Do your best to take care of your health. Spend some time laughing, smiling, thinking, and crying every day. (Thanks to Jim Valvano.) Get out as much as possible to do some photography. It is my fervent wish that each of you attends a BAA Instructional Photo-Tour this coming year. I will be there 🙂
Your Call?
2023 was a great year for me. Below, I share 24 of my favorite images from last year. All are invited to leave a comment letting us know which are their three favorite image and why they made their choices.
An Invitation
All are invited to send me their two best images made in 2024 for a free, short critique. Please send sharpened 2000 pixel tall or wide JPEGs as e-mail attachments to me here. If you send three or more, I will delete your e-mail no matter how good the images.
Stats
The average focal length for all 24 images was 598mm, well within range of the Sony 200-600. Surprisingly, none of the images below were created with one of my favorite lenses, the relatively inexpensive, incredibly versatile Sony 2-6.
Five of the 24 images were created with my 70-200 GM II lens; long focal lengths are not a necessity. Only three of the photos were created at 1200mm. Eleven in all were made with my beloved 600mm f/4 (either bare or with a TC). And an additional eight (again, all either with the bare lens alone or with a TC) were created with my relatively new 400mm f/2.8. I surely am glad that I purchased it. Surprisingly, the images below represent photos made with only three lenses.
Image #1: Ring-necked Duck, San Diego, CA
Santee Lakes
Each San Diego IPT visits Santee Lakes at just the right time. We try for fire-in-the-mist, and then enjoy photographing the ducks at close range. My faves are the ring-necked, the Woodk Ducks, and the Cinnamon Teal.
Image #2: 2-year old Pacific-race Brown Pelican stretching wings, San Diego, CA
Sub-Adult Pelican Plumages
I always marvel at the widely variable plumages of all ages of the Pacific-race Brown Pelicans in San Diego.
Image #3: Pacific-race Brown Pelican resting, tight, San Diego, CA
Point Blank Range
On the rare cloudy, windy, sometimes stormy day with winds from the west or the southwest, there is a spot where you can consistently get very close to the pelicans. Join me on a San Diego IPT to learn where.
Image #4: Bald Eagle vertical banking flight, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
Vertical Banking Flight
Most (but not all) vertical bank shots of birds in flight are — as Image #4 was — cropped from horizontal originals. On the wind is just right on the Homer IPTs, I will teach the group to shoot vertical originals of banking Bald Eagles. There is one spot left on the first IPT; please e-mail for late-registration info.
Image #5: Bald Eagle braking to land in soft light, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
70-200 f/2.8 Lenses in Homer
Most of the 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses are extremely valuable on a Homer IPT. The lone exception is the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens which was inexplicably designed not to accept either teleconverter.. I use my Sony version II most often with the 1≥4X TC.
Image #6: Bald Eagle raising wings for take-off, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
The Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM Lens
After railing against the use of any 400mm f/2.8 lens for bird photography for nearly four decades, On a Homer IPT in 2022, I briefly borrowed one from participant from Harry Lerner and fell in love instantly. Though I still love my 600mm f/4 GM lens, the 400mm f/2.8 is the perfect lens in many situations.
Image #7: Coyote on snow-covered hillside, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
With the 1.4X TC
The 400mm f/2.8 lens with the 1.4X TC and an a-1 has become my favorite walk-around lens at Fort DeSoto. It turned out to be perfect in Homer when this handsome Coyote made its way down a snow-covered hillside. The super wide aperture allowed me to work at reduced ISOs in low light situations.
Image #8: Bald Eagle adult — tight flight, sweet light, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
560mm Again!
On the 2023 Homer IPTs, I used the 400mm f2.8 extensively, even when the sun was out.
Image #9: Snowy Egret — flight, full downstroke, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, FL
I often walk around with the 70-200mm/2X/a-1 rig at my favorite morning back-up location to take advantage of its extreme close focusing ability — yes, the birds are very tame there. This image was created on a Fort DeSoto IPT.
Image #10: Breeding Plumage Snowy Egret with crest blowing, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, FL
Snowy Egret Max Colors
For a very few days each spring, Snowy Egrets that are actively involved in breeding sport bright pink to cherry red lores. These dramatic colors do not last long.
Image #11: Royal Terns copulating and more, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, FL
The North Far Bar
Royal Tern courtship and breeding behaviors were spectacular last season at the New Far Bar on Outback Key. This one was created with the 400mm f/2.8 alone with the a-1.
Image #12: Royal Terns copulating, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, FL
More 400mm f/2.8!
Same spot, same lens. I love how the background was incorporated in this image. Had I been using the 600mm f/4, the angle of view would have been much narrower and the image far less appealing. At least for me.
Image #13: American Oystercatcher chick eating pregnant mole crab, Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, NY
1200mm!
At times, slapping the 2X on the 600mm f/4 can pay huge dividends. Aside from the 24X magnification that comes in handy working with sensitives subjects, working at 1200mm gives you more leeway as far as sun angle is concerned. I will be announcing one or two 2024 Nickerson Beach IPTs — late July and early August.
Image #14: Common Tern chick killing wayward chick from another nest, Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, NY
Murder on the Beach
Sitting behind the colony ropes behind the tripod-mounted 600mm f/4 turned out to be a great decision when this adult Common Tern repeatedly attacked a tiny tern chick from a nearby nest.
Image #15: Red-throated Loons/courtship or fighting? Iceland.
Why Would an Experienced Professional Pay to go on a Trip?
Professional tour leaders like Greg Downing often visit outstanding locations year after year. And thus, they learn all the hotspots. As the next few images show, I was very happy that I spent the money to attend a trip run by a former student.
Image #16: Black-legged Kittiwake screaming flight, Grimsey Island, Iceland.
Grieving in Flight
This kittiwake kept flying in to feed its chick in a nest on a cliff. The chick was dead, and therefore, did not respond when the parent landed at the nest and offered food. The bird would fly out to sea a bit and returned several times screaming in an effort to wake the dead. With the handheld 70-200mm GM III/1.4X/a-1 combo at 280mm.
Image #17: Atlantic Puffin with fish for chicks in nest, Grimsey Island, Iceland.
This might be my favorite Iceland image. I created many thousand of images of puffins in flight with sandeels in their bills, but this one is special for many reasons. In part, I love the out-of-focus cliff background. With the tripod-mounted 600 alone.
Image #18: Black Guillemot in flight, Grimsey Island, Iceland.
Zebra the Sky!
To come up with a perfect exposure on a white sky day, I set the exposure to completely over-expose the sky and then turned Zebras off so that I could see the guillemots as they flew into the nesting rocks.
Image #19: Atlantic Puffin, partial body flight with fish for chicks in nest, Grimsey Island, Iceland.
400mm f/2.8 Handheld in the Wind
This image was created on a mega-windy afternoon as hundreds of puffins held still in the wind right in front of me. If you would like to explore the possibility of visiting Iceland with Greg this July, please get in touch with me via e-mail.
Image #20:Snowy Egret stretching, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas, County, FL
Subject in Shade, Background in Sun
Though such situations are rare, they are always worth exploring. Join me on a DeSoto IPT in 2024 to learn a ton and become a much better bird photographer.
Image #21:Osprey beginning dive, Sebastian Inlet, FL
Sebastian Inlet
I visited Sebastian Inlet more in 2023 that I had in the previous years combined. I had one really good day with the Ospreys. This one with the 600mm f/4/1.4X TC/a-i on the tripod at full height.
Image #22: Mottled Duck flapping after bath, Indian Lake Estates, FL
Another Hard-to Approach Subject
There are lots of Mottled Ducks in the lake, usually just south of the pier. As they are difficult to impossible to approach, I stayed in my vehicle and worked with the 2X on the 600mm, supporting the lens on the BLUBB. Perfect images of ducks flapping after a bath are few and far behind. This in one of them.
Image #23: Sandhill Crane playing with dried grasses, Indian Lake Estates, FL
Unexpected Success
I was taking a walk with the 70-200mm f/2.8 II/2X TC/a-1 when I came across this crane playing in the sand box. When it grabbed some dried grasses, I fired off a very few frames not expecting anything even decent. I was surprised.
Image #24: Sandhill Crane in flight, full downstroke, Indian Lake Estates, FL
Not a Vulture
This crane flew in curious about the activity at my road kill cafe. When it took flight, I reduced the exposure by two clicks and again, somewhat unexpectedly, created a winner.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
This post was originally published on Wednesday 27 December 2023. Then it mysteriously disappeared. Thanks to blog regular Dan Carr I was able to re-construct the photos and links and re-publish it on SAT 29 December 2023.
Your Call?
Which is the strongest of today’s three featured images? Why did you make your choice? I have a clear favorite that might surprise some folks. I will share my choice and why I made it in the next post.
Andrew. December 25, 2023 at 3:17am
So you pay $100 for “pro support” and you wait three months for a lens repair. Great success! I don’t know what’s wrong with Sony but their repair centers suck big time! I had my a7R IV sent for repair in NJ for broken front cover. They didn’t have parts in stock and had to order it from Japan. All took 4 weeks. I don’t understand how a repair center doesn’t have a stock of main parts and how ordering parts, even from Japan, takes weeks.
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. December 25, 2023 at 1:01pm
It would be nice if they had more parts in stock, but there are a lot of lenses and cameras, and thus, many, many thousands of parts. They do keep you abreast of the delays — that is better than waiting for months and not knowing anything They do pay the round trip shipping by FedEx. And, you can get a loaner quickly.
How’s this? I debated about approving a $650 charge to repair my 200-600 as it is a relatively inexpensive lens. Anyhoo, I gave them the go ahead. They needed so many parts that they sent me a brand new one with no additional charges! That ain’t shabby.
with love, artie
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens, or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%. .
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
The Gardiner Brothers
The other day I received a short pass-along-video from a friend via Message and shared it with many on my i-Phone. I loved it and so did everyone else. I tracked the brothers down and found their YouTube channel here. Surfing around there, I found this one. — The Galway Girl and two Galway Guys! — and loved it too. At 30 seconds, it is surely worth a click.
Galway Girl is an Ed Sheeran number sung beautifully above by Malinda. It is not a big stretch to imagine her as Sheeran’s sister.
The Gardiner Brothers are professional Irish dancers, social media personalities and influencers. Michael (born 1995) and Matthew (born 1999) are Irish-American dancers and choreographers, born in Denver and now living in Galway, Ireland. They are both cast members of Riverdance and have toured the world extensively since auditioning for the show in 2015. They are known for their rhythm, innovation, and syncopation and have both won the Irish dancing World Championship multiple times. (Wiki).
What’s Up?
With the winds shifting to the north and the west, I have not been heading down to the lake for a photo session recently. Yesterday, I edited another 2000 vulture/caracara/crane images and saved eight of 39 videos. I hope to process one or two of them soon and share them here with you.
It was Wednesday 27 December 2023 when this was first published. Then it disappeared. All was good as I had lots of work to do. There is still a ton of great stuff in today’s post so be sure to read the whole thing. It took me about three hours to prepare this post. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great day.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Picking 25 Flight Keepers out of 348 Images
Lately, I have been enjoying some great action with both Black and Turkey Vultures at my road kill cafe set-ups, usually baited with fish heads and carcasses courtesy of Mike from Junior’s Fish Market in Lake Wales, FL. On a very dark Sunday morning past, I created 39 videos with the Peashooter Min-rig, the 70-200 II, the 1.4X TC, and the a-1. I am learning.
With the amazingly accurate AF systems of today’s fast frame-rate mirrorless camera bodies, you need to quickly determine which are the very best of so many sharp images. It is all about flight poses, wing positions, head angles, and more. Sit next to me as I pick my keepers from a great flight photography session. As always, Photo Mechanic makes picking your keepers super-fast and super-efficient.
The truth be told, while editing the video I went to the Trash and grabbed two images that I realized should have been kept. Then I edited the final 27 down to 13. So, 13 keepers out of 348 original captures — a 3.7% keeper rate.
This image was created on 23 December 2023 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Seated on damp sand, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8. (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:46:14am on very cloudy morning.
This image was created on 13 September 2022 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500. 1/1000 sec. at f/7.1 (stopped down 2 2/3 stops) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:35:13am on hazy, sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Turkey Vulture soaring above lake
New Remove Tool Miracle Discovery
If you watched the video, you will have noticed that I clipped the tips of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th primary feathers at the top frame-edge. Once I got the image into Photoshop, I expanded canvas top and right using Content Aware Fill. As expected, that crudely repaired the clipped feathers. Very crudely. Rather than use the Clone Stamp Tool as I usually would, I tried the new Remove Tool to trim away the edges and shape the feathers. I was beyond astounded. I will include the details in a future Digital Basics III volume, most likely the next one, #4.
This image was created on 23 December 2023 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Seated on damp sand, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8. (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:46:14am on very cloudy morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Crested Caracara landing on small beach
Bad Luck and Trouble
“Hope for the best.’ ‘But plan for the worst.” Jack Reacher in Bad Luck And Trouble by Lee Child.
The plan was for me to get a clean shot at the caracara braking to land. But I was photo-bombed by a Turkey Vulture that merged with the tail and a bit more. The image optimization was far more difficult than I had imagined and took more than half an hour. Be sure to see the before and after animated GIF below Image #3.
This image was also created on 23 December 2023 down by the lake near my home at ILE. Seated on damp sand, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8. (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:56:11am on very cloudy morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Black Vulture braking to land
Greedy but Successful!
As this is the full frame original, it is obvious that I was lucky to fit the whole bird in the frame at 400mm. Remember that you cannot win the lottery unless you buy a ticket. In flight photography terms, that means that even if the shot seems difficult or near impossible, it always pays to press and hold the shutter button.
Heck of a Lot of Work!
As noted above, the image optimization depicted above took more than 30 minutes. I used my usual cadre of clean-up tools and techniques including the Patch Tool, the Clone Stamp Tool, Divide and Conquer, and the new Remove Tool. All as detailed in DB II and in the DB III video series.
I realized about a year ago that my digital workflow had changed significantly and was thinking about writing a Digital Basics III … More recently, I have learned and begun working with two great new Photoshop Tools, the Remove Tool and the Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool. The former is like a smarter Spot Healing Brush Tool on steroids and the latter is a huge step up from the fabulous Color Mixer Tool. During that same time frame, I came up with a new and improved 2-step noise reduction technique. I still use Divide and Conquer, Quick Masks, Layer Masks, an expanded array of personalized keyboard shortcuts, and tons of other stuff from both versions of Digital Basics.
As soon as I realized that I did not want to take on another large writing project, I realized that by creating a series of videos I could much more easily share all the details of my current digital workflow and much more easily incorporate additional new tips, techniques, and tools as I went. And so, The Digital Basics III Video Series was born. You can check out Volume I/#1 here and Volume I/#2 here.
You might opt to purchase single videos or to subscribe to Volume I and save $26 by ordering the first five videos in one fell swoop. You can purchase the five videos in Volume I by clicking here. The videos will be most valuable for folks using the latest version of Photoshop (2024) or Lightroom along with Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI. Check out the amazing stuff in Volume I/#3 below.
Retroactive Discount Savings
If you have previously purchased a single video and learned a lot, you can upgrade to the complete DB III Volume I series and save $26.00 by calling Jim at 863-692-0906 weekdays, Monday through Friday at noon.
Click on the composite to view a larger version and be even more impressed.
First of all, if you use Nikon or Canon (or Olympus or Fuji) gear, do not be put off by the title. While a portion of the guide deals with the Sony α-1, there is a ton of priceless information, tips, and techniques that can help you become a better flight photographer. No matter what system you are using. If you don not use an α-1, be sure to read down to the bottom to save a few bucks.
Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris have created the definitive and most comprehensive ever treatise on photographing birds in flight. With more than sixty years of experience photographing birds, they know what you need to know but have not figured out yet! You will be astounded by the depth of their knowledge and the tips they have to offer. More than six months in the making, the guide contains 229 pages, 24,321 words,97 exceptional and inspirational flight images — each with a legendary, enlightening BIRDS AS ART caption, and 22 screen captures. The guide contains a wealth of useful, practical, and for the most part — never-before-available information.
We will teach you the basic concepts that you need to master to become a great flight photographer along with the techniques used by the world’s best flight photographers.
You will learn that most any telephoto lens can be perfect for flight photography in a given situation; focal lengths for the images in the book range from 200mm to 1200mm and everywhere in between.
We discuss the merits of various lenses in depth, including and especially comparing the 400mm f/2.8 lenses with the 600mm f/4s.
We guide you in getting your hands on the flight photography lens that will best meet your needs. We offer a variety of handholding and rest position tips and include tips on working with a big lens on a tripod when working with a flight lens that is otherwise too heavy for you.
Both authors offer their thoughts on getting the right exposure when photographing birds in flight. You will learn to get the right exposure on foggy days and even when photographing black birds in white sky conditions.
You will learn the tremendous importance of pre-focusing, of finding the bird in the viewfinder quickly, acquiring focus almost instantly (with tips on doing all three).
You will learn the role of image stabilization in flight photography and the best settings.
Both authors share their thoughts on using the focus range limiter switch. In the same vein, you will learn to use Direct Manual Focus to make your flight photography life easier.
All will learn about the best wing positions and the importance of the background with images of birds in flight. With lots of examples.
You will learn about the best shutter speeds (and the best aperture) to use when photographing flying birds.
You will learn to photograph flight while seated and the many advantages of doing so.
You will learn the best methods of controlling high ISO noise.
All will learn to properly and safely format their flash cards.
You will learn what to do when your AF system is temporarily blinded.
All will learn the huge effect that wind strength and direction has on flight photography and to evaluate the quality and direction of the light on both sunny and cloudy days.
You will learn why it is vitally important to shoot aggressively when photographing birds in flight.
You will learn to carefully observe and evaluate a variety of bird behaviors that may shine light on some excellent opportunities for photographing birds in flight. And about getting into the best position from which to photograph.
You will learn to be a much better flight photographer.
What Sony Folks Will Learn
Exactly how Artie uses Zebras to come up with perfect exposure after perfect exposure.
The fine points and recommended settings for Optical Steady Shot (OSS).
The concept of Auto-Focus (AF) tracking in the α-1.
Everything there is to know about the complex Sony autofocus system.
About all the AF patterns, how to quickly switch them, and about those favored by each author. And why.
The Tracking and Non-tracking AF patterns. When and why Arash uses Non-Tracking Zone. And why Artie uses only two AF patterns.
How to set and use Bird Face-Eye detection for flight photography.
How and why to assign various custom functions to the various programmable buttons on the α-1 body.
The perfect settings for the many, many Menu items that are vitally related to flight photography.
How and why the Sony α-1 uses both contrast and phase detection AF to determine focus (and the benefits thereof).
Which are the best memory cards for the Sony α-1.
To quickly access frequently used menu items.
Non-Sony α-1 Discount
Using the honor system, folks who do not use a Sony α-1 body are invited to click here to save $25.00 on the purchase price of the guide.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
A (relatively) famous photographer once said this:
Backgrounds to me are almost the most important part of a picture.
Who said it? (Hint: Not a nature photographer.) Sorry, a Google search will not get you there.
My Call
In the blog post that mysteriously disappeared, my favorite image was Image #1 as I loved the pure white sky motif and the primary tip repairs. Most folks went for the landing caracara image. I loved that one too but wish that I were skilled enough to do a perfect job on the tail.
Note: I will be re-publishing the missing post ASAP.
What’s Up?
Today is Friday 29 December 2023. The sun was out for a bit early so I headed down to the lake only to find a strong west wind (bad). Then it was back to work. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great day.
Register soon for a DeSoto Spring IPT and consider sharing an AirBnB with me to save on meal and lodging expenses and maximizing your learn opportunities!
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Unsolicited via e-mail from Pete Myers
I just spent 4 days in the field in a graduate course in bird photography taught by Artie Morris at Fort DeSoto. After almost 50 years of experience pointing cameras at birds from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego, New Zealand and beyond, I thought I was good enough. But what I learned from Artie in just four days has taken me to a whole new level. As he aptly puts it, “birds as art,” not simply bird photography. One of those 4 days was the most satisfying I’d ever experienced, anywhere. The IPT left me euphoric about what I’d learned, and frighteningly committed to recreating my portfolio with the techniques and insights he taught me.
Unsolicited via e-mail from IPT veteran Eugen Dolan
Arthur, Thank you very much for your overwhelming infectious enthusiasm that helped get me up on some mornings. Also, your ability to express yourself- and explain in great detail why you like or may not like an image – was very helpful in allowing me to better analyze my images. Eugen
Via e-mail from Jim Miller
I can’t stop thinking about how much fun the DeSoto IPT was, and how much I learned. There were so many things that suddenly made perfect sense after I had been confused for so long. Thank you very much for the wonderful trip, and for being a great teacher. As I worked through the raw files last week, I realized what a fantastic lens the 600 IS is. Thanks for the rental! Maybe someday I will be able to afford one. Some images for critique are attached. Thank you again, Artie. It was really wonderful to be with you and learn from you.
Via e-mail from Lee Sommie
I want to thank you for making the Fort DeSoto IPT; it was a fun and educational experience for me. I truly did not want the adventure to end. I now look through the viewfinder with an artist’s mindset. And the real bonus was making new friends with fellow students. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for wildlife photography. I had a great time with you and look forward to more adventures on future IPTs.
Via e-mail from Muhammad Arif
I had a great time at Fort De Soto. Thank you for all the instruction, for your help and pointers; my photography has already improved tremendously, and I’ve never made such good bird photos before. I wish I could’ve joined you on Monday and Tuesday morning as well, but work got in the way. It was also nice meeting the folks on the IPT. Thanks again for everything and I hope to join you at a future IPT sometime again.
Be sure to click on the composite to view a larger, high-res version. All images from 2023 Fort DeSoto Spring IPTs.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Snowy Egret in breeding plumage with crest blowing; Osprey striking; Brown Pelican sunrise silhouette; Royal Terns copulating; Marbled Godwit striding; Royal Tern courtship feeding; Snowy Egret hunting; Laughing Gull in breeding plumage along flight; Reddish Egret in flight with killifish.
Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, many in full breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull landing on head of Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull in flight, Reddish Egret sunrise silhouette, Great Blue Heron with needlefish, Yellow-crowned Night Heron with ghost crab, Roseate Spoonbill, Sanderling in breeding plumage, and white morph Reddish Egret in glorious breeding plumage.
The 2024 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tours (IPTs)
Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #1: THURS 14 March through the morning session on SUN 17 March, 2024. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers.
Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #2: Wednesday 8 May through the morning session on SAT 11 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for terns and gulls, wading birds, and shorebirds in springtime. Though DeSoto can be great any day of the year, spring is my very favorite time to be there as many of the birds will be in full breeding plumage. Simply put, DeSoto is the new Ding Darling. Migrant shorebirds are in abundance, and many are exceedingly tame. We should have great chances on Royal and Sandwich Terns and both white- and dark-morph Reddish Egrets. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two along with some American Oystercatchers. We will enjoy lots of great flight photography, especially with the Brown Pelicans.
Again, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull in flight, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Sandwich Terns copulating, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret with reflection, breeding plumage Short-billed Dowitcher, American Oystercatcher, Royal Tern, white morph Reddish Egret, and Snowy Egret in marsh.
In Addition!
We should also get to photograph a variety of other shorebirds including Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, Snowy, and Piping Plovers, Willet, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit, and most especially, Red Knot. On the May trip, many of the shorebirds will be in their handsome breeding plumages. In spring the T-shaped peninsula and the newly formed sandbar, Outback Key, are literally packed with avian treasures.
With just a bit of luck, we may get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable species: Roseate Spoonbill. And we will surely get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. With luck, they will have Laughing Gulls landing on their heads. And though not guaranteed, Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two. I almost forgot to mention — Laughing Gulls in breeding plumage are to die for!
You do NOT need a fast super-telephoto lens to do this trip!
Yes, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: breeding plumage Dunlin, dark morph Reddish Egret displaying, Laughing Gull vertical front-end portrait, Laughing Gull with prey item, landing on head of Brown Pelican, breeding plumage Royal Tern displaying, Royal Terns — pre-copulatory stance, Laughing Gulls copulating, Laughing Gull head portrait, breeding plumage Sandwich Tern with fish, and a rare treat, a breeding plumage White-rumped Sandpiper.
What You Will Learn on a DeSoto IPT
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
5- To age and identify many species of shorebirds including various sandpipers, plovers, dowitchers, and possibly yellowlegs.
6- To spot good situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
10- More than you could ever imagine.
You got it by now! Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Roseate Spoonbill, immature Brown Pelican in flight, the heron/egret hybrid, American Oystercatcher feeding, immature Royal Tern on railing, Great Egret morning silhouette, Black Skimmer in surf, and underside head portrait of Great Blue Heron.
The Details
Morning sessions will run two and one-half to three hours; afternoon sessions about two. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till noon and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy. We may opt to visit a great North Tampa rookery if conditions warrant that.
There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session during and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away). For folks who register soon, the is an excellent chance that we can share an AirBnb to reduce lodging and meal costs and maximize your learning opportunities.
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunset colors. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:30am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We will be getting wet.
Your non-refundable $599 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check three months before the trip begins. If you wish to pay in full right off the bat, you can make your check out to BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice two months before the trip. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372 for more info.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
