May 31st, 2023 What’s Up?
I changed my bandage for the first time on Tuesday evening, DAY 5 after the trigger finger surgery. The incision looks fine, clean, and black with no redness at the edges and just a bit of expected swelling on the pad of the palm below my shutter button finger. The stitches will be removed this coming Monday.
Today is Wednesday 31 May 2023. This blog post took about three hours to prepare. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too are gonna have a great day.
All are cordially invited to join me next year on a Homer or a San Diego Instructional Photo Tour (IPT). I will be announcing fall dates for two or three Fort DeSoto IPTs soon. Not to mention a Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime in August 2024.
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.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, 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.
Via Text from Andrew Schonbek
Thanks for the great DeSoto IPT, Artie. It was an eye-opening experience in many ways. I have lots to work on and practice in the aftermath. Looking forward to learning more in the future. Andrew
Via Text from Stu Goz
Much love and respect to you. On the 3rd DeSoto IPT you shared a million dollars’ worth of insight for pennies.
Via e-mail from Stu Goz
Here’s cliche number one: I don’t write reviews.
Cliche number two: I’m making an exception in this one case.
I am writing this a week after my first IPT because I needed to let it all sink in properly – I needed to decompress. I’m probably not fully there yet, even now, but it’s time.
My biggest take-away is that Artie’s masterpieces are well-earned. There was never a time when I’ve seen someone work harder than he did. It was inspirational, humbling, and fascinating to watch him. Once he was in his element, the magic started immediately, and his passion was apparent for the duration of each session. My next takeaway is how unbelievably gracious, honest, and generous he is. Anyone who follows his blog already knows this (and if you don’t, you should), but Artie is an educator to his core. He is quick to explain his thought processes at any time, and leads by example.
After each session, we had a nice meal and discussed what made good photos good and bad photos bad. Enlightening. And sometimes sad. But so much better for it all. These days, more than any other time, it is the extra effort that separates the pros from the amateurs – getting low in the muck, as needed – knowing when to move, and when to stay, and doing it unwaveringly. I created so many images that I’m proud of. Artie has a great way of teaching without belittling, which keeps your mind open to his many lessons.
Artie, you are a national treasure, a never-ending source of inspiration, and a perfect mentor. I wish I could shoot right next to you every weekend.
I hope to see you again soon; your friend.
Stu Goz
Summer 2023 Nickerson Beach Terns, Skimmers, & Oystercatchers Instructional Photo Tour (IPT): 3 1/2 (or 4 1/2) DAYS. Monday afternoon, June 19, thru the full day on Thursday June 22 (or Friday June 23), 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. (4 1/2 Days: $2199.00 includes four working brunches). Limit six photographers
The Summer 2023 Nickerson Beach Terns, Skimmers, & Oystercatchers IPT
I am offering two options for this IPT. Locals might prefer the 3 1/2 day IPT. Folks traveling from out of town will almost surely want to maximize their travel dollars by staying the extra day. The stars of the show will likely be the nesting Common Terns. As many have been on eggs for a week or more, we should get to photograph some small chicks and lots of birds in flight with fish. We should have lots of American Oystercatcher families with chicks of varying sizes. Photographing them at dawn along as they forage along the edge of the surf is an exciting experience. We will get to photograph early morning skimmer flock blast offs, lots of afternoon midair battles, and will likely have some skimmers on eggs. Flight photography for all three species will abound.
Many folks head home feeling that while our time in the field was fabulous and productive, that the working brunch sessions were even more valuable. During image review you will learn to select the best images from several thousand made with your 20- and 30 fps camera bodies. And we will process a few images and distribute the screen capture videos for you to learn from after the trip. And all IPTs offer follow-up image critiques.
Change your life: sign up for this IPT today. Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to explore the possibility of renting some Sony gear (including an a1) from me.
Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT
- 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
- 2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
- 3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
- 4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
- 6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
- 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
- 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
- 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
- 10- More than you could ever imagine.
The Details
We will be on the beach very early to enjoy sunrise. The morning sessions will run at least 3 1/2 hours. Afternoon sessions will begin at 6:00pm and run till sunset. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till 11:30am or so and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy.
There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session before and after brunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airports are JFK or Slip (if you have lots of Southwest points. Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field ridiculously early and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:00am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We may be getting our feet wet on occasion, especially in the mornings, but those who wish to keep their feet 100% dry can do so.
Your $599 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check ASAP for this short-notice IPT. Those who wish to pay for the trip in one fell swoop via check may do so by making the check out to BIRDS AS ART and then mailing it to BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice right after you register. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.
My Call
Like most who commented on the last post, I liked Images #1 and #3 best, with a slight edge to #3. Image #3 needed 1/3-stop more light than Image #2 because the whites on the breast of the adult oystercatcher are brighter than the off-white belly of the chick. Remember that bright whites require less light to be properly than all darker tones.
Getting Close to Small Shorebirds at Nickerson Beach
My strategy is to notice small feeding flocks, note the direction they are moving, get a bit in front of sun angle, crouch down to approach and get down as carefully as possible. If you try to get too close as you approach the birds, you will usually flush them all. As I am waiting for the birds to come closer, I may scootch forward on. my butt, lifting the tripod, and moving it forward nine inches at a time until I am in range.
I created Image #1 from roughly 62 feet, when I first sat down. I did not think much of it when I pressed the shutter button but like the raised foot, the bird tucked into the corner of the frame, and the breaking wave.
On occasion, just as you have some birds at point-blank range, an oblivious beach walker or jogger may come along and spoil your fun. If you see them coming, you can try shouting and waving “Good morning,” and then, if they respond, signaling them, asking them, give the birds some berth. Most will. I never get angry with folks who scared the birds because if it were not for them, the birds would not be as accepting as they are.
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This image was created on 24 May 2023 at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. Standing at full eight, I used the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 640: 1/3200 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:44:34am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed quite well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: American Oystercatcher Black Skimmer headed back to the colony
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The Swash
swash (noun): the rush of seawater up the beach after the breaking of a wave.
The term swash was new to me until last week when I came across it while doing research on Sand (Mole) Crabs. I always called that foamy white water “the wash.” With the sun in the northeast, I love photographing gulls, terns, and shorebirds in the swash. In early morning light, the combination of sparkling white foam, blue water, and gray sand beach is spectacular.
If the beach in Image #2 is too clean for you, know that I removed only a single blemish that marred the otherwise immaculate gray sand. Receding waves often leave pristine beaches behind as they depart.
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This image was also created on 24 May 2023 at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 3200: 1/3200 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:15:02pm on cloudy evening with an approaching thunderstorm in the west.
Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #3: Common Terns foraging for baby Sand (Mole) Crabs in the wash zone
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Why the 400mm f/2.8?
Of my four Nickerson sessions last week, the sun was shining for the first three. When I parked on the last afternoon, it was already cloudy. So with much lower light level, I opted for the faster shorter lens, the 400mm f/2.8, and left the longer, slower lens, the 600mm f/4, in the car. Adding the 1.4X TC to the 400mm, leaves me at 560mm f/4. That combo, however, is a lot easier for me to handhold than the 600mm f/4 alone because of its shorter length and its better balance wit more of the weight to the rear of the lens.
Bird-scapes with Long Lenses
A common misconception is that short telephoto zoom lenses are best if you wish to create bird-scapes. While lenses like the 70-200s can be used effectively to create wide images featuring a small-in-the-frame bird (or birds), long effective focal lengths often fit the bill perfectly. The key is to visualize the image from afar. When attempting to create such images, it is imperative to focus accurately on the closest bird. Absolutely imperative. An out-of-focus bird (or birds) in front of the plane of focus, is almost always an image-killer.
Atmospheric Perspective Explained
With Image #3, the sharpest focus is on the third bird from our left to right, the one just above the out-of-focus tern trying to pick up a baby Sand Crab. The sharp bird is conveniently located close to the rule of thirds spot. And by luck, the Sanderling in the lower left corner is sharp as well because it was on the same plane as the primary subject. The farther the other terns are behind the sharp tern, the more out-of-focus they become. This results in what is know as atmospheric perspective; they add depth to the image. With no merges, Image #3 was the best of about a 20-frame sequence.
Your Call?
Which on one of today’s three featured images do you like best? Why?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
May 29th, 2023 Via Text from Andrew Schonbek
Thanks for the great DeSoto IPT, Artie. It was an eye-opening experience in many ways. I have lots to work on and practice in the aftermath. Looking forward to learning more in the future. Andrew
Via Text from Stu Goz
Much love and respect to you. On the 3rd DeSoto IPT you shared a million dollars’ worth of insight for pennies.
Via e-mail from Stu Goz
Here’s cliche number one: I don’t write reviews.
Cliche number two: I’m making an exception in this one case.
I am writing this a week after my first IPT because I needed to let it all sink in properly – I needed to decompress. I’m probably not fully there yet, even now, but it’s time.
My biggest take-away is that Artie’s masterpieces are well-earned. There was never a time when I’ve seen someone work harder than he did. It was inspirational, humbling, and fascinating to watch him. Once he was in his element, the magic started immediately, and his passion was apparent for the duration of each session. My next takeaway is how unbelievably gracious, honest, and generous he is. Anyone who follows his blog already knows this (and if you don’t, you should), but Artie is an educator to his core. He is quick to explain his thought processes at any time, and leads by example.
After each session, we had a nice meal and discussed what made good photos good and bad photos bad. Enlightening. And sometimes sad. But so much better for it all. These days, more than any other time, it is the extra effort that separates the pros from the amateurs – getting low in the muck, as needed – knowing when to move, and when to stay, and doing it unwaveringly. I created so many images that I’m proud of. Artie has a great way of teaching without belittling, which keeps your mind open to his many lessons.
Artie, you are a national treasure, a never-ending source of inspiration, and a perfect mentor. I wish I could shoot right next to you every weekend.
I hope to see you again soon; your friend.
Stu Goz
Summer 2023 Nickerson Beach Terns, Skimmers, & Oystercatchers Instructional Photo Tour (IPT): 3 1/2 (or 4 1/2) DAYS. Monday afternoon, June 19, thru the full day on Thursday June 22 (or Friday June 23), 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. (4 1/2 Days: $2199.00 includes four working brunches). Limit six photographers
The Summer 2023 Nickerson Beach Terns, Skimmers, & Oystercatchers IPT
I am offering two options for this IPT. Locals might prefer the 3 1/2 day IPT. Folks traveling from out of town will almost surely want to maximize their travel dollars by staying the extra day. The stars of the show will likely be the nesting Common Terns. As many have been on eggs for a week or more, we should get to photograph some small chicks and lots of birds in flight with fish. We should have lots of American Oystercatcher families with chicks of varying sizes. Photographing them at dawn along as they forage along the edge of the surf is an exciting experience. We will get to photograph early morning skimmer flock blast offs, lots of afternoon midair battles, and will likely have some skimmers on eggs. Flight photography for all three species will abound.
Many folks head home feeling that while our time in the field was fabulous and productive, that the working brunch sessions were even more valuable. During image review you will learn to select the best images from several thousand made with your 20- and 30 fps camera bodies. And we will process a few images and distribute the screen capture videos for you to learn from after the trip. And all IPTs offer follow-up image critiques.
Change your life: sign up for this IPT today. Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to explore the possibility of renting some Sony gear (including an a1) from me.
Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT
- 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
- 2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
- 3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
- 4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
- 6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
- 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
- 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
- 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
- 10- More than you could ever imagine.
The Details
We will be on the beach very early to enjoy sunrise. The morning sessions will run at least 3 1/2 hours. Afternoon sessions will begin at 6:00pm and run till sunset. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till 11:30am or so and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy.
There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session before and after brunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airports are JFK or Slip (if you have lots of Southwest points. Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field ridiculously early and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:00am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We may be getting our feet wet on occasion, especially in the mornings, but those who wish to keep their feet 100% dry can do so.
Your $599 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check ASAP for this short-notice IPT. Those who wish to pay for the trip in one fell swoop via check may do so by making the check out to BIRDS AS ART and then mailing it to BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice right after you register. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.
My Call
Yes, in Saturday’s blog post the flying oystercatcher was angled slightly away from us. And so was its head.
Chris Davidson/May 28, 2023 at 10:39am
Good morning Art, First and foremost, happy to hear your surgery went well… My thoughts on the images are the same as Richard’s, the oystercatcher’s head angle is less than ideal but the downward wing position makes it special. The Tern image is fantastic and easily beats out the others for top honors!!
Like Chris, everyone who commented on their favorite picked the kiting tern image. I could not disagree.
What’s Up?
I watched Where the Crawdads Sing on Netflix on Sunday. The movie is based on the best seller (18 million copies sold) by Delia Owens. If you get a chance to watch it, do.
Today is Monday 29 May 2023. This blog post took about four hours to prepare. My right hand is doing fine, thank you. I have gotten a ton of work done on the flight photography guide that I am writing with Arash Hazeghi and the end is in sight. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too are gonna have a great day.
All are cordially invited to join me next year on a Homer or a San Diego Instructional Photo Tour (IPT). I will be announcing fall dates for two or three Fort DeSoto IPTs soon. Not to mention a Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime in August 2024.
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.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, 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.
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens
BAA Record-low Price!
Multiple IPT veteran Carlotta Grenier is offering a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens (USA warranty) in like-new condition for a BAA record low $9,797.00. The lens was used just once. The sale includes the rear lens cap, the lens trunk, the original front lens cover, the lens strap, the original product box and everything that came in it, 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.
Please contact Carlotta via e-mail.
The 600mm f/4 lenses have been the state of the art super-telephotos for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many decades. I never leave home without mine. In short, they are the weapons of mass destruction for nature and sports photographers. The Sony 600 GM is the best ever as it is super-sharp with both the 1.4X TC and the 2X TC. I even shoot flight at 1200mm! It is the lightest 600 f/4 ever manufactured. And with most of the weight to the rear, it the best balanced 600 out there, and thus, is easier to handhold than any of its competitors. This lens sells new for $12,998.00 and is rarely in stock. If you have been dreaming of a Sony 600mm f/4 for years, grab Carlotta’s pretty much new lens right now and put $3,001.00 in savings into your pocket. artie
Sandworm Breakfast
After making a ton of great images of the chicks dining on Sand (Mole) Crabs (with a side of eggs) on Tuesday morning in very low light, I got to photograph them chowing down on seaworms on Wednesday morning, this time down sun angle in better light. By working seated with the lens about 18″ off the ground on the lowered (not flattened) tripod, we have a decent look at the chick’s fat feet.
More Light Means Faster Shutter Speeds
With sunrise at 5:31am and some light clouds to the east, the light was well muted at first. An hour later, still with some faint clouds around, the sun was quite a bit stronger so I switched out the 2X TC for the 1.4X and decided to try for some action shots at 1/2000 second. I was rewarded when the poppa bird came running with another seaworm for the chicks. Having taken a few moments to firmly set the tripod in the sand and then level the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro, I did not have to worry about keeping the camera level; I was free to concentrate on keeping the running bird towards the back of the frame as I panned with it.
The Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripods
For reasons that I do not understand, the prices of both the 3-leg section Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber tripod and the 4-leg section Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber tripod have been drastically reduced. They are available only from B&H and are currently priced at a ridiculously low $399.95, about 1/3 the price of a comparable Really Wrong Stuff (RWS) tripod. Right now, the 3-leg section version is my go-to tripod.
Jumping for Joy?
When baby birds jump up, it appears that they may be jumping for joy, having avoided all manner of predators, especially several species of gulls. In fact, they are exercising their tiny wings. When I saw this image on the rear monitor, I was the one jumping for joy.
High Level Exposure Question
Image #2 and #3 were made in the same light less than two minutes apart. Why did Image #3 need 1/3-stop more light than Image #2?
Your Call?
Which on one of today’s three featured images do you like best? Why?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
May 27th, 2023 Thursday’s Blog Post
Kudos to John Storjohann who was the only one to note that I added a catchlight to the chick’s eye in Image #1.
As I love both of them, I could not choose between the two featured images. As I do like the position of the crab and the egg case best in Image #1 and love the inclusion of the bill of one of the parents in Image #2, it would be easy to add the bill to the first image.
A Nickerson Beach IPT
I will be offering a Nickerson Beach Skimmer/Tern/Oystercatcher IPT before I head home on 29 June. If you are interested and would like to lobby for dates, please get in touch via e-mail or call me on my cell at 863-221-2372. All weekdays would be best.
What’s Up?
My trigger finger surgery went splendidly and my recovery is progressing perfectly. A local anesthetic was used and I was sedated, so I felt nothin’. I seemed to be awake and remember waiting to feel the sting of the numbing agent being injected into my right hand. That’s when the anesthesiologist, Dr. Malik, said, “It’s all done.’ I have had zero pain. And am following the doctor’s orders to a T in hopes of avoiding infection like the one I had twelve years ago. As much as I already loved Dr. Puopolo, having seen him in charge in the operating room brought a new level of respect — think of a happy, smiling drill sergeant, confident and 100% in command. The whole team at Precision Care Surgery Center in East Setauket was wonderful, especially Mary Jo.
I learned yesterday that there is a breeding plumage Curlew Sandpiper at the Coast Guard Station at Jones Beach West End. And I am on light duty only 🙁 I have not seen one in about 45 years. I spent about four hours working on the flight photography guide that I am doing with Arash Hazeghi, and will be hammering away at it until I can get back to doing bird photography.
Today is Saturday 27 May 2023. This blog post took about 2 1/2 hours to prepare. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too are gonna have a great day.
All are cordially invited to join me next year on a Homer or a San Diego Instructional Photo Tour (IPT). I will be announcing fall dates for two or three Fort DeSoto IPTs soon. Not to mention a Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime in August 2024.
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.
Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, 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.
Nikon Z7 II Mirrorless Camera/with extras!
BAA Used Gear Page veteran David Rice is offering a Nikon Mirrorless Z7 II in excellent plus condition for a very low $1746.95. The sale includes the original box and the manual, three Nikon batteries (a $138.00 extra value) with the charger, the front body cap, a 64GB XQD Lexar Memory Card, the strap, the front body cap, a RRS L-Bracket (a $210.00 value), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only.
Please contact David via e-mail.
High-Resolution Image Making
Improved processing, greater versatility, but familiar in design, the Nikon Z7 II takes everything that was great from the original and ups its capabilities even more. Sporting a high-resolution 45.7MP FX-format BSI CMOS sensor and dual EXPEED 6 image processors, the Z7 II is clearly aimed at the detail-obsessed image-maker. Improving upon their initial efforts, Nikon has revised the Z7 platform to offer more speed, faster processing, and greater versatility without sacrificing the beloved qualities of the original camera. The sensor’s design omits the optical low-pass filter for greater detail recording capability and the sensor supports a native sensitivity range down to ISO 64 for lush, rich captures. Updated processing also yields faster speeds, including a 10 fps continuous shooting rate and a deeper buffer for working with moving subjects. Updated autofocus now includes Eye and Face Detection for both humans and animals in the Wide-Area AF mode, for both photo and video recording. Nikon and B&H
If you are a general nature photographer looking to get into Nikon mirrorless without spending $5,500.00 on a Z9, you are in the right place. I’ve seen some great flight images with the Nikon Z6 II so I have no doubt that the Z7 II can do the same even better. As this body sells new for $2,996.95, you can save a bundle by being the one to grab David’s Z7 II along with some great extras. artie
The Fact$ of Life
The market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%. Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.
In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,000.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4026. Yes, 4026 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.
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.
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. 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.
Iceland
My decades-long dream of spending time on Grimsey Island, Iceland, with the puffins — 13 days in this case!, will be realized this coming July. I am doing back-to-back trips as a participant. If anyone would like information on the world’s greatest Iceland/Atlantic Puffin trip this coming July, please contact me via e-mail.
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This image was created on 24 May 2023 at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. Seated on dry sand, working behind the lowered Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod topped by the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro, I used the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 800: 1/4000 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:30:31am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed quite well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: American Oystercatcher male headed for the ocean shoreline
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Sitting Behind Your Lowered Tripod
Sitting behind a lowered tripod had many advantages. For the chick feeding images, being elevated about eighteen inches provided a pleasing low perspective and a decent look at the bird’s feet that you usually miss if you are working on a flattened tripod or a panning ground pod. In addition, working off the lowered tripod makes it a lot easier to follow running or flying birds. I had raised my ISO and shutter speed in anticipation of the male flying to or from the shoreline where he picked up a variety of tasty tidbits for the two cute chicks. Understanding bird behavior and being prepared often pays huge photographic dividends. You can learn a ton by joining an Instructional Photo-Tour.
Firming the tripod into the sand and then leveling the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro enabled me to pan with confident, ease, and impunity without having to worry about creating square to the world images without have to rotate the big lens in the tripod collar when panning.
The Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripods
For reasons that I do not understand, the prices of both the 3-leg section Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber tripod and the 4-leg section Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber tripod have been drastically reduced. They are available only from B&H and are currently priced at a ridiculously low $399.95, about 1/3 the price of a comparable Really Wrong Stuff (RWS) tripod. Right now the 3-leg section version is my go-to tripod.
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This image was also created on 24 May 2023 at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. Seated on dry sand, I used the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 800: 1/4000 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:32:20am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed quite well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Black Skimmer headed back to the colony
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Why Sit for Flight?
As I was photographing the oystercatcher family, I kept noticing skimmers flying from the ocean back to the colony about thirty yards south of where I was sitting. I decided that I would move to my left, sit down, and try handholding the 600 f/4 for flight. Another great advantage of the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro is that it takes about one second to take the lens off the tripod. At Sebastian Inlet, I can actually release the lens from the clamp almost instantly as an Osprey is flying right at me; you must handhold to make the t-shot as the bird flies directly overhead.
Anyhoo, in short order, I grabbed the lens, moved left, and sat down on the dry sand again to photograph the incoming skimmers. Image #2 was created less than two minutes after Image #1. So, why sit for flight?
1- You can rest the lens on your left knee while waiting for a bird to fly by. Raising the lens to shooting position as it rests on your knee is a lot easier than having to raise it from your side time and time again. Fatigue is greatly reduced.
2- With most of the birds flying low over the sand, you effectively move the beach background farther from the subject, rendering it beautifully out of focus. In addition, you can often introduce Atlantic blue as the upper background. If you are standing and shooting down at the skimmers, the details on the beach will become distracting, and you will never have the ocean in the upper background.
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This image was also created on 24 May 2023 at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 3200: 1/3200 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:52:47pm on an increasing cloudy afternoon.
Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #3: Common Tern defending nest with eggs from marauding Laughing Gull
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400mm f/2.8 with 1.4X TC for Flight Photography
Though this combo weighs pretty much the same as the bare (no TC) 600mm f/4, it is much easier for me to handhold it for flight photography because the lens is physically much shorter than the big six and it is better balanced with more of the weight to the rear off the lens. It puts me at 560mm at f/4 and fatigue when doing flight photography is pretty much a non-issue.
Your Calls?
Which on one of today’s featured images has a less than ideal head angle?
Which image do you like best? Why?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
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