The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide: $25.00
The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide details the photographic opportunities available at the New Far Bar and environs. It includes annotated maps, a safety warning, photography tips, recommended access, available subjects, updates on old locations, details on another new DeSoto hotspot, and a gallery. You can purchase a copy here in the BAA Online Store. Folks who already own the Fort DeSoto Site Guide are entitled to a free copy. To receive yours, shoot me an e-mail that includes Fort DeSoto Site Guide proof-of-purchase with the words “New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide” cut and pasted into the subject line.
The Fact$ of Life
Right now, 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 4009. Yes, 4009 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.
What’s Up?
I continue to be so busy that despite the beautiful weather in central Florida, I still have not gotten down to the lake since I got home from Bonaire. Perhaps that has to do with how much fun I had photographing the flamingoes. I am spending lots of time working on the world’s best flight photography e-guide with co-author Arash Hazeghi.
For late registration discount offer details for the third DeSoto IPT, please shoot me an e-mail.
Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #3: Tuesday 9 May through the morning session on 12 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 4.
Today is Friday 5 May 2023. This blog post took about two hours to prepare including the time spent on the two image optimizations. Wherever you are and 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.
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.
This image was created on 16 April 2023 by Anita North at the New Far Bar at Fort DeSoto in Pinellas County, FL. Seated in a foot of water, she 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 640: 1/5000 sec. at f/3.2 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:47:47am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Reddish Egret landing while fishing
Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: Anita North
I Can’t Do That …
Anita North created Image #1 while seated in a foot of water in the channel between the New Near Bar and the New Far Bar. She was handholding the Sony 400mm f/2.8 with the Sony ⍺1. Being strong, thin, wiry, and agile, she is able to get up out the water time and time again when the frenetically fishing reddish moves far off sun angle. And she does that without having to use either hand. I cannot do that and could not have done it decades ago.
To get up after being seated in water, I need to place my right hand on bottom. I can do that, but then need to dry off my right hand before putting it back on the camera or risk saltwater damaging my ⍺1. When you throw in the risk of dumping the 400 f/2.8 GM lens in a foot of saltwater, my choice becomes very clear: as much as I love low perspectives, I need to stay on my feet when chasing after a Reddish Egret. When I ran all of this by Anita last week, she admitted that she was reconsidering her sitting-in-the-water strategy in fear of totaling her 400 2.8 along with her ⍺1.
Lower Is Usually Better
As a matter of general bird photography advice, I state often that lower is usually better. At DeSoto, getting down on the ground is often the ticket to success and is something that I strive to do whenever possible. Surely, there is a lot to love about Anita’s low perspective image above — the intimate view, the narrow strip of in-focus water, and the soft, dreamy, de-focused background. Now scroll down to Image #2.
This image was created on 16 April 2023 by yours truly at the New Far Bar at Fort DeSoto in Pinellas County, FL. Crouching down 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 640: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (did open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:46:48am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Reddish Egret landing while fishing
Image by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Amazingly Coincidental Images Made at the Exact Same Instant!
When going through my DeSoto images on Thursday I came across _A1G2083 Fort DeSoto Park — Tierra Verde — FL and thought, that looks a heck of a lot like one of Anita’s images that I had selected for the YouTube video featuring her work, the very popular Brain Surgeon Operates Successfully on Florida Birds at BIRDS AS ART Hotspots! . If you missed that one you can watch it here.
Anyhoo, I teed up the two images in Photo Mechanic and quickly realized that amazingly, they were created in the exact same instant. When I noted that even the side-to-side perspective was identical, I realized that I must have been shooting on the same line as Anita, right over the top of her head as she sat in the water, and I stood directly behind her.
This coincidence is a first for me.
I was not surprised that we each selected the same frame as best from a long series of images created at 30 frames per second by the Sony ⍺1.
Time Difference?
How do you explain the 59-second difference in the capture time of the two images?
Your Call?
Which of today’s two featured images, created in the same instant, do you like best? Why? Though there is a lot to love about eve
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I’ve been so busy, that despite the beautiful weather in central Florida, I have not gotten down to the lake since I got home from Bonaire.
For details on the late registration discount offer for the third DeSoto IPT, please shoot me an e-mail.
Today is Wednesday 3 May 2023. This blog post took about four hours to prepare. Wherever you are and 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.
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.
Bird Photography Lessons at the New Far Bar at Fort DeSoto with Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
As a result of Hurricane Ian and the usual winter storms, both Outback Key and photography at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL have changed drastically. Outback Key was breached, creating a new cut, two new sandbars, one new sand island, and numerous channels. The New Far Bar has recently been fabulous for bird photography on all but the highest tides. See what’s been going on at the New Cut in this educational 9-minute video.
I created this image on 12 April 2023 at the New Far Bar at Fort DeSoto. I used the hand held Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lensSony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens (at 17mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 400. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/6400 sec. at f/3.5 (stopped down 2/3-stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file exposure was perfect. AWB at 10:22:14am on mostly cloudy morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot (moved well down in the frame)/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version.
Image #1: Terns and gulls on the New Far Bar at Fort DeSoto
The New Far Bar
As a result of Hurricane Ian and the usual winter storms, both Outback Key and photography at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL have changed drastically. Outback Key was breached, creating a new cut, two new sandbars, one new sand island, and numerous channels. The New Far Bar has recently been fabulous for bird photography on all but the highest tides.
The Sony 12-24
At DeSoto, I wear my old Xtra-hand vest and bring the 12-24 along only when there are lots of dramatic clouds.
The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide
The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide: $25.00
The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide details the photographic opportunities available at the New Far Bar and environs. It includes annotated maps, a safety warning, photography tips, recommended access, available subjects, updates on old locations, details on another new DeSoto hotspot, and a gallery. You can purchase a copy here in the BAA Online Store. Folks who already own the Fort DeSoto Site Guide are entitled to a free copy. To receive yours, shoot me an e-mail that includes Fort DeSoto Site Guide proof-of-purchase with the words “New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide” cut and pasted into the subject line.
Tracking: Expand Spot/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: Royal Terns copulating
The “Send It Home Jerome!” Pose
With many tern (and gull) species, including and especially Royal Tern, the male will mount the female and stand atop her, often with his wings raised, and often for several minutes. During this pre-copulatory stand, the male practices maintaining his balance. Actual mating (copulation) takes only a few seconds for birds, when two birds position themselves so their cloacas can touch. During that brief touch, an act that is often called the “cloacal kiss,” the sperm is transferred from the male’s cloaca to the female’s cloaca. Fortunately for bird photographers, terns will often mate several times over an extended session that may stretch to as long as three to four minutes.
When the male curls his tail under his mate’s tail for the cloacal kiss, he leans back and stretches both wings far to the rear to keep his balance. I call this the “Send it home, Jerome! pose. Why? On January 25, 1988, Pittsburgh Panthers college basketball star Jerome Lane stunned the crowd with a monstrous backboard-shattering dunk. Legendary broadcaster Bill Raftery reacted with his famous “Send it in, Jerome!” call. A bit later, while replaying the dunk, Raftery says “Bring it home, Jerome. So, I took literary license and combined his two calls to come up with “Send It Home Jerome!” You can see the dunk and hear Raftery’s call in the YouTube video here.
Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, many in full breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull landing on head of Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull in flight, Reddish Egret sunrise silhouette, Great Blue Heron with needlefish, Yellow-crowned Night Heron with ghost crab, Roseate Spoonbill, Sanderling in breeding plumage, and white morph Reddish Egret in glorious breeding plumage.
The 2023 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tours (IPTs)
Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #3: Tuesday 9 May through the morning session on 12 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 4.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for terns and gulls, wading birds, and shorebirds in spring. Many of the birds will be in full breeding plumage. Simply put, DeSoto is the new Ding Darling. Migrant shorebirds are in abundance, and many are exceedingly tame. We should have great chances on Royal and Sandwich Terns and both white- and dark-morph Reddish Egrets. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two along with some American Oystercatchers. We will enjoy lots of great flight photography, especially with the Brown Pelicans.
Again, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull in flight, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Sandwich Terns copulating, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret with reflection, breeding plumage Short-billed Dowitcher, American Oystercatcher, Royal Tern, white morph Reddish Egret, and Snowy Egret in marsh.
In Addition!
We should also get to photograph a variety of other shorebirds including Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, Snowy, and Piping Plovers, Willet, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit, and most especially, Red Knot, with many individuals in their handsome breeding plumages. In spring the T-shaped peninsula and the newly formed sandbar, Outback Key, are literally packed with avian treasures.
With just a bit of luck, we may get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable species: Roseate Spoonbill. And we will surely get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. With luck, they will have Laughing Gulls landing on their heads. And though not guaranteed, Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
Yes, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: breeding plumage Dunlin, dark morph Reddish Egret displaying, Laughing Gull vertical front-end portrait, Laughing Gull with prey item, landing on head of Brown Pelican, breeding plumage Royal Tern displaying, Royal Terns — pre-copulatory stance, Laughing Gulls copulating, Laughing Gull head portrait, breeding plumage Sandwich Tern with fish, and a rare treat, a breeding plumage White-rumped Sandpiper.
What You Will Learn on a DeSoto IPT
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
5- To age and identify many species of shorebirds including various sandpipers, plovers, dowitchers, and possibly yellowlegs.
6- To spot good situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
10- More than you could ever imagine.
You got it by now! Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Roseate Spoonbill, immature Brown Pelican in flight, the heron/egret hybrid, American Oystercatcher feeding, immature Royal Tern on railing, Great Egret morning silhouette, Black Skimmer in surf, and underside head portrait of Great Blue Heron.
The Details
Morning sessions will run two and one-half to three hours; afternoon sessions about two. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till noon and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy. We may opt to visit a great North Tampa rookery if conditions warrant that.
There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session before and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible 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 9:30am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We will be getting wet.
Your $599 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check three months before the trip begins. If you wish to pay in full right off the bat, you can make your check out to BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice two months before the trip. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Of the four images featured in the last blog post, Four Squares at the Sewer Works Main Pond on Bonaire, I could not pick a favorite; I liked them all. One of the very few comments from that blog post (and my response):
Cliff Beittel/April 30, 2023 at 9:49am
Can’t get enough flamingos, and the beauty in Image 4 really fits the square frame. The stilt is sweet too, and I think it can be leveled better in ACR’s Geometry panel by drawing guidelines (1) along the back of the left wing and its reflection (but ignoring the tips of the primaries), and (2) along the top of the blue water. That actually tilts the bird clockwise a bit and looks natural. Had a big night with six stilts myself in the past week and spent a lot of time getting the birds and their ripples leveled.
On the Robus tripods, I thought about the Induro you had for sale a while back but decided it wasn’t tall enough (though I’m only 6’2″ these days). Bought the Robus 5570 before that brand showed up in your captions and love the height for nesting birds. Even with a very high angle shot, I can have the viewfinder at eye level or above using a 500 f4, teleconverter, and the EF-to-R converter.
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART/May 1, 2023 at 8:21am
Thanks for your kind words. As for leveling the stilt image, when I draw a line along the top of the blue water, I get a CCW rotation. And I hesitate to level via the reflections when they are not distinct … Speaking of Black-necked Stilts, where did you photograph yours?
Paraphrasing Red (played by Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption, written by Stephen King) who said, “Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all,” (Perhaps) some images are not meant to be leveled 🙂
And yes, the Robus tripods are great.
with love, artie
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.
What’s Up?
My Saturday flight from Bonaire to Miami was blessedly uneventful — sorry, Bob Eastman 🙂
My Bonaire hosts, Steve and Meredith Schnoll, treated me like a visiting king by opening their home and their hearts to me — they were accepting, gracious, and beyond exceedingly generous. I — and they, had a great time. Thank you Steve and Mere. See you in Guayaquil!
I stayed in a Miami Airport hotel, woke early, and drove to Wakodahatchee Wetlands where the Wood Storks are enjoying yet another productive breeding season. It was cloudy and a bit stormy with a strong south/southwest wind. I think that I made a few good images but have not ingested the card yet. It was good to get back in the pool on Sunday afternoon.
Congrats to Steph Curry on his amazing (all time-high) 50-point game-7 performance as he led his underdog Golden State Warriors past the young Sacramento Kings to the next round of the NBA playoffs. Next up are LeBron James and the re-vamped Los Angeles Lakers. As always, I will be rooting for the Dubs (AKA the Warriors). In the same vein, congrats to the Toronto Maple Leafs who, led by their two stars, ended a 17-season playoff drought by defeating the Tampa Bay Lighting in a Game 6 to move on to the second round of the NHL playoffs.
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.
This image was at La Jolla, CA on 12/20/2022. Seated on a dirt cliff, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000. 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:15:32am on a clear morning before the sun hit the birds below.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Brown Pelican Pacific-race adult resting
The Pedestal Perch
This perch is just left of center on the north-facing lower shelf at the prime La Jolla pelican spot. It can be shot successfully from three different basic locations: from the top, from half-way down, or from the lower shelf (assuming that you can get down safely and without scaring off all the pelicans. For this one, I was half-way down. If you can’t make an IPT, you can learn a ton about photographing at La Jolla in the San Diego Site Guide.
The Direction of Light
In shaded situations (as with the image above), and on cloudy days, the light still has a direction, so I try to stay somewhat near sun angle. You do, of course, have more latitude in softer and low light situations than when the sun is out; I do not hesitate to work 20 to 45 degrees off light angle but on all but the darkest days, keep the sun somewhat behind me even though it is obscured by clouds.
Do remember that many photographers strive to work 15 to 30 degrees off sun angle on sunny day to give the bird’s feathers more definition. I do not 🙂
This image was created at La Jolla, CA on 12/20/2022. Seated on a dirt cliff, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2500. 1/5000 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:59:15am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Brown Pelican Pacific-race adult with wings raised
The Sandstone Mound Perch
This small sandstone mound is favored by handsome pelicans. It just might be my favorite pelican perch in all of La Jolla. It is on the northwestern tip of the lower shelf and is best photographed from down below.
This image was created at La Jolla, CA on 22 December 2022. Seated on a dirt cliff, I used 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 rear dial. Multi-metering +2 1/3-stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 1600. 1/500 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 7:29:39am on a then-foggy morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.
Tracking: Spot S AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Brown Pelican Pacific-race adult on perch
Marveling at Zebras
Many very good photographers using gear that does not offer Zebra technology make great images. And lots of very good photographers using Sony gear scoff at Zebras (and make great images). Me? I marvel at being able to produce perfect exposure after perfect exposure simply by raising or lowering the ISO until I see faint Zebras on the subject. Zebra technology shines when the light is changing constantly, at times, by small amounts.
Folks using Sony mirrorless bodies other than the a1 should consider purchasing the SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and yours truly. Folks in my Sony a1 group receive a free copy of this guide upon request.
160 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
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
San Diego IPT #1. 3 1/2 DAYS: WED 27 DEC thru the morning session on Saturday 30 DEC 2023. $2099.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
San Diego IPT #2. 4 1/2 DAYS: TUES 9 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 13 JAN 2024: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: TEUS 23 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 27 JAN 2024: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT morning 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 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.
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.
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.
Deposit Info
A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2023/2024 San Diego IPTs. 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.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
