November 20, 2024 will mark 30 years since the death of my 2nd wife, Elaine Belsky Morris. She was diagnosed, she followed and endured the horrific chemo and radiation therapies, and she suffered.
Four months prior, they told us “It’s a miracle, the tumor has disappeared.” Then she was dead in short order. 15 months from diagnosis to the funeral. The Work of Byron Katie teaches is that dealing with what might have been causes stress and unhappiness. While understanding that fully, I still wish that I had known Dr. Cliff Oliver while Elaine was alive.
In short, if you are diagnosed, there are options.
Note: Elaine had a negative mammogram two weeks before she discovered her tumor with a self exam.
Great Cancer Round Table
Hope4Cancer’s Integrative Approach
Webinar October 17th at 11am PT/ 2pm ET
If you cant make it LIVE, a replay of the webinar will be sent to you on Monday, October 21st!
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, with more than 2 million new cases diagnosed annually. A concerning trend is emerging: the incidence of breast cancer in younger women is on the rise. Recent studies show that breast cancer rates in women under 50 have increased by 1.4% per year from 2012 to 2021, with the steepest rise of 2.2% per year in women in their 20s. These early-onset cancers tend to be more aggressive. Young women are 38% more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage cancers and have a 30% higher risk of dying from the disease compared to older women.
In this week’s live webinar, Dr. Tony Jimenez M.D., N.D. will be joined by two special guests: Dr. Leslie Gomez M.D., one of Hope4Cancer’s BEST physicians (Behavioral, Emotional & Spiritual Transformation), and Hope4Cancer nutritionist Oscar Puig, BNFS, MCN. The panel will discuss a range of topics related to breast cancer, including common emotional and spiritual traumas associated with breast cancer diagnoses, the role of nutrition and gut health in breast cancer prevention and treatment, and Hope4Cancer’s comprehensive treatment approach for breast cancer patients.
This webinar recording describes health and medical information that is entirely based on the training, research, clinical, and personal experience of the presenter, guest or patient. This information is not intended to be used to treat or diagnose any particular disease or a particular patient. There is no explicit or implicit attempt by the presenter to render professional advice or services to the viewer. This information is not presented here to take the place of advice you would receive from your physician or health care provider, or to advocate for any particular treatment. The viewer accepts complete responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences arising from following any suggestions, treatments, procedures, preparations, or supplements described in this webinar recording. Please consider that any structure/function statements made for any product cited within this webinar have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What You Will Learn
Steps to prevent and detect breast cancer early on and limit your risk.
The critical role nutrition and gut health play in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
How the 7 Key Principles of Cancer Therapy can improve breast cancer outcomes.
The impact of emotions on breast cancer development and treatment
Join us Thursday, October 17th at 11am PT/ 2pm ET.
Chris Beat Cancer
Both men and women who would like to learn about holistic healing of even severe cancers should check out the amazing Holistic Survivors Stories here on the Chris Beat Cancer website.
On this site, you can check out Dr. Jenn Simmons’s on the truth about mammograms and the best diet for breast healthhere.
In the same vein, check out Are Mammograms Dangeroushere on Instagram.
Which of today’s four featured images do you like best? Why?
What’s Up?
Photography continues to be good in the mornings here at ILE. This morning I had a gorgeous Red-shouldered Hawk posing on The Perch II.
I will be sending SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Notes e-Mail H (15 OCT 2024): Firmware Update 2.01 and 2.20 Options to the group tomorrow. If you own a Sony a-1 and are not in the group, it would be a very good idea to get in touch with me via e-mail.
My favorite image from the previous blog post was Image #1, the square Great Blue Heron with the very small fish. Why? I loved the image design, the soft light, the sharpness, and the fine feather detail.
While the spectacular Pacific-race Brown Pelicans are surely the stars of any San Diego IPT, Wood Duck and the nesting Brandt’s Cormorants are a close second. Then throw in a variety of gulls including and especially the drop-dead gorgeous Heermann’s Gull, lots of Royal Terns in flight and perched, a variety of ducks including the handsome Ring-necked Duck, many shorebirds species including Marbled Godwit, Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstones, Spotted Sandpipers, and more, one or two species of hummingbirds with Anna’s being the most dependable, at least two species of marine mammals, and some great scenic photography as well. With 2025’s single IPT half filled already, there are only three slots left. San Diego is one of my very favorite teaching laboratories.
Please e-mail with questions or to save your spot.
Note: I will be sharing educational images of lots of the San Diego back-up subjects here on the blog for the next month or two.
Today is Wednesday 16 October 2024 and I will be headed down to the lake early. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have a great day. Remember, “Happiness is a choice.” Byron Katie, www.TheWork.com.
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 18 January 2024 at La Jolla, CA. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 320. 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:10:24am on 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 #1: Brown Pelican, Pacific race breeding plumage in flight plus one more on a rock
The Original Frame
Do you like that I left the out of focus pelican on the right side of the frame? Why or why not?
The Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM Lens
As I perused the San Diego JAN-FEB 2024 DONE file to look for some images to process for this blog post, I did not look at the gear that was used for each image. I was only a bit surprised to see that the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens had been used to create all three. It is pretty close to the perfect lens for San Diego. It was great for the pelicans both in flight and on the sandstone cliffs. It was great at Santee Lakes for the ducks. As the winter of 2024 was atypically cloudy, the f/2.8 aperture was tremendously useful. And it killed at the Brandt’s Cormorant colony for the same reason.
Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens
Price reduced a shocking $600.00 on 13 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 $2,000.00 by grabbing Robert’s might-as-well-be-new 400mm GM lens. And you can’t beat the f/2.8 Bokeh! artie
Image #1A: a square crop of Image #1: Brown Pelican, Pacific race breeding plumage in flight
The Square Crop
I went with the square crop to eliminate the out of focus pelican on the left side of the frame. To improve the position of the bird in the frame, I needed to add a bit of canvas above. I did that with Content-Aware Crop.
How would you compare the two images, #1 and 1A? Which of the two (if any) do you like better?
This image was created on 18 January 2024 at La Jolla, CA. Seated on the edge of a lake, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500. 1/1000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:26:02am on barely 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 #2: Wood Duck drake floating on lovely water
Photographing Drake Wood Ducks
Drake Wood Ducks present a difficult exposure challenge. Why? The elongated white oval on the bill is exceedingly bright. As are the white stripes on the face and the vertical ones on the forward flanks. In the meantime, you are striving to expose as far to the right as possible to open up the very dark tones on the wings and especially, the large black patch on the face. Getting the purple cheek patch exactly right is largely a matter of light angle and reflectance.
For all of the above reasons, I prefer soft early light, cloudy-bright, or shade. Full sun exacerbates the exposure challenges. Despite that, it is possible to create excellent drake Wood Duck images in sunny conditions.
After selecting the whites and putting them on a new layer, I changed the Blending Mode to Linear Burn, reduced the Opacity of that layer to 20%, added a Regular Layer Mask, and smoothed the edges with a 50% Opacity Brush.
This image was created on 18 January 2024 at La Jolla, CA. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000. 1/1000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 11:40:20am on a cloudy 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 #3: Brandt’s Cormorant on nest, displaying
The Brandt’s Cormorant Colony
The Brandt’s Cormorant colony at La Jolla is an absolute treasure that is often overlooked by visiting bird photographers. Most of the nests are in the shade for the better part of the day. Understanding the wind and the sky conditions is a necessity for photographing them flying in with a load of seaweed for their nests. Consider joining us in San Diego for the action- and learning-packed 2025 Pelicans and More Instructional Photo Tour.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The 2025 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and More!) IPT
Price reduced $100.00 from last year!
2025 San Diego IPT: 4 1/2 DAYS: SAT 11 JAN 2025 thru the morning session on WED 15 JAN 2024: $2599.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6/Openings 3.
Shared AirBnB lodging is available and maximizes learning as well.
Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT sessions.
Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.
I discovered some really neat new spots on my 2024 visit. We will be visiting all of them early next year.
Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not
Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.
Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
It Ain’t Just Pelicans
With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning, there is usually some excellent flight photography, at times with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego. Each IPT will include one or two duck sessions.
Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The San Diego Details
This IPT will include five 3-hour morning photo sessions, four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and four working brunches at my AirBnb. Those will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon shoot. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.
Deposit Info
A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2025 San Diego IPT. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due two months before the trip.
Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late
On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Which of today’s six featured images is the strongest? Please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice (or your choices if you go with two). I have a clear favorite that I will share with you in the next blog post.
What’s Up?
I had wanted to publish this on Monday morning but ran into a plethora of Word Press problems. Actually, my continuing problems kept getting worse. I quick WhatsApp call to old friend Peter Kes, now living on a farm in remote South Africa in the midst Zebras, Elephants, and extremely poisonous Mambas, resolved the situation. Thanks again, Peter! The long term prognosis is looking good as found a serious problem with the server that was quickly rectified by the hosts.
Many of you are probably aware of the nightmarish, totally embarrassing Firmware Update problems with the Sony a-1. It truly has been a fiasco. Here is a short summary:
1- Several months ago Sony announced Firmware Update 2.00. It was supposed to improve WIFI connectivity (whatever that is??) instead, it wrecked it.
2- It took Sony a while to remove the new Firmware and a while longer to correct the WiFi problems.
3- The next version, v2.01, fixed the WiFi business but many users of the very popular Sony 200-600 G lens reported that the new firmware wrecked their lens. In addition, many folks reported battery life problems with 2.01.
4- Sony finally released v2.02. The problems with the 200-600 were eliminated along with the battery life problems. Formatting a card with a 2.02 a-1 is about 80% faster than it was with previous Firmware versions.
Aware of the problems with the Firmware Updates, I cautioned my a-1 Setup and Info group not to update and advised everyone to stick with v1.32 that was at least functional.
I did just that.
When things calmed down a bit, feeling some allegiance to my a-1 group, I purchased a second a-1 from BAA friend Greg Clarkson for $3800.00 about seven weeks ago. Some time went by, and with some trepidation, I updated that body to 2.01. Everything was fine with my big lenses. The first time that I used that body with my 200-600 G lens the camera acted as if it were on crack. It refused to focus, the image was jumping around in the viewfinder, and a message popped up stating that I was in AF-S (one shot AF) even though I was in AF-C (continuous AF). I removed and re-inserted the battery, and all was fine. None-the-less, I updated to 2.02 on Sunday morning.
I headed down to the lake and as things turned out, I had my best morning since September 19, this images made with v2.01.
Battery life with 2.02 is fine. There are no issues with the 200-600. Bird Face-Eye AF seems to be somewhat improved. And formatting a card takes about two seconds as compared to 10 seconds or more with previous firmwares. But the very best news is a 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. Imagine, prevent AF system blindness will soon become a faint memory.
The bad news is that it only works with the Sony prime lenses, the 300mm f/2.8, the 40mm f/2.8, and the 600mm f/4.
The a-1 group folks will be hearing from me on the cumbersome updating process detailing all of their options by this Tuesday the latest.
Others might ask, If this Firmware update business is such a hassle, why do you stick with Sony?
1- Light weight.
2- Incredible Bird Face-Eye AF.
3- Simplicity of operation (using my settings).
4- Zebra technology!
5- Incredible image quality with the a-1.
6- Incredible speed with the a9 iii (120 fps with pre-capture).
7- AF performance and the resulting sharpness with the 2X TCs — no other system even makes it to second place
If you doubt me on #7 above, be sure to enlarge each of today’s featured images.
8- The lightweight Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens is un-matched in the industry and is a Godsend for older folks with either TC.
Doubt me? Check out images 4, 4A, 5, and 6 below.
For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, you can order your 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 (or Pat’s) 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 13 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, 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. 1/320 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:53:40 am on a then partly sunny morning.
Tracking: (upper) 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: Great Blue Heron with tiny fish
Tiny Prey Items
Considering the Great Blue Herons have been seen swallowing five pound fish, large rats, and baby rabbits, it is astounding to see them capturing tiny fish like the one above. I guess part of the trick is that they need to do it often. Compositionally, a square crop was the strongest available.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Osprey male on perch in (failed) nest tree
Mr. Regular
Most male Ospreys have at most a very few tiny dark streaks on their upper breasts. This handsome bird, a male, of course, was sitting on a very nice perch above a nest that was destroyed recently by Milton. This morning — Sunday, he was sitting in nearby but a few feet to the right and a few feet below Saturday’s perch. With a NW breeze that I could not feel, the bird felt it and was facing away. So, I stopped down more than a stop and concentrated on over the shoulder look-back poses. Again I was rewarded for driving down to the end of Palmetto Drive. It pays to check the good spots repeatedly.
When working vertically, I will often move the AF point toward the top of the frame so that I do not have to move the lens much when the bird looks either left or right, or at all when it looks right at me. Overall, Bird Face-Eye tracking with a-1 Firmware v2.01 and v2.02 seems to be somewhat better than it was with v1.32.
This image was created on 13 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, 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. 1/1250 sec. at f/10 (stopped down 2/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:28:51am on a 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 #3: Tricolored Heron non-breeding adult
Elusive Till Saturday
Both a worn juvenile and an adult Tricolored Heron have been hanging out in the small bay left of the pier here at ILE. They have both been teasing me and I did not come up with a single decent image until this winter adult posed for me on Saturday morning. I had a hard time choosing which one to post so I will likely do a video soon showing my other keepers along with more from the vertical Osprey series — from which Image #1 was chosen for the down-the-lens-barrel stare.
This image was created on 13 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Walking on the pier, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x 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. 1/1000 sec. at f/11 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:02:28am on sunny morning.
Tracking (upper right) 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: Turkey Vulture, bright adult
The Pier Railing
On many mornings, there are Turkey Vultures lined up on the pier railings. When I (or anyone else) goes for a walk on the pier, they take flight. At times, depending on the wind, there are some good flight chances. On Saturday there were half a dozen on the railings. Four flew as I walked onto the pier. Then there was only one. I employed my very best stalking technique by moving slower than slow, moving each foot perhaps an inch at a time. And I continually whispered sweet nothings to the bird: “Be a good boy. I am not here to hurt you.” All in all, I got very close, perhaps twelve feet or so.
Notice that at such close range I stopped down one full stop for a bit of extra depth of field. I moved the Zone bracket to the upper right of the frame; when the bird looked back to my left, it tracked the eye perfectly and I had the best image of the series.
Image #4A: An unsharpened 100% crop of the Turkey Vulture’s eyeball
Astonishing Sharpness
More than a few folks have asked if the Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM with the 2X is as sharp as the bare 600mm f/4 or the 200-600. You tell me! If this image were any sharper I might cut myself looking at it.
This image was created on 13 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Walking on the pier, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) 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/5.6 (stopped down two stops) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:04:26am on sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #5: Whirligig Beetles approach
Oops!
When I first spotted these subjects scooting about on the surface, I looked at them through the lens and saw what looked like silver bellies. I assumed that they were fish. But when I got home and zoomed in, I could see that they were some type of water beetles. After a bit of surfing online, I came up with what is likely the correct identification. I had never seen them before. I saw them first on Sunday morning. They were in the same spot at 6:30pm the day when I went for my early evening walk. And they were in the same spot on Monday morning.
I wanted to call them a school of beetle. Online sources suggest a swarm or a colony. If you have something better than that, please leave a comment. If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you can see two very small fish just above center.
Sony Zebras handled this near-impossible exposure situation with ease.
This image was created on 13 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Walking on sand beach to the left of the pier, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/4000 sec. at f/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 9:12:59am on 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 #6: Osprey — female with fish
Serendipity
After my shirtless pier walk (for Vitamin D), I walked onto the beach to check on two log perches that I had set up. I happened to glance up and saw an Osprey with a fish flying right at me very close to sun angle, I raised the lens, acquired focus, and fired off about three dozen frames. This was my fave.
Note that I had pre-determined the exposure for Osprey as it was the most likely to be encountered subject. Working in manual mode, I would have gone 3 clicks lighter had a male Boat-tailed Grackle flown by or three clicks darker had a Great Egret flown by. Notice that when you learn to adjust the exposure based on the tonality of the subject, no metering is needed.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
In the last post, I commented on Thursday morning at 8:01am as follows:
Thanks, all, (for the good wishes).
I slept through the night. I walked around the house at 6am with my iPhone flashlight; we are unscathed. We never lost power here at ILE. Jennifer did lose power at her home in nearby Babson Park.
As is often the case, the storm was pretty much a big fizzle with the usual trees and power lines down. It certainly was not the 100-year storm they were predicting. Unless you lived on the coast below Sarasota, there was not much damage. The storm surge at Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater was approximately “1-3 feet.” There was and is lots of local flooding.
with love, artie
ps: And yes, I will be heading down to the lake soon.
As it turns out, by pooh-poohing the storm, I spoke much too soon.
While Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Pete fared much better than they did with Helene, there was some damaging storm surge well to the south, though not as severe as predicted. The storm, however, claimed at least 17 lives, none by drowning. The deaths included at least five due to tornadoes in St. Lucie County on the East Coast (!) just 70 miles from my front door. Floodwaters rose to more than six feet in Lithia, near the Alafia River, about 20 miles southeast of Tampa. There were 3.4 million power outages, and early estimates are that Hurricane Milton caused $50 billion in damage.
While the Amazing Mets will be playing for the National League pennant soon, the roof blew off Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays’ in St. Petersburg. I had no internet for 26 hours, and Jennifer in Babson Park still has no power. But all in all, I and my friends were blessedly lucky. Again.
Even though I was amazed at the sharpness of the young Great Egret in flight at only 1/640 sec., my favorite of the two images in the last blog post was the Cattle Egret in the rain for the rain streaks, the shallow blue puddle, and the layers of color.
On Thursday, a two first-ever-for-ILE Royal Terns were flying over the pier, surely brought here by Milton. The day before, I had a first-ever-for-ILE fly-by Merlin. With north winds and cloudy skies, photography down by the lake has not been consistently good. With more of the same forecast for this morning, Saturday 12 October 2024, I will head down to the lake at about 8am. Whatever the heck you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Supporting My Efforts Here
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, are all set for gear, or live overseas, consider leaving a BAA Blog Thank You Gift here.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear.
This image was created on 10 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estaates, FL. I used the hand held Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens (at 15 mm) and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera.. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/250 second at f/5.6 (stopped down two stops) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:23:16am on a cloudy morning.
Lower center Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: The 2021/22 Bald Eagle nest
The 2022/23 Bald Eagle Nest
At about 9:15am on Thursday, well after Hurricane Milton had departed to the northeast, I drove down to the lake to see what was up and about. As I turned left onto Banyan Drive, a thought entered my mind: “The two big nests are likely on the ground.” Within a minute, I learned that I had been correct. This nest, just past the boat ramp, was the first lakefront Bald Eagle nest at ILE. A single eaglet fledged there in the late winter of 2022. The next year, the adults raised two young in it.
It was huge. It fell straight down from the tree, perhaps because the very large, very heavy branch that supported it snapped in the high winds. Last season, after the eagles left for a different nest in the same field, a pair of Ospreys hung around for months, courted and copulated, but never laid eggs.
This image was also created on 10 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Again, I used the hand held Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens (at 24mm) and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera.. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/250 second at f/4.5 (stopped down 1 1/3 stops) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:18:48am on a cloudy morning.
Lower center Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: The 2023 Bald Eagle nest
The 2024 Bald Eagle Nest
Though the same pair fledged two eaglets from this nest in the very early spring of 2023, I don’t think that I made a single image of that family as the top of the dead pine tree was quite cluttered. Lots of branches were cleared away by winds. On two occasions over the past few weeks, I saw the birds adding branches to the nest. Things were looking good for photography. Until Milton came along.
This nest, much smaller and lighter than the original nest, was blown more than 40 feet to the west of the nest tree.
Both nest trees were practically reduced to the trunks by Milton, so I have no idea if the eagles will attempt to rebuild or will move on. Time will tell. At least two natural Osprey nests came down in the storm as well.
This image was also created on 10 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat on my SUV I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/2500 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 9:59:11am on a cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be perfect.
Tracking: Expand Spot AF-C AF with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Little Blue Heron juvenile on fallen log
New Opportunities
The diagonal log in Image #3 was toppled by Hurricane Milton. I think that it is an Australian Pine, a Florida alien. I was glad that I drove down to the end of Palmetto Drive to make my u-turn in the driveway of the last house, the tangerine one, formerly owned by my late friend Bob. When I see the juvie LBH the wide shot jumped out at me.
High Level Image Design Question
Why was it vitally important to the success of this image that I moved my car up three feet before I went to work?
Do not click on the composite image; simply scroll down for the best viewing.
While Sebastian Inlet is justifiably famous around the world for the Ospreys diving for migrating saltwater fish each fall, there are a variety of desirable avian subjects there as well in October and November. Keep reading if you would like to join me on what will surely be a memorable photographic and learning experience.
Pick Your Own Dates Short-notice Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More BAA Personalized Instructional Workshops
Ridiculously Inexpensive!
Dates: October 29 (arrive on the afternoon of Monday the 28th) thru the morning session on Saturday 22 November
Right now I have four folks for the last week, 17-22 NOV. So any few days (or a week!) after 28 OCT and before mid-NOV would be fabulous.
As BIRDS AS ART lost more than $100,000 in tax year 2023, I am moving forward looking more at sharing expenses than at making money. Simply put, for more reasons than I will list here, sharing an AirBnB or VRBO place maximizes learning while reducing your overall travel costs.
Consider joining me at Sebastian Inlet this fall for some great bird photography and a ton of learning. Life is short; what are you waiting for? While a 600mm f/4 lens is ideal, you could do the whole trip with a variety of other lenses including a 500mm f/4, a 400mm f/2.8, a 400mm DO, a 200-600, a 100-500, a 300mm f/2.8 with TCs, or one of the great new Nikon Z telephoto or telephoto zoom lenses.
Bob Eastman is driving from Wisconsin and doing all 26 days, from 28 OCT thru the morning session on 22 NOV, prime time for Ospreys diving and catching a variety of saltwater fish. There are four bedrooms in this great AirBnB property that is just 22 minutes from the south jetty at the State Park, 24 minutes from the northwest pool where the Ospreys spent a lot of time last year. Please note that NOV 21-22 are sold out.
Hopefully, those who come would stay for a week or ten days (or all 26 days!) to maximize the opportunities. As above, fewer days would work also. Fly to Melbourne (MEL) or Orlando (MCO) and rent a car. Local folks who would like to arrange a morning or two of In-the-Field Instruction during October should get in touch via e-mail.
Here, if you stay in the AirBnB with me, are the ridiculous low rates for the in-the-field sessions (that include the daily Image Review and Photoshop sessions).
$250 for a morning session
$150 for an afternoon session.
Brunch and dinners at the AirBnB will cost you $20/day.
If you are interested, let me know your preferred dates via e-mail and I will get back to you with the per/night price for the lodging.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
As of 2pm on Wednesday 9 October 2024, Hurricane Milton was scheduled to make landfall somewhere between Tampa and Sarasota this evening. At the least, it is supposed to be one of the most powerful storms ever to strike Florida.
Many storm tracks show the eye of the hurricane passing directly over my home at Indian Lake Estates at 8am on Thursday morning. At best, we’ll get a ton of rain and lots of wind up to 70mph. At worst, we might have a pine tree or two come down on the house or on my newly redone pool cage. And maybe some windows blown out. Jim is riding out the storm here, and I do not believe that we are in any great danger. My new generator should kick in the moment we lose power tonight. Older daughter Jennifer is in nearby Babson Park and is nervously waiting to see what Milton has in store. I wish her and Erik the best tonight.
It was raining here when I woke at 6:00am, but quit by nine. At 11:30am I walked 1.3 miles and then swam 24 lengths in my lap pool, a bit more than 1/4 mile. Between noon and 1pm there was lots of thunder in the neighborhood and some heavy rain. Our phones lit up with Polk County tornado warnings. So far, all is fine.
In 2004, five years after I moved here, the eyes of Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne all crossed right over Indian Lake Estates. Charley brought the strongest winds, and moved quickly, not officially reducing power to Category 1 status until after passing by Polk County. When the 2004 hurricane season started, it had been 44 years since Polk County saw major damage from a hurricane. In 1960, Hurricane Donna crossed over Florida, leaving behind a swath of destruction in its path. The three storms did $29.8 billion worth of damage total across many states. I think that I lost power for almost two weeks after Charley.
Right now, I am most concerned for friends (and everyone else) living in Southwest Florida. David and Michele Pugsley in Plant City, accountant Chip Jackson in Clearwater (evacuated to Alabama), old friend Linda Robbins in Sarasota — I have no idea where she might be, Cliff Beittel and Susan, and Pat Fishburne, in Fort Myers — the moment Pat heard of the new storm, she flew to North Carolina, and John Johnson huddled up on the ninth floor of his Condo in Naples. I told John — we both attended Brooklyn Technical High School — to evacuate once the water reached the ninth floor.
I am hoping against hope at least to some degree that the storm weakens considerably. There is always the possibility of reverse storm surge in Tampa Bay as occurred with during Hurricanes Irma and Ian not long ago. All the water emptied out of the bay. Check it out here.
By 2:30pm, it was raining hard here at ILE and the wind is picking up. I hope to head down to the lake for a look see in a few minutes. By the time I finished the previous sentence the wind was ripping through the trees.
I continue working with the v2.02 and v2.02 Sony a-1 Firmware updates and will begin work on announcing the 2025 January San Diego IPT tomorrow.
Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you are well and safe.
Update: I added two nice images created in the rain at 5:20pm.
This image was created on 9 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/200 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 3:31:45pm on rainy afternoon.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Cattle Egret in rain
Just In Case …
Just in case you thought I was kidding about going down to the lake in the pouring rain, I offer two of my 16 keepers from my hour-long session during which I created 435 photographs.
Just in case you don’t know me, you will now at least know that I am addicted to bird photography and that I am certifiably nuts. I would have stayed longer but my phone was screaming out tornado warnings so I headed home, had a nice dinner, and worked on these two images and added them to today’s blog post.
It has been pouring rain for several hours, that after several days of on and off rain. I have never seen so much water down by the lake as I did this afternoon. By morning, I am pretty sure that the entire North Field will look like part of the lake. It is likely that it will make the rainfall from Hurricane Ian look like a drought.
Anyhoo, as I mentioned here recently, the key to shooting from your vehicle in a hard rain is to have the driver’s side in the lee. With a strong wind from the northeast, I did my best to point the car to the northwest so that I was 90° to the rain. My lens got a bit wet, but the camera stayed perfectly dry. Best of all, I had fun.
This image was also created on 9 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in 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 One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 2500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/640 second (!) at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 3:42:21pm on rainy afternoon.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Great Egret juvenile taking flight in rain
Beyond Lucky
I am getting much better at following my own advice: When unexpected action occurs, press and hold the shutter button. Do not attempt to change the shutter speed or the ISO or you will miss everything.
This bird took fight several times without warning. Each time it did, I fired off a sequence of images expecting nothing sharp at 1/640 second. Surprise. All but one of the images showed considerable motion blur on the head. This un-cropped image was inexplicably razor sharp on the eye. Go figure.
In any case, I am 100% positive that I could not have made either of these images had I chosen to sit safely in my office and watch baseball.
Your Call?
Which image do you like best? Why? My choice just might surprise you.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Today is Tuesday 8 October. Hurricane Milton is on its way to Florida. It is currently aimed right at Tampa and should make landfall some time on Wednesday. With this storm following close on the heels of Hurricane Helene, the potential for catastrophic, double-barreled damage along the coast of Southwest Florida boggles the mind. My prayers are with everyone in the path of the storm. At the very least, Lakes Wales and ILE should get lots of rain and high winds, the latter on Thursday.
Right now it is cloudy and still so I am headed down to the lake the moment I hit Publish. Whatever the heck you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Supporting My Efforts Here
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, are all set for gear, or live overseas, consider leaving a BAA Blog Thank You Gift here.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear.
Apple M3 Max 16-Core Chip
128GB Unified RAM | 8TB SSD
16″ 3456 x 2234 Liquid Retina XDR Screen
40-Core GPU | 16-Core Neural Engine
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.3
Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI | MagSafe 3
SDXC Slot | FaceTime HD 1080p Camera
Backlit Magic Keyboard
Force Touch Trackpad | Touch ID Sensor
macOS
In other words, the bomb. Looking to spend a bit less? Click here and search for Apple MacBook Pro M3. Feel free to e-mail or call (863-221-23720 for laptop advice.
Why Not Buy Your MacBook Pro From Apple?
If you purchase a laptop from Apple and have a problem right off the bat they will fix it for you in a few days or a week after you send it to them. They will not replace it. If you purchase a laptop from B&H and have a problem right out of the box, they will send you a new one no questions asked.
Image #1: The tight face crop is from the converted raw file
Bird Pupils versus Human Pupils
Check out the different size of the bird’s pupils. As we saw in the previous blog post here, the pupil of the bird’s left eye, the one on our right, is relatively huge. The pupil of the right eye, however, is relatively tiny. Several readers noted properly with regard to the previously shared image from that same morning (created 3 minutes later), that the pupil of the eye in the shade was opened wide to let in more light, while the pupil of the sunlit eye was much smaller.
Dr. Eugen Dolan, neurosurgeon, was the first to let me know (via e-mail) that human eyes are different. He wrote:
Arthur,
With regard to your Osprey pupil question, you have posed a VERY complex question.
The pupils of a bird’s eye are controlled by striated muscles that can be controlled voluntarily. Thus, they can control each pupil independently.
In humans, to have one pupil noticeably larger than the other does not normally occur.
Human pupils shrink symmetrically in bright light and dilate symmetrically in dim light. If the light is different on each eye, the brain averages the amount of light as there is a central control processor of the smooth muscles of the pupil; both pupils will pretty much always be the same size and always dependent on the average amount of light.
There is a congenital condition in which one pupil is larger than the other; it can sometimes be seen in family photos.
Uneven pupil dilation in humans can be caused by some medications, a lens dislocation, or severe head trauma that results in an epidural hemorrhage.
I found an article entitled Bird pupils behave unexpectedly differently. It surprised me. You might want to check it out.
Eugen
I followed the link to the MP Neuro (Max Planck Neuroscience) website that Eugen sent and read the article with interest. You can find it here.
In response to some of the comments at that same blog post, I asked a leading question. Then, two folks, including blog regular Dr. Adam Rubenstein, left comments confirming what Eugen had told me.
I am constantly amazed by the incredible length and breadth of the knowledge base of the folks reading the BIRDS AS ART Blog.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1A: The Optimized version: Osprey with fresh caught Yellowfin Menhaden
Not the Same Bird; Not the Same Fish!
This image is quite similar to the 8:29:59am image originally posted in the A Ton of Learning From a Single Osprey Image blog post here. But it was created roughly three minutes earlier than that image and thus, could surely not be the same individual fish, and it almost surely was not the same Osprey.
The reason that the shaded side of the bird’s face was much darker than the shaded side of the bird’s face in the image created 3 minutes three seconds after this one, is that the action took place about 20 yards further to the west. Thus, the bird was further off sun angle and the shadows on the left side of its face were darker.
Just another reason to strive to stay on sun angle.
Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1B: A tight square crop of the optimized version of the Osprey with fresh caught Yellowfin Menhaden 8:26:56am image
By Popular Demand
Folks were so impressed with the tight square crop of the 8:29:59am image that I decided to go that route with today’s 8:26:56am photo. Again, the image quality of sharp a-1 raw files allows for relatively huge crops.
Again here, I lightened the shaded side of the Osprey’s face using Tim Grey Dodge and Burn and followed that up with some fancy Eye Doctor work. As detailed in both DB II and in the DB III Video Series.
Do not click on the composite image; simply scroll down for the best viewing.
While Sebastian Inlet is justifiably famous around the world for the Ospreys diving for migrating saltwater fish each fall, there are a variety of desirable avian subjects there as well in October and November. Keep reading if you would like to join me on what will surely be a memorable photographic and learning experience.
Pick Your Own Dates Short-notice Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More BAA Personalized Instructional Workshops
Ridiculously Inexpensive!
Dates: October 29 (arrive on the afternoon of Monday the 28th) thru the morning session on Saturday 22 November
Right now I have four folks for the last week, 17-22 NOV. So any few days (or a week!) after 28 OCT and before mid-NOV would be fabulous.
As BIRDS AS ART lost more than $100,000 in tax year 2023, I am moving forward looking more at sharing expenses than at making money. Simply put, for more reasons than I will list here, sharing an AirBnB or VRBO place maximizes learning while reducing your overall travel costs.
Consider joining me at Sebastian Inlet this fall for some great bird photography and a ton of learning. Life is short; what are you waiting for? While a 600mm f/4 lens is ideal, you could do the whole trip with a variety of other lenses including a 500mm f/4, a 400mm f/2.8, a 400mm DO, a 200-600, a 100-500, a 300mm f/2.8 with TCs, or one of the great new Nikon Z telephoto or telephoto zoom lenses.
Bob Eastman is driving from Wisconsin and doing all 26 days, from 28 OCT thru the morning session on 22 NOV, prime time for Ospreys diving and catching a variety of saltwater fish. There are four bedrooms in this great AirBnB property that is just 22 minutes from the south jetty at the State Park, 24 minutes from the northwest pool where the Ospreys spent a lot of time last year. Please note that NOV 21-22 are sold out.
Hopefully, those who come would stay for a week or ten days (or all 26 days!) to maximize the opportunities. As above, fewer days would work also. Fly to Melbourne (MEL) or Orlando (MCO) and rent a car. Local folks who would like to arrange a morning or two of In-the-Field Instruction during October should get in touch via e-mail.
Here, if you stay in the AirBnB with me, are the ridiculous low rates for the in-the-field sessions (that include the daily Image Review and Photoshop sessions).
$250 for a morning session
$150 for an afternoon session.
Brunch and dinners at the AirBnB will cost you $20/day.
If you are interested, let me know your preferred dates via e-mail and I will get back to you with the per/night price for the lodging.
There is no need to travel an hour by car to get to Sebastian Inlet from Vero Beach.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Today’s post is for serious photographers only. If you want to learn some very fine points about exposure, keep reading. I can guarantee that the material covered below has never been published anywhere in any form.
I would be remiss not to mention that even though the original The Art of Bird Photography was entirely film based, 99% of nature photographers today would benefit tremendously from studying the section on Exposure Theory. See the last item below for details on ABP.
Today’s content was developed in response to multiple IPT veteran Eugen Dolan’s exposure questions regarding photographing brightly colored planes at an airshow. Even though Eugen uses Sony gear and has Zebras set up properly on his Sony a-1, all photographers can learn a ton about exposure by carefully digesting the material below. Thanks, Eugen for asking such excellent questions. We will be hearing more from Eugen soon with regard to pupils in humans and birds reacting to light. He is a retired neurosurgeon who was one of Anita North’s teachers!
What’s Up?
On Saturday afternoon, the Mets continued to amaze. Trailing 1-0 after seven innings with only two hits, the highly favored Philadelphia Phillies took out their starting pitcher. The announcers spent five minutes telling the world about how the Phillies two all-star relief pitchers would enter the game and stifle the Mets. The Mets, hitting only singles, scored five runs in the top of the eighth inning, added an insurance run in the top of the ninth, and held on to win 6-2. That without having to use their top closer, the overworked Edwin Diaz. The OMG Comeback Kids had done it again. Game two is this afternoon in Philadelphia.
BTW, Alissa and Idris drove into Queens and attended a watch party at Citi Field. They — of course — headed home thrilled. You can watch the watch party fans celebrating when the Mets took the lead here.
Recently, both the weather and the photography at Indian Lake Estates have been excellent most mornings. Saturday morning was clear and sunny with a fairly brisk east wind. The forecast for today, Sunday 6 October calls for light rain this morning. I will be headed down to the lake right after this post is published. Sunday will be filled with both NFL and more MLB games with a bit of work thrown in as well.
Wherever you are and whatever you opt to do, I hope that you are well and safe and choose to 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.
This image was created on 3 October 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, 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. 1/2500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:32:38 am on a then sunny morning.
Tracking: (upper) 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: Sandhill Crane adult calling
Reflectance Changes Constantly
Reflectance changes constantly as a bird changes its position even slightly. With the sun coming right over the top of my head and the bird’s head square to the light, there were Zebras on the adult crane’s white cheek. Just what I was aiming for at ISO 1600, 1/2500 sec at f/5.6. If the bird turned or rotated its head even slightly, the Zebra’s disappeared only to return an instant later. What to do? Work in Manual mode and avoid over-exposing the white highlights by using the settings noted above.
There will be more below on reflectance with regard to a wriggling silver fish in the talons of an Osprey as it emerges from the water on a sunny day.
Image #2: Square crop of Osprey face and fish from the optimized version
Impressive, But …
Everyone loved the tight square that came as a result of skillful processing and a relatively huge crop. Check out the reactions here on the new Bird Photographers.Net.
It is strange that I am participating a lot more on BPN since I sold the site to Group Builders than I had been for several years; you might call it the proud grandpa effect. They have skillfully injected new life into the forum since they took the reins about two weeks ago.
It is important to remember that the tight square crop above was created from the horizontal raw file below, Image #3.
Questions from Eugen Dolan Via Mail
ED: I love the image of the Osprey and the fish – but I have a question about using the histogram to guide the exposure. I had similar exposure issues at an air show recently – The Canadian Snowbirds, and the US F16 – with their mostly white paint schemes.
Obviously the histogram in cases like this are NO HELP at all! For me, it is a difficult exposure problem.
AM/BAA: Good question, Eugen. The short answer is that with Sony’s Zebra technology, there are no difficult exposures. Keep reading for the long answer.
ED: You frequently mention Sony’s Zebra technology — blinkies live in the viewfinder.
AM/BAA: That is correct. With Zebras there is no need to take a test exposure. Not to mention that I hate having a live histogram in the viewfinder. I need to be able to see the whole frame. And the bird!
ED: Am I correct in thinking that Zebras are a major factor when deciding on a given exposure (modulated of course by 41 years of practical experience)?
AM/BAA: You are pretty much correct. In nearly all situations, I simply set my shutter speed and aperture as needed and then raise the ISO until I see some Zebras on the highlights. But with fishing and catching Ospreys, you need to go a step further. I will explain why in a moment.
ED: Did you go for Zebras on the Osprey’s head? Were they helpful in this situation?
AM/BAA: Yes, I raised the ISO until I saw some Zebras on the tops of the heads of the Ospreys flying by. Doing that got me to a good starting point. But there are several more things to consider here.
1- Birds in flight will not be sitting in one place. As they fly, their position in relative to the light is ever changing. By the time a bird gets 30° off sun angle, the perfect exposure would be 1/3-stop less than when it was right on sun angle.
2- Even relatively static birds move often. On Thursday morning, I was photographing an adult Sandhill Crane calling pretty much right down sun angle. — today’s featured image. When the bird was perfectly square to the light, there were some Zebras on the white cheek. When the bird turned its head slightly, the Zebras disappeared. I stayed with the original settings as we never want to over-expose the highlights, in this case, the bird’s white cheek.
3- This was the main point of the post: if it is sunny, and you are sure that you have a perfect exposure for the Osprey but are hoping that the bird will dive and catch a fish, it is better to shoot at least 1/3-stop darker as the silver sides of many of the fish are much brighter than the white feathers on the Osprey’s head. That is why we need to shoot the fish darker than the perfect exposure for the Osprey. In the same series as the image I shared in the previous post, there were other frames where the sides of the Yellowfin Menhaden were terribly over-exposed because of the way that the fish was wriggling at that instant. As the angle of any subject to the light changes, the reflectance of the highlights change as well.
4- Another fine point to share as to the degree of Zebras: when it is sunny and I have a choice between a few Zebras at one setting and lots of Zebras at the next highest ISO, I will go with the lower ISO. Why? I do not want to risk toasting the whites.
On a cloudy day, however, if I have a choice between a smattering of Zebras and lots of Zebras, I will always go with the more Zebras setting.
ED: What were the Zebras like on the Osprey’s head?
AM/BAA: As above, because it was sunny, I went for a smattering of Zebras on the top of the Osprey’s head.
ED: With some Zebras on the top of the bird’s head, I would have used that as my exposure.
AM/BAA: That would have been correct as a base exposure. But then you would have had to go 1/3-stop darker to avoid burning out the specular highlights on the fish, those depending on exactly how it was wriggling at a given instant. Our #1 exposure rule is to avoid over-exposing the highlights. Anything else, we can work with.
ED: And how many zebras on the brightest part, the area of the head and especially, the tail?
AM/BAA: I rarely if ever check for Zebras on the fish in the heat of the action. On occasion, however, I should note that when I frame a flight image and see too many Zebras, I will often reduce the exposure while tracking the bird and continuing to shoot. I have two options:
1- Use my thumb (on the rear dial) to lower the ISO.
2- Or, use my index finger to increase the shutter speed.
Though that seems difficult, with practice, pretty much anyone can do it.
Again, see the stuff above on the wriggling and the reflectance. And the same is true with the crane turning its head, you set your best exposure and go with it. If you consistently see too many Zebras on the highlights as you are shooting, you can go 1/3-stop darker.
Image #3: The Osprey & Yellowtail Menhaden horizontal original. The JPEG above represents the raw file converted optimally.
ED: I am trying correlate how to decide the correct exposure from Zebras so that I could set a 1/3-stop darker exposure (when in the field and slightly off sun angle as you were).
AM/BAA: You already know how to get a perfect exposure for an Osprey in a given lighting situation. In this case, we are talking about full sun at 8:30am a clear morning.
The mechanics are fairly simple once you grasp the concepts above.
1: Select a shutter speed and an aperture to meet your needs. For flight I started with 1/3200 second at f/5.6 (wide open with the 1.4X TC on the 600mm f/4).
2: Following a few Ospreys as they flew by somewhere near sun angle, I framed the image and adjusted the ISO with the Thumb Wheel (exactly as I teach and recommend for all systems). At ISO 1000, I was consistently getting some Zebras on the top of the bird’s head. That was my base exposure for an Osprey in flight.
3- However, I wanted to be prepared for an Osprey catching a big silvery fish. So, I reduced the exposure 1/3 stop by going from ISO 1000 to ISO 800. That was my best exposure for the fish. Remember that not every frame will be perfect as we can never know the wriggling reflectance. The idea is to expose to the right while not toasting the specular highlights on the fish (should you and the Osprey be so lucky).
ED: I hope that I have asked the questions right. And would much appreciate if you could help me out here.
AM/BAA: I did re-craft some of your questions to the best of my ability.
Thanks for sending the JPEGs of the plane images. The biggest exposure problem would have been with the Canadian CT-114 Tutor that was painted dark red with a white stripe on each wing. With you pointing the lens up on a blue sky day, the plane was set against a dark blue background. In the old days, with film, this would have been a classic -1/3 stop Exposure Compensation in an effort to save the white feathers of a Snowy Egret flying by on a sunny day against a blue sky background.
But we are far advanced from those days with Zebra technology. As you got the red and white plane in the viewfinder, all you needed to do was raise the ISO until there was a smattering of zebras on the wing or lower the ISO if there whole white stripe had Zebras. That would have yielded either a perfect or a dead solid perfect exposure. With only a small bit of white on the wing, the histogram would have shown a big underexposure as there was not enough white on the wings to be detected.
Here is a final fine point — when you are using the correct Zebra settings, the in-camera thumbnails should always show at least come blinkies. Why? The jpegs that are created at the moment of exposure do not have the tonal range of the raw files so the JPEGs will always show blinkies (over-exposure warnings) with properly exposed raw files.
With the red plane image, you should have seen some blinkies on the wing stripes when you reviewed the JPEG in camera. With the Osprey image, I knew the exposure was perfect when I saw some blinkies on the fish during image review.
For those who do not know much about the original The Art of Bird Photography, it was first published in hard cover in 1998 and quickly became the classic how-to book on the subject. That printing was followed by two soft cover printings. With 30,000 copies sold in less than a decade it was a big surprise when Amphoto dropped the title. Soon afterwards, used copies were selling on Amazon for more the $600! I re-mastered the cover and had 10,000 additional copies printed.
The very great strength of the book is the chapter on Exposure which offers complete coverage of exposure theory and its practical application. I have received countless e-mails and letters over the years reading something like this: “I have been photographing for more than a decade, have attended many seminars, and read every book out there, but not until I read and studied the chapter on exposure in ABP did I really understand both the basics and the complexities. Now I can not only come up with the right exposure in almost every situation but I understand what I am doing and why. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” In addition, all of the basics are covered in detail in ABP: composition and image design, how to choose lenses, how to see and utilize natural light, how to make sharp images, how to get close to free and wild birds, how to use flash as both main light and as fill, and how to edit and market your work.
There is no digital content in the original “The Art of Bird Photography.”
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I was blessed to have experienced the 69 Mets when I was 22 years old. They were an expansion team in 1962 with 120 losses, the most ever in the modern era until the 2024 Chicago White Sox eclipsed them with 121 losses this season. The Mets were 100-1 to win the World Series. The 69 Orioles were practically flawless and featured an allstar at almost every position. Led by a young Tom Seaver and manager Gil Hodges, they improbably defeated those highly favored Baltimore Orioles in five games (after losing Game 1 as expected). Thus, the Amazin’ Mets were born.
Skip ahead to 1986. I was living in Staten Island. With a bevy of stars on the team — Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter and phenoms Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry — the Mets won more games than any other team in National League history besides the 1906 Chicago Cubs and 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates. Unlike 1969, when no one thought they could win, the 86 the Mets were a powerhouse, a 108-win team that topped their rivals in the National League East by 21 1/2 games. They were obnoxiously confident and were hated by most everyone outside of NYC. With their prodigious drinking and a penchant for fighting both on and off the diamond, the ’86 Mets dominated not just the back pages of New York’s tabloids but the front pages as well.
I have many wonderful memories of attending Mets games in 1986 with my two daughters, Jennifer and Alissa. Many was the night when we moved down to the box seats in the late innings of an evening game and watched Keith or Darryl hit a curving, home run deep into the dark night down the right field line to win the game.
After losing the first two games, the Mets rallied to defeat the Red Sox in seven games, claiming their second World Series title and first since 1969. The series is best remembered for its Game 6 when the Mets rallied from a two-run deficit in the bottom of the 10th inning. There was nobody on base and two out. The Red Sox, who held a 3–2 series lead, were twice one strike away from securing the championship, but failed to close out the inning as the Mets won on a now infamous error by the usually dependable Boston first baseman Bill Buckner. The Mets Mookie Wilson squirted a soft grounder to first that somehow made it through the first baseman’s legs and dribbled into left field as the Mets Ray Night scored the winning run. After trailing by three runs in game seven, the Mets came back to claim another World Series title. The Game 6 collapse entered baseball lore as part of the Curse of the Bambino superstition used to explain the Red Sox’s championship drought between 1918 and 2004.
Jerome McCroy, who came up with the OMG sign, with Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor. (Photo courtesy of Jerome McCroy)
The Mets’ OMG sign, explained: The unlikely origin story of team’s 2024 rallying cry
by Bryan Kalbrosky
If you are watching the New York Mets, you are likely going to see a sign in their locker room that reads “OMG” and you may not know why. First and foremost: The Mets are a team that uniquely experiences significant humor, whimsy, and joy. Nowhere is that more apparent than when they use a sign that reads “OMG” as part of a celebration. But what does it all mean and where it come from?
The story is quirky and silly and surprising and also makes all of the sense in the word for a team like the Mets.
Walk with us and let’s take you back earlier this season in New York. It was May 31 and the Mets were 24-33 (.438) and at a very low point in the MLB season for the organization. It looked like a rebuilding year. Jose Iglesias, a 34-year-old infielder who signed a minor league deal with the Mets, was called up to join the majors and made his debut with the team. While it did not seem like a big deal at the time, it was a turning point for the franchise. They started winning and heading from spring into summer, the vibes were getting better for the team. Iglesias was playing well but as it turned out, he was also working behind the scenes on his side career as a musician.
After the Mets 7-2 win over the Houston Astros, Jose Iglesias preformed his new song OMG for the Citi Field crowd
Now it was June 28 and the Mets were suddenly one of the hottest teams in baseball. Iglesias, who was still playing well, was also getting closer to releasing a song under his moniker Candelita. As it turned out, Iglesias also moonlights as a musician star because of course the Mets had a minor league who is also a Latin Pop star. The infielder performed his latest single “OMG” at Citi Field as all of his teammates joined him for the amazing moment. It was a sight to behold. Meanwhile, the song has over 4 million YouTube views and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts for Latin Digital Song Sales. Iglesias also performed the song at MLB All-Star Weekend during the Home Run Derby in Texas.
The “OMG” sign was created by an artist named Jerome McCroy, who goes by Jaymaccustoms. It was based on a shirt that Alex Cohen, wife of Mets owner Steve Cohen, posted on her Instagram. McCroy gave the sign to Alex, who passed it along to someone who could put it in the locker room. The Mets use it to celebrate in the dugout whenever they hit a home run. The celebration is often led by Mets pitcher Luis Severino, who has become one of the more reliable arms in the rotation for New York.
From Oh and Five to OMG!
After losing their first five games this season — that the 0-5 — the Mets were being no hit for seven innings. Then, as noted above, they began playing much better. On Monday past, after the baseball regular season was officially over, they played a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves. In the first game, they did not score for seven innings, went ahead in the eighth, fell behind in the bottom of that inning, and then went ahead again in the top of the ninth on a homer run by this year’s Mets MVP, Francisco Lindor. That insane win got them into the post season to face the favored Milwaukee Brewers. They flew on Monday night to Milwaukee, beat the Brewers in game 1 on Tuesday, and lost on Wednesday. The winner of game 3 on Thursday night would advance in the playoffs. The loser would go home. The Mets did not score for 8 innings getting only two hits, both by Lindor.
Then, as above, came the OMG moment. Pete Alonso, did not have his best year. But his HR put the Mets ahead for good as David Peterson, normally a staring pitcher, put the Brewers down in the bottom of the ninth. The Mets play the (much hated) Phillies on Saturday afternoon.
I can’t close this post without mentioning that my younger daughter Alissa and her younger son, Idris, live and die with the Mets. Jennifer loves them too. I asked Alissa how she would feel if the Mets got swept by the Phillies. She said that it would not matter. Her team had had an unexpectedly great season, one that nobody saw coming. Neither of use would be surprised, however, if the Mets wind up winning their third-ever World Series.
If you have not had enough yet, check out Mike Lupica’s great online column here.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
You can learn an absolute ton by carefully perusing my comments on the creation and processing of today’s featured image. Join us on the Sebastian Osprey Adventure for lots more of the same and a ton of great photography. Details at the bottom of this post.
What’s Up?
Since Helene passed, the mornings have been mostly cloudy with a wind from the south or southwest. Not great. I have been down to the lake every morning and most days, have come up with a decent image or two. Most recently, I’ve had two young Great Egrets threatening each other by sky pointing on the South Peninsula. I’ve seen the eagles at both nest trees. It is looking as if they will re-use last year’s nest as I’ve twice seen them adding sticks to that nest. The good news is that that nest is much more photogenic than it was last year as lots of branches came down in various wind storms. I am really hoping that I am around when the large chick or chicks begin flapping — (they fledged two last year) in the nest to strengthen their wings. Perhaps in late January (after San Diego) or early February (before Homer).
Several folks have signed up for the Sebastian Inlet Osprey Adventures, three for the as yet not formally announced San Diego IPT, and two for the as yet not formally announced Stick Marsh Roseate Spoonbill experience. If you would like to get in on the fun, learning, and amazing photography, shoot me an e-mail.
In the “It’s a Bummer” category, I learned yesterday that the home of Chip, my friend and accountant in Clearwater, was totally flooded by the storm surge in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Clean-up and repairs have already begun.
Today is Wednesday 2 October 2024. Can you believe how time flies by? The forecast is for partly cloudy with a slight breeze from the north/northeast — better than most. Whatever the heck you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
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In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear.
Apple M3 Max 16-Core Chip
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macOS
In other words, the bomb. Looking to spend a bit less? Click here and search for Apple MacBook Pro M3. Feel free to e-mail or call (863-221-23720 for laptop advice.
Why Not Buy Your MacBook Pro From Apple?
If you purchase a laptop from Apple and have a problem right off the bat they will fix it for you in a few days or a week after you send it to them. They will not replace it. If you purchase a laptop from B&H and have a problem right out of the box, they will send you a new one no questions asked.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
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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 save 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 is the Photo Mechanic screen Capture for today’s featured image.
Image #1: Osprey with fresh caught Yellowfin Menhaden
The Lying Histogram
If you believed the histogram here, with all of the data left of center, you would think that this images is severely under-exposed. On the other hand, RawDigger showed more than a thousand severely over-exposed pixels in the specular highlights of the fish’s yellow tail. Had I believed the lying histogram and added light in the field, the image would have been far beyond saving.
Note that on sunny days you try your best to get right on sun angle but that you never know exactly where or when an Osprey will emerge with a fish. With today’s featured image, the sun was from over my left shoulder rather than right over the top of my head. As a result of being a bit off sun angle, the left side of the bird’s head was in shade. Check out Image #1C (below) to see how I dealt with that problem.
In-the-Field Tip: when photographing Ospreys diving for fish on a sunny day, set your exposure at least 1/3-stop darker than you normally would so that you do not toast the flashing silver on the fish as the Osprey pulls it out of the water. Doing just that with today’s feather image saved the day.
a-1 Crop-Ability
With a sharp Sony Alpha 1 raw file and the nice reflection of the fish below the bird, the decision to go with a vertical crop here was an easy one. I was not, however, thrilled with the overall color. Keep reading to see how I handled that.
Image #1A: Tight crop of the fish from the unprocessed raw file (as presented in Photo Mechanic)
Pretty Big Problems
In this tight crop, you can see that there are serious over-exposure problems at the base of the tail of the fish and with the specular highlights there and about the head of the fish as well. First, I reduced the luminance of the YELLOWs using a new trick that I developed myself using Point Color in Adobe Camera Raw; I will be sharing that tip in the first video of Volume II of the Digital Basics III Video Series (coming later this month). Next I used the amazing Remove Tool, my new J shortcut, to eliminate the glaring, over exposed highlights. I did that on a new layer and then reduced the opacity of that layer reveal just a hint of the original highlights. Again, check out Image #1C below to see the great (if not amazing) results.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1B: The Optimized version: Osprey with fresh caught Yellowfin Menhaden
The Optimized Version
I was thrilled with the master .TIF file. I cooled the image down by lowering the color temperature from 6100 to 5400 during the raw conversion (but was still not thrilled with the overall color). I eliminated the over-exposed highlights. I lightened the shaded side of the Osprey’s face using Tim Grey Dodge and Burn. I cleaned up some of the crud in the water. Last I used my Image> Auto Tone/Auto Contrast/Auto Color trick and was finally happy with the color of the image.
Image #1C: Square crop of Osprey face and fish from the optimized version (1B)
Damn, That’s Good!
Notice:
1- The incredible image quality of a sharp a-1 raw file.
2- The dark shadow on the left side of the Osprey’s face has been eliminated.
3- The 80% elimination of the harshest specular highlights, most especially on the tail of the fish.
4- The totally natural colors.
Pupil Question
Why is the pupil of the bird’s left eye (on our right) noticeably larger than the other pupil?
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.
You can save $26 by ordering the first five videos in Volume I by clicking here. 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.
Do not click on the composite image; simply scroll down for the best viewing.
While Sebastian Inlet is justifiably famous around the world for the Ospreys diving for saltwater fish each fall, there are a variety of desirable avian subjects there as well in October and November. Keep reading if you would like to join me on what will surely be a memorable photographic and learning experience.
Pick Your Own Dates Short-notice Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More BAA Personalized Instructional Workshops
Ridiculously Inexpensive!
Dates: October 29 (arrive on the afternoon of Monday the 28th) thru the morning session on Saturday 22 November
As BIRDS AS ART lost more than $100,000 in tax year 2023, I am moving forward looking more at sharing expenses than at making money. Simply put, for more reasons than I will list here, sharing an AirBnB or VRBO place maximizes learning while reducing your overall travel costs.
Consider joining me at Sebastian Inlet this fall for some great bird photography and a ton of learning. Life is short; what are you waiting for? While a 600mm f/4 lens is ideal, you could do the whole trip with a variety of other lenses including a 500mm f/4, a 400mm f/2.8, a 400mm DO, a 200-600, a 100-500, a 300mm f/2.8 with TCs, or one of the great new Nikon Z telephoto or telephoto zoom lenses.
Bob Eastman is driving from Wisconsin and doing all 26 days, from 28 OCT thru the morning session on 22 NOV, prime time for Ospreys diving and catching a variety of saltwater fish. There are four bedrooms in this great AirBnB property that is just 22 minutes from the south jetty at the State Park, 24 minutes from the northwest pool where the Ospreys spent a lot of time last year. Please note that NOV 21-22 are sold out.
Hopefully, those who come would stay for a week or ten days (or all 26 days!) to maximize the opportunities. Fewer days would work also. Fly to Melbourne (MEL) or Orlando (MCO) and rent a car. Local folks who would like to arrange a morning or two of In-the-Field Instruction during October should get in touch via e-mail.
Here, if you stay in the AirBnB with me, are the ridiculous low rates for the in-the-field sessions (that include the daily Image Review and Photoshop sessions.
$250 for a morning session
$150 for an afternoon session.
Brunch and dinners at the AirBnB will cost you $20/day.
If you are interested, let me know your preferred dates via e-mail and I will get back to you with the per/night price for the lodging.
There is no need to travel an hour by car to get to Sebastian Inlet from Vero Beach.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Do not click on the composite image; simply scroll down for the best viewing.
While Sebastian Inlet is justifiably famous around the world for the Ospreys diving for saltwater fish each fall, there are a variety of desirable avian subjects there as well in October and November. Keep reading if you would like to join me on what will surely be a memorable photographic and learning experience.
Pick Your Own Dates Short-notice Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More BAA Personalized Instructional Workshops
Ridiculously Inexpensive!
Dates: October 29 (arrive on the afternoon of Monday the 28th) thru the morning session on Saturday 22 November
As BIRDS AS ART lost more than $100,000 in tax year 20223, I am moving forward looking more at sharing expenses than at making money. Simply put, for more reasons than I will list here, sharing an AirBnB or VRBO place maximizes learning while reducing your overall travel costs.
Consider joining me at Sebastian Inlet this fall for some great bird photography and a ton of learning. Life is short; what are you waiting for? While a 600mm f/4 lens is ideal, you could do the whole trip with a variety of other lenses including a 500mm f/4, a 400mm f/2.8, a 200-600, a 100-500, a 300mm f/2.8 with TCs, or one of the great new Nikon Z telephoto lenses.
Bob Eastman is driving from Wisconsin and doing all 26 days. Thus, I have two bedrooms in the great 4-bedroom AirBnB just 22 minutes from the south jetty at the State Park, 24 minutes from the northwest pool where the Ospreys spent a lot of time last year.
Hopefully, those who come would stay for a week or ten days (or 26 days!) to maximize the opportunities. Fewer days would work also. Fly to Orlando and rent a car. Local folks who would like to arrange a morning or two of In-the-Field Instruction during October should get in touch via e-mail.
Here, if you stay in the AirBnB with me, are the ridiculous low rates for the in-the-field sessions (that include the daily Image Review and Photoshop sessions.
$250 for a morning session
$150 for an afternoon session.
Brunch and dinners at the AirBnB will cost you $20/day.
If you are interested, let me know your preferred dates via e-mail and I will get back to you with the per/night price for the lodging.
There is no need to travel an hour by car to get to Sebastian Inlet from Vero Beach.
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.
Note
Nutritionally, if you are eating farm-raised salmon or feeding to your family, you might as well be eating pop tarts. Sockeye salmon has the highest amount of Omega 3 of any fish with approximately 2.7 grams per 100-gram portion. Therefore, just one serving of Alaska salmon per week can help to lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Scallops are widely considered one of the healthiest seafoods. Made up of 80% protein and sporting a low fat content, they can help you feel fuller longer and are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of antioxidants. Dr. Morris 🙂
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Which of today’s three featured images is the strongest? Do let us know why you made your choice. I have a clear winner that I will share with you in the next post.
Bird Photographers.Net Sold
You can read the entire thread here. A nice discussion on nitpicking developed when I responded to Dan’s comment.
Bird Photographers.Net was conceived in my living room at Indian Lake Estates, FL sometime in mid 2007. James Shadle (AKA Captain Froggie) was there along with probably four or five other others, one recently deceased. I put up all the start-up money and have kept the site going till now. Jim Neiger was there as well. James, Jim, and I are still friends though we don’t see each other much anymore, we talk once in a while.
The first post was on 27 December 2007.
Scrolling through the first few weeks of posts from 17 years ago, I came across many familiar names. Many friends, some clients, too many now dead, many who went on to succeed professionally — too many in fact to name. Special thanks to Dan Cadieux for his BPN help in recent years, to all the members over the years, and especially, to all the moderators. Without them, no forum would ever amount to anything. I’d be remiss not to mention Avian Moderator Arash Hazeghi; he too has been a good friend for many years and we have done more than a few guides together. Both Dan and Arash developed into incredibly talented photographers as a result of the countless hours they spent on BPN.
I could not find my first post or my first comment, but I went on to write 32,593 of those. As many of you know, I have basically been an absentee owner for the most part for several years. As I am sure that the active folks have figured out by now that BPN changed owners very recently. When Group Builder offered to purchase BPN, I jumped at the chance. I believe the forum is in excellent hands now as they are a group of nice, competent folks.
I will still be around on occasion.
Much love, artie
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
PS: The baby Tricolored Heron was photographed at Gatorland in 2017 with a 105mm with the Canon 100-400 lens and the EOS 5D Mark IV.
Reply by Daniel Cadieux
Hey Artie, you gave it a great run! BPN has been such a great help now for 16 years (!!). I too have made many friends, and it was a pleasure to help you out behind the scenes for the last few years.
I still remember a critique I did on one of your images very, very early on (January 2008 or so). It was a Brown Pelican. There was a colored stripe in the background that I thought distracting so I gently but honestly pointed it out. I got teased quite a bit by some friends up here saying to me “Who are you to critique Arthur Morris’ image and point out what you think is a flaw lol”. Well, two months later I was asked if I was interested in becoming a moderator. Ha! Who had the last laugh eh!:)
Glad to see the site will keep on going….but it is the founders that you speak of that gave it its charm and “raison d’être”. Here’s to the next chapter…
Dan
What’s Up?
Today is Friday 27 September.
After traveling up the west coast of Florida yesterday afternoon and doing quite a bit of damage, Tropical Storm Helene — after becoming a category 3 hurricane, is tracking inland over the Southeastern USA this morning with life-threatening flash flooding, potential record river flooding, damaging winds and tornadoes.
Special prayers go out to Pat Fishburne of Ft. Myers, and to my accountant Chip, who evacuated his home in Clearwater on Wednesday evening.
We had some wind here at ILE and short bursts of heavy rain at times but I am as yet not aware of any local damage.
The forecast for this morning is for cloudy and dark with showers and a SW wind. Though not good, I will head down to the lakefront to see what’s up
Wherever you are I hope that you are well and safe.
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.
This image was created on 16 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV and resting the lens hood on the door frame, I used Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:47:41am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid 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 #1: Black Vulture ruffling after bath/eye replaced
The Eye Replacement
The only two folks — Pat Fishburne and David Peake, of New Zealand — who commented on the last blog post felt that the image would have been much better had the eye been replaced. Image #1 is for them.
Replacing the eye was much more difficult than I thought it would be. First I grabbed the eye from Image #1 in the last post here. As the eye was quite contorted as the bird raised its head and ruffled, that did not work at all. After struggling with it for 15 minutes, I simply deleted the layer and went back to the drawing board. I grabbed the eye from a frame that was created in the same second, 14 frames after the original. In that source frame, the nictitating membrane was only 1/4 closed. After placing and warping the replacement eye, I had to use the clone stamp to reconstruct the forward quarter of the iris. In addition, I darkened and enlarged the pupil. Working very large, I realized that I should have cleaned up the really distracting specular highlights on the head. So I did, and I was happy with the new version.
This image was created on 26 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing at the parking circle by the base of the pier, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 12500. 1/250 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:14:16am on a dark, stormy 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 #2: Sandhill Crane adult doing nothing
A Dark and Stormy Morning
With the storm passing well to the west of ILE, Thursday dawned dark and dreary. The forecast called for strong SW winds. Had those materialized, they would have been the kiss of death for bird photography. But, when I got down to the lake, the wind was shifting east/southeast so all was not lost. With pretty much no light, grabbing the 300mm f/2.8 and working wide open without a teleconverter was the obvious choice. I was glad to find a pair of cranes feeding just below the hill to the north of the parking circle at the base of the pier. Note the relatively low shutter speed, the soft, lovely f/2.8 background bokeh, and the fact that the entire crane is more than sharp enough even though the image was created at the wide open aperture.
Though Image #2 is surely not a Wow! image, my point (again), is that you cannot make any photographs while sitting a storm out in your living room.
This image was also created on 26 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing on the “beach” left of the pier, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 3200. 1/2000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:01:58am on a dark, stormy 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: Turkey Vulture adult in flight — incoming
Universal Advice for Better Flight Photography
Pan faster!
The square crop here was necessary because I did not pan fast enough to keep the bird back in the frame. Note that with a relatively slow flying bird on a windy morning, I skimped a bit on shutter speed to save a bit on ISO. (I now prefer and recommend 1/3200 or 1/4000 second for flight photography).
Head Replacement
In the original frame here, the bird’s head was turned away and its nictitating membrane covered the eye. I grabbed the head of the same bird from the previous frame. Replacing the head using a warped Quick Mask refined by a regular Layer Mask took perhaps two minutes.
The Torrential Rain Came
The water in the upper part of the frame (the lake) in Image #3 reflected the dark, indigo blue-black storm clouds above. It was quite obvious that it was going to rain very hard very soon. Rather than head home, I hung around for the brief but torrential rains. With the wind howling from the southeast, I was looking for some cranes just northwest of the roadways. In such conditions, you can angle your car perpendicular to the direction of the wind and photograph out of the driver’s side window with impunity. As you and your gear will be in the lee, neither will get wet. The goal: create some nice rain-streaked images by working at intermediate shutter speeds in the range of from 1/60 to 1/640 second. The length of the streaks will vary depending not only on the shutter speed but on how hard it is raining and the distance to the subject (among others). Darker backgrounds are better than light backgrounds else the rain streaks may not be visible.
The only problem was that the only pair of cranes I found were feeding on a lawn on the wrong side of the road.
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.
You can order the five videos in Volume I by clicking here. 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.
Which two of today’s six featured images are your favorites? Please let us know why you made your choices.
My Call
In the last blog post, Longs Lens Lessons From the Worst Morning in Two Weeks, here, my favorite by a mile was the Black-bellied Whistling Duck. Why? The reddish-brown feathers and the pink bill (with a touch of yellow) were set off beautifully by the background — light blue water lit by early morning sun. I had not had a good chance on one and in addition, I loved the leaning-forward pose.
What’s Up?
I sent my tax stuff to Chip the accountant on Monday. 2023 was the worst year ever for BIRDS AS ART. By far. As we used to say in AEPi, ICCL –I could care less.
The weather in the mornings has been great. The bird photography? Fair to good.
Today is Tuesday 24 September 2024. The forecast is for partly cloudy with an east wind so I will grab the gar from the extra fridge, put it out for the vultures, and try for some flight. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.
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.
A Rare Chance: Photographing Bathing Black Vultures
It was sunny, hot, and very still on the morning of September 16, perfect I thought, for bathing vultures. Despite the fact that in 25 years at Indian Lake Estates, I had never gotten to photograph a vulture bathing. Why not? They are very, very shy. But that morning was bingo! Sit next to me as I evaluate and comment on the 69 images that I kept. My six favorites follow. Be sure to check out the image optimizations by comparing the exposed to the right raw files in the video with the optimized images below.
The biggest take-away from the video? Photographing bathing Black Vultures on a sunny morning is a difficult challenge.
This image was created on 16 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV and resting the lens hood on the door frame, I used Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 559mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:38:50am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid 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 #1: Black Vulture after bath with bill open
Why The Open Bill?
After bathing while leaving the water, most of the Black Vultures would open their bills. They were not drinking, and they were not making any of their grunting or hissing sounds. Why were they consistently opening their bills? I have no idea and my research turned up nothing.
This image was created on 16 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV and resting the lens hood on the door frame, I used Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 437mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:38:59am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid 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: Black Vulture bathing
The Bath
From The Birds of North America No. 411
Black Vulture will bathe in shallow water. (Rea 1983) described the bathing behavior or cathartic vultures: The birds enter the water and “drop the carpal end of one wing at a time as far as possible into the water, lower and dunk the head forward, then splash themselves vigorously with a sideways roll of the body while ruffling the body feathers.” The plumage, particularly head, neck, breast, and belly — may become quite wet. (Neil J. Buckley.)
Image #2A: A tight crop of the Black Vulture bathing image immediately above
What’s What?
Is that the left eye of the vulture just right of the letter A or the tip of the bill just to the right of letter B? I am pretty sure that it cannot be both …
This image was also created on 16 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV and resting the lens hood on the door frame, I used Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 553mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:39:02am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid 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 #3: Black Vulture mid-bath
Eye Replaced
With the nictitating membrane covering 2/3 of the vulture’s eye, I opted to grab the perfect eye from a frame further on in the series. Eye replacements are easy if you know Quick Masking, especially warping the selection to attain the perfect size, shape, and match.
Nictitating Membrane
Adapted from Wikipedia
The nictitating membrane (from Latin nictare, to blink) is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye to protect and moisten it while maintaining vision.
Birds can actively control their nictitating membrane. In birds of prey (and many other bird families as well), the membrane serves to protect the parents’ eyes from their chicks while they are feeding them> When a Peregrine goes into their 200-mile-per-hour (320 km/h) dives, they will blink repeatedly with their nictitating membranes to clear debris and spread moisture across the eyes. Woodpeckers tighten their nictitating membrane a millisecond prior to their beak impacting the trunk of a tree to prevent shaking-induced retinal injury.
Note: Unlike an eyelid that travels from the top of the eye to the bottom, the nictitating membrane travels sideways from the front of the eye to the back.
This image was created on 16 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV and resting the lens hood on the door frame, I used Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 553mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:38:59am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid 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 #4: Black Vulture flapping after bath
The Key to This Image Optimization
I did some Eye Doctor work on the bird’s right eye, enhancing the highlight along the edge of the iris while darkening the pupil and lightening the iris. Then, again using Tim Grey Dodge and Burn, I lightened the entire right half of the vulture’s face with a (very high) 50% opacity brush.
In combination, the improvement over the raw file was vast.
This image was created on 16 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV and resting the lens hood on the door frame, I used Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 385mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:47:06am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid 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 #5: Black Vulture flapping after bath
Why Not Get Lower For All of These Images?
When the vultures are bathing, they are very sensitive to any movement at all. Though the bird in Image #3 about 25 feet to the right of sun angle, I did not want to risk moving the car forward as the bird would likely have quit mid-bath.
The thought of getting out of my vehicle and onto the ground for a more intimate perspective never even entered my mind.
Once the vultures began bathing I put the 600 with the 2X on the pillows on the passenger seat, took the BLUBB off the door frame, and grabbed the 200-600 with a a9 iii. I raised the window about 5 inches and placed the lens hood on the window. With the very fast shutter speeds, I did not have to worry about stability. Most importantly, it was much easier to zoom in and out as needed. I shot the a9 iii at half speed, 60 frames per second. In retrospect, 120 fps would have been a better choice.
This image was created on 16 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV and resting the lens hood on the door frame, I used Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:47:41am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid 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 #6: Black Vulture ruffling after bath
Should I Have Replaced the Eye?
With the light blue nictitating membrane completely covering the bird’s visible eye, should I have replaced the eye with an open one from the same series? Why or why not?
It does not seem possible to me that the Black Vultures can “maintain vision” when the light blue, seemingly opaque nictitating membrane covers the eye completely. What do you think?
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.
You can save $26 by ordering the first five videos in Volume I by clicking here. 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.
Once I get my taxes to my accountant, I will be announcing several trips. Note that there is still a single opening on the first Homer Bald Eagle IPT. Click here for details.
Wanted to Buy
If you have a Canon EF 180mm Lens sitting on a shelf doing nothing and would like to get a good price for it, please get in touch via e-mail.
Your Call?
Which of today’s two featured images is your favorite? Why? I have a very clear winner that I will share with you in the next post.
My Calls
Thanks to those who chimed in with their three (or five!) top images in the last post. The winner was the iPhone clouds pano. I liked that one and the flower as well, but my top tree were all birds, here in no particular order:
Image #9: Great Egret juvenile with bill open.
Image #3: Least Sandpiper adult in basic (winter) plumage.
Image #5: White-winged Dove on sand beach!
Right on their heels were Image #4: Sandhill Crane adult calling and Image #10: Stretched wing of Anhinga.
What’s Up?
First off, thanks to Marc Wortsman and Robert Sabine (both of Long Island, NY) for their generous BAA Blog Thank You Gifts.
As noted in the Indian Lake Estates Late Summer Potpourri blog post here, I’ve been enjoying some unexpected fabulous bird photography recently at ILE. In that post, I did not even mention the fabulous morning that I had with bathing Black Vultures on Monday past, 16 September. Three days later, on Thursday the 19th, I had a handsome young Great Egret preening for an hour on The Perch II, finally got some sweet stuff on the young Tricolored Heron that had been avoiding me for two weeks, and was blessed by a bathing Great Blue Heron. Though I fanned on two of the three best chances, it was still a fantastic morning.
Yesterday, on Friday morning, despite seemingly perfect conditions — clear with a NE breeze, I had a comparatively lousy morning. But still was able to create today’s two featured images.
Today is Saturday 21 September 2021. I’ve just about finished my 2023 taxes and am awaiting the return of Chip the accountant from vacation. He should be back in Clearwater any minute. It is dead clear with a gentle breeze from the north so I will, of course, be heading down to the lake at about 7:15am. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.
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.
Apple M3 Max 16-Core Chip
128GB Unified RAM | 8TB SSD
16″ 3456 x 2234 Liquid Retina XDR Screen
40-Core GPU | 16-Core Neural Engine
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.3
Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI | MagSafe 3
SDXC Slot | FaceTime HD 1080p Camera
Backlit Magic Keyboard
Force Touch Trackpad | Touch ID Sensor
macOS
In other words, the bomb. Looking to spend a bit less? Click here and search for Apple MacBook Pro M3. Feel free to e-mail or call (863-221-23720 for laptop advice.
Why Not Buy Your MacBook Pro From Apple?
If you purchase a laptop from Apple and have a problem right off the bat they will fix it for you in a few days or a week after you send it to them. They will not replace it. If you purchase a laptop from B&H and have a problem right out of the box, they will send you a new one no questions asked.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
This image was created on 20 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, 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 1000. 1/500 sec. at f/11 (stopped down one full stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:02:16am on sunny morning.
Tracking: (upper left) 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: Bald Eagle perched above old nest tree
Hopeful…
Recently, I’d seen a single eagle once at last year’s (lousy for bird photography) eagle nest, and twice seen a single bird at the old nest tree (above, and great for bird photography). One afternoon I had the two adults on the ground near last year’s nest. But, as usual, they were impossible to approach successfully in my vehicle. I love the Red-bellied Woodpecker nest hole and the inclusion of the pine needles in Image #1. And the early light.
Image #1 Lessons
When Using Your Car as a Blind
1- When you are a good distance from the subject, it is easy to get right on sun angle by moving the car slightly forward or back. I am not sure if it would have been possible to have had the woodpecker nest hole perfectly illuminated (without even the tiny shadow).
2- When working a subject well above you, it is almost always best to stay well back and get to your maximum focal length, 1200mm in this case. That to reduce the angle of inclination, the degree to which you need to point the lens up to get on the subject.
3- Toward that same end, roll the driver’s side window with the BLUBB up as high as possible while still allowing you to get the lens on it.
4- If you have a subject that is not going anywhere, try experimenting with apertures smaller than wide open and see if you can learn anything.
5- In the it-almost-goes-without-saying category:
a- If your long telephoto lens has a Direct Manual Focus (DMF) switch, be sure that it is set to OFF so that you do not accidentally wreck the focus.
b- Turn off the engine.
This image was also created on 20 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, 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 3200. 1/2500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:02:16am on sunny morning.
Tracking: (upper left) 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.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck after bath
Image #2 Lessons
When Using Your Car as a Blind
1- When you are a good distance from the subject, it is easy to get right on sun angle by moving the car slightly forward or back.
2- When working a subject on the ground, it is almost always best to stay well back and get to your maximum focal length, 1200mm in this case. That to reduce the angle of declination, the degree to which you need to point the lens down to get on the subject.
3- Toward that same end, be sure to roll the driver’s side window down all the way so that the BLUBB rests on the door frame. Simply put, you want to be as low as possible assuming that you could not get out of the vehicle without flushing the bird.
4- Again, in the it-almost-goes-without-saying category:
a- If your long telephoto lens has a Direct Manual Focus (DMF) switch, be sure that it is set to OFF so that you do not accidentally wreck the focus.
b- Turn off the engine.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Be so kind to leave a comment letting us know which three of today’s eleven featured images are your favorites and what you liked about each one.
My Call
Picking only three Pat Fishburne images from the Both 86- and 78-Year Olds Learn on an Extended IPT blog post here was indeed difficult. With some trepidation, here are my three favorites (in no particular order) along with the reasons I liked each of them:
Image #1, the skimmer/tern-scape because I loved the soft light and the way the birds were lined up and spaced.
Image #5, the skimmer orange sunrise flight image because of the sharpness, the spectacular color, and because Pat followed directions carefully and then made her own great image.
Image #6, the adult Common Tern with spearing image because hers was much better than my best despite the fact that I was sitting right next to her!
What’s Up?
If you live in a spot that offers excellent bird photography from October through June, what is the best plan if you’d like to make some excellent images when it is usually hot and humid?
Head out anyway! You cannot make any images sitting in your living room. As I have been since getting back from Long Island, you just might be pleasantly surprised by a variety of cooperative subjects and good situations.
Today is Wednesday 18 September 2024. (Fall starts on Sunday). I headed down to the lake early today on a still morning with the first clear sunrise in the last three weeks. It was amazing to the tune of 1881 as yet un-edited images. I enjoyed still blue water, several ridiculously cooperative Killdeer, a handsome Mottled Duck, and my first good chance in months with a Black-bellied Whistling Duck. I created about 700 Killdeer images but after an hour, I made one really special one. I finished my morning off by working the dependable Black and Turkey Vultures. There are more juvenile TVs than I have ever seen before.
Anywho, whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.
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 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.
Manual focus with (RED) focus peaking. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #1: Daisy blossom, possibly Englemann’s –picked and Plamped. Thanks to David Policansky for the ID correction.
White Balance Flower Tip
Though you can always change the White Balance after the fact when shooting RAW, I find it best to change the WB to cloudy when photographing flowers on cloudy morning or in the shade. I find it hard to explain why, other than to say that seeing accurate yellows while you are working puts my creative mind at ease.
Why the Canon 180mm Macro Lens?
Over the past few years, you have seen more than a few really fine images made with the rig that I used to create today’s two featured images. I love long focal lengths with their narrow angles of view and sweet backgrounds; the no-longer available Canon 180mm Macro lens is the longest macro lens around. Shoot me an e-mail if you’d like me to help you find a used copy.
This image was created on the afternoon of 12 September 2024 from the end of the pier at ILE.
ISO 64: 1/11236 sec. at f/1.8 iPhone 15+ pano)
Be sure to click on this image to enjoy the wider, high-res version.
Image #2: Cloud/lake pano with the iPhone 15+
Why Cell Phone?
Whenever I am out photographing, I have my iPhone 15+ with me (unless I forgot to bring it). It kills as a wide angle lens, and the ability to create powerful panos is simply astounding. I always take my phone along when I take a sun walk. On Thursday afternoon past, it was hot and hazy and the cloud formations were pretty darned neat.
What can I say? I love photography in any way, shape or form.
This image was created on 13 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 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 8:20:25am on a then faintly sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Least Sandpiper adult in basic (winter) plumage
Sandpiper Aging and ID
You can tell that this is a Least Sandpiper by its yellow legs and its pointed, fine-tipped, slightly decurved bill. The gray feathers of the upperparts (with no orange or rufous tinges) make this bird an adult in basic plumage. I did get to photograph some juvenile and worn juvenile plumage Least Sandpipers for the first time at ILE this September.
Want to learn more as the shorebirds are moving south across North America (and Europe and Asia as well)? Get yourself a copy of my Shorebirds, Beautiful Beachcombers.
This image was created on 13 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 500mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/1600 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:02:11am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.
Tracking: (upper) Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #4: Sandhill Crane adult calling
The Forgotten Lens
Since I got my hands on the 300mm f/2.8, I had quit using the 200-600. I started using it again to test it with the a-1 Firmware Update 2.01. While doing so, I realized that there are many advantages of using a zoom lens that you lose when working with the 300mm f/2.8 with TCs. In addition, you can max out the 200-600 by adding the 1.4X TC if necessary. That puts you at 840mm. With the 300 and the 2X, you are stuck at 600mm as your longest focal length.
This image was created on 14 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/800 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:13:19am on a cloudy bright morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #5: White-winged Dove on sand beach!
Beach Surprise
I was shocked to see a White-winged Dove on the sand beach to the left of the pier pretending it was a shorebird. I have had as many as a dozen at one time at my backyard feeder that is not set up for photography. Though the blue lores are brighter in the spring, I was quite happy with this image.
This image was created on 15 September 2024. Standing by the edge of the canal, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 341mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/1600 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:02:11am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed just well enough. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #6: Lynn and Chad Holleman with a 10lb. 10oz. Largemouth Bass!
Bird-Eye AF?
Bird-eye struggled a bit with acquiring focus with this happy couple image. Why not switch to Human-eye? I recently took “Fave/Eye Subject” off a custom button and added it to My Menu. Why? Too many folks including me were hitting the custom button accidentally. A-1 Group members will be hearing a lot more from me soon.
This image was created on 15 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/500 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:27:10am on a cloudy morning.
Tracking: (upper right) Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #7: Great Egret juvenile on The Perch
Wickedly Ridiculous
Reluctant to drive on the wet fields in fear of getting stuck, I decided to create a bird-scape at 1200mm with my car parked on Palmetto Drive. My best estimate of the distance to the bird is about 200 yards. The Sony Focus Distance EXIF is totally screwed up once a teleconverter is added. For this image it shows that I was 764.2 meters (2507 feet)! Not. 200 yards is quite impressive. Nearly 1/2 mile is ridiculous.
This image was created on 15 September 2024. Standing on the sand beach left of the pier, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 303mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 5000. 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:53:30am on a cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed just well enough. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #8: Turkey Vulture — juvenile in flight
Zooming Out for Flight
For this image, zooming out to 303mm saved the day. I rarely use the 300mm f/2.8 alone for flight photography as I almost always add the 1.4X TC to get to 420mm at f/4. Sony a-1 AF performed perfectly on this young Turkey Vulture in flight just to the left of the pier.
This image was created on 16 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1000. 1/1250 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:09:22am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #9: Great Egret juvenile with bill open
Determination Pays Off Nicely
I had decent chances on several young Great Egrets on Monday morning past. Despite several failed attempts, I kept trying. I got on this one on the grassy field to the right (north) of the pier and shot a long series. The first image I created was the winner. Don’t be a quitter!
This image was created on 17 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/640sec. at f/11 (stopped down one full stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:44:37am on a partly sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #10: Stretched wing of Anhinga
Winging It!
I’ve tried for this shot on numerous occasions including several times recently. Tuesday morning’s effort was the best of the lot. Did I reduce the yellow too much?
Note that I went to f/11 in an attempt to cover the depth of field of the slightly curved wing. How did I do?
This image was created on 17 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/200 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:53:03am on a partly sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #11: Killdeer adult — preening pose
Always Learning
Though passable, this image was not quite as sharp as I have come to expect at 1200mm. So, before I headed out this morning, I took a bottle of LensClens and an old t-shirt with me as I headed out. I stopped in the driveway to clean the contacts. That did the trick. Everything I shot this morning at 1200mm was spot-on with the crispy eye skins that I love.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Pat visited ILE in June for a day of private Sony instruction. She used both my a1 and my a9 iii and decided to go with the a9 iii because of the better autofocus system and the smaller file sizes. You can read the whole story and see two of the great images she made with the 300mm f/2.8/2X TC/a9 iii rig hand held in the
Hard to Believe. A New Record: 86 Years Young!
blog post here.. More proof that you are never too old to switch to Sony.
Your Call?
All are invited to pick their three favorite Pat Fishburne Nickerson Beach images and list them with the best one first. Again, this will be a tough chore. Kind folks will let us know why they made their choices. (Note: all of the image optimizations were done by yours truly, Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.
a9 iii E-mail Set-up and Info Guide
a9 iii E-mail Set-up and Info Guide
For those who think that my comments on the a9 iii are pure hype, know that I recently sold the second of my three a1 bodies.
If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up), a Buttons and Dials Guide, and an a9 iii Info Sheet.
For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, you can order your 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 (or Pat’s) 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.
What’s Up?
The thumb incision is healed perfectly and the tenderness on the inside of my right ring finger is decreasing slowly but steadily. I’ve been back in the pool the last two days. And I’ve made great progress on my 2023 tax return.
I’ve been photographing a variety of subjects every morning down by the lake with varying degrees of success. I continue to work with my new a-1 body, the one with Firmware 2.01. I’ve learned a ton and will soon be moving to 2.02. The a-1 group will be hearing from me within the next two weeks as preparing three new .DAT file and the Buttons and Dials/My Menu guides will take lots of time and effort.
In the Rating Three Pretty-Close-to-Perfect Images blog post here, Images #1 and #2 tied for first while Image #3, though technically perfect was my third and last choice.
Today is Sunday 15 September 2024 and yes, I will be heading down to the lake soon to see what I see and learn what I can learn. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.
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 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.
This image was created on 2 August 2024 by 86-year old Pat Fishburne on the second Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Standing at full height she used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (zoomed out to 140mm), and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 5000: 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:28:38pm on a very cloudy afternoon.
Tracking: Expand Spot (moved to the lower center) AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Bird-scape: Black Skimmers and Common Terns on the beach
Image courtesy of and copyright Patricia Fishburne
What Pat Learned on the First Afternoon
1- When creating bird-scapes, you always want to focus on the closest bird.
2- When working with very small in the frame subject’s, it is better to move the AF point to the bottom of the frame than to begin with the point in the center and rely on the tracking to hold.
3- She learned to watch the edges when creating bird-scapes.
This image was created on 3 August 2024 by 86-year old Pat Fishburne on the second Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Seated on dry sand, she used the knee-pod technique with the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (zoomed out to 140mm), and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:39:37am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Black Skimmer chick about one week old
Image courtesy of and copyright Patricia Fishburne
What Pat Learned on the First Morning
1- When you know that you are going to need to crop, use the center AF point as it is generally just a bit more consistent than if you had moved it out of the middle.
2- Sharp a9 iii images can stand up to healthy crops a lot better than most folks assume.
3- It always pays to keep your eye on the head angle.
This image was also created on 5 August by 86-year old Pat Fishburne on the second Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Seated on dry sand using the knee–pod technique, she used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) 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 1600: 1/1600 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:09:42pm on a typical — some clouds on the western horizon — late afternoon at Nickerson.
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 #3: Black Skimmer adult standing in colony
Image courtesy of and copyright Patricia Fishburne
What Pat Learned on the Second Afternoon
1- Working in Manual mode is best for 90% of bird photography as the background tonalities change as you recompose.
2- Tracking: Zone AF-C is generally best when photographing birds on the ground as it will grab the eye and enable you to recompose while sticking on the eye.
This image was created on 5 August 2024 by 86-year old Pat Fishburne on the second Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Again seated on dry sand, she used the knee-pod technique with the hand held 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 Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial. Multi-metering +2 stops in Shutter Priority mode. AUTO ISO set ISO 2000: 1/250 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:01:40am early on a very hazy morning.
Tracking: (lower right) Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #4: Adult and young Great Black-backed Gull at sunrise
Image courtesy of and copyright Patricia Fishburne
What Pat Taught artie on the Third Morning
1- I learned that on muted sunrises (and sunsets) that you do not have to get super low at 600mm to include the sun in the frame!
What Pat Learned on the Third Morning
1- In extreme low light conditions with uniformly light toned backgrounds and predawn or cloudy conditions, Shutter Priority with AUTO ISO and Exposure Compensation can be best.
2- Adding two stops of light in such conditions will almost always get you into the ballpark.
3- You can move the Zone AF brackets around the frame (using the Joystick) to render your AF system more efficient.
This image was also created on 5 August 2024 by 86-year old Pat Fishburne on the second Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Again seated on dry sand, she used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (zoomed out to 140mm), and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial. Multi-metering +1 stop in Shutter Priority mode. AUTO ISO set ISO 320: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:16:55am on a hazy morning.
Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #5: Black Skimmer backlit in flight against colorful sunrise
Image courtesy of and copyright Patricia Fishburne
What Else Pat Learned on the Third Morning
1- If you are working in Shutter Priority Mode at +2 EC in low light, and the muted sun lights up the sky as it rises, lower the EC to +1 so that you will not overexpose the brightest areas of the sky.
2- A west wind in the morning will be poor for traditional flight photography once the sun breaks through the haze, but it is perfect for creating flight silhouettes if you get some early sky color.
This image was also created on 5 August 2024 by 86-year old Pat Fishburne on the second Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Seated on dry sand, she used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (zoomed out to 140mm), and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:39:37am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #6: Common Tern — adult with Atlantic Silversides (spearing) fish for chick
Image courtesy of and copyright Patricia Fishburne
What artie Learned on the Third Morning
1- He learned that he is right when he says, “Relative beginners using today’s great mirrorless gear with their cameras set up properly and just a bit of instruction can — on occasion, make better photos than the seasoned professional sitting right next to them.” Well done, Pat!
What Pat Learned on the Third Morning
1- That using Tracking Zone with the brackets in the center and the bird on the ground can be used to create perfectly designed images by acquiring focus and then re-composing by moving the lens if and as needed. (Note that there is four times as much room from the tip of the bill to the frame edge than there is from the tip of the tail to the frame edge — The Mike DeRosa Rule).
This image was also created on 5 August by 86-year old Pat Fishburne on the second Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Seated on dry sand using the knee–pod technique, she used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) 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 3200: 1/800 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:28:04pm on a typical — some clouds on the western horizon — late afternoon at Nickerson.
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 #7: American Oystercatcher juvenile preening
Image courtesy of and copyright Patricia Fishburne
What Pat Learned on the Fourth Afternoon
1- Proper head angle is dependent on the pose. (Ten degrees towards is perfect for this image.)
2- If you’ve got a good horse ride it. (On each IPT, we spent many hours photographing the un-banded family of four.)
This image was also created on 5 August by 86-year old Pat Fishburne on the second Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Seated on dry sand, she used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) 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 3200: 1/250 sec. at f/5.6 (stopped down one stop in error) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:55:59pm on a typical — some clouds on the western horizon — late afternoon at Nickerson.
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 #8: Common Tern — adult with fish for chick on snow fence at sunset
Image courtesy of and copyright Patricia Fishburne
What Else Pat Learned on the Fourth Afternoon
1- That she did not need to be right next to me to create excellent images. (She wandered off by herself to look for a tern on the snow fence, found just what she was looking for, and created a wonderful image all on her own. She was justifiably very proud of herself. As was I of her.)
2- That as long as you employ good sharpness techniques you do not always need to be at 1/2000 or 1/1000 sec. in order to create sharp images.
This image was created on 6 August by 86-year old Pat Fishburne on the second Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Standing at full height, she used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) 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 3200: 1/3200 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:47:16am on a cloudy morning.
Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #9: Black Skimmer — adult in flight with fish for chick
Image courtesy of and copyright Patricia Fishburne
What Pat Learned on the Fourth Morning
1- In cloudy conditions you do not have to worry about sun angle as long as there are no shadows. The important thing is to keep the wind somewhere behind you so that the birds are at least angling toward you.
2- In white sky conditions you must expose far to the right to avoid underexposing the subject. especially those with some dark or black feathers.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
All are invited to leave a comment by putting the three images in order of their preference; put the image you judge to be the strongest first, your next favorite second, the least strongest third on the list. For example (arbitrarily): #3, #1, #2. Warning: all three images are pretty darned good. I still cannot decide on my number one pick …
What’s Up?
After a fabulous Black Vulture session on Tuesday morning– see Images #1 & #2 below — Wednesday morning was not as good despite seemingly perfect conditions — mostly sunny with a NE breeze. After a big rainstorm on Tuesday afternoon, the beach was littered with all sorts of clutter. Conditions were perfect for flight but many of the images of flying vultures had the pier in the background 🙁 The forty or so Black Vultures that came to the gar on Tuesday mornings were virtually absent; on Wednesday, about a dozen Turkey Vultures predominated –see Image #3 below.
Yesterday, I got lots of work done on my 2023 taxes and began laying the groundwork for a lawsuit against AirBnB with regard to my month long Lido Beach rental; the alleged Superhost did not tell me that a major construction project would be going on during my entire stay. When I texted her about the noise, she told me to contact the next door neighbor in her absence. He was pretty close to worthless.
Today is Thursday 12 September and I will be heading down to the lake again no matter the forecast. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.
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 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.
This image was also created on 10 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 640. 1/1250 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 9:04:16am on a then sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Black Vulture scavenging Florida Gar
Super Tight
My first instinct is often to work super tight. Image #1 is un-cropped and the clean-up was minimal. The trick with images like this is coming up with a pleasing composition and a perfect head angle. The bird-eye tracking with the a9 iii performed perfectly by first grabbing the eye and then tracking it perfectly as the bird alternately raised and lowered its head. That made it easy to shoot aggressively and wind up with lots of image design choices. Except when shooting flight, I work at only 60 fps with the a9 iii. 120 fps with pre-capture is reserved for pure flight situations.
Could I have done anything different in the field to make this image better?
This image was also created on 10 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 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 800. 1/1250 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 9:21:29am on a variably cloudy morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Black Vulture scavenging Florida Gar
Sony Zebra Technology
On Tuesday morning the light was changing constantly. Image #1 was created in complete sun. I raised the ISO until I saw Zebras (live in the viewfinder) on the bird’s very white legs. When a cloud covered the sun to whatever degree, I did the exact same thing, raising the ISO until I saw Zebras on the bird’s very white legs. Fifteen minutes later, substantial clouds covered the sun. Working now at f/4 with the bare 600mm lens, I raised the ISO until there were lots of Zebras on the water and some Zebras on the bird’s very white legs. Both exposures were determined by RawDigger to be dead-solid perfect. (Note: most folks are scared to use RawDigger and learn how badly they are underexposing their raw files.)
When the sun is going in and out every few seconds because of passing clouds, I always think how blessed I am to be using Zebra technology to determine the exposures. Not having to create a test image and then evaluate the JPEG enables me to keep shooting without having to waste time every time that a cloud moves. What a huge advantage.
As to the water color question, I made no effort to add any blue to the water or two darken it. I love the look of the image, the image design, the soft light, the raised foot, and yes, the white water. This is a small crop and as with Image #1, very little clean-up was done.
Could I have done anything different in the field to make this image better?
This image was created on 11 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp sand, I used the and held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 400. 1/4000 sec. at f/3.2 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:56:00 am on a then 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: Turkey Vulture adult in flight — incoming
Flight Decisions
I went with the a1 rather than with the a9 iii so that I could see how the a-1 AF system worked after updating from Firmware 1.31 to 2.01. It seemed that nothing had changed; results were as expected. Image #3 was perfectly sharp with the AF point on the bird’s head barely below and just a bit to the right of the vulture’s eye. More than good enough.
I elected not to work from my SUV, opting instead to sit on the sand with the 300mm f/2.8. As it was sunny, I added the 1.4X TC but quickly learned that I was too close as I clipped the wings of most of the incoming birds. As I did not bring my fanny pack along — always a big mistake, I removed the TC and laid it atop my cell phone on the sand.
Image #3 represents yet another pretty much perfect capture with close to zero cleanup — just a few specks of sand were removed from the bird’s bill. After a small crop from left and right, and a crop to a pano from above and below.
Could I have done anything different in the field to make this image better?
Click on the composite to view a larger version and be even more impressed.
First of all, if you use Nikon or Canon (or Olympus or Fuji) gear, or a Sony a9 iii, do not be put off by the title. While a portion of the guide deals specifically with the Sony α-1, there is a ton of priceless information, tips, and techniques that can help you become a better flight photographer. No matter what system you are using. If you do not use a Sony α-1, be sure to read down to the bottom to save a few bucks.
Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris have created the definitive and most comprehensive ever treatise on photographing birds in flight. With more than sixty years of experience photographing birds, they know what you need to know but have not figured out yet! You will be astounded by the depth of their knowledge and the tips they have to offer. More than six months in the making, the guide contains 229 pages, 24,321 words,97 exceptional and inspirational flight images — each with a legendary, enlightening BIRDS AS ART caption, and 22 screen captures. The guide contains a wealth of useful, practical, and for the most part — never-before-available information.
We will teach you the basic concepts that you need to master to become a great flight photographer along with the techniques used by the world’s best flight photographers.
You will learn that most any telephoto lens can be perfect for flight photography in a given situation; focal lengths for the images in the book range from 200mm to 1200mm and everywhere in between.
We discuss the merits of various lenses in depth, including and especially comparing the 400mm f/2.8 lenses with the 600mm f/4s.
We guide you in getting your hands on the flight photography lens that will best meet your needs. We offer a variety of handholding and rest position tips and include tips on working with a big lens on a tripod when working with a flight lens that is otherwise too heavy for you.
Both authors offer their thoughts on getting the right exposure when photographing birds in flight. You will learn to get the right exposure on foggy days and even when photographing black birds in white sky conditions.
You will learn the tremendous importance of pre-focusing, of finding the bird in the viewfinder quickly, acquiring focus almost instantly (with tips on doing all three).
You will learn the role of image stabilization in flight photography and the best settings.
Both authors share their thoughts on using the focus range limiter switch. In the same vein, you will learn to use Direct Manual Focus to make your flight photography life easier.
All will learn about the best wing positions and the importance of the background with images of birds in flight. With lots of examples.
You will learn about the best shutter speeds (and the best aperture) to use when photographing flying birds.
You will learn to photograph flight while seated and the many advantages of doing so.
You will learn the best methods of controlling high ISO noise.
All will learn to properly and safely format their flash cards.
You will learn what to do when your AF system is temporarily blinded.
All will learn the huge effect that wind strength and direction has on flight photography and to evaluate the quality and direction of the light on both sunny and cloudy days.
You will learn why it is vitally important to shoot aggressively when photographing birds in flight.
You will learn to carefully observe and evaluate a variety of bird behaviors that may shine light on some excellent opportunities for photographing birds in flight. And about getting into the best position from which to photograph.
You will learn to be a much better flight photographer.
What Sony Folks Will Learn
Exactly how Artie uses Zebras to come up with perfect exposure after perfect exposure.
The fine points and recommended settings for Optical Steady Shot (OSS).
The concept of Auto-Focus (AF) tracking in the α-1.
Everything there is to know about the complex Sony autofocus system.
About all the AF patterns, how to quickly switch them, and about those favored by each author. And why.
The Tracking and Non-tracking AF patterns. When and why Arash uses Non-Tracking Zone. And why Artie uses only two AF patterns.
How to set and use Bird Face-Eye detection for flight photography.
How and why to assign various custom functions to the various programmable buttons on the α-1 body.
The perfect settings for the many, many Menu items that are vitally related to flight photography.
How and why the Sony α-1 uses both contrast and phase detection AF to determine focus (and the benefits thereof).
Which are the best memory cards for the Sony α-1.
To quickly access frequently used menu items.
Non-Sony α-1 Discount
Using the honor system, folks who do not use a Sony α-1 body are invited to click here to save $25.00 on the purchase price of the guide.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I did get down to the lake on Sunday morning past and had some good chances on a fresh juvenile Least Sandpiper (!), a Killdeer, a very tame young Limpkin preening, two Sandhill Cranes, and both Black and Turkey Vultures. Monday morning dawned dark and cloudy so I did not head down to the lake until well after 9:30am when things began to brighten up a bit. The lakeshore was dead. As I was getting out of my car for what turned out to be a 1.5 mile shirt/off sun walk, I noticed a Great Blue Heron in the marsh just north of the pier. So, I got back into the car and drove onto the grass to get closer to the bird. As it has been raining a ton here, I left some nasty tire tracks on the grassy field and was lucky not to get stuck.
I checked the old eagle nest several times on both mornings but never saw the previously reported birds either on the nest or anywhere else.
In the recent Two Wins for Shutter Priority Mode! blog post here, Maggi Fuller, who never likes any blurred images kindly noted that “Image 2 is of course for me, the best of the two, amazingly sharp and perfect head angle… It’s a nice shot of an Oystercatcher, but really, no “wow” factor for her … Just a nice image..”
David Policansky also preferred Image 2, but agreed with Maggi Fuller that it had no wow factor. He added that he did not think that the slightly blurred body in Image 2 added anything. For me, the wow factor with Image #2 had to do with the fact (as noted by Maggi) that the head of the bathing bird was amazingly sharp at 1/30 second. For me that’s a huge wow! How many sharp images ave you made at 1/30 second when working at 600mm? The answer for me is “very few in 41 years.”
Like today’s featured images, many of the images on the BAA blog do lack the wow factor. Again, as with today’s images, many or most of those are posted for educational purposes. As for oystercatcher images, I (and Monte Brown as well — tanks, Monte), liked Image #1 — the pleasing somewhat angelic blur — best. The point of the post was that working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO can be an effective choice when working with backgrounds of uniform tonality (especially in the low light of pre-dawn).
As to the water color question, Anthony Ardito wrote: I like the water the way it looks in real life, so dull and grey, lol! I was not sure if he was being facetious or not. Monte Brown would have liked to have seen “a touch more blue in the water.” I did actually try to make the water a bit bluer during the image optimization because many folks here on the blog do not like white water or white skies on cloudy days. I was not thrilled with the resulting color of the Atlantic and would have preferred whiter water so that the images would have showed a bit more contrast …
Here are some thoughts on becoming a better bird photographer. The first step is to learn to create sharp, properly exposed images of easy subjects doing nothing but nicely positioned in the frame. Until you can do that consistently, it is best to put thoughts of great flight and action shots on the back burner. With today’s amazing mirrorless gear, those will come quickly enough.
Kudos to eagle-eyed Joel Eade for his insightful comment on the juvie Osprey reflection image in the Questions, Comments, Suspicions? blog post here. We will exploring lots more on reflections in a future blog post.
I did get back to work on my 2023 tax return yesterday and got lots done. Today is Tuesday 10 September 2024. It is dark, dreary and humid outside but I will head down to the lake for a bit at some point to continue evaluating Sony a-1 Firmware Update 2.01. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.
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 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.
This image was created on 9 September down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/1000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 10:22:25am on a cloudy, very bright morning.
Upper Center Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Great Blue Heron in marsh at f/8– head and neck portrait
1200mm at f/8
I could have lived with the background here but for the single, too-close-to-the-bird and thus distracting to me, out-of-focus blade of vegetation lower right. The rest of the background is, as expected, beautifully de-focused.
This image was created on 9 September down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/500 sec. at f1 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 10:23:01am on a cloudy, very bright morning.
Upper Center Tracking: 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: Great Blue Heron in marsh at f/11 — head and neck portrait
1200mm at f/11
For years here on the blog I have professed my love of working wide open with long focal lengths because stopping down even only one stop “will bring up unwanted background detail.” When viewing Image #1 and #2 separately it is not easy to see that unwanted background detail was brought up by stopping down one stop from f/8 to f/11. That is why I created the animated GIF immediately below.
As for the bird’s pose, I like Image #2 a lot better than Image #1 as the head is slighlty cocked down and the head is turned a bit toward the viewer.
The Animated GIF
Viewing the animated GIF makes it a lot easier to see both the increased (and unwanted) background detail and the better head angle in Image #2. The extra stop of depth-of-field at f/11 did help to keep the bill tip sharp in Image #2.
This image was created on 9 September down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/1000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 10:22:25am on a cloudy, very bright morning.
Upper Center Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Cleaned up version of the Great Blue Heron in marsh at f/8 — head and neck portrait image
The f/8 Capture Cleaned Up
I used my usual cadre of Photoshop Tools and techniques for the clean up work: the Remove Tool, the Patch Tool, the Clone Stamp, a Gaussian Blur on the background (in conjunction with a Hide-all, Inverse, or Black Layer Mask, and a series of small Quick Masks each refined by the addition of a Regular Layer Mask.
This image was created on 9 September down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/500 sec. at f1 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 10:23:01am on a cloudy, very bright morning.
Upper Center Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #4: Cleaned up version of the Great Blue Heron in marsh at f/11 — head and neck portrait image
The f/11 Capture Cleaned Up/Your Calls?
Removing the white feather on the bill in each image was time consuming as I needed to work large and slowly. Do you prefer one bill over the other? Why?
Which of the two cleaned up version is your favorite, Image #1 created at f/8, or Image #2 created at f/11? Please be so kind as to let us know why you made your choice.
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.
You can save $26 by ordering the first five videos in Volume I by clicking here. 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.
Yesterday I learned from neighbor Ron that the Bald Eagles that have nested successfully at ILE for the past three winters have been hanging out by the original nest that had they abandoned last season. I am hoping, of course, that they lay eggs in the old nest as it is ten thousand times better for photography than the cluttered nest that they used to successfully fledge two young last February.
I cleared some more space on my laptop on Saturday and now have 5.17 TB available on my 8TB Solid State Hard Drive (SSHD).
Today is Sunday 8 September 2024. I will head down to the lake to check on the eagles and see what else is about on another typically humid morning. Whatever you are doing today, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.
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 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.
Apple M3 Max 16-Core Chip
128GB Unified RAM | 8TB SSD
16″ 3456 x 2234 Liquid Retina XDR Screen
40-Core GPU | 16-Core Neural Engine
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.3
Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI | MagSafe 3
SDXC Slot | FaceTime HD 1080p Camera
Backlit Magic Keyboard
Force Touch Trackpad | Touch ID Sensor
macOS
In other words, the bomb. Looking to spend a bit less? Click here and search for Apple MacBook Pro M3. Feel free to e-mail or call (863-221-23720 for laptop advice.
Why Not Buy Your MacBook Pro From Apple?
If you purchase a laptop from Apple and have a problem right off the bat they will fix it for you in a few days or a week after you send it to them. They will not replace it. If you purchase a laptop from B&H and have a problem right out of the box, they will send you a new one no questions asked.
Price Drop
Canon EOS-1DX Mark II Digital SLR Camera with Extras!
BAA Record-low Price! Price reduced $200.00 on 25 November 2023. Price reduced $400.00 on 6 SEPT 2024.
John Nelson is offering a Canon EOS-1DX Mark II dSLR camera in excellent condition for a BIRDS AS ART record low $999.00 (was $1599.00). The sale includes the original box, one battery, the charger, the front body cap, four (4) 128 128GB CFast memory cards, cfast cards, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
The 1DX Mark II is a rugged, fast Canon professional digital camera body. It features an excellent AF system and high quality image files with great dynamic range. When he used Canon, it was the first choice of Arash Hazeghi, the world’s premier photographer of birds in flight. Two 1DX II served as my workhorse bodies for several years. And I loved them. artie
This image was created down by the lake near my home on 7 July 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/2000 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 8:46:08am on a still, sunny morning.
Upper Center Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Osprey in fresh juvenal plumage with its reflection
Questions, Comments, Suspicions?
2024 was a poor year for breeding Ospreys. The nest on a utility pole near the base of the pier fledged three young. While there are an additional six nests down by the lake, none produced any chicks.
In late June and July of 2024, most mornings found one or two adult and/or juvenile Ospreys bathing in the shallows just left (south) of the pier. On still mornings, there were great opportunities for photographing the birds and their reflections.
If you have any questions, comments, or suspicions with regards to the creation of today’s featured image, please ask or comment below. Be sure to click on the image to see the larger, sharper high res version. There will be lots more on this new topic coming soon.
Cliff Beittel: no spoilers please!
The Sharpness of the Reflection
After clicking on the image to enlarge it, determine whether the reflection is as sharp as the bird itself.
If you are shooting from a vehicle with a long lens and are not working off a BLUBB, you are putting yourself at a big disadvantage. Beware of cheap imitations; there are many beanbags available today, but if you want to make sharp images, none come close to the BLUBB.
Whatever beanbag you are using, if your super-telephoto lens has a Direct Manual Focus switch, be sure turn the switch to the OFF position. This prevents you from throwing off accurate focus as you frame the shot. (Note: with some camera bodies, you may also need to turn DMF off in the camera menu.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Apple M3 Max 16-Core Chip
128GB Unified RAM | 8TB SSD
16″ 3456 x 2234 Liquid Retina XDR Screen
40-Core GPU | 16-Core Neural Engine
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.3
Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI | MagSafe 3
SDXC Slot | FaceTime HD 1080p Camera
Backlit Magic Keyboard
Force Touch Trackpad | Touch ID Sensor
macOS
In other words, the bomb. Looking to spend a bit less? Click here and search for Apple MacBook Pro M3. Feel free to e-mail or call (863-221-23720 for laptop advice.
Why Not Buy Your MacBook Pro From Apple?
If you purchase a laptop from Apple and have a problem right off the bat they will fix it for you in a few days or a week after you send it to them. They will not replace it. If you purchase a laptop from B&H and have a problem right out of the box, they will send you a new one no questions asked.
What’s Up?
My trip home was blessedly uneventful. I managed a bit of sleep on the southbound Auto Train and got lots of work done. By doing three second edits, I cleared .19 TB of space on my laptop. I like to have at least 5TB of space on the solid state drive in the laptop so that I will not have any problems when backing up to my 4TB SSDs. The work I did on the train got me here: 5.02 TB available of 8 TB.
I was glad to hear that Greg Clarkson sold his Sony 90mm Macro lens for the asking price the first day it was listed. If you are interested in his pretty much new Sony 200-600 G Lens, check out his listing on the Used Gear page here.
Today is Friday 6 September and it feels good to be home. Bird photography at Indian Lake Estates on muggy August days is usually not very good so I will be staying in this morning. I have lots to do in the next few weeks, most importantly, is finishing my 2023 tax return. I have been working on a mega-YouTube video: Shutter Speeds for Bird Photography. Stay tuned. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.
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 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.
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR Camera Body
Used Gear page veteran Ralph Fletcher is offering a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II dSLR Camera in near-excellent condition (would be excellent plus but for some chipped paint on the bottom of the camera body) for $999.00. The sale includes the original box, the front lens cap, the battery and the charger, 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 Ralph via at e-mail or by phone at 1-603-969-5776 (eastern time zone).
The 1DX Mark II is a rugged, fast Canon professional digital camera body. It features an excellent AF system and high quality image files with great dynamic range. When he used Canon, it was the first choice of Arash Hazeghi, the world’s premier photographer of birds in flight. Two 1DX II served as my workhorse bodies for several years. And I loved them. artie
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: American Oystercatcher juvenile flapping after bath
Two Wins for Shutter Priority Mode
In the recent Two Sony a-1 Black-bellied Action Imageshere, I wrote, in part:
There are times, however, when working in situations where the tonality of the background is relatively consistent that working in Shutter Priority mode offers some huge advantages. At the beach, before the sun comes up, the sky, the water, and the beach are all of about the same tonality, each much lighter than a middle tone. As the possibility of creating some nice pleasing blurs exists, I will set up the camera as follows: AUTO ISO, Exposure Compensation (EC) on the thumb dial, and Shutter Priority. Then I’ll usually set the EC to +2 1/3 stops and the shutter speed to 1/15 sec., the classic blur speed.
The camera sets the ISO and the well-to-the-right exposures are excellent. And, I can quickly and easily change the shutter speed during a blastoff to try for a different effect. If a nice bird lands right in front of me, I can quickly dial the shutter speed up to 1/60 or 1/125 sec. and begin making sharp images almost instantly (without having to change both the shutter speed and the ISO as I would have had to do if I had been working in Manual mode). Note: By using Zebra technology, I can always tweak the EC as needed.
Win #1
With a single bird fairly close, a shutter speed of 1/30 sec., and the bird flapping after a bath, I created an image with precisely the degree of wing blur that I was looking for, the angelic look. And I judged the eye just sharp enough so that I did not have to mess with it.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: American Oystercatcher juvenile pausing for an instant mid-bath
Win #2
As noted in the previous blog post quoted above, you can often create something sharp by increasing the shutter speed to 1/60 or 1/125 sec. Image #2 was one of a fairly long series of images, all at 1/30 sec. At that shutter speed, I absolutely got lucky by creating a single sharp-on-the-eye photo. Click on the image and you can see the sharp eye and lots of motion blur elsewhere on the bird. At the instant I hit the shutter button, the bird’s head, by chance, was perfectly still while the wings and the waves were moving.
Why Did I Add the 1.4X TC?
I wanted to get closer, but as I was shooting with two other photographers and did not want to risk disturbing the un-banded family of four, I opted to add the 1.4X TC. Because I was working in Shutter Priority mode, I did not have to change a single setting. If I had been in manual mode, I would have had to change the ISO.
Note that with practice, you can add a TC to a tripod mounted telephoto lens in less than 30 seconds.
Water Color Question
Do you like the grayish-blue water in both images? Or would you have preferred the water either darker and bluer or lighter and whiter?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Thanks for the plethora of thoughtful comments at the last blog post. Which of today’s two featured Sora images do you like best? Please be so kind as to share your thoughts as to why you made your choice.
In Image #1, the yellowlegs was lying down flat in the water to hide from a falcon that flew overhead. I actually preferred the near B&W version to the more natural color in Image #2.
Nobody came close to answering the High Level Focusing Technique Question that accompanied Image #4. Give it a try. There are clues in the text and another one in the comments, but you will need to put your thinking cap on.
As for favorites, all but Image #2 got at least vote. One reader would have deleted Image #7. Another picked it as his favorite. Two folks loved Image #4; it was my least favorite of the seven. My top pick was #6 for its simplicity and the gorgeous background.
What’s Up?
I saw Dr. Puopolo on Tuesday afternoon to have the seven stitches removed from the base of my right thumb. The news was about what I expected, but a bit better than that. Both incisions healed perfectly. He told me that the tenderness I’ve been feeling on the inside of my right ring finger is because when the surgery is done, they stay to the left side of the nerve “for a variety of anatomical reasons” and that it typically disappears over time as the nerve calms down. I am thrilled with the results of the two operations, especially because the crushing episodes of tingling, numbness, and pain are completely gone. He is such a cool guy. I was going to confess my sins of going out to photograph twice to JBWR. When I began by saying, “I’ve been a bad patient.” He said, “Don’t tell me.” I thanked him again and we exchanged hugs.
Today is Wednesday 4 September. I set the alarm for oh-dark-hundred (3:34am) but woke at 3:00am so I got up and hit the road before 4:00am for my drive down to Lorton, VA to catch the Auto Train south late this afternoon. If all goes as expected, I should be home at about 1pm on Thursday. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun and enjoy life.
Used Gear New Listngs
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens
BAA-friend Greg Clarkson is offering a Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens in Like-new condition for a ridiculously low $1299.00. This lens has never been in the field. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the lens hood, the lens strap, the original product box, the lens case, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
The Sony 2-6 is an amazingly versatile relatively inexpensive telephoto zoom lens. It sells new for $1898.00. If you would like to get started with Sony and bird photography and cannot afford the 300mm f/2.8 GM lens then grabbing George’s pretty much new lens would be a very smart move. artie
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens
Sold the first day of listing!
BAA-friend Greg Clarkson is offering a Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens in Like-new condition for a ridiculously low $698.00. This lens has never been in the field. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the lens hood, the original product box, the lens pouch, 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.
Sony’s longest macro lens sells new for $998.00. If you love macro photography, grabbing Greg’s pretty much new lens right now would be the best option. artie
Get up close and personal with the 1:1 magnification ratio of the full-frame compatible Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens. As a G series lens, it perfectly balances sharpness and bokeh and, as a macro lens, close and controlled focusing performance is prioritized with advanced AF and intuitive handling. B& & Sony
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Sora quasi-birdscape
My First Sora?
I may have seen and/or photographed this species somewhere before, but neither the experience nor the images (???) were in any way memorable. Thus, I do not remember when, where, or even if 🙂 Thanks again to the very nice Asian lady who pointed the bird out to me as it skulked around the edge of one of the two small ponds that abutted the phragmites at the south end of the East Pond at JBWR on Saturday last.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Sora in the water
Strategy for Photographing a Rare or Uncommon Bird
When you come across a group of birders viewing a rare or uncommon species with binoculars and/or spotting scopes, you should first consider some common sense field etiquette before trying to create some images. The same is true even if they are looking at a group of commonly seen species. Walking slowly up to the group and asking where the group is from and what they are seeing is often a good start.
Unless they are very close to what they are looking at, you should put photography out of your mind at least for a few minutes. When they move along, you may begin your approach.
As I had heard that the Sora had been around the pond for at least two days and they were looking to the southeast, I knew exactly what they were looking at. Anyhoo, I walked up to the group and said “Hi” to Emme, a friendly young woman with binoculars and a field notebook, “what’s the group?” I figured it might be a local Audubon Group. “We’re the Queer Birders,” she replied.
We chatted for a while as I shared a bit of the history of the East Pond and a bit of the history of Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. (Note: the two are intricately interwoven.) You can check them out here on Instagram. They have an absolute ton of great bird walks and trips in and around NYC.
After a few minutes, the group drifted off to the north. One photographer who had stayed a good distance away from the pond remained. After I finally spotted the bird (albeit with help, as above), I judged its behavior as “could-care-less.” So I flattened my tripod, crouched down a bit, walked slowly past the single photographer to the edge of the pond, got down on the ground, and worked the bird for about ten minutes until it disappeared into the reeds.
You might think that my courteous behavior was rewarded, or that I had gotten lucky.
Note that approaching a bird or a flock of birds that is being viewed by others who were there before you is 100% rude and improper. (It would be nice if the birders acted in a similar manner; often, they do not.)
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
