We are up early again headed for Sebastian Inlet. The state park is roughly 1 1/2 hours from my home at ILE. There was lots of action with diving Brown Pelicans along with a very few fly-over Ospreys when we visited on Tuesday 6 OCT. Two days later, diving activity at the inlet was zero. Facing a totally abysmal morning photo session, we ventured south to look for some Wood Storks. We ended up having a fine morning. Today’s blog is the result. Read on to learn how I have integrated Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI into my regular workflow.
We have made the long trip to Sebastian four times and have only rarely seen any Ospreys diving for fish. To learn what keeps us heading back to the inlet, see the images in the Stunned Again. The Osprey Flying Circus. Give Me Ten Good Minutes! And My SONY Gear Takes a Saltwater Bath … blog post here. Wish us luck 🙂
I was glad to learn that the sale of Karen McCormick’s Nikon 24-120 became pending the first day it was listed.
This blog post took about five hours to assemble. The best way to thank me is by using my B&H affiliate links or using Bedfords and enjoying a 4% discount on your new photo gear.
If you have a moment, please leave a comment and let us know which of today’s four featured images you like best along with your reasons. Thanks!
The BAA Used Gear Page
The Used Gear page continues to be red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list for the past year at the bottom of the page.
New Listings
FlexShooter Pro
Multiple IPT veteran and BAA good friend William Schneider is offering a barely used FlexShooter Pro for a very low $549.00. The sale includes 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. Payment by Zelle is now available or PayPal +4%.
I fell in love with the FlexShooter Pro moments after I first mounted it on my Induro tripod. It is a ballhead that acts like a gimbal. Not convinced? See the video here.
Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens & Filter Holder Kit with Landscape Circular Polarizer
Mansoor Assadi is offering a Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens in near-mint condition and the NiSi S5 150mm Filter Holder Kit with Landscape Circular Polarizer for Sony 12-24mm lens in new condition for the very low price of $1,163.15.The sale includes the original box, the rear lens cap, the front lens cap, the lens hood, 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.
Ultra-wide and versatile, the FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens from Sony is a flexible zoom lens for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, characterized by its constant f/4 maximum aperture. Benefitting the wide field of view is a sophisticated optical design that incorporates aspherical and low dispersion glass elements to control both spherical and chromatic aberrations for improved sharpness and clarity. A Nano AR Coating has also been applied to individual elements to reduce surface reflections, flare, and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity when working in bright, backlit situations.
In addition to the optical attributes, this lens is also distinguished by a Direct Drive SSM autofocus system, which benefits both stills and video application with its quick, quiet, and precise performance. The lens also sports a dust- and moisture-sealed design to support shooting in inclement conditions and a dedicated focus hold button and AF/MF switch. B&H
I loved my Canon ultra-wide-angle 11-24mm lens especially for big skies. This combo sells new at B&H for $2,163.15. Save a very handsome $1,000.00 on the pair. artie
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Great Topaz News!
Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said on Sunday and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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 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. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Upper Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and nailed focus on the eye.
Image #1: Wood Stork head and neck portrait
Click on the image to see a larger, sharper version.
The Situation
The Wood Storks at Sebastian Inlet State Park will walk right to fisherman throwing cast nets. But if you approach them with a long lens in your hand, or even worse with a tripod on your shoulder, the will usually next stage left. Or right. So when we spotted several iron heads feeding in a large rain pool we went to the 600s with a 1.4X TC and approached slowly and carefully. We did OK. After a while, the birds sensed our presence and headed toward the shore. Again we approached slowly. I was hoping for some head portraits, so I headed back to the car and switched out the 1.4X TC for the 2X TC. Anita stayed at 840mm. We tried several ways of herding the birds and those techniques paid off nicely. I wound up with 34 decent keepers. Three more of those are below.
Image #1A: Topaz DeNoise AI screen capture
Click on the screen capture to see a larger version.
DeNoise with Perfect Images
DeNoise does remarkable things to images that appear on the surface to be perfect. I run DeNoise on Auto to every image no matter how perfect the exposure and regardless of the ISO. Note above that Auto set the Reduce Noise slider to 2 out of 100 indicating that this image showed virtually no noise even with the extensive BLACKs and other dark tones. Since using RawDigger I have learn to mega-expose to the right to decrease noise in the shadows and dark tones and to use the entire dynamic range of my SONY sensors.
Two weeks ago I thought that I was thisclose to having the SONY e-Guide finished. I received an e-mail from IPT veteran Bart Deamer who asked some very good questions. Not knowing the answers, I have been e-mailing back and forth with Iliah Borg. I believe that Iliah is the brains behind RawDigger and FastRaw Viewer, and the man in charge of LibRaw, LLC. He has been exceedingly generous with his time and knowledge. A lot of what he has said has shaken my (admittedly limited) photographic knowledge to the core. Sometime last night, my brain came up with a way of incorporating what I have learned into the guide. I hope to be working on that this week.
So the bottom line is that DeNoise will make your very best images even better with reduced noise, an amazing crispness, and increased fine detail. Click here to order any Topaz plug-in and remember to use the ARTHUR15 code at checkout to save 15%. Then e-mail me your receipt to request a copy of the short but very helpful Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and nailed focus on the eye.
Image #2: Wood Stork with baby lobster (I think …)
Click on the image to see a larger version.
The Baby Lobster
Though this bird took more than five minutes to swallow its prey, the bird simply would not turn its head toward us. Anita was to my left and a bit off sun angle but with the bird keeping its head turned away from us she was in a better position than I was. In addition, she was much wider at 840mm than I was at 1200mm. I took lots of images and deleted all but the one above either because of head angle or because I clipped the creature’s antennae. The head angle in the image above is barely acceptable to me …
Image #2A: Topaz Sharpen AI screen capture
Click on the screen capture to see a larger version.
Sharpen AI Stabilize to the Rescue for Motion Blur
When I examined this image at 200%, it was quite obvious that it suffered from motion blur because I struggled with the framing. In the Before image in the screen capture above, note that some of the specular highlights on the eyeskin show as small streaks, especially the one at one o’clock. Even the highlight in the eye shows as somewhat oblong, angling from our upper right to our lower left. All of these are clear indications that I was panning the lens down and left at the moment of exposure and that the relatively fast shutter speed of 1/1000 second was not fast enough to freeze that movement.
Sharpen AI on Auto did a great job of salvaging this image. Note that Auto chose Stabilize for the repairs. In addition to the improved sharpness of the eye, note the incredible improvement in the detail on the top of the stork’s head. Since motion blur is a common problem with action shots of birds, Sharpen AI — in many cases — will greatly improve your images.
Do note that neither Sharpen nor Stabilize will repair completely out-of-focus or totally motion-blurred images. The plug-in can, however, perform miracles on images that show as slightly soft when viewed at high magnifications. Sharpen AI completely replaces the use of the Contrast Mask, and unless you over-ride the Auto slider settings, never produces any crunchiness.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and nailed focus on the eye.
Image #3: Wood Stork in flat flight
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Unexpected Flight
When two fishermen walked right up to our birds, all three of the storks took flight. One circled left and headed right toward sun angle. Though I knew I was only at 1/800 second, too slow for flight photography according to most, I followed my own advice and fired off four flight shots at 1200mm — when unexpected action occurs, press the shutter button. If you try to change your settings you will miss the action. Once again, I jerked the lens a bit in an effort to get the bird in the center of the frame; as expected, there was a bit of motion blur as you can see in the Before portion of the screen capture below.
Image #3A: Topaz Sharpen AI screen capture
Click on the screen capture to see a larger version.
Sharpen AI Stabilize to the Rescue Again for Motion Blur
Enlarge the image to compare the Before and Preview images at 200% to note the incredible improvement in sharpness. I experimented with Sharpen and Focus but Stabilize as suggested by Auto did miraculously better. This image went from a delete to a keeper in .001 seconds. Note again that the it takes a minute or two to render the image once you hit Apply. Both Topaz plug-ins discussed today have opened a whole new world of sharper images for me.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and nailed focus on the eye.
Image #4: Wood Stork in flight/wings down
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Smoother Panning!
For this one, the fourth frame in the sequence, I must have smoothed out my panning; the face and eye were much sharper than in Image #3.
Image #4A: Topaz DeNoise AI screen capture
Click on the screen capture to see a larger version.
DeNoise with all Images
Here we have another pretty darned good image that was improved a bit by DeNoise on Auto with the Reduce Noise Slider set to 1 via Auto, we see another perfect Exposure thanks to what I have learned in RawDigger. After clicking on the image to enlarge it, note the crispness of the bird’s face and eye in the Preview version on our right. When I clicked the eyeball for the DeNoise layer on and off in Photoshop at 400%, the reduced noise in the background became quite apparent.
As far as Topaz is concerned, I have said it here often before and I will probably say again, “Better late than never.”
Bosque del Apache 2019 IPT
Notice the incredible variety of images that you can learn to make by developing your skills and your creative vision on a BAA IPT.
Bosque del Apache NWR 2020 IPT
NOV 18 (afternoon session) thru the morning session on November 23, 2020. 5 DAYS. Four full and two half days. $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 6.
Extra Day Options: Please e-mail to learn about the before or after In-the-Field Day options.
The very best news is that the 2020 Festival of the Cranes has been canceled so we will be able to visit on what are usually the perfect dates!
I quit going to Bosque several years ago as conditions had worsened each year for several seasons running. In 2018, things had improved dramatically and in 2019 the photography was great. Simply put, I know Bosque better than anyone. Join me to learn how wind and sky conditions influence bird photography, how to create dramatic sunrise and sunset silhouettes, how to be in the right place at the right time, and how to create contest-winning blurs. As usual, you will learn to get the right exposure every time, to use your camera’s AF system to create pleasing, balanced image designs, and to improve your flight photography skills.
We should get to photograph many thousands of Snow Geese, more than a few blast-offs, some Ross’s Geese, and lots of Sandhill Cranes in the water, taking flight and flying. Depending on local conditions we may get to shoot some ducks: point-blank American Wigeon and Wood Duck. With any luck, we might enjoy sunrises and sunsets that leave you in tears. Live, eat, and breathe photography with one of (if not the) world’s premier photographic educators at one of his very favorite locations on the planet. Top-notch Photoshop instruction. Join me to learn to think like a pro and to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather. Every time we make a move, I will let you know why. When you get home, applying what you learned will prove to be invaluable.
Lunch is included.
To Register
To register, send your fully-refundable $500 deposit — check made out to BIRDS AS ART — via US Mail to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Or call Jim weekdays at 863-692-0906 to put your fully-refundable deposit on a credit card. Balances must be paid in full by check no later than two months before the IPT. If you cancel due to COVID 19 concerns, all of your payments will be refunded.
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 :).
We got the Thule Roof Bars installed on the top of my new SUV as we are beginning to get ready for the Big Road Trip. Our plan right now is to head west on the early morning of 22 OCT. Yikes!
Wednesday morning was flowers. This morning Thursday 8 OCT 2020 — we are headed back to Sebastian Inlet with hopes of lots of diving Ospreys catching jacks. On Tuesday past, we had lots of action with diving pelicans but only a very few chances with the Ospreys.
Food for Thought
Thanks to Alpha Epsilon Pi/Phi Theta Brother Don Dunning for sharing this with me.
“Fame or integrity: which is more important? Money or happiness: which is more valuable? Success or failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
~ Lao-tzu, 6th century BCE Chinese philosopher, founder of Taoism
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list for the past year at the bottom of the page.
Karen McCormick sold her Nikon D5 in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $3200.00, a Nikon D500 in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $750.00, and a Nikon D800 in very good condition for a very low $450.00, all within two days of being listed.
Amazingly, I arranged for the sale of Patty McCulloch’s Canon 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $5497.00, the sale of her Canon EF Extender 1.4X III in near-mint condition for a very low $229.00, the sale of her Canon EF Extender 2X III in excellent condition for only $228.00, and the sale of her Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $499.00,all before they were to be listed in late September 2020.
Sean Werle offered his Canon EOS-1D X body in excellent condition for $1499.00 but it never sold. He made a gift of the camera to a friend in South America — he said that the camera had been “re-homed” — and kindly offered to pay 4% of the original asking price.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon 11-24mm f/4L USM lens in near mint condition for $1530.00 (was $1599.00) in mid-September 2020.
Multiple IPT veteran Morris Herstein sold his Sony a9 in mint condition (with about 900 actuations) for the bargain price of $2498.00 just a few days after listing it in early September.
Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master sold his Canon EOS-1DX Mark II in near-mint condition for the $2750.00 (was $2797.00) locally in early September and kindly sent me a check for 4% of the original asking price.
Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master sold his Canon Extension Tube Set, the EF 12 II and EF 25 II, in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $122.90 in late August. And he sold his Canon EOS 70D in like-new condition to a friend for $400 (was $499.00).
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV body in excellent plus condition (was $1399.00) and his Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens in near mint condition (was $549.00) to a single buyer for $1900.00 in early September.
Multiple IPT veteran and good friend William Schneider sold his Sony FE 2.8/16‑35 GM wide angle zoom lens in like-new condition for the very low price of $1400.00 (was $1498.00) in early September.
BAA friend Kay Kaylor sold her Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens in near-mint condition for a very low $524.00 (was $649.00) in early SEPT 2020.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $549.00 in early September 2020.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens in excellent condition for $1349.00, a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for $799.00, a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens in excellent plus condition for $549.00 and a Canon EF 400mm f/4L DO IS II USM lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record low $3049.00 all within the first two days of being listed in early SEPT 2020.
Price Correction
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens (with a great extra!)
Art Leyenberger is offering a Canon EF 100mm Macro USM lens in near-mint condition with a great extra for the silly low price of $349.00. The sale includes the original box, the front and rear lens caps, a near-mint Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (36mm, 20mm, 12mm) for Canon EOS lenses (a $129.90 value), 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.
This, the original non-IS version of this hugely popular very sharp macro lens, was Denise Ippolito’s favorite for many years. It is great for flowers and bugs large and small. The tripod collar for this lens requires a separate purchase. This lens, still in production, sells new at B&H for $599.00 (though it is currently on back-order). The IS L version II sells for $1299.00, artie
New Listings
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Lens
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens in excellent plus condition for the very low price of $650.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
The relatively lightweight and inexpensive 16-35mm wide angle zooms are great for serious landscape shooters on a budget. The heavier faster Nikon AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED lens sells for a shopping $1951.95. Who needs the speed when you are on a tripod? The 16-35 f/4 Nikkor sells new for $1096.95 so you can save a pretty penny by grabbing Karen’s lens. artie
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens
Sale Pending First Day of Listing
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens in excellent condition for the very low price of $500.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
I loved my versatile, all purpose, don’t-leave-home-without-it, mid-range 24-120 zoom lens when I used Nikon. I felt it was much sharper than all versions of the Canon 24-105 lenses. And the VR allowed me to create sharp images handheld at silly-low shutter speeds like 1/8 second. This one sells new for $1,096.95 so you can save a very cool $596.95 by purchasing Karen’s copy. artie
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens in excellent plus condition for the very low price of $850.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
The I loved my versatile, all purpose, don’t-leave-home-without-it, mid-range 24-120 zoom lens when I used Nikon. I felt it was much shaper than all versions of the Canon 24-105 lenses. And the VR allowed me to create sharp images handheld at silly-low shutter speeds like 1/8 second. This one sells new for $1,096.95 so you can save a very cool $596.95 by purchasing Karen’s copy. artie
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens and TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter Kit for Nikon F
Karen McCormick is offering a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens and TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter Kit for Nikon F in excellent plus condition for a remarkably low $500.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
Offering an impressively versatile range with a portable form factor, the Nikon F-mount 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM from Sigma is a Contemporary-series telephoto zoom characterized by its sophisticated optics and flexible handling. One FLD element and three SLD elements are used to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range and a Super Multi-Coating also helps to suppress flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy when working in strong lighting conditions.
Balancing the optical design, this lens also features a Hyper Sonic Motor, which provides especially fast and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override. An Optical Stabilizer also works to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. Additionally, a removable, rotating tripod collar is included to suit working on a tripod or monopod. B&H
I have seen many excellent sharp images created by folks on IPTs and on BPN. As this kit sells new for $1,289.00 Karen’s offering is a great bargain for a beginning bird photographer using Nikon gear. artie
Great Topaz News!
Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said on Sunday and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro back in stock!
We received a dozen Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pros via DHL. We ordered twenty … Anita North has been using one and said, “With my weak fingers, the Levered-Clamp is a Godsend.
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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 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. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Mixed terns/skimmer/gull flock blur
Lucky Thirteen
When doing pleasing blurs, the classic blur shutter speed for flocks in flight and running animals has long been 1/15 sec. But it always pays to experiment. Working in Shutter Priority it is easy to roll a wheel or a dial (depending on which system you are using) and change the shutter speed even in the middle of a blast-off. For some reason, 1/13 second often proves to be a winner, as it was — at least for me — with Image #1 above. In this one I love the pan-blurred effect on the water and the waves and the beach.
Learn more in The advantages of using the Shutter Priority/Exposure Compensation/AUTO ISO method in low light blog post here. Despite the huge-for-most-folks Exposure Compensation (EC) of +2.7 stops, Raw Digger showed that this image was a bit less than 1/2 stop too dark. But with the low ISO and without any dark tones, noise was a non-issue. When was the last time you worked at almost +3 stops?
This image was also created at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL on the morning of 3 OCT 2020. Again, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 257mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. 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.) Exposure was determined via Zebra evaluation with ISO on the rear dial as detailed in The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide and One Camera Set-up Video. Multi-metering + 2.7 stops: 1/15 sec. at f/6.3 in Shutter Priority mode. AUTO ISO set 100. ABW at 9:09am on a now cloudy-bright morning.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #2: Mostly terns blast-off blur
Why a 3-stop Solid Neutral Density Filter?
In image #1, the light levels were so low early on the dark cloudy morning that achieving a slow shutter speed while keeping the ISO low was no problem at all. By 8:30am it has gotten much, much brighter so I affixed the 95mm 3-stop ND filter to the front of the lens so that I could work at a slow shutter speed without having the system choose a tiny aperture like f/22. At very small apertures, dozens of microscopic dust spots will require time and effort to remove.
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 five-stop will likely be best on bright sunny days, but the 3-stop is better on cloudy bright days as you will always be able to maintain a low ISO. I was undecided as to whether to get the 3-stop or the 4-stop but wound up purchasing the 3-stop.
If you own the 200-600 and enjoy doing pleasing blurs, a good ND filter is a valuable tool. Can you say Bosque del Apache?
Order a Singh-Ray 3-stop ND filter for your SONY 200-600
To Order a Singh-Ray 3-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, 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 :).
Today is Tuesday 5 OCT 2020. We hit the road at 5:35am for another crack at Sebastian Inlet despite the “scattered thunderstorms” forecast … Continuing with my plan to share some really good photos with you here on the blog, you get to enjoy two spectacular focus-stacked flower images by my long-time friend and colleague George Lepp.
They’re Playing Our Song
Even if you never saw They’re Playing Our Song on Broadway (I did twice!), you will enjoy this amazingly clever YouTube video of Lucie Arnaz and Robert Klein reprising their starring role from 1979 in 2010. The synching of the two performances is superb and Robert Klein is too, too funny.
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list at the bottom of the page.
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens (with a great extra!)
Art Leyenberger is offering a Canon EF 100mm Macro USM lens in near-mint condition with a great extra for the silly low price of $349.00. The sale includes the original box, the front and rear lens caps, a near-mint Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (36mm, 20mm, 12mm) for Canon EOS lenses (a $129.90 value), 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.
This, the original non-IS version of this hugely popular very sharp macro lens, was Denise Ippolito’s favorite for many years. It is great for flowers and bugs large and small. The tripod collar for this lens requires a separate purchase. This lens, still in production, sells new at B&H for $599.00 (though it is currently on back-order). The IS L version II sells for $1299.00, artie
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L Ultrasonic Lens (with TCs!)
Art Leyenberger is offering a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L ultrasonic lens in excellent condition and both series I teleconverters for the very low price of $650.00. The sale includes the original box, the lens hood, the lens pouch, the front and rear lens caps, a Canon EF 1.4X teleconverter with both caps and the lens pouch, a Canon EF 2X teleconverter with both caps and the lens pouch,, 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.
This sharp, super-fast, mid-range telephoto zoom is incredibly versatile and is the favorite zoom lens of many nature, wildlife, and landscape photography pros. It kills in point-blank flight situations; I used mine on flying gannets in Scotland, for Bald Eagles at Homer, and with the pelicans at La Jolla, CA. And often for granddaughter Maya’s dance recitals. This lens is still in production and sells new at B&H for $1299.00. artie
Great Topaz News!
Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said on Sunday and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro back in stock!
We received a dozen Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pros via DHL. We ordered twenty … Anita North has been using one and said, “With my weak fingers, the Levered-Clamp is a Godsend.
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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 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. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020 George D Lepp
Image #1: Gladiola blossom
George Lepp
I often said that George Lepp knows more about the technical side of photography in one fingernail clipping than I do in my whole brain. George has been a friend since the early 1990s. He inspired me early on in many ways. I learned a ton about gear, photography, and presenting by attending several of his one-day programs. At a show he did in Tampa, FL sometime in the 1990s, I first learned about Canon AF and about the only telephoto lens I could afford then — the 400mm f/5.6L, which went on to become my beloved toy lens.
In addition, he has always been glad to lend a helping hand whenever I asked. We were both founding members of NANPA and both were invited by Michael Newler and the late Dave Metz to become part of the original group of Canon Explorers of Light. When I was let go as an EoL about seven years ago, George was as puzzled as I was.
George is one of North America’s best-known contemporary outdoor and nature photographers. His passions for natural beauty, technical precision, cutting-edge technology, and environmental responsibility are revealed in his beautiful and compelling photographic images. He is also widely recognized for his unique dedication to sharing his photographic and biological knowledge with other photographers through his seminars and writing. In both realms, George Lepp is a leader in the rapidly advancing field of digital imaging.
Focus Stacking
When you are working at high magnification, it is pretty much impossible to have enough depth-of-field to render the entire subject in sharp focus. In order to do that you create multiple images focused as various points and then combine those to create an image with the entire subject in sharp focus. George has mastered that technique to the extreme.
George on Image #1
The lighting for Image #1 came from several small (inexpensive) LED light panels and a couple of LED Lume Cube photo lights. The focus bracketing (stacking) feature on the EOS R5 can only be used with continuous lighting. I enjoy this technique in part because I can see the effects of various lighting approaches as I stage the subjects. The focus-bracketed captures are compiled in ZereneStacker software and optimized in Photoshop. It’s good to remember that you can take too few focus- bracketed images, but seldom too many. At such high magnification and f/8, each capture covers only a fraction of an inch of depth of field, so it takes many more images to cover a complete flower than most people realize.
Focus-stacking via Cognisys StackShot: from 274 images.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020 George D Lepp
Aster blossom at 4X
George on Image #2
In the studio, I can take close-ups to another level. I saw this blooming aster plant at a nursery and noticed the intricate forms in the centers of the flowers. So naturally, I bought it. Each individual blossom is only about the size of a quarter. At 4x (above) you can begin to capture the detail with the Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro lens with the MR-14EX macro flash. The flower was lit by the Canon MT-24EX macro twin flash. At 4x, the focus-stacking was achieved with Cognisys StackShot and the results were compiled using Zerene Stacker software. The beauty of this series of images is that they show you the flower in ways you could never have seen with the naked eye.
Learn More …
You can learn more about George Lepp (and about photography!), view his image galleries, and sign up for his LEPPPHOTOSPAM EMAILS buy visiting his website here.
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 :).
On Saturday morning Anita and I explored Outback Key to the very end on a super-low tide. With the dreary conditions, we concentrated on creating pleasing blurs of the tern, shorebird, and gull flocks blasting off. We had plenty of those. Late on what was a cloudy morning I sat on the beach and butt-wiggled close enough to isolate single Red Knots with the 200-600/1.4X TC, and the a9 ii. The versatility of the 2-6 continues to amaze me.
On Saturday evening we had a wonderful dinner in our Gulfport AirBNB apartment with our super-hosts, Warren and Dawn. Anita did a great job with the grilled jumbo shrimp and portobello mushrooms with a brown sugar/soy sauce/balsamic vinegar glaze. Warren and Dawn brought a box of chocolate-coated macadamia nuts for dessert. There were twelve of them. Anita had two, Dawn had one, and Warren did not eat any. Someone emptied the box but I am not saying who ..
On Sunday morning, the overnight rain continued. We packed up and were in the car by 7:00am heading back to ILE. In the rain.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version.
Great Blue Heron squawking in flight
More Good Stuff on the SONY 200-600 G Lens
The 2-6 does just fine with birds in flight with the 1.4X TC as long as long as you can deal with working at the relatively dark (i.e., slow) wide open aperture of f/9. That means on dreary days you will often be working with ISOs in the 5000 to 1000 range. Or higher. The good news is that with RawDigger you can learn to create practically noise free image files from the get-go and clean up that noise easily with Topaz DeNoise AI.
For hobbyists who cannot afford a SONY 600mm f/4 OSS GM lens (yours for only $12,999.98) the 2-6 might be the best value ever in a telephoto zoom lens. Be warned that for birds in flight you will want an a9 or an a9 ii while staying away especially from the a7r iv. The 61-MP monster just does not do well with birds in flight with the 200-600 but does much better with the 600 GM. I have no clue as to why.
Why the TC?
Many might ask why I had the TC on and then zoomed out to 353mm. It is proper to add a TC when you need more reach. I had done that in part just to see how the 2-6 would do with the TC in low light. I had done some bathing Sandwich Terns and incoming skimmers. When I saw the GBH hunting in the surf, I walked ahead of the bird to get the wind behind me. For most bird photography, keeping the wind at your back is a good plan, especially when light angle is not a concern. I had gotten close to the heron and done some tight head and neck pattern stuff and then headed west on the beach when I heard a loud squawk. I had already set the lens for tern flight so when I saw the heron flying left to right I simply spun the rear dial three clicks clockwise to increase the ISO from 2500 to 5000 as the heron is much darker than any tern. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) for Flight?
Recently I have begun experimenting with Tracking Flexible Spot (M) for flight rather than my preferred Center Zone. SONY e-Guide co-author Patrick Sparkman loves Wide for flight. For flight photography, both Zone and Wide require a bit less skill and hand-eye coordination than Tracking Flexible Spot (M). With the latter, you must keep the tracking spot on pr very close to the bird’s head or neck. When the heron squawked, I went with Tracking Flexible Spot (M) as that was what I had set: I did not have any time to change the AF mode.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version.
Side by side 100% DeNoise comparison
The Side by Side 100% DeNoise Comparison
The important thing to note here is how little noise there is in the original image. — the one on the left. After clicking on the image to enlarge it, notice that in Auto “Remove Noise” was set to the very low value of 8. AI stands for Artificial intelligence (indeed!). So why did my ISO 5000 image show so little noise? Because I have improved my exposure skills by working with and studying RawDigger. Less noise is one of the many benefits of learning to m-ETTR, mega-expose to the right.
Do not expect a ton of fine feather detail in an ISO 5000 image created in low light. That said, the optimized image above looks quite lovely.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version.
Side by side 400% DeNoise comparison
The Side-by-Side 400% DeNoise Comparison
Above is a 400% view of the trailing edge of the far wing (as shown in the Navigator window in the upper right corner of the DeNoise screen capture). As expected, there will always be some noise in an ISO 5000 image when viewed at 400%. As expected, DeNoise AI cleaned that up beautifully even with the very low setting.
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 :).
Anita North and I enjoyed a wonderful private instructional day with my good friend Bill Schneider. We enjoyed lots of sand blast-offs (see below) and lots of birds feasting on the tons of bait in the water. And I saw another tarpon jump clear out of the water; no pix this time. We ordered take out for dinner from Neptune Grill in Gulfport — their grilled fish tacos are still scrumptious-beyond-compare. Today is Friday 2 OCT 2020; we will be meeting Bill for Day 2 at 7am.
Thanks to the many who have used the BAA Topaz affiliate link and the discount code (ARTHUR15) and getting into the Topaz Plug-ins with help from the Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I gotta say that all feedback on the plug-ins and on the guide has been positive.
All are invited to leave a comment letting us know which of today’s four featured images is their favorite (and why).
Wanted to Buy
I have yet another reader looking to purchase a used Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens. If you have one that you would like to sell, please get in touch via e-mail.
Great Topaz News (Corrected)!
Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said on Sunday and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro back in stock!
We received a dozen Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pros via DHL. We ordered twenty … Anita North has been using one and said, “With my weak fingers, the Levered-Clamp is a Godsend.
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list at the bottom of the page.
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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save 3% on all orders. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
114 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
This image was created on 1 OCT 2020 on the sandbar at Fort DeSoto Park. I used the Induro GIT 404L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. Exposure determined by Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the rear dial/+2.3 stops: 1/125 sec. at f/4 in Shutter Priority. AUTO ISO > 800. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. AWB at 7:42am on dark, cloudy morning.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection; the AF point was on the closest bird — the ruffling bird in the lower right corner.
Click the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Red Knot flock on the beach with terns in the background
The Advantage of Shutter Priority (S) mode with Exposure Compensation and AUTO ISO
When working in potential blast-off situations in low light where all of the backgrounds are light gray, I find that working in Shutter Priority with Exposure Compensation (EC) and AUTO ISO has many advantages. (Let’s call this method “S/EC/AUTO ISO.”
I had been at 1/30 sec. while waiting for a blastoff when I noticed that the birds in the knot flock presented some very nice looking arrangements. All that I needed to do was increase the shutter speed to something that I was sure would make a sharp image. In this case, that was 1/125 sec. I also had to reduce the EC from +2 2/3 stops to +2 1/3 stop to reduce the Zebras on the breasts of the terns in the background.)
So with basically a single change (choice of shutter speed) I was able to create the sharp image that I wanted. Had I been working in Manual (M) exposure mode as I do more than 95% of the time, I would have had to make many changes and those changes would have involved many clicks. Raising the ISO from 100 where I was doing the blurs to 800 that I needed to make a sharp image alone would have required nine clicks.
So when working with relatively consistent backgrounds in low light, S/EC/AUTO ISO is much faster than M.
Image #1
This image was a small crop from below and our left to tighten things up. I ran DeNoise AI on a layer using Auto. Because the exposure was mega-exposed to the right Auto set virtually no noise reduction. The sharpening that is part of DeNoise was a definite improvement.
My two favorite birds in this image are the ruffling knot in the lower right corner and the curious-looking bird right behind that one. Notice that the bird in the front just to our left of those two shows remnants of breeding plumage.
This image was created on 1 OCT 2020 on the sandbar at Fort DeSoto Park by Anita North. She used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and the 61-MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless digital camera body.. ISO 100. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/40 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode. AWB at 7:45am on dark, cloudy morning.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure.
Image #2: Red Knot pano blur
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020: Anita North
Blurs in Manual Mode
For image #2, Anita was in Manual mode when she created the beautiful image above. She had set up the 200-600 G with the a7r iv for blurs only and did well with the exposure. She also had her 600 GM on a tripod with an a9 ii along. If she wanted to change to sharp with the 2-6, the necessary changes would have taken her about 20-30 seconds.
Do understand that in general, zoom lenses are better for creating pleasing blurs than fixed focal length lenses.
This image was also created on 1 OCT 2020 on the sandbar at Fort DeSoto Park. Again I used the Induro GIT 404L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. Exposure determined by Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the rear dial/+2.3 stops: 1/30 sec. at f/4.5 in Shutter Priority. AUTO ISO > 100. In RawDigger I learned that the exposure was about 2/3-stop too dark. AWB at 7:48am on dark, cloudy morning.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed just fine; the AF point was just below center.
Click the image to see a larger version.
Image #3: Mixed flock blur
Changing Shutter Speeds Quickly
To switch from low-light sharp to the settings needed to create the pleasing blur above, all that I needed to do was reduce the shutter speed from 1/125 sec. to 1/30 sec — six quick clicks. I also has to increase the EC by 1/3 stop, i.e., one click. Those changes took no more than two seconds. The S/EC/AUTO ISO method eliminated the nine clicks that I would have needed to get to the right ISO …
When I am in S mode it is fast and easy to change your shutter speed; that’s why they call it Shutter Priority.
I have used this method with Canon, Nikon, and SONY.
With SONY, I need to make a few menu changes when switching from Manual to S/EC/AUTO ISO. Those changes are detailed on page 10 of the Sony e-Guide in the section entitled Using Zebras to Get the Right Exposure in Shutter (or Aperture) Priority. (Note: This works only with the a7r iv, the a9, and the a9 ii. You cannot assign Exposure Compensation to the Control Wheel on the a7r iii) Item 6 in the list of directions catches most folks at one time or another. It snagged Bill yesterday. Scroll up for more info on the SONY e-Guide.
Image #3
While I love the degree of blurring in this image and I love that all the birds were turning right and pretty much on the same plane, I wish that I had been using the 200-600 so that I could have zoomed out, perhaps enough to get a clean upper edge. As this pleasing blur was created at ISO 100 there was no need to bring it into DeNoise AI.
The birds in this flock are Black Skimmers, a smattering of terns (likely Sandwich, Common, and Forster’s), and shorebirds (almost all Red Knots with perhaps some Sanderlings and a few peeps as well).
This image was also created on 1 OCT 2020 on the sandbar at Fort DeSoto Park, once again with the Induro GIT 404L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. Exposure determined by Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the rear dial/+3 stops: 1/60 sec. at f/4 in Shutter Priority. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. AWB at 7:52am on dark, cloudy morning.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection; the AF point was just below center.
Click the image to see a larger version.
Image #4: Red Knot flock flight blur
1/60 second — Right on the Edge
With good technique, you can make sharp images of birds on the ground at 1/60 sec., and in addition, it is not a bad blur speed especially with single birds flying by at close range. On Saturday morning, I will go a lot slower with my blur shutter speeds; I am planning on playing with 1/8, 1/13, and 1/15 secs. When creating pleasing blurs at extremely slow shutter speeds like 1/4 and 1/8 sec., you will wind up with far fewer keepers but have more chance of creating a stunning contest winner. Heck, you just may wind up deleting all of them. But gambling can be fun.
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 :).
Fall arrived at ILE on the morning of Wednesday 30 September as the months keep rolling by. We drove down to the lake and saw a few cranes and lots of vultures, but it was so windy and chilly that we never got out of the car. My streak was in jeopardy but on our way back to Fort DeSoto we stopped at a gorgeous marshy field packed with several hundred thousand beautiful pink blossoms interspersed with green marsh vegetation. Which brings us to the subject of today’s blog post. Read on to exercise your brain cells, be inspired, and improve your nature photography.
Amazingly, I was able to arrange for the sale of Patty McCulloch’s Canon 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $5497.00, the sale of her Canon EF Extender 1.4X III in near-mint condition for a very low $229.00, the sale of her Canon EF Extender 2X III in excellent condition for only $228.00, and the sale of her Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $499.00, all before they were to be listed in this blog post!
If you are looking for a specific used item, shoot me an e-mail, and let me know what you are looking for.
Great Topaz News (Corrected)!
I did not realize that folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to use this link.
Wanted to Buy
I have someone looking to purchase a used Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens. If you have one that you would like to sell, please get in touch via e-mail.
Topaz Stuff
As I said on Sunday and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro back in stock!
We received a dozen Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pros via DHL. We ordered twenty … Anita North has been using one and said, “With my weak fingers, the Levered-Clamp is a Godsend.
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list at the bottom of the page.
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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save 3% on all orders. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
New Listings/Great Bargains
Canon EOS-1DX Mark II with tons of great extras
BAA Record-low Price!
Patricia McCulloch is offering a Canon EOS-1DX Mark II in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $2279.00. The sale includes the original box, an L-plate, the strap, one battery, the LC-E19 Battery Charger, an extra Canon LP-E4N Battery Pack, a LensCoat BodyGuard, The Instruction Manual, the Interface Cable, 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.
The 1DX Mark II is Canon’s rugged, blazingly fast professional digital camera body. It features an amazing AF system and high quality image files with great dynamic range. When he used Canon, it was the choice of Arash Hazeghi, one of the world’s premier birds in flight photographers. This body is still in production and currently sells new for $4,499.00. Save a very sweet $1800.00 by grabbing Patty’s today. artie
Rokinon 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC Wide-Angle Lens for Canon
Patty McCulloch is offering a Rokinon 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC Wide-Angle Lens for Canon in excellent plus condition for a very low $424.00. The sale includes the original box, the lens pouch the front and rear lens caps, and insured ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
This fast Wide-Angle 24mm lens works well with both APS-C & full-frame camera bodies. It yields an 84° view when used with a full-frame 35mm camera, or 57.6° when used with an APS-C camera. It is excellent for landscapes, cramped interiors, street photography and general photography of all kinds. Four low-dispersion (ED) glass elements and two aspheric elements produce sharply defined images with a minimum of flare and ghosting. The lens focuses as close as 9.84″ from the lens allowing for great creativity in the righthand. All focus and exposure functions are manual; there is no AF or auto exposure. artie & B&H
Grab Bag #1
Patty McCulloch is offering an eclectic grab bag of the items below for the incredibly low price of $299.00. The total value of this package new is just under $800.00.
Canon Angle Finder C. The Angle Finder C lets you adjust the viewing angle while also providing a 1.25x to 2.5x switchable magnification. Provided with built-in variable diopter correction, supplied with Finder Adapters Ec-C, Ed-C to fit any EOS camera. Sells new for $199.00.
Canon Extension Tube EF 25 II. Extension tubes allow you to focus closer than the lenses Minimum Focusing Distance. This updated version II is fully compatible with Canon Digital EF-S lenses, as well as standard photo EF and TS-E lenses. This sells new for $139.95.
MacroPlus Extcm Auto Focus Metal Macro Extension Set for Canon EOS EF EF-S SLR Cameras. Was $29.99.
Singh-Ray 77mm LB Warming Circular Polarizer Filter. Great for your 24-105mm and 100-400mm lenses, and great for rainbows and stormy skies. Sells new for $210.00.
Sekonic L-308S Flashmate Digital Incident, Reflected & Flash Light Meter. Exceptionally portable and versatile in its design, the L-308S Flashmate Light Meter from Sekonic is a versatile meter that blends both photo and video-oriented functions into a single unit. A newer version of this sells for $219.00.
Grab Bag #1 includes all of the items above and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your grab bag will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made. Please contact Patty via e-mail.
Grab Bag #2
Patty McCulloch is offering an eclectic grab bag of the items below for the incredibly low price of $499.00. The total value of this package new is roughly $1400.00!
Think Tank Airport Security V2.0 Roller Bag in excellent condition. This is my main rolling bag. My V2.0 has been around the world with me many times. The virtually identical V3.0 sells new for $419.75.
Vanguard Up-Rise II 48 Photo Backpack in excellent plus condition. Formerly sold for $199.00. Click here to see the item.
NatureScapes Skimmer GroundPod II in excellent condition. Gets your big lens right down where the low perspectives are. This sells new for $99.95 here.
Hoodman HoodLoupe Outdoor LCD Viewfinder for 3.2″ Screens. For outdoor viewing of your rear LCD even in bright conditions. This sells new for $89.99.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. This item, the classic “standard” lens, sells new here for $125.00.
Benro TAD38CB3 Series 3 Adventure Carbon Fiber Tripod with B3 Ball Head in excellent condition. This item, no longer in production, is still available new for $440.00. Click here for info.
Grab Bag #2 includes all of the items above and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your grab bag will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made. Please contact Patty via e-mail.
Colleen Miniuk
Colleen Miniuk
I promised a few weeks ago to share the work of some really good new and different photographers with you here. In addition, I am constantly advising folks to look at as much good photography as they can. Toward that end, I urge you to check out some of Colleen Miniuk’s galleries on her website here. As a peek at her galleries will reveal, Colleen a generalist who is a really good landscape photographer. Be sure to check out her eight Natural World galleries; the images in Abstracts are superb. View, learn, and be inspired.
The Color Wheel is from Stay at Home Artist. Text and design by Colleen Miniuk.
No More Rules! Human Perception in Compositions
I received an e-mail last week with a link to a free webinar sponsored by Singh-Ray and conducted by a fine photographer named Colleen Miniuk. I watched it and enjoyed it and am pleased to share the link to the replay with you here. When I watched the webinar I thought that it did not very much apply to bird photography, but when I thought about it some more, I realized that it was very much about bird photography. I especially enjoyed her comments on color and of course, her comments on image design.
Colleen uses lots of Singh-Ray filters. If you are inspired to purchase a filter or two after watching the webinar, please remember to use the ARTIE10 code at checkout to save ten percent. My favorites are the 77mm circular polarizer and the 77 and 95mm ND filters. Visit the Singh-Ray webs here.
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 :).
We headed over early on Monday morning to Sebastian Inlet with hopes of photographing diving Ospreys and Royal Terns catching fish. There was zero action at the inlet, so I did some of the beach wildflowers: Dune Sunflower and Railroad Vine, a lovely purple morning glory. Then we packed up and drove north in the park to do Wood Storks and terns visiting the cast-netting fisherman. We succeeded. Then I found and photographed some perfect pink Seaside Jackbean blossoms near a small fishing pier.
We wound up staying so long that when we finally got to McDonald’s in Vero Beach, I was too late for Breakfast Burritos!
We will be headed down to the lake here at ILE at about 7:30am this morning, Tuesday 29 SEPT 2020. We head over to DeSoto on Wednesday and will be meeting multiple IPT veteran Bill Schneider for two days of private instruction. We head back home midday on Sunday.
Wanted to Buy
I have someone looking to purchase a used Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens. If you have one that you would like to sell, please get in touch via e-mail.
Great Topaz News (Corrected)!
I did not realize that folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to use this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said on Sunday and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro back in stock!
We received a dozen Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pros via DHL. We ordered twenty … Anita North has been using one and said, “With my weak fingers, the Levered-Clamp is a Godsend.
Via e-mail From Derek Hallum
Thank you so very much Artie! You and Patrick did a spectacular job with the SONY e-Guide and Video. They helped me tremendously! Much love to you and your family. Sincerely, Derek Hallum
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list at the bottom of the page.
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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save 3% on all orders. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
114 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Sterna Tern diving
Jerking the Lens
This is another image from our mega-feeding spree day at DeSoto. The tern emerged from the water with a small baitfish. When it dropped the fish, the bird headed down after it. Rapidly! To keep the bird in the frame, I jerked the lens forcefully downward. SONY AF kept up, but jerking the lens down so violently caused motion blur (as expected). Note: a faster shutter speed would have helped somewhat; 1/8000 second would have been much better (at the cost of a much higher ISO).
Before Topaz Sharpen AI came into my life, this would have been an insta-delete. With Sharpen AI I was able to transform it into a respectable keeper. Is the master file a super-sharp family jewel? Absolutely not, but it is more than use-able for a great variety of purposes.
This image was a rather large crop. The master TIF file immediately above represents just a shade more than 40% of the original pixels. I am anxious to get Topaz Gigapixel AI downloaded (we have dreadfully slow internet here at ILE) and running and see how it does with the master TIF file for this image. I will let you know how that goes.
Be sure to click on the image and view the larger version.
With the Sandwich Tern image featured in the Late to the Topaz Party … Two Totally Amazing Before and After Screen Captures! blog post here, the Focus setting saved the day because the bird’s head was in front of the plane of focus. With today’s featured image, the Stabilize setting did the trick. The most amazing part of the whole thing is that Auto knew which setting would be best for each image.
I converted the image in Capture One. In Photoshop, I ran Sharpen AI on its own layer and then did some bill clean-up. I finished by selecting the bird’s head and applying a Contrast Mask for a bit of additional sharpening. All but the C-1 conversion (along with tons more) 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 and has helped literally thousands of folks to improve their Photoshop skills.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
San Diego 2021 Brown Pelican IPT
January 12 thru the morning session on January 16, 2021. Four full and one-half day: $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 7.
Introductory Meet and Greet at 7:00pm on the evening before the IPT begins: MON JAN 11, 2021.
Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting with eggs and possibly chicks) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Duck; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals (depending on the current regulations) and California Sea Lions; and Bird of Paradise flowers. And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.
Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.
Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not
Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on the exposure situation along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and the subject of blinkies. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode and to get the right exposure every time as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant. And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.
Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
It Ain’t Just Pelicans
With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning there is usually some excellent flight photography as well. And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of all of those opportunities. And depending on the weather and local conditions and tides, there are a variety of fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego.
Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The San Diego Details
This IPT will include five 3 1/2-hour morning photo sessions, four 2 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, four lunches, and after-brunch image review and Photoshop sessions. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well.
A $599 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. You can send a check (made out to “Arthur Morris) to us at BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 3385, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due immediately after you sign up. Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for both big international trips and US-based IPTs is highly recommended as we never know what life has in store for us. I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance. Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options you can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. My family and I use and depend on the great policies offered by TIS whenever we travel. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check or running your credit card. Whenever purchasing travel insurance, be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late
On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.
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 :).
After nine great days at DeSoto, Anita North and I enjoyed a nice morning with the Mother’s Day crane family on Saturday. With Anita’s help, I spent the afternoon getting acquainted with Topaz Sharpen AI and with Topaz DeNoise AI. In short, I was astounded. As you read on, do understand that I am just scratching the surface with these two amazingly effective plug-ins. I need to learn about the options other than Auto.
Great Topaz News (Corrected)!
I did not realize that folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to use this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I have said often, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you think like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). It will take me a few days to put this short guide together. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
I learned some neat stuff about the two Topaz plug-ins in Alan Murphy’s recent Image Processing Webinar. Those interested in purchasing that or his previous excellent webinars, can view the options by clicking here.
I was glad to learn that IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his second Canon EOS 5D Mark IV body, this one in excellent plus condition with the Really Right Stuff B5D4-L L-plate, for $1379.00 (was $1479.00) the day we dropped the price two days ago. Yesterday, I sold Patty McCulloch’s Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro Lens before it was even listed! That is a neat trick :). I will be posting Patty’s complete listings (including a Canon 600 II) here soon.
Today is Sunday, 27 September 2020. Anita and I will be heading down to the lake early. L’Shana Tova to all of BAA’s Jewish friends as they bring in the new year. And L’Chaim to all.
Via e-mail From Derek Hallum
Thank you so very much Artie! You and Patrick did a spectacular job with the SONY e-Guide and Video. They helped me tremendously! Much love to you and your family. Sincerely, Derek Hallum
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list at the bottom of the page.
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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save 3% on all orders. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Sandwich Tern diving
The Situation I
This image was created during the mega-feeding spree at DeSoto. The site that is often the location of such sprees is detailed in the Fort DeSoto Site Guide here. I was somewhat dismayed when I viewed the head of the tern under the Loupe in Capture One. I thought that it was soft because of motion blur. But Topaz Sharpen AI revealed that I was wrong. After first hearing about the amazing Topaz AI Plug-ins from multiple IPT veteran Larry Master and then from good friend Anita North, I finally decided that this was something I needed to get into … So I did. See Image #2 below to learn about the effectiveness of Topaz Sharpen AI.
So why was the head unsharp?
Folks might ask, “If SONY a9 ii AF is so great, why was the head of the Sandwich Tern unsharp?” Consider that the optimized image above was cropped a fair bit from above and from our left. That means that in the original (RAW) file, the bird was farther down in the frame. That indicates that I did not pan quite quickly enough. And because of that, Center Zone Continuous AF had grabbed focus on the bird’s wings and back. With the bird angling slightly toward me, the bird’s head was in front of the plane of focus. In short, as is often the case, operator error was the culprit. Keep reading to learn about Topaz Sharpen AI magic.
Click on the image to view to and be amazed by the larger version.
Anita North showed me that there are three sharpening options in Topaz Sharpen AI, Sharpen, Stabilize, and Focus. As I originally thought that the unsharpness of the head was due to motion blur, I first tried Stabilize but that did not do much. In his recent Image Processing Webinar, Alan Murphy stated that Auto is a great place to start with Sharpen AI, and Anita North seconded that. When I hit Auto, the system picked Focus. That was when I realized that the unsharp head was not caused by motion blur, but by the fact that focus was on the bird’s back and wings.
The result, as you can see in the screen capture above, was astounding. The unsharp head was rendered sharp with a single click. No crunchiness or pixilation appeared, and there were no halos. In short, Topaz Sharpen AI is a quite miraculous plug-in.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed beautifully. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #3: Great Egret grab shot in the dark
The Situation II
As always, we were at the beach early. It was cloudy and dark. I began trying to create a pleasing blur or two, but when a Caspian Tern began fishing right in front of me, I went to sharp: 1/2000 second at f/6.3 and ISO 10000. What the hay? When the Great Egret in Image #3 flew right to left toward Hidden Lagoon, I figured that the exposure for the large tern would work pretty well for the egret, so I acquired focus and fired off three quick frames, not expecting much. I was surprisingly pleased by the one decent keeper. But even with a close-to-perfect exposure — that thanks to my continuing work with RawDigger, there was more than enough noise to go around at ISO 10000, especially on the bush-background. Enter Topaz DeNoise AI.
If you click on the image to view the larger version, you will be — as I was — astounded.
Here, a screen capture is worth well more than a thousand words. With a single click, again on Auto, the background was rendered smooth-as-the-proverbial-baby’s-tush. And the subject was sharpened (without appearing to be overly smoothed). In short, amazing.
Those who would ask “Where is the fine-feather detail?” are missing two important points:
1- We often perceive noise as detail.
2- As I have pointed out about a zillion times in the Avian Forum at BirdPhotographer’s.Net, white feathers in soft light almost never show any fine detail — it is simply the nature of the beast.
Bosque del Apache 2019 IPT
Notice the incredible variety of images that you can learn to make by developing your skills and your creative vision on a BAA IPT.
Bosque del Apache NWR 2020 IPT
NOV 18 (afternoon session) thru the morning session on November 23, 2020. 5 DAYS. Four full and two half days. $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 6.
Extra Day Options: Please e-mail to learn about the before or after In-the-Field Day options.
The very best news is that the 2020 Festival of the Cranes has been canceled so we will be able to visit on what are usually the perfect dates!
I quit going to Bosque several years ago as conditions had worsened each year for several seasons running. In 2018, things had improved dramatically and in 2019 the photography was great. Simply put, I know Bosque better than anyone. Join me to learn how wind and sky conditions influence bird photography, how to create dramatic sunrise and sunset silhouettes, how to be in the right place at the right time, and how to create contest-winning blurs. As usual, you will learn to get the right exposure every time, to use your camera’s AF system to create pleasing, balanced image designs, and to improve your flight photography skills.
We should get to photograph many thousands of Snow Geese, more than a few blastoffs, some Ross’s Geese, and lots of Sandhill Cranes in the water, taking flight and flying. Depending on local conditions we may get to shoot some ducks: point-blank American Wigeon and Wood Duck. With any luck, we might enjoy sunrises and sunsets that leave you in tears. Live, eat, and breathe photography with one of (if not the) world’s premier photographic educators at one of his very favorite locations on the planet. Top-notch Photoshop instruction. Join me to learn to think like a pro and to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather. Every time we make a move, I will let you know why. When you get home, applying what you learned will prove to be invaluable.
Lunch is included.
To Register
To register, send your $500 deposit — check made out to BIRDS AS ART — via US Mail to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Or call Jim weekdays at 863-692-0906 to put your non-refundable deposit on a credit card. Balances must be paid in full by check no later than two months before the IPT. If you cancel due to COVID 19 concerns, all of your payments will be refunded.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for both big international trips and US-based IPTs is highly recommended as we never know what life has in store for us. I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance. Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options you can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. My family and I use and depend on the great policies offered by TIS whenever we travel. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check or running your credit card. Whenever purchasing travel insurance, be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
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 :).
Mornings at DeSoto have continued to be fabulous. The morning of Thursday, 24 September 2020 was blast-off at the beach day. Large flocks of skimmers, Laughing Gulls, and shorebirds (mostly winter plumage Red Knots) took flight in swirling maelstroms every ten minutes or so. In addition. Anita and I had lots of chances on bathing terns and skimmers, diving Brown Pelicans, and more than a few Marbled Godwits. Even though I left my neutral density filters at home :(, the broken clouds allowed me to create some pretty nice pleasing blurs.
Please take a moment to leave a comment and let us know which of the three crops of the ruffed spoonbill image below is your favorite. And why. Many thanks for that.
Want to be inspired by some great images? See the BAA San Diego Gallery here. Then scroll down for info on the 2021 San Diego IPT.
Via e-mail From Derek Hallum
Thank you so very much Artie! You and Patrick did a spectacular job with the SONY e-Guide and Video. They helped me tremendously! Much love to you and your family. Sincerely, Derek Hallum
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save 3% on all orders. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
114 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list at the bottom of the page.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Price Dropped $100.00 on 9/24!
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard is offering a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV body in excellent plus condition with Really Right Stuff B5D4-L L-plate for only $1379.00 (was $1479.00). This body recently underwent the 18-point Canon Maintenance Service with Canon Professional Services. The sale includes the body cap, one Canon LP-E6N battery, the LC-E6 charger, the unused Canon camera strap, the English Instruction Manual, the original product box, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Certified bank check or no-fee, near-instant bank transfer with Zelle. Or, PayPal +4%.
Please contact Mark via e-mail or by phone at 831-539-3200 (Pacific time zone).
What can I say? The 5D IV was my favorite ever Canon digital dSLR. I owned and used three of them while my 1DX II sat on the shelf in my garage for the most part. If you have been dreaming of a 5D IV, grab Mark’s camera body right now and save a cool $1120.00! artie
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, but 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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save 3% on all orders. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly.
Image #1: Roseate Spoonbill with ruff — the full frame original
The Situation
With last week’s heavy rains, there were large rain pools in the picnic area adjacent to the North Beach parking lots. They have since dried up. Photographing the White Ibises and the spoonbills there while feeding was a difficult task at best even though the birds were tame. In late afternoons the spoonbills would take a break from foraging and stand on the limestone road between the big puddles and the Gulf to rest and preen.
Using our best stalking techniques, we were able to approach the spoonies to within about 25 feet. Knowing what I was after, I had mounted the 2X TC on the 600 GM before we literally worked out tails off to get close. It is always a thrill to get close to gorgeous birds in nice light, but the physical price was a high one. We knee-walking and advanced on our butts for about 20 yards. Definitely not fun. For me it was physically taxing because kneeling was a bit too high and sitting was a bit too low. With both of those, the clean green backgrounds were not possible. And the in-between was not comfortable at all. But in the end, it was well worth it.
I made some images with the lens pointed down a bit, and I made some vertical originals, but those did not have enough depth-of-field to cover the bill tip. I was so excited and nervous when the bird that was right down sun angle — the bird with the lovely collar of white feathers around its neck. — looked right down the lens barrel at me for several seconds that I choked just a bit on the image design. But even looking on the back of the camera, I knew that I had gotten something good and that there were several nice crops available.
a7r iv Crop-ability
Sharp a7r iv image files, even those created at 1200mm, can stand up to a variety of large crops. The flattened 8-bit file for the smallest of the lot, Image #4 (below), still comes in at a very handsome 55.1 MBs.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #2: Roseate Spoonbill with ruff — pano crop
The Pano Crop
My first thought was the a boxy (near-square) crop would work well. But when fiddling around with the Crop Tool I came upon a pano crop almost by accident and thought that it looked pretty good.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #3: Roseate Spoonbill with ruff — boxy crop
The Boxy Crop
I am generally not a big fan of boxy crops, but when the shoe fits, I choose to wear it. While the out-of-camera proportions of 3X2 and 2X3 are my favorites, I am not at all wedded to them. Here, the boxy crop worked quite well with this wonderful subject emphasizing the ruff while including all the pink that I had in the original frame.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly.
Image #4: Roseate Spoonbill with ruff — tight vertical
The 2X3 Vertical Crop
When I viewed this image on the back of the camera for the first time, a tight, 2X3 vertical crop came to mind immediately. This crop emphasizes the ruff to the max at the expense of eliminating all of the pink feathers.
Your Favorite?
Please take a moment to leave a comment and let us know which of the three crops is your favorite. And why.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
San Diego 2021 Brown Pelican IPT
January 12 thru the morning session on January 16, 2021. Four full and one-half day: $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 7.
Introductory Meet and Greet at 7:00pm on the evening before the IPT begins: MON JAN 11, 2021.
Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting with eggs and possibly chicks) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Duck; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals (depending on the current regulations) and California Sea Lions; and Bird of Paradise flowers. And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.
Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.
Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not
Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on the exposure situation along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and the subject of blinkies. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode and to get the right exposure every time as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant. And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.
Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
It Ain’t Just Pelicans
With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning there is usually some excellent flight photography as well. And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of all of those opportunities. And depending on the weather and local conditions and tides, there are a variety of fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego.
Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The San Diego Details
This IPT will include five 3 1/2-hour morning photo sessions, four 2 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, four lunches, and after-brunch image review and Photoshop sessions. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well.
A $599 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. You can send a check (made out to “Arthur Morris) to us at BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 3385, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due immediately after you sign up. Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for both big international trips and US-based IPTs is highly recommended as we never know what life has in store for us. I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance. Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options you can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. My family and I use and depend on the great policies offered by TIS whenever we travel. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check or running your credit card. Whenever purchasing travel insurance, be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late
On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.
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 :).
On Tuesday we enjoyed a wonderful early morning with tame pink spoonbills, still blue water, and soft early morning sunlight. We returned to the scene of Monday’s huge tern and gull feeding spree and found the birds on bait but hundreds of yards from the beach. There have been more than a few immature Little Blue Herons at DeSoto for the past few days and I have created some really nice images of this usually hard to photograph plumage (at least for me).
I was thrilled to learn yesterday that Karen McCormick sold all three of her Nikon bodies for the full asking price within two days of their being listed on the Used Gear Page.
If you enjoyed the Alan Murphy webinar last night and are inspired to get on the Topaz bandwagon, please remember to use this link. Highly recommended are Sharpen AI, Denoise AI, or better yet, The Utility Bundle.
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list at the bottom of the page.
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 (without the shipping). 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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
114 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
This image was created by Anita North at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL on the morning of Saturday 19 September 2020. She used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 400. The best exposure was determined via Zebra evaluation with ISO on the read dial as detailed in The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide and One Camera Set-up Video. 1/2000sec. at f/6.3. ABW at 8:43am in mostly sunny conditions. Anita has been using RawDigger for about a month and her exposures have improved dramatically; this one was perfect.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020: Anita North
Image #1: Sandwich Tern braking to land
A Stunner by Anita North
Image #1 is full frame as it came out of the camera. It was created a day before the huge feeding spree. The bird was flying in to join a large pile of skimmers and terns roosting on the beach. Anita nailed this one: super light, right on sun angle, a great wing position with nary an underwing shadow, and the subject placed perfectly between the breaking wave and the distance horizon. Kudos to Anita and thanks for allowing me to share this fine image here.
Yikes, I almost forgot to mention the incredible sharpness. Why? It is pretty much par for the course with the SONY a9 ii. Paired with the 200-600, it is a valuable and versatile bird photography rig.
Birds In Flight Tips
At the huge feeding spree on Monday, Anita was having a bit of trouble acquiring focus, so we went over a few basics:
1: Be sure that the Limit Range switch on the lens is set to “not full” so that the lens does not have to waste time focusing down to the minimum focusing distance (MFD) of the lens.
2: Pre-focus on the water at or beyond the spot where the bird will be.
3: Zoom out slightly when acquiring focus and then zoom in. This works especially well with SONY zoom lenses which often have a bit of trouble acquiring focus when zoomed in completely, that is, when zoomed to the longest focal length.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #2: Sandwich Tern landing at mixed flock
What Would You Do With This Image?
There are lots of problems:
1: The bird is right-of-center in the frame when it should be left-of-center.
2: The birds at the bottom of the frame are mega distracting. (Sometimes zooming out a lot wider to include the flock below the landing bird in the frame is an option.
3: The position of the breaking wave behind the bird is somewhat distracting (but there was nothing that I could do about that in post-processing.
Would you keep this image or delete it?
Image #3 was created from Image #2.
Image #3: The optimized version of Image #2: Sandwich Tern landing now without the birds below
The Image Optimization in Photoshop
After converting the RAW image in Capture One Pro 20, I opened the TIF in Photoshop for major clean-up and re-construction. First I used Content-Aware Fill Crop to add a good deal of canvas on the right, cropped from the left, and then leveled the image. The first two steps moved the bird to right-of-center in the frame where it belonged. To eliminate the birds at bottom of the frame I used the Clone Stamp Tool to clear the bottom frame-edge and then used my usual cadre of clean-up tools to eliminate the cut off and distracting birds at the bottom: the Patch Tool, Content-Aware Fill, and several Quick Masks refined with Regular Layer Masks.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II).
You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)
The techniques mentioned above and tons more (with the exception of Capture One RAW Conversions) — 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.
You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair. Folks can learn sophisticated sharpening and (NeatImage) Noise Reduction techniques in The Professional Post Processing Guide by Arash Hazeghi and edited by yours truly. Please use this link to purchase NeatImage.
To introduce folks to our MP.4 videos and the basics involved in applying more NeatImage noise reduction to the background and less on the subject, I’d be glad to send you a free copy of the Free Noise Reduction Basics MP.4 Video.. Simply click to shoot me an e-mail to get your free copy.
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 :).
I forgot to mention yesterday that if you register for tonight’s webinar knowing that you cannot watch it live, you will receive a viewing link that will be good for one week. That’s how will see it as I am an early-to-bed, early-to-rise kind of guy.
Tuesday September 22, 2020. 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Central Time Zone
FOCUSED WILD PHOTO ADVENTURES welcomes back Alan Murphy to show us how he processes his images. 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
Presets and preferences for Adobe Camera Raw.
How to use the adjustment brush in ACR.
When to use Topaz DeNoise in your workflow.
How to create an action for the best mask.
Creating a graduated fill background.
How to using the Liquify tool.
I can’t wait for this one! I am always looking to learn something new in Photoshop. In tomorrow’s webinar, Alan shares his favorite Photoshop tricks, processing tips, and demonstrates how he uses Topaz software in his workflow. Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master has been raving about the new Topaz AI stuff for many months and more recently, Anita North has been doing the same. I can’t wait to hear Alan’s take on the Topaz AI stuff. You will be hearing lots on it from me in a week or two.
If you are inspired by Alan’s program to purchase a Topaz product or bundle, please use this link.
Mornings at DeSoto have been different and phenomenal. Saturday it rained and we did well. Sunday was cloudy with a northeast wind. We did well. And on a sunny Monday with more northeast winds we enjoyed the biggest tern feeding spree I have ever seen: a mixed flock of Sandwich, Forster’s, and Common Terns dove to feed ravenously on huge schools of tiny baitfish. Not to mention that the spoonbill photography has been dependable and the birds are tame. Afternoons have mostly been poor except for Friday when we slaughtered the spoonbills at a7r iv/1200mm. Images soon.
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 as I set up my backyard for bird photography.
Tuesday September 22, 2020. 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Central Time Zone
FOCUSED WILD PHOTO ADVENTURES welcomes back Alan Murphy to show us how he processes his images. 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
Presets and preferences for Adobe Camera Raw.
How to use the adjustment brush in ACR.
When to use Topaz DeNoise in your workflow.
How to create an action for the best mask.
Creating a graduated fill background.
How to using the Liquify tool.
I can’t wait for this one! I am always looking to learn something new in Photoshop. In tomorrow’s webinar, Alan shares his favorite Photoshop tricks, processing tips, and demonstrates how he uses Topaz software in his workflow. Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master has been raving about the new Topaz AI stuff for many months and more recently, Anita North has been doing the same. I can’t wait to hear Alan’s take on the Topaz AI stuff. You will be hearing lots on it from me in a week or two.
If you are inspired by Alan’s program to purchase a Topaz product or bundle, please use this link.
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.
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.
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.
I state often that one of the best ways to improve your nature photography is to look at as many really good photographs as possible. I do that often on Bird Photographer’s.Net (though not as often as I should). And I am continually looking at the websites of the world’s best avian photographers in an effort to be inspired and to improve my skills. I have found some great new ones recently. Over the next month or so I will be sharing some of my top finds with you.
Walter Baliero has been a friend for about a decade. I learned of him through a mutual friend. My travels to the Falklands and to the Southern Oceans often require a one or a two day stop in Santiago, Chile. On those visits, I always try to work in a trip or two with Walter as my guide. On the first day of a two-day layover, we ride up into the mountains in search of some good condor photography. The second day, we travel west and a bit south to Viña del Mar on the coast to photograph Inca Tern, Peruvian Pelican, Peruvian Gannet, and a host of other coastal species.
To read the entire article (excerpted below) and see a few additional images, click here. If you will be stopping over in Santiago, Chile and would like to explore the possibility of a day or two with Walter, get in touch with me by e-mail and I will put you in touch with Walter.
I mentioned that there have been as many as 15 spoonbills feeding in the rain pools — some as deep as eight inches! — adjacent to the North Beach parking lots. When they are actively feeding, it is very difficult to make a decent image. On Friday afternoon, we combined some good luck with excellent technique and got some stunning photos at 1200mm. Images and the complete story here soon.
I was glad to learn recently of the following:
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon 11-24mm f/4L USM lens in near mint condition for $1530.00 (was $1599.00) in mid-September 2020.
Multiple IPT veteran Morris Herstein sold his Sony a9 in mint condition (with about 900 actuations) for the bargain price of $2498.00 just a few days after listing it in early September.
BIRDS AS ART
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Recent Sales list at the bottom of the page.
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 (without the shipping). 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 need 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 overnight 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 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. 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.
This image was created in the Andes Mountains of Chile with the Nikon 200-400 at 400mm and the Nikon D7000.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2019: Walter Baliero
Please click on the image to see a larger and inexplicably sharper version.
The Andean Condor is emblematic of the Andes. Thinking of a condors evokes images of towering mountains punctuated by snow-capped peaks and a large dark bird crossing the skies at great height. In this photographic journey Walter Baliero tells us about his experiences photographing the Andean Condor.
This image was created in the Andes Mountains of Chile with the Nikon 200-400 at 280mm and the Nikon D7000.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2019: Walter Baliero
Please click on the image to see a larger and inexplicably sharper version.
Image #2: Andean Condor perched female
Photographing the Andean Condor In the Andes of Chile
by Walter Baliero
The magnificent Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is a lure to photographers, but getting photos of them has its challenges. Getting a shot of this adult male and female took some preparation. I had to carry the appropriate bait and my photographic equipment over Chilean Andean mountains at an elevation of 3,000 m (9842.52 ft) to access a cliff known to have Condors riding the thermals. At this location, the world’s largest flying bird is seen regularly.
Although its distribution extends throughout most of the high Andes of South America, it is from Peru to southern Chile, where the Andean Condor occurs in higher numbers. I have been lucky to have had up to 35 birds in front of me (at one time). The Andean Condor is a rather curious and confident bird that is not afraid of humans, at least in flight. When perched or standing near a carcass, they are more skittish. On several occasions adults and juvenile condors have flown within about 15 meters above my head; I was able to hear the sound of their wing feathers cutting through the oxygen-thin Andean air.
This image was created in the Andes Mountains of Chile with a Nikon 500mm f/4 VR lens, the TC-E14, and the the Nikon D810.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2019: Walter Baliero
Please click on the image to see a larger and inexplicably sharper version.
Image #3: Immature Andean Condor in flight
Condors around Santiago, Chile
The spot where I photograph the condors is just 40 km away from the capital city, Santiago de Chile. The proximity of this location allows me to arrive in the morning and return home at night, without having to spend the night in the area. It gets cold up there. The spot where I shot these pictures is located near Farellones – a small mountain town at 2,600 m of altitude – the road s paved; therefore, getting there does not require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. In just under an hour from the city, I’m with the condors nearly every day. One can see condors near the town but, I prefer to walk a kilometer up to a spot where I can isolate myself from interference from curious people and the background noise of cars on the nearby road.
It is not uncommon to see the Andean Condor flying over urban areas. Condors are cathartids; they belongs to the vulture family. The Andean Condor is a scavenger. Personally, and for many years photographing this species, I have never seen a condor attack even a small live lizard; it always feeds on decomposing carcasses. After detecting a carcass, condors tend to watch it staying in the air in the vicinity until it is rotten enough for them to begin feeding. The guts and other parts of the carcass’s insides are accessed through the animal’s orifices. The Condor’s claws are weak, and its hind toe is small without the ability to grasp. They use their strong hooked beak to tear pieces of flesh from the carcass.
This image was created in the Andes Mountains of Chile with a Nikon 500mm f/4 VR lens, the TC-E14, and the the Nikon D810.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2019: Walter Baliero
Please click on the image to see a larger and inexplicably sharper version.
Image #4: Male Andean Condor in flight
Condors, the Masters of Flight
Condors are masters of flight, gliding their way through the Andean mountain tops. They roost and breed on the ledges and small caves of vertical cliffs known as condoreras. But such places with the right conditions for condors to use as roosting and breeding sites are few and far between. Many condoreras are likely to have been used by condors for thousands of years.
The Andean Condor can glide for hours without flapping its wings. Yes, they flap when they take off from the ground after feeding. Other than that, they can cover long distances without flapping their wings once. The cold morning air trapped in deep ravines where condors roost begins to warm up with the rising sun. When the conditions are right, condors jump off their perches and effortlessly begin to soar in circles as they gain altitude. Some stay on the ledges incubating eggs or taking care of the young.
This image was created by me on a trip with Walter to the Andes Mountains with Canon 500mm f/4L IS, the 1.4X TC, and the EOS 5D Mark III.
Image copyright 2012: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Please click on the image to see a larger and inexplicably sharper version.
Image #5: Male Andean Condor in flight
Condors on the Decline …
Unfortunately, the Andean Condor is often an unintended victim of the fight between ranchers and pumas (mountain lions) (Puma concolor) that often kill their livestock. When a puma starts killing sheep, it often becomes used to such easy prey and keeps returning for more. Ranchers bait pumas with poisoned carcasses. However, these carcasses are also found by condors looking for food. They consume the poisoned bait and die. This unintended killing of condors is a severe problem and a substantial source of condor mortality.
Walter Baliero is a professional photographer specializing in bird photography; he is based in Chile. For many years he has been conducting photo safaris, guiding photographers of different nationalities, especially those interested in the Andean Condor. He also gives workshops on this species.
If In Doubt …
If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.
The Greatest-ever Bald Eagle Experience IPTs
IPT #1: SAT 20 FEB 2021 through the full day on THURS 25 FEB, 2021. Six full days: $5499.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 4.
IPT #2: SAT 27 FEB 2021 through the full day on WED 3 MAR 2021. Five full days: $4599.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 4
Please note the slightly revised dates for IPT #2 above.
From Homer, Alaska
We will do two 2-hour or one 4-hour boat trip to Kachemak Bay each day (weather permitting). Our schedule will be flexible and driven by the wind and sky conditions. We will have numerous and varied mind-boggling opportunities to photograph Bald Eagle, a hugely popular species. We will be feeding the eagles to attract them into photographic range. The trip is costly because chartering the boat is expensive, the fish are very expensive at $1.25/pound (all on me), the cost of breakfasts and one sit-down meal/day are included, hotel to dock transfers are included, as is lodging (double-occupancy). The cost of a single supplement is $90.00/night
We will do lots of flight photography from the boat and on land until you can no longer lift your lens. We will get off the boat on various islands to photograph the birds both perched and in flight. This species takes five years to reach maturity; we will get to photograph birds of all age-classes from juvenile plumage to full adults with their gleaming white heads (and everything in between). There will be numerous informal Image Editing, Photoshop, and Image Review sessions throughout each trip. As I am conversant in Canon, Nikon, and SONY I can help you better understand your gear no matter what you are shooting.
Going up earlier than all other tours this year proved to be fantastic with tons of snow on the ground to light up the eagle’s underwings. You will usually not enjoy those conditions on the March tours (unless you are very lucky). In addition, the eagles are more ravenous early in the season. In FEB 2020 we often had 30-40 or more eagles in the air around the boat with as many as 75 perched in trees or resting on the black sand beaches. Folks who want to do some photography locally during downtime may wish to rent a vehicle.
All images copyright 2020: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Click on the card to enjoy a larger version
Homer 2020 IPT Images
It is best to register right now to save your spot. Register for both trips and apply a $300 discount.
A $2000 credit card deposit is required to hold your spot. Call Jim ASAP at the office weekdays at 863-692-0906 to leave your deposit. Your balance will be payable only by check no later than November 31, 2020. If you fail to pay your balance, your spot will be forfeited to someone on the waiting list and you will lose your deposit. If you plan on joining me, please e-mail immediately or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372 with any questions or to let me know of your plans. First come, first served.
Not included: your round-trip airfare from home to Homer, AK through Anchorage and back. Your second sit-down meal each day. Alcoholic beverages at our sit-down meal.
All images copyright 2020: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART except for Sea Otter with pup which is courtesy of and copyright 2020: Anita North
Click on the card to enjoy a larger version
Homer 2020 IPT Images
On the Homer IPTs you will learn:
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
6- To spot good situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
11- More than you could ever imagine.
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 :).
At 6:50am on Thursday, there was a long line of cars waiting for the gate to open at DeSoto. I believe that the entry time has been pushed back from 6:30am to 7:00am. As the road is now gated in both directions, it is no longer possible for folks with Annual Beach Parking Permits to enter early.
The weather, to say the least, was unsettled. More on that below.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.
Nikon Camera Body Bargains!
Nikon D5 dSLR Professional Digital Camera Body (XQD Version)
BAA Record-low Price!
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon D5 in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $3200.00. The sale includes a SONY 64GB XQD card and reader, the front body cap, the strap, the battery & the charger, the original product box, 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.
The D5 is Nikon’s vaunted professssional digital camera body. It is fast and features Nikon’s best AF system. I used mine with success with all of my Nikon lenses including and especially the 80-400, thee 200-500, the 500 PF, and the 600 f/4 VR (the latter often with the TC-E14. The D5 sells for $5,496.95 new right now so you can save an amazing $2296.95 by grabbing Karen’s D5 now! artie
Nikon D500 dSLR Digital Camera Body
BAA Record-low Price!
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon D500 in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $750.00. The sale includes a SONY 64GB XQD card, the front body cap, the strap, the battery & charger, the original product box, 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.
The D500 is Nikon’s top-of-the-line crop factor body. It multiplies your focal length by 1.5X. Joe Przybyla and Dan Kearl, both excellent photographers on Bird Photographer’s.Net, use the D500 as their workhorse camera bodies. Joe, the co-author of The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide, was after this old dog for a long time to try a D500. The D500 sells new right now for $1,496.95; save a cool $746.95 by grabbing Karen’s camera body now. artie
Nikon D800 dSLR Digital Camera Body
BAA Record-low Price!
Karen is offering a Nikon D800 in very good condition for a very low $450.00. The sale includes the: front body cap, the strap, the battery & charger, the original product box, 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.
The Nikon D800 is a 36.3-megapixel professional-grade full-frame dSLR. It was succeeded by the more expensive D810 and then but the still more expensive D850. The D800 was best known for its superb image files. artie
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
114 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase of more than $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: birders at North Beach in the rain
Thursday Morning Downpours
As we were getting our gear ready, Anita said, “Look, there are patches of blue here and there.” Those among huge, dark, ominous clouds that stretched from horizon to horizon. Two minutes later I looked to the east and saw a wall of water coming at us. I called out and we quickly got back into the SUV. The strange thing is that it was almost as if we were in a liquid atmosphere rather than in a rainstorm. Five minutes later we both grabbed our 200-600/a9 ii rigs and headed for the sandbar.
No More Sandbar Secrets
Outback Key has been forming for more than a few years. Two years ago, getting onto the ever-shifting bar was tricky. Now, you can park in pretty much any but the most northwestern-most North Beach lot, walk to the Gulf, and cross to the bar on pretty much any tide. Do cross carefully and take small steps as there are some tree roots in small stumps in the channel.
Thursday and Friday morning found large flocks of Black Skimmers, Royal, Sandwich, and Forster’s Terns, lots of young and adult Laughing Gulls, a few Ring-billed Gulls, and two adult and one immature Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Among the wading birds were hundreds of White Ibises, Great and Snowy Egrets, Tricolored, Great Blue, and Little Blue Heron along with as many as fifteen immature Roseate Spoonbills. Few than usual Brown Pelicans were seen diving off shore. As usual, there was a host of shorebird species including American Oystercatcher, Marbled Godwit, Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Short-billed Dowitcher, Western and Least Sandpipers, and Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, Piping, and Snowy Plovers. In other words, par for the course for Fort DeSoto.
Sony Camera Body Weather Sealing
Back to Thursday morning, once we hit the beach we enjoyed three rain squalls with wind and pelting rain. Each lasted about five minutes. Our only gear protection was keeping our backs to the wind. In short, our a9 ii bodies got plenty wet. The functioned just fine at least through Friday morning. And remember, at Sebastian, both of my bodies got drenched and my a7r iv took two direct saltwater hits when big waves came over my right shoulder. Both bodies are doing just fine. I would have to assume that both the a9 ii and the 7r iv bodies are superbly sealed against moisture and rain. I’ve always pushed my gear to the absolute limits and have at times, paid a big price …
Upper Left Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image courtesy of an copyright 2020: Anita North
Image #2: artie smiling with his 200-600/a9 ii rig after the rain let up a bit for a while.
Having Fun Is Important
As of Friday midday, my SONY 600 GM had remained in my SUV for all three of our shooting sessions. And Anita’s 600 GM has done the same. Walking around on a wild beach with the 200-600 G lens with an a9 ii gives one a sense of total freedom. Dragging the 600 GM around the beach is a chore despite its astoundingly light weight. Working with the 2-6 on the other hand is a delight, especially when you are around relatively tame birds. It is extremely versatile, relatively light in weight, it is great for birds in flight and in action, and actually focuses a good deal closer than the 600 GM. Fun at the beach is a good thing.
Thanks to Anita for the excellent photo of yours truly; I rarely like images of me, but I love this one.
Thanks Alfred Forns.
Thanks to Alfred Forns for my beloved floppy photo hat. The drapes protect me from the sun. And the soft brim makes perfect for flight photography and for putting your eye to the viewfinder. He gave me the hat as a gift more than twenty years ago. I actually had a new top sewn on when it was in complete tatters. I was best man at his wedding at a Bosque Thanksgiving meal probably fifteen years ago. Some time after that we had a falling out. If you know him — he is quite a good photographer — send him my love.
Bosque del Apache 2019 IPT
Notice the incredible variety of images that you can learn to make by developing your skills and your creative vision on a BAA IPT.
Bosque del Apache NWR 2020 IPT
NOV 18 (afternoon session) thru the morning session on November 23, 2020. 5 DAYS. Four full and two half days. $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 6.
Extra Day Options: Please e-mail to learn about the before or after In-the-Field Day options.
The very best news is that the 2020 Festival of the Cranes has been canceled so we will be able to visit on what are usually the perfect dates!
I quit going to Bosque several years ago as conditions had worsened each year for several seasons running. In 2018, things had improved dramatically and in 2019 the photography was great. Simply put, I know Bosque better than anyone. Join me to learn how wind and sky conditions influence bird photography, how to create dramatic sunrise and sunset silhouettes, how to be in the right place at the right time, and how to create contest-winning blurs. As usual, you will learn to get the right exposure every time, to use your camera’s AF system to create pleasing, balanced image designs, and to improve your flight photography skills.
We should get to photograph many thousands of Snow Geese, more than a few blastoffs, some Ross’s Geese, and lots of Sandhill Cranes in the water, taking flight and flying. Depending on local conditions we may get to shoot some ducks: point-blank American Wigeon and Wood Duck. With any luck, we might enjoy sunrises and sunsets that leave you in tears. Live, eat, and breathe photography with one of (if not the) world’s premier photographic educators at one of his very favorite locations on the planet. Top-notch Photoshop instruction. Join me to learn to think like a pro and to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather. Every time we make a move, I will let you know why. When you get home, applying what you learned will prove to be invaluable.
Lunch is included.
To Register
To register, send your $500 deposit — check made out to BIRDS AS ART — via US Mail to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Or call Jim weekdays at 863-692-0906 to put your non-refundable deposit on a credit card. Balances must be paid in full by check no later than two months before the IPT. If you cancel, all but your deposit will be refunded only if the IPT sells out.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for both big international trips and US-based IPTs is highly recommended as we never know what life has in store for us. I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance. Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options you can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. My family and I use and depend on the great policies offered by TIS whenever we travel. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check or running your credit card. Whenever purchasing travel insurance, be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
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 :).
We spent so much time repairing the ruts in the South Field that I only took nine images on Wednesday morning. Three of them were keepers.
We drove over to Gulfport on Wednesday afternoon — 20 September 2020. We will be photographing at Fort DeSoto for the next four days. Though we will miss the cranes and the vultures, it will be great to see the different birds at the beach.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
114 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase of more than $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
I-Phone 11 photo by Anita North
Note the big Osprey nest in the pine tree. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Farmer Morris at work
Repairing the Ruts
A Conversation from the Comments Section on Tuesday’s Blog Post
Bob. September 16, 2020 at 10:04 am
Dear Artie,
We have all been in a spot like that and can only laugh at it once we look back. My question for you is, “are you responsible to fix the rut damage you left in the mud? I cannot wait to see your blog on the best photograph ever! I would guess 45 pounds on the tarpon.
With love from Wisconsin, Bob
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. September 16, 2020 at 10:15 am
Hi Bob,
That is a fair question. Anita and I spent an hour on Wednesday morning repairing the ruts by flattening the sides with a rake and then smoothing things out. I was very happy with what we did, but she is a perfectionist so went back down for two additional hours after dropping me off at home to pack for DeSoto. In a few weeks, nobody will be aware of the ruts.
That said, the big mowing machines often do far more damage than I did (both, of course, unfortunate). And the same is true of other private vehicles. We are the first to repair the results of poor thinking.
with love, a
ps: so there is no real responsibility involved other than to our own morals.
The iPhone Photography e-Guide
To order your copy of the iPhone Photography e-Guide, please click here.
The PDF is sent link by e-mail for downloading: the file is relatively huge at 216 MB.
Hard to Believe
Yes, Cliff has a great eye and wonderfully creative vision. Yet it is still hard for me to believe that he can make so many great images with “just“ an i-phone. Almost more amazingly Cliff captures with his iPhone and does all of his post-processing on the phone! In this great new e-Guide written for BIRDS AS ART you will learn to use set up you iPhone quickly and efficiently and how to use it. In addition, there are dozens and dozens of tips on Cliff’s favorite apps and his favorite gear. Scroll down to the bottom to see the Table of Contents.
The iPhone Photography e-Guide: $20.00.
To order your copy of the iPhone Photography e-Guide please click here.
Dr. Cliff Oliver
Dr. Cliff Oliver is an award-winning photographer, former photography instructor for the San Diego Natural History Museum, cutting-edge integrative health care professional, and international workshop leader. He created and taught the first 5-day immersion iPhone photography workshop at Hollyhock, Canada’s premier Leadership Learning Center. He teaches quarterly iPhone photography classes at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library School of the Arts (these include Art on the iPhone, iPhoneography, Portraits and Selfies, and Practicing in the Field). His images have been on the cover of WildBird magazine, on display at Scripps Oceanography Institute, and been honored with multiple first-place finishes in the International Exhibition of Photography Del Mar. The San Diego Natural History Museum’s, “Birds of the World” centennial exhibit featured several of his images. One of his iPhone images received an honorable mention in the Athenaeum 23rd annual juried exhibition. He has displayed images at Art Speaks: Expressions of Hope and Healing and has produced a series of books, called Zen I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII that feature original images that promote inner peace. The last 4 books feature only images taken on the iPhone. He teaches individuals and groups the skills of capturing iPhone/mobile photographs and then how to create personalized works of art.
To see some of Cliff’s iPhone images, click here. Learn more about Cliff and what he does on his Center for Balance website here. And don’t forget, if I had never met Cliff I would be pushing up daisies somewhere. To request my Health Basics File that contains the whole story, please shoot me an e-mail by clicking here..
Center Zone Continuous/tracking AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection.
Image #2: Tarpon Jumping!
My Most Amazing Image Ever?
So we’re on the jetty trying for Ospreys and Royal and Sandwich Terns flying and diving. It had just finished pouring. There were Tarpon jumping clear out of the water up and down the inlet. I pointed the lens randomly at the water to pre-focus at about 100 feet when a Tarpon jumped out of the water right into my viewfinder. I fired off three frames. I just clipped the tail on the first two, but number three was both perfectly framed and perfectly sharp. Talk about amazing blind luck! My reflexes are light-years short of being able to react to a jumping fish. I had the exposure set for the terns and — as confirmed by RawDigger — it turned out to be perfect for the big sliver fish.
I’d guess that the fish in the photo weighs between thirty and forty pounds.
From where I sit, it is by far the single most amazing image I have ever created. And certainly my luckiest capture ever!
WDYT?
Any Photoshop Hanky-Panky?
If you see any evidence of Photoshop hanky-panky, please leave a comment and let us know what you think is phony. Or, is Image #2 a perfect representation of the RAW file as it came out of the camera. As always, your thoughts would be appreciated.
Bosque del Apache 2019 IPT
Notice the incredible variety of images that you can learn to make by developing your skills and your creative vision on a BAA IPT.
Bosque del Apache NWR 2020 IPT
NOV 18 (afternoon session) thru the morning session on November 23, 2020. 5 DAYS. Four full and two half days. $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 6.
Extra Day Options: Please e-mail to learn about the before or after In-the-Field Day options.
The very best news is that the 2020 Festival of the Cranes has been canceled so we will be able to visit on what are usually the perfect dates!
I quit going to Bosque several years ago as conditions had worsened each year for several seasons running. In 2018, things had improved dramatically and in 2019 the photography was great. Simply put, I know Bosque better than anyone. Join me to learn how wind and sky conditions influence bird photography, how to create dramatic sunrise and sunset silhouettes, how to be in the right place at the right time, and how to create contest-winning blurs. As usual, you will learn to get the right exposure every time, to use your camera’s AF system to create pleasing, balanced image designs, and to improve your flight photography skills.
We should get to photograph many thousands of Snow Geese, more than a few blastoffs, some Ross’s Geese, and lots of Sandhill Cranes in the water, taking flight and flying. Depending on local conditions we may get to shoot some ducks: point-blank American Wigeon and Wood Duck. With any luck, we might enjoy sunrises and sunsets that leave you in tears. Live, eat, and breathe photography with one of (if not the) world’s premier photographic educators at one of his very favorite locations on the planet. Top-notch Photoshop instruction. Join me to learn to think like a pro and to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather. Every time we make a move, I will let you know why. When you get home, applying what you learned will prove to be invaluable.
Lunch is included.
To Register
To register, send your $500 deposit — check made out to BIRDS AS ART — via US Mail to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Or call Jim weekdays at 863-692-0906 to put your non-refundable deposit on a credit card. Balances must be paid in full by check no later than two months before the IPT. If you cancel, all but your deposit will be refunded only if the IPT sells out.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for both big international trips and US-based IPTs is highly recommended as we never know what life has in store for us. I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance. Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options you can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. My family and I use and depend on the great policies offered by TIS whenever we travel. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check or running your credit card. Whenever purchasing travel insurance, be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
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 :).
In the past 24 hours, many things did not go well. Despite them all, I am feeling great and happy. See the Loving What Is feature below.
On Sunday and Monday morning I photographed at Sebastian Inlet with friend Anita North. The Osprey action was so-so, but we had lots of good chances with the fishing terns. On Sunday we photographed in cloudy very dark conditions interspersed by several downpours. We used our a9 ii bodies with the 1.4X TC and ISOs of 10,000 and higher. That morning and the next we tried the a7r iv alone on the 600 GM and crop plan (to save a full stop of ISO). Anita used Wide AF and did fairly well. I used Zone and did not do so well. a7r iv AF accuracy definitely suffers when compared to the a9 ii. I’ve noticed that once the sun comes out, a7 r iv AF does pretty well with the 600 GM, but has lots of problems making crisp images in low light.
Monday morning was totally wild at the Inlet. See the tarpon feature below. Tuesday was less wild and a lot drier and they were catching snook rather than tarpon. I forgot to mention that on Monday morning I made one of the most incredible photos in my 37 years of bird and nature photography. It was not a bird photograph. I will share the image and the story here in the next blog post.
It is now midday on Tuesday and I just finished picking my keepers from our Monday session. Once things brightened up a bit and I got to 1/2500 sec. at f/4 at ISO 1000, a7r AF performance improved drastically (as compared to AF performance in the images made at ISO 4000 and 5000 in very low light, low contrast situations.
EOS R5/24-105 Kit and several RF 100-500mm lenses available from Bedfords
I spoke with Steve Elkins on Monday and he let me know that he is getting an EOS R5/24-105 Kit at the end of this week. It has been close to impossible to get an R5. In addition, he has several RF 100-500 lenses in stock right now. See Steve’s contact info immediately below. But do not tarry. In addition, he may have several EOS R6 bodies in stock now or soon … Remember to use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to save $50 on your order.
Money Saving Reminder
If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase of more than $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Stuck in the mud with X-Drive (full time 4WD)
Hilarious Tale
I’ve been mentioning the heavy rains and my fear of getting stuck down by the lake for many weeks if not months …
On Monday, Matt, a BMW Genius, drove from Lakeland to teach me about my new X5. He was cordial and bright and extremely helpful. After an hour of lessons while sitting in my driveway, we opted to head down to the lake. We saw an adult Bald Eagle right off the bat. We made a u-turn in the driveway at the end of Banyan Drive adjacent to the South Field. As we headed back north I mentioned that though I had driven on the fields in some wet sloppy conditions, I did not completely trust the X-Drive. So, I pulled onto the grass for a road test. After a while the car began to slip. In short order, we were stuck in the mud. That was at about 2:20pm. I almost got out a few times but eventually we simply could not get any traction in the mud that was the consistency of oatmeal.
We locked the car. My friend Ralph responded to my phone call but was unable to help. Then Jim came down and drove us all back to my home. Almost six hours later, the car was safely towed out of the mud by Seasall LLC. The best news? The tow was provided free by BMW roadside assistance. It was not the fastest service, but everything worked out just fine. The car will be getting a serious bath this morning.
Releasing a Tarpon
Releasing Tarpon
On Sunday morning it was windy and wild at Sebastian Inlet. Tarpon ranging from 40 to 60 pounds were jumping clear out of the water. Fisherman hooked about a dozen of these strong, spectacular fighters. With their steel-like scales, nearly all shook the hook after short fights. One guy — with a lot of help from his friend — managed to secure the fish, remove his lure, and then release the fish. Any guesses on the weight of the fish in the image above?
Every thing that could have gone wrong …
In less than a day the following things went wrong:
1- I got stuck in the mud and could not get out.
2- The towing service took more than five hours to arrive.
3- On Tuesday morning I woke at 4:50am, late for me. My plan was to do this blog post before we went out to photograph. At first I could not get online with either our WiFi or via my cell phone.
4- When I did get online I could not access the blog because of a Trojan horse program called Cloudfare. Don’t ask. If you have experience removing this monster from a Mac computer please get in touch via e-mail.
5- Next my new MacBook Pro decided to update even though it was not plugged in. That took about 40 minutes.
6- Once I was online and ready to get to work, I discovered that the blog was down: “Cannot Access Server.”
7- I got onto the office computer to try to log in to our provider, HomePage Universe. I was unable to do so.
8- I noticed an e-mail from HomePage Universe stating that our automatic payment credit card payment had failed. The card had expired.
Anita and I left for a morning photo session at about 7:30am. I asked Jim to try to chat with the provider. He was 100% successful and by the time we got home at 9:30am, the blog was back up. Great work by Jim.
Click on the image for a larger version to make reading the fine print easier.
Learn to know peace with The Work of Byron Katie
Loving What Is
Years ago, I would have cursed my own stupidity for getting the X5 stuck in the mud, and the difficulties with the blog and Cloudfare and the expired credit card would have had me pulling my hair out. Now, thanks to The Work of Byron Katie, my stress levels for were past 24 hours were close to zero. I laughed out loud at getting stuck in the mud. And the stuff with the blog was a non-issue. I’ve gone from “these are the worst things that could have happened” to “no big deal, everything will be fixed in short order. To simplify, I have simply learned to love what is. I can hear Katie saying, “If you want to bang your head against the wall of reality, just grab your ears and have at it.”
I first became aware of The Work when struggling to heal from the loss of my beloved second wife, Elaine Belsky Morris in 1994. Doing the work on Elaine’s death helped me to heal. Finally, in 2017 I attended the Nine-Day School for the Work in Ojai, CA (along with more than 200 other folks), met Katie, and enhanced my practice of The Work. Today, The Work does not take much work as learning to hold my thoughts and beliefs up to inquiry, has become second nature. I have been told that The Work is Buddhist-like, and have been told by respected psychologists that the work is simply mumbo jumbo and could not be helping me. But it has helped me tremendously to fine peace in my life.
If you would like to see what it’s all about, click on this link. You might wind up realizing the peace and happiness are choices. You might wish to begin by reviewing some of the free YouTube videos. Then you can print a free worksheet and get to work!
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 :).
Saturday morning was spent with the Mother’s Day crane family. I left home at 5:30am headed for Sebastian Inlet despite the forecast of thunderstorms all morning. Not scattered thunderstorms, just thunderstorms …
I was glad to learn yesterday that the sale of IPT veteran Morris Herstein’s Sony a9 and the sale of IPT veteran Larry Master’s Canon 1DX Mark II are pending.
The August sales below just might keep me from having to become a greeter at Walmart:
Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master sold his Canon EOS-1DX Mark II in near-mint condition for the $2750.00 (was $2797.00) locally in early September and kindly sent me a check for 4% of the original asking price.
Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master sold his Canon Extension Tube Set, the EF 12 II and EF 25 II, in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $122.90 in late August. And he sold his Canon EOS 70D in like-new condition to a friend for $400 (was $499.00).
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV body in excellent plus condition (was $1399.00) and his Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens in near mint condition (was $549.00) to a single buyer for $1900.00 in early September.
Multiple IPT veteran and good friend William Schneider sold his Sony FE 2.8/16‑35 GM wide angle zoom lens in like-new condition for the very low price of $1400.00 (was $1498.00) in early September.
BAA friend Kay Kaylor sold her Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens in near-mint condition for a very low $524.00 (was $649.00) in early SEPT 2020.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $549.00 in early September 2020.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens in excellent condition for $1349.00, a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for $799.00, a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens in excellent plus condition for $549.00 and a Canon EF 400mm f/4L DO IS II USM lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record low $3049.00 all within the first two days of being listed in early SEPT 2020.
Dennis Bartsch sold his Canon EF 500mm f/4L USM Telephoto lens in near-mint condition for $2399.00 in mid-August 2020.
Jim Babbitt sold his Canon 500 mm f/4L IS II lens in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $5125.00 (was listed for $5248.00) the first day it was listed in late August 2020.
Ben Clemens sold his Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM in near-mint condition for $1449.00 the first day it was listing in mid-August 2020.
BAA friend Kay Kaylor sold her Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (zoom) lens in near-mint condition for the you-might-as-well-give-it-away-free price of $88.00 (was $98.00) and a Canon EF Extender 1.4X II teleconverter in near-mint condition for the BAA silly record-low price of $119.00 (was $139.00) in late August.
Dennis Westover sold his Nikon D5 dSLR (XQD version) in excellent-plus condition for a BAA record-low $3396.95 (was $3696.95) in late-AUGUST 2020.
Anita North sold her Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens in excellent condition for a BAA record-low $8265.95 (was $9265.95), a Nikon Battery Grip & Charger Kit w/two extra batteries for a ridiculously low $798.00 (was $1148.00), and a Sony a7 r iii Mirrorless Digital Camera body in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low-by-far price of $998.00 (was 1198.00). The a7r ii had a nick on the rear monitor, no battery, and no eye-cup. All three of these items sold on 22 AUGUST 2020.
I sold my Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 VR lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $426.95 (was $546.95) on 22 AUGUST 2020.
BAA friend Kay Kaylor sold her Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $2147.00 (was $2347.00), a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Zoom lens (the original 100-400) in near-mint condition for a BIRDS AS ART record low $387.00 (was $447.00) and a Canon EOS-1D Mark II in near-mint condition for a silly low $149.00 (was $174.00).
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
BIRDS AS ART
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
114 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase of more than $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
This image was created at Indian Lake Estates, FL on Thursday 10 September. On foot on a very wet North Field I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 400mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 800: 1/800 sec. at f/6.3. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. ABW at 7:37am on a clear morning.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection; I pushed the shutter button when the AF points danced on the colt’s face.
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Sandhill Crane preening wing of adult
Rain, Rain, and More Rain
I cannot remember a spring and summer with so much rain. For months we have had torrential afternoon thunderstorms almost every day. For the past week it has rained most evenings. And yesterday took the cake — it began pouring at 9am and rained hard off and on all day. I have been leery about driving on the fields in fear of getting stuck in the puddles on the grass. That despite full time 4 wheel drive (X Drive). So for the past few mornings I have been parking by the pier and walking the fields with my surf booties. On Thursday, I walked with the hand held 200-600 and did quite well as noted and seen in the Red and Pink Crane Caps Explained blog post here. BTW, my favorite of the three photos was Image #3. On Saturday I walked around with the 600mm f/4 GM lens on the Induro GIT 404L and a Levered-clamp FlexShooter — the levered clamp is much faster and easier to use than the version with a knob.
In any case, working with the 200-600 allowed me to concentrate more on behavior and interactions. I have stayed away from getting lower on my walks for two reasons:
1- I do not want to get my butt soaking wet.
2- More importantly, I do not want the line of the marsh to intersect that bird’s heads or necks or bodies.
This image was created at Indian Lake Estates, FL on Thursday 10 September. On foot on a very wet North Field I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 419mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 800: 1/800 sec. at f/6.3. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. ABW at 7:38am on a clear morning.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection; Again, I pushed the shutter button when the AF points danced on the colt’s face. Zone is quite versatile.
Image #2:Sandhill Crane colt begging
Why the a9 ii?
I’ve been wondering why nobody has asked why I have recently abandoned the a7r iv. The short answer is that it is always easier to make sharp images with medium megapixel camera bodies than with high or mega-megapixel bodies. A9 ii files are 24.2MP while a7r iv files are 61MP. Higher shutter speeds and/or superior sharpness techniques are mandatory for success when working with the a7r iv.
Multiple Choice Question
Which of today’s featured image do you like best? As always, letting us know why you made your choice helps everyone to learn.
A: Image #1
B: Image #2
C: Both
D: Neither
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 :).
Wednesday morning was Turkey Vulture, Great Egret, and Great Blue Heron — nothing too great. On Thursday morning the North Field had water six inches deep in spots from the continuing heavy afternoon rains. Reluctant to drive on the grass and get stuck, I grabbed my 200-600 and walked through the large puddles with my surf booties on. I was amazed that the White Ibises pretty much ignored me and I was even able to walk up to a Great Egret or two and a juvenile Little Blue Heron. I finished off working the Mother’s Day crane family with their now-single large colt. (See Image #3 below.) All in all it was a very good morning.
In bed last night at 8pm, I’ve been up working since 3:30am. Today is Friday 11 SEPT 2020. It is 5:30 now and it has been drizzling for about an hour. The sun is not supposed to come out for about a week … Nonetheless, I will be headed out in a bit to do some photography.
I was glad to learn of the recently completed sales below and of the pending sale of Morris Herstein’s SONY a9. I even have someone interested in my Nikon 70-200mm f/4. Time will tell on that one.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV body in excellent plus condition (was $1399.00) and his Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens in near mint condition (was $549.00) to a single buyer for $1900.00 in early September.
Multiple IPT veteran and good friend William Schneider sold his Sony FE 2.8/16‑35 GM wide angle zoom lens in like-new condition for the very low price of $1400.00 (was $1498.00) in early September.
BAA friend Kay Kaylor sold her Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens in near-mint condition for a very low $524.00 (was $649.00) in early SEPT 2020.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $549.00 in early September 2020.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens in excellent condition for $1349.00, a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for $799.00, a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens in excellent plus condition for $549.00 and a Canon EF 400mm f/4L DO IS II USM lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record low $3049.00 all within the first two days of being listed in early SEPT 2020.
Your Favorite?
Which of today’s three featured images do you like best. If you leave a comment, please let us know why. I have a clear favorite and will share that with you here in three days.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.
BIRDS AS ART
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
114 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase of more than $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly.
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Adult Sandhill Crane holding preened body feather
My Mistake?
Click on the image to enlarge it and then take a close look at the exposure settings. What was my mistake?
It is much easier to photograph the cranes when they are preening than when they are foraging. The main reason is that they stand in one spot when they are grooming themselves. When they are foraging they have their heads down and they are constantly moving.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly.
Image #2: Sandhill Crane colt about five months old
Typical Crane Colt with Pink Cap
I have been seeing this crane colt on the North Field for about a month. Only two young cranes from nests in the marsh survived this year and I am able to recognize each of them. So, this bird was hatched elsewhere and now flies to the lakefront to feed in the fields. Notice the pink cap and see how it compares to the caps of the birds in Image #1 (bright red) and in Image #3 (with the pink just barely coming in). As I know that the bird in Image #3 is four months old, I would surmise that this young bird is about five months old. Do understand that there is individual variation. A month from now, the cap on the Mother’s Day colt may not be as pink as it is on this bird.
This image was created at Indian Lake Estates, FL on Thursday 10 September. On foot on a very wet North Field I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 800: 1/800 sec. at f/9. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. ABW at 7:57am on a clear morning.
Upper Right Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection.
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #3: Head portrait of Sandhill Crane colt (hatched May 9 or 10)
Happy Bird-Day
The crane colt in this image was hatched on May 9 or 10. One of the chicks perished as a small colt. This bird is just starting to grown in some pink feathers about the head. I think, however, that it is quite pale for its age. If it survives for another month (and I do as well), I will know for sure.
The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide
You can purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.
The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide
126 pages, 87 photographs by Joe Przybyla and Arthur Morris.
The PDF for this e-Guide is an electronic download sent via e-mail.
I had thought about doing a guide to some of the great but little-known photo hotspots around central Florida for about a decade, but those plans never came to fruition. I met Joe online in the Avian Forum at BirdPhotographer’s.Net about two years ago. Joe’s photography has improved tremendously over the past few years; he credits the BAA blog, my books and PDFs, and his participation on BPN. The one thing that I learned right from the get-go about Joe is that he is a hard and tenacious worker, always striving to improve his skills and to grow his knowledge base. As he knew of more than a few good spots in central Florida, I broached the idea of us doing a photographic site guide that covered many of the little-known photographic hotspots from Brandon to Lakeland to Joe Overstreet Road to Indian Lake Estates (my Florida home for the past 20 years or so). After more than many, many dozens of hours of effort, The BIRDS AS ART Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide is now a reality. Thanks to Joe’s wife Dottie for her review of our writing. We all learned once again that writing is a process, a back and forth process. All thanks to the white pelicans of Lakeland. Here are the locations that are detailed in this e-Guide:
Indian Lake Estates: Sandhills Cranes with chicks and colts, lots of vultures, and Ospreys up the kazoo!
Gatorland, Kissimmee: Learn to make great images of wading birds in a cluttered rookery.
The Brandon Rookery: Great for nesting Wood Storks, Great Egrets, and more.
Circle Bar B Reserve, Lakeland: Here you will find a great variety of avian subjects in a great variety of habitats.
Lake Morton, Lakeland: There are lots of silly tame birds here including and especially American White Pelican during the colder months.
Lake Mirror, Lakeland: Tame Anhingas, Limpkins, and a zillion White Ibises at times.
West Lake Parker, Lakeland: Here you will have a chance for two difficult birds, Snail Kite, and Purple Gallinule.
Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville: Crested Caracara, meadowlarks, Loggerhead Shrike, and much more on the fenceposts and barbed wire.
Each location includes a map, a detailed description of the best spots, best season, light and time of day instructions, the expected species, and an educational and inspirational gallery that is designed to open your eyes as to the possibilities.
You can purchase a copy here in the BAA Online Store.
If In Doubt …
If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.
Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂
As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.
I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.
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 :).
The weather on Wednesday morning was perfect for bird photography — sunny and clear with a decent east wind. The bird photography, however, was fair at best.
I spent four hours online and on the phone today before finally ordering a roof-top cargo box for the upcoming cross-country drive in my new SUV. Am I switching back to Canon? Who knows? Right now, I doubt it. But anything is possible.
My B&H Loaner Order!
This Week’s Sign that the Apocalypse May be Upon Us …
As a B&H affiliate, I am entitled to some very generous loaner gear opportunities. I am not sure when this will ship but I am curious and will be uniquely qualified to compare with Nikon and SONY. I am hoping to get this set-up in time to try it out at DeSoto as I will be there three times before the big road trip. Questions and comments welcome. For more on the R5 and the RF lenses see The skinny on everything that you wanted to know about Canon Mirrorless but were afraid to ask … blog post here.
Photographing Incoming Brandt’s Cormorants: As Tough As It Gets …
Photographing incoming Brandt’s Cormorants as they return to their nests is as tough as it gets. Try as I might, I had maybe one semi-sharp image in this situation over many years with various Canon bodies and lenses, that in many hundreds of attempts. I did, however, have many that were razor sharp on the feet. With both the D5 and the D850, I would usually get two or three fairly sharp images out of ten. From that moment on I knew that the a9 was the AF King.
A Bargain-priced Mint SONY a9 Mirrorless Camera Body
Multiple IPT veteran Morris Herstein is offering a Sony a9 in mint condition (with about 900 actuations) for the bargain price of $2498.00. The sale includes the strap, the front body cap, the battery and charger, 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.
I was sold on SONY five minutes after trying my SONY a9 on the Brandt’s Cormorants at La Jolla, CA. The AF system is identical to the AF system on the more expensive a9 ii which costs $4,498.00. The a9 ii body is about 1/8 inch thicker than the a9 ii. If you do not have large hands or if you like the feel of a smaller body, you will want to get in touch with Morris ASAP. The a9 sells for $3,498.00 so you can save a very handsome $1,000 on this great body. artie
Bosque del Apache 2019 IPT
Notice the incredible variety of images that you can learn to make by developing your skills and your creative vision on a BAA IPT.
Bosque del Apache NWR 2020 IPT
NOV 18 (afternoon session) thru the morning session on November 23, 2020. 5 DAYS. Four full and two half days. $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 6.
Extra Day Options: Please e-mail to learn about the before or after In-the-Field Day options.
The very best news is that the 2020 Festival of the Cranes has been canceled so we will be able to visit on what are usually the perfect dates!
I quit going to Bosque several years ago as conditions had worsened each year for several seasons running. In 2018, things had improved dramatically and in 2019 the photography was great. Simply put, I know Bosque better than anyone. Join me to learn how wind and sky conditions influence bird photography, how to create dramatic sunrise and sunset silhouettes, how to be in the right place at the right time, and how to create contest-winning blurs. As usual, you will learn to get the right exposure every time, to use your camera’s AF system to create pleasing, balanced image designs, and to improve your flight photography skills.
We should get to photograph many thousands of Snow Geese, more than a few blastoffs, some Ross’s Geese, and lots of Sandhill Cranes in the water, taking flight and flying. Depending on local conditions we may get to shoot some ducks: point-blank American Wigeon and Wood Duck. With any luck, we might enjoy sunrises and sunsets that leave you in tears. Live, eat, and breathe photography with one of (if not the) world’s premier photographic educators at one of his very favorite locations on the planet. Top-notch Photoshop instruction. Join me to learn to think like a pro and to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather. Every time we make a move, I will let you know why. When you get home, applying what you learned will prove to be invaluable.
Lunch is included.
To Register
To register, send your $500 deposit — check made out to BIRDS AS ART — via US Mail to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Or call Jim weekdays at 863-692-0906 to put your non-refundable deposit on a credit card. Balances must be paid in full by check no later than two months before the IPT. If you cancel, all but your deposit will be refunded only if the IPT sells out.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for both big international trips and US-based IPTs is highly recommended as we never know what life has in store for us. I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance. Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options you can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. My family and I use and depend on the great policies offered by TIS whenever we travel. You can learn more here: Travel Insurance Services. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check or running your credit card. Whenever purchasing travel insurance, be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.
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 :).
Monday morning started off very slowly, but I wound up with two excellent chances, one with an adult crane holding a white feather that it had just preened and the other with a pink-capped juvenile crane. My right shoulder is feeling much better after an ART treatment by chiropractor TJ McKeon in Lake Wales on Friday and two days of rest. I had been simply pushing too hard with 72 lengths every day. I’ve dropped back to 60 lengths (88 to a mile) and am enjoying my swims a lot more. When I was about twelve, my late Mom used to say, “This child does not know the meaning of the word moderation.” Not a lot has changed there.
I continue to be blessed by the dependable cranes and vultures (and herons) here at ILE. And for that, I am thankful.
The forecast for today — Tuesday 8 SEPTEMBER 2020 — is par for the course: early sun turning cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms and a high of 87 degrees. I will be headed down for yet another morning photo session at about 7:30am.
I was glad to learn yesterday that IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold a fifth Canon lens from his September 4th blog post listings: the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $549.00.
Having priced Mark’s lenses a bit more aggressively than in the past few months, these sales are another strong indication that the used gear prices of Canon lenses are strengthening a bit. That most likely because of the raving reviews of the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). Learn all about this great new body in the Canon Comeback Fueled By Mirrorless Bodies & Lenses. The skinny on everything that you wanted to know about Canon Mirrorless but were afraid to ask … blog post here. As always, if you purchase any new gear, please use my B&H affiliate links or get in touch with Steve Elkins at Bedford to get your stuff faster and save a few bucks as well.
Please Remember
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. 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 will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.
BIRDS AS ART
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
SONY e-Guide Discount Program
Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.
Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.
112 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)
Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.
Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.
If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase of more than $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.
This image was created on 6 September 2020 at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from my new SUV I used the Induro GIT 304L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. ISO 2000. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/4.5 in Manual mode was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. AWB at 7:42am on a then cloudy morning.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection.
Photo Mechanic screen capture for today’s featured image: Great Blue Heron with snake
Not Quite Prepared, But Lucky! The Bobcat story all over again …
Early on Sunday morning, I walked out to the pool deck to get a look at the eastern sky. There was a pretty large foggy cloud that would obscure the sunrise for a bit. So I did a bit more work on my laptop (where I spend a good part of my life) and did not head west towards the lake until 7:45am. I was headed for the South Field. There are five canals on the left of Park Ave, four on the right. There are usually not many birds hanging around near the canals. I happened to glance to my left as I rolled past Avocado Drive. I hit the brakes when I saw a Great Blue Heron subduing a small snake.
The tripod was not set up in the car. My a9 ii was not turned on. I had no idea if one of the teleconverters was mounted. I knew that I had to act quickly so I backed up, drove across the median, and positioned the X5 so as to yield a light-toned water background. If I had move the car either up or back a bit, the background would have changed to a dark reflection the vegetation lining the canal on both sides. I did not get too close and risk flushing the bird.
The 600mm f/4 GM rested on a pillow in front of the passenger seat and the 200-600G was lying on it. Each had an a9 ii with a clean card mounted on it. I grabbed the big rig both for the reach and the speed and placed the barrel on the lowered window. Working with an f/4 lens in the low light was a much better choice than working at f/6.3 as it would save me three or four clicks of ISO. I noted that the aperture was a perfect f/4.5 so I knew that there was no teleconverter mounted. That was lucky and good. First, I chose my shutter speed: 1/500 sec. would likely allow me to create a sharp image without having the lens on the tripod. With the left-over ISO of 400, the image was way-dark (as I expected). So, as detailed in The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (with one Video), I raised the ISO using the rear control dial until I had extensive Zebras on the light-toned water. I knew that that would give me a good exposure on the subject. ISO 2000 was perfect.
I turned the rig to vertical and instantly knew that framing would be difficult. I was too close to include the whole bird in the frame but not close enough for a head, shoulders, and snake portrait. That said, the crop tool would be my friend, so I did not worry about clipping the bird’s feet. I ripped off more than 47 frames in less than three seconds. Then, noting that the sunlight hitting both of the bird’s ankles was getting stronger, I moved the car well back and left to get on light angle as the sun topped the foggy cloud. When I stopped, the heron was licking its chops. It had swallowed the snake.
This image was created on 6 September 2020 at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from my new SUV I used the Induro GIT 304L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. ISO 2000. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/4.5 in Manual mode was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. AWB at 7:42am on a then cloudy morning.
Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection.
Great Blue Heron with snake — the optimized image
The Editing and Cropping Decisions
I opened the first image in the series in RawDigger (from Capture One-20) and as expected, noted a perfect exposure. Picking my keepers from the series in Capture One was based on small differences in head angle and the position of the snake. Even in the five keepers, the great blue’s head was angled ever-so-slightly away from me. I realized that as I worked, but did not want to move forward and give up the light-toned water background. The snake had not been wriggling a whole lot. Only the last few images had the feet included in the frame with a nice strip of grass at the bottom but with the crop that I had in mind, that was irrelevant.
I was thinking of some sort of boxy crop for this one but eventually decided to stick with 2:3. I did that by picking Original Ratio from the Crop Tool drop-down menu. You can note my preferred crop by comparing the optimized image with the complete RAW file as seen in the screen capture that opened this blog post.
Note also that I used the Patch Tool and Content-Aware Fill to eliminate the distracting light tone angled grass stem lower right center. That and
tons more (with the exception of Capture One RAW Conversions) — 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.
The Lesson
The more familiar you are with your gear, especially with the camera controls, the faster you can get into action when you are extremely pressed for time. The trick is not only to get some shots off, but to be able to create sharp images with a reasonably good (or perfect as here) exposure.
Do note that one of the huge advantages of the SONY pro bodies over the Canon EOS R5 & 6 is that you have Zebras in the Finder when shooting stills (as most of us do). With the R5 & 6 Zebras are available only when shooting video.
If In Doubt …
If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.
Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂
As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.
I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.
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 :).
