January 29th, 2024 My Call
My favorite Monte Brown image was the tight shot of the back of the pelican’s head and neck, Image #3. Why? Because of the incredible colors and the sweet, sweet, and distant background. Homer IPT vet and great friend Bob Eastman agreed and was the only one to note that the incoming pelican in Monte’s Image #4 was the same individual as the bird in my Image #1 in the Horizontal or Vertical for Tight Incoming Pelican Flight? blog post here. Monte vowed to stay close to me on this IPT and ask a ton of questions. He did just that with the expected results. We were, of course, standing right next to each other when that gorgeous birds flew right at us.
What’s Up
Homer and Galapagos IPT veteran Vasili Chernishof joined me this morning at La Jolla. He will be staying and photographing with me for almost a week. We got off to a very slow start his morning but when we tried my morning back-up spot, the flight photography action heated up to a boil. I created another 4000 images and kept 137 after the first edit. Because of the amazing improvements in autofocus technology, I deleted probably two thousand or more images that would have thrilled me less than a decade ago.
In today’s post blog, I share seven of my very favorites, each created with the tripod-mounted 600mm f/4. Yes, handholding in general is always better for flight photography, but only if you can comfortably manage the lens needed to do the job. Handholding the 600mm f/4 for a long shooting session is really pushing it for me. So I put the best tool on a tripod and with excellent conditions (soft light and a wind from the east) and the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro, I did a pretty good job of keeping the birds in the middle of the frame. That is always step one. Then you get to pick the really special ones on your laptop.
Today is Monday 29 January and we will be heading back to La Jolla early. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, 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.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often 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.
The Recipe for Success
Put the 600 lens on the tripod. Set the shutter speed to 1/4000 sec. and the aperture wide open at f/4. Use Zone AF with Bird/Face Eye enabled. Set the Limit Range Switch to Not Full. The only variable is the ISO that depends on the light levels and the tonality of the subject. The more you practice shooting flight off a tripod the better you get.
Adjusting the Exposure Based on Subject Tonality
Once we had the base exposure for the most common subjects, the Royal Terns, we would add 1/3 stop of light for the Heermann’s Gulls, and 2/3 stop for the somewhat darker pelicans. Easiest is to raise the ISO to increase the exposure. As the light changes, Sony Zebras make it easy to correctly determine the base exposure.
Include a Breaking Wave
Whenever possible, strive to include a breaking wave at the bottom of a frame. Acquire focus on a pelican, and then hope for a break 🙂
Pure White Backgrounds
Once a wave breaks, a large white area of foam remains for a few seconds. The “wash” that is left behind after a big wave breaks makes for dramatic backgrounds.
Fast Reflexes Needed
When I heard the shrill, distinctive call of the oystercatchers in flight, I swung my lens to the right, acquired focus, tracked the bird as it landed, and made a decent series of images.
Virtually Impossible
At my morning back-up spot, dozens of sea lions are jumping out of the water and surfing in on the breaking waves. Getting one in the frame is extremely difficult. The funny thing is that I have no recollection of making Image #6. I would especially appreciate hearing your thoughts as to whether this image works or would be an insta-delete for you.
Varying Backgrounds
As the terns were dropping out of the sky, the backgrounds were changing each moment. The background for Image #1 was the dark face of a building wave. In #7, the pure white background was created by a wave that had just broken. This situation makes it abundantly clear as to why you must be in manual exposure mode with changing backgrounds. You have correctly set the exposure for the subject; the tonality of the background doesn’t change anything.
Your Call
Which do you think is the strongest image? Why? Which is the weakest image? Why?
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Click on the composite to view a larger version and be even more impressed.
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by Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris
First of all, if you use Nikon or Canon (or Olympus or Fuji) gear, do not be put off by the title. While a portion of the guide deals 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 an 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.
Purchase
Click here to purchase your copy in the BAA Online Store.
What Everyone Will Learn
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 format their flash cards properly and safely.
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.
January 27th, 2024 Amazon
In it’s infinite wisdom, the Amazon affiliate program recently eliminated all types of generic and logo links as well as product-specific links with images such as those formerly featured on the Great (Photographic Accessory) Stuff tab here (and above on the orange-yellow menu bar).
In this and many future blog posts, I will post an item that contains my Amazon Affiliate link. If you do not wish to purchase the item, you can help support the work that I do here by clicking on the link and then continuing to shop. Please consider making it a habit to visit the blog before you do your Amazon shopping online. Great news: it will not cost you a penny more, works great with your Amazon Prime or Amazon Business accounts, and will be gratefully appreciated.
Quicksilver Scientific Quintessential 3.3 Sachets – Hypertonic Solution – Filtered Sea Water Hydration Packets – Liquid Minerals for Muscle Recovery, Stamina + Mineral Replenishment (30 Count)
Leg Cramps?
I suffered with nighttime leg cramps for several decades. I often woke tangled in the bedding in vicious pain from a leg cramp, unable to stand or find relief. About four years ago Dr. Cliff Oliver suggested that I try Quicksilver Scientific Quintessential 3.3 Sachets – Hypertonic Solution – Filtered Sea Water Hydration Packets – Liquid Minerals for Muscle Recovery, Stamina + Mineral Replenishment (30 Count). The results have been and continue to be amazing. I’ve gone from having several cramps a night to perhaps having one cramp every three of four months. This item is brought to you as a public service.
My Call
In the last blog post, all but Bill Atwood felt that the horizontal pelican flight image was the stronger image. I would agree that Image #1 was the more beautiful photo. But that only because the bird was in full breeding plumage. The bird in Image #2 was a duller 2nd year bird. The image design of Image #2, shot as a vertical original, was however, in my humble opinion, the far stronger composition. But only 25 times better. For me. Folks were reacting to the beautiful colors of the bird in the first photo.
BTW, I never asked anything about either image 🙂
Jeff: January 26, 2024 at 12:25am:
Horizontal looks better and the subject is better. Duh right. Better rethink that grip!
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART: January 27, 2024 at 8:44am
Thanks for the advice, Jeff. But I will be ignoring it. See my reasoning in the next post.
I do agree that the bird in the first image was more colorful and more beautiful than the bird in the second image, but the image design of the vertical original is the far stronger of the two. For me.
with love, a
What’s Up?
On Friday, I took the group to Santee Lake. We were in perfect position for fire in the mist (backlit ground fog on the water), and there was a ton of steam at sunrise, but very few ducks were swimming in the right place. Both sessions were filled with cooperative ducks: Wood, Ring-necked, Ruddy, American Wigeon, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Northern Shoveler, and 1.2 zillion coots. Because the photography has been so good and we have done several time consuming image review and Photoshop sessions, I am farther behind in picking my keepers than ever before. Adding in the 3100 images of both drake and hen ducks as well as some nice cormorant silhouettes, I now have more than 15,000 images to go through. Thank god for Photo Mechanic.
Today is Saturday 27 January 2024. Monte and I are headed back to Santee early. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, 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.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often 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.
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This image was created by Monte Brown on the first 2024 San Diego IPT on 22 January 2024. He used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L tripod/Mongoose M3.6 Action Head-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 6400. 1/500 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 2:53:18pm on a very cloudy afternoon.
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: Allen’s Hummingbird male
Image Optimization by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Monte Brown
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Ignore the High ISOs!
The Allen’s was amazingly cooperative last Monday. In very low light, we both went with 1200mm. I worked mostly and 1/250 and 1/320 second to “save a bit on the ISO.” Monte Brown, however, actually listened to the teacher and worked at 1/500 second with ISO 6400. Not only does his image look great, but all of his hummer photos were sharper than mine.
Sometimes it pays to listen to the teacher …
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This image was created by Monte Brown on the first 2024 San Diego IPT on 24 January 2024. He used the 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. 1/640 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 7:45:09am on a cloudy, fairly bright morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Brown Pelican Pacific-race scratching
Image Optimization by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Monte Brown
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Monte and Sony
Like me, Monte used Canon gear for many, many years. He has been on many IPTs. About 1 1/2 years ago, Monte bit the bullet, sold most of his Canon gear, and went all in on Sony. As you can see here today, the improvement in his images has been dramatic. As scratching is not a violent movement, he used an intermediate shutter speed here. As I had suggested, it was fast enough to render the scratching foot sharp. There is no limit as to how much you can learn on an IPT if you are open to listening and if you sincerely want to get better.
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This image was created by Monte Brown on the first 2024 San Diego IPT on 24 January 2024. He used the no-longer available Induro GIT 304L tripod/Mongoose M3.6 Action Head-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2500. 1/1000 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 10:19:09am on a 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 #3: Brown Pelican Pacific-race breeding plumage rear view of back of head and neck/abstract
Image Optimization by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Monte Brown
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Long Focal Length/Distant Background
This gorgeous bird was sitting on a dirt ridge. The clouds allowed us to work well off what would have been sun angle had it been a clear day. This enabled us to use the distant cliff as background. The yellowish/brown dirt sets off the bright colors of the pelicans head and neck perfectly. I optimized all four of Monte’s images here with my current BIRDS AS ART digital workflow as detailed in the Digital Basics III Video Series.
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This image was created by Monte Brown on the first 2024 San Diego IPT on 24 January 2024. He used the the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) 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. 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 11:29:03am on a cloudy, fairly bright morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #4: Brown Pelican Pacific-race braking to land
Image Optimization by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Monte Brown
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A Blog Question
If you recognize this individual pelican, please leave a comment and let us know where you last saw it.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
January 25th, 2024 Kudos!
Kudos to Stuart Edwards who left the comment below on the last blog ost.
January 23, 2024 at 11:09am
The relatively short focal length and the distance to the subject makes for the broad area in focus even at the wide aperture.
What’s Up?
Though it stopped raining for the IPT, the weather has been anything but typical San Diego sunshine. As lousy as the weather has been, the pelican photography has been the polar opposite — totally amazing, the best I have ever had in 35 years of photo visits. Right now, I have 7,416 un-editd images from the first two days of the IPT to go through. Monte Brown created more than 8000 images on Wednesday alone! There was so much flight and action on the main cliff that we opted to stay for five hours and skip the afternoon session.
You still have time to have your life changed and learn a ton by signing up soon for the second 2024 San Diego IPT (info below).
Today is Thursday 25 January 2024. I will be meeting Monte and Keith Solberg early for Day 3 of the first San Diego IPT.
Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, 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.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens, or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often 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.
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This image was created on 24 January at La Jolla, CA on Day 2 of the first 2024 San Diego IPT. While seated on a dirt cliff I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 336mm), 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: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 11:30:48am on a cloudy morning.
Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Breeding plumage adult Pacific-race Brown Pelican landing TIGHT — horizontal
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Midday Flight Photography
Midday flight photography is best done on cloudy days. With a gentle breeze from the northeast early on, there were dozens of pelicans flying in, but in the light wind, most were not high enough. The birds were 100% copasetic — head and shoulders portraits of gorgeous birds were there for the taking with any telephoto lens. We talked about isolation, AF, head throws, and exposure. At about 10:30 the wind switched to the SW and the intensity picked up so we turned around and faced north to photograph the pelicans flying in to land, many right in front of us. For most of the morning I used the 70-200 with either the 1.4X or the 2X TC.
While it is much easier to shoot flight with the camera oriented to horizontal capture, it is very difficult to frame the image as the bird approaches point-blank range without clipping the feet. I did that on about 300 images. I got very lucky with this bird as I mis-framed 22 of the 24 close-range shots. That after 33 more distant images of the same bird flying right at me from a distance. I should have realized soon that turning the camera on end and creating tight vertical flight originals was the best way to deal with clipping the feet. As below.
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This image was also created on 24 January at La Jolla, CA on Day 2 of the first 2024 San Diego IPT. Again, while seated on a dirt cliff I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 400mm), 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/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 11:31:44am on a cloudy morning.
Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
2-year old Pacific race Brown Pelican landing TIGHT — vertical original!
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Duh!
As I said above, shooting vertical originals of pelicans in flight at point blank range is the best way to go when the birds are flying right at you at point blank range. I wish that I had come to my senses sooner 🙂
The traditional use of this technique is when you are working in horizontal format photographing banking birds and clipping the wingtips; you switch to vertical and can then easily fit the banking birds in the frame without clipping the wingtips. Having a vertical grip on your camera body makes shooting vertical flight easier, but I hate the added weight so I sold mine a few moths ago. Without a grip, you simply rotate to your right 90° counter-clockwise and go to work.
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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.
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The 2024 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs
San Diego IPT #2: 3 1/2 DAYS: WED 31 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 3 FEB, 2024: $2149.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings 4.
Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT morning 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 2022/23 visit. As a result, the first and second IPTs may include an afternoon or two of landscape photography.
Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The San Diego Details
These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that 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 2024 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 three months before the trip.
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Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
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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.
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