February 20th, 2012
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Roseate Spoonbill in flight, Alafia Banks, Tampa Bay, FL aboard the Hooptie Deux, February 14, 2012. With the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 stop off the blue sky: 1/1250 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor AI Servo/Rear Focus AF active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. For a greater appreciation of the image, click on the photo.
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Solving Underwing Problems
I am not a bit fan of flight images where the near-wing is not in the full upstroke position and the near primaries are curved down a bit. I almost deleted the image above when I decided to see ii I could selectively lighten the shadow on the near-underwing–see below. By using the Tim Grey Dodge and Burn technique I was able to do so quickly and easily. I do realize that some folks would prefer the image with the shadow but I like to see my birds in flight evenly lit from below so the image above works for me. You can see the before and after images in the animated GIF below. Note also that I selectively sharpened and lightened the bird’s face and bill. Which one do you like best, with the shadow or without? Please let us know and let us know why.
There are other ways to lighten the shadow but none give you the control that Tim Grey Dodge and Burn does. You can find detailed instructions on using this technique in our Digital Basics File. This PDF documents my complete digital workflow, contains dozens and dozens of great Photoshop tips, and is updated roughly once a year. The next update will be sent no later than June 2013.
James Shadle and the Hooptie Deux
I am always amazed when folks who visit Florida for the express purpose of photographing Roseate Spoonbill go home disappointed. To say that Ding Darling ain’t what it used to be is a vast understatement…. If you want to photograph lots of spoonbills all that you need to do is spend a few days with James Shadle on his photo-customized pontoon boat, the Hooptie Deux. Click here and scroll down for complete details and to see some of James’ incredible images from Alafia Banks.
James’ “In the Field Workshops” is the original Tampa Bay nature photography (by boat) workshop and tour leader. He has an exciting list of locations that will give you the opportunity to create incredible images of dramatic behavior and stunning plumages. He knows the bay better than anyone as he has been doing it longer than anyone and as the images show, he knows how to make great pictures and can teach you to do the same. James owns and operates a 20′ tri-toon boat (The Hooptie Deux) that has been customized specifically for photography workshops. It’s roomy, comfortable, and stable. The boat is equipped with a quiet and environmentally friendly E-Tec outboard motor. It also has a powerful, silent, electric trolling motor with wireless remote control. The boat can be configured with no top for on-board photography or with a bimini top to provide shelter from sun and rain. Refreshments are available at all times.
Call or e-mail in advance to inquire about dates and rates. You can get in touch with James for additional info or to schedule a Custom Workshop or Tour via e-mail, by cell phone at (813) 363-2854 or on his home phone (early evenings best) at (813-689-5307). If by cell phone it is best to call back rather than to leave a message.
Hooptie Deux Practicalities
While it is possible to photograph from the boat, the best opportunities for spoonbills usually occur when you exit the boat and wade in the Gulf. The bottom is hard but you do of course need to wade slowly and carefully while being careful for rocks, holes, and oyster beds. By wading under James’ careful supervision and with his guidance, you will be able to get much closer to the birds and have more control over light angle and perspective. Waders and surf booties will be provided for those who need them. Do note however that folks without super-telephoto lenses and those who want to stay out of the water can create some great flight images by working from the boat. For those who exit the boat with their big tripod-mounted telephoto lenses it is often best to take only a single lens; having a flight lens on your shoulder may lead to all types of gear disasters….
Here are simple directions for getting to the dock in Gibsonton, FL, just east of Tampa: From I-75 north or south take exit 250, Gibsonton Drive. Head west a bit more than one mile to S. Tamiami Trail which is US 41. If the light at 41 is red do not stop on the RR tracks. 🙂 Turn right (or north) on 41 and cross the low bridge over the Alafia River. The first traffic light will be at Riverview Drive. Turn left there and then turn left immediately, and I do mean immediately, onto the road that leads into Williams Park. Take a spot on the right at the far end of the lot which is closest to the boat ramp. Find James and get ready for the time of your life.
James will let you know when to be at the dock. In a word, early. Here’s a great tip: you will almost always have some great chances to create pleasing blurs of the Fish Crow and White Ibis blast offs with handheld telephoto lenses. Intermediate telephotos and telephoto zooms are ideal. Be sure to set the RGB histogram check it often to avoid burning the red channel. To learn to when, why, and how to work in Tv mode when creating pleasing blurs see A Guide to Pleasing Blurs by yours truly and Denise Ippolito.
Breeding plumage spoonbill photography is generally best from late February through early April. In addition to the spoonbills you will get to photograph Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Reddish Egret, Great Blue Heron, and Great Egret in flight. As the season progresses you can add Glossy Ibis, a variety of shorebirds, and by June and July, baby spoonbills just out of the nest. You can see some of my very recent Hooptie Deux images by clicking here and scrolling down.
My Comments on Your Comments
With some free additional free time in Tokyo today I was able to post respond to your comments at the January 17, 2012 post: “Just Duckie: Two Depth-of-Field Questions and Additional Lessons.” Though only a few folks replied they covered all the important points. This one is highly recommended reading for all using big glass on birds at close range. The topics covered include exposure, rapid firing, and of course, depth-of-field at close range.
The Adventure Begins
We leave Tokyo tomorrow morning at 7am, February 21, 2012. That works out to 5pm Monday evening on the east coast of the USA. We are headed for the Snow Monkeys.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the images talked about in this blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 800mm f/5.L IS lens. Right now this is my all time favorite super-telephoto lens.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂 And you will love them in mega-cold weather….
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
CR-80 Replacement Foot for Canon 800. When using the 800 on a Mongoose as I do, replacing the lens foot with this accessory lets the lens sit like a dog whether pointed up or down and prevents wind-blown spinning of your lens on breezy days by centering the lens directly over the tripod.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
February 19th, 2012
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This image was created at Little Estero Lagoon with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens and the Canon 1.4X III TC (hand held at 98mm) with the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/320 sec. at f/16 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor/AI Servo Rear Focus and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to enlarge it.
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Solving Plover Problems
You come upon a large group of Wilson’s Plovers roosting in a field of horse mussels. Isolating a single bird will be difficult and the jumble of large mussels will make for distracting backgrounds in most cases. Confident in their camouflage, the birds are exceedingly tame. What are the best strategies for long lens photography? Your first impulse with tame shorebirds it to get out your Panning Ground Pod or you Skimmer II (or to splay the legs of your tripod) and get down flat on the beach. Would you do that here? (See below for the answer….)
Before you go on please leave a comment and let us know a few things: How many birds do you see in the image above? Are they all Wilson’s Plovers? Why should I have either taken off my teleconverter or taken one big step backwards?
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This image was created with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens (hand held at 70mm) with the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/320 sec. at f/16 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor/AI Servo Rear Focus and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to enlarge it.
For this image I did remove the 1.4X TC obviously to get wider.
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From left to right we have half the SW FLA IPT group: Lynne, Clemens, Wayne, Gail, and Deirdre. The first instinct of several of the folks in the group was to get flat on the ground but I quickly pointed out that the lower you got in this situation the more distracting background elements you would introduce. The best chance to eliminate horse mussels (or at least most of them) from your backgrounds was to remain standing behind your tripod and that is what I did. Kneeling was a good second option. Notice how tame the birds are. And notice the Snowy Egret down at the edge of the Gulf. Click here and scroll down to read the SW FLA IPT Report and see the announcement of the 2013 SW FLA IPT; hope that you can join me.
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Wilson’s Plover and horse mussel, Little Estero Lagoon, Fort Myers Beach, FL. Created with the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, the Canon 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 200. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/400 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor (by necessity) Rear Focus/AI Servo AF and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. For a greater appreciation of the image, click on the photo.
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By standing at full height behind my Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod I was able to eliminate more than a few mussels in the distant background. When I saw the opportunity to create a nice stitched pano I created two images, one of the bird and one of the mussel (with a bit of overlap). I was careful to work in Manual mode and not to re-focus after creating the first image. I assembled the two images manually in Photoshop. I chose to leave the mussel in the upper left to balance the composition. Notice that while working in fairly harsh sunlight I opted to point my shadow exactly at the subject….
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Wilson’s Plover and horse mussel quasi-grunge HDR, Little Estero Lagoon, Fort Myers Beach, FL. Created from three images made with the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 200. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop with +/- 1 1/3 stops auto exposure bracketing (AEB) around 1/400 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor (by necessity) Rear Focus/AI Servo AF and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. For a greater appreciation of the image, click on the photo. Then click on the enlarged version to close it.
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When I saw a decent image motif I locked down my Mongoose M3.6, waited until the bird was completely motionless, and fired off three fast images to prevent ghosting. The quasi-HDR Grunge was created in Photomatix. I usually work at settings somewhere between the Painterly and Grunge pre-sets. To purchase Photomatix and save 15% click here and be sure to enter birdsasart as the coupon code. You can download and use a trial copy of Photomatix before you buy. It is fully operational but the processed images will have a visible watermark on them. At some point this summer I hope to finish the HDR Grunge Guide that Denise Ippolito and I started work on a while back.
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Wilson’s Plovers, horse mussel, and limpet, Little Estero Lagoon, Fort Myers Beach, FL. This image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 200. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/500 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor (by necessity) Rear Focus/AI Servo AF and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. For a greater appreciation of the image, click on the photo.
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Above I was working on the framing with a single plover and the horse mussel in the lower left corner when a second Wilson’s walked into the frame and paused in a spot that yielded a rather pleasing juxtaposition.
Comments on Your Comments
With some free time in Tokyo I had some time to respond to your comments at the January 13, 2012 post, My Comments On: For Your Critique/Image #8 and at the January 15, 2012 post, Pushing the Shutter Speed Envelope.
Robert O’Toole Homer Bald Eagle Offer
Robert has openings on his March 28th to April 1st, 2012 Homer, Alaska Bald Eagle trips. Click here for complete details.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the images talked about in this blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. Man, I am loving this lens on my shoulder (or on a tripod as above) with the 2X III teleconverter. I also use it a lot with the Canon 1.4X III TC.
Canon 800mm f/5.L IS lens. Right now this is my all time favorite super-telephoto lens.
Canon 1.4X III Teleconverter. Designed to work best with the new Series II super-telephoto lenses.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
CR-80 Replacement Foot for Canon 800. When using the 800 on a Mongoose as I do, replacing the lens foot with this accessory lets the lens sit like a dog whether pointed up or down and prevents wind-blown spinning of your lens on breezy days by centering the lens directly over the tripod.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
February 17th, 2012 Just Rolling Along…
I am at the Orlando Courtyard Marriott, headed for MCO in a few minutes, then flying first class to DFW and continuing on to Tokyo, Japan for the first and likely last ever Japan IPT. I arrive on Saturday afternoon. I think…. So I am just rolling along enjoying every breath. I should have internet access at most of our lodges so I will see you soon.
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The above image is a rare one as Denise does not like being photographed…. She is pulling a fully loaded, and I mean fully loaded!, Eckla Beach Rolly alongside the Barnegat Jetty.
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ECKLA BEACH ROLLY SAVES THE DAY!
When I was on Long Island last December my shoulders as previously noted were hurting quite a bit due to too much swimming to soon after I got home from Bosque. No surprise there. I rested a lot while visiting New York but wanted to get in one last trip to the Barnegat Jetty. But I was concerned that the almost mile-long walk with the 800 on my shoulder might not be the smartest thing for me to do. Denise Ippolito saved the day with a suggestion. She volunteered to bring along her customized Eckla Beach Rolly and met me at the jetty. We put both of our big lenses in the rolly along with both tripods and Denise rolled the whole shebang rather easily through one mile of soft sand. I felt like the King of Siam walking along with no tripod and nothing on my shoulder. Thanks Lady D! She was pretty much amazed at how easily it rolled. Don’t get me wrong: Denise is in great shape but she was a bit tired after the long haul out and the long haul back.
That said I could not have made it without her help, and she could not have made it without her Eckla Beach Rolly. I envision several uses for my Beach Rolly. It will be great at places with boardwalks like the St Augustine Alligator Farm and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. You will be able to bring pretty much all of your lenses, and an extra body or two, your flash and accessories, and heck, you can even bring your lunch. On various Florida beaches where you are routinely walking good distances you will be able to do the same. Do realize that my shoulder problem started about eight years ago after twenty years of carrying big glass on a tripod all on my right shoulder… Not too smart. I wish I had had a Beach Rolly back then.
You can learn more about this great product or purchase one by clicking here. See below for accessory details.
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Above is the fully packed Beach Rolly: Denise’s 500mm f/4L IS is on your left, my 800mm f/5.6 L IS on the right in an old Domke Bag. I am still trying to talk Scott Elowitz of LensCoat into making something very similar. My Gitzo 3530LS Carbon Fiber tripod with the Mongoose M3.6 attached is on your left, Denise’s with the Wimberley V-2 is on the right. See details on the Eckla Cargo Net, the Eckla Multi Holding Bar, and the Staples Milk Crate below.
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Denise customized here Beach Rolly Gear Cart by adding a black plastic milk crate from Staples. It is 11 1/2″H x 13 7/8″W x 16 7/8″D. Yours for only $7.99 here. The milk crate keeps everything in the cart. The Cargo Net keeps stuff safely in place and allows you to overload your rolly without fear :), and the tripods are attached snugly by the Multi-holding Bar. All is all is it a neat set-up that can make your life a lot easier. Please leave a comment and let us know how you use or will be using your Eckla Beach Rolly Gear Cart. (Note: I tried the Eckla Eagle Car Door Camera Support and did not like it at all. I far prefer the BLUBB for car as blind work.)
BAA Bulletin #397
BAA Bulletin #397 is on-line and can be viewed best here.
- THE CONTEST: BAD NEWS AND GOOD
- SOUTHWEST FLA IPT REPORT
- SOUTHWEST FLA 2013 IPT ANNOUNCED
- CHEESEMANS’ FALKLANDS/SOUTH GEORGIA TRIP OCT/NOV 2012
- GEAR FOR SALE
- STICK IT TO EM
- IPT UPDATES
February 15th, 2012
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American Oystercatcher, adult, Little Estero Lagoon, Fort Myers Beach, FL. Created with the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 200. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/500 sec. at f/11 in Av Mode.
Central Sensor (by necessity) Rear Focus/AI Servo AF and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. For a greater appreciation of the image, click on the photo. Then click on the enlarged version to close it.
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Was It Worth It?
It was a bit after 10am on a clear day. We had had a great morning on the SW FLA IPT with lots of egrets and Brown Pelicans in flight, lots of tame Wilson’s Plovers, and an Osprey that flew by with a small tree for its nest. We were thinking about heading back to the motel when a family group of 3 American Oystercatchers landed in front of us. I guided everyone on approaching with care so as not to flush these sometimes shy birds.
I created the image above while standing behind my tripod, knowing that with the shoreline dissecting the bird’s neck and upper back that it would not be a good image. And I half expected that the birds would take flight at any moment. But at least the image served as a good exposure check. And I did realize that I was a bit too close; remember: it is generally best that the bird not take up more than 75% of the longest dimension of the frame.
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Again, same bird, same gear…
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I took a few steps back, lowered the tripod legs, and got down on one knee, knowing that with the shoreline cutting the bird’s leg just above the ankle that I would not be happy with the image, all the while realizing that if I got down flat on my belly that I would have a lovely, diffused strip of green background right behind the oystercatcher’s head. But, and this was a very big but, to get down flat I would need to go belly down in wet mud on a somewhat chilly morning. I was not looking forward to it, but I knew that it was the way to go…. So I went.
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Image courtesy of and copyright 2012 Tim Kaufman.
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Yup, that’s me in the wet muck. Not much fun but I like the final image. Note that as I did not have my panning ground pod in my vest–I did not expect many shorebirds–that I simply splayed the legs of the tripod in order to get low fast. Thanks Tim for the image.
The Questions…
There are lots of questions here. Was it worth it? Would you have done it? Of the folks in the group, only Clemens van der Werf got down on his belly but he kept his mid-section out of the water :). I tried that and it worked for a while but I finally succumbed and would up with wet mud-belly.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Comments on Comments
I commented extensively on your comments in the January 6, 2012 post, “My Comments on: For Your Critique/Image #6.” Amazingly, only a single person who commented agreed with me :). Different strokes…
In addition, I did the same on the comments at the January 8, 2012 12 post, “Antarctic Inspiration from Paul Mckenzie.”
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the images talked about in this blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 800mm f/5.L IS lens. Right now this is my all time favorite super-telephoto lens.
Canon 1.4X III Teleconverter. Designed to work best with the new Series II super-telephoto lenses.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
CR-80 Replacement Foot for Canon 800. When using the 800 on a Mongoose as I do, replacing the lens foot with this accessory lets the lens sit like a dog whether pointed up or down and prevents wind-blown spinning of your lens on breezy days by centering the lens directly over the tripod.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
February 12th, 2012
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This Great Egret image was created at Little Estero Lagoon with the hand held Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens, the Canon 1.4X III TC (at 125mm) and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop off the blue water: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor Rear Focus AI Servo AF active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial.
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Dainty Dancers
All Southwest Florida IPTs feature visits to Little Estero Lagoon. We enjoy lots of chances to photograph a variety of herons and egrets at close range with hand held intermediate telephoto zoom lenses. The birds are attracted into photographic range with tossed greenbacks, small baitfish that I catch with a cast net. These sessions are always very popular. The image below was created in early morning light less than a minute before the image above was made. Both images were processed in CS-5 after which a layer of NIK Color Efex Pro’s White Neutralizer was added to sweeten the blues. Both are small crops from vertical original captures.
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This Great Egret image was also created at Little Estero Lagoon with the same hand held Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens, the Canon 1.4X III TC (at 160mm) and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop off the blue water: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor Rear Focus AI Servo AF active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial.
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With some images with lots of blue, White Neutralizer really gets the blues to sing; it can turn somewhat boring grey blue water into brilliant sky blue backdrops. See the animated GIF below. A 50% layer of NIK COler Efex Pro’s Detail Extractor was applied to the WHITEs only in each image via the use of a Hide-All mask. Learn to use Hide-All masks in the Layer Masking for Dummies section of Digital Basics, a PDF that includes my complete digital workflow, dozens of great Photoshop tips and techniques, and free updates for a long as I am still pushing the shutter button. The next update will be no later than this June.
Which Do You Like Best?
Let’s call the top image “Reflections” and the bottom image “Toe Dragger.” Take a moment to let us know which of the two images you like best, and why.
NIK 15% Discount
As regular readers here have seen recently, NIK’s Color Efex Pro has completed streamlined my workflow; you can save 15% on all NIK products by clicking here and entering BAA in the Promo Code box at check-out. Then hit Apply to see your savings. You can download a trial copy that will work for 15 days and allow you to create full sized images.
NIK Creative Efex Collection
NIK recently announced the availability of a special limited production bundle of 3 of their most popular products, Color Efex Pro 4, Silver Efex Pro 2, and HDR Efex Pro. You can save more than $200 on the bundle which is available only through NIK affiliates. If you would like additional info, please e-mail with the words “Creative Efex Collection” in the Subject line. If you have been on the fence about purchasing the plug-ins mentioned above this is a great chance to save some significant bucks.
Earn Free Contest Entries and Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
More and more folks are earning multiple contest entries with their B & H purchases. See here for details on that. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here to visit the competition home page.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click herefor details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. Man, I am loving this lens on my shoulder (or on a tripod as above) with the 2X III teleconverter. I also use it a lot with the 1.4X III TC.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Black Rapid RS-7 Strap. This ingeniously designed strap allows you to carry an intermediate telephoto lens bandolier-style while leaving it instantly accessible for flight and action photography. To learn more about this strap click here and scroll down.
February 11th, 2012
ER Doc Scores Big Time!
I first met Tim Kaufman when he attended a seminar that I conducted in Dayton, Ohio a few years back. My recollection is that he volunteered to pick me up at the motel and chauffeur me around with my boxes of books and CDs. A few weeks ago he contacted me about joining me as assistant/apprentice on the SW FLA IPT. The first applicant could not make it so Tim was elected to carry my 800 around on the longer walks. Within a day we had designed a great system so that I could get my needs met and Tim would have more than a few chances to make some images. On our second morning we wound up at Blind Pass Beach. It was pretty good. We were headed down the beach to do some Royal Terns when I looked behind us and saw that a g Great Blue Heron has grabbed a Southern Whiting that a fisherman had tossed back into the Gulf (but not quite far enough…)
I had been carrying the 800 at the time and Tim was carrying both the 200mm and the 300mm f/2.8L IS II lenses on his shoulder. Each had a 1.4X III TC mounted. He had been using the 300. When the heron flew by us he made seven images. Four of them were sharp and of those, three featured nice wing positions. This was the best. They guy has potential.
I often say that if you want to photograph flight and action that you are far better off walking around with an intermediate telephoto lens than with big glass. Q.E.D.: quod erat demonstrandum.
In his first career, Tim Kaufman was an aeronautical engineer. He worked for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis, MO helping to design a variety of weapons of mass destruction including Tomahawk cruise missiles & the F-18 fighter. He was amazed by medicine when both his Mom and sister were treated for leukemia. He quit his job, enrolled in med school, and in fairly short order became an emergency room doctor. He did not and does not watch he television show ER.
As my assistant he has been amazingly helpful often volunteering for a great variety of tasks that have made my life easier. With Peter Kes, my web man from Switzerland here as my guest doing the driver, and Tim as my assistant, I am living the life of Riley. I just might get used to it….
Please Leave a Comment
Feel free to leave a comment and let Tim know what you think of his image. And why. Processed by yours truly in CS-5 with an 80% round of NIK Color Efex Pro’s Tonal Contrast.
NIK 15% Discount
NIK’s Color Efex Pro has completed streamlined my workflow; you can save 15% on all NIK products by clicking here and entering BAA in the Promo Code box at check-out. Then hit Apply to see your savings. You can download a trial copy that will work for 15 days and allow you to create full sized images.
NIK Creative Efex Collection
NIK recently announced the availability of a special limited production bundle of 3 of their most popular products, Color Efex Pro 4, Silver Efex Pro 2, and HDR Efex Pro. You can save more than $200 on the bundle which is available only through NIK affiliates. If you would like additional info, please e-mail with the words “Creative Efex Collection” in the Subject line. If you have been on the fence about purchasing the plug-ins mentioned above this is a great chance to save some significant bucks.
Earn Free Contest Entries and Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
More and more folks are earning multiple contest entries with their B & H purchases. See here for details on that. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here to visit the competition home page.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear that Tim used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens. The 300 f/2.8 L IS II with the 1.4X III TC is a killer flight combination.
1.4X III TC. The new Series III 1.4X was designed to work best with the new Series II super-telephoto lenses.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
February 8th, 2012
The Sweet Little Old Lady From Boston…
After a very good first morning at the Venice Rookery on the sold out Southwest Florida IPT the group enjoyed a nice lunch at Applebee’s. As the group assembled to await directions to our afternoon location a very nice little old lady with grey hair walked by. “Please excuse me” she said sweetly with an obvious New England accent. “Are you from Boston?” I asked with the intention of setting her up. “Yes, of course,” she said.
With a big smile on my face I said, “Too bad about the Patriots.” As she walked past me she gave me a gentle punch on my upper arm and with a smile on her face she said, “You little sh*t you. My son has been crying for three straight days.” So much for setting her up!
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens. The 300 f/2.8 L IS II with the 1.4X III TC is a killer flight combination.
1.4X III TC. The new Series III 1.4X was designed to work best with the new Series II super-telephoto lenses.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
February 7th, 2012
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This drake Kelp Goose was photographed with the tripod-mounted Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens, the 2X III teleconverter, and the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 200. Evaluative metering -1/3 stop: 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 in Av mode.
Central Sensor AI Servo Rear Focus AF and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial.
Kelp and Upland Geese are the two common goose species on the Falklands. In most locations they are a bit wary but on West Point those that hang around the dwellings are quite a bit more forgiving. See image last to learn what was inside one of the dwellings….
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Basic Image Clean-up: Right or Wrong?
Take a moment to check out the animated GIF below. As I do with most images (except those to be entered in the major contests), I used the Patch Tool and a few small Quick Masks to perform the basic clean-up, eliminating some distracting white feathers and small bits of debris. A 40% hardness Clone Stamp Tool was used to get rid of several large specular highlights. Instructions for using all of the basic clean-up tools are detailed in our Digital Basics File. Digital Basics includes my complete digital workflow, dozens of other great Photoshop tips, and free annual updates for as long as I am pushing the shutter button. Advanced Quick Masking techniques are covered in Robert O’Toole’s APTATS I (Advanced Photoshop Tips and Techniques Simplified.)
Right or Wrong?
In your opinion, is basic image clean-up right or wrong in nature photography? As always, be sure to let us know why you feel that way that you do.
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The Cheesemans’ provided some very nice extras on the trip. At West Point in the Falklands those who wished a ride up the hill with their gear, about a mile in total, were provided one by the locals. That included me :). In addition, a sumptuous mid-morning snack along with coffee and tea was provided. That’s my roommate Pablo in his yellow slicker. As I mentioned earlier, there were lots of tame birds around the buildings. I took a tiny bite of a brownie just before leaving….
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Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
I traveled to the Southern Ocean with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris; find out what I thought about them here. You can learn more about CES by clicking here. If you have any questions you can shoot them an e-mail or call them at 800.527.5330.
Comments on Comments
I commented on the comments in the giant sunflower image repost of January 2, 2012 here. There is lots of interesting and educational material there especially in my response to the comment by Bob McColley who asked about depth-of-field with different lenses…. His misconception is a common one.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens. This lens proved to be ideal on a tripod for both birds and wildlife with both the 1.4X and 2X III TCs. All images were super-sharp and the lens was light enough for hand-holding both in the zodiacs and when doing flight photograph from the ship.
2X III teleconverter. This new TC is sharper than the 2X II version.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their resale value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
February 4th, 2012
Love Is…
Unlike the elaborate courtship dances and displays of the Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses of Midway, Black-browed Albatross courtship involves mild bill clacking, nuzzling, and allo-preening. This courting pair was photographed on New Island in the Falklands on my recent Southern Ocean voyage.
What Makes This a Good Bird Photograph?
If you feel as I do that this is a good bird photograph, take a moment to leave a comment and let us know what about the photograph makes it a good avian image.
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When attempting to photograph the heads of two birds interacting it is often the best tack to manually select an outside sensor as indicated by the AF sensor highlighted in red here in the BreezeBrowser screen capture above.
The intruding tail was covered with a few small Quick Masks and then smoothed out with a 40% hardness Clone Stamp Tool. As is usually the case, all as detailed in Digital Basics.
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Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
I traveled to the Southern Ocean with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris; find out what I thought about them here. You can learn more about CES by clicking here. If you have any questions you can shoot them an e-mail or call them at 800.527.5330.
My Comments
With a bit of free time I had a chance to respond to the comments posted to the December 27, 2011 blog post “The Best Laid Plans…” and to the December 31 post, “See You Later.”
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens. This lens proved to be ideal on a tripod for both birds and wildlife with both the 1.4X and 2X III TCs. All images were super-sharp and the lens was light enough for hand-holding both in the zodiacs and when doing flight photograph from the ship.
1.4X III TC. The new Series III 1.4X was designed to work best with the new Series II super-telephoto lenses.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
February 2nd, 2012
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This image above was created from the image below using Fractalius, a really neat Photoshop plug-in from Redfield.
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Fracted Penguin
I was introduced to Fractalius about two years ago by Denise Ippolito in BPN’s Out of the Box Forum. It is great fun and can produce a variety of looks. I started this one with Glow 100 and adjusted the sliders to taste. See the screen capture below for more details.
Which Do You Like Best?
Take a moment to leave a comment and let us know which of the two images you like best, the Fracted version or the straight version. And do let us know why.
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This screen capture shows the settings that I used to produce the Fracted image that opens this blog post.
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Fracatlius
To learn more about this great plug-in, check out Denise’s free Fractalius tutorials here. To purchase the plug-in which runs only on PCs, please use this link. To see the spectacular images in the original Bulletin feature on Fractalius, click here and scroll down. To see a killer Marine Iguana Fract click here.
Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
I traveled to Antarctica with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris; find out what I thought about them here. You can learn more about CES by clicking here. If you have any questions you can shoot them an e-mail or call them at 800.527.5330.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens. This lens proved to be ideal on a tripod for both birds and wildlife with both the 1.4X and 2X III TCs. All images were super-sharp and the lens was light enough for hand-holding both in the zodiacs and when doing flight photograph from the ship.
2X III teleconverter. This new TC is sharper than the 2X II version.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
January 31st, 2012
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This image of the Cheesemans’ Ecology Safari staff working hard to safely control a zodiac was created at Bailey Head, Antarctica with the tripod-mounted Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens, the Canon 1.4X III TC (at 140mm) and the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 200: 1/8 sec. at f/22 in Manual mode. A 3-stop ND filter had been placed on the front of the lens in order to get down to 1/8 second.
Central Sensor Rear Focus AI Servo AF active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial.
I had been creating intentional blurs of large groups of Chinstrap Penguins marching towards the sea–see the image below–when I heard the scream “Big wave!” above the roar of the surf. I turned immediately but had missed the big wave hitting the zodiac; I made this image as a second smaller wave struck the boat. With great force. I figured that a slow shutter speed blur might best convey the sense of struggle so I did not attempt to change anything; when faced with unexpected action the very best tack is to shoot first and ask questions later. If you hesitate or think, you almost always wind up with nothing…. The strategy worked well here.
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Way to Go CES! (Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris)
Many of you have been enjoying the images from my recently concluded Southern Oceans trip. Do understand that none of the images would have been possible without the planning, help, expertise, and execution of the plan by CES: Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris. The itinerary was a fabulous one. We had more than ample time to photograph at all the great spots; at St. Andrews Bay I was ashore for almost ten hours. When it came to landings and zodiac safety, the Cheesemans’ staff was beyond incredible. The opportunity for catastrophic developments exists with every zodiac landing. That is true in the Galapagos as well but with bigger seas on average in the Southern Oceans the dangers are far greater. Every landing and every exit went smoothly. I had tons of help with my gear. With 96 folks getting into and out of zodiacs as often as three times a day a perfect safety record is what you strive for and that is what occurred: zero injuries, zero gear lost or damaged.
Expedition leader Ted Cheeseman, son of founders Doug and Gail, made all the right calls. When plans needed to be changed out of concern for weather and safety, he made the right call every time; everyone on the trip benefited. The programs were excellent–there was lots of free time on the two long crossings. The two primary photographic leaders were both old friends of mine: Tom Murphy, and Rod Planck. I had not see either of them for more than two decades until I laid eyes on them on the Ortelius. It was great seeing them again and working with them. By attending their programs I learned a ton and changed a few things. Rod’s work was as inspirational as it was when I attended two of his programs in the 1990s; seeing images from the various landing planted many seeds in my head. Tom got me working at ISO 200 in sunny conditions and stopping down a bit more than I usually do. And both of them, having been on many Southern Oceans trips, were chock full of advice as to the best locations on each landing. Nobody is ever too old to learn.
The landing at Bailey Head, Antarctica, was especially rewarding to me as I had been sitting in a zodiac 100 yards off shore on my 2007 trip when the zodiac in front of mine swamped and the captain of the ship called off the landing…. Early that day it looked as if my weather Karma might not be working. Ted’s “Good morning shipmates” was followed by the news that we would not be able to land at Bailey Head that morning as the swell was too big. The beach there is sloped tremendously and the sea strives to pull the zodiacs back into the ocean before folks have gotten off with their gear. Tom Murphy had said to me several days before, “We will get you on the beach at Bailey Head.” Ted concluded his morning greetings by saying, “We are sending out a scout team to see if landing is possible.”
After breakfast I was thrilled to hear Ted’s voice again on the PA, “We will be landing at 8am.” Afterwards folks noted that it was the calmest landing ever at this amazingly beautiful spot. My good weather Karma (courtesy of late-wife Elaine) had come through one last time. Along with St. Andrews Bay, it was one of my two favorite super-great once-in-a-lifetime days of the trip. And we even got to enjoy three additional hours at Hannah Point, Antarctica before calling it a wrap and heading for the feared Drake Passage. All thanks to Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris.
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This image was created at Bailey Head, Antarctica with the tripod-mounted Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens, the Canon 1.4X III TC (at 270mm) and the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 200. Evaluative metering +1 2/3 stops off the white water: 1/8 sec. at f/13 in Manual mode. A 3-stop ND filter was placed on the front of the lens in order to get down to 1/8 second.
Central Sensor Rear Focus AI Servo AF on the closest penguin and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial.
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CES/BAA Partnership
I am proud to announce that on the afternoon of January 31, 2012 Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris became a BIRDS AS ART sponsor. I am looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Doug, Gail, and Ted and the rest of the Cheesemans’ staff.
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This image was created at Bailey Head, Antarctica with the tripod-mounted Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens and the Canon 1.4X III TC (at 280mm) and the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/125 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor Rear Focus AI Servo AF on the closest penguin and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial.
There are something like 100,000 pairs of chinstraps on Bailey Head, Deception. Most of them are pretty much un-photographable. Old friend Tom Murphy led the serious photographers right to he very best nest on the side of a gentle slope with the colony in the background. Thanks Tom!
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About CES
Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris has been focused on wildlife for over thirty years.
A great safari is more than remote destinations and remarkable wildlife – it is a journey woven through foreign lands and seas leading to experiences made possible through inspiration, organization, and leadership. For over thirty years, Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris has provided these unforgettable experiences during in-depth tours to the world’s richest ecosystems. Their itineraries are unique and preparation is thorough, but most importantly, the leadership is exceptional. With broad backgrounds in nature and wildlife, their leaders desire to deepen your understanding of each destination so you can take-away the photographs and memories that allow you to become nature’s ambassador.
Gail and Doug Cheeseman have been leading wildlife safaris to their favorite destinations since 1978. Inspired by his parent’s passion, Ted joined them in leading safaris over 15 years ago. Now the three work together with their staff to offer you superlative nature tours to destinations such as Antarctica, Tanzania, Kenya, Bhutan, Brazil, India, Galapagos, and many more. Doug is a professor emeritus of Ecology and Zoology, Ted holds a Masters in Tropical Conservation Biology, and Gail is a naturalist of the best kind – self-taught through a lifetime in the field. Together, they are a family of truly remarkable ecologists who seek to inspire travelers to enjoy and conserve the Earth’s wild landscapes.
Find out more about Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, including a complete tour listing, by clicking here. If you have any questions you can shoot them an e-mail or call 800.527.5330.
B&H Specials
Act now; these Instant Rebates expire February 4, 2012.
If you are interested in an amazing deal on a 7D, a 5D MII (both packaged with various lenses) or a $400 rebate on a Canon PIXMA Pro 9000 Mark II printer (with the purchase of a Canon EOS SLR), click here.
To learn about even more amazing Instant Rebates on Canon lenses and Speedlites click here or on the image below.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click herefor details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. Man, I am loving this lens on my shoulder (or on a tripod as above) with the 2X III teleconverter. I also use it a lot with the 1.4X III TC.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera. Canon’s lightweight full frame body is perfect for serious landscape photography and as I learned on this trip, is great for wildlife too. See my review here.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
January 29th, 2012
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These Macaroni Penguins were photographed with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens, the Canon 1.4X III TC, (handheld at 145mm) and the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/800 sec. at f/7.1 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor Rear Focus AI Servo AF active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Note: the central AF sensor just caught the edge of the right wing of the penguin in the front and held focus accurately while tracking the subject. I was impressed.
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EOS-5D Mark II Quick Evaluation
As described in BAA Bulletin #395, I was forced to depend on the Canon EOS-5D MII that I borrowed from CPS for my Southern Ocean trip far more than I planned on. (See the HOW TO RUIN TWO PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL CAMERA BODIES feature here.)
I quickly fell in love the the 5D MII. The files are beautiful. While it is hard to quantify a statement like that I do love the color. And it is the first full frame camera where I really love the small pixels. The amount of detail is phenomenal. As I am rarely a hold-the-hammerdown type of guy, the 3.9 frames per second advance is not usually a big handicap. I love to be able to use the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM Fisheye Ultra-Wide Zoom lens as either a circle lens or a full fish eye. And there are similar advantages when using this body with the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L lens.
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This image of Chinstrap Penguins headed for dinner and a swim was created at Bailey Head, Antarctica with the tripod-mounted Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens, the Canon 1.4X III TC (at 165mm) and the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering -1/3 stop: 1/400 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode; confirmed by blinkies/histogram check.
Central Sensor Rear Focus AI Servo AF and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. I love the clean WHITEs and the incredible detail.
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With 21.1 megapixels, a sharp 5D MII image can stand up to lots of cropping. Jeez; I almost forgot the camera’s super light weight. It did fabulously well on my shoulder with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. I had opportunities to use the 5D MII for flight but did get some great results; I used it from the ship and always used the full 9-point array in order to keep a sensor on the birds as the ship was rocking. Ergonomically, the camera felt very nice in my hands. And I made some great video footage easily on Bailey Head in Antarctica. If I can ever figure out how to edit it, I will post some here.
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This Northern Giant Petrel image was created in Drygalski Fjiord, South Georgia, with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens and the the Canon 1.4X III TC, (handheld at 280mm) and the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +3 stops off the white sky: 1/1600 sec. at f/4 in Manual mode.
9-Point Rear Focus AI Servo AF active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Note: the full nine point AF array was ideal from the ship as it would have been difficult or impossible in the relatively rough seas to keep the central sensor on the bird.
I ran into double bad luck here with the misplaced primary feather on the lower wing and the bird’s head turned slightly away….
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I am not at all a technical person. If you are and would like to read about the impressive stuff inside the camera, you can click here. After 28 1/2 years of photography including the last 11 doing digital I do know when I like a camera and when I don’t.
There were a few minor things that I did not like about the 5D MII. As with all Canon digital cameras, it is very difficult to see where the histogram ends when working outdoors. I have been begging for a thin white or yellow box around the histogram since I got the original EOS-1D in 2001. Or was that 2002? The 5D MII focuses only to f/5.6; that means that it will not autofocus when a 1.4X TC is added to an f/5.6 lens like my beloved 800mm f/5.6K IS. The 9-point array is hard to get used to for those coming from a MIV with AF sensors available almost everywhere; the good news is that the 9-Point array worked very nicely with walking, running, and flying subjects. When when I used the lens with a teleconverter and manually selected an AF sensor I noticed that all the AF sensors but the central sensor had some difficulty holding focus. My biggest gripe is with the Command Dial; it rotated inadvertently while I was carrying the lens on my shoulder with the Black Rapid RS-7 strap. I would put it in Manual mode but when I grabbed the rig to make a flight or action it would be set to Bulb or Program or something equally ridiculous. I considered putting a piece of tape on it. If you use one as your primary body this would be a non-issue.
I should be getting lots more experience with this great camera over the next few months as I ordered one on Friday….
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This image was created from the ship somewhere southwest of the South Orkney Islands with the hand held Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens, the Canon 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering + 1/3 stop off the blue sky was somewhat of an underexposure–the light was changing quickly: 1/2000 sec. at f/8.
9-Point Rear Focus AI Servo AF active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial.
This is surely not the world’s greatest image of a Pintado (Cape) Petrel but it is presented here for a reason. The image above represents a huge crop from the original (see below). The size of the converted 5D MII RAW file here was 120.3 mbs. The size of the optimized TIFF was only 16.8 mbs. That means that the image above represents only 14% of the original capture; 86% of the pixels were cropped (or thrown) away.
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Below is a screen capture of the BreezeBrowser Main View page for the image above.
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There is lots to learn here if you study the fine print above. Do note the relatively small size of the subject in the original image. Click here to learn more about BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program. Every single person who has watched me edit a 1,000_ image folder in ten minutes is amazed. All of my MAC friends even find away to run BreezeBrowser…. I know that I could not live without it.
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Your Favorite?
Please leave a comment and let us know which of the first three images above is your favorite (and why).
Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
I traveled with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris; find out what I thought about them here. You can learn more about CES by clicking here. If you have any questions you can shoot them an e-mail or call them at 800.527.5330.
B&H Specials
Act now; these Instant Rebates expire February 4, 2012.
If you are interested in an amazing deal on a 7D, a 5D MII (both packaged with various lenses) or a $400 rebate on a Canon PIXMA Pro 9000 Mark II printer (with the purchase of a Canon EOS SLR), click here.
To learn about even more amazing Instant Rebates on Canon lenses and Speedlites click here or on the image below.
My Comments
With a bit more free time I had a chance to respond to comments posted to the December 28, 2011 blog post here: ISO 4000 at 1/6th of a second.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Shopper’s Guide
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. Man, I am loving this lens on my shoulder with the 2X III teleconverter. I also use it a lot–as I did for the image of the eagle with fish–with the 1.4X III TC.
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens. This lens proved to be ideal on a tripod for both birds and wildlife with both the 1.4X and 2X III TCs. All images were super-sharp and the lens was light enough for hand-holding both in the zodiacs and when doing flight photograph from the ship.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera. Canon’s lightweight full frame body is perfect for serious landscape photography.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
Black Rapid RS-7 Strap: I have been using this strap for a year; it allows me to grab my intermediate telephoto rig almost instantly for flight and action photography.
January 27th, 2012
St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia, Southern Ocean Voyage; Best Day Ever?
January 11, 2012 dawned dark and somewhat foreboding, but small patches of slightly brighter sky left me confident that my 17-year streak of photographic good-weather-Karma would continue. We would be visiting the world’s largest King Penguin colony at St. Andrews Bay where more than 320,000 pairs breed. The winds were light but the sky still dark and stormy as we exited the Zodiacs and unpacked our gear. When I was about halfway to the ridge that served as a vantage point above the vast plain of penguins it began to sprinkle. The sprinkle quickly turned to a heavy drizzle and in another minute it was de ja vu all over again as a heavy rain began to pelt down….
Three days before at the glorious and slightly smaller King Penguin colony at Salisbury Plain those who had stayed out all day had been drenched by a pouring rain that left my two EOS-1D MIV professional camera bodies completely dead. Hours inside a pillowcase with a hair dryer set on medium heat had revived them slightly. For the rest of the trip I was unable to see the large LCD on the back of each camera but otherwise they each functioned.
Within minutes and much to my relief, however, the rain at St. Andrews Bay quit.
Soon I was set up on the ridge and making images in the muted light. A quick-flowing stream ran along the edge of an almost endless plain of King Penguins. Each adult stood protecting the single egg that rested atop its feet enveloped in a brood patch. Long lines of fluffy, brown oakum boys, last year’s young, zigzagged through the colony. Staff ornithologist Jim Danzenbaker explained that the young birds are relegated to the lower portions of the plain while the nesting adults chose the higher drier ground; thus, the lovely patterns.
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The King Penguin colony was photographed in the morning with the tripod-mounted Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens (at 110mm) with the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/20 sec. at f/32 in Av Mode. Rear Focus Central Sensor AF and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial.
For a greater appreciation of this image, click on the photo. Then click on the enlarged version to close it. To see a really cool quasi-HDR grunge version of this image click here.
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The upper reaches of the distant mountains in the background were covered by fog. Mesmerized by the beauty of the scene before me time flew by as I changed lenses and changed perspective often. Before I knew it, it was 11:00am and the sun peeked through here and there revealing the snow-covered peaks. But by the time that I switched to a wide angle lens they were once again shrouded in fog. A bit after noon the sun broke through with a vengeance and just like that it was too bright to photograph. I took a break, sat down on a rock, and enjoyed the lunch that I had scavenged at breakfast: ham and Swiss roll-ups with mayonnaise and a bit of low-sugar ketchup that I had brought from home. Stuffed into a zip-lock plastic bag it was quite the messy meal but it really hit the spot; you can could call it an astronaut style lunch.
I napped for a bit dreaming of how great conditions would be when the light got sweet later in the afternoon. When I awoke I noticed that the wind had come up a bit. Then it roared. The words “katabatic winds” were on everyone’s lips and at times it was difficult to stand. Whitecaps filled the bay around our anchored ship. We soon received word to head back to the landing site and await further instructions…. I packed up my gear and—a bit disappointed–headed back to the beached Zodiacs.
By the time I arrived the winds had pretty much abated but the ½ mile up and down hike turned out to be a blessing in disguise: I drank a ton of water and refilled the three bottles that I had drained in the morning. The light was getting nice and there were penguins entering the water, penguins feeding in the surf, and penguins so stuffed with lantern fish that they could not stand when leaving the water. Had it not been for the wind warning I would have missed some great chances as the wet King Penguins set against the deep blue water and breaking surf made a great combination.
After an hour of the “surf” photography I hiked back up to the ridge and made hundreds of images of the sea of nesting penguins on the plain below–in the sweet light that I had dreamed of. On the way back to the landing several of us had great chances with adult kings feeding chicks in the sweetest light of the afternoon. In all respects the ten hours at St. Andrews Bay turned out to be one of the great days of my 28 years of bird photography.
Your Favorite?
Leave a comment and let us know which of the four images above is your favorite (and why).
Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
I traveled with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris; find out what I thought about them here. You can learn more about CES by clicking here. If you have any questions you can shoot them an e-mail or call them at 800.527.5330.
My Comments
With a bit of free time I had a chance to respond comments posted to the December 28, 2011 blog post here.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens. This is Canon’s top of the line wide angle zoom lens.
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. Man, I am loving this lens on my shoulder with the 2X III teleconverter. I also use it a lot–as I did for the image of the eagle with fish–with the 1.4X III TC.
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens. This lens proved to be ideal on a tripod for both birds and wildlife with both the 1.4X and 2X III TCs. All images were super-sharp and the lens was light enough for hand-holding both in the zodiacs and when doing flight photograph from the ship.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera. Canon’s lightweight full frame body is perfect for serious landscape photography.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders :). And you will love them in mega-cold weather….
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Giottos MH 1302-655 (Tiny) BallHead. I spin off my Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head and mount the tiny ballhead whenever I need to use a short lens on the tripod. The camera goes in the clamp via the Wimberley P-5 camera body plate.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
January 26th, 2012
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Above is the Macaroni Penguin colony on Cooper Bay, South Georgia. As I was making the climb up and down to the colony I was seriously questioning my own sanity…. The image was created with the Canon 24-105mm IS L lens (hand held at 24mm) and the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering -1 stop: 1/250 sec. at f/11. Learn the fate of my two EOS-1D Mark IV bodies in a future posting. I was, due to human error–mine of course, forced to go the the 5D MII and absolutely fell in love with the camera on the trip (somewhat out of necessity).
Thanks to bed bug photographer specialist Tom Myers for loaning me his 24-105; I had left the 16-35 at the landing in an effort to lighten the load for my most strenuous hike up the hill :).
See the animated GIF below to learn how NIK Color Efex Pro 4 helped me get the most out of this image.
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Home From the Southern Oceans Trip
After traveling to the ends of the earth–Ushuaia, Argentina–by commercial jet on December 28, 2011 I, along with about 100 shipmates, sailed 3,550 miles on the ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius on a tour of the Southern Ocean that visited the Falklands, South Georgia Island, and Antarctica. I debarked early on the morning of January 25 and flew 3 1/2 hours from Ushuaia to AEP, the domestic airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From there I took a 45-minute cab ride to EZE, the international airport. Then it was a red-eye flight to Miami, land at 5:45am, get through customs, and barely catch my flight to Orlando arriving at 7:45am. There I was picked up by my right-hand man, Jim Litzenberg and after a quick stop at Publix for some eggplant, Brussels Sprouts, and broccoli, I made it to my home office in Indian Lake Estates, FL just before 10:00 am on January 26th.
The trip was an amazing one. We enjoyed great weather nearly every day and avoided any major storms. We saw something in the neighborhood of one million penguins including breeding colonies of the following species: Magellenic, Rockhopper, King, Gentoo, Macaroni, Chinstrap, and Adelie. And–from the ship–we even got to see and photograph a single young Emperor Penguin on an iceberg. We visited the world’s largest Black-browed Albatross rookery on Steeple Jason in the Falklands, saw what seemed like a zillion baby fur seals on South Georgia, and got to photograph Humpback Whales and Orcas (Gerlach Strait Killer Whales) at close range from the ship.
I made some tough hikes and some long walks with my gear to get to some great places–at times through killer stands of tussock grass. I took great care by walking slowly at all times and making sure that I knew where I would place each foot and what would happen when I did. I made many treacherous (for me) downhill stretches on my butt. I got sufficient rest, never got seasick, and never caught so much as a cold. All in all I was blessed. I look forward to sharing lots of great images and lessons with you on both the blog and in future BAA Bulletins over the course of the next few months. It feels good to be home.
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This courting pair of Macaroni Penguins was photographed at Cooper Bay, South Georgia with the tripod-mounted Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens and the EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/200 sec. at f/8. On this, my second Southern Oceans trip, Macaroni turned out to be my favorite penguin species in part because of their yellow-spaghetti hair-dos and in part because I had not created any good images of them on my 2007 trip.
There will be lots more on the Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens coming soon; it turned out to be the perfect long lens for me on this trip….
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More NIK Color Efex Pro 4 Magic
On my Southern Ocean trip I used NIK Color Efex Pro 4 on just about every image that I processed. It continues to revolutionize my digital workflow. Note the effect of the Foliage Filter (80%) on the tussock grass and the effect of the Detail Extractor Filter 90%) on that bland sky. A round of Tonal Contrast (50%) out the finishing touches on the image below. (Give the animated GIF a few seconds to play so that you can view both the before and after versions.) I will be sharing some NIK Color Efex Pro workflow tips with you soon.
NIK 15% Discount
You can save 15% on all NIK products by clicking here and entering BAA in the Promo Code box at check-out. Then hit Apply to see your savings. You can download a trial copy that will work for 15 days and allow you to create full sized images.
NIK Creative Efex Collection
NIK recently announced the availability of a special limited production bundle of 3 of their most popular products, Color Efex Pro 4, Silver Efex Pro 2, and HDR Efex Pro. You can save more than $200 on the bundle which is available only through NIK affiliates. If you would like additional info, please e-mail with the words “Creative Efex Collection” in the Subject line. If you have been on the fence about purchasing the plug-ins mentioned above this is a great chance to save some significant bucks.
Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
I traveled with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris; find out what I thought about them here. You can learn more about CES by clicking here. If you have any questions you can shoot them an e-mail or call them at 800.527.5330.
Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
Remember: you can earn free contest entries with your B & H purchases. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here for details.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the images talked about in his blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 24-105mm IS L lens. The 24-105 has been my go-to B-roll intermediate zoom lens since it was released about five years ago. Whenever I head into the field without putting mine in one of the big pockets of my X-trahand vest I regret it.
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens. This lens proved to be ideal on a tripod for both birds and wildlife with both the 1.4X and 2X III TCs. All images were super-sharp and the lens was light enough for hand-holding both in the zodiacs and when doing flight photograph from the ship.
EOS-5D Mark II. Lightweight. An excellent AF system. Fast enough at 3.9 fps. Produces superb 21.1 megapixel files. What’s not to like? I really had my head stuck in the sand on this camera body. More to come.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
CR-80 Replacement Foot for Canon 800. When using the 800 on a Mongoose as I do, replacing the lens foot with this accessory lets the lens sit like a dog whether pointed up or down and prevents wind-blown spinning of your lens on breezy days by centering the lens directly over the tripod.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program. All of my MAC friends in the know even find a way to run BreezeBrowser…. I could not live without it.
January 25th, 2012
Image Caption Contest
Write the funniest caption for the image above and win a $20 credit at the BIRDS AS ART On-Line Store. Judges: Jim Litzenburg, Jennifer Morris, and artie.
What’s Going On Here? Contest
Be the first to let us know what I was doing in the image above and win a $20 credit at the BIRDS AS ART On-Line Store. Judge: artie. Note: if you were on either boat in Homer you are NOT eligible for this contest. :). And no cheating will be permitted; you need to figure it out on your own (if that is possible…)
Results
The results of both contest will not be announced until January 30, 2012 as artie will not be returning from Antarctica until January 26, 2012.
Earn Free Contest Entries and Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
More and more folks are earning multiple contest entries with their B & H purchases. See here for details on that. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here to visit the competition home page.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 100-400mm IS L zoom lens: A versatile all purpose zoom lens for all types of nature and general photography. Several excellent photographers including Dan Cadieux and Aidan Briggs use this lens as their workhorse bird photography telephoto lens.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
January 24th, 2012
A Photographer’s Guide to the Ontario Landscape
BIRDS AS ART is proud to announce the publication of “A Photographer’s Guide to the Ontario Landscape,” a new e-book by Andrew McLachlan of Thornton, Ontario. Andrew’s guide is the latest in a long line of beautiful, inspiring, educational, how-to and where-to treatises brought to you by BAA Books. If you want to skip the spiel you can click here to order. 🙂 Or see more options below.
A Photographer’s Guide To The Ontario Landscape: $24; YouSendIt file downloads are sent via e-mail.
The vast and varied landscapes of Ontario, Canada’s second largest province, provide photographers with a great variety of outstanding destinations and opportunities. “A Photographer’s Guide To The Ontario Landscape” by Andrew McLachlan is an easy-to-read, easy-to-follow resource that will make it a snap for both local and visiting photographers to plan their outings and to maximize their time afield. Why spend days looking for the best spots when Andrew has already done the legwork?
From the remote Abitibi Canyon in the northeast to Point Pelee in the southwest, from the Ottawa Valley in the southeast to the Algoma Highlands north east of Sault Ste Marie, Andrew has-with skill and passion–photographed them all in every season. In addition he will guide you to the regions famous for fall colour including the Haliburton Highlands and Muskoka.
You will learn where and when to go to create dramatic landscapes. Andrew’s images will educate and inspire you. And his e-book contains dozens of excellent tips (each in its own sidebar) for folks who enjoy creating scenic landscape images. He covers all the bases including exposure and histograms, composition and image design, shutter speed, aperture, and depth-of-field, creative vision and perspective, matters of weather and light, and tips on all types of gear including lens choice, tripods, tripod heads, lens and camera body plates, & filters.
This e-book, the first-ever comprehensive guide to photographing Ontario’s landscapes, is a must for all who enjoy making great images of nature’s vistas.
The simplest and fastest way to order your copy of “A Photographer’s Guide to the Ontario Landscape” is through the BAA On-line Store by clicking here. Alternatively, you can order your copy by sending a check for $24 made out to “Arthur Morris” to us at BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Be sure to include your e-mail address (written legibly). If you prefer to use PayPal you can send $24 to us via e-mail; be sure to include the title of the book.
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Haliburton Highlands, Fall colour at Kennisis River, Ontario. Nikon D200, Nikon 12-24mm lens, polarizing filter. Image copyright 2011: Andrew McLachlan.
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artie is traveling 🙂
artie is traveling in the Southern Ocean (Falklands, South Georgia, & Antarctica) and will unable to respond to your questions and comments until after his return on 26 January 2012.
Earn Free Contest Entries and Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
More and more folks are earning multiple contest entries with their B & H purchases. See here for details on that. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here to visit the competition home page.
Shopper’s Guide
Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
January 22nd, 2012
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This three frame stitched panoramic image was assembled in Photoshop CS-5. The individual frames were created with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens and the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV). ISO 200. Evaluative metering +2 stops: 8 seconds at f/11. “Mirror lock” via Live View with the 2-second self timer.
For a much greater appreciation of this image, click on the photo. Then click on the enlarged version to close it.
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China Poot
I gotta thank Denise Ippolito again for helping me get started with Tonal Contrast in NIK’s Color Efex; she has been using it for years but as usual, I was simply too stubborn for too long…. Simply put, NIK’s Color Efex has changed my digital workflow drastically; in one or two simple steps it replaces twice that many steps in my traditional Photoshop workflow. And best of all, the images look better. As you can see above and below, the algorithms can do amazing things that pretty much eliminate the time-consuming (and usually impossible) chore of making a perfect selection.
To create the image above I ran both Tonal Contrast and Details Extractor at reduced opacity. The ability of Details Extractor to juice up cloudy day skies without having to create selections (that always leave a black or white halo between the mountains and the sky) is unparalleled. Do note that Details Extractor can be used to restore density and detail to bright WHITEs that are not technically over-exposed. See Image Optimization Magic Part II for details and an example.)
Here are a few tips on using Color Efex. When I first began and I ran first one filter, say Tonal Efex, and then tried to run another, say Details Extractor, I crashed Photoshop every time. I got Greg Benusa at NIK on the phone. He took over my laptop screen and explored the possible causes. My main problem was that in an effort to get Photoshop to run faster I had allocated 80% of the memory resources to Photoshop. Greg advised me to lower that to 60% and that solved the problem immediately. Need to check on your machine? Click on Edit/Preferences/Performance and then check the box that is titled “Memory Usage.” Move the slider until it shows 60% where it says “Let Photoshop Use:”
In the comments on Image Optimization Magic Part I, both Mark Hardymon and PhotoGizzard suggested that I try clicking on the Brush option (rather than OK) when applying the filter. This enables Color Efex to create a Hide-all Mask on the new layer once it opens in Photoshop. I experimented with that option but found it simpler to click OK and to create my own mask as needed. I did not like all the commands in the pop-up box; those included Paint and Apply. At times I need a Hide-all Layer Mask and at times I need a Regular Layer Mask…. Using the brush option creates only the former. Those same folks and Steve Gould suggested that I learn to use NIK’s Control Points and I plan on doing just that soon and to sharing what I learn with you here or on the blog.
Before and after Tonal Contast and Details Extractor from NIK’s Color Efex Pro 4.1. Can you believe the improvement in the sky?
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NIK 15% Discount
You can save 15% on all NIK products by clicking here and entering BAA in the Promo Code box at check-out. Then hit Apply to see your savings. You can download a trial copy that will work for 15 days and allow you to create full sized images.
NIK Creative Efex Collection
NIK recently announced the availability of a special limited production bundle of 3 of their most popular products, Color Efex Pro 4, Silver Efex Pro 2, and HDR Efex Pro. You can save more than $200 on the bundle which is available only through NIK affiliates. If you would like additional info, please e-mail with the words “Creative Efex Collection” in the Subject line. If you have been on the fence about purchasing the plug-ins mentioned above this is a great chance to save some significant bucks.
artie is traveling 🙂
artie is traveling in the Southern Ocean (Falklands, South Georgia, & Antarctica) and will unable to respond to your questions and comments until after his return on 26 January 2012.
Earn Free Contest Entries and Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all of your B & H purchases here.
More and more folks are earning multiple contest entries with their B & H purchases. See here for details on that. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here to visit the competition home page.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the images in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens. Man, I am loving this lens on my shoulder with the 2X III teleconverter. I also use it a lot–as I did for the image of the eagle with fish–with the 1.4X III TC.
Canon 800mm f/5.L IS lens. Right now this is my all time favorite super-telephoto lens.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
CR-80 Replacement Foot for Canon 800. When using the 800 on a Mongoose as I do, replacing the lens foot with this accessory lets the lens sit like a dog whether pointed up or down and prevents wind-blown spinning of your lens on breezy days by centering the lens directly over the tripod.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
January 20th, 2012
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This panorama was created from seven vertical frames stitched together in Photoshop (File/Automate/Photomerge). The individual images were made with the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens and the EOS-1D Mark III (replaced now by the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV). ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2 stops: 1/800 sec. at 8.
As is my habit, I woke early. I was entranced by the eerie, foggy scene before me. Seen and created at 6:17am on June 10, 2009 from the deck of the bear boat anchored in Kukak Bay, Katmai National Park, AK.
For a greater appreciation of the image, click on the photo. Then click on the enlarged version to close it.
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My Comments on: For Your Critique/Image #9
On September 30, 2011 I posted For Your Critique: Image #9. I entered this image in the Wild Places category of the 2011 BBC WPOTY Competition. (See “Images for Your Critiques} Revelations here.) This popular image garnered 16 comments; almost all were overwhelmingly positive. One person had to view the image several times to find something not to like–the dark strip of water lower left. For me that served as a nice compositional anchor. I remember darkening it for that purpose. I am sure that toning it down a bit would be fine. I liked this image a lot too and am very proud of it.
John Li was most enthusiastic. He wrote: Now there’s an image that made me sit bolt upright in my seat and go WOW. I mean, of course all the bird photos you post on this site are stellar, so maybe it just really caught my eye because it’s unique from your typical material … but I think it’s more. Something about the minimalism to it that confuses the mind as to whether it’s a photography or a painting, or digital graphic art. Simply astounding. Again, love the bird photos, but definitely this photo is one I’d purchase and print big.
Note to all: all BIRDS AS ART images are available as signed prints, either canvas or traditional. Click here to learn more.
For shame, it did not make the final round of judging. 🙂 Thanks to all who took the time to comment.
Thanks also to Bob Canepa who suggested the black & white interpretation below.
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I do not do many landscapes and do even fewer black & whites. But when I do I love using NIK’s Silver Efex Pro. Here I clicked on about ten of the different pre-sets, like High Contrast Red best, and moved the Structure Slider to 40. I think that it looks pretty good. But it looks even better when you click on the image to see the larger version.
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Which Do You Like Best?
Take a moment to leave a comment and let us know which version you like best, and why.
NIK 15% Discount
You can save 15% on all NIK products (including Silver Efex Pro) by clicking here and entering BAA in the Promo Code box at check-out. Then hit Apply to see your savings. You can download a trial copy that will work for 15 days and allow you to create full sized images.
NIK Creative Efex Collection
NIK recently announced the availability of a special limited production bundle of 3 of their most popular products, Color Efex Pro 4, Silver Efex Pro 2, and HDR Efex Pro. You can save more than $200 on the bundle which is available only through NIK affiliates. If you would like additional info, please e-mail with the words “Creative Efex Collection” in the Subject line. If you have been on the fence about purchasing the plug-ins mentioned above this is a great chance to save some significant bucks.
Earn Free Contest Entries and Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
More and more folks are earning multiple contest entries with their B & H purchases. See here for details on that. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here to visit the competition home page.
artie is traveling 🙂
artie is traveling in the Southern Ocean (Falklands, South Georgia, & Antarctica) and will unable to respond to your questions and comments until after his return on 26 January 2012.
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For a greater appreciation of this composite image, click on the photo. Then click on the enlarged version to close it.
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KATMAI BEAR BOAT IPT: July 24-31, 2012 fr: Kodiak, AK: $6499. Limit 6/Openings 3.
Coastal Brown Bears at point blank range, cubs nursing and playing. Spectacular scenery. Likely: puffins, nesting Bald Eagle and kittiwakes, Steller’s Sea Lions, & rafts of Sea Otters.
Earn Free Contest Entries and Support both the Bulletins and the Blog by making all your B & H purchases here.
More and more folks are earning multiple contest entries with their B & H purchases. See here for details on that. Eleven great categories, 34 winning and honored images, and prize pools valued in excess of $20,000. Click here to visit the competition home page.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the image in today’s blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 800mm f/5.L IS lens. Right now this is my all time favorite super-telephoto lens.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
CR-80 Replacement Foot for Canon 800. When using the 800 on a Mongoose as I do, replacing the lens foot with this accessory lets the lens sit like a dog whether pointed up or down and prevents wind-blown spinning of your lens on breezy days by centering the lens directly over the tripod.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
January 19th, 2012
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Sandhill Crane running display, Bosque del Apache NWR, San Antonion, NM. With the the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop off the grasses: 1/1000 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode (early morning light at 7:22am).
Central Sensor (by necessity) Rear Focus/AI Servo AF active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Lens/TC/camera body Micro-adjustment: +4. For a greater appreciation of the image, click on the photo. Then click on the enlarged version to close it.
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Was I Unlucky?
As you can see in the BreezeBrowser screen capture below I did everything perfectly. I had a perfect exposure–see the histogram. The framing was perfect; I had the central sensor on the base of the bird’s neck, right where I wanted it. The image is very sharp. In addition, I was lucky to be in the perfect position with the bird running towards me and winding up right down light angle. And amazingly there were no other birds in the background…. Was I unlucky at all? (Note: there was nothing that I could do about the far shoreline cutting the bird….)
Image Clean-up
You can see the image clean-up in the animated GIF above. Some of the clean-up was done with the Patch Tool and the Spot Healing Brush but most was done with a series of small Quick Masks that were used to cover the various bits of weed and grasses. All as described in detail in Digital Basics, an e-mailable PDF.
If you missed Digital Manipulation and Nature Photography Competitions you can find the post here.
artie is traveling 🙂
artie is traveling in the Southern Ocean (Falklands, South Georgia, & Antarctica) and will unable to respond to your questions and comments until after his return on 26 January 2012.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the images talked about in his blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 800mm f/5.L IS lens. Right now this is my all time favorite super-telephoto lens.
Canon 1.4X III Teleconverter. Designed to work best with the new Series II super-telephoto lenses.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
CR-80 Replacement Foot for Canon 800. When using the 800 on a Mongoose as I do, replacing the lens foot with this accessory lets the lens sit like a dog whether pointed up or down and prevents wind-blown spinning of your lens on breezy days by centering the lens directly over the tripod.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program. All of my MAC friends in the know even find away to run BreezeBrowser…. I could not live without it.
January 17th, 2012
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Harlequin Ducks, two pair on the rocks. Barnegat Jetty, Barnegat Light, NJ. DEC 12, 2011. With the the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 stop (was still well underexposed): 1/25 sec. at f/18 in Av mode. 1/25 sec. is not a typo.
Central Sensor Rear Focus/AI Servo AF and recompose. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Lens/TC/camera body Micro-adjustment: +2. For a greater appreciation of the image, click on the photo. Then click on the enlarged version to close it.
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Just Duckie: Two Depth-of-field Questions
In the two images here you see two very different approaches. For the image above, I moved way back–sun angle was irrelevant as the birds were in the shade. For the image below I got low and used a few other professional tricks to get close enough to the group for a head portrait; this species can be quite skittish.
I write and teach: work wide open unless you can verbalize a reason for stopping down.
For the group image above, why f/18? (Wide open would have been f/5.6.)
For the head portrait below, why f/11? (Wide open with the TC would have been f/8.)
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Harlequin Duck, drake head portrait. Barnegat Jetty, Barnegat Light, NJ. DEC 12, 2011. With the the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 500. Evaluative metering -1 stop: 1/60 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode.
Central Sensor (by necessity) Rear Focus/AI Servo AF active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Lens/TC/camera body Micro-adjustment: +4. For a greater appreciation of the image, click on the photo. Then click on the enlarged version to close it.
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Just Duckie: Additional Lessons
In view of the fact that I have long believed that the best way to teach is to ask, I continue:
For the group image why did I hold the shutter button down?
For the head portrait, why did I hold the shutter button down? Why was I actively focusing at the moment of exposure?
Why did I need to add light for the group image but subtract light for the head portrait? (The subjects and the backgrounds are the same….)
Barnegat Jetty Site Guide
Whenever I visit the Barnegat Jetty (which is every time that I come to Long Island in the winter), I follow Denise Ippolito’s excellent suggestions as detailed in her Barnegat Jetty Site Guide. Yesterday I was following Denise Ippolito and she was on the one who spotted the harlequins. Folks visit from many states and whether you are a local or are flying driving to New Jersey just to visit this famed locale, you will learn a ton of valuable lessons. My tips on getting really close to the Harlequins are included in the guide. See more great images and learn about the guide here.
artie is traveling 🙂
artie is traveling in the Southern Ocean (Falklands, South Georgia, & Antarctica) and will unable to respond to your questions and comments until after his return on 26 January 2012.
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the images talked about in his blog post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 800mm f/5.L IS lens. Right now this is my all time favorite super-telephoto lens.
Canon 1.4X III Teleconverter. Designed to work best with the new Series II super-telephoto lenses.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body. My two Mark IVs are my workhorse digital camera bodies.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂
Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod. This one will last you a lifetime.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
CR-80 Replacement Foot for Canon 800. When using the 800 on a Mongoose as I do, replacing the lens foot with this accessory lets the lens sit like a dog whether pointed up or down and prevents wind-blown spinning of your lens on breezy days by centering the lens directly over the tripod.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
Be sure to check out our camera body User’s Guides here.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV User’s Guide. Learn to use your Mark IV the way that I use mine. Also available for the 7D and the Mark III here.
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