Your Call?
Which of today’s three featured photos do you like best? Why did you make your choice?
In the Last Blog Post
In the last blog post, my favorites were Image #3: White Ibis feeling for mole crab and #10: Incoming Royal Tern. For me, the single most ordinary of the lot was Image #6: Nanday Parakeet stretching wings. Thanks to the two folks who commented.
Pier Walks
With most of the grassy areas by the lake too wet to drive on safely, I have been finished shooting from the car at about 8:00am recently. Most days, I will take off my shirt to get some vitamin D, grab a lens, and walk the pier, the longest fresh water pier in the state of Florida. On sunny days I will usually grab the 400-800. On very cloudy days I will grab the 300 f/2.8 with the 1.4X TC. And on cloudy bright days I might go for the 300 with the 2X TC. It’s nice to have a choice. In the past, I have made some nice images with the 70-200 and the 2x TC. Most days, I am able to come up with a few keepers. Some days, however, are stones (not diamonds). But I always enjoy my walk even on very buggy days; the gnats and mayflies — often swarms of them, do not bite.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
To learn of the late-registration discounts and AirBnB availability for the Jacksonville Royal Terns with chicks and more extended IPT late June/early July, or If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on an Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025) or in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Both offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and ground transportation during your stay.
BILD EXPO Presented by B&H
Why Attend? BIRDS AS ART Appearances, Speakers, Gear, Deals, and More!
I am pleased to announce that I will be doing portfolio reviews and four round table sessions at BILD this June. Here are the round table topics:
1- Systems, Lenses, and Camera Bodies for Bird Photography
2- Creating Sharp Bird Photographs
3- Bird Photography Hotspots
4- Creating Bird Photographs that depict Flight, Action, and Behavior
Stay tuned for a definitive schedule. I hope to see you there.
Bild Expo is back! Join us at The Javits Center in New York City for an unforgettable event featuring 100+ expert speakers, 250+ exhibitors, hands-on experiences, and the world’s greatest creative community. B&H’s incredible show specials will be the icing on the cake! Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an enthusiast, or a beginner, at Bild you will get inspired, learn, meet like-minded people, and celebrate being part of this amazing world of creativity.
Click here or on the logo link above for more information.
Click here to register.
What’s Up?
The rain and mediocre bird photography at Indian Lake Estates continue. I was glad to learn yesterday that many multiple IPT veteran and longtime BAA friend Pat Fishburne sold her Sony a-1 for $3098.00 after the second $100.00 price drop. I have another one coming up for sale most likely in like-new or better condition. If you are interested, please shoot me an e-mail or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Today is Sunday 8 June 2025. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
I’ve got lots of packing to do as I fly to Long Island early on tomorrow morning for a week of early season bird photography at Nickerson Beach before attending BILD (the latter courtesy of my friends at B&H). If you are interested in a fun morning, afternoon, or day (or two) of In-the-Field Instruction there, please get in touch via e-mail or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro — 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.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
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. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
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.
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. But 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.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
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This image was created on 2 June 2025 from the pier down by the lake at near my home. Leaning on the pier railing I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. ISO 5000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel; 1/400 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect: AWB at 8:22:27am in total shade on a cloudy morning. Wide/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Image #1: Green Heron adult on pier supports |
Keep Your Eyes Open
I am always looking for Green Herons when I walk the pier at this time of the year. Those that sit on the pier railings are easy to spot but usually difficult to approach. Others, like this one, fish from the wooden framework below the deck of the pier. I only saw this bird because it was below the square part at the end of the pier. I braced my left forearm on the railing and used a high ISO to expose to the right.
I love the simplistic, almost cartoonish look of this one. Did you notice the gnat in the bird’s bill?
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This image was created on 4 June 2025 on the pier down by the lake near my home. Standing as tall as possible, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel; 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect: AWB at 8:29:06am on a partly sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Image #2: Black Vulture (adult and juvenile) on pier railing — juxtaposition |
When All You Have is Lemons …
When the vultures are sitting on the railings, they can — at times, be relatively easy to approach as long as you move very slowly. I was trying for tight head shots of the young single bird, but the adult kept hopping right behind the youngster, the one with the fuzzy white cap. So instead of a head portrait, I made lemonade. I needed to get as tall as possible in order to get the separation that I wanted.
Here, I love the rather creative image design. Good juxtaposition shots usually last one or two seconds so you need to think and act fast once the opportunities arise.
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This image was also created on 4 June 2025 on the pier down by the lake near my home. Leaning over the pier railing and pointing the lens almost straight down, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel; 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect: AWB at 8:59:07am on a partly sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Image #3: Water Lily blossom opening |
Shooting Straight Down
I’d been checking out the water lilies for several weeks on my walks. I had made only a very few images and kept none. Until this one. I love the soft light, the image design, the orange center, the sharpness, and the black water with the swirlies.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Hi everyone, I’m new to the blog but have enjoyed Arthur’s images and learned from him for decades. I was unaware he had started a blog. I’ve shot Minolta/Konica-Minolta/Sony A-mount for decades. I like taking nature pictures, especially birds and am starting to get into BIF. My professional photo background is in studio portrait photography. All that said, Image #3: Water Lily blossom opening, is my favorite. Why? Because it reminds of my images of my wife’s hostas that look like lillys when they bloom and because I like reflection off the water which look abstract and smooth. https://www.flickr.com/gp/gegjr/pV74PyotU4
Nice meeting you George.
with love, artie
Artie
My name is Forest…Forest Gump and I love chocolate dark chocolate and #2 my good friend!
Always with love Forest 🙂
Good to see some love for the vultures! With love, a
#2 for me. You took an oft overlooked bird and made a compelling juxtaposition.
Thanks, Pugs. Ditto what I said to Bob!
with love, artie
I’m picking the green heron for its colors, the composition seeing almost all sides of the bird, the white water background and for the bit of gnat in the bill that you pointed out. At first glance, I thought it was perched on cattails.
That’s some pretty fancy lumber. Thanks for commenting.
with love, artie
I like the heron picture. I also wonder if the bird expended more energy catching the gnat than it will get from digesting it!
Not likely! Thanks for dropping by.
with love, a
Artie Re: Totally Blessed in Many Ways and Loving Life
I totally get it. We’re a day apart and i’m a year older.
Andy R. from Santa Fe
Somehow I got accidentally purged and resubscribed
Hi Andy, Glad your back.
with love, artie
By the way, I square-cropped #2, the juvenile black vulture, on my computer screen and really liked it.
Good to play around. But I will assume that you lost the juxtaposition 🙁 ”with love, a
Definitely #1, the green heron. They are so elusive and spook when you get near them. That one looks like it’s gripping the railing for dear life!
Thanks, Pat. Yesterday morning I have a juvenile land right in front of me on the beach left of the pier.
with love, artie