Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

What’s Up?

I spent most of Saturday watching last weekend’s NFL games on Tivo, working on the new Used Gear listings below (and others), preparing and distributing e-mail #24 for the SONY a1 Info and Updates group, editing (picking my keepers) from the last two days of Fort DeSoto IPT 5000 or so images, and doing lots of image optimizations. Friday morning turned out to be the slowest of the four IPT mornings, but again we had many great chances with the shorebirds. Those included a spectacular action sequence as a Black-bellied Plover flew in and stole a large, just-captured lugworm from a Marbled Godwit that was not very happy about being unceremoniously relieved of his prized catch. Images soon.

With the supply pipeline opening up, bird photographers are flocking to the SONY Alpha a1/200-600 G lens combo. Seven new folks joined the SONY a1 Info and Updates group in the last four days! The word is out …

If you order any Singh-Ray filters after learning from today’s blog post, be sure to enter the ARTIE10 discount code at check-out to save 10% on your order.

Today is Sunday 24 October 2021. It is cloudy-dark here at ILE so I will again be spending most of the day at the computer. While watching today’s NFL games. (I have NFL Season Ticket with Direct TV …) Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about two and a half hours to prepare.

Remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage from when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the links on the blog (including the logo-link immediately above. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂

Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART

Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. The minimum item price here is $1000 (or less for a $50 flat-fee). If you are interested please scroll down here or shoot us an e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past year, we have sold many dozens of items. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the old Canon 100-400, the old 500mm, the EOS-7D and 7D Mark II and the original 400mm DO lens have been dropping steadily. Most recently the price of used Canon 600mm f/L IS II lenses have been dropping like a rock with the introduction of the 600 III. You can always see the current listings by clicking here or on the Used Photo Gear tab on the orange-yellow menu bar near the top of each blog post page.

As used gear sales have slowed just a bit in recent months — especially with dSLR bodies, there are lots of great buys right now both below and on the Used Gear Page.

New Listings

SONY a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body

BAA Record Low By Far Price

BAA-friend Bill Hill is offering a Sony a9 II in excellent plus condition for a BAA record-low (by far) $2398.00. The camera would be near-mint but for two blemishes, one on each side of the camera body. The rear LCD screen is perfect. The sale includes the original box, the front body cap, one battery, the charger, the unused strap, the computer cable, the manual, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only.Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bill via e-mail or by phone at 1-831-601-4066 (Pacific time).

As things worked out, the a9, and then the a9 ii, turned out to be life-changers for me. From the moment I tracked that first incoming Brandt’s Cormorant at LaJolla, I knew that at that time, the SONY a9 series bodies featured the world’ best AF. I upgraded to the a9 ii as soon as it was released for the slightly larger body size. At one point I owned two a9 ii bodies. A new a9 ii sells for $4,498.00 so you can save a very nice $2100.00 by grabbing Bill’s a9 ii today. Not to mention that the new Sony A1 sells for $6498.00 … artie

Canon EF 100-400mm 1:4-5.6 L IS II USM

BAA Record-Low-By-Far Price

IPT veteran Matt Schramer is offering a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM zoom lens in very good condition for a BAA record-low by far $1199.00. The lens would be rated excellent but for multiple chips on the lens foot caused by the mounting swivel. Photo available on request. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the lens hood, a LensCoat (on the lens from day 1), the soft carry case, the manual, the original box, and insured ground shipping via major carrier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Matt via e-mail or by phone at 360-801-1891 (Pacific time.)

This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its amazing .98 meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto zoom lens ever. By far. It is easy to hand hold, great for tight portraits, birds in flight, quasi-macro stuff, and lots more. For flight, it is even better with an R5! The lens sells new for $2399.00 so you can save a very nice $1200 grabbing Matt’s lens now. artie

Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM Zoom Lens

BAA Record-Low Price

IPT veteran Matt Schramer is offering a Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM zoom lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $748.00. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the lens hood, LensCoat cover (from day 1), the soft carry case, manual and original box. Insured ground shipping via major carrier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

The 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses have long been the very versatile favorites for nature photographers. They are great for landscapes especially with fall color peaking in many areas. I have used this lens with Canon and Nikon and SONY. I used my Canon version to photograph granddaughter Maya’s dance recitals and to create bird-scapes and pre-dawn blast-off blurs at Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. They are fast and sharp and have 1000 uses. The 70-200 f/2.8 lenses are a specialty lens for bird photographers. Like the bad little child, when they are good, they are really, really good! I’ve used mine mostly for flight photography at point blank range where their performance is unmatched, especially in low light. I’ve killed with these lenses on the gannet boat in the UK, in Homer for eagles, pre-dawn and blizzard blast-offs at Bosque, and at Merritt Island on huge feeding sprees right next to the road.
artie

ps: see the blog post here for sample 70-200 images.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Zoom Lens

IPT veteran Matt Schramer is offering a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM zoom lens in near mint condition, for $599.00. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the EW 83E lens hood, the manual, and insured ground shipping via major carrier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Matt via e-mail or by phone at 360-801-1891 (Pacific time.)

This versatile wide-angle lens is a great lens for serious landscape folks. It features a constant f/4 maximum aperture along with a sophisticated optical design and durable construction. One Super UD element is featured, along with three aspherical elements, which help to reduce both chromatic and spherical aberrations in order to realize high sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy. A Super Spectra coating has also been applied to suppress flare and ghosting for improved contrast in difficult lighting conditions. Complementing the imaging capabilities, this wide-angle zoom also features a ring-type USM and internal focusing mechanism to afford quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance, as well as full-time manual focus override. Additionally, this lens is weather-sealed for use in trying environmental conditions. It will perform well with any of the EF or APS-C bodies, and, with an adapter, with the RF bodies. artie and Canon

Canon EF 1.4X III Extender

IPT veteran Matt Schramer is offering a Canon EF 1.4X III Extender in near mint condition, for $239.00. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the soft pouch, the manual, and insured ground shipping via major carrier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Matt via e-mail or by phone at 360-801-1891 (Pacific time.)

As regular readers know, I depended so much on TCs when I shot Canon that I always traveled with two spare 1.4X-s and one spare 2X TC. The Series III TCs perform well with all Canon EF and RF lenses. This item sells new for $429.99. artie

Canon EF 2X III Extender

IPT veteran Matt Schramer is offering a Canon EF 2.0X III Extender in near-mint condition, for $239.00. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the soft pouch, the manual, the original box, and insured ground shipping via major carrier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Matt via e-mail or by phone at 360-801-1891 (Pacific time.)

As regular readers know, I depended so much on TCs when I shot Canon that I always traveled with two spare 1.4X-s and one spare 2X TC. The Series III TCs perform well with all Canon EF and RF lenses. This item sells new for $429.99. artie

I created this image on 22 October 2021 on the last (very late!) morning of the third DeSoto Fall IPT. While standing in a foot of cool water, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 318mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. A Singh-Ray George Lepp 3-stop Solid Neutral Density Filter was screwed on to the front of the 200-600 G — more on that below. ISO 80. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/13 sec. at f/13 (stopped down 2 stops) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this exposure was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 12:15:24pm on variably sunny day. Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version. Image #1: Laughing Gull bright sun flock blast-off blur (with three Royal Terns)

Why the 3-stop Solid Neutral Density Filter?

With all of today’s featured images, the light levels were so high that getting down to the low shutter speeds that I used would have been impossible. Even getting down to 1/30 second — still too fast for me in this situation, would have necessitated the use of a tiny aperture such as f/20 or f/22. Any sensor dust would become highly problematic at that point; dozens of microscopic dust spots would require lots of time and lots of effort to remove. To avoid that, I screwed the 95mm 3-stop ND filter to the front of the lens so that I could work at slow shutter speeds such as 1/13 and 1/15th second at ISO 50. I own both the 3-stop George Lepp ND filter and the Singh Ray 95mm Mor-Slo ND 5-stop filter and would have preferred to use the 5-stop, but could not find it in the back of my SUV 🙁 While doing the research for this blog post, I discovered the 5-stop in one of the upper pockets of my vest.

I have a variety of 77mm ND filters for my SONY 100-400 lens along with a Singh-Ray 77mm Circular Polarizer. They are all left over from my Canon 100-400 II days. But the front element of the SONY 200-600 G requires a 95mm thread. You get to choose from the 3-, 4-, and 5-stop filters. The 5-stop is best on bright sunny days as you can work very close to wide open while still at very low ISO settings. The 3-stop is better on cloudy bright days as you will always be able to maintain a low ISO. If you opt to own two of the 95mm ND filters, the 3-stop and the 5-stop are the perfect pair. If you opt to own only one, the 4-stop would like be the best choice.

If you own the 200-600 and enjoy doing pleasing blurs, a good ND filter is a valuable tool.

I created this image on 22 October 2021 on the last (very late!) morning of the third DeSoto Fall IPT. While standing in a foot of cool water, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 295mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. A Singh-Ray George Lepp 3-stop Solid Neutral Density Filter was screwed on to the front of the 200-600 G — more on that below. ISO 80. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/15 sec. at f/13 (stopped down 2 stops) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this exposure was perfect. AWB at 12:15:26pm on variably sunny day. Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version. Image #2: Laughing Gull bright sun flock blast-off blur (with several Black Skimmers)

Why Pleasing Blurs on Bright Sunny Days?

I’ve taken thousands if not tens of thousands of high shutter speed/sharp images of large flocks of white birds blasting off in bright sunny conditions. The next one I keep will be the first. Such images made on sunny days are too contrasty and feature lots of dark shadows. To my eye, they are anything but pleasing. Slowing down the shutter speeds via the use of various ND filters reduces contrast due to something I call highlight blur blending. Looking at today’s featured images might lead you to ask, “Was it really sunny?”

Fine Points and the Backstory

On Tuesday a flock of 150 White Pelicans flew in at about 11:30am. They showed up again on Wednesday at about the same time. On Thursday, they never showed up so we worked the Laughing Gull flocks with some success. The flocks were blasting off every ten minutes, often prompted by a fly-by Turkey Vulture. So on Friday I grabbed my 3-stop ND filter to photograph the expected blast-offs. I waited an hour for the first blast-off and made Images #1 and #2 two seconds apart. Then I waited another 45 minutes for a second blast off — Image #3 was the best of that lot. Even though I was standing in a foot of cool Gulf water, it was still and very hot. Very, very hot. More than two hours in the heat for only two blast-offs, again with no White Pelicans 🙂

I created this image on 22 October 2021 on the last (very late!) morning of the third DeSoto Fall IPT. While standing in a foot of cool water, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. A Singh-Ray George Lepp 3-stop Solid Neutral Density Filter was screwed on to the front of the 200-600 G — more on that below. A Singh-Ray George Lepp 3-stop Solid Neutral Density Filter was screwed on to the front of the 200-600 G — more on that below. ISO 50. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/15 sec. at f/11 (stopped down 1 2/3 stops) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this exposure was perfect. AWB at 1:02:36pm on variably sunny day. Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version. Image #3: Laughing Gull bright sun flock blast-off blur (with several Black Skimmers and a line of Marbled Godwits)

Multiple Choice/Fill-in Quiz

A- I like Image #1 best because …
B- I like Image #2 best because …
C- I like Image #3 best because …
D- I like all of today’s pleasing blurs because …
E- I do not like any of today’s pleasing blurs because …

Order a Singh-Ray 3-stop ND filter for your SONY 200-600

To Order a Singh-Ray 3- or 4-stop ND filter for your SONY 200-600

To order a Singh-Ray 3-stop ND filter for your SONY 200-600, click here and then make your selections as shown in the screen capture above. Be sure to enter the ARTIE10 discount code at check-out to save 10% on your Singh-Ray order.

To order any Singh Ray filter, including the Singh Ray 95mm Mor-Slo ND 5-stop filter, click here and then click on the Camera Filters tab and see the options on the dropdown menu. Again, be sure to enter the ARTIE10 discount code at check-out to save 10% on your Singh-Ray order.

A Guide to Pleasing Blurs

Learn everything there is to know about creating pleasingly blurred images in A Guide to Pleasing Blurs by Denise Ippolito and yours truly. This 20,585 word, 271 page PDF is illustrated with 144 different, exciting, and artistic images. The guide covers the basics of creating pleasingly blurred images, the factors that influence the degree of blurring, the use of filters in creating pleasing blurs, and a great variety of both in-the-field and Photoshop techniques that can be used to create pleasingly blurred images.

Artie and Denise teach you many different ways to move your lens during the exposure to create a variety of pleasingly blurred images of flowers and trees and water and landscapes. They will teach you to recognize situations where subject movement can be used to your advantage to create pan blurs, wind blurs, and moving water blurs. They will teach you to create zoom-blurs both in the field and during post-processing. Artie shares the techniques that he has used and developed for making blurred images of flocks of geese in flight at his beloved Bosque del Apache and Denise shares her flower blur magic as well as a variety of creative Photoshop techniques that she has developed.

With the advent of digital capture creating blurred images has become a great and inexpensive way to go out with your camera and have fun. And while many folks think that making successful blurred images is the result of being a sloppy photographer, nothing could be further from the truth. In “A Guide to Pleasing Blurs” Artie and Denise will help you to unleash your creative self.

Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).

Wanted to Buy

If you have a Canon 500mm f/4L IS II lens or a Canon EOS 7D Mark II sitting on a shelf and would like to get a good price for it — demand for both is up, please get in touch via e-mail.

Your Favorite?

Which of today’s two featured Osprey images is your favorite? All are invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choice. BTW, take a good look at Image #2 before scrolling down toe #2A; see if you can come up with a plan for re-crafting the image and creating a pleasing image design from the mis-framed original.

What’ Up?

With the supply pipeline opening up, bird photographers are flocking to the SONY Alpha a1/200-600 G lens combo. Five new folks going the SONY Info and Updates group in the last two days! The word is out …

Sebastian was pretty good on Monday morning; the big mullet run is on. Thanks to a very generous tip from YouTube rock star bird photographer Mark Smith, I was in the right spot from the get-go. After the action slowed down a bit, I got some nice head portraits of the always reliable Wood Storks.

The first morning of the third DeSoto IPT got off to a great start. We began with a predawn Snowy Egret feeding spree — can you say pleasing blurs? When the sun broke through the clouds on the Eastern horizon, we went to creating sharp images of the graceful white wading birds at high shutter speeds in butter light with blue water backgrounds. For the rest of the beautiful morning, we concentrated on a wide variety of shorebirds: Marbled Godwit, Willet, Red Knot, Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Snowy, and Piping Plovers, Western and Least Sandpipers, Sanderling, and Short-billed Dowitcher rounded out the cast.

Today is Wednesday 20 October 2021. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about two hours to prepare.

Remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Price Drops

FE Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens

Price Reduced $200.00 on 2021 OCT 2021

Multiple IPT and In-the-Field Session veteran William Schneider is offering an FE Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens in like-new condition for a ridiculously low $1298.00 (was $1498.00). The sale includes the original box, the hood, the lens case, the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, and insured shipping via Fed Ex Ground. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bill via e-mail e-mail or by phone at 1-(262) 269-8628 (Eastern time zone).

The 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses have long been the very versatile favorites for nature photographers. They are great for landscapes especially with fall color peaking in many areas. I have used this lens with Canon and Nikon and SONY. I used my Canon version to photograph granddaughter Maya’s dance recitals and to create bird-scapes and pre-dawn blast-off blurs at Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. They are fast and sharp and have 1000 uses. The 70-200 f/2.8 lenses are a specialty lens for bird photographers. Like the bad little child, when they are good, they are really, really good! I’ve used mine mostly for flight photography at point blank range where their performance is unmatched, especially in low light. I’ve killed with these lenses on the gannet boat in the UK, in Homer for eagles, pre-dawn and blizzard blast-offs at Bosque, and at Merritt Island on huge feeding sprees right next to the road.

This super-fast lens weighs only 3.26 pounds and is easily hand holdable by just about everyone. As it sells new right now for $2,598.00, you can save a cool $1300 by grabbing Bill’s effectively new lens asap. artie

FE Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens

Price Reduced $200.00 on 2021 OCT 2021

Arthur Morris — hey, that’s me!, is offering an FE Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens in near-mint condition for a very low $1248.00 (was $1448.00). But for two tiny blemishes on the lens hood finish, this would be like-new. The sale includes the original box, the hood, the lens case, the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, and insured shipping via Fed Ex Ground. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact artie via e-mail e-mail or by phone at 1-(262) 269-8628 (Eastern time zone).

The 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses have long been the very versatile favorites for nature photographers. They are great for landscapes especially with fall color peaking in many areas. I have used this lens with Canon and Nikon and SONY. I used my Canon version to photograph granddaughter Maya’s dance recitals and to create bird-scapes and pre-dawn blast-off blurs at Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. They are fast and sharp and have 1000 uses. The 70-200 f/2.8 lenses are a specialty lens for bird photographers. Like the bad little child, when they are good, they are really, really good! I’ve used mine mostly for flight photography at point blank range where their performance is unmatched, especially in low light. I’ve killed with these lenses on the gannet boat in the UK, in Homer for eagles, pre-dawn and blizzard blast-offs at Bosque, and at Merritt Island on huge feeding sprees right next to the road.

This super-fast lens weighs only 3.26 pounds and is easily hand holdable by just about everyone. As it sells new right now for $2,598.00, you can save a cool by grabbing $1350 by grabbing artie’s lens now. artie

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases when you purchase from Amazon using any of the links on the blog. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂

Please Remember Also

With income from IPTs now close to zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

This image was created on 18 October 2021 at Sebastian Inlet. I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera (while standing –double gasp!). ISO 640. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this exposure was perfect. AWB at 9:00am on a variably sunny morning. Tracking: Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Osprey ready to dive — dorsal view

The Dorsal View

Dorsal views of raptors, images showing the upper surfaces of the wings, are hard to come by. I loved the out-of-focus dune and beach background with this one. In addition to the bird’s piercing eyes.

This image was created on 18 October 2021 at Sebastian Inlet. I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera (while standing –double gasp!). ISO 1000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:58am on a variably sunny morning. Tracking: Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2: Osprey rising after missed strike — mis-framed!

Before You Scroll Down

You have a lovely bird in sweet light with a killer background to go a long with a pleasing pose. But the bird is poorly framed at best. Before you scroll down, ask yourself, “How would I re-craft this image in post?”

Before You Scroll Down…

Before You Scroll Down…

Before You Scroll Down…

Before You Scroll Down…

Before You Scroll Down…

Before You Scroll Down…

Before You Scroll Down…

Before you scroll down, considered what you would have done to save this image …

This image was created on 18 October 2021 at Sebastian Inlet. I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera (while standing –double gasp!). ISO 1000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:58am on a variably sunny morning. Tracking: Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2A: Osprey rising after missed strike — re-crafted as a vertical!

What I Did

Since I loved the green dune vegetation at the top of the frame (as well as the rest of the background colors and tones), I immediately thought, “vertical.” Was it possible? Obviously it was. But how? Simple: I added canvas below using the Content-Aware Crop Tool.

SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group

The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group is going great guns as more and more folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based answers. As the a1 is becoming more readily available, more and more folks are getting their hands on this amazing body. With two folks joining yesterday, we are now up to an astounding 83 lucky and blessed photographers! Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. More recently, we have been in contact with folks at SONY sharing our thoughts, experiences, and frustrations with the EVF blackout problem.

All who purchased their Alpha a1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link will receive a free subscription to the Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up and Info Updates after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.) This same service may be purchased by anyone with an a1 body via a $150.00 PayPal sent to birdsasart@verizon.net indicating payment for Alpha a1 Info Updates. Alternatively, folks can call Jim weekdays at 1-863-692-0906 to pay via credit card. New members will receive composite e-mails that summarize all previous discussions.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

What’s Up?

On Saturday morning I put out some fish carcasses on the South Peninsula to get the local birds re-accustomed to the location. Then I drove off to do some flowers and by the time I returned there were about twenty Turkey Vultures, a juvie Bald Eagle, and an adult Crested Caracara. Surprisingly, there were no Black Vultures. I did not make any photographs at the Road Kill Cafe, but I will be back tomorrow morning with a vengeance.

Much of what I have learned about Topaz DeNoise and Sharpen AI was learned by watching Alan’s various videos and webinars and I am looking forward to his next presentation on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 (8 PM Eastern, 7 PM Central, 6 PM Mountain & 5 PM Pacific time).

To learn more about Alan’s videos and e-books, please click here. See especially The Guide to Songbird Setup Photography.

Today is Sunday 17 October 2021. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about an hour to prepare including the time spent on the image optimization and the tight crop.

Remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases when you purchase from Amazon using any of the links on the blog. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂

Audubon’s Oriole, Hidalgo Co, TX. Nikon D3 (Replaced by the D4), 600mm lens, ISO 800, f/7 at 1/1250 sec. Image courtesy of and copyright Alan Murphy.

Alan Murphy

If you are seriously into bird photography, the name Alan Murphy will be quite familiar to you. Simply put, his images are spectacular. The Audubon’s Oriole image above is one of my very favorite Alan Murphy images.

The idea for Alan Murphy’s first eBook, “The Guide to Songbird Set-up Photography,” popped into my head not ten minutes into the great program he did for the Nature and Wildlife Photographers of Long Island group way back in 2009! I let him know my thoughts right after the conclusion of that program and thus, the songbird set-up guide was born. When we first teamed up to tackle that project, he shared the following story with me:

“Twenty years ago when I first became interested in bird photography, I purchased a copy of the original ‘The Art of Bird Photography.’ I was confused about several topics, including and especially the use of extension tubes. So I got Arthur Morris on the phone. Though he did not know me from Adam, he generously shared 30 minutes of his time with me and answered all of my questions. That is why, to this day, I go out of my way to be help other photographers.”

As I had zero memory of that phone call; I felt that it was most kind of Alan to share the story with me.

In his first eBook, Alan shared many long-held secrets that were carefully developed over time. It was a spectacular start and has helped thousands of folks—including me—to improve their craft and create stronger images. As you read through or watch all of Alan’s educational materials, the words amazing, simple, brilliant, clever, innovative, and practical will come to mind frequently. You will constantly find yourself saying aloud, “Why didn’t I think of that?” I will be using tips and ideas from all of Alan’s e-Books and videos when I finally set up my ILE backyard for bird photography.

To learn more about Alan’s videos and e-books, click here.

To register, click here.

Alan Murphy’s Using Topaz Software in Your Workflow Webinar

FOCUSED WILD PHOTO ADVENTURES

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 (8 PM Eastern, 7 PM Central, 6 PM Mountain & 5 PM Pacific time)
Replays available for one week

FOCUSED WILD PHOTO ADVENTURES welcomes back Alan Murphy to demonstrate how he uses Topaz plugins in his workflow! At the conclusion of the talk, he will take questions from the audience. Questions about the webinars can be directed to Amy via e-mail

To register, click here.

Alan will show you how he uses both Topaz DeNoise AI & Sharpen AI in his processing workflow. The webinar will include:

• At what stage in the processing he uses each software.
• The best settings for each and how to determine them.
• How to set the preferences for each product to get best performance.
• How to use the mask feature to selectively make adjustments.
• Common mistakes that people make.
• An overview on Topaz Gigapixel.

This Zoom webinar will be recorded and be available online for 7 days after the live event.

PLUS time for Q&A!

Great Topaz News!

If you are new to Topaz …

Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plug-ins), will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. If the stuff is on sale (as it usually is), you save 15% off of the sale price! To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.

Those who purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or any other Topaz plug-ins using my link and then entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. Please include a copy of your Topaz receipt that shows the discount. Aside from the basics, the guide explains how to install the plug-ins so that they appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu.

Birds Through the Lens Volume 1

Birds Through the Lens Volume 1

Click here to purchase.

The first video in the series will cover topics which include:
How to look for, find and choose the right perch.
What perches do not work and why.
How to match the perch for a particular species.
How to present a perch to the scene
How to trim a perch to look fantastic
How to support the perch
How many perches do you set up
Working with mounds, stumps and elevated perches
How to choose a good background
How to deal with background challenges
How to break up a flat background so it’s mottled
How to find and use gradient backgrounds
How far should the background be from the perch
Should you wear camo
Working from a blind
How to set up your lens and tripod for blind work
The correct tightness of your lens support
Is concealment important
Plus, many tips for being a better bird photographer

This Hi Definition MP4 video can be either downloaded to your dropbox, computer, tablet, mobile device, or can be streamed.

Total run time: 1 hour.

Birds Through the Lens Volume 2

Birds Through the Lens Volume 2

Click here to purchase.

This second video in the series is now available and covers topics that include:

How to prepare your backyard for photography
How to work with backyard feeders
What feeders work best for bird photography
How to get birds from your feeders onto perches
How to set up a water drip
How to work with berry perches
How to make and use home made suet
How to bring in woodpeckers
What food works best for what species
How to set up perches around feeders
Photo blinds for the backyard

The video can be downloaded to your Mac or PC, streamed to your favorite device, or saved to your Dropbox Account.

Total run time: 1 hour: More than 1 hour.

Birds Through the Lens Volume 3

Birds Through the Lens Volume 3

Click here to purchase.

This third video in the series is now available and covers topics that include:

How to do ambient light Hummingbird photography
How to setup for multi-flash Hummingbird photography
How to photograph songbirds in flight using a tiny feeder
How to setup and use a PhotoTrap trigger system
How to make and use a decoy owl for photographing Raptors in flight
What gear and settings work best
Blind construction and camo for flight photography
Flight photography techniques that will help you succeed

The video can be downloaded to your Mac or PC, streamed to your favorite device, or saved to your Dropbox Account.

Total run time: 1 hour: More than 1.5 hours.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail

or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors

What’s Up?

The last two days I did my 1/2-mile swim by the light of a half moon. On Wednesday evening, the moon was bright enough to create caustics. That leads us to the JP Sears video below. Please take it for what it’s worth. I am sure that opinions will vary.

Note: Caustics describes the patterns of light and color that occur when light rays are reflected or refracted from a surface. In bird photography, they are often seen as ripples of light washing across the body of a bird in the water that is photographed in early morning light.

JP Sears

JP Sears is a YouTuber, comedian, emotional healing coach, author, speaker, world traveler, and curious student of life. His work empowers people to live more meaningful lives. He is very active with his online videos where he encourages healing and growth through his humorous and entertainingly informative videos, which have accumulated over 300 million views.

You can learn more about JP and his work here and on his YouTube channel here.

An e-Mail From Multiple IPT veteran Joe Barranco

Thank you, Artie, for the recent DeSoto IPT (#2). It was great while I got a chance to photograph and not miss a whole day due to my car’s mechanical problems. Your method of placing the lens on one ankle and shooting just above ground level with the flip screen up is genius. It is a great technique that I will use many times in the future. Watching some of the bathing birds and hearing your comments letting us know that they will fly up after the bath got me some great shots. I learn something new from you every time I take one of your IPTs. Good luck, great seeing you again. Joe

Note: Joe’s Lexus would not start on the morning of Day 2 🙁 He kept getting cryptic messages about not enough braking power but it turned out that he needed a new battery …

If You Are On The Fence About Joining the Third DeSoto IPT …

Click the play button above.

YouTube Channel Subscription

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking here.

Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All of the images in this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.

The Remaining Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour

Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3

3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 19 October through the morning session on Friday 22 October. $1999.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings 4.

Fort DeSoto in Fall

Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.

On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button.. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.

There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.

These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information.

A $500 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check after you register. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.

Up Early, Stay Out Late!

Obviously folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Important Note

As an Amazon Associate I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases when you purchase from Amazon using any of the links on the blog. Thanks, BTW 🙂

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

What’s Up?

Today is Monday 11 October 2021. Jim Miller made my day early on. When I checked e-mail, I was delighted to find one from him:

Dear Artie, I write to thank you again for the many opportunities, lessons, experiences, and results on the Ft. DeSoto IPT last week. I would happily do it again next week for the third IPT of the fall session, if it was at all possible. I never thought I would experience a double rainbow at sunrise over the Gulf in my lifetime, but to be led to the spot, with the proper equipment, the best instruction, and the chance to capture that wonder … I am still trying to process that experience. It was a great pleasure to be with the group, and I was impressed how much was taught and how much was learned. There were so many great situations for different species and conditions, but most important, the chance to create great photos of all types.

I guess this was my 5th DeSoto trip with you. They are something that I treasure and anticipate all year, so I thank you for spreading the joy and knowledge of bird photography with such commitment and enthusiasm.

Do consider joining me for the sure-to-be-fantastic third Fort DeSoto IPT: 3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 19 October through the morning session on Friday 22 October. $1999.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings 4. Scroll down for complete details.

Thanks to the many who e-mailed asking about the Rainbow Color Magic Trick offer in the Rainbow Image Optimization & Color Magic Trick blog post here.

I will likely head down to the lake at sunrise to see what’s up. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took well more than two hours to prepare including the time spent on the image optimizations and screen captures. You can learn a ton by studying the images and the captions, by considering the Image Question below and leaving a comment.

Remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

If You Are On The Fence About Joining the Third DeSoto IPT …

Click the play button above.

YouTube Channel Subscription

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking here.

Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART

Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please scroll down here or shoot us an e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past year, we have sold many dozens of items. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the old Canon 100-400, the old 500mm, the EOS-7D and 7D Mark II and the original 400mm DO lens have been dropping steadily. Most recently the price of used Canon 600mm f/L IS II lenses have been dropping like a rock with the introduction of the lighter 600 III. You can always see the current listings by clicking here or on the Used Photo Gear tab on the orange-yellow menu bar near the top of each blog post page.

As used gear sales have slowed just a bit in recent months — especially with dSLR bodies, there are lots of great buys right now both below and on the Used Gear Page.

New Listings

Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body

BIRDS AS ART Record-Low Price
Free SONY Camera User’s e-Guide and Video!

BAA-friend Anke Frohlich is offering a Sony a9 Mirrorless Digital camera body in excellent-plus to near-mint condition for the BAA Record-low price of $1799.00. The sale includes the original box, the strap, a copy of the SONY Camera User’s e-Guide and Video, and insured UPS ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses. (No battery, no charger, no USB-to-camera cable.) Your new camera will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Anke via e-mail or by phone or text to 1-917-701-5278 (Eastern time zone).

From the moment I tracked that first incoming Brandt’s Cormorant, I knew that SONY a9 series bodies featured the world’ then-best autofocus system. I upgraded to the a9 ii as soon as it was released for the slightly larger body size. If you can find a new a9, it sells for $2,999.00 so you can save a very nice $1,200.00 by grabbing Anke’s a9 and get started with SONY’s great AF system. Not to mention that the new Sony A1 sells for $6498.00 … artie artie

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens

Mark Baity is offering a Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens in like-new condition for $3,798.00. The sale includes the original tough front lens cover, lens hood, front and rear lens caps, hard carrying case, the original box and packaging, and Insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 US addresses only.

Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Mark via e-mail at e-mail

The 300mm f/2.8 autofocus lenses have long been the first choice of the world’s best hawks-in-flight photographers with and without a 1.4X TC. When teamed up with either the 1.4X or 2X TC, they make a great hand-holdable walk-around lens. For folks with an EOS R5 or R6, the 300 II would make a great workhorse lens for bird photography (with both TCs) and an incredible flight lens. Grabbing Mark’s lens will save you an incredible $2,700.00 as new ones are going for $6099.00 from B&H. I owned and used several versions of the 300 f/2.8 lens for many years until finally replacing my 300 f/2.8 II with the 400 DO II several years ago. That said, the 300 f/2.8 II represents a great value as the 400 DO II now sells new for $6,899.00. artie

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now close to zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I created this image on 6 October 2021 on the second morning of the 2nd DeSoto IPT. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 478mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 640. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this image was 1/3 stop under-exposed; that knowledge helped me to set the exposure slider correctly during the raw conversion in ACR. AWB at 11:47am on dead-clear morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version. Image #1: Royal Tern coming in for a landing

A Slaughter

With the wind and sun behind us, a dark storm cloud background, and almost all of the birds taking the same flight path (like jets coming into JFK on a busy afternoon), our last hour on the beach was a tern flight photography slaughter.

The Situation

Having observed the tern flocks the previous day, I knew exactly where we needed to be late in the morning. We sat on the flock, and picked off the incoming terns one at a time. We were actually so close to the flock that some of the participants (and I) added a 1.4X TC to their rig and worked on head portraits. We had many dozens of great chances.

That the birds were consistently landing about halfway deep into the flock made framing the images easier. With the smaller Sandwich Terns, I advised folks to zoom to their longest focal length. With the larger royals, I suggested that zooming out in advance (esti-zooming) to about 450mm would help them avoid clipping wings. I did the same. See more from that amazing morning in the YouTube video here.

I created this image on 6 October 2021 on the second morning of the 2nd DeSoto IPT. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 640. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this image was 1/3 stop under-exposed. Though slightly less than ideal, that knowledge helped me to set the exposure slider correctly during the raw conversion in ACR. AWB at 11:52:36am on dead-clear morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version. Image #2: Sandwich Tern coming in for a landing

SONY 200-600/Alpha 1 Versatility

As seen here consistently, the SONY 200-600 G lens is supremely versatile. On two of the fort Second DeSoto IPT mornings, I left the 600 f/4 in the car and headed out with “just” the 200-600. I was never disappointed at not having the faster lens along, even for an instant. The ability to zoom in and out for flight photography is a huge plus. With many of the birds — including most of the shorebirds — at DeSoto so tame, 600mm was often more than enough focal length. It’s light weight and relatively low cost make it hugely appealing to many bird photographers, especially those new to SONY and those who simply cannot afford to plunk down $13K.

And the a1 is beyond the beyond. Soft flight images are now an extreme rarity. I was shocked to see that the head of the bird in Image #2 (immediately above) needed a bit of Topaz Sharpen AI Motion Blur.

Adding to the 200-600/a1 versatility is the lens’s amazing performance with the SONY 1.4X TC. Not only I did I use that combo for handheld shorebird photography at 840mm, but I did lots of flight photography with it as well. The results were amazingly stunning. Or stunningly amazing. Images soon.

While the 200-600 remains tough to get — Bedfords is your best bet as usual, Steve Elkins finally got a nice shipment of Alpha 1 bodies last week and filled most of the orders on his wait list. If you can afford an a1 and finally decide to get the best-ever camera for bird photography, remember that using either of my links gets you free membership into my Sony a1 Info and Updates e-Mail group.

Important Note

Please note that each of today’s featured images represents the full frame original capture … Which is your favorite? Why?

I created this image on 6 October 2021 on the second morning of the 2nd DeSoto IPT. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that this image was 1/3 stop under-exposed. Though slightly less than ideal, that knowledge helped me to set the exposure slider correctly during the raw conversion in ACR. AWB at 11:52:36am on dead-clear morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version. Image #3: Sandwich Tern braking to land

Image Question

Should I have taken the time to re-position this bird in the frame? Why or why not?

30 Frames per Second Notes

That Images #2 and #3 were made in the same second should not at all be unexpected. Note however, that the file number for Image #2 is _A1B7457 while the file number for Image #3 is _A1B7465. That shows that seven additional images were created between the two keepers and gives you a good idea of just what 30 frames per second is capable of.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

What’s Up?

The second morning of the second Fort DeSoto IPT began with a double miracle and then slowed down. But we stuck it out and were rewarded with some incredible flight photography with the terns set against dark storm cloud backgrounds. Scroll down to see the highlights. Today is Thursday 7 October 2021. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about two hours to prepare including the time spent on the creating the video.

Remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!), on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Wanted to Buy

If you have a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II Lens an/or a Canon 100mm macro lens that is sitting on a shelf and would like to sell one or both for a decent price, please shoot me an e-mail.

Via e-mail From Marina Scarr

Please do your due diligence when choosing a workshop leader or guide. Don’t simply rely on name recognition and/or assumed reputation. Check the reviews closely and obtain referrals from other photographers. Closely read the fine print of all cancellation and refund policies. Finally, remember that travel insurance can act as a safety net.

I would add that I have personal knowledge of at least one well-known, highly skilled bird photographer and photo tour leader who arbitrarily cancelled a trip last year because of Covid but refused to return any payments. I consider that despicable.

DeSoto IPT #2. Second Morning Highlights with Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

At 9am, I was thinking that even after our miraculous start, Wednesday was one of the worst-ever mornings at DeSoto. Then things changed for the better and it turned out to have been one of the best days ever. Check out the video to learn why.

Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All of the images in this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.

The Remaining Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour

Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3

3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 19 October through the morning session on Friday 22 October. $1999.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings 4.

Fort DeSoto in Fall

Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.

On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button.. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.

There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.

These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information.

A $500 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check after you register. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.

Up Early, Stay Out Late!

Obviously folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now close to zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

What’s Up?

For the first time since I was about 13 years old, I fit into a pair of 34″-waist slacks on Friday. When I was 16, I weighed 264 lbs. On Friday morning I weighed 171 lbs. It has been a long journey that has consisted simply of eating healthier, i.e., fewer carbs, most of the time over many decades. As always, folks are invited to shoot me an e-mail requesting my Health Basics File. It has inspired a few folks to make changes.

Be sure to click on all three of today’s featured images and to scroll down all the way to peruse the Marbled Godwit Image Questions. Considering those is a great way to improve your bird photography. I will share my thoughts on the images here in two days.

Today is Sunday 3 October 2021. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post about two hours to prepare including the time spent on the three image optimizations. I will be starting to pack for the 2nd Fort DeSoto IPT. It’s not too late to join us; click here and scroll down for details.

Remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!), on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Re-run of Bird Photography Heaven

If by chance you missed the latest YouTube video, there is a lot to learn in Bird Photography Heaven.

Three of the four mornings on the first DeSoto IPT were outstanding. The third morning was just excellent. On the first morning, more than 100 birds were packed into Hidden Lagoon and the day began with some clouds. None-the-less, we had some truly great chances. You can check out the results by playing the YouTube video above. In addition to some of my favorite images, there are photos by multiple IPT veterans Mike DeRosa and Anke Frohlich. It is hard to believe that Anke has been photographing birds for less than 15 months!

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now close to zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

This image was created on 27 May 2021 at Fort DeSoto. I used the knee-pod technique with the effectively hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:40:07am on a clear morning. Tracking: Flexible Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Marbled Godwit — field guide portrait

The Knee-Pod Technique

When heading out with the hand held 600mm f/4 lens, I will often use the knee-pod technique. I rest the the lower distal part of my left forearm on the upper distal portion of my bent left knee. This allows me to create sharper images than if I had been working with the lens un-supported.

This image was created on 27 May 2021 at Fort DeSoto. I used Panning Ground Pod-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:40:54am on a clear morning. Tracking: Flexible Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2: Marbled Godwit

Panning Ground-Pod Strategy

When heading out with the 600 f/4 and no tripod, I will often put the Panning Ground Pod into one of the large pockets of my photo vest for easy access. When I want to work at ground level, I mount the rig on the clamp of the ground-pod, place the whole shebang on the sand, pull out the rear screen, find the subject in the frame — that takes lots of practice, activate the level, square the rig to the world, de-activate the level, acquire focus, and begin making images.

That I accomplished all of that in well less than a minute is quite remarkable … The more familiar you are with handling all of your photography gear, the more successful you will be.

This image was created on 27 May 2021 at Fort DeSoto. I used Panning Ground Pod-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:40:54am on a clear morning. Tracking: Flexible Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #3: Marbled Godwit

Your Call: Four Marbled Godwit Image Questions

Do you prefer the all-blue-water background of Image #1 made from a higher perspective, or the two-toned blue and grey background of Images #2 and #3 made from a lower perspective with the Panning Ground Pod?

Of the two behavioral images, #s 2 & 3, which is the stronger image? Why?

Of today’s three featured images, which is your favorite? Why?

Which is the more intimate perspective, the higher knee-pod view in Image #1, or the lower Panning Ground Pod view in Images #2 & #3?

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

Wanted to Buy

If you have a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II Lens that is sitting on a shelf and would like to sell it for a decent price, please shoot me an e-mail.

Image 1C: This JPEG represents the raw file for the Barred Owl in flight image

By Popular Request

The JPEG above is an accurate representation of the raw file as it came out of the camera … Keep reading to see the optimized version. Be sure to note how well a sharp a1 image stands up to a relatively large crop.

What’ Up?

On Sunday, we had some good chances on Pileated Woodpecker in flight using audio down by the lake. You will see a Jackpot image or two here soon. On Tuesday, I just about finished my 2020 tax return. I was glad to learn yesterday that Pete Meyers will be joining the third DeSoto IPT.

Today is Wednesday 29 September.

Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post more than two hours to prepare including the time spent on the image optimization.

Remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All of the images in this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.

The Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours

Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2

3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 5 October through the morning session on Friday 8 October. $1999.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings 3.

Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3

3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 19 October through the morning session on Friday 22 October. $1999.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings 3.

Fort DeSoto in Fall

Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.

On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button.. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.

There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.

These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information.

A $500 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check after you register. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.

Up Early, Stay Out Late!

Obviously folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

This image was created on 24 September 2021 at Lake Blue Cypress aboard Clemens Van der Werf’s flats boat. I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the beyond amazing Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). ISO 1250. RawDigger showed that the raw file was just about two stops too dark at: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:49am on sunny morning. Center Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly and produced a sharp-on-the-eye image. Be sure to click on the image to view the spectacular hi-res version. Image 1: Barred Owl in flight

And then the beautiful owl flew into the shade …

I was set up to photograph the owl lit by the sun. When it jumped off its perch, I acquired focus and fired off a burst. Today’s featured image was created after the owl flew into the shadow of the tree that it would land in. As expected, RawDigger showed that the raw file was just about two stops too dark. Keep reading for more on RawDigger and to learn how the image was saved in Photoshop.

Image 1A: The RawDigger screen capture for the Barred Owl in flight image

The RawDigger Screen Capture

I analyze every raw file that I process in RawDigger. I knew that this image would be well under-exposed, but was surprised that it showed as almost two full stops too dark, especially since the foreground and background foliage was lit by the sun. Do remember that a perfect exposure shows the G channel almost reaching the 16000 line.

The analysis in RawDigger gives me a good idea of how to set the Exposure slider in Adobe Camera Raw. See below for more on the ACR raw conversion.

RawDigger — not for the faint of heart …

Nothing has ever helped me learn to create perfect exposures to the degree that RawDigger has. I think that many folks are reluctant to learn that most of their images are underexposed by one or more full stops and that highlight warnings in Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, and your in-camera histogram are completely bogus as they are based on the embedded JPEGs. Only your raw files tell the truth all the time. Heck, I resisted RawDigger for several years … Once you get over that feeling, RawDigger can become your very best exposure friend no matter what system you are using. On the recent IPTs and In-the-Field sessions, we have demonstrated that fact. Convincingly.

The RawDigger (pink) Adapted Histogram

In the RawDigger e-Guide, you will learn exactly how to set up the Adapted “pink” RawDigger Histogram and how to use it to quickly and easily evaluate the exposure or raw file brightness of images from all digital cameras currently in use. RawDigger was especially helpful to me when I struggled with R5 exposures and when learned my new camera body, the Sony Alpha a1.

RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos

The RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos

by Arthur Morris with Patrick Sparkman

The RawDigger e-Guide was created only for serious photographers who wish to get the absolute most out of their raw files.

Patrick and I began work on the guide in July 2020. At first we struggled. We asked questions. We learned about Max-G values. We could not figure out why the Max G values varied by camera system. IPT veteran Bart Deamer asked lots of questions that we could not answer. We got help from RawDigger creator Iliah Borg. We learned. In December, Patrick came up with an Adapted Histogram that allows us to evaluate the exposures and raw file brightness for all images created with all digital camera bodies from the last two decades. What we learned each time prompted three complete beginning to end re-writes.

The point of the guide is to teach you to truly expose to the mega-Expose-to-the-Right so that you will minimize noise, maximize image quality, best utilize your camera’s dynamic range, and attain the highest possible level of shadow detail in your RAW files in every situation. In addition, your properly exposed RAW files will contain more tonal information and feature the smoothest possible transitions between tones. And your optimized images will feature rich, accurate color.

We teach you why the GREEN channel is almost always the first to over-expose. We save you money by advising you which version of RawDigger you need. We teach you how to interpret the Max G values for your Canon, Nikon, and SONY camera bodies. It is very likely that the Shock-your-World section will shock you. And lastly — thanks to the technical and practical brilliance of Patrick Sparkman — we teach you a simple way to quickly and easily evaluate your exposures and raw file brightness using an Adapted RawDigger histogram.

The flower video takes you through a session where artie edits a folder of images in Capture One while checking the exposures and Max-G values in RawDigger. The Adapted Histogram video examines a series of recent images with the pink histograms and covers lots of fine points including and especially how to deal with specular highlights. The directions for setting up the Adapted Histogram are in the text.

If we priced this guide based on how much effort we put into it, it would sell it for $999.00. But as this guide will be purchased only by a limited number of serious photographers, we have priced it at $51.00. You can order yours here in the BAA Online Store.

Image 1b: The ACR settings for the Barred Owl in flight image

The ACR Settings

Above you can see how I adjusted the sliders for the raw conversion of today’s featured image. If you convert in Capture One or DPP 4, the principles will be the same.

First, understand that the setting show as Auto only because of a glitch in the screen capture process. All of the sliders were and always are adjusted manually.

I increased the overall exposure to the tune of +1.35. I reduced the contrast five points to tone down the sunlit moss and pulled the Highlights down for the same purpose. I moved the Shadow slider to +74 to open up the under-exposed owl. I moved the White slider to the right to brighten the Highlights on the bird. I moved the Black slider to the left to set the black point. I rarely touch the Dehaze slider, but +6 here helped. I increased the Vibrance by 16 points and hit Open.

After the substantial crop — you gotta love sharp a1 files, I ran Topaz DeNoise on Auto. Next I made a careful selection of the owl, feathered it one pixel, saved the selection, and placed it on its own layer. I used Viveza on that layer to lighten the owl and heighten the details on the bird. I saved the first version of the image only to realize that the owl was too cool. I loaded the saved selection, opened Hue-Saturation, selected the BLUE channel, and reduced the Saturation to -80. Still not happy, I opened the ACR filter and upped the color temperature. I had not done that during the raw conversion as that would have affected the sunlit foliage.

It was lots of work, but I felt that this flight shot was worth saving.

The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II). You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.

The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)

The clean-up techniques mentioned above, making raw conversions in ACR, and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with all of my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Learn more and check out the free excerpt in the blog post here. While the new e-Guide reflects my MacBook Pro/Photo Mechanic/DPP 4/Photoshop workflow, folks using a PC and/or BreezeBrowser will also benefit greatly by studying the material on DB II. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.

Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: all of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.

You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About two years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One Pro 12 and continue to do so today.

To purchase Capture One, please use this link. Then you can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here.

You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

What’s Up?

The fourth and last morning of the first DeSoto IPT was nothing short of spectacular. The Fabulous Spoonbill Four posed right in front of us in sweet light and still blue water. They slept and preened and stretched and flapped until the folks on the IPT became tired of them! We had two dancing dark morph Reddish Egrets, an uncharacteristically dancing Snowy Egret, a Tricolored Heron, and our first two juvenile Little Blue Herons. Those along with lots of foraging shorebirds and a Belted Kingfisher. Once again, Mike DeRosa learned a ton. I instructed him on the basics of JPEG capture. He got the hang of it quickly and is a lot happier creating ready to use JPEGs than he was shooting raw.

I was glad to learn of yet another sign-up for the second DeSoto IPT; Jim Miller of Tallahassee, FL is driving down for his fourth trip to DeSoto with me.

Today is Friday 24 September. We are headed to Lake Blue Cypress aboard Clemens Van der Werf’s flats boat to try for Barred Owls. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about forty-five minutes to prepare including the time spent on the image optimization.

Remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now close to zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

This image was created on 22 September 2021 on the fourth and last morning of the first DeSoto IPT. While standing to photograph a dancing Reddish Egret, I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the beyond amazing Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). ISO 640. The exposure for a dark morph Reddish Egret was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: RawDigger showed that the exposure was brighter than perfect: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:58am on sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed about perfectly and produced a sharp-on-the-eye image. Be sure to click on the image to view the spectacular hi-res version. Image 1: Red Knot, fading adult landing/2X3 Crop

I Followed My Own Oft-Given Advice …

I was set up for dark morph Reddish Egret when something spooked all the shorebirds. A small flock of Red Knots took flight, circled, and landed right at us into the east wind. Rather than try to adjust the exposure by going a bit darker, I raised the 600 and fired off about ten frames. When I viewed the image on the back of the camera, the knot’s light-toned underparts were all flashing black with blinkies indicating severe overexposure. But with what I’ve learned over the past year while working with RawDigger, I had hope. RawDigger showed only a smattering of hot pixels on the leggings of the bird’s right leg. As all were in the GREEN channel, I knew that recovering the detail in the brightest highlights would be a snap. It was.

The Lesson

When unexpected action occurs, press the shutter button. If you attempt to change a setting, you will miss the action and wind up with nothing.

This image was created on 22 September 2021 he fourth and last morning of the first DeSoto IPT. While standing to photograph a dancing Reddish Egret, I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the beyond amazing Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) ISO 640. The exposure for a dark morph Reddish Egret was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: RawDigger showed that the exposure was brighter than perfect: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:58am on sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed about perfectly and produced a sharp-on-the-eye image. Be sure to click on the image to view the spectacular hi-res version. Image 1A: Red Knot, fading adult landing/Square Crop

The Square Crop

Image #1 was a healthy crop of the original frame. With the amazing image quality of a sharp a1 file, getting down to only one bird with a square crop presented no problems at all.

Your Fave?

Understanding that both of today’s featured images were created from the same raw file, which do you think is the stronger image, the 3X2 crop or the square crop. Please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice.

Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All of the images in this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.

The Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours

Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2

3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 5 October through the morning session on Friday 8 October. $1999.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings 3.

Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3

3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 19 October through the morning session on Friday 22 October. $1999.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings 4.

Fort DeSoto in Fall

Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.

On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button.. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.

There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.

These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information.

A $500 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check after you register. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.

Up Early, Stay Out Late!

Obviously folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

What’s Up?

Folks on the first DeSoto IPT enjoyed a second consecutive fantastic morning on Monday. We photographed five totally tame Roseate Spoonbills standing in still blue water until folks got tired of them. We had lots of good behavioral stuff including preening, wing stretching, and sky pointing among others. On the beach we had several Marbled Godwits, Western Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Black-bellied Plover, a tame winter adult Red Knot, a crazy-dancing Greater Yellowlegs, and a young Fish Crow scavenging a mullet. At my favorite back-up location we created several thousand images of Snowy Egrets dip-feeding into huge schools of baitfish, some Brown Pelican flight shots, and lots of close-ups of ridiculously tame wading birds including the aforementioned Snowy Egrets (as below), and young Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons.

There is lots of room for you on the second and third DeSoto IPTs. See the details below.

Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have/had a great day. This blog post took about forty-five minutes to prepare including the time spent on the image optimization.

Remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.

Please remember that if an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to save 3% at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Fort DeSoto in fall is rife with tame birds. All of the images in this card were created at Fort DeSoto in either late September or very early October. I hope that you can join me there this fall. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Caspian Tern, Great Egret, Sandwich Tern with fish, Willet, Black-bellied Plover threat display, Snowy Egret, 2-year old Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron, juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron.

The Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tours

Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #2

3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 5 October through the morning session on Friday 8 October. $1999.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings 4.

Fall 2021 Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo-Tour #3

3 1/2 Days: Tuesday 19 October through the morning session on Friday 22 October. $1999.00 includes three working lunches. Limit six photographers/Openings 4.

Fort DeSoto in Fall

Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for migrant shorebirds and terns in fall. There they join hundreds of egrets, herons, night-herons, and gulls that winter on the T-shaped peninsula. With any luck at all, we should get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable shorebird species: Marbled Godwit. Black-bellied Plover and Willet are easy, American Oystercatcher is pretty much guaranteed. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two. And we will get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. In addition, Royal, Sandwich, Forster’s, and Caspian Terns will likely provide us with some good flight opportunities as well. Though not guaranteed, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.

On this IPT, all will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button.. Everyone will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them, to understand and predict bird behavior, to identify many species of shorebirds, to spot the good situations, to choose the best perspective, to see and understand the light, and to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system. Most importantly, you will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. And you will learn how and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it). The best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever and whenever you photograph.

There will be a Photoshop/image review session during or after lunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time.

These IPTs will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with Gulfport AirBnB information.

A $500 deposit is due when you sign up and is payable by credit card. Balances must be paid by check after you register. Your deposit is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out with six folks, so please check your plans carefully before committing. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand, or by sending a check as follows: make the check out to: BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, clothing, and gear advice. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

Clockwise from upper left to center: Long-billed Curlew, juvenile Tricolored Heron, Marbled Godwits, Great Blue Heron, juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Stork, smiling Sea Scallop, Ruddy Turnstone scavenging needlefish, Great Blue Heron sunset silhouette at my secret spot, and southbound migrant tern flock blur.

Up Early, Stay Out Late!

Obviously folks attending an IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of the sweetest light and sunrise and sunset colors (when possible). The good news is that the days are relatively short in early fall. I really love it when I am leaving the beach on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving. The length of cloudy morning sessions will often be extended. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Please Remember

With income from IPTs now close to zero, please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.

New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!

You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.

Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Money Saving Reminder

Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free second-day air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order to save 3% and enjoy free 2nd-day air shipping. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs (remember those?) and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I created this image on Monday 20 September 2021 on the second morning of the first DeSoto IPT. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/640 sec. at f/18 in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was about 1/3 stop too dark. AWB at 11:54pm on then-cloudy morning. Tracking: Spot S/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly by nailing the bird’s left eye. Click on the image to view a hi-res version. Image #1: Snowy Egret from below showing binocular vision.

When f/18 Is Not Enough …

Here on the blog and on BirdPhotographers.Net, I have railed against folks wishing for more depth of field “to get the legs or the tail sharp.” I explain that depth-of-field with super-telephoto lenses is very narrow and at close range, as with today’s featured image, it is practically non-existent. Note that despite the tiny f/18 aperture and perfectly sharp focus on the bird’s eyes that the tip of the bill is nowhere near being in focus. Case closed!

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.