Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

What’s Up?

I did much better than expected on Wednesday morning. I made a few nice vertical frames of one of the stilts on clean green vegetation when I went to check on the plain nest; it now has a complete clutch of four eggs. The last time I checked, the beautiful nest had two eggs. I made one nice image of an Osprey with a whole fish, several of one of the two crane colts, and a few more of a preening adult.

Today is Thursday 3 June 2021. The forecast for this morning is for partly cloudy skies with a faint breeze from the southeast. It is 5:25am as I type. I am in Clemens’ truck on the way to Lake Blue Cypress. His flats boat is following closely behind on the trailer. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

Be sure to check out the foreground clean-up work by comparing Image #1 with screen capture #1B and then scrolling all the way down to the Foreground Sand Clean-up item.

This blog post took about two hours to prepare, and makes 159 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART

Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. Please understand that e-Bay prices are bogus. And the same is true of the prices of used gear including my dear friends at B&H and the other mega-outfits. They offer you pennies and then try to sell the stuff to ignorant folks for ridiculously high prices. With their huge international exposure, they occasionally find someone …

The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested, please shoot us an e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice to those who agree to the terms — usually sells. With the pandemic and the down economy, the market had been somewhat depressed, but sales have been brisk for the past few weeks. And over the past year, we have sold many many hundreds of items. Do know that prices of many used items have been dropping steadily. The prices garnered for used Canon gear has tanked completely as demand has dropped tremendously. It is ironic that for decades Canon gear had very strong resale value … Recently, however, the Canon used gear market has shown some signs of life. Prices on used Nikon gear have also dropped as well. You can see all the current bargains here on the Used Gear Page.

Note: all BAA Used Gear sales include insured ground shipping via UPS to lower 48 US addresses only. Others who live elsewhere are invited to e-mail the seller for shipping surcharge info. Sellers should charge you only the difference between shipping to the farthest US location from their home and the charge to a non-lower-48 address.

Canon 100-400mm EF f/4.5-5.6L IS zoom lens (the “Old” 100-400)

Sale Pending at 4:53am!

Multiple IPT veteran Geri Georg is offering a Canon 100-400mm EF f/4.5-5.6L IS zoom lens (the old Canon 100-400) in good to very good condition for a silly-low $299.00 The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the tripod foot, the carrying case with strap, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-40 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Geri via e-mail or by phone at 1-970-219-4493 (Mountain time zone).

The original 100-400 is a sharp, amazingly versatile telephoto zoom lens. When I used Canon, I made hundreds of great and sale-able images with this lens (including the front cover of Scott Weidensaul’s book, “Return to Wild America!)” Denise Ippolito loved hers also. Geri’s lens would make a great starter lens for any beginning bird or nature photographer. artie

Canon Extender EF 2X II (teleconverter)

Sale Pending at 4:53am!

Multiple IPT veteran Geri Georg is offering a Canon Extender EF 2X II (teleconverter) in good to very good condition for a very low $79.00. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the carrying pouch, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-40 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Geri via e-mail or by phone at 1-970-219-4493 (Mountain time zone).

Regular readers know that I have long depended on both teleconverters for much of my bird photography. The series III TCs were designed for the series II super-telephoto lenses but if you have an older EF lens, the series II TCs will perform perfectly well for you (just as they did for me). artie

Sigma 12-24mm EX zoom lens 1:4.5-5.6 DG HSM wide angle zoom lens for Canon EF

Sale Pending at 4:53am!

Multiple IPT veteran Geri Georg is offering a Sigma 12-24mm EX zoom lens 1:4.5-5.6 DG HSM wide angle zoom lens in good to very good condition for Canon EF for a very low $199.00. The sale includes the rear lens cap, a LensCoat neoprene hoodie front lens protector (small), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-40 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Geri via e-mail or by phone at 1-970-219-4493 (Mountain time zone).

This super-wide angle has a large variable angle of view from 122° super wide-angle (at 12mm/diagonal axis) to 84.1°. The low dispersion glass elements enable effective correction of color aberration, a common problem with super-wide angle lenses. For use with Canon cameras. This lens sells used on Amazon for $399.00. artie

This image was created on 1 June 2021 down by the lake at ILE. While seated, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 800. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1600 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:59am on a dead-clear morning. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed as expected: perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Sandhill Crane, large colt resting — looking at bee

The Situation and the Strategy

There is one large hill adjacent to the parking lot to the right of the pier. I have made some very good images of cranes on that hill. And there is also a small mound adjacent to the parking lot. I was in the driver’s seat of my SUV when I saw this young crane resting on the small rise. Rather than shoot it from the car, I opened the driver’s side door very slowly so as not to scare the bird and have it stand up. I got on the ground with the 2-6 and scootched to my right on my butt to get on sun angle. I was not thrilled with the pier in the upper background but I did not want to get higher to eliminate it (in fear of causing the bird to stand up). I was pleasantly surprised to see the bee in the frame as I edited the folder, i.e, picked my keepers. And I am pretty sure that the crane colt did not see it either.

Why are even small hills, mounds, rises, and ridges ideal for bird photography? Because they often allow you to effectively move the background far from the subject thus throwing the background nicely out of focus. As was the case with today’s featured images. Be on the lookout for birds on small rises or edges. Then get low and go to work. You can control the look of the background by carefully choosing your perspective.

Image #1A: RawDigger adapted histogram for the Sandhill Crane, large colt resting — looking at bee image

The RawDigger Adapted Histogram

Note here that the bulk of the G channel data makes it 2/3rds of the way from the 8000 line to the 16000 line. The tiny spikes right at the 16000 line in all three channels, R, G, & B depict the 27 OvExp pixels, those from the specular highlights in the bird’s eye. Those out of 51,000,000. This histogram shows what I would call a perfect exposure. If the bulk of the data makes it right to the 16000 line without any significant numbers of OvExp pixels, that would be a dead-solid perfect exposure. I try to aim only for “perfect” to be sure of avoiding any serious over-exposures.

Via e-Mail from Geri George

Hi Artie, Thanks for the RawDigger e-Guide. With many of my flower images, DPP shows lots of over-exposure on the petals, but RawDigger shows only a smattering (less than a hundred) of over-exposed pixels. They all converted perfectly in DPP 4 simply by pulling down the Highlight slider a bit. RawDigger has some really cool stuff!

Thanks and best, Geri

RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos

The RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos

by Arthur Morris with Patrick Sparkman

The RawDigger e-Guide was created only for serious photographers who wish to get the absolute most out of their raw files.

Patrick and I began work on the guide in July 2020. At first we struggled. We asked questions. We learned about Max-G values. We puzzled as to why the Max G values for different cameras were different. IPT veteran Bart Deamer asked lots of questions that we could not answer. We got help from RawDigger creator Iliah Borg. We learned. In December, Patrick came up with an Adapted Histogram that allows us to evaluate the exposures and raw file brightness for all images created with all digital camera bodies from the last two decades. What we learned each time prompted three complete beginning to end re-writes.

The point of the guide is to teach you to truly expose to the mega-Expose-to-the-Right so that you will minimize noise, maximize image quality, best utilize your camera’s dynamic range, and attain the highest possible level of shadow detail in your RAW files in every situation. In addition, your properly exposed RAW files will contain more tonal information and feature the smoothest possible transitions between tones. And your optimized images will feature rich, accurate color.

We teach you why the GREEN channel is almost always the first to over-expose. We save you money by advising you which version of RawDigger you need. We teach you how to interpret the Max G values for your Canon, Nikon, and SONY camera bodies. It is very likely that the Shock-your-World section will shock you. And lastly — thanks to the technical and practical brilliance of Patrick Sparkman — we teach you a simple way to quickly and easily evaluate your exposures and raw file brightness using an Adapted RawDigger histogram.

The flower video takes you through a session where artie edits a folder of images in Capture One while checking the exposures and Max-G values in RawDigger. The Adapted Histogram video examines a series of recent images with the pink histograms and covers lots of fine points including and especially how to deal with specular highlights. The directions for setting up the Adapted Histogram are in the text.

If we priced this guide based on how much effort we put into it, it would sell it for $999.00. But as this guide will be purchased only by a limited number of serious photographers, we have priced it at $51.00. You can order yours here in the BAA Online Store.

Image #1B: AF point for the Sandhill Crane, large colt resting — looking at bee image

One Amazing Thing …

One amazing thing — as explained in the a1 Info and Updates e-mails, is that the AF system of the a1 — when set up correctly, will actually detect a bird’s eye before you half-press the shutter button . And to think that I’d always dreamed of science-fiction-like autofocus …

Sony Alpha a1 AF

Barring operator error, the performance of the Sony Alpha a1 AF system at any focal length — including 1200mm as seen in recent blog posts — is, when the a1 is set up properly as detailed in the in e-mails to the Sony Alpha a1 Info & Updates group, more than remarkable. Early on, there was lots of discussion within the group with many preferring multiple back button approaches. For me a simple shutter button approach with the right AF settings that yield 99% sharp-on-the-eye images is best. By far. It is super-simple and mega-effective. In the next SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group e-mail, I will be sharing what I have learned as to when and in what situations it is best to abandon Wide. And with what. The group has already learned to limit the AF Area choices and to switch AF Areas quickly and conveniently. The default method of switching AF points with the C2 button is both slow and cumbersome.

SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group

The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group is going great guns as folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based advice. We are now up to an astounding 46 lucky folks. Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. More recently, we have been in contact with folks at SONY sharing our thoughts, experiences, and frustrations with the EVF blackout problem.

All who purchased their Alpha a1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link will receive a free subscription to the Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up and Info Updates after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.) This same service may be purchased by anyone with an a1 body via a $150.00 PayPal sent to birdsasart@verizon.net indicating payment for Alpha a1 Info Updates. Alternatively, folks can call Jim weekdays at 1-863-692-0906 to pay via credit card. New members will receive composite e-mails that summarize all previous discussions.

Foreground Sand Clean-up

The small areas of white sand in the foreground were distracting. I went with my usual cadre of clean-up tools in Photoshop. Those included the Patch Tool and Content Aware Fill. Note that I did not use the Clone Stamp at all. To smooth out the results, the final step was a 64 pixel Gaussian blur painted in as needed using an Inverse or Black Layer Mask.

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 clean-up techniques mentioned above and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with all of 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. Learn more and check out the free excerpt in the blog post here. While the new e-Guide reflects my MacBook Pro/Photo Mechanic/DPP 4/Photoshop workflow, folks using a PC and/or BreezeBrowser will also benefit greatly by studying the material on DB II. 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.

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: all 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 two years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One Pro 12 and continue to do so today.

To purchase Capture One, please use this link. Then 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.

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

Typos

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

What’s Up?

Despite absolutely perfect conditions, Monday morning was close to a bust. For about two weeks, I had been creating between 850 (on a bad day) and 2800 images (on a good day) in a single session. On the last morning of May, I headed down in hopes of creating a few killer head shots of one of the stilts. I set up well away from the nest. The female walked back to the nest, sat down on her 3-egg clutch, and stayed put even after I packed up my milk crate and left. The male walked in front of me just once and I came away with one decent head portrait. That in contrast with the previous day: when the crane family walked by the nest the frantic male landed right in front on me and posed for ten minutes at point blank range. But I only had the 200-600 with me … I checked on the three crane families; all was well. I took a ride around looking for some good flowers, but it was one of those days …

I finally finished the second edit of the APRIL 2021 folder: 480 keepers remained out of more than 2500 first edit survivors. May is next.

Today is Tuesday 1 June 2021.The forecast for ILE for this morning is a carbon copy of Monday’s weather: clear with a light breeze from the southeast. I have a new plan for my morning photo session. GNPA friend Eric Boles invited me to do a webinar for the Nikonian Speaker Series on June 15; I need to get to work on that and will begin today. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

This blog post took more than an hour to prepare, and makes 157 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

ILE In-the-Field Sessions
Sandhill Crane colts and small chicks guaranteed!

Any morning from now til …
2-hour session (6:30 to 8:30am): $300.00/session

The crane colts family and the crane chicks family continue to be utterly dependable. Join me for a morning at Indian Lake Estates with a money-back guarantee: if we do not get to photograph either the colts and/or the chicks at close range, you will get every penny back. Point blank Black-necked Stilts are guaranteed as well.

Lodging and Photoshop lessons available. If you are seriously interested in joining me for one or more sessions, get in touch via e-mail or call or text me on my cell at 863-221-2372.

Huguenot Memorial Park and/or Jacksonville Nesting Beaches Info Requested

If you photograph regularly at Huguenot Memorial Park and/or any of the other of the publicly accessible beaches north of Jacksonville that have nesting Laughing Gull, Royal and Sandwich Terns, and possibly Brown Pelican, please get in touch via e-mail or call or text me at 863-221-2372.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now close to zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

This image was created at the washover pool at Fort DeSoto on the 2nd DeSoto IPT. I used the Panning Ground Pod-mounted Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 503mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 500: 1/1000 sec. at f/11 (stoped down 2/3 stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger confirmed that the RAW file was close-enough-to-perfect. AWB at 19:29am on a sunny morning. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed quite well. Image #1: Laughing Gull as Devil?

Laughing Gull as Devil?

We were just about wrapping up our morning when a handsome pair of Laughing Gulls flew in. What the hay? We got down on the ground and went to work. The bird here had just finished bathing and when it ruffled I fired away. One of the amazing things with the a1 is that you do not miss a whole lot with 30 frames per second. Yes, you need to edit ruthlessly but if you know what you are looking for it’s great to have multiple frames to choose from. That said, the crossed tail behind the head was visible in only two frames of a long series.

When photographing walking or foraging birds with a a Panning Ground Pod-mounted lens, the biggest problem is with the-side-to-side framing, getting the bird well back in the frame without clipping the tail. With a bird or birds facing you and standing still, life is much easier. Acquire focus and blast away.

Multiple Choice Crop Quiz

What percentage of the original frame does the optimized TIF file represent (as represented by the JPEG above)?

• a- 11%
• b- 22%
• c- 44%
• d- 66%
• e- 88%

Typos

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

What’s Up?

To some degree, our morning luck at DeSoto ran out on Saturday. I headed out with the 600 and both TCs and Clemens did the same, me with my SONY a1, and he with his Canon R5. There were no wading birds in the washover pool, no feeding spree, and with a decent breeze from the west, no reflections. I stuck by the pool and did ground-level Marbled Godwits. Clemens took a long walk down the beach and did some Least Terns on their nests, a Snowy Plover fight, and a Snowy Plover chick. His morning ended with a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron grabbing a ghost crab. We were headed back to our AirBnB before 10:00am.

I was on the road back to ILE by eleven, and, after a quick stop at Publix, home by 1:20pm. For a nice nap, my bursts, and a swim. It poured — for the first time in months, for a half an hour last night.

Today is Sunday 30 May 2021. The morning forecast for ILE is for partly cloudy skies with a light breeze from the west/southwest. I will be heading down to the lake early to check on the crane families and to see how the Black-necked Stilts are doing. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

This blog post took more than two hours to prepare, and makes 155 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

This Just In!

In a short visit to the lake this morning, I found two Black-necked Stilt nests, photographed the large surviving crane colt family, and watched the crane family of four stumble upon one of the stilt nests — as expected, the stilts attacked with a vengeance. Then I headed to the North Field where I photographed the small crane chicks sitting in pink and yellow wildflowers on the edge of the marsh. Images and details soon. I was headed home before 8:00am.

ILE In-the-Field Sessions
Sandhill Crane colts and small chicks guaranteed!

Any morning from now til …
2-hour session (6:30 to 8:30am): $300.00/each

The crane colts family and the crane chicks family continue to be utterly dependable. Join me for a morning at Indian Lake Estates with a money-back guarantee: if we do not get to photograph either the colts and/or the chicks at close range, you will get every penny back. Point blank Black-necked Stilts are guaranteed as well.

Lodging and Photoshop lessons available. If you are seriously interested in joining me for one or more sessions, get in touch via e-mail or call or text me on my cell at 863-221-2372.

Thanks to Cliff Beittel

Cliff Beittel comment/May 29, 2021 at 5:05 pm

Sweet image. I like the plumes trailing into that still water.

I hadn’t heard Five Feet High and Rising, but I love a number of Johnny Cash songs, both late ones like his cover of Hurt and God’s Gonna Cut You Down, and many of his older classics. For those who haven’t seen the powerful video made for Hurt, it includes footage of the childhood homestead, many strong images of Cash in his prime, and even some flood footage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART/May 29, 2021 at 6:28 pm

Thanks for the link Cliff. That is one powerful 3:48. The shot of a young Cash driving the locomotive at the 54 second mark (and most of the rest) brought tears to my eyes.

with love, a

Huguenot Memorial Park and/or Jacksonville Nesting Beaches Info Requested

If you photograph regularly at Huguenot Memorial Park and/or any of the other of the publicly accessible beaches north of Jacksonville that have nesting Laughing Gull, Royal and Sandwich Terns, and possibly Brown Pelican, please get in touch via e-mail or call or text me at 863-221-2372.

This image was created on 28 May 2021 at the rookery in North Tampa. While standing, I used the Induro GIT 304L/ Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted-Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/800 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 5:40:09pm on a sunny afternoon. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed very well. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #1: Wood Stork fledgling — head portrait

The Most Pleasing Image Design?

All are invited to compare the image design for today’s three similar featured photographs. Which do you think is the most pleasing? The best? The most balanced? Keep reading to learn a ton about bird photography with the latest/greatest gear with the latest/greatest AF systems and super-high frame-rates.

This image was created on 28 May 2021 at the rookery in North Tampa. While standing, I used the Induro GIT 304L/ Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted-Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). AUTO ISO 640. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 5:40:26pm on a sunny afternoon. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version Image #2: Wood Stork fledgling — head portrait

Image Clean-up

I did a bit of clean-up of the bill, the face, and the hair-do in each of today’s featured images. All of the clean-up was relatively minor as the bird was remarkably clean for a fledgling. There are some slight differences in the image clean-up, but there is one fairly significant difference. If you think that you can spot it, please leave a comment. Folks with a good nose for this sort of thing will have an advantage …

This image was created on 28 May 2021 at the rookery in North Tampa. While standing, I used the Induro GIT 304L/ Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted-Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). AUTO ISO 640. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/800 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 5:40:43pm on a sunny afternoon. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #3: Wood Stork fledgling — head portrait

Fine-Point In-the-Field Lessons

Things to note:

• 1- In no more than 34 seconds, I changed the AF method once. I changed the ISO once. I changed the shutter speed three times (from 1/800 to 1/1000 and then back to 1/800). I changed the aperture once.

The Lessons

The better you know your equipment and the more efficiently that your camera body is set up, the faster and easier it is to make small changes that may or may not lead to big improvements. I noticed that in this case, working at 1200mm, that Wide AF was not grabbing and holding the bird’s eye. In about one second, I switched from Wide to Tracking: Flexible Spot that nailed the eye in every frame thereafter. The default method of switching AF methods with the a1 is cumbersome at best. In both the a1 Info and Updates e-mails and in the R5 e-guide, we share a fast and simple way to get from one AF method or mode to the others almost instantly.

• 2- Through all of that, the three exposures were equivalent: 1/800 at f/8 at ISO 500 = 1/1000 at f/8 at ISO 640 = 1/800 at f/9 at ISO 640.

The Lesson

When you are in an obviously great situation, knowing — via Zebras technology and RawDigger study — that you have the perfect exposure, you can concentrate on firing away with impunity.

• 3- In the span of 34 seconds, the compositions varied significantly.

The Lesson

In Image #1, the image design was the result of the bird was leaning forward while walking. Though the chances of success are reduced with a moving bird, especially when working at 1200mm, it does not cost you anything but a few taps of the delete key to at least try. The image designs in #s 2 & 3 on the other hand, were by design.

• 4- In the span about two minutes, I created more than 100 images of this bird. I am now down to seven keepers.

The Lessons

In good situations, do not hesitate. Do take care with your settings, and when everything is perfect, fire away. With the super-fast high end camera bodies, you need to edit more tightly than ever. For me, with my a1 raw files, Photo Mechanic is the bomb. Holding down the right arrow key is like watching a movie!

Thanks, Ralph!

Designing and Creating Pleasing and Dramatic Natural History Images A Video Webinar: $30 by electronic download Order your copy by clicking here.

Designing and Creating Pleasing and Dramatic Natural History Images

A Video Webinar

In this 1 hour 28 minute plus video you will learn and be inspired. We cover everything from the very basics to the fine points. After a brief bio, the topics include Behavior, Action, Diagonal Lines, and the Cuteness Factor; Birds in Flight — The Holy Grail of Bird Photography; Mis-Framing!; Basic Image Design/HORIZONTALS: Get the subject out of the center of the frame. Basic Image Design/VERTICALS: The center of the frame is generally fine; The Importance of BACKGROUND; Isolating the Subject; Other Elements of Composition; On Getting Low; Going Wide for Bird-scapes; Super-tight!; Working in Sunny Conditions; Working in Cloudy Conditions; Working in Foggy Conditions; Working in the Shade; Working in Bad Weather; Creating Back-lit Images; Creating Silhouettes; and Creating Pleasing Blurs.

Each segment of the program consists of an average of about 15 images that will drive home the points being made, educate you, and inspire. The instructions and advice, given clearly and concisely, are based on my near-38 years of experience photographing birds with telephoto and super-telephoto lenses. And on several decades of creating educational blog posts.

This presentation is based on the webinar that I did for the South Shore Camera Club in April. You can find some of the comments below along with comments from two of the folks who viewed the webinar the night before the DeSoto IPT began.

You can order your copy of Designing and Creating Pleasing and Dramatic Natural History Images/A Video Webinar by clicking here or by calling Jim with your credit card in hand at 863-692-0906.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

On Thursday morning, Clemens Van der Werf and I enjoyed a spectacular wading bird feeding spree at Fort DeSoto. The highlights for me were several one year old Tricolored Herons fishing up a storm. Then we spent two hours sitting in four inches of warm saltwater photographing Marbled Godwits, Short-billed Dowitchers, Sempipalmated Sandpipers, and a few Red Knots. We saw lot of knots, but none were in breeding plumage.

I used the Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip for the first time. I will do a full review here soon. In short, it ain’t perfect.

On Thursday afternoon, we headed back to do the Least Terns with lighter gear — see below for details on that. We both think that we did much better with the lighter, slower lenses, but we have not seen the images yet. Sunset was a bust with no diving pelicans and no large terns diving.

Today is Friday 28 May 2021. The forecast for St. Pete is for clear skies with a gentle northwest wind. We shall see what we shall see. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare, and makes 153 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

Wanted to Buy

I have a buyer for a Canon 600mm f/4L IS III telephoto lens. If you have one sitting on a shelf, unloved and unused, and would like to find a new home for it, please get in touch via e-mail.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now at zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

This image was created on 26 May 2021 at Fort DeSoto Park. I used the Induro GIT 304L/ Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 800. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:41pm on a mostly clear late afternoon. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Least Tern landing at colony

A Tough Task

Photographing Least Terns in flight is a tough task either with a tripod-mounted 600 f/4 (me) or a hand held 600 f/4 (Clemens). They are fast flyers, they dart and turn, and when they land, it is as if they have been shot out of the sky. None-the-less, we each managed a few good ones. Clemens was using his new R5 while his vaunted 1DX III was back at the AirBnB. On Tuesday evening, we headed back for more. Me with the much lighter 200-600, and Clemens with the lighter Canon 200-400 w/internal 1.4X TC (in place most of the time).

This image was created on 26 May 2021 at Fort DeSoto Park. I used the Induro GIT 304L/ Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted-Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). AUTO ISO 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel. Multi metering +2 1/3 stops: 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Shutter Priority mode. AWB at 8:08pm on a sunny afternoon with a bit of haze to the west. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #2: Tern diving at sunset

What to Try With a Bad Wind at Sunset …

With the sun setting in the west and a stiff wind from the west/northeast, silhouetted birds are facing away from you. We tried for either the diving terns or for diving pelicans. The latter turn away from the wind and give you at least half a chance as they dive.

Shutter Priority Mode with Auto ISO for Sunset Silhouettes

As regular readers know, I often go to Shutter Priority Mode with Auto ISO for sunset silhouette flight photography. This approach works greatly against a light-toned sky well away from the sun and the richly colored sky close to the sun. If the sun winds ups in the frame, you are gonna toast the sun no matter what mode you are in. As noted in the RawDigger guide, without the sun in the frame, everyone under-exposes silhouettes. Even though I was at +2 1/3 stops, this one was almost a stop too dark. Live and keep learning.

Clemens Van der Werf created this image on 26 May 2021. He used the tripod/Mongoose M3.6-mounted Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, the Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, and the highly-touted Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera body. ISO 250o. Exposure determined by test exposure & histogram and blinkies evaluation: 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6. AWB at 8:23pm on a relatively Face Detection plus Tracking AF performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #3: Brown Pelican turning to dive at sunset. Image courtesy of and copyright 2021 Clemens Van der Werf

Going Wider was a Good Plan

While I stayed with the 2X TC to try for the larger terns, Clemens swapped his 2X for the 1.4X and did much better with the pelicans. That move paid off nicely. At 1200mm, the pelicans were too large in the frame for me. Clemens has now done three sessions with his new R5 and is getting used to it very quickly. He set his new camera up exactly as detailed in the BIRDS AS ART Canon EOS R5 Camera User’s e-Guide.

Cover Image courtesy of and Copyright 2021 Brian Sump (Sump scores!) The BIRDS AS ART Canon EOS R5 Camera User’s e-Guide

The BIRDS AS ART Canon EOS R5 Camera User’s e-Guide: $75.00

The guide is 82 pages long: 21,458 words. More than 50 DPP 4 Autofocus-depicting screen captures. And a 31 minute 44 second educational video. This guide took three and a half months of hard work and a ton of help from at least seventeen very helpful and generous folks.

The guide covers — in great detail — all Menu Items that are relevant to bird, nature, and wildlife photography. It does not cover video. The section on AF methods and the AF Gallery has been expanded from the R5/R6 AF e-guide. It remains the one of the great strengths of this guide. I share my thoughts on what I am sure is the single best AF Method for photographing birds in flight. As most of you know, the guide includes a simple and easy way to change AF Methods that was introduced to me by Geoff Newhouse. In the AF Gallery you will see exactly how Face Detection plus Tracking AF works. In the Educational R5 Gallery video, I share my favorite R5 images along with dozens of bird photography tips and techniques.

In addition, I teach you how to get the best exposures with your R5. Detailed instructions on using the great In-camera HDR and Multiple Exposure features will be appreciated by creative folks who like to have fun. The three shutter modes are explained in detail as well. Bruce Dudek solved the can’t-get-to-Auto ISO problem that had stumped everyone at Canon. This information is of course shared in the guide. You will learn how to set up your EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) and Screen toggle options. Not to mention that the mysterious performance of the Q Button is revealed and simplified. Brian Sump’s images reveal how well you can do when using the R5 with EF lenses using one of the three Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapters (as Donna did with Image #1 below). You will learn how I use Customize Dials to put either ISO or EC on the Thumb Dial and how to set up and save Custom Shooting Modes (C1-C3) that can remember both your Customize Dial and Customize Button settings! That is something that none of the SONY bodies do. 🙁 Near the end of the guide I share my all-important MY MENU items with you.

Like all BAA educational materials, the R5 guide is written in my informal, easy-to-follow style. I am quite proud of this guide and look forward to hearing your thoughts on our hard work.

You can purchase your copy of the BIRDS AS ART Canon EOS R5 Camera User’s e-Guide for $75.00 here in the BAA Online Store or by calling Jim in the office weekday afternoons at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand.

From the late Luis Grunauer via e-mail

I’ve watched the R5 gallery video. I LOVE THE PHOTOS and the stories behind them, not to mention that the EXIF data is displayed in Photo Mechanic. Your explanations of the settings and the processes are very helpful. Your comments on framing and composition (both the great ones and the ones you refer to as “created by operator error”) were enlightening. It gives folks a chance to learn from someone with lots of in-the-field hands on experience with the R5! Well done and thanks so much for sharing it with me. There is some awesome teaching in the video to say the least!

From Ron Santini via e-mail

I have an R5 and purchased your “The BAA R5/R6 AF Guide” about a month ago. It has been a game-changer for me. I previously used back button focus (BBF), but after following your guide, that is a thing of the past. You truly simplified the process and I just want to thank you.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

Tuesday was another gorgeous morning at ILE. I got a few nice frames of one of the crane babies on the short grass on someone’s front lawn. Then, I was off to sit on my milk crate in the marsh. Again, a pair of Black-necked Stilts copulated right in front of me. Working at ground level at 840mm, I knew what was coming when the pair began splashing each other. I did not have the guts to take the time to remove the TC, so I was a bit tight with some of the frames, but got some very sweet stuff. Then I moved 30 yards to my right to go after another pair of stilts — they are getting tamer and tamer. Anyhoo, had I stayed where I was, I would have had some really great chances with the Limpkin chicks …

Belated congrats to Phil Mickelson who at age 50 (going on 51), became the oldest player to ever win a major golf tournament. That brought back memories of Tom Watson in the 2009 British Open. At age 59, Watson bogied the 18th hole after a perfect approach shot to the green. And then lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink.

Today is Wednesday 25 May 2021. The forecast for this morning is calling for partly cloudy with a southeast breeze. 5:45 I was sitting on a bench outside of Quest Diagnostics, first on line for a blood draw. They open at 6:30 so I will be headed down to the lake to check things out as soon as I am done. This afternoon I am driving over to Gulfport to meet up with Clemens Van der Werf for three days of photography at Fort DeSoto. I’ll be home on Saturday afternoon. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

This blog post took about an hour to prepare, and makes 152 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now at zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

This image was created down by the lake at ILE on 25 May 2021. While sitting on a milk crate along behind my flattened Induro GIT 304L topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro, I used my 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 640. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:06am on clear sunny morning. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed quite well nailing the adult’s neck just beyond the chin. Click on the image to see a larger version. Limpkin adult with hungry chick feeding

It’s a Start …

I set out on Tuesday morning with plans to perhaps create a few decent images of the Limpkin family, two adults with three chicks. This cropped image was the best I could do. Had I been a bit more patient — not my strong suit, and stuck to the original plan, I would have had some really great chances.

I knew I had the perfect exposure for the stilts, so when the darker Limpkins showed up, I lowered the shutter speed two clicks. That was right on the money; the RawDigger adapted histogram showed the G channel pushed right to the 16000 line. The only OvExp pixels were on the specular highlights on the bill. I will take another crack at the Limpkins today and try to stick to the plan.

Your Call?

What do you like about today’s featured image? What don’t you like?

Sony Alpha a1 AF

Barring operator error, the performance of the Sony Alpha a1 AF system at any focal length — including at 1200mm as seen in recent blog posts — is, when the a1 is set up properly as detailed in the in e-mails to the Sony Alpha a1 Info & Updates group, more than remarkable. Early on, there was lots of discussion within the group with many preferring multiple back button approaches. For me a simple shutter button approach with the right AF settings that yield 99% sharp-on-the-eye images is best. By far. It is super-simple and mega-effective. In recent SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group e-mails, I shared what I have learned as to when and it what situations it is best to abandon Wide. And with what. The group has already learned to limit the AF Area choices and to switch AF Areas quickly and conveniently. The default method of switching AF points with the C2 button is both slow and cumbersome. In addition, recent e-mails have detailed the best program to use to pick your a1 keepers and the big problem with the Camera Set. Memory menu item.

SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group

The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group is going great guns as folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based advice. We are now up to an astounding 49 blessed folks. Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. More recently, we have been in contact with folks at SONY sharing our thoughts, experiences, and frustrations with the EVF blackout problem.

All who purchased their Alpha a1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link will receive a free subscription to the Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up and Info Updates after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.) This same service may be purchased by anyone with an a1 body via a $150.00 PayPal sent to birdsasart@verizon.net indicating payment for Alpha a1 Info Updates. Alternatively, folks can call Jim weekdays at 1-863-692-0906 to pay via credit card. New members will receive composite e-mails that summarize all previous discussions.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

I had a very good session on Sunday morning. I photographed the crane colts and the crane chicks. The latter are getting large enough to be visible above the grass. Recognizing the wind and light conditions, my best images were of an Osprey landing with some chunks of reddish bark for its nest. Last were some good ground level images of a pair of Black-necked Stilts. I’ve started going down at sunset to check out The Perch II. So far, nothing but Boat-tailed Grackles …

Today is Monday 24 May 2021. I will be heading down to the lake soon no matter the weather. Today, I will be consolidating all of my April photo sessions into a single folder and then doing a second edit. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

This blog post took about two hours to prepare, and makes 150 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

ImaGE #0: From the last two mornings at ILE

What You’ve Been Missing

All of the images in the screen capture above were created on either May 23rd or 24th with the hand held SONY 200-600 and the a1. The pickings are easy.

ILE In-the-Field Sessions
Sandhill Crane colts and small chicks guaranteed!

Tuesday May 25, Wednesday May 26, or Sunday May 30, 2021.
2-hour session: $300.00/each

The crane colts family and the crane chicks family have been utterly dependable for the past few days. Join me for a morning at Indian Lake Estates with a money-back guarantee: if we do not get to photograph either the colts and/or the chicks at close range, you will get every penny back. Also possible: Ospreys in flight and Black-necked Stilts.

Lodging and Photoshop lessons available. If you are seriously interested in joining me for one or more sessions, get in touch via e-mail or call or text me on my cell at 863-221-2372.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now at zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I-Phone image at 1/2 magnification (wide-angle). Click on the image to see a version that fits in your browser window. Note: most of this frame is shallow water. Image #1: the view from the milk crate

Near-ground Level Shooting on the Tripod in the Water

I leave the bottom tripod leg sections extended about one inch. All the other leg sections are not extended at all. That allows me to have the tripod as low as possible. Before splaying the legs completely, I will usually loop the lens strap a few times around the near-end of the lens to keep it dry. Having my reading glasses with me for these endeavors is important. Once I set the tripod down firmly, I level the Induro GIT 304L topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro so that I can pan left and right while remaining perfectly level. I activate the Level to make sure that I am perfect. Then I toggle the Level off. Next, of course, is to flip up the rear screen to about 45 degrees.

It takes some practice to find the bird in the lens so that you can see it on the rear screen. Once you’ve done that, double-check your exposure by whatever method you use. It is of course, easiest for those using SONY Zebra technology (assuming of course that the camera is set up correctly). With small in the frame subjects the trick is to acquire focus with the subject in the center of the frame, and then pan to move the subject back in the frame. At times, even the AF system of the a1 is blind. With the 600 GM, it is a simple matter of focusing manually until the bird becomes fairly sharp and is thus visible to the AF system. With large in the frame subject’s such as the Black-necked Stilt in Image #2, you simply have to trust the Face/Eye/Subject tracking AF. Learn more in the AF point screen capture below.

I wear a long-sleeved outdoors shirt with two large pockets on the upper chest (like a dress shirt would have). I keep the TC caps in the left pocket, and my cell phone in the right. If I need to remove the TC, I can simply drop it in the left hand pocket and be good to go. I’ll pop my glasses into the right hand pocket for flight photography. The pockets have flaps with Velcro closures. I make sure to shut the pockets carefully ;if I get up to do something and happen to bend over, I do not want anything to fall into the lake.

The huge advantage of sitting on the milk crate (or when sitting on a beach or a mudflat using a Panning Ground Pod) is that you stay relatively dry and relatively clean. All that without having to strain your lower back and neck … Do understand that in general you have more control when lying down flat, but understand that there are large prices to pay (as noted in the two previous sentences). Shooting off the rear screen while seated is child’s play as compared to truly getting down and dirty.

One thing that I have failed to mention is that if you are working super-low off the rear screen and spot a bird in the distance flying toward you, it is possible — even easy with a slow-flying bird, to flip the rear screen down, unclamp the lever, grab the rig, and hand hold it for flight.

The iPhone Photography e-Guide To order your copy of the iPhone Photography e-Guide, please click here. The PDF is sent link by e-mail for downloading: the file is relatively huge at 216 MB.

Hard to Believe

Yes, Cliff has a great eye and wonderfully creative vision. Yet it is still hard for me to believe that he can make so many great images with “just“ an i-phone. Almost more amazingly Cliff captures with his iPhone and does all of his post-processing on the phone! In this great new e-Guide written for BIRDS AS ART you will learn to use set up you iPhone quickly and efficiently and how to use it. In addition, there are dozens and dozens of tips on Cliff’s favorite apps and his favorite gear. Scroll down to the bottom to see the Table of Contents.

The iPhone Photography e-Guide: $20.00.

To order your copy of the iPhone Photography e-Guide please click here.

Dr. Cliff Oliver

Dr. Cliff Oliver is an award-winning photographer, former photography instructor for the San Diego Natural History Museum, cutting-edge integrative health care professional, and international workshop leader. He created and taught the first 5-day immersion iPhone photography workshop at Hollyhock, Canada’s premier Leadership Learning Center. He teaches quarterly iPhone photography classes at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library School of the Arts (these include Art on the iPhone, iPhoneography, Portraits and Selfies, and Practicing in the Field). His images have been on the cover of WildBird magazine, on display at Scripps Oceanography Institute, and been honored with multiple first-place finishes in the International Exhibition of Photography Del Mar. The San Diego Natural History Museum’s, “Birds of the World” centennial exhibit featured several of his images. One of his iPhone images received an honorable mention in the Athenaeum 23rd annual juried exhibition. He has displayed images at Art Speaks: Expressions of Hope and Healing and has produced a series of books, called Zen I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII that feature original images that promote inner peace. The last 4 books feature only images taken on the iPhone. He teaches individuals and groups the skills of capturing iPhone/mobile photographs and then how to create personalized works of art.

To see some of Cliff’s iPhone images, click here. Learn more about Cliff and what he does on his Center for Balance website here. And don’t forget, if I had never met Cliff I would be pushing up daisies somewhere. To request my Health Basics File that contains the whole story, please shoot me an e-mail by clicking here..

This image was created down by the lake at ILE on 21 May 2021. While sitting on a milk crate along behind my flattened Induro GIT 304L topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro, I used my 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 500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:35am on clear sunny morning. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed beyond flawlessly — see the second screen capture below. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2: Black-necked Stilt male feeding

Success!

When you do everything just right, the results can be spectacular. Today’s featured image is full frame. The raw file was converted in Adobe Camera Raw and aside from a layer of Topaz DeNoise, is pretty much right out of camera. As regular readers know, I have recently become obsessed with ground level shooting. It’s official: I am now addicted.

The males of this species are totally black above, while the females have a brownish saddle of feathers on their backs.

Image #2A: The RawDigger Adapted (Pink) histogram for the Black-necked Stilt male feeding image

Dead Solid Perfect Exposures …

This one, with the G channel just a shade inside the 16000 line, is better than most as far as exposures go. Learn how to fine tune your exposures in the RawDigger e-Guide.

RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos

The RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos

by Arthur Morris with Patrick Sparkman

The RawDigger e-Guide was created only for serious photographers who wish to get the absolute most out of their raw files.

Patrick and I began work on the guide in July 2020. At first we struggled. We asked questions. We learned about Max-G values. We puzzled as to why the Max G values for different cameras were different. IPT veteran Bart Deamer asked lots of questions that we could not answer. We got help from RawDigger creator Iliah Borg. We learned. In December, Patrick came up with an Adapted Histogram that allows us to evaluate the exposures and raw file brightness for all images created with all digital camera bodies from the last two decades. What we learned each time prompted three complete beginning to end re-writes.

The point of the guide is to teach you to truly expose to the mega-Expose-to-the-Right so that you will minimize noise, maximize image quality, best utilize your camera’s dynamic range, and attain the highest possible level of shadow detail in your RAW files in every situation. In addition, your properly exposed RAW files will contain more tonal information and feature the smoothest possible transitions between tones. And your optimized images will feature rich, accurate color.

We teach you why the GREEN channel is almost always the first to over-expose. We save you money by advising you which version of RawDigger you need. We teach you how to interpret the Max G values for your Canon, Nikon, and SONY camera bodies. It is very likely that the Shock-your-World section will shock you. And lastly — thanks to the technical and practical brilliance of Patrick Sparkman — we teach you a simple way to quickly and easily evaluate your exposures and raw file brightness using an Adapted RawDigger histogram.

The flower video takes you through a session where artie edits a folder of images in Capture One while checking the exposures and Max-G values in RawDigger. The Adapted Histogram video examines a series of recent images with the pink histograms and covers lots of fine points including and especially how to deal with specular highlights. The directions for setting up the Adapted Histogram are in the text.

If we priced this guide based on how much effort we put into it, it would sell it for $999.00. But as this guide will be purchased only by a limited number of serious photographers, we have priced it at $51.00. You can order yours here in the BAA Online Store.

Image #2B: The AF point for the Black-necked Stilt male feeding image

More-Than-You-Could-Ever-Hope-For Autofocus …

With large-in-the-frame birds, most AF systems will simply grab the side of the bird leaving the head and eye quite soft, well beyond point of focus. Even with my reading glasses on I cannot see the tiny green box that tracks the bird’s eye with the a1. And though I am forced to trust the AF system, I never dreamed that it would have performed so superbly in this situation. But it did, not only for this image but for all those in the series!

Sony Alpha a1 AF

Barring operator error, the performance of the Sony Alpha a1 AF system at any focal length — including 1200mm as seen in recent blog posts — is, when the a1 is set up properly as detailed in the in e-mails to the Sony Alpha a1 Info & Updates group, more than remarkable. Early on, there was lots of discussion within the group with many preferring multiple back button approaches. For me a simple shutter button approach with the right AF settings that yield 99% sharp-on-the-eye images is best. By far. It is super-simple and mega-effective. In the next SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group e-mail, I will be sharing what I have learned as to when and it what situations it is best to abandon Wide. And with what. The group has already learned to limit the AF Area choices and to switch AF Areas quickly and conveniently. The default method of switching AF points with the C2 button is both slow and cumbersome.

SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group

The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group is going great guns as folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based advice. We are now up to an astounding 46 lucky folks. Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. More recently, we have been in contact with folks at SONY sharing our thoughts, experiences, and frustrations with the EVF blackout problem.

All who purchased their Alpha a1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link will receive a free subscription to the Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up and Info Updates after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.) This same service may be purchased by anyone with an a1 body via a $150.00 PayPal sent to birdsasart@verizon.net indicating payment for Alpha a1 Info Updates. Alternatively, folks can call Jim weekdays at 1-863-692-0906 to pay via credit card. New members will receive composite e-mails that summarize all previous discussions.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

Anita and I were down at the lake early on Friday morning. She paid a final visit to the two crane families while I worked on the Black-necked Stilts off the flattened tripod in thee inches of water. It was a still, gorgeous morning, with water like glass. The more ground level stuff I shoot, the more I become addicted to the look. There is, however, one very big negative to working at or near ground level. And that is the subject of today’s post.

Anita North should be home by now. She flew to Buffalo on Friday and got a lift from there to her home in Toronto where she will do her mandatory two-week quarantine … We had a great visit.

Today is Saturday, 22 May 2021. The forecast is for more of the same, mostly sunny skies with a gentle breeze from the northeast. You will surely be able to find me sitting on my milk crate down by the edge of the marsh. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes 149 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

Cataract Surgery …

If you are a nature photographer who has had any experience with cataract corrective surgery, please get in touch with Joe Norton via e-mail> He would love to chat with you.

Coincidentally, I had my annual eye exam with Dr. Braunstein in Lake Wales the other day. I love the guy. He always tells me the same thing: “You have the eyes of a non-diabetic.” That of course is music to my ears. He mentioned that I did have some evidence of cataracts, but that I probably would not live long enough for them to ever be a problem. I said, “That might be good or bad …” “At least 15 years,” he said.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now at zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

This image was created down by the lake at ILE on 15 May 2021. On my first morning of sitting on a milk crate along the edge of the marsh, I used the Induro GIT 304L/ Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted-Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1250. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:50am on an overcast morning. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1:Mottled Duck in flight

The Single Biggest Negative to Ground Level Shooting

The single biggest negative to working at ground level is that for 99% of folks, it is impossible to shoot flight. If you are using the tilted read screen you have zero chance. If you are lying down looking through the viewfinder you might have one chance in a thousand on a low-flying bird. Heck, make that one chance in a million. More than a decade ago I saw a nice flight image made by Long Island friend James Galletto that he made while lying prone in the mud at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens, NY.

Thanks, Clemens!

Thanks to Clemens Van der Werf for re-acquainting me with Nik’s great Viveza plug-in. And for the tutorial session he did for Anita and me before he headed home on Thursday. I used Viveza with today’s image to transform the rather bland white sky– as seen in the screen capture below, into a fairly pleasant shade of blue. If you might be interested in purchasing a short Viveza tutorial video, please shoot me an e-mail and I will get to work.

Image #1A: AF Point for the Mottled Duck in flight imaget

What Can I Say?

Well, the AF system of the a1 missed, the eye, and technically, it missed the face. But this image, and about fifteen others in the series, were laser/razor sharp on the duck’s eye. Anita liked the image so much she said, “It looks like a Sump Duck.” That is a high compliment as later winter, BPN-friend Brian Sump consistently produced spectacular images of ducks in flight, including the cover of the Canon EOS R5 Camera User’s e-Guide.

Members of the A1 Info and Updates Group learn about and receive a link to the program that enables folks to see the AF points with SONY raw files. And all receive a free copy of the Sony Camera User’s e-Guide that I did with Patrick Sparkman.

Sony Alpha a1 AF

Barring operator error, the performance of the Sony Alpha a1 AF system at any focal length — including 1200mm as seen in recent blog posts — is, when the a1 is set up properly as detailed in the in e-mails to the Sony Alpha a1 Info & Updates group, more than remarkable. Early on, there was lots of discussion within the group with many preferring multiple back button approaches. For me a simple shutter button approach with the right AF settings that yield 99% sharp-on-the-eye images is best. By far. It is super-simple and mega-effective. In the next SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group e-mail, I will be sharing what I have learned as to when and it what situations it is best to abandon Wide. And with what. The group has already learned to limit the AF Area choices and to switch AF Areas quickly and conveniently. The default method of switching AF points with the C2 button is both slow and cumbersome.

SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group

The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group is going great guns as folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based advice. We are now up to an astounding 46 lucky folks. Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. More recently, we have been in contact with folks at SONY sharing our thoughts, experiences, and frustrations with the EVF blackout problem.

All who purchased their Alpha a1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link will receive a free subscription to the Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up and Info Updates after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.) This same service may be purchased by anyone with an a1 body via a $150.00 PayPal sent to birdsasart@verizon.net indicating payment for Alpha a1 Info Updates. Alternatively, folks can call Jim weekdays at 1-863-692-0906 to pay via credit card. New members will receive composite e-mails that summarize all previous discussions.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

Ye of little faith …

On Wednesday morning, in perfect conditions, Anita, Clemens, and I made our way into the marsh at 6:40am. We did not see a single Black-necked Stilt anywhere. It seemed as if we were in a dead zone. I said, “I’m outta here,” and headed north for the two small chicks (by car). I did OK. Like me, Anita was not optimistic and headed to the south end of the marsh. When she returned, Clemens was ecstatic; his patience had been rewarded when two stilts landed right in from of him, courted, and copulated. Facing him! Then two more showed up for a battle royale. His final reward was a single stilt bathing. Anita had chased a dive-bathing Osprey and got a great image of the bird shaking out in flight after its bath. I hooked back up with them at about 8:00am; we all worked the edge of the marsh and enjoyed some really good chances with the two large crane colts and their parents. And finally, with a young Green Heron.

That evening we decided to head to Lake Blue Cypress for sunset … We left the dock at about 6:00pm and took a beating on the way across the lake as we headed into a stiff northeasterly wind. Once we got in the lee of the eastern shore we were fine. We had a decent sunset. For the better part of the evening, we did scenic photography with the occasional landing Osprey thrown in for good measure. We got back to the dock at 8:45pm and headed home well past my usual bedtime.

Today is Thursday 20 May 2021. The forecast for ILE is calling for partly cloudy with a northeast wind. Partly cloudy at ILE usually means clear as a bell. The three of us will be back down in the marsh. It is likely that Anita and I will be more patient than we were this morning. I have neglected to mention that the weather here for the past five days has been quite strange for May in central Florida. Morning and later afternoons have been cool and there has been a pretty decent cool breeze each day as we’ve dined on the pool deck, sort of like October on Long Island …

Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes 147 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now at zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail

This image was created on 19 May 2021 by yours truly. While seated — using the knee-pod technique, I used the hand held 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 (while standing –double gasp!). ISO 2000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:03am on a clear morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and created a sharp-on-the-eye image. Image #1: Sandhill Crane chick standing in grass between adult’s legs

Out of the Crane Box #1

This image — a photo illustration if you would, was created from a horizontal original that included the second chick and the bill of the adult whose legs remain in the photo to frame the chick. The bill of the adult was cloned away and I did some work on the grass as well. If you would like to see the JPEG that represents the original frame, please click here.

Like It or Hate It?

Like it or hate it. Why?

This image was created on 19 May 2021 by Anita North. She used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:34am on a clear, sunny morning. Wide/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2: Stretched wing detail of Sandhill Crane colt Image courtesy of and Copyright 2021 Anita North

Out of the Crane Box #2

When I saw one of the big colts do a wingstretch right in front of Anita, I wanted to call out, “Shoot the wing,” but there was no time so I went back to what I was doing. The bird was much too close to her for anything but an out of the box body parts image. A few hours later I walked by her open laptop and lo and behold, there was Image #2. She was in the next room so I called out, “Anita, I am so proud of you for getting the wing shot!”

Designing and Creating Pleasing and Dramatic Natural History Images A Video Webinar: $30 by electronic download Order your copy by clicking here.

Designing and Creating Pleasing and Dramatic Natural History Images

A Video Webinar

In this 1 hour 28 minute plus video you will learn and be inspired. We cover everything from the very basics to the fine points. After a brief bio, the topics include Behavior, Action, Diagonal Lines, and the Cuteness Factor; Birds in Flight — The Holy Grail of Bird Photography; Mis-Framing!; Basic Image Design/HORIZONTALS: Get the subject out of the center of the frame. Basic Image Design/VERTICALS: The center of the frame is generally fine; The Importance of BACKGROUND; Isolating the Subject; Other Elements of Composition; On Getting Low; Going Wide for Bird-scapes; Super-tight!; Working in Sunny Conditions; Working in Cloudy Conditions; Working in Foggy Conditions; Working in the Shade; Working in Bad Weather; Creating Back-lit Images; Creating Silhouettes; and Creating Pleasing Blurs.

Each segment of the program consists of an average of about 15 images that will drive home the points being made, educate you, and inspire. The instructions and advice, given clearly and concisely, are based on my near-38 years of experience photographing birds with telephoto and super-telephoto lenses. And on several decades of creating educational blog posts.

This presentation is based on the webinar that I did for the South Shore Camera Club in April. You can find some of the comments below along with comments from two of the folks who viewed the webinar the night before the DeSoto IPT began.

You can order your copy of Designing and Creating Pleasing and Dramatic Natural History Images/A Video Webinar by clicking here or by calling Jim with your credit card in hand at 863-692-0906.

Typos

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

What’s Up?

Paradise Lost

On Monday morning, Anita North and I returned to our favorite Black-necked Stilt spot. For the most part, the birds did not cooperate. I took a walk with my tripod-mounted 600 GM/1.4X/ai and my milk crate and found a cooperative stilt in a nice setting and worked low with the legs of my tripod splayed so that I was working with the lens about nine inches above the surface of the water. I got some very nice stuff.

Paradise Found

We ended early and ran into ILE-neighbor John. He drives down most mornings to check on the crane families. He told me that he had heard of (but not seen) two recently-hatched chicks and directed us to the spot. We drove down, found the family, and realized that the pair that had lost two half-grown colts had double clutched, that is, re-nested successfully. Best of all, both the adults and the chicks are very tame. It is looking like a repeat of the 2020 Mother’s Day tale. I wish them luck while counting my blessings. Coincidentally, we had seen a Bobcat sun-bathing the morning before about a half mile from the new family … I will be calling this family Mother’s Day II.

Today

Today is Tuesday 18 May 2021. Clemens Van der Werf arrived last night and we had planned on an outing on his flats boat for this morning. But after seeing our images of the Black-necked Stilts and the tiny, brand new Mother’s Day II chicks, we will all be heading down to the marsh with our milk crates. The forecast for this morning if for partly cloudy with a breeze from the northeast. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

This blog post took about an hour to prepare and makes 145 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now at zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail

This image was created on 10 May 2021 on the first morning of my recent busman’s holiday at Fort DeSoto. Working while seated on the sand, I used the Induro GIT 304L/ Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted-Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). ISO 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1000 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:26am on a sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #1: Red Knot almost fully molted into breeding plumage — in the Gulf surf

In Search of the Perfect Field Guide Portrait

I headed back to DeSoto in hopes of finding a Red Knot in 100% breeding plumage and creating the perfect field guide portrait, an image from the side showing the spectacularly patterned feathers of the back and the coverts of a fully molted bird. This bird was pretty close, but never turned to give me the profile shot I wanted …

Image #1A: AF Point screen capture for the Red Knot almost fully molted into breeding plumage — in the Gulf surf image

You-Gotta-Be-Kidding-Me AF Performance

Can your camera body detect and track the eye of an active shorebird as it forages along the edge of the surf? At 1200mm? The Sony Alpha a1 can. You will not get consistent results unless your camera is set up exactly right. If you own an a1 and are not getting the AF performance that you want and expect, consider joining the SONY a1 Info and Updates group. Scroll down for details.

This image was created on 12 May 2021 on the third morning of my recent busman’s holiday at Fort DeSoto. Working on the Panning Ground Pod, I used the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). ISO 1000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/800 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:09am in cloudy bright conditions. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #2: Red Knot partially molted into breeding plumage resting on sand flat

Hard Work …

Wednesday morning started off great and I made some Marbled Godwit and Dunlin in heaven images working in the soft light on the Panning Ground Pod. Next was a fishing Snowy Egret in the surf and a close-to-shore diving frigatebird. Then I crawled and rolled my way about 40 yards on a sand flat with the 600 GM/2X TC/a1 along for the ride in an effort to isolate a Red Knot. The only one that I was able to single out was the sleeping bird in Image #2. I was so knackered that morning that I went for a swim in the Gulf.

Anita is headed back to Canada this coming Friday. I just might head over to DeSoto for another busman’s holiday …

Sony Alpha a1 AF

Barring operator error, the performance of the Sony Alpha a1 AF system at any focal length — including 1200mm as in Image #1 above, is, when the a1 is set up properly as detailed in the in e-mails to the Sony Alpha a1 Info & Updates group, more than remarkable. Early on, there was lots of discussion within the group with many preferring multiple back button approaches. For me a simple shutter button approach with the right AF settings that yield 99% sharp-on-the-eye images is best. By far. It is super-simple and mega-effective. In the next SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group e-mail, I will be sharing what I have learned as to when and it what situations it is best to abandon Wide. And with what. The group has already learned to limit the AF Area choices and to switch AF Areas quickly and conveniently. The default method of switching AF points with the C2 button is both slow and cumbersome.

SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group

The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group is going great guns as folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based advice. We are now up to an astounding 46 lucky folks. Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. More recently, we have been in contact with folks at SONY sharing our thoughts, experiences, and frustrations with the EVF blackout problem.

All who purchased their Alpha a1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link will receive a free subscription to the Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up and Info Updates after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.) This same service may be purchased by anyone with an a1 body via a $150.00 PayPal sent to birdsasart@verizon.net indicating payment for Alpha a1 Info Updates. Alternatively, folks can call Jim weekdays at 1-863-692-0906 to pay via credit card. New members will receive composite e-mails that summarize all previous discussions.

Typos

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

Which?

Which of Anita North’s five images do you think is the strongest? Why? Also, you may wish to learn something by trying to answer the Aperture Errors Question below.

What’s Up?

Early on Saturday morning, I sat on a plastic milk crate in the marsh behind my tripod-mounted 600 GM/a1. Anita was to my left with the same gear, sitting on a small plastic stool. Two minutes after we were in place two Black-necked Stilts flew in and landed right in front of us. That was just the beginning of a truly great morning.

I did lots of catching up on e-mails and doing critiques in the Avian Forum at BPN. Since 12-13-2007, I have commented on or created 31,339 threads. I was pleased to learn that Dan Womack sold his Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens in mint condition for $1449.00 within hours of it being listed in yesterday’s blog post.

Today is Sunday 16 May 2021 and the forecast is perfect for sitting in the marsh: mostly sunny with a soft northeast breeze!. So that is exactly what we will be doing at 6:45am. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have a great day.

This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes 143 consecutive days with a new one. Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords and is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great if you opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And doing so always earns my great appreciation.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now at zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail

This image was created on 14 May 2021 down by the lake at ILE. Working from my SUV with the lens resting on a lowered window, I used Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 800. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:30am on a cloudy morning. Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Anita North in marsh

I Thought She Was Nuts!

When I first saw Anita sitting in the marsh, I thought that she was nuts. She had been observing the stilts on and off for about a week and had faith that they would land in front of her. That despite that fact that I had recently sat at the edge of a small mudflat at DeSoto and had firmly believed that if you sat, they would come.

This image was created on 14 May 2021 by Anita North in the marsh along the lakeshore at ILE. She used the Induro GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 5000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3 stop in error) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:00am on a cloudy morning. Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly by nailing the plover’s eye. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2: Black-necked Stilts copulating Image courtesy of an copyright 2021: Anita North

Copulations

The first pair that landed in front of Anita did the whole courtship deal: the female crouched in invitation while the male strutted around her splashing water with his bill. Then he mounted, her and they copulated. When he hopped off her, he put one raised wing over his mate, and they intertwined their necks in a seemingly loving embrace. Not a bad way to start!

This image was also created on 14 May 2021 by Anita North in the marsh along the lakeshore at ILE. She used the Induro GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 3200. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:03am on a cloudy morning. Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly by nailing the plover’s eye. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #3: Black-necked Stilts starting to squabble Image courtesy of an copyright 2021: Anita North

The Squabbles

As many as six stilts are often involved in fairly violent, exceedingly-difficult-to-photograph squabbles. In a way, Anita was lucky on her first attempt to have a cloudy morning. As there was no sun, she was able to photograph birds in positions where they would have been terribly sidelit on a clear morning.

This image was also created on 14 May 2021 by Anita North in the marsh along the lakeshore at ILE. She used the Induro GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 2500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:07am on a cloudy morning. Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #4: Black-necked Stilt in flight Image courtesy of an copyright 2021: Anita North

Flight Opportunities

On occasion, there are decent flight chances with the BNSTs as they fly to and from their three favorite spots well to the left of the pier. In addition, there is no telling what will fly by: Great and Snowy Egrets, Green, Little Blue, and Tricolored Herons, Fish Crow, Red-winged Blackbird, Boat-tailed Grackle, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Mottled Duck, Osprey, and Bald Eagle are all likely.

This image was created on 15 May 2021 by Anita North in the marsh along the lakeshore at ILE. She used the Induro GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 2500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (stopped down 1 stop in error) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:54am on just before sunrise. Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly by nailing the plover’s eye. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #5: Black-necked Stilt flapping after bath Image courtesy of an copyright 2021: Anita North

Aprés Bath

On a recent IPT, I called out that a Willet would jump into the air and flap. I even predicted that the bird would turn to its right before jumping up. That, after repeatedly dipping its breast in the water and splashing around. Several folks were stunned. How did you know that that would happen? More than nine times out of ten, when you see a bird, any bird, dipping its breast in the water to bathe, it will flap in place and then jump up and flap some more as it heads back to the shoreline. And since the wind was from behind us, I knew that it would turn so that it could flap (and fly) into the wind. Knowledge of bird behavior can get you images that you might otherwise miss.

This image was also created on 15 May 2021 by Anita North in the marsh along the lakeshore at ILE. She used the Induro GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 2500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (stopped down 1 stop in error) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:53am just before sunrise. Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly by nailing the plover’s eye. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #6: Black-necked Stilts battling Image courtesy of an copyright 2021: Anita North

The Holy Grail Shot!

It seem that the stilts from adjoining territories will meet up to fight just once each morning. On day two in the marsh, the big battle took place right in front of us. I pretty much fanned on all of my attempts as I struggled to properly frame the combatants as they jumped into the air. Anita did a great job with this one.

Aperture Errors Question

Anita made three errors in setting the aperture. Take a close look at the EXIF for images #2, #5, & #6 and see if you can figure out what she did wrong. If you think that you know, please leave your explanation in a comment. On a higher level, let us know if you can figure out why she made the error with images #5 & #6.

The Great News!

Anita is headed back to Toronto in about a week. The best news for me is that her strategy for photographing in the marsh while sitting on a milk crate (or in the water, to get even lower), will continue to pay dividends for me personally for years to come (at various settings).

Typos

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