Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Canon 800mm f/5.6 L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 250. Evaluative metering +1 stop: 1/250 sec. at f/8.

As most of you know I flew from Panama to Orlando and continued on to NY’s JFK that same day (17 AUG).  The next morning at 5:55am I met the three IPT participants.  As it turned out, the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge was on the disappointing side but the Common Tern/Black Skimmer colony at Nickerson Beach just east of Point Lookout, NY was quite excellent.   After the IPT I visited my Mom who lives in Holbrook, Long Island.   On Monday 24 AUG I headed back to the JFK Days Inn for my early morning flight back to Orlando on Tuesday.  I left my Mom’s early and headed to Nickerson Beach for one last chance at the terns and skimmers.   There was a nice sunrise but the wind was from the north with just a bit of west in it.   A northeast wind in the early morning would have been great but with some hard work and good thinking I was able to create many fine images.  In fact, with the less than ideal conditions I was sort of amazed at how many good images I created that morning.    So far I have optimized 17 from that single morning.  The first of those was created at 6:15 am (see above) and the last at 8:12 am.  I will share a bunch of those with you below so that you can get an idea of how productive a top pro can be in less than two hours (he said modestly…) 

Remember, you can see a larger version by clicking on any image.

Handheld Canon 400mm f/4 IS DO lens with the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 200. Evaluative metering +1 stop: 1/1000 sec. at f/4.5.

I knew exactly the image that I wanted to make, a skimmer in flight just to the right of the swath of the rising sun but I did not think that I had much chance of creating it as the camera was having trouble holding focus when it saw the sun’s bright swath.   To try for the composition that I wanted I manually chose the focusing sensor just to the right of center (while working in AI Servo AF as I always do with moving subjects).   I did not look at the images in the field but when I saw them on the computer I was thrilled with this one as it was sharp, it was exactly as I had pre-visualized it, and as a bonus, the bird was barking! (Skimmers sound a bit like dogs when they call.)

Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2 stops: 1/100 sec. at f/5.6.

 The young terns stand by themselves on the beach begging to every adult tern that flies by whether they have a fish in their bill or not.

Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D Mark III. Evaluative metering +2 stops: 1/125 sec. at f/8.

This juvenile skimmer is exhibiting begging posture.  I would never have made this image with film as there was another bird in the lower right part of the frame.   With digital I knew that as long as the two birds did not merge that I would be able to cover the remaining parts of the offending bird with some Quick Masks after cropping.

Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D Mark III. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops: 1/200 sec. at f/8.

I was much too close to this bird to fit it into the frame so I made a few photographs of the front end of the bird and then, allowing about a 20% overlap, photographed the back end of the bird.  The two images were converted and then stitched together using Image/Automate/Photomerge in CS-3.

Handheld Canon 400mm f/4 IS DO lens with the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 400. Evaluative metering + 2 stops off the sky: 1/800 sec. at f/5.

I sat on the beach to prevent having the horizon line cut through the landing birds.  Check out my BPN post of a similar image of a skimmer with a fish:  http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?p=333594#post333594.   It was also created on the morning of 24 AUG and features some good thinking on my part as well as some good Photoshop work.

Canon 800mm f/5.6 L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 stop" 1/1250 sec. at f/6.3.

Each morning the Great Black-backed Gulls would kill a skimmer fledgling or two for breakfast.   For more in this series check out the BPN thread here: http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=44544

Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-1D MIII. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/1250 sec. at f/8.

 This bird was a bit tight in the frame but I chose to capture the image without attempting to back up knowing that I could add canvas above and right as described in Digital Basics: http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=44544

Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/500 sec. at f/13 set manually.

This young American Oystercatcher was oblivious to my presence as I approached carefully while crawling behind my flattened tripod.

Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/800 sec. at f/9.

Though I took several hundred images of the predation that morning, I kept only 19.  This was the last keeper.

Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-1D Mark III. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/2000 sec. at f/6/3.

I created this image just before 8:15 am.  Notice that the light is relatively harsh and that the sun is fairly high in the sky.   After I created this one I headed back to the motel to begin packing.   See y’all soon.

You can view BAA Bulletin #296 on line now here:   http://birdsasart.com/bn296.htm.  Bulletins are free and contain a wealth of information, photography and Photoshop tips, and lots of great images with our legendary educational captions.  And they are 100% free.  You can subscribe via a clickable link on the home page at www.birdsasart.com

Right now, the BAA On-line store is offering free shipping to all contintental US addresses until the close-of-business on Friday, September 4, 2009.  See item 1 in the Bulletin for the no-strings-attached details. 

Here is a link to the store: https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/

I’ll be back soon with “A Morning at the Beach.”

On the recent Panama trip that I co-led with Linda Robbins, the Hummingbird Queen, some of the participants created well more than 4,000 images on a single day.   Many of the best of those images featured either the feeder that we used to attract the birds, another hummingbird, or, as in the image below, both.  

This image of a Long-tailed Hermit was created with the Canon 400mm f/4L IS lens and the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 400. Eight flash set-up. 1/250 sec. at f/22.

As detailed in Digital Basics, I first expanded the canvas and then used the Clone Stamp, the Patch Tool, and a series of Quick Masks to create the optimized image below.  Many folks would consider this cheating; I consider it using the latest technology to create pleasing and saleable images.   (I would never enter such images in a contest in which such practices were forbidden by the rules.)

I was quite pleased with the results of my Photoshop handiwork. Be sure to click on each image to see a larger version.

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan is a tree-top loving species that is rarely photographed in the wild.  Getting a somewhat clear view of the bird was somewhat miraculous but the background in the original image (see same immediately below) was just too, too busy for me with many of the branches and seed pods merging with the bird’s head and bill.   I worked on the image for about an hour using the tools mentioned above and in addition employed both the “Divide and Conquer” and the “Protect and Defend” techniques that are also detailed in the latest update of Digital Basics.

Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops: 1/320 sec. at f/7.1. Fill flash with Better Beamer at -2 stops.

I look back with a wry smile on my face remembering that the words “digital” and “Photoshop” filled me with fear and trepidation just seven years ago.  It is quite satisfying to have mastered so many techniques that allow me to create images that put a smile on my face.

Again, I was quite happy with the final optimized image.

Be sure to check out the interesting BPN thread on this image here:  http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=44267

You can learn more about Digital Basics, APTATS (Advanced Photoshop Tips and Techniques),  and Linda Robbin’s Guide to High Speed Flash Hummingbird Photography by visiting the BAA On-Line Store via the link on the home page or checking out our product pages.   I’ll be back soon. 

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This perched female Blue-chested Hummingbird was photographed near Canopy Tower with the Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, a 25mm Extension tube for close focusing, and the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 400. Evauative metering +2/3 stop: 1/50 sec. at f/6.3. Fill flash at -3 stops.

The Basics

When working in horizontal format with small-in-the-frame subjects , be sure–as I did above–to place the subject well back in the frame with the subject looking into the open area of the image. 

You can click on each image to see a larger version.

This male Green Honeycreeper was photographed near Canopy Tower with the Canon 800mm f/5.6 L lens, a 25 mm Extension tube for close focus, and the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 800. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/60 sec. at f/5.6. Fill flash at -1 stop.

When working in horizontal format with large-in-the-frame subjects, be sure–as I did above–to leave at least twice as much room in front of the bird as behind it.  

This free and wild Leaf Frog was photographed near Canopy Tower with the Canon 180mm Macro lens and the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/30 sec. at f/6.3. Fill flash at -2 stops with the Canon Macro Twin Light.

When working in horizontal format with large-in-the-frame subjects like the Leaf Frog above that are looking (or with birds, flying)  right  at at you, placing them dead center is the way to go. 

This fledgling Black-breasted-Puffbird was photographed with the Canon 800mm f/5.6L lens, the 1.4X II TC, and the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/50 sec. at f/8. Fill flash at -2 stops.

When working in vertical format with relatively large-in-the-frame forward-facing subjects it is fine to place them in the middle of the frame as I did with the young puffbird above.   (With small-in-the-frame subjects you will need to place them in one of the corners….)

To learn the basics of image composition, be sure to see the chapter on composition in the original “The Art of Bird Photography” (soft cover).  To learn about Advanced Composition and Image Design, see the chapter of the same name in “The Art of Bird Photography II” (916 pages on CD only).   You can learn more about both books by following this link:  https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/category.aspx?catid=32

Buy both and receive a $10 discount. 

This Broad-billed Motmot was photographed with the Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens and the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/40 sec. at f/5.6. FIll flash at -3 stops.

And More

As in the image above, when you are working in vertical format with relatively large-in-the-frame subjects that are looking to one side or the other, place them back in frame so that they have a bit more room to see into their world. 

This captive Lemur Frog was photographed at Canopy Lodge with the Canon 180mm Macro lens and the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/4 sec. at f/11.

In the image above I chose to move the frog right of center so that the green bark of the eucaluyptus tree on our left could balance the strip of green background on our right.  The principles that I teach are only guidelines; feel free to break them whenever you have a good reason to do so.

Final Notes

Bt studying the technical details above you can see that slow shutter speeds are the rule in the rain forest.  While the improved 4-stop Image Stabilization of the Canon 800mm lens was a huge help, using my very best sharpness techniques (as described in ABP II) was equally important.   When working with the macro lens and static subjects I used mirror lock-up and the 2-second self timer to ensure sharp images.  With the macro lens I find that focusing manually is the best way to go.  (I do however rely on the focus confirmation beep.) 

I hope that everyone will benefit from this post.  See y’all soon.

This Keel-billed Toucan was photographed with the Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, the 1.4X II TC, and the EOS-1D MIII on the Mongoose M3.5 with the Gitzo 3530 LS tripod. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/200 sec. at f/8 set manually.

After a great Panama trip I flew on Monday, August 17th from Panama City to Orlando and continued on the New York’s JFK without even going home.   We had internet access at both Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge in Panama but my laptop was down, apparently from the humidity, so I have been out of touch till now.   Hummingbird photography was outstanding near Canopy Tower and Linda Robbins and our assistant Rich Garrett did a phenomenal job with the set-ups.  And we had some great chances with a variety of tropical birds as well.  At Canopy Tower, the songbirds did not come to the feeders as they had in December so we spent lots of time photographing a variety of frogs, snakes, and bugs;  most were captive animals.

This Lemur Frog was photographed with the Canon 180 macro lens and the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/10 sec. at f.3.5.

Participant Patti Corapi kindly posed this frog on her hand which was braced against a eucalyptus tree.   Thanks Patti!

This Violet-bellied Hummingbird was photographed at an 8-flash set-up with the Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens and a 25mm Extension tube. ISO 400: 1/250 sec. at f/20.

I am in New York now phogtographing with a small IPT group at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay WR and at Nickerson Beach.  I will try to post something ever day.

Howdy all.  I am off to Panama for the COMBO IPT;  There will be ten of us doing perched, colorful, tropical birds and also high speed flash hummingbirds with Linda Robbbins.  It is 4:23 am as I type this and five of us leave for the airport in less than 30 minutes.  Such is the life of a traveling nature photographer!

Be sure to check out my latest Resolve/Live Books post.  It is entitled “Always give the guy without an umbrella your cab — you never know where your next job will come from”  You can find it here:   http://blog.livebooks.com/2009/08/always-give-the-guy-without-an-umbrella-your-cab-you-never-know-where-your-next-job-will-come-from/.  Miki Johnson chose some great images to go along with the post. 

Be safe, have fun, and I will see you when I get back.

This male frigatebird was photographed with the Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, the 1.4X II TC, and the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 500. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/50 sec. at f/9.

Folks often ask me, “With the birds in the Galapagos being so tame, why do you bring a long telephoto lens?”  The answer is the same as it is for the Antarctica version of the same question:  sometimes a long lens is the best tool.  In Antarctica, you are required to give the birds some space.  And in the Galapagos, you must stay on the path.  If you examine this image closely, or take a look at the larger version  (click on the photo),  you will notice that the bird is sidelit.  I generally do not like strong sidelight for birds; in this image the light, though directional, is quite soft.  The result:  I like it.

I am almost finished reading William Beebe’s great book on the Galapagos, “Galapagos; World’s End,” published in 1924. One of the coolest things that I learned is that male frigatebirds (man-o-wars in the old days) sit on their nests with their red sacs inflated only before any eggs are laid.  With eggs or chicks in the nest, the sac is deflated as in this image.  There is lots more great stuff in the book–especially the language–and I am enjoying it tremendously.

You can read and enjoy more great Galapagos images and information in BIRDS AS ART Bulletin #294 here:  http://www.birdsasart.com/bn294.htm.  There is a follow-up piece on editing your work and lots more on the Galapagos trip.   And a great photoship background tip.  On a related note, Galapagos 2010 is sold out with a waiting list.  We are taking names (but no prisoners) for the 2011 trip.

The July 30, 2009 BIRDS AS ART Notes is also online for your convenience.  You can access it here: http://www.birdsasart.com/notes073009.htm  Most of you will enjoy and learn from “Photoshop Clean-up Basics.”

I am leaving for the Panama COMBO IPT (being co-led by Linda Robbins) this coming Saturday and then continuing on to New York City on the 17th to lead the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge/Nickerson Beach IPT (AUG 17-20).  If you would like to learn about this trip and the late registration discount, please e-mail me at birdsasart@att.net ASAP.  After the JBWR IPT I will be visiting my 88 year old Mom on Long Island.  She is recovering nicely from some serious surgery on her old new hip.  I will be back in the office on 25 AUG but will have lots of time to post here between now and then.