In the last blog post, my favorite image was the Wood Stork sunrise silhouette because of the spectacular sky colors and the impeccable image design. I crouched to include the perfect proportion of both inlet and sky.
Your Call?
Which of today’s four featured DeSoto images impresses you the most? Leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice.
Fort DeSoto #3 Late Registration Discount Info
I am offering a $500/person late registration discount for the third DeSoto Fall IPT. David Pugsley sent me a text yesterday letting me know that DeSoto has gotten hot again recently.
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.
The Fall 2023 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours
Fall 2023 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3
3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 31 October through the morning session on Friday 3 November 2023. $1399.00 (was $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.
What’s Up?
The pre-dawn Osprey action at Sebastian has continued. On Tuesday morning, it continued for a while after the sun came up. Though the wind had switched to east/northeast (good!), and more than a few dove and came up with a decent sized fish, I did not create any family-jewels type images. Maybe this morning. The good news is that there have been a great variety of back-up subjects.
Today is Wednesday 25 October 2023. I will be headed to the inlet early again. 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.
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.
Success on a Lazy 200-600 Morning at Fort DeSoto
Sometimes when I do not feel like carrying one of the big guns, the 600mm f/4 or the 400mm f/2.8, I will leave both of those in the trunk and head out with the relatively slow (at f/6.3) but amazingly sharp and versatile Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens. I am often amazed at how well I do with this relatively inexpensive super-telephoto zoom lens. If you purchase this lens and a Sony a1, you earn free entry into the SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group. I can change your life.
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 June 1, 2022, the group was up to an astounding 124 lucky and blessed folks. (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 1.20. Your entry into the group includes a consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE. New a1 folks will now receive six 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 19 October 2023 at Fort DeSoto Park IPT. I used the handheld 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 using Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial. Shutter Priority +1.7 stops: 1/60 sec at f/6.3 (wide open). AUTO ISO set ISO 800. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect. AWB at 7:22:31am, ten minutes before sunrise on a partly cloudy morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high-res version.
Image #1: Reddish Egret taking flight/blur
Shutter Priority with Exposure Compensation (EC) and AUTO ISO
Many skilled photographers firmly believe that if you are not working in Manual mode, you are a clown. When you are creating only sharp images, I agree 100%. However, as long as the tonality of the backgrounds are relatively consistent, I find that working in Shutter Priority mode with exposure compensation and AUTO ISO is often the best exposure mode. It allows you to go from creating blurs to creating sharp images while changing only two parameters: the shutter speed and the EC. In manual mode, you would need to change all three parameters: shutter speed, EC, and the ISO. And changing the ISO can often require many, many clicks. Again, the key is that the tonality of the backgrounds is relatively consistent so that a given EC will work in that situation.
If I had been working in Manual mode for Images #1 and #2, how many 1/3-stop clicks would be required to get from ISO 800 to ISO 12,800?
The chosen shutter speed of 1/60 second is what I call a compromise shutter speed — if the bird is static, you can create a sharp image, and if it takes flight as it did in Image #1, you can come up with a pleasingly blurred image.
This image was also created on 19 October 2023 at Fort DeSoto Park IPT. Again, I used the handheld 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 using Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial. Shutter Priority +2.3 stops: 1/1000 sec at f/6.3 (wide open). AUTO ISO set ISO 12,800. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be perfect. AWB at 7:39:03am, seven minutes after the time of sunrise with heavy clouds on the eastern horizon.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high-res version.
Image #2: Greater Yellowlegs posing on sandbar
Two-step Noise Reduction
Whoever thought that working at ISOs of 12,000 and higher could be used to create relatively clean, detailed images? Not me for one. Yes, a good deal of credit goes to the amazingly improved sensors of the mirrorless camera bodies, but new and improved methods of noise reduction have pushed the upper limits even farther. I have been experimenting with a new, two-step noise reduction workflow; the results, as seen in Image #2, have been spectacular.
The BIRDS AS ART Digital Basics III Video Series
Coming Soon!
Over the past few months, I have added lots of great new stuff to my digital workflow: Color Mixer basics and the more sophisticated Saturation Targeted Adjustment Tool, 2-Step Noise Reduction, and the Remove Tool. With these changes and other improvements, I had been considering creating a Digital Basics III PDF. But recently, I realized that creating a series of videos would be a lot simpler and would make learning a lot simpler for most folks. In addition, videos will allow me to delve more deeply into the fine points of using the new (and previously used) Photoshop Tools. Each video will include two complete image optimizations, from soups to nuts. I am hoping to get the first two videos done this coming weekend. Thus, details on the BIRDS AS ART Digital Basics III Video Series should be available in early November.
This image was also created on 19 October 2023 at Fort DeSoto Park IPT. Again, this time seated on damp sand, I used the handheld 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 using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000. 1/2000 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:10:55am after the sun broke through. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high-res version.
Image #3: Reddish Egret one-year old landing with crest raised
I Could’ve Been Famous!
While I was seated on the damp sand trying to photograph some scampering Sanderlings, an adult Reddish Egret flew toward me but landed well to my right. I made a few images as it fished its way to the south and wound up well past sun angle. I turned my head back to the right and to my horror, saw that a young reddish was in the process of braking to land with its crest raised. I got on the bird just as it landed, but knew that I had missed an amazing sequence. Had I turned my head to the right one or two seconds sooner, I might have been famous.
What Don’t I Like?
There are several things that bother me about this image. What bothers you? What do you like?
This image was also created on 19 October 2023 at Fort DeSoto Park IPT. I used the foot-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 500mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/4000 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:20:59am after the sun came out. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high-res version.
Image #4: Flock of birds on sandbar
Sandbar Bird-scape
As I continued north, I saw a flock of terns and pelicans on a small sandbar just offshore. When I got on sun angle, I sat down and placed the lens between my feet. I zoomed out from 600mm to get the framing I wanted, set the exposure, acquired focus, and, with my reading glasses on and the level activated, I squared the shot to the world and made a few images.
Depth-of-Field Question
Despite the huge depth of field when working at a distance, the incoming Sandwich Tern is not in sharp focus. Why?
Species?
Enlarge Image #4 and leave a comment letting us know the different species that are discernible in the photo.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
At 7pm eastern time today, Monday 23 October 2023, I will be presenting a free online webinar for the Delaware Photographic Society. It is free to all with a good connection. At 6:59pm, click here and then click on the Free Webinar photo/icon and you should be able to figure out how to get in. No registration is needed.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens
Stan Gorlitsky is offering a Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens in mint condition for a very low $5,496.95. The sale includes a ROLANPRO Waterproof Lens Camouflage Coat for Nikon Z 800mm f6.3 VR S (a $110.00 value), the original box, the front and rear lens caps, the lens case, 3 1/2 years on the transferable New Leaf warranty, and insured ground shipping via major courier.
Please contact Stan via e-mail or by phone at 843-224-1367 (Eastern time zone).
All the Reach, Half the Weight
When I used Canon gear, I always loved the 800mm focal length for birds. At 5.25 pounds, this lens weighs more than a pound less than the Sony 600mm f/4 GM. I am impressed. I ran into two folks at Sebastian this morning using the 800 Z; they both love it. This lens sells new right now for $6,496.95. Grab Stan’s as-good-as-new copy and save $1000.00.”
Huge focal length, compact and lightweight design. The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, from Nikon, is a super-telephoto prime distinguished by the unique combination of one of the longest focal lengths available in a surprisingly portable package. This distinct design is made possible by the inclusion of a Phase Fresnel element, which cuts the overall weight by 50% and the length by 16% compared to the former F-mount 800mm f/5.6 lens. B&H
Clockwise from the upper left back around to center: Osprey gaining altitude after missed strike; school of mullet under attack from below; Wood Stork with Southern Whiting; Osprey with Menhaden; Wood Stork with small lobster; Royal Tern with large baitfish; Osprey with Menhaden; juvenile Osprey directly overhead “t-shot”; Osprey taking flight with freshly caught Mullet.
Sebastian Inlet In-the-Field Sessions
Act Now!
Share a great AirBnB 10 minutes from Sebastian Inlet with me this week only!
Join me for 3 hours of morning In-the-Field Instruction at Sebastian Inlet for only $300.00/session. The main target will be Ospreys fishing for a variety of migrating saltwater fish that visit the inlet each fall. Back-up subjects include fishing gulls, terns, and Brown Pelicans, Wood Stork, a variety of herons and egrets, shorebirds in the afternoon, sunrise cloud-scapes, and the occasional sea turtle or manatee.
October Dates: 24-29, 2023.
November Dates: 6-10, 2023.
Please get in touch via e-mail to book one or more sessions.
Your Call?
Which of today’s Wood Stork images do you like best? Why?
My Call
My favorite images from the last blog post were #2 — I love the arrangement of the eight birds, the soft light, and the breaking wave, #3, for the soft light, the wings up flight pose, and the greenish water, and #4 with the lovely breeding plumage full adult and the wings slightly down flight pose.
As for the d-o-f question with #1, yes, the bird was flying low against the water and that brought up too much background detail for me. What everyone missed was that I was zoomed out to 347mm; with the subject the same size in the frame, shorter focal lengths will always result in more d-o-f than you would get with a longer focal length. The bird, of course, would need to be farther away.
In #2, all of the birds were rendered relatively sharp on the face even though they were not on the exact same plane because of the relatively great focusing distance. As the distance increase, d-of increases dramatically. Note: when working at 840mm at minimum focusing distance, d-o-f is measured in small fractions of an inch, or about 1cm. At the actual focusing distance, 454 meters, d-o-f works out to be more than 100 meters!
What’s Up?
Before the sun came up on Friday and Saturday morning at Sebastian Inlet, there were about 3 dozen Ospreys diving for fish in a small cove. The bad news is that there was a kiss of death wind from the NW. But with the low tide, there were dozens of Wood Storks, herons and egrets, pelicans, cormorants, and several species of shorebirds. I got some fabulous stuff on Wood Stork including some superb flight shots and my four best Reddish Egret action photos. The best news: the wind is shifting to the east/northeast for the rest of the week.
Today is Monday 23 October 2023. I will be doing lots of relaxing and getting ready for tonight’s webinar. I hope to see you there, at least virtually.
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.
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.
This image was created on 21 October at Sebastian Inlet State Park 18 miles north of Vero Beach, FL. Crouching quite a bit, 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. 1/2500 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 7:32:36am , six minutes after sunrise.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper high-res version.
Image #1: Wood Stork sunrise silhouette
Right Place; Right Time. Seeing the Shot
On Friday morning, I was delayed about ten minutes while getting my annual Florida State Park pass. I thought that the birds filling the sky were gulls, but when I checked them out more carefully, saw that they were Ospreys! So, I headed over the bridge, parked, and walked down to the beach with the 400mm f/2.8. Looking back to the east, I saw a low line of clouds on the horizon. “Could be nice,” I thought. With wind against sun conditions, always think silhouettes. As the sun brushed the top of the clouds, all I needed was a bird in the right spot. At just the right moment, a Wood Stork landed on the perfect rock. It only stayed for a few seconds but after setting a good exposure, I was a very happy man.
There were as many photographers on the beach as there were Ospreys in the sky, yet nobody saw the winning shot but me. What else is new.
Learn to see the shot by joining any IPT.
Why Crouching?
Why was crouching vitally important to the artistic success of Image #1?
This image was also created on 21 October at Sebastian Inlet State Park 18 miles north of Vero Beach, FL. Seated on damp mud, I used the knee-pod technique with 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 2500. 1/2000 sec. at f/4 (stopped down 21-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 7:44:48am on clear sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot S AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Wood Storks allo-preening with fly-by Ruddy Turnstone
Right Place; Right Time. Seeing the Shot, Again
After the early morning Osprey feeding spree, I concentrated on the Wood Storks in the sweet, gorgeous butter light. I was lucky when two Wood Storks began preening each other right in front of me and right down sun angle. Most of the 20-odd photographers did not show much if any interest in the storks. The guy next to me did make a few frames before moving on to something else. I was thrilled to get a clean shot at photographing this not very common behavior. I do have a very few frames of allopreening Black Vultures, but nothing to write home about.
As there would be two bird heads in the frame, I stopped down one stop. When there are two subjects, I almost always want to focus on the closest bird. I was using Tracking; Zone and for the most part, the AF tracked the eye of the nearest bird, the stork on my right. But at the penultimate moment, it grabbed the eye of the left-hand bird 🙁 Actually, this was 100% operator error; I should have switched to Tracking: Expand Spot and turned off Eye Priority AF. With my set-up, that can be done in about one second by pressing two specific buttons. That would have kept focus on the eye of the right hand (also the “right”) bird.
As expected in this situation, the face and head of the right hand bird was not in sharp focus as it was in front of the plane of focus. Topaz Sharpen AI did a decent job that wound up being fine for web presentation. But it surely would not stand up to close scrutiny on a pill level. For Arash Hazeghi, it would have been an insta-delete. How does it look to you?
Getting Lucky
When I saw the out of focus, vertical banking Ruddy Turnstone in just the right spot in the frame, I thought, “I couldn’t have painted that bird in any better!”
Allopreening
Adapted from the Wikipedia article on preening here.
Although preening (feather maintenance) is primarily an individual behavior, some bird species indulge in allopreening where one individual preens another. It is not common in most bird species, but birds from at least 43 families are known to engage in this mutual activity. Most allopreening activity concentrates on the head and neck area, a lesser amount being directed towards the breast and mantle and an even smaller percentage applied to the flanks. A few species are known to allopreen other areas, including the rump, tail, belly and underwing.
Several hypotheses have been advanced to explain the behavior: that it assists in effective grooming, that it assists in recognition of individuals (mates or potential sexual partners), and that it assists in social communication, reducing or redirecting potential aggressive tendencies. These functions are not mutually exclusive. Evidence suggests that different species may participate for different reasons, and that those reasons may change depending on the season and the individuals involved. In most cases, allopreening involves members of the same species, although some cases of interspecific allopreening are known; the vast majority of these involve icterids, though at least one instance of mutual grooming between a free and wild Black Vulture and a free and wild Crested Caracara has been documented.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
In Thursday’s blog post my favorite image was #3, the preening Sandwich Tern because of the low perspective, the sweet light, the beautiful bird, and the perfect preening pose. As for which image had the best low perspective/background combination, I’d go with #4, the young Royal Tern images that was made with the lens hood resting on the sand.
Your Call?
Which of today’s five flight images is the strongest. Please leave a comment letting us know any you made your choice. New folks are always welcome so don’t be shy.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The 2023/2024 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs
IPT #2: 3 1/2 DAYS: WED 31 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 3 FEB, 2024: $2149.00. Limit: 6 photographers
San Diego IPT: 4 1/2 DAYS: TUES 23 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 27 JAN 2024: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings: 4.
Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT sessions.
Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.
I discovered some really neat new spots on my 2022/23 visit. As a result, the first and second IPTs may include an afternoon or two of landscape photography.
Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not
Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.
Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
It Ain’t Just Pelicans
With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning, there is usually some excellent flight photography, at times with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego. Each IPT will include one or two duck sessions.
Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The San Diego Details
These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon shoot. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.
Deposit Info
A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2024 San Diego IPT. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.
Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late
On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.
What’s Up?
Wednesday afternoon at DeSoto was excellent if you knew where to be. I was in the right spot when the forecast strong northeast wind (bad) switched to a gentle and variable breeze from the northwest (perfect). Thursday morning was decent with the highlight for me being a very tame first winter Greater Yellowlegs before sunrise. My drive home in the afternoon was a piece of cake and I got in a late 30-length swim in the 74.3° pool. Chilly, for sure. I spent Friday catching up and headed over to Sebastian Inlet in the afternoon.
Today is Saturday 21 October 2023. 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 25 December 2022 at La Jolla, CA. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 347mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 7:48:15am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be dead solid perfect.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high-res version.
Image #1: Pacific-race Brown Pelican, juvenile braking to land
THE Best Lens for Pelican Flight Photography In La Jolla
If you own only a single lens, then it is obviously THE best lens for flight photography for you. If you own more than one super-telephoto, telephoto, or telephoto zoom lens, then THE best lens can be determined only after evaluating the situation, the sky conditions and the light, the wind speed and direction, and the flight patterns of the birds. Note that each of today’s five featured images was created with a different rig with focal lengths ranging from 180 to 840mm.
To learn to evaluate a variety of flight photography situations live and in person, consider joining me on one of the two San Diego IPTs listed above.
Depth of Field Question #1
Why is there more background detail in the ocean Image #1 than in Images #3 and 4?
The Sony 200-600
On sunny days, the 200-600, with its relatively light weight, incredible versatility, and its 600mm each (when needed), can be an ideal for flight at La Jolla. It is also quite useful for photographing perched birds and all sorts of pelican behaviors.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #2: Pacific-race Brown Pelican, flock of six in flight over a breaking wave
A Realization
After five decades of visiting La Jolla, I realized that one of my favorite mid-morning spots for gulls, terns, and shorebirds would be great for photographing the pelicans soaring over the tops of breaking waves. A super-telephoto lens with or without the 1.4X TC is perfect as the birds are not usually flying by at close range.
Aging Pelicans
Aging a bird refers to identifying the plumage. In this image, there are four young birds, two in breeding plumage, and one sub-adult. Can you locate each of those?
Depth of Field Question #2
Even though the subjects are not on the exact same plane, they are all relatively sharp on the face?
Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger, sharper, high-res version.
Image #3: Pacific-race Brown Pelican, sub-adult in flight
A New Spot
In 2022/23, I discovered a new spot that was great for flight photography, mostly for pelicans and Royal Terns with occasional fly-by Brandt’s Cormorants. A variety of focal lengths can be excellent at this location as the birds sometimes fly right by at close range and sometimes are rather distant.
This image was created on 4 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 400. 1/4000 sec. at f/3.5 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:33:28am on clear sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger, sharper, high-res version.
Despite the fact that the Sony 400 f/2.8 GM lens is only 4 ounces lighter than the 600mm f/4 GM, I will use the 600mm f/4 on a tripod 99% of the time while almost always handholding the 400mm f/2.8. Why? The super-fast 400mm is physically smaller (shorter) than the 600 and is far better balanced with the bulk of the weight towards the rear of the lens.
The 400mm f/2.8 was especially perfect for flight on my 20223/2023 San Diego visit as the usually perfect weather was on the iffy side with more cloudy, foggy, drizzly weather than I have ever experienced in usually sunny California. The super-wide aperture is a big plus in low light conditions. But is does well on sunny days too. And the focal length is often spot on for the pelicans flying in to land.
This image was created on 5 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. Standing at full height, I used the handheld I used the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 180mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:08:09 am in the shade on a cloudy morning.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #5: Brown Pelican, Pacific-race breeding plumage adult in flight in cove
The Right Lens for the Situation
The lens choice here best illustrates the horses for courses theme of today’s post. The birds were flying by at close range and it was dark so the 70-200mm GM II lens without a TC was the obvious best choice.
Horses for courses means that what is suitable for one situation might be unsuitable for another.
If you are blessed like me an own several big lenses, you need to learn to evaluate different flight photography situations so that you have the right lens in your hands at the right moment. With experience, you can learn to make the right choice before you leave your vehicle! The best way to learn this stuff is, of course, to join an IPT with San Diego or Homer leading the league in flight photography.
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 do not use an α-1, be sure to read down to the bottom to save a few bucks.
Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris have created the definitive and most comprehensive ever treatise on photographing birds in flight. With more than sixty years of experience photographing birds, they know what you need to know but have not figured out yet! You will be astounded by the depth of their knowledge and the tips they have to offer. More than six months in the making, the guide contains 229 pages, 24,321 words,97 exceptional and inspirational flight images — each with a legendary, enlightening BIRDS AS ART caption, and 22 screen captures. The guide contains a wealth of useful, practical, and for the most part — never-before-available information.
We will teach you the basic concepts that you need to master to become a great flight photographer along with the techniques used by the world’s best flight photographers.
You will learn that most any telephoto lens can be perfect for flight photography in a given situation; focal lengths for the images in the book range from 200mm to 1200mm and everywhere in between.
We discuss the merits of various lenses in depth, including and especially comparing the 400mm f/2.8 lenses with the 600mm f/4s.
We guide you in getting your hands on the flight photography lens that will best meet your needs. We offer a variety of handholding and rest position tips and include tips on working with a big lens on a tripod when working with a flight lens that is otherwise too heavy for you.
Both authors offer their thoughts on getting the right exposure when photographing birds in flight. You will learn to get the right exposure on foggy days and even when photographing black birds in white sky conditions.
You will learn the tremendous importance of pre-focusing, of finding the bird in the viewfinder quickly, acquiring focus almost instantly (with tips on doing all three).
You will learn the role of image stabilization in flight photography and the best settings.
Both authors share their thoughts on using the focus range limiter switch. In the same vein, you will learn to use Direct Manual Focus to make your flight photography life easier.
All will learn about the best wing positions and the importance of the background with images of birds in flight. With lots of examples.
You will learn about the best shutter speeds (and the best aperture) to use when photographing flying birds.
You will learn to photograph flight while seated and the many advantages of doing so.
You will learn the best methods of controlling high ISO noise.
All will learn to format their flash cards properly and safely.
You will learn what to do when your AF system is temporarily blinded.
All will learn the huge effect that wind strength and direction has on flight photography and to evaluate the quality and direction of the light on both sunny and cloudy days.
You will learn why it is vitally important to shoot aggressively when photographing birds in flight.
You will learn to carefully observe and evaluate a variety of bird behaviors that may shine light on some excellent opportunities for photographing birds in flight. And about getting into the best position from which to photograph.
You will learn to be a much better flight photographer.
What Sony Folks Will Learn
Exactly how Artie uses Zebras to come up with perfect exposure after perfect exposure.
The fine points and recommended settings for Optical Steady Shot (OSS).
The concept of Auto-Focus (AF) tracking in the α-1.
Everything there is to know about the complex Sony autofocus system.
About all the AF patterns, how to quickly switch them, and about those favored by each author. And why.
The Tracking and Non-tracking AF patterns. When and why Arash uses Non-Tracking Zone. And why Artie uses only two AF patterns.
How to set and use Bird Face-Eye detection for flight photography.
How and why to assign various custom functions to the various programmable buttons on the α-1 body.
The perfect settings for the many, many Menu items that are vitally related to flight photography.
How and why the Sony α-1 uses both contrast and phase detection AF to determine focus (and the benefits thereof).
Which are the best memory cards for the Sony α-1.
To quickly access frequently used menu items.
Non-Sony α-1 Discount
Using the honor system, folks who do not use a Sony α-1 body are invited to click here to save $25.00 on the purchase price of the guide.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
