Which of today’s three and completely different featured images do you like best? Please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice. And while you are at it, take a crack at the Multiple Choice/Fill-in questions.
My Call
In the last blog post, Flying High in the Galapagos, here, I felt that all the images were very strong. My least favorite, however, was the top shot of the young Swallow-tailed Gull. Why? Just a few minutes before I had fanned on a great dorsal view flight chance of an even handsomer juvie of the same species. Most popular was Image #2, the Hood Mockingbird in flight. While I loved that one, and did have something to do with its creation, most of the credit has to go to the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM lens and the a-1; Face-Eye AF is beyond incredible with this rig — super-fast initial AF acquisition and amazingly accurate eye-tracking.
My very favorite image, also made with the 400mm f/2.8, was Image #1, Waved Albatross on final approach with landing gear down. Why? It has been very difficult over the decades to create a flight shot of this species that excited me — they usually just glide on by with nary a flap. With this bird’s landing gear down, the tail fanned, and the braking-to-land wing position, this one was very satisfying.
What’s Up?
I was thrilled to learn this week that newbies Alan Goodwin and Paul Marbourg will be joining many multiple IPT veteran John Dupps and me on the fourth DeSoto IPT. There are still three spots open on that one and IPTs #2 and #3 (scroll down for details) are wide open, assuring you of a private or near private IPT experience. In addition, be sure to check out the two Used Gear Page bargains immediately below.
This blog post took about two hours to create (including the time spent on the three image optimizations). 4085 published posts are nothing to sneeze at.
Today is Monday 18 September 2023 and I still have lots of work to do. As soon as I hit Publish, I will get back to answering e-mails and dealing with greedy, uncaring corporations and like Fed-Ex and shyster mail order companies. Wish me luck. Have you been scammed, cheated, or screwed over lately? Feel free to leave a comment and vent.
Wherever you are an whatever you are doing, 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.
Canon 500mm f/4L IS USM Super-telephoto Lens (the “Old Five”)
Roy Holden is offering a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM super-telephoto lens (the “old five”) in excellent plus condition for a BAA record low $1999.00. The sale includes the front leather lens cover, the lens trunk, the rear lens cap, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
The 500mm f/4 lenses have been the world’s most popular telephoto lenses for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many decades. I owned and used and loved my “old five” for many years. If you use Canon and don’t have the cash for a 500 II, and can handle the additional 1 1/2 pounds, then this is your best super-telephoto lens option. Most everyone can produce sharp images with this lens and a 1.4X TC. Folks with good to excellent sharpness techniques can do the same with a 2X TC. Used 500mm II lenses are selling for as much as $7,018.95. I was surprised to learn that they are no longer in production as it was one of my favorite Canon super telephoto lenses. Used copies are selling for from $2,899.95 to $3,349.95 right now on B&H. This lens will work perfectly on your dSLR bodies and/or with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R on all Canon mirrorless bodies. artie
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens with extra
BAA Record-low Price! Price reduced $400.00 on 15 SEPT 2023
John Armitage is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens in excellent condition for a BAA record-low-by-far $999.95 (was $1,395.95). The sale includes the original tripod mount, a Lens Collar Support Tripod Mount Ring RT-1 for Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens (a $29.99 value), the soft case, the front and rear caps, the original box, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
The skilled and venerable Anita Gail Erica North owned and used this lens a lot on her international travels when she shot Nikon. It is light in weight and focuses quickly and accurately. artie
This image was created on 1 November 2022 at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL. I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 400. 1/40 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be a bit beyond dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:44:17 am on a mostly cloudy, foggy, misty 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: Shorebird flock blur
Using Every Club in the Bag
For the three photos in today’s blog post, I used focal lengths of from 131 to 1200mm. Using different lens/teleconverter combinations will enable you to create a striking variety of interesting images.
A- This image is a waste of pixels and should have been deleted instantly.
B- I love the intricate and delicate patterns and the degree of blurring — the effect is magical.
C- I like it a lot but for the dark smudges along the upper and lower frame edges.
D- I could take it or leave it.
E-Other: _______________________________________________________________.
This image was also created on 1 November 2022 at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL. For this one, I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 131mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. ISO 2000: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:47:13am on a dark, dingy, now dreary morning.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Reddish Egret high-key bird-scape
Two Lenses?
For many decades, I almost always went afield with two lenses. I’d have a long super-telephoto lens mounted on a tripod carried incorrectly (see the YouTube video just below on that) on my right shoulder, and an intermediate telephoto flight lens on a Curve Breathe strap on that same shoulder. For the past few years, I’d rarely bring two lenses on a beach photo outing. When I did, it was almost always with one big lens and with the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens in the rear pouch of my Xtrahand vest where I could grab it when needed.
A- This image is a waste of pixels and should have been deleted instantly.
B- I find the high key look intriguing. And I like the clever, out of the box image design with the bird looking out of the frame the “wrong way.” Why? Because the subject in the lower right corner nicely balances the stand of skinny trees in the upper left. In addition, using the wide open f/2.8 aperture for a bird-scape gives the image somewhat of a surreal look.
C- I could take or leave this one.
D-Other: _______________________________________________________________.
How to Carry a Long Lens on a Tripod. Or not?
Check out this video to learn what and what not to do. I did it wrong for 30 years and my right shoulder is still paying the price.
This image was also created on 1 November 2022 at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL. Seated behind my flattened tripod topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter (at 1200mm) 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. 1/1600 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 6:22:58pm on a sunny afternoon.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #3: American White Pelican swimming in late afternoon light
American White Pelicans at DeSoto
Flocks of as many as several hundred birds of this species are a common sight at Fort DeSoto in the fall. The first migrants usually begin arriving in mid-October.
DeSoto Image #3 Multiple Choice/Fill-in: American White Pelican swimming in late afternoon light
A- This image is a waste of pixels and should have been deleted instantly.
B- I love the warm light, the yellow beach grasses, the sweet blue water, the almost rule-of-thirds image design, and the splash of disturbed water at the front of the wake.
C- I like it a lot but, am not thrilled with the quasi-horizon line cutting through the bottom of the pelican’s neck.
D: I could take or leave this one.
E- Other: _______________________________________________________________.
All images from SEPT/OCT/NOV at Fort DeSoto.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper high-resolution version.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Piping Plover flapping after bath, juvenile Laughing Gull with feather, American Oystercatcher with sea urchins, Willet foraging in surf, American White Pelican juvenile swimming, skimmer/tern/shorebird blast-off blur, American White Pelican in flight, Black-bellied Plover stealing lugworm from Marbled Godwit, Roseate Spoonbill staring.
Fall 2023 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 17 October through the morning session on Friday 20 October 2023. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers.
Fall 2023 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 31 October through the morning session on Friday 3 November 2023. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers.
Fall 2023 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #4
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 14 November through the morning session on Friday 17 November 2023. $1899.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: three.
Fall Bird Photography at Fort DeSoto
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds, terns, and gulls in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, and night-herons that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. 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. And there should be some quality Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and 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.
On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.
Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.
The Details
There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.
These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not guaranteed). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB/VRBO information. If you register soon and would like to share an AirBnB with me, shoot me an e-mail. Other possibilities including taking a cab to and from the airport to our AirBnB and riding with me for $50/day. This saves you both gas and the cost of a rental car.
A $600 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check one month before the trip. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the 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, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions on lodging.
Up Early, Stay Out Late!
Obviously, folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. On cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip the afternoon session. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will sometimes be on your own as well.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Which is the strongest of today’s five featured flight images? Why did you make your choice?
What’s Up?
This blog post took more than two hours to create.
Today is Saturday 16 September 2023 and I have lots of work to do. Wherever you are an whatever you are doing, 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.
This image was created on 7 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at Punta Suárez on Española (Hood) Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held 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 7:14:20am on a 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 #1: Waved Albatross on final approach with landing gear down
Waved Albatross
Due to El Niño, very few pairs of Waved Albatross bred successfully at Punta Suárez on Española (Hood) Island, the world epicenter of this species population. On the first of our two landings at this world class photographic location, we enjoyed perfect flight photography conditions. The soft light was perfect as was my choice of the super-fast Sony 400mm f/2.8 lens. Image #1 of a bird coming in to land is my best ever of this species in flight. Bummer that it opted to land right behind a large bush.
This image was also created on 7 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at Gardner Bay on Española (Hood) Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held 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 800. 1/3200 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 3:22:30pm on a cloudy-bright afternoon.
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: Española (Hood) Mockingbird in flight
Are You Kidding Me?
Had anyone told me three years ago that I would be able to create sharp images of songbirds in flight with a handheld super telephoto lens, I would have scoffed in disbelief. Yet today, thanks to the Sony A1, creating excellent images of songbirds in flight has become a reality.
Gardner Bay is famed for its flocks of squabbling teenaged mockingbirds. When we landed at Gardner Bay on the afternoon of 7 September, we were greeted by a group of about 20 young mockingbirds duking it out on the clean white sand beach. Anita North made the very best of image of two birds engaged in a midair battle. I will share that one with you here soon.
Click on the image to better see the green eye-AF boxes in action.
Sony Alpha 1 Flight Photography AF Points!
The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group: $150.00 (or Free)
The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group is going great guns as more and more folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based answers. As the a1 is becoming more readily available, more and more folks are getting their hands on this amazing body. By September 2023, the group was up to an astounding 148 lucky and blessed folks. And more than a few folks own two or more a1 bodies! Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. The best news is that everyone in the group receives an e-mail that includes a .DAT file with my a1 settings on it, and explicit directions on how to load my settings onto your a1; talk about convenience! I am now offering a .DAT file compatible with firmware update 1.32. Your entry into the group includes a consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE. New a1 folks will now receive eight e-mails instead of the previous 28! You will receive new e-mails as they are published. Simply put, this e-mail guide is an incredible resource for anyone with an a1.
All who purchased their Alpha 1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link — B&H or Bedfords — will receive a free Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up Guide and free entry into the Info Updates group after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.). Others can purchase their guide here in the BAA Online Store.
This image was created on 9 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at South Plaza Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 329mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 1250. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/4000 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open), in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 2:45:12pm on a cloudy-bright afternoon.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #3: Red-billed Tropicbird flying in to cliff nest image
Dropping Back to the 200-600
For most cloudy day landings during the first week of the trip, I went with the handheld 400mm f/2.8 lens. As there was lots of great flight photography, my left elbow began to hurt so I switched to the 200-600 lens as it is a lot smaller and a lot lighter than the 400mm f/2.8, albeit quite a lot slower — 2 1/3 stops slower if you are counting. But with my new approach to noise reduction, the higher ISO settings necessitated by the slower f/6.3 aperture have become routinely manageable. Note that in images #3, #4, and #5 that I had zoomed well out from 600mm. As noted in the previous blog post, the 2-6 is incredibly versatile.
This image was created on 9 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at South Plaza Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 368mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 1250. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/3200 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open), in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 2:47:06pm on a cloudy-bright afternoon.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #4: Swallow-tailed Gull dorsal view of juvenile in flight image
Dorsal View Flight Images
Most of the time when we are shooting flight we are looking and pointing our lens up at our subjects. When working from tall cliffs, however, we often have a chance to look and point our lens down at the birds. When doing so, we have the opportunity to view the upper surface of the wings, to create images that show a dorsal view. Such images are always different and often superb. Any time that you are above the birds, say when working from a pier of some sort, you many have chances to create top shots. And at times, you may have a chance to create dorsal view flight shots of banking birds.
This image was created on 9 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at South Plaza Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 444mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 2500. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/3200 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open), in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 4:18:446pm on a then cloudy-getting darker afternoon.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #5: Galapagos Shearwater in flight image
Maximum Flight Difficulty!
All shearwaters are fast and erratic flyers. The relatively tiny size of Galapagos Shearwater makes them even more difficult to photograph in flight. When my longtime Galapagos guide pointed out some of them uncharacteristically flying above a nearby headland, I alerted nearby group members and then went to work. As even getting a part of these small birds in the frame in focus is a great challenge, I was thrilled with Image #5. You too can learn to become a better flight photographer by ordering a copy of the The Art & Science of Photographing Birds in Flight with the Sony α-1 (even if you do not shoot an α-1.
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
North Seymour Island is one of the three consistently great photo landings on a Galapagos trip. The others are Darwin Bay on Genovesa and Punta Suárez on Española (Hood) Island. Each is a world class photographic location ranking up there with locations in East Africa and the Southern Ocean. On every BAA Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime, we visit each of these locations twice. Mine is the only photography workshop to arrange such an itinerary.
If you would like to join me on this trip in mid-August 2024, stay tuned or shoot me an e-mail. Remember that you only live once.
Your Call?
Which two of today’s ten featured North Seymour images are your favorites and which is the weakest? Please be so kind as to leave a comment and be sure to let us know why you made your choices.
What’s Up?
After an exhausting 12 1/4 hour door-to-door journey (with a summer cold), I traveled yesterday from Guayaquil, Ecuador to my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL arriving at 4:45pm. Huge thanks to my right hand man Jim Litzenberg for picking me up at MIA. Photographically, the 2023 Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime was a huge success in spite of the fact that the trip featured more sun than any of my previous visits to the archipelago. I will be announcing details of the proposed 2024 workshop here soon. This blog post took more than seven hours to prepare.
Today is Thursday 14 September 2023 and I have lots of catching up to do. Wherever you are an whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
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Stop Deadly Conditions for NY Songbirds by Turning Out Building Lights at Night
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This image was also created on 29 August 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 840mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 1250. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/1600 sec. at f/9 (wide open) in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 4:51:22pm on a sunny afternoon.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #1: Great Frigatebird Male displaying with pouch inflated image
The 200-600 at 840mm
On bright sunny days, I have long suggested that folks strive to work tight and right on sun angle with their shadow pointed right at the subject. Adding the 1.4X TC to the incredibly versatile Sony 200-600 enabled me to do just that while eliminating distracting elements of the backgrounds.
This image was also created on 29 August 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 840mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 1600. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/1000 sec. at f/11 (stopped down 2/3 stop) in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 5:21:11pm on a sunny afternoon.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #2: Blue-footed Booby preening single feather image
The Incredible Tameness of the Creatures of the Enchanted Islands
Everyone in the group was astounded by the tameness of the birds and animals we encountered on our voyage. For the most part, the creatures we encountered were virtually unaware of our presence. National park rules permit an approach of 2 meters, 6.6 feet. That unless a bird or animal approaches you.
On our first landing at North Seymour, which was also the first landing of the trip, I remember sitting on a rock next to my friend Muhammad Arif photographing the preening booby in Image #2 and discussing possible image designs and motifs. That after he asked, what are you trying for?
Though I kept more than a few images from the series, this upside-down blue-footed photo that showed both eyes well was my very favorite.
This image was also created on 29 August 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. 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. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 2000. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/500 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 5:40:53pm on a mostly sunny afternoon.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Image #3: Magnificent Frigatebird adult male on nest image
Soft Backlight
A light cloud momentarily in front of the sun provided the gentle backlight that made this image possible and successful. The 200-600mm at 600mm provided the reach that I needed to create this head portrait. And Sony Zebras, property set, enabled me to come up with a workable exposure with the rim light over-exposed just a bit, allowing me to reveal detail on the shadowed side of the subject.
This image was also created on 29 August 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 612mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 2500. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/1000 sec. at f/13 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 6:00:54pm on a sunny afternoon.
Manual Focus with (yellow) Focus Peaking.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #4: Galápagos Sealion backlit at sunset image
Manual Focus in Strongly Backlit Situations
In strongly backlit situations, the AF systems of almost all Digital camera bodies (including the most sophisticated mirrorless bodies), will not be able to achieve sharp focus. The trick is to focus manually and rely on Focus Peaking. This technique, of course, works best when you are on a tripod. As I was handholding, I used the knee-pod technique and strove to keep the lens as still as possible. Most of the images were not critically sharp. Image #4 was!
This image was created two weeks later on 12 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 506mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 1600. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/1250 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open), in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 6:13:31am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #5: Blue-footed Booby displaying image
Zooming Out a Bit When Needed
Zooming out a bit from 600mm enabled me to avoid clipping the booby’s wings when it raised them during its display. Again, I was seated on a rock to control the background.
This image was also created on 12 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 506mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 1600. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/3200 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 6:25:22am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #6: Great Frigatebird male in flight at point blank range image
Encouragement
With both the wind and the sun behind us and dozens of frigatebirds flying right at us — many at close range, conditions for flight photography were dead solid perfect. I encouraged all in the group — even those not using Sony gear, to try for some flight head shots by continuing to track the birds as they got closer and closer. For me, Image #6, above, the full frame BWT, was BINGO!
This image was also created on 12 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 388mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 1600. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/3200 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 6:28:46am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #7: Swallow-tailed Gull adult landing at nest image
Zooming Out a Lot When Needed
Zooming out from 600mm to 388mm enabled me to fit the whole gull in the frame as it landed quite near me. In situations like this, I use a technique that I call “esti-zooming.” As I see a bird approaching to what will likely become close range, I will estimate the focal length that I will need to fit the bird in the frame and zoom out accordingly. You might call it “guess-ti-zooming.”
This image was also created on 12 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 524mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 1600. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/1000 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 6:59:22am on a then cloudy-bright morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #8: Great Frigatebird large chick in nest image
Subject-to-Background Distance
Many folks profess that the f/6.3 aperture of the Sony 200-600 will always bring up unwanted background detail. As you can see in Image #8 above, that is faulty reasoning. The distance from the subject to the background is far more important than the aperture when you are striving to create soft, pleasingly out-of-focus backgrounds. With the vegetation probably six to eight feet behind the subject, the green and brown leaves were rendered pleasingly de-focused.
This image was also created on 12 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 840mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 1600. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/1000 sec. at f/9 (wide open) in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 7:35:50pm on a once again sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #9: Great Frigatebird small chick in nest image
Patience
Near the end of our last (and second) walk on the North Seymour dry landing, I noticed a tiny white fluff-ball of-a-chick peeking out from under a male Great Frigatebird on the nest. All in the group gathered around and picked a spot. I went for one right on sun angle. We all waited patiently. The chick emerged and shutters fired away. When the chick got fed, I was totally blocked by the wing of the adult. Several others in the group were in perfect position to capture the action and did just that.
This image was also created on 12 September 2023 on a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime at North Seymour Island in the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 524mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: ISO 500. RawDigger showed that the exposure, 1/1000 sec. at f/8 (stopped down 2/3 stop) in Manual mode, was perfect. AWB at 8:18:47am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C performed perfectly. Bird Eye/Face Detection was both enabled and irrelevant.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high res version.
Image #10: Swallow-tailed Gull close-up of adult’s feet image
Never Quit
At the very end of our second walk around North Seymour Island, a world class photo location for sure, I was standing above the steps that led down to the landing when an adult Swallow-tailed Gull landed perhaps eight feet from me. I stopped down a bit and went back to work. This was my favorite of about a dozen images. Then it was time to get back on the Samba, finish packing, say goodbye to the crew, and head for the airport on Baltra.
Typos
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