What’s Up?
Conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings were perfect with cloudy to cloudy bright skies and a 15mph wind from the east/northeast. On Tuesday I kept zigging when I should have zagged. There was little action and few chick feedings and most of those took place behind some beach vegetation. Wednesday morning was 1000 times better with tons of action and multiple feedings, most in the clear. After the first edit, 159 images out of the 2250 that I created passed muster.
There was a small tern chick wandering the beach alone, 100s of yards from the colony. I wound up saving it from the big surf after it wandered too close to the waves. It likely perished from exposure after I placed it back inside the colony ropes. The full story and images to come.
Today is Thursday 22 June 2023 and it is supposed to rain most days from now till the end of the month when I leave. I am sure that I will sneak in a few good sessions between now and then. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too enjoy every day no matter the weather. Huge thanks to my affiliate manager and B&H for an amazingly wonderful dinner at the Tabernacle Steak House in midtown Manhattan last night.
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 4039. Yes, 4039 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.
Nickerson Beach June 2023 Common Tern/American Oystercatcher/Black Skimmer In-the-Field Sessions
I am offering both morning and afternoon sessions from now through the end of this month. If you would like to become a better bird photographer, shoot me an e-mail to learn the details. Scheduling for these sessions can be arranged on short notice by checking the weather. A better option is to join me on the IPT. As I have nobody signed up, I can tailor the dates for the first one who does.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together are invited to e-mail for discount information.
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NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens |
The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens!
Noting the excellence of the sharp, hand-holdable, and amazingly versatile Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens Nikon recently announced the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens. This new lens is 4 ounces lighter than the Sony 2-6, is 20mm wider at the short end, and the internal zooming is fast and efficient. Internal focusing means that the length of the lens does not change when you zoom in or out. It seems like a great addition to the Nikon lens lineup.
You can pre-order yours here from B&H and have them pay the tax by using your Payboo card, or get on a much shorter wait list by pre-ordering from Bedford’s here, using the BIRDSASART discount code at check-out, getting 3% back on your credit card when the lens ships, and enjoying free second day Fed-Ex.
From the Manufacturer
Ease of use: At its widest setting, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is great for locating your subject. With a mere 70 degree turn of the zoom ring, you can reach all the way to 600mm for tight framing with beautiful background compression.
Handheld shooting: Built-in optical Vibration Reduction (VR) provides a stabilization effect equivalent to a shutter speed of 5.5 stops faster, reducing camera blur when panning to track fast-moving subjects.
Pairs great with Z teleconverters: Increase your reach by 2x (up to 1200mm) with the Nikon Z Teleconverter TC-2.0x or 1.4x (up to 840mm) with the Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x (sold separately).
Feature rich: Quick release tripod foot, strap eyelet, customizable control ring and function buttons provide effortless operation.
Balanced and built-tough: Internal zooming maintains size and center of gravity, as well as minimizes dust intrusion.
I take issue only with the second item because image stabilization never stops motion blur caused by the subject movement. No matter as this will surely be a great lens for Nikon folks who photograph birds.
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This image was created on 20 June 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 with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. Exposure was determined using Zebra technology: ISO 2000: 1/2000 second at f/8 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 10:49:11am a cloudy sunny morning. Tracking: expand Spot with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger, sharper, high-res version. Image #1: Begging Common Tern chick with adult |
The Problem
Here, I chose to focus on the chick and the AF system performed perfectly. The problem is that the adult bird was in front of the plane of focus. I did my best with Topaz Sharpen AI, but was not thrilled with the results. Click on the image to enlarge it and get a good look at the image quality problems on the head of the adult.
Why f/8 and ISO 2000?
I try to shoot the chicks stopped down one stop to sharpen their fuzzy feathers. And, you need a fast shutter speed to stop the action when they run, flap, or are trying to swallow a wriggling Sandeel. Thus, you need a high ISO on a cloudy day. Note however, that at 840mm, d-o-f is so shallow that the head of the adult is nowhere near being sharp.
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This image was created on 20 June 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 with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. Exposure was determined using Zebra technology: ISO 2000: 1/2000 second at f/8 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 10:49:11am a cloudy sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger, sharper, high-res version. Image #1A: Begging Common Tern chick with adult removed |
Goodbye to the Adult Tern
I eliminated the adult tern using the Divide and Conquer technique, Content-Aware Fill, and the Clone Stamp Tool.
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The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II).You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II. |
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)
The techniques mentioned above and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.
Please note: the Divide and Conquer technique was inadvertently omitted from DB II. It is detailed in a free excerpt in the blog post here.
Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: most of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.
You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here. Today, I convert my Sony raw files in Photoshop with Adobe Camera Raw.
You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.
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This image was created on 20 June 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 with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. Exposure was determined using Zebra technology: ISO 2000: 1/2000 second at f/8 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 10:49:11am a cloudy sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger, sharper, high-res version. Image #1B: Begging Common Tern chick with adult removed more neutral color |
Over-Saturated?
After creating the first two images, I realized that I might have over-saturated the image, so I created a version with a more neutral color balance.
Your Calls?
Do you prefer the the image with the adult in the frame, or the one with the adult eliminate? Why?
Do you prefer the saturated version or the more neutral version? Why?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Artie I would leave the adult. I’m ok with it being out of focus. I would remove the brown runner from the plant in front but would leave the small green shoot to the right. I like the saturated chick but neutral on the plant shoots. They look over saturated.
I think my other post didn’t make it. I mentioned that I met you with my friend last week. I was wondering if you made it to the Jamaica Bay East Pond this trip? I was going to try it next week but if it wasn’t productive I’ll probably go back to Nickerson. It’s supposed to thunderstorm a bunch this coming week and I love it on the beach after a thunderstorm. Plus the beach clears out.
Hi Mike, I have no idea as to the water level at the East Pond. It needs to be low. But more importantly, the southbound shorebirds do not begin arriving for another ten days. Photography there is generally best from mid-July through August.
with love, artie
To answer your question. I would just go for another photo rather than removing the adult. In addition to the OOF adult being in the foreground, there are additional reasons I don’t care for the photo: (1) the exposure and background. The chick just melts into the white background and not in a good way for me and (2) I don’t like that the right foot is hidden in the sand.
Thanks, Mike. Please e-mail me your best image of a begging tern chick.
with love, artie
“ Thanks, Mike. Please e-mail me your best image of a begging tern chick.
with love, artie”
Prickly. LOL. If you don’t want opinions, don’t ask for them. The photo just doesn’t work for me and IMO can’t be saved by what I consider over the line photo manipulation (i.e., removing the adult bird that the chick is reacting to). But if I wanted to remove the adult I would first try the new AI remove tool.
Thanks for the timing tip on the JBWR East Pond. Until then maybe I’ll look for a begging chick at Nickerson without a foreground OOF adult.
Regards.
Not prickly at all. I just asked a simple question.
with love, artie
I think you need the eel and the tip of the beak from another image. That seems to be the only portion that is way out of focus but it does stand out. Maybe a good test for the new AI in the latest Photoshop Beta??? If we accept cloning and all the clean-up tools then why shun something that may do it better? When this comes out of Beta there is sure to be a big rumpus!
Image #1 Begging Common Tern chick with adult is interesting and well made and cute. Image #1A and image #2A Begging Common Tern chick with adult removed are both good colors. All three images are interesting and cute.
I prefer the less saturated version, but I would keep the adult to augment the context. The eye goes to the chick and the eel first so the adult’s head isn’t problematic for me.
My preference would be for the image with the adult. There’s a story there. The solitary chick is nice, but it becomes less interesting. As to the images of the solitary chick, I like the colors in the saturated pic.
Agree completely! The adult provides context. Agree neutral.
I am all for removing junk (i.e., rocks, twigs, etc.) that aren’t contributing to the photo, but personally I draw the line at removing, what in this case, is the whole point of why the chick is behaving the way it is. The adult is an integral part of the scene and removing it doesn’t seem right to me, but as always, what a person adds or subtracts from a photo is their business.
Thanks, Mike. Please see my comments in tomorrow’s blog post 🙂
with love, artie
The adult is definitely problematic, for reasons you stated, so I’d eliminate it. I like the somewhat pumped up colors as they don’t seem unrealistic to me. I might have tried a square crop on the chick to eliminate much of the adult that way.
A square crop on the chick might be the way to go!
What John Johnson said. The sand eel in the first image looks too green, so I’d guess that it would look more natural in the more neutral version.
Don’t ditch the adult tern. It gives you a perspective of what is going on. Neutral seems more real.