The If-the-World-Does-Not-End BIRDS AS ART 2020/2021 IPT Schedule … « Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

The If-the-World-Does-Not-End BIRDS AS ART 2020/2021 IPT Schedule …

What’s Up?

Thursday morning started out cloudy but by 8:15 the sun was out. I did a nice adult sandhill in the marsh, some GBH 1200mm head portraits from the car, and finally had some vultures come to my smoked salmon skin feeder. The afternoon had some promise for a nice sunset but that fizzled. I did photograph a single Osprey holding still in the wind (like a kite) at ISOs ranging from 4000 to 6400. With both cameras.

Today, Thursday 16 APR 2020 dawned cloudy-dark with rain in the forecast for this afternoon. I will be headed down to the lake at about 7:30am.

Thanks to the many who have ordered the almost-finished SONY e-Guide and Video(s). If you purchase, please be sure to include your e-mail address in a note as we do not always receive Paypal notification and please send a copy of your Paypal order that includes your e-mail address to me at the samandmayasgrandpa@att.net address.

Kudos to Dr. Greg Gulbransen

Kudos to fine photographer/friend Dr. Greg Gulbransen who was featured in a Reuters Health News feature here yesterday. The title of the piece is ‘Don’t go to the ER’: how a New York pediatrician is dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.

A Tough Chore

Please consider today’s six featured images and let us know your pick as the best. And please also let us know why you made your choice. Comments on any of the images are welcome as well.

Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.

The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera Videos and Pre-publication e-Guide Costs and Discount Info

The cost of the SONY e-Guide is $100.00 US and will include one of the four camera set-up videos — we offer one video each for the a7r iii, the a7r iv, the a9, and the a9 ii — and the written guide with the galleries. The guide is now 98% done and you will — of course, receive the final version when it is completed. I sent out the third draft today to those who have purchased the Guide with or without the discount.

Folks who have used my B&H links or purchased their SONY gear from Bedfords will receive said discount based exactly on how much they spent. If you spent more than $10,000 you will receive one free video and the e-Guide. Additional camera videos are $25.00 each. If you spent $2400, you will receive a 24% discount, and so on and so forth. And again, additional camera videos will be $25.00 each.

I will need time to verify your B&H purchases so folks will need to send their receipts and then be a bit patient. It is much easier to verify Bedfords’ purchases but I need those receipts as well.

If you have not used BAA links, please do so in the future. If that is the case and you would like the e-Guide now, please send a Paypal for $100 US to birdsasart@verizon.net and be sure to include the words “SONY Pre-publication Guide” in the Paypal e-mail along with the name of your camera or cameras so that you can receive the correct video or videos. Please add $25 for each additional camera video. Be sure to send a copy of the Paypal transaction to me via e-mail.

Folks who have used BAA links to purchase their SONY gear should send their receipts to me via e-mail asap and let me know which camera videos they need. I will verify their purchases as quickly as possible and send a quote to be paid via Paypal as above.

Thanks to all who have properly used my B&H links or gone through the fabulous Steve Elkins at Bedfords, and thanks to everyone for having faith in the information that I provide, knowing that it will be the best available anywhere.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

The “If-the-World-Does-Not-End” BIRDS AS ART 2020/2021 IPT Schedule …

If we return to some semblance of normalcy and if photographing in groups, air travel, and staying in hotels or AirBNBs is safe, I am hoping to run the BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours listed below. If COVID-19 is still an issue that is of concern to you, your deposit will be refunded with no questions asked. Pre- and post-IPT days for all of the IPTs below (except for the Land-based Falklands trip) are available for those who wish to get the most out of their travel dollars.

If you have any questions on the IPTs, please leave a comment of get in touch via e-mail.

This image was created on September 27, 2019 while doing a private day with fraternity brother Harry Lerner at Fort DeSoto. I used the Induro GIT 304/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the 61-MP Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. ISO 400. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/5 in Manual mode was about +2 stops on the analog scale. AWB at 8:10am on a very overcast morning.

Upper Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection. The point of sharpest focus was slightly more than halfway down the bill, right on the same plane as the bird’s eye. RAW Digger showed 0% Over-exposed and 0% Underexposed pixels.

Click the image to see a larger version.

Image #1: Snowy Egret with greenback

Fort DeSoto Fall 2020 Sandbar Secrets IPT

OCT 2 thru the morning session October 5, 2020 (3 1/2 DAYS). Three full and one half day: $1399.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/ Openings: 7.

This image was created on 28 NOV on the 2019 Bosque IPT. I used the Induro GIT 304/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 236mm) and the 61-MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless digital camera body.. ISO 125. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/4 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. AWB at 10:31am on a cloudy-dark morning.

Center Flexible Spot AF-C was active at the moment of exposure. RAW Digger showed 0% Over-exposed and 0% Underexposed pixels.

Click the image to enjoy a larger version.

Image #2: Snow Geese blastoff

Bosque del Apache NWR 2020 IPT

NOV 18 (afternoon session) thru the morning session on November 23, 2020. 5 DAYS. Four full and two half days. $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 5.

This image was created at The Neck on Saunders Island, The Falklands with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and my then-favorite bird photography camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/1250 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. AWB.

Center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Shutter Button AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). The selected AF point was below and in front of the penguin’s eye. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Imagee #3: Rockhopper Penguin sneezing

2020 Land-based Falklands Trip

December 10-26, 2020. $8999.00 per person. Deposit $4000.00. Limit four photographers/openings: 2. Please e-mail for a complete itinerary and complete details.

Fly on a red-eye to Santiago, Chile on WED 9 DEC 2020, arriving there on THURS 10 DEC. We will do an add-on condor trip ($450/per person including lunch) that morning assuming that everyone gets there by about 8am at the very latest. And another add-on morning to Del Mar for Inca Terns and Peruvian Pelicans ($450/per person including lunch) on FRI 11 DEC leaving the hotel very early. We fly to Mont Pleasant on SAT 12 DEC. In the Falklands we will visit Bleaker, the Rookery and the Neck on Saunders, and Pebble. Then two nights at the Malvina House on Stanely with a visit to an amazing rockhopper colony. Fly back to Santiago on SAT 26 DEC. Fly home either that night (red-eyes are hard to get) or the following day.

This image was created on the 2020 San Diego IPT. I used the Induro GIT 304/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the 61-MP Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. ISO 800. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/320 sec. at f/4 in Manual mode was about +1 1/3 stops on the analog scale. AWB at 8:13am on a rare cloudy morning.

Upper Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed well. The point of sharpest focus was on the as of the bird’s bill just forward of the eye. RAW Digger showed 0% Over-exposed pixels and 0.3% Underexposed RED pixels.

Click the image to see a larger version.

Image #4: Pacific race Brown Pelican with bill distended

San Diego 2021 Brown Pelican IPT

January 12 thru the morning session on January 16, 2021. Four full and one half day: $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 7.

This image was created at Kachemak Bay, AK on 25 FEB 2020. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (at 200mm) with the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body) that features incredibly accurate AF. ISO 500. Exposure determined via Zebras on the rear wheel: 1/3200 sec. at f/3.2. AWB at 9:20am on a cloudy-bright day.

Wide Continuous (C) AF performed beautifully. Click on the image to see a larger version. Uncropped.

Image #5: Bald Eagle braking to land

The Greatest-ever Bald Eagle Experience IPTs:

Deposit: $2000.00.

  • IPT #1: SAT 20 FEB 2021 through the full day on THURS 25 FEB MAR 1, 2021. Six full days: $5499.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 4.
  • IPT #2: SAT 27 FEB 2021 through the full day on WED 3 MAR 2021. Five full days: $4599.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 4

This image was created on 6 AUG 2019 at North Seymour Island, Galapagos, Ecuador. I used the hand Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens and my souped up Nikon D850. ISO 500. Matrix metering plus about 1 1/3rd stop: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6. NATURAL AUTO WB at 7:50am on a (typically and blessedly) cloudy afternoon.

Nikon Focus Peaking fine-tune value: +3. See the Nikon AF Fine-tune e-Guide here.

Upper Single Point/Continuous (C in Nikon/AI Servo with Canon) AF was active at the moment of exposure.

Image #6: Blue-footed Booby dancing

The GALAPAGOS Photo Cruise of a Lifetime IPT/The Complete Galapagos Archipelago Photographic Experience.

August 17-31, 2021 on the boat. 13 FULL and two half-days of photography: $14,999.00. Limit: 12 photographers/Openings: 5. Deposit: $5000.00.

20 comments to The If-the-World-Does-Not-End BIRDS AS ART 2020/2021 IPT Schedule …

  • ARTIE, IT IS NICE TO READ ABOUT BIRDS AND YOUR SWIMMING BUT I ALSO THINK IT WOULD
    BE NICE HAVE A LITTLE OF YOUR BACKGROUND AND GROWING UP IN NYC BUILT INTO THE BLOG. DID YOU START OUT PHOTO-ING BIRDS ON THE ROOFTOP OR IN CENTRAL PARK. DID YOU OWN A CAR. HOW DID YOU HANDLE THOSE UNRULLY KIDS(?) THAT YOU TAUGHT?
    THINKING OF MY OWN TRIPS TO NYC (1962 ERA) – – BROOKLYN NAVY YARD, JACK FROST SUGAR PLANT, EASY RIVER; “SS TRANSCARIBBEAN” – AND AMERICAN EXPORT LINE TERMINAL HOBOKEN,NJ “SS EXCHEQUER” AND THE CLAM BROTH RESTAURANT HOBOKEN, IT MUST HAVE BEEN EXCITING/MYSTERIOUS GROWING UP IN NYC. LET US HEAR SOME OF YOUR PAST HISTORY TO GO WITH THE CAMERA FEAST OF BIRDS – PARAGRAPH HERE AND THERE?

    • avatar Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

      Hi Captain Charlie, It is nice to see you here. Lots of the backstory that you are interested in is in the introduction of The Art of Bird Photography. You can order a copy here. In addition, there have been blog posts on my Dad and my Mom, both gone now. The story of how I kept control is only told on IPTs to folks who swear secrecy.

      I did not know from birds until I was about 30. I will say this: Juniors Restaurant on Dekalb and Flatbush and Lundy Brothers in Sheepshead Bay. My great sports loves were our E38th street version of slapball, stickball against a handball wall with the strike zone in chalk, then bowling, three-man basketball, golf — I got to be pretty good at that, and beach football in college. I continued playing basketball well into my 30s.

      with love, artie

  • #2 for me.

    When I first saw your blurs from my very first IPT in Bosque…years and years
    ago…they’ve have always and always will be my favorite. In all of those years I
    haven’t seen anyone come close to what you achieve.

    Another reason why I love blurs so much is the fact they’re made for canvas prints
    and look freaking wonderful hanging on a wall.

    Doug

  • #6 and #1, a tie for me. The personality, color and composition of the booby are wonderful, #6. #1 kept me going back. Composition, color and the water gave it a special feel. Thank you for sharing.

  • avatar Bernadette

    On image number #2 you state “This image was created on 28 DEC 2020 on the 2019 Bosque IPT”. It may seem like it with all the sheltering in place but I don’t think we’ve gotten to December yet.

    I think my favorite image is #6, the dancing blue footed booby.

  • avatar Joe Randle

    Image #5 “Bald Eagle braking to land” is the best image and my most favorite image… any Eagle photo that I have seen of yours is my favorite… your photos of Eagles are so uplifting capturing all the colors, sharpness and beauty of the symbol of freedom… and it is these factors that make them such a powerful photo in a moment of time… This is “ART”… Thank you for sharing these with us… God’s Blessings

  • avatar Pat Fishburne

    Art: I love image #3 because it is so incredibly sharp — just look at the detail in the mouth. My next choice is the eagle because the white environmental detail at the bottom really “completes” the image.

  • Although not an easy choice because they are all spectacular, my favorite is number 1.
    The soft colors, composition and glimpse into the Egret’s life makes it the winner for me.

  • avatar Anthony Ardito

    Eagle because the blue background fading to white at the bottom

  • avatar David Policansky

    Hi, Artie. My favorite is image 1, because any image with a fish is better than any image without a fish. 🙂 But it’s a great image; composition, action, etc. They all are great, and remind me of wonderful places we both have traveled to.

  • I couldn’t choose between the eagle and the booby. So it’s both. Eagle–I like the grass showing where the eagle is headed. It’s such a majestic bird with this beautiful detailed wingspread and its determined look in the eyes. Booby–his?, I assume, dancing just brings a chuckle and connection to him. Beautiful backgrounds in both that make the bird stand out –from the plain sky behind the eagle to the OOF behind the booby. I like the horizon behind the eagle too–low so the eagle has all sky (or maybe a very far distant mountain?) behind it.

  • avatar John Johnson

    “This image was created on 6 AUG 2020 at North Seymour Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.” Wishful thinking.

  • For me the best image is # 1, followed closely by #6. I really like the overall balance of #1 and there is some mystery in #6.

  • avatar Gary Axten

    Hah not an easy choice.

    The booby has a comical Charlie Chaplin look about him. I also love the colour and eye contact of the pelican. But my favourite is the snowy egret; high key, touch of colour and a great wave behind to the left.

  • Image #5 is my favorite to Stand for America this with the blue sky and snow with the touch of grasses below. You can see the strength in the eyes of an Eagle and feel the passion this majestic bird has his determination to survive and be strong! When i see this i am proud to be in the United States of America.

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