be so light. My shoulders will love it.
In the same vein, if you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. As above, folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide and lots more.
If you would like to enjoy some incredible world class photography and photographic instruction, do yourself a favor and grab one of the very few remaining spots on each of the 2025 Homer Bald Eagle IPTs. Better yet, save $1000.00 by signing up for both! It will likely be my last ever Homer trip … Both trips will surely fill soon.
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.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Join me on the COMBO IPT this coming August to photograph adult and juvenile shorebirds at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY.
Clockwise starting from the upper left back to center: juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs; adult Semipalmated Plover; fresh juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Least Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Stilt Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher; worn, molting adult Semipalmated Sandpiper; worn, molting adult White-rumped Sandpiper; and juvenile (left) and worn, molting adult Greater Yellowlegs.
The August 2024 JBWR-East Pond/Nickerson Beach 3 1/2 day Shorebirds, Skimmers and more COMBO IPTs
July 29 – SAT August 17 through the morning session on TUES 20 August 2024. 3 1/2 days: $2199.00. Limit: 6.
Join me for four mornings at the famed East Pond, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY (conditions permitting) to photograph southbound migrant shorebirds and for three afternoons to photograph beach nesting birds. The window for photographing juvenile shorebirds in fresh plumage is very narrow and this trip will of course get you to the right spot at the exact right time. You will learn to identify and age the shorebirds and to photograph them (at ground level). I will gladly share everything that I have learned during the 46 years I have been visiting the pond. Heck, I started late. After too many years of mismanagement, the gate valve at the north end of the East Pond has finally been repaired properly; water levels should be perfect this summer. If it is not, we will spend our mornings at Nickerson.
Afternoons (and mornings as well) at Nickerson Beach Park are superb in mid-August for photographing Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young of all ages. There will be lots of fledged chicks by mid-August, lots of flight including adults flying with baitfish and mole crabs, and excellent chances to photograph both chick feeding and predation by gulls. The Great Black-backed Gulls see the young skimmers as potato chips. We should get to photograph the evening skimmer blastoffs. On hot sunny days, there is still great afternoon skimmer flight photography that includes frequent midair battles.
There will be lots of terns (mostly commons) and gulls to photograph; most years I am able to find a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls of varying ages in addition to the Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls. You will learn to identify and age the various gull species. There will likely be some Willets feeding along the surf and with luck we might get to photograph a handsome juvenile or two. In addition to the locally breeding shorebirds, we will likely get to see some southbound migrant arctic-and sub-arctic breeding shorebird species such as Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and maybe even Red Knot. And we might encounter large, swirling flocks of Sanderling in flight over the ocean.
Join me this August to photograph at the East Pond at JBWR in the mornings (conditions permitting) and at Nickerson Beach in the afternoons.
Clockwise starting from the upper left back to center: Marbled Godwit (likely in juvenal plumage); Wilson’s Phalarope in first winter plumage; Black Skimmer adult in flight over the Atlantic; juvenile American Oystercatcher foraging surf; adult Lesser Black-backed Gull; Black Skimmer attacking tiny chick; Killdeer in fresh juvenal plumage; Least Sandpiper in fresh juvenal plumage ruffling; and juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs and mixed shorebird flock.
Morning sessions at the East Pond will run from just before dawn till about 9:00 or 9:30am. If the afternoon weather forecast is looking ominous, we may decide to photograph until after 11:00am and cancel the afternoon session. Afternoon sessions at Nick will run from 5:30 till sunset (assuming that entry policies are as they were in 2023).
Many folks head home feeling that while our time in the field was fabulous and productive, that the working brunch sessions were even more valuable. During image review you will learn to select the best images from several thousand made with your 20- and 30 fps (or 120 fps!) camera bodies. In addition, we will process some participant images and distribute the screen-capture videos for you to learn from after the trip. All IPTs offer follow-up image critiques.
Change your life: sign up for this IPT today. Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to explore the possibility of renting some Sony gear (including an a1) from me.
Clockwise from upper left around and back to center: Adult American Oystercatcher foraging at sunrise; Adult American Oystercatcher posing on clean sand; predawn skimmer flock blur; Black Skimmer large chick; Black Skimmer landing at nest on cloudy day; Black Skimmer large chick; Black Skimmer sunrise group blur; Black Skimmer adult with Atlantic Silversides; juvenile Semipalmated Plover, and photographer with oystercatcher family.
Some of What You Will Learn on the COMBO IPT
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before you make even a single image if you are using SONY gear).
2-How to get low and super low
3- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
4- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
5- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
10- To identify and age a variety of shorebird, tern, and gull species.
11- More than you could ever imagine.
Clockwise from upper left around and back to center: Black Skimmer pair with chick; Common Tern landing at nest with small baitfish; large Common Tern chick on pristine beach; American Oystercatchers courtship flight; Common Tern with pipefish; Common Tern fledgling; American Oystercatcher on eggs in high wind; American Oystercatcher nest with three eggs; and Black Skimmer midair battle.
The Details
There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session during and after brunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. This IPT will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airports are JFK or Islip (if you have lots of Southwest points). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field ridiculously early and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:00am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We may be getting our feet wet on occasion, especially in the mornings, but those who wish to keep their feet 100% dry can do so.
Your $699 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check. Those who wish to pay for the trip in one fell swoop via check may do so by making the check out to BIRDS AS ART and then mailing it to BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice right after you register. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
(Old Dogs Children and) Watermelon Wine
Song by Tom T. Hall
“How old do you think I am?”, he said
I said, “Well, I didn’t know”
He said, “I turned 65 about 11 months ago”
I was sittin’ in Miami pourin’ blended whiskey down
When this old gray Black gentleman was cleanin’ up the lounge
There wasn’t anyone around ‘cept this old man and me
The guy who ran the bar was watchin’ “Ironsides” on TV
Uninvited, he sat down and opened up his mind
On old dogs and children, and watermelon wine
“Ever had a drink of watermelon wine?”, he asked
He told me all about it, though I didn’t answer back
“Ain’t but three things in this world that’s worth a solitary dime
But old dogs and children, and watermelon wine”
He said, “Women think about they-selves, when menfolk ain’t around
And friends are hard to find when they discover that you’re down”
He said, “I tried it all when I was young and in my natural prime
Now it’s old dogs and children and watermelon wine”
“Old dogs care about you even when you make mistakes
God bless little children while they’re still too young to hate”
When he moved away, I found my pen and copied down that line
‘Bout old dogs and children, and watermelon wine
I had to catch a plane up to Atlanta that next day
As I left for my room, I saw him pickin’ up my change
That night I dreamed in peaceful sleep of shady summertime
Of old dogs and children and watermelon wine.
What’s Up?
Since the forecast for Sunday morning was lousy — a NW wind with clearing skies, I opted to head down to the lake on Saturday afternoon to play with my new toys. The eagles that have been nesting down by the lake for the last two or three years moved to a new nest tree further to the south along Banyan Drive. The new nest tree is so cluttered that I consider the nest un-photographable. That despite that there are two large chicks that should be fledging in a few weeks.
For the past few days, I have been seeing a pair of Ospreys hanging around the old, more gorgeous than ever, wide open nest tree. I was pleased to see the one of them perched above to the nest and the other one sitting in it. If they do nest this year, the situation might offer some great chances. With some light clouds forming in the southwest, I saw the possibility of making some nice silhouettes. So, for the first time ever, I put the Sony a9 iii on the 600 f/4 and added the 2X TC. Working off the BLUBB, I had a ton of fun and learned a lot more about the a9 iii. I made one huge change in the camera that made shooting with it much more practical. If you use one of my affiliate links to purchase your a9 iii, you are invited to shoot me your receipt via e-mail. After it checks out, I will send you my a9 iii CAMSET.DAT file, instructions on how to load my settings on your a9 iii, a complete Buttons and Dials guide, and additional brief comments. Lucky you!
Today is Monday 11 March 2024. I am hoping to head down to the lake again with the a9 iii, the 300mm f/2.8, the 600mm f/4, and both TCs. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you are having fun too.
If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. As above, folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.
If you would like to enjoy some incredible world class photography and photographic instruction, do yourself a favor and grab one of the two remaining spots on each of the two 2025 Homer Bald Eagle IPTs. Better yet, save $1000.00 by signing up for both! It will be my last ever Homer trip … Both trips will surely fill soon. Scroll down for the details.
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.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
This image was created at Stick Marsh on 8 March 2024. I used the handheld 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 2500: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:17:342am on an overcast 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: Roseate Spoonbill “clapping” in flight
From the Video
I included this image from the Spoonbill Movies video to show you how sweet high ISO a9 iii images made in low light and properly exposed to the right can look. I cropped and expanded the canvas and played God by rearranging the elements of the image design. The “clapping” pose was untouched. You can see the original frame at the 3:23 mark of the video.
If you would like to join me tomorrow Tuesday 12 March, for some spoonbill action and a morning In-the-Field Session, stop what you are doing and shoot me an e-mail or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. The weather is looking good.
This image was created on 9 March 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 320: 1/3200 sec. at f/13 (stopped down 1 1/3 stops) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 5:47:34pm on partly sunny afternoon.
Upper left 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: Osprey perched above old Bald Eagle nest
I had not previously seen the possibility of creating late afternoon silhouettes at the old eagle nest. But when I drove by it an hour before sunset, the possibility jumped right out at me. I hung a quick U-turn, grabbed the BLUBB, the 600, the 2X, and the a9 iii. A breeze form the NW made things difficult but the birds let me off the hook on occasion.
As it turned out, initial focusing acquisition at 1200mm with the a9 iii is noticeably faster than with the a-1.
Not to mention that the 120 fps frame rate is totally addictive. Or that the resulting images are incredibly sharp. As I was pointing the lens in the vicinity of the sun I had tons of light and was able to stop down while maintaining a very low ISO. Though the sky looked a very light silver, I knew that there would be lots of gold in the raw file. Though a1 images will surely allow for larger crops, a9 iii image quality is proving to be a non-issue.
This image was also created on 9 March 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter 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/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 5:55:22pm on partly sunny afternoon.
Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Osprey hovering above mate at the old Bald Eagle nest
New Pre-Capture Settings
Drastically changing my pre-capture settings made editing Sunday evening’s 1978 images a breeze. I keep only seven raw files. Image #3 was made when the male jumped down and hovered above the female. Though I was too tight to fit both birds in the frame, I fired off about 700 images in just a few seconds.
Folks who use my links to purchase their a9 iii bodies will learn everything that I know and have learned about the amazing new a9 iii. My CAMSET01.dat file along with the other info will be available to others (those who did not use one of my affiliate links) for a very fair $209.93. Shoot me an e-mail to learn how I came up with that price. If you think it is too high, use one of my affiliate links (it does not cost you one penny) or figure out the camera on your own.
This image was also created on 9 March 2024 down lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 5000: 1/2500 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 (ho hum). AWB at 6:08:53pm on then mostly cloudy afternoon.
Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #4: Osprey in flight
Nothing Great
Image #4 is not really anything special aside from the fact that the file looks darned good for an ISO 5000 image and that it was created with an easily hand-holdable 600mm f/5.6 lens.
The First Ever BIRDS AS ART Lens Guide
Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? 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. This short guide will be published sometime in late March as I have a lot more to learn about this amazing new lens.
Be sure to click on the composite to view a larger, high-res version. All images from 2023 Fort DeSoto Spring IPTs.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Snowy Egret in breeding plumage with crest blowing; Osprey striking; Brown Pelican sunrise silhouette; Royal Terns copulating; Marbled Godwit striding; Royal Tern courtship feeding; Snowy Egret hunting; Laughing Gull in breeding plumage along flight; Reddish Egret in flight with killifish.
Unsolicited via e-mail from Pete Myers
I just spent 4 days in the field in a graduate course in bird photography taught by Artie Morris at Fort DeSoto. After almost 50 years of experience pointing cameras at birds from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego, New Zealand and beyond, I thought I was good enough. But what I learned from Artie in just four days has taken me to a whole new level. As he aptly puts it, “birds as art,” not simply bird photography. One of those 4 days was the most satisfying I’d ever experienced, anywhere. The IPT left me euphoric about what I’d learned, and frighteningly committed to recreating my portfolio with the techniques and insights he taught me.
Unsolicited via e-mail from IPT veteran Eugen Dolan
Arthur, Thank you very much for your overwhelming infectious enthusiasm that helped get me up on some mornings. Also, your ability to express yourself- and explain in great detail why you like or may not like an image – was very helpful in allowing me to better analyze my images. Eugen
Via e-mail from Jim Miller
I can’t stop thinking about how much fun the DeSoto IPT was, and how much I learned. There were so many things that suddenly made perfect sense after I had been confused for so long. Thank you very much for the wonderful trip, and for being a great teacher. As I worked through the raw files last week, I realized what a fantastic lens the 600 IS is. Thanks for the rental! Maybe someday I will be able to afford one. Some images for critique are attached. Thank you again, Artie. It was really wonderful to be with you and learn from you.
Via e-mail from Lee Sommie
I want to thank you for making the Fort DeSoto IPT; it was a fun and educational experience for me. I truly did not want the adventure to end. I now look through the viewfinder with an artist’s mindset. And the real bonus was making new friends with fellow students. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for wildlife photography. I had a great time with you and look forward to more adventures on future IPTs.
Via e-mail from Muhammad Arif
I had a great time at Fort De Soto. Thank you for all the instruction, for your help and pointers; my photography has already improved tremendously, and I’ve never made such good bird photos before. I wish I could’ve joined you on Monday and Tuesday morning as well, but work got in the way. It was also nice meeting the folks on the IPT. Thanks again for everything and I hope to join you at a future IPT sometime again.
Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, many in full breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull landing on head of Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull in flight, Reddish Egret sunrise silhouette, Great Blue Heron with needlefish, Yellow-crowned Night Heron with ghost crab, Roseate Spoonbill, Sanderling in breeding plumage, and white morph Reddish Egret in glorious breeding plumage.
The 2024 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tour (IPT)
The Spring Fort DeSoto IPT: Wednesday 8 May through the morning session on SAT 11 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers. Openings: 5.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for terns and gulls, wading birds, and shorebirds in springtime. Though DeSoto can be great any day of the year, spring is my very favorite time to be there as many of the birds will be in full breeding plumage. Simply put, DeSoto is the new Ding Darling. Migrant shorebirds are in abundance, and many are exceedingly tame. We should have great chances on Royal and Sandwich Terns and both white- and dark-morph Reddish Egrets. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two along with some American Oystercatchers. We will enjoy lots of great flight photography, especially with the Brown Pelicans.
Act fast to explore the possibility of sharing an AirBnB with Jim Miller and me. Doing so would greatly reduce the cost of lodging for this great trip.
Again, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull in flight, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Sandwich Terns copulating, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret with reflection, breeding plumage Short-billed Dowitcher, American Oystercatcher, Royal Tern, white morph Reddish Egret, and Snowy Egret in marsh.
In Addition!
We should also get to photograph a variety of other shorebirds including Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, Snowy, and Piping Plovers, Willet, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit, and most especially, Red Knot. On the May trip, many of the shorebirds will be in their handsome breeding plumages. In spring the T-shaped peninsula and the newly formed sandbar, Outback Key, are literally packed with avian treasures.
With just a bit of luck, we may get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable species: Roseate Spoonbill. And we will surely get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. With luck, they will have Laughing Gulls landing on their heads. And though not guaranteed, Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two. I almost forgot to mention — Laughing Gulls in breeding plumage are to die for!
You do NOT need a fast super-telephoto lens to do this trip!
Yes, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: breeding plumage Dunlin, dark morph Reddish Egret displaying, Laughing Gull vertical front-end portrait, Laughing Gull with prey item, landing on head of Brown Pelican, breeding plumage Royal Tern displaying, Royal Terns — pre-copulatory stance, Laughing Gulls copulating, Laughing Gull head portrait, breeding plumage Sandwich Tern with fish, and a rare treat, a breeding plumage White-rumped Sandpiper.
What You Will Learn on a DeSoto IPT
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
5- To age and identify many species of shorebirds including various sandpipers, plovers, dowitchers, and possibly yellowlegs.
6- To spot good situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
10- More than you could ever imagine.
You got it by now! Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Roseate Spoonbill, immature Brown Pelican in flight, the heron/egret hybrid, American Oystercatcher feeding, immature Royal Tern on railing, Great Egret morning silhouette, Black Skimmer in surf, and underside head portrait of Great Blue Heron.
The Details
Morning sessions will run about two and one-half hours; afternoon sessions about two. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till 11:30 or so and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy. We may opt to visit a great North Tampa rookery if conditions warrant that.
There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session during and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. This IPT will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away). For folks who register soon, the is an excellent chance that we can share an AirBnb to reduce lodging and meal costs and maximize your learning opportunities.
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunset colors. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:30am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We will be getting wet.
Your non-refundable $599 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check three months before the trip begins. If you wish to pay in full right off the bat, you can make your check out to BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice two months before the trip. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372 for more info.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I Did Not Want to Like the Sony a9 iii Mirrorless Body …
Based on what I had heard about the Sony a9 iii, and having been absolutely in love with the Sony a-1 for several years, I really did not want to like the Sony a9 iii. I figured that the 24.6-megapixel a9 iii raw files would pale when compared to the superb 50.1 MP raw files of the a-1. I was sure that file size would be the deal breaker.
In truth, the a9 iii files are superb with lots of fine detail. And I love the colors of the a9 iii images. Using my new workflow as detailed in the Digital Basics III Video Series, the optimized images look great. I am 100% positive that they will pass muster when I begin submitting my a9 iii images to Getty.
While I have been thrilled by the a-1’s 30 fps frame rate, 120 fps opens up a whole new world for flight photographers. Be sure to check out the video below to see what I am talking about. I cannot wait to work with the a9 iii and my 600mm f/4 GM lens!
Yikes! I almost forgot to mention that if you use one of my affiliate links to purchase your a9 iii, you are invited to shoot me your receipt via e-mail. After it checks out, I will send you my a9 iii CAMSET.DAT file, instructions on how to load that to your a9 iii, a complete Buttons and Dials guide, and additional brief comments. Lucky you!
What’s Up?
I got my hands on an a9 iii in Homer and set it up as best as I could in a short time. With the weather looking good for Friday morning, we woke early and headed to Stick Marsh. With Jim driving, I had an a-1 and the a9 iii on my lap. As I went over every menu item on the a9 iii, I realized that I had been mistaken. The menus on the two bodies were in fact quite similar, if not identical (but for the new stuff on the a9 iii). By the time we got to the recreation area, I pretty much had the camera figured out. I did not, however, learn how to close the shutter curtain with power off until after we got home.
I was in position by 6:45am and began creating images. The morning was quite overcast and the sun did not break through completely until just after 8:00am. There was a fair amount of action and though I was shooting more aggressively than I usually do, I was quite surprised when I filled a Delkin 160GB CF-Express A card early on. With pre-capture set to one full second and the frame rate maxed out at 120fps, you will fill cards quickly.
I created 9046 images without hardly realizing it. I peeked at the images briefly and chose a few to optimize. The formal edit using Photo Mechanic took 20 minutes on the clock. Photo Mechanic will become more valuable as frame rates continue to increase. As Camera Bits recently ended their affiliate program, I will be offering a Photo Mechanic Getting Started Guide asap. It will cost $25.00. If you are new to Photo Mechanic, you will surely want a copy of the guide so that you can get off to a perfect start.
I kept 200 images but 152 of those were kept to create the movie-like spoonbill in flight video below. That left me with 48 keepers on what was a mostly dreary morning. I will keep a handful of the 152 after I create the movie. So let’s say I wind up with as most 55 keepers. The leaves me with a keeper rate of .006% — less than one percent.
Why so low? The light was lousy for most of the morning. I was shooting aggressively so that I could see lots of raw files and learn about the AF system. And every time that you start a new series, the camera will save 120 pre-capture images! In any case, I found culling the images in Photo Mechanic easy as the family jewels literally jump off the screen.
Today is Saturday 8 March 2024. I was hoping to head down to the lake this morning but it was dark and drizzly so I opted to stay in and finish today’s blog post on the Sony a9 iii. That done, I am headed down to the lake for a (shirtless) 1.5 mile Vitamin D walk.
I learned minutes ago that multiple IPT veteran Brian Bowers is signing up for Homer #2. And it looks as if many multiple IPT veteran Vasili Chernishof will be re-upping for both 2025 Homer IPTs. If that works out, there will soon be only a single opening left for the first IPT. I was glad to learn that Ralph Fletcher’s Canon EF 600mm f4/L IS II lens in excellent condition sold for the asking price of $4,999.00 just minutes after it was listed in the last blog post.
Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you are also having a great day.
Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
This image was created at Stick Marsh on 8 March 2024. I used the handheld 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: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be 1/2 stop short of dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:05:42am on heavily overcast 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: Roseate Spoonbill in flight braking to land
300mm f/2.8 GM Lens/a9 iii
When I first visited Stick Marsh several years ago, I realized instantly that Sony needed to make a lightweight 300mm f/2.8 lens. Yesterday with the 300mm f/2.8, I was able to sit farther back than I used to when using the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the 1.4X TC. Not to mention that I gained one full stop of ISO by being able to work at f/2.8 rather than f/4.
As it turned out, I was correct. Of the many thousands of images that found their way into the trash, most of them were razor sharp, well-framed images of spoonbills in flight. I kept only those with family jewels potential. In short, the Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) is the perfect lens for Stick Marsh. And for Homers eagles as well.
The First Ever BIRDS AS ART Lens Guide
Impressed by my Sony 300mm f/2.8 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. It will be published sometime in late March as I have a lot more to learn about this amazing new lens.
How Birds Fly by John K. Torres
I met and interviewed John Kenneth Terres several decades ago for a Bird Watchers’ Digest article. He gifted me a signed copy of “How Birds Fly.” Several months ago, when I could not find it, I ordered a copy from Amazon and was totally blown away. While viewing my a9 iii images rapid fire yesterday in Photo Mechanic, I felt as Terres must have felt when he finally saw some slow motion movies of birds in flight. The experience was incredible. Click on the logo link above to order your copy. If you love flight photography, you owe it to yourself.
Roseate Spoonbill Movies
Watch the two flight movies; you will be amazed and delighted.
This image was also created at Stick Marsh on 8 March 2024. I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800: 1/3200 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 (ho hum). AWB at 8:03:44am on then mostly 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 #2: Great Blue Heron head portrait
When the Sun Finally Came Out
When the sun finally came out yesterday, I added the 2X TC to the 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and went to work. I was thrilled to see the super sharp results. Handholding at 600mm is simply a joy. Good bye tripods. Unless and until I need 840 or 1200mm.
This image was also created at Stick Marsh on 8 March 2024. I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter 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/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:16:51am on then mostly sunny morning.
Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Roseate Spoonbill in flight
Lightweight Handheld 600mm Flight Photography
This image thrilled me even more than Image #2 did. Handholding the 300mm f/2.8/2X III combo is a dream. I can do it all day long in part because of its small size. I am not sure if the a-1 will do as well with flight with the 300mm f/2.8/2X III combo.
Do Understand
Do understand that purchasing the latest greatest camera gear will not make you a better bird photographer. You need to study and practice. And look at as many great images as possible. Period. There are hundreds if not thousands of folks with $5,000.00 or $10,000 or even $30,000 or more worth more of great gear who simply do not have a clue as to how to make a good photograph. How do I know this? I see them every day at great shooting locations around the world.
What is the solution? Join me somewhere on a BAA Instructional Photo-Tour. I will not be doing them forever …
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
