Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

What’s Up?

Photography on Saturday morning down by the lake was fair at best. I did get a lovely, softly backlit image of Old Gnarly’s small colt, and then spent some time with the vultures still picking at the pretty-much desiccated turtle carcass three full days after I put it out. With a forecast for thunderstorms in the afternoon, I swam early. The storms never materialized so I headed back down at about 6pm; aside from the caracaras, things were pretty slow so I headed home at about 6:45pm to get some work done. I set the alarm for twenty minutes and then headed back down for what promised to be a decent, muted ball-of-the-sun sunset. It was and single grackles cooperated by landing on The Perch. Every time I moved the Sequoia to line things up, I was off by a fraction. I did get some nice ones and since this is a scenario that is likely to recur, I might be famous yet …

The forecast for this morning — Sunday 26 APR 2020, is for more of the same: mostly to partly cloudy with SW winds. This is less than ideal for bird photography; any wind with an easterly component is generally pretty good in the morning as the birds will be flying toward the light rather than away from it and you. None-the-less, I will be heading down Park Drive to do some hunting with my photo gear.

Thanks!

Thanks to those who set me straight on my wildflower confusion. Image #1 is in the genus Rhexia, the meadow beauties, members of the melastome family. It is almost surely a Meadow Beauty. And Marsh Pink does in fact, grow in and around freshwater habitats. I will keep my eyes peeled in the future.

keep (one’s) eye(s) peeled (for something or someone)

To remain vigilant or carefully watchful (for something or someone). They should be arriving any minute, so keep your eyes peeled.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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 over $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 23 APR 2020 at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from my SUV, Induro GIT 204/FlexShooter Mini-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the blazingly fast Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body) that features incredibly accurate AF. ISO: 640. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the Control Wheel: 1/1600 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. AWB at 8:53am on a slightly hazy sunny morning. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) yielded a sharp-on-the-eye image. Be sure to click on the image to see a larger, apparently sharper version. Osprey reacting to a fly-by

A New Phenomenon at ILE

As I mentioned the other day, I had never seen an Osprey just sitting in the shallow waters of Lake Walk-in-Water until last week. Now, it has become a pretty much daily occurrence. In the mornings, I have seen as many as seven in the water at once. Yesterday afternoon there was one just to the south of the pier near the spot where the morning birds have been. For the most part, the birds simply sit there (even on chilly, wind days). When the birds do bathe, they just splash around a bit. They rarely flap afterward as most birds do. Some of the best action occurs when another bird flies low over one in the water. When that happens the bird in the water will often start calling, flap its wings in place (as shown in today’s featured image), or take flight. When the latter happens, they may re-land in the same spot or nearby.

The birds are relatively distant and if you get out of your car they are gone in an instant. That’s where the SONY 600 GM with the 2X teleconverter in place really shines.

More SONY 1200mm Insanity!

The more I use the SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens — the weapon of mass destruction — with the 2X TC, the more I am impressed with the results. AF performs superbly even with birds in flight and in action. The Canon 2X III TC with their big, fast lenses was great for static subjects, but the Nikon TC-E 20 was close-to worthless on the 600 VR even for static subjects. So the switch to SONY has opened up a wonderful new world — flight and action at 1200mm.

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 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

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.

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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 :).

What’s Up

Photography has been really good most mornings. On Thursday, I brought some smoked salmon skins, a steak bone, and a pork chop bone down to the lake. At the last moment, I decided to set up my road-kill feeder on the small rise to the right of the parking circle by the pier. That turned out to be an excellent choice. See the photos and learn more below.

Again, very few folks commented on the mayfly-related images in yesterday’s blog post here. If you have a chance to re-visit and comment, it would be greatly appreciated. In the same vein, please take a moment to comment on today’s two featured images? Is one better than the other? Do they both suck? Or are they both outstanding?

The forecast for this morning — Friday 24 APRR 2020 — is for strong storms; thunder is rumbling as I type. Unless it is pouring, I will be heading down to the lake at about 8am to do some hunting with my SONY gear.

The SONY e-Guide will be published soon.

https://youtu.be/MU3cAFlAeKs

Greg Gulbransen is Happy and Nuts. And, he can dance!

Long Island pediatrician Greg Gulbransen is both a skilled and dedicated photographer and a great friend. Not to mention a skilled and dedicated doctor. He created this video (with his daughter Julia co-starring) to express his feelings about Long Island coronavirus being past the peak. It will likely put a smile on your face. You can check out Greg’s eclectic photography here.

FlexShooter Pro

The amazing FlexShooter Pro heads are currently out of stock. We should be receiving our next shipment in about a week. We do have the FlexShooter Mini in stock; they are perfect for the intermediate telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses.

This image was created on 23 APR 2020 at ILE. I used the Induro GIT 404L/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 1600.!/2000 sec. at f/4 in Manual mode. Half the sky was Zebra-ed. AWB at 7:54:36am on a slightly overcast morning. Center Zone Continuous/tracking AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection. Click the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #1: Fish Crow braking to land

Lesson Learned

Sometimes it takes an hour for the vultures to find the bait. Sometimes thirty minutes. On Wednesday morning, I put the dead turtle and the road-killed rabbit down in a spot that was just the right distance for incoming flight photography with the handheld 200-600 and offered sweet distant backgrounds for vulture-on-the-ground portraits with the tripod-mounted 840mm rig (both with an a9 ii). You need to be aware of light-angle and the white homes on the opposite shore of Lake Walk-in-Water. Only then did I head back to my vehicle to grab my 2-6, put it on a Black Rapid Curve Breathe Strap, and set up the 600 f/4 with the 1.4X TC on the tripod. Before I reached my Sequia, two caracaras flew in and landed on the juicy rabbit. Then several vultures flew in, and others that had been on the ground not too far away hopped their way to the feast. By putting the bait out before having my gear ready, I missed the best opportunities of the morning …

Gear Choice Question

Looking at the EXIF, what was the big advantage of using the 600 f/4 GM rather than the 200-600 G?

This image was created on 23 APR 2020 at ILE. I used the Induro GIT 404L/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 1600.!/2000 sec. at f/4 in Manual mode. Half the sky was Zebra-ed. AWB at 7:54:49am on a slightly overcast morning. Center Zone Continuous/tracking AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection. Click the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #2: Black Vulture braking to land

Second Attempt Success

On Thursday morning I decided to go with the bare 600mm f/4 GM on the tripod as conditions were close to perfect for incoming flight photography; the light was soft (with faint shadows) and the wind from the east/southeast was coming over my right shoulder. For those new to flight photography you always want the wind coming from behind you when your shadow is pointed at the birds. If the wind is blowing right in your face (wind-against-sun), the birds will fly in from behind you — into the wind — and brake and land while facing directly away from you.

The big change, however, was that I set up my big lens rig on the tripod before I put out Thursday’s fare: salmon skins and a few left-over bones. In addition, I set the exposure for Black Vulture and set Center Zone, my favorite SONY AF Area for flight photography. I placed the tripod below the hill to ensure sky backgrounds and with my glasses on, I leveled my FlexShooter Pro so that I could pan in either direction without having to rotate the lens in the lens barrel while being sure that my rig was square-to-the world, i.e., perfectly level. I did that by centering the bubble in the scribed circle on the silver ball and then locking it by tightening the black lever. Then I loosened the silver knob so that I could pan freely. On Thursday I was ready.

Next, I walked the 15 yards up the hill, dumped the bait out of the plastic bag, and hustled back to my rig. Barely a few seconds after I had gotten behind my tripod, the crow flew into the bait and braked to land. I fired off six frames and kept two. My favorite crow image was created at 7:54:36am. Thirteen seconds later, at 7:54:49am, a Black Vulture flew in slightly from my right, braking into the southeast wind. This time I created six images and kept only one, Image #2. I did go on to have a good morning with some more nice vulture images, a few good Cattle Egret flight shots, more Ospreys in the pond stuff, and a calling adult sandhill. I saw and photographed the two crane colts after I had not seen them for several days — they were on their own and have gotten really big. I tried for some foraging Cattle Egret head-shots at 1200mm and failed; they just do not stay still for long …

All in all, it was a good morning, and being prepared, enabled me to create two really good images.

Exposure Notes

In a perfect world, I would have increased the ISO two clicks when I saw the crow flying approaching because the Black Vultures have some white on them and very bright legs, but I followed my own rule: shoot now and ask questions later (and was glad that I did). As things turned out, RawDigger showed 0% over-/under-exposed pixels with a smattering of under-exposed RED pixels for thee crow exposure. And the vulture exposure was nearly perfect showing just 0.1% under-exposed RED pixel and a smattering (71 out of 24,200,000) of over-exposed GREEN pixels. You gotta love exposure by Zebras! Even though I could have done slightly better in the rapidly changing (crow to vulture) situation, it is reassuring to know that on average the two exposures were 99.95% perfect!

Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera Videos and Pre-publication e-Guide Costs and Discount Info

The cost of the SONY e-Guide is $100.00 US and will include one of the four (4) camera set-up videos — we offer one video each for the a7r iii, the a7r iv, the a9, and the a9 ii — and the written guide with the galleries. The guide is now 98% done and you will — of course, receive the final version when it is completed. I sent out the third draft today to those who have purchased the Guide with or without the discount.

Folks who have used my B&H links or purchased their SONY gear from Bedfords will receive said discount based exactly on how much they spent. If you spent more than $10,000 you will receive one free video and the e-Guide. Additional camera videos are $25.00 each. If you spent $2400, you will receive a 24% discount, and so on and so forth. And again, additional camera videos will be $25.00 each.

I will need time to verify your B&H purchases so folks will need to send their receipts and then be a bit patient. It is much easier to verify Bedfords’ purchases but I need those receipts as well.

If you have not used BAA links, please do so in the future. If that is the case and you would like the e-Guide now, please send a Paypal for $100 US to birdsasart@verizon.net and be sure to include the words “SONY Pre-publication Guide” in the Paypal e-mail along with the name of your camera or cameras so that you can receive the correct video or videos. Please add $25 for each additional camera video. Be sure to send a copy of the Paypal transaction to me via e-mail.

Folks who have used BAA links to purchase their SONY gear should send their receipts to me via e-mail asap and let me know which camera videos they need. I will verify their purchases as quickly as possible and send a quote to be paid via Paypal as above.

Thanks to all who have properly used my B&H links or gone through the fabulous Steve Elkins at Bedfords, and thanks to everyone for having faith in the information that I provide, knowing that it will be the best available anywhere.

What’s Up?

On a clear Tuesday morning — it had been a while since the sun had been out early — the Cattle Egrets continued feeding voraciously on the large, golden mayfly hatch. The more I photograph this situation, the more I realize how difficult it is. I enjoyed a 1058-image morning and kept 81 including a few pretty good ones. The dead turtle finally made it down to the lake yesterday am, but with a northwest wind, it went back into the fridge for at least another day. The forecast for this morning shows promise — clear skies with a gentle breeze from the north switching to northeast …

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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 over $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 September 27, 2019 while doing a private day with fraternity brother Harry Lerner at Fort DeSoto. I used the Induro GIT 304/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the 61-MP Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. ISO 400. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/5 in Manual mode was about +2 stops on the analog scale. AWB at 8:10am on a very overcast morning. Upper Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection. The point of sharpest focus was slightly more than halfway down the bill, right on the same plane as the bird’s eye. RAW Digger showed 0% Over-exposed and 0% Underexposed pixels. Click the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Snowy Egret with greenback

A Tough Chore

In the If-the-World-Does-Not-End BIRDS AS ART 2020/2021 IPT Schedule … blog post here, I posted this:

Please consider today’s six featured images and let us know your pick as the best. And please also let us know why you made your choice. Comments on any of the images are welcome as well.

My Favorite

Actually, there is no way that I could pick a single favorite as the six images presented were among my very (fairly) favorite recent creations. My vote is that all are tied for first place. Below each image, I will let you know what I liked about each one. All six images got a mention. Somewhat surprisingly #1, the Snowy Egret image, was the consensus favorite followed closely by the dancing booby. The landing eagle was third.

Gary Axten posted my favorite comment when he wrote, Hah, not an easy choice.

Snowy Egret with greenback

Like most folks, I loved the perfectly positioned fish, the soft light, the aqua-colored water, and the breaking wave on the upper left. But nobody mentioned the bubbling wave in the lower right corner that with the previously mentioned wave, completes a perfect frame. While I urge folks to be aware of the position of breaking waves in this situation, I will not claim to have been concentrating on the waves; I was watching the fish and the AF point dance about on the bird’s face!

Fort DeSoto Fall 2020 Sandbar Secrets IPT

OCT 2 thru the morning session October 5, 2020 (3 1/2 DAYS). Three full and one half day: $1399.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/ Openings: 8

This image was created on 28 NOV on the 2019 Bosque IPT. I used the Induro GIT 304/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 236mm) and the 61-MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless digital camera body.. ISO 125. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/4 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. AWB at 10:31am on a cloudy-dark morning. Center Flexible Spot AF-C was active at the moment of exposure. RAW Digger showed 0% Over-exposed and 0% Underexposed pixels. Click the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #2: Snow Geese blastoff

Image #2: Snow Geese blastoff

What can I say? I am partial to blurs and I do them well. And it was great to get back to Bosque in 2019 and enjoy lots of blastoffs. As for technique, I say often: the slower the shutter speed (1/15 is the traditional starting point) the fewer keepers you will make but the greater the chances of creating a contest-worthy image. In this one, I love the degree of blurring, the swatch of pan-blurred cornfield, and the ghostly cranes on the ground (especially the group on the left). In addition, on the left, the row of distant trees and the group of geese in the sky complete a wonderful image design.

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: 5.

This image was created at The Neck on Saunders Island, The Falklands with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and my then-favorite bird photography camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/1250 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. AWB. Center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Shutter Button AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when handholding). The selected AF point was below and in front of the penguin’s eye. Click on the image to see a larger version. Imagee #3: Rockhopper Penguin sneezing

Image #3: Rockhopper Penguin sneezing

With this one, I love the sharpness, the soft sunlight of a late afternoon, the perfect head-angle, and, like multiple IPT veteran Pat Fishburne, the incredible detail on the inside of the mouth. Does anyone know the name for tiny the rear-facing gripper things that help the penguins hold onto their catches securely? (Or not …)

In addition, I have always enjoyed pushing the limits — getting super-close to birds without disturbing them and using gear combinations that give other folk’s fits — in this case, the Canon 100-400 II with the 1.4X TC.

2020 Land-based Falklands Trip

December 10-26, 2020. $8999.00 per person. Deposit $4000.00. Limit four photographers/openings: 2. Please e-mail for a complete itinerary and complete details.

Fly on a red-eye to Santiago, Chile on WED 9 DEC 2020, arriving there on THURS 10 DEC. We will do an add-on condor trip ($450/per person including lunch) that morning assuming that everyone gets there by about 8am at the very latest. And another add-on morning to Del Mar for Inca Terns and Peruvian Pelicans ($450/per person including lunch) on FRI 11 DEC leaving the hotel very early. We fly to Mont Pleasant on SAT 12 DEC. In the Falklands we will visit Bleaker, the Rookery and the Neck on Saunders, and Pebble. Then two nights at the Malvina House on Stanely with a visit to an amazing rockhopper colony. Fly back to Santiago on SAT 26 DEC. Fly home either that night (red-eyes are hard to get) or the following day.

This image was created on the 2020 San Diego IPT. I used the Induro GIT 304/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the 61-MP Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. ISO 800. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/320 sec. at f/4 in Manual mode was about +1 1/3 stops on the analog scale. AWB at 8:13am on a rare cloudy morning. Upper Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed well. The point of sharpest focus was on the as of the bird’s bill just forward of the eye. RAW Digger showed 0% Over-exposed pixels and 0.3% Underexposed RED pixels. Click the image to see a larger version. Image #4: Pacific race Brown Pelican with bill distended

Pacific race Brown Pelican with bill distended

What works here for me? I’ve always loved Pacific race Brown Pelicans with their bright red lower bill pouches. That the bill is distended here shows off that color beautifully. The soft light is perfect — no shadows, the sharp eye, the goofy look on the bird’s face is comical, and the distant light-Pacific blue background completes a lovely color palette.

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.

This image was created at Kachemak Bay, AK on 25 FEB 2020. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (at 200mm) with the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body) that features incredibly accurate AF. ISO 500. Exposure determined via Zebras on the rear wheel: 1/3200 sec. at f/3.2. AWB at 9:20am on a cloudy-bright day. Wide Continuous (C) AF performed beautifully. Click on the image to see a larger version. Uncropped. Image #5: Bald Eagle braking to land

Bald Eagle braking to land

I dig the super-soft light. I dig that the bird’s undersides were lit up by the light reflected off the snow. I dig the perfect braking wing position. I dig the strip of soft yellow grasses. I dig the inclusion of the snowfield behind the grasses. And I dig the fact that I alerted the group to this incredible situation by describing the image that I envisioned …

The Greatest-ever Bald Eagle Experience IPTs:

Deposit: $2000.00.

• IPT #1: SAT 20 FEB 2021 through the full day on THURS 25 FEB MAR 1, 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

This image was created on 6 AUG 2019 at North Seymour Island, Galapagos, Ecuador. I used the hand Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens and my souped up Nikon D850. ISO 500. Matrix metering plus about 1 1/3rd stop: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6. NATURAL AUTO WB at 7:50am on a (typically and blessedly) cloudy afternoon. Nikon Focus Peaking fine-tune value: +3. See the Nikon AF Fine-tune e-Guide here. Upper Single Point/Continuous (C in Nikon/AI Servo with Canon) AF was active at the moment of exposure. Image #6: Blue-footed Booby dancing

Blue-footed Booby dancing

Most everyone loves this one and that includes me. The raised foot is comical. The soft distant background (as a result of the bird dancing on top of a rock!) is pleasing. The background clean-up and slightly expanded canvas work well — sorry, no contest entry for this image as presented. That this was the last bird we photographed on the 2019 Galapagos trip on one of the three great landings that we make twice makes this one even more special for me. What an ending!

The GALAPAGOS Photo Cruise of a Lifetime IPT/The Complete Galapagos Archipelago Photographic Experience.

August 17-31, 2021 on the boat. 13 FULL and two half-days of photography: $14,999.00. Limit: 12 photographers/Openings: 5. Deposit: $5000.00. Please e-mail for a complete itinerary and complete details.

Admission

If twisted my arm and made me pick only one, I’d go with Image #2, the Snow Geese blur … But don’t forget that I love them all.

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.

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 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

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 :).

What’s Up?

The Sunday morning forecast was way off the mark. Rather than clear and sunny with increasing SW winds as predicted, it turned out to be bright overcast and with a gentle wind from the east. It would have been a perfect morning for setting up my vulture feeder … Instead, I spent some more time with Old Gnarly, its mate, and their single surviving small colt. I did botch one really good chance … And with two more bathing Ospreys.

The forecast for this today — Monday 20 APR 2020 — is for mostly cloudy skies with SW winds at 11mph in the morning deteriorating to rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon with winds to 24. It might be a tough afternoon for a swim. I will likely be making one trip to the lake to do some recreational hunting with my SONY gear.

In yesterday’s A Rare Submission … blog post here, only a single person commented on the Magellanic Penguin images. And there were no questions about the business of selling bird photographs. It was almost as if the e-mail notice of publication did not send … If you have a chance to visit or re-visit, please do so. It would be greatly appreciated.

On Sunday, I sent the final draft of the SONY eGuide to Patrick Sparkman for his final review. If you already own the guide and would like an opportunity to review it, please send me an e-mail by clicking here. I should be publishing it this week. Please write only if you have time to review the document in the next day or two. All 47 folks who currently have the guide will receive a link for the final-final version in about a week.

Today’s Entertainment

Willie Nelson/On The Road Again

Follow this link to see a great live version at the Grand Ole Opry.

Or for a full hour of great country music, check out the The Highwaymen On The Road Again Concert here. Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings each have a distinctive sound that blends beautifully as The Highwaymen.

This image was created on the morning of 9 APR 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. 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 2500. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode; I went for sone Zebras on the adult’s white neck patches and lots of Zebras on visible sections of the sky. AWB at 7:53am on an overcast morning. Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed superbly. Image #1: Sandhill Crane colt family On the Road Again

The Situation

I had long suspected that the crane colt family of four swam most days back and forth across the canal from the south end of the South Peninsula to the south end of the South Field because the walk around would be close to two miles. (My bad — I just realized that I likely have been mixing up north and south when writing about this crane family for the past few weeks …) They swim east in the morning most days and then west in the afternoons.

The first time I saw them swimming was on a sunny afternoon. I drove up and saw the whole family in the water four abreast and swimming with purpose. I missed that shot but managed a few frames. None were very good. I have never seen them cross back in the afternoon but have had many chances when they swim to the South Field in the mornings. Even on days when my timing has been perfect, I have not gotten anything really excellent. At some point, I will share a bunch of my best swimming crane photos here on the blog.

In the soft light on the morning of 9 APR I was a bit late getting to the South Field spur road. When I saw the birds walking down the road four abreast I jumped out of my SUV and framing carefully, created four images before they broke formation and began to forage.

This image was created on the morning of 9 APR 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. 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 2500. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode; I went for sone Zebras on the adult’s white neck patches and lots of Zebras on visible sections of the sky. AWB at 7:53am on an overcast morning. Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed superbly. Image #2: Sandhill Crane colt family On the Road Again pano

The Pano Crop

I decided to create a pano from the original image above. Since I wanted to create an image with no sky in the frame while at the same time leaving a decent amount of room above the bird’s heads, I had to fill in some of the sky in the upper left corner. That turned out to be a bit more difficult than I thought it would be. I wound up using two small Quick Masks refined with Regular Layer Masks.

Your Favorite?

Please take a moment to let us know if you prefer Image #1 — the 2X3 original, or Image #2 the pano crop. I have a great preference for one image over the other and will share that here at some point.

What’s Up?

Friday morning was way dark. It started off slower than slow so I went to my favorite grassy rise and put out some salmon skins, four eggshells, a ribeye bone, and a pork chop bone. I set up the 600 on the tripod with the a9 II in hopes of some vulture flight. Impatient as I am, I had brought down my laptop. So I got back in my car and went to work on the SONY guide. I worked for one hour fifteen minutes. Not a single vulture came.

By 9:45am, it was getting brighter (but not sunny) and I was tired of waiting for vultures. I almost headed home but decided to check out each of the three big fields once more. As I made a left turn onto the North Peninsula I saw an Osprey disappear behind a large bush in the marsh on my right. I moved forward and saw that it had landed in the lake and was bathing. I set up the smaller, lighter Induro 20l with the FlexShooter Mini in my SUV and mounted the 600 GM with the 2X and the a7r iv. I repositioned the vehicle and went to work. What a show. I had as many as six Ospreys flying around and landing in the lake. I had as many as four in the water bathing at once. I had never seen even one Osprey bathing in the lake before. I did not get home for breakfast until 11am.

After I ate, I went for gas at the station on SSR 60 five minutes from my home. I stopped on the way back to pick up a huge just-killed freshwater turtle, possibly a Florida Red-bellied Cooter. I keep some heavy-duty plastic bags in my vehicle. If the wind and sky conditions are good this morning — Saturday 18 APR 2020 — I will put the turtle out and hope that the vultures are hungrier today than they were yesterday.

Last night I watched another blockbuster on TIVO — Apollo 13. What a story, with amazing acting by Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, and others. Incredible film-making, sound, and music. And lots of tears of joy.

I was glad to learn yesterday that multiple IPT veteran Larry Master sold his Canon 200-400 f/4L IS USM lens with internal 1.4X Extender in excellent condition for $4,999.00 (was $5999.00) and that Blog regular Fred Innamorato sold his Sony A9 in excellent condition for a BAA record-low $2349.00.

I will be headed down to the lake at about 7:30am in spite of more clouds in the forecast along with SW winds …

Have fun and be safe.

Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera Videos and Pre-publication e-Guide Costs and Discount Info

The cost of the SONY e-Guide is $100.00 US and will include one of the four different camera set-up videos — we offer one video each for the a7r iii, the a7r iv, the a9, and the a9 ii — and the written guide with the galleries. The guide is now 98% done and you will — of course, receive the final version when it is completed. I sent out the third draft today to those who have purchased the Guide with or without the discount.

Folks who have used my B&H links or purchased their SONY gear from Bedfords will receive said discount based exactly on how much they spent. If you spent more than $10,000 you will receive one free video and the e-Guide. Additional camera videos are $25.00 each. If you spent $2400, you will receive a 24% discount, and so on and so forth. And again, additional camera videos will be $25.00 each.

I will need time to verify your B&H purchases so folks will need to send their receipts and then be a bit patient. It is much easier to verify Bedfords’ purchases but I need those receipts as well.

If you have not used BAA links, please do so in the future. If that is the case and you would like the e-Guide now, please send a Paypal for $100 US to birdsasart@verizon.net and be sure to include the words “SONY Pre-publication Guide” in the Paypal e-mail along with the name of your camera or cameras so that you can receive the correct video or videos. Please add $25 for each additional camera video. Be sure to send a copy of the Paypal transaction to me via e-mail.

Folks who have used BAA links to purchase their SONY gear should send their receipts to me via e-mail asap and let me know which camera videos they need. I will verify their purchases as quickly as possible and send a quote to be paid via Paypal as above.

Thanks to all who have properly used my B&H links or gone through the fabulous Steve Elkins at Bedfords, and thanks to everyone for having faith in the information that I provide, knowing that it will be the best available anywhere.

This image was created on the morning of 16 APR 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. On foot, I used the Induro GIT 404L/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 in Manual mode was about +1 2/3 stops on the analog scale. AWB at 7:53:17am on a cloudy/very-dark morning. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection. Click the image to see a larger sharper version. Image #1: Adult Great Blue Heron atop pine tree

The Situation

For the past several weeks there have been lots more Great Blue Herons around the lakefront at ILE than there have been in years. Last week I saw one — likely the same bird as pictured here today, displaying from the top of the very same pine tree. I was photographing not much at the vulture tree at the north end of the North Field when I saw the heron land well to my right. Since I was out of my vehicle with the big lens on the tripod, I decided to walk rather than drive. No worries, the nearest folks were two fishermen about a quarter-mile away. I’ve been using the larger 404L when I get out of the car since I rarely walk very far; I stow it in the back with the legs fully extended topped by a FlexShooter Pro while the 204 with a Mini on top stays in the front seat with me to be set up when I worked from the car.

Tracking Flexible Spot (M) is simply amazing. Many of the captions that I wrote yesterday went a lot like this: Focus on the bird’s face, re-compose, and push the shutter button. The AF area stays on the bird’s face as you move the lens. Nothing could be simpler or more effective than using Tracking Flexible Spot to create pleasing compositions.

Image Design Question

In image #1, why did I place the bird on the right side of the frame looking out?

This image was also created on the morning of 16 APR 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. On foot, I used the Induro GIT 404L/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 in Manual mode was about +1 2/3 stops on the analog scale. AWB at 7:54:27am on a cloudy/very-dark morning. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection. Click the image to see a larger sharper version. Image #2: Adult Great Blue Heron atop pine tree

The Stronger Image?

Today’s two featured images were created exactly one minute ten seconds apart. In that short time, I moved to my right and angled a bit closer to the bird thus creating a slightly different perspective. When the bird looked back to its left, Tracking Flexible Spot (M) continued to perform perfectly. Which of today’s two featured images is your favorite? Be sure to let us know why you made your choice.

Image Processing Question

One of today’s two featured images was optimized in Photoshop with great care. The other is pretty much right out of camera (after being converted in Capture One with identical settings). Be sure to enlarge each image and let us know if you see any differences and what they are. This exercise is for eagle-eyed readers only.

Depth-of-field Question

How might f/8 (or even f/11) have improved both of today’s featured images?

What’s Up?

Thursday morning started out cloudy but by 8:15 the sun was out. I did a nice adult sandhill in the marsh, some GBH 1200mm head portraits from the car, and finally had some vultures come to my smoked salmon skin feeder. The afternoon had some promise for a nice sunset but that fizzled. I did photograph a single Osprey holding still in the wind (like a kite) at ISOs ranging from 4000 to 6400. With both cameras.

Today, Thursday 16 APR 2020 dawned cloudy-dark with rain in the forecast for this afternoon. I will be headed down to the lake at about 7:30am.

Thanks to the many who have ordered the almost-finished SONY e-Guide and Video(s). If you purchase, please be sure to include your e-mail address in a note as we do not always receive Paypal notification and please send a copy of your Paypal order that includes your e-mail address to me at the samandmayasgrandpa@att.net address.

Kudos to Dr. Greg Gulbransen

Kudos to fine photographer/friend Dr. Greg Gulbransen who was featured in a Reuters Health News feature here yesterday. The title of the piece is ‘Don’t go to the ER’: how a New York pediatrician is dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.

A Tough Chore

Please consider today’s six featured images and let us know your pick as the best. And please also let us know why you made your choice. Comments on any of the images are welcome as well.

Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera Videos and Pre-publication e-Guide Costs and Discount Info

The cost of the SONY e-Guide is $100.00 US and will include one of the four camera set-up videos — we offer one video each for the a7r iii, the a7r iv, the a9, and the a9 ii — and the written guide with the galleries. The guide is now 98% done and you will — of course, receive the final version when it is completed. I sent out the third draft today to those who have purchased the Guide with or without the discount.

Folks who have used my B&H links or purchased their SONY gear from Bedfords will receive said discount based exactly on how much they spent. If you spent more than $10,000 you will receive one free video and the e-Guide. Additional camera videos are $25.00 each. If you spent $2400, you will receive a 24% discount, and so on and so forth. And again, additional camera videos will be $25.00 each.

I will need time to verify your B&H purchases so folks will need to send their receipts and then be a bit patient. It is much easier to verify Bedfords’ purchases but I need those receipts as well.

If you have not used BAA links, please do so in the future. If that is the case and you would like the e-Guide now, please send a Paypal for $100 US to birdsasart@verizon.net and be sure to include the words “SONY Pre-publication Guide” in the Paypal e-mail along with the name of your camera or cameras so that you can receive the correct video or videos. Please add $25 for each additional camera video. Be sure to send a copy of the Paypal transaction to me via e-mail.

Folks who have used BAA links to purchase their SONY gear should send their receipts to me via e-mail asap and let me know which camera videos they need. I will verify their purchases as quickly as possible and send a quote to be paid via Paypal as above.

Thanks to all who have properly used my B&H links or gone through the fabulous Steve Elkins at Bedfords, and thanks to everyone for having faith in the information that I provide, knowing that it will be the best available anywhere.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

The “If-the-World-Does-Not-End” BIRDS AS ART 2020/2021 IPT Schedule …

If we return to some semblance of normalcy and if photographing in groups, air travel, and staying in hotels or AirBNBs is safe, I am hoping to run the BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours listed below. If COVID-19 is still an issue that is of concern to you, your deposit will be refunded with no questions asked. Pre- and post-IPT days for all of the IPTs below (except for the Land-based Falklands trip) are available for those who wish to get the most out of their travel dollars.

If you have any questions on the IPTs, please leave a comment of get in touch via e-mail.

This image was created on September 27, 2019 while doing a private day with fraternity brother Harry Lerner at Fort DeSoto. I used the Induro GIT 304/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the 61-MP Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. ISO 400. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/5 in Manual mode was about +2 stops on the analog scale. AWB at 8:10am on a very overcast morning. Upper Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection. The point of sharpest focus was slightly more than halfway down the bill, right on the same plane as the bird’s eye. RAW Digger showed 0% Over-exposed and 0% Underexposed pixels. Click the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Snowy Egret with greenback

Fort DeSoto Fall 2020 Sandbar Secrets IPT

OCT 2 thru the morning session October 5, 2020 (3 1/2 DAYS). Three full and one half day: $1399.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/ Openings: 7.

This image was created on 28 NOV on the 2019 Bosque IPT. I used the Induro GIT 304/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 236mm) and the 61-MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless digital camera body.. ISO 125. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/4 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. AWB at 10:31am on a cloudy-dark morning. Center Flexible Spot AF-C was active at the moment of exposure. RAW Digger showed 0% Over-exposed and 0% Underexposed pixels. Click the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #2: Snow Geese blastoff

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: 5.

This image was created at The Neck on Saunders Island, The Falklands with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and my then-favorite bird photography camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/1250 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. AWB. Center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Shutter Button AF as framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). The selected AF point was below and in front of the penguin’s eye. Click on the image to see a larger version. Imagee #3: Rockhopper Penguin sneezing

2020 Land-based Falklands Trip

December 10-26, 2020. $8999.00 per person. Deposit $4000.00. Limit four photographers/openings: 2. Please e-mail for a complete itinerary and complete details.

Fly on a red-eye to Santiago, Chile on WED 9 DEC 2020, arriving there on THURS 10 DEC. We will do an add-on condor trip ($450/per person including lunch) that morning assuming that everyone gets there by about 8am at the very latest. And another add-on morning to Del Mar for Inca Terns and Peruvian Pelicans ($450/per person including lunch) on FRI 11 DEC leaving the hotel very early. We fly to Mont Pleasant on SAT 12 DEC. In the Falklands we will visit Bleaker, the Rookery and the Neck on Saunders, and Pebble. Then two nights at the Malvina House on Stanely with a visit to an amazing rockhopper colony. Fly back to Santiago on SAT 26 DEC. Fly home either that night (red-eyes are hard to get) or the following day.

This image was created on the 2020 San Diego IPT. I used the Induro GIT 304/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the 61-MP Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. ISO 800. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/320 sec. at f/4 in Manual mode was about +1 1/3 stops on the analog scale. AWB at 8:13am on a rare cloudy morning. Upper Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed well. The point of sharpest focus was on the as of the bird’s bill just forward of the eye. RAW Digger showed 0% Over-exposed pixels and 0.3% Underexposed RED pixels. Click the image to see a larger version. Image #4: Pacific race Brown Pelican with bill distended

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.

This image was created at Kachemak Bay, AK on 25 FEB 2020. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (at 200mm) with the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body) that features incredibly accurate AF. ISO 500. Exposure determined via Zebras on the rear wheel: 1/3200 sec. at f/3.2. AWB at 9:20am on a cloudy-bright day. Wide Continuous (C) AF performed beautifully. Click on the image to see a larger version. Uncropped. Image #5: Bald Eagle braking to land

The Greatest-ever Bald Eagle Experience IPTs:

Deposit: $2000.00.

• IPT #1: SAT 20 FEB 2021 through the full day on THURS 25 FEB MAR 1, 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

This image was created on 6 AUG 2019 at North Seymour Island, Galapagos, Ecuador. I used the hand Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens and my souped up Nikon D850. ISO 500. Matrix metering plus about 1 1/3rd stop: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6. NATURAL AUTO WB at 7:50am on a (typically and blessedly) cloudy afternoon. Nikon Focus Peaking fine-tune value: +3. See the Nikon AF Fine-tune e-Guide here. Upper Single Point/Continuous (C in Nikon/AI Servo with Canon) AF was active at the moment of exposure. Image #6: Blue-footed Booby dancing

The GALAPAGOS Photo Cruise of a Lifetime IPT/The Complete Galapagos Archipelago Photographic Experience.

August 17-31, 2021 on the boat. 13 FULL and two half-days of photography: $14,999.00. Limit: 12 photographers/Openings: 5. Deposit: $5000.00.

What’s Up?

I just took a peek out the back door and saw a hazy half-moon so there is lots of moisture in the air and it seems quite still. It might be a good morning for flower photography. I will head down to the lake early this morning, Tuesday 14 APR 2020. I enjoyed two photo sessions yesterday afternoon. The best were some swimming crane images in the morning and a nice series of palm tree silhouettes late in the day.

Thanks to the many who have ordered the almost-finished SONY e-Guide and Video(s). If you purchase, please be sure to include your e-mail address in a note as we do not always receive Paypal notification and please send a copy of your Paypal order that includes your e-mail address to me at the samandmayasgrandpa@att.net address.

Thanks to Kathy Hronopoulos of Western Australia for her SONY e-guide order. Kathy, if you see this, please contact me via e-mail as the emails I sent to the address in your Paypal bounced back to me.

Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera Videos and Pre-publication e-Guide Costs and Discount Info

The cost of the SONY e-Guide is $100.00 US and will include one of the four camera set-up videos — we offer one video each for the a7r iii, the a7r iv, the a9, and the a9 ii — and the written guide with the galleries. The guide is now 98% done and you will — of course, receive the final version when it is completed. I sent out the third draft today to those who have purchased the Guide with or without the discount.

Folks who have used my B&H links or purchased their SONY gear from Bedfords will receive said discount based exactly on how much they spent. If you spent more than $10,000 you will receive one free video and the e-Guide. Additional camera videos are $25.00 each. If you spent $2400, you will receive a 24% discount, and so on and so forth. And again, additional camera videos will be $25.00 each.

I will need time to verify your B&H purchases so folks will need to send their receipts and then be a bit patient. It is much easier to verify Bedfords’ purchases but I need those receipts as well.

If you have not used BAA links, please do so in the future. If that is the case and you would like the e-Guide now, please send a Paypal for $100 US to birdsasart@verizon.net and be sure to include the words “SONY Pre-publication Guide” in the Paypal e-mail along with the name of your camera or cameras so that you can receive the correct video or videos. Please add $25 for each additional camera video. Be sure to send a copy of the Paypal transaction to me via e-mail.

Folks who have used BAA links to purchase their SONY gear should send their receipts to me via e-mail asap and let me know which camera videos they need. I will verify their purchases as quickly as possible and send a quote to be paid via Paypal as above.

Thanks to all who have properly used my B&H links or gone through the fabulous Steve Elkins at Bedfords, and thanks to everyone for having faith in the information that I provide, knowing that it will be the best available anywhere.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

New Used Gear Listings

Please note: the purchase of the below will include a $50.00 discount on the almost-finished SONY e-Guide.

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS

IPT veteran and dear friend Patrick Sparkman is offering a Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens in very good condition for a very low $1650.00. The body of the lens is in excellent condition. The glass is perfect except for a tiny scratch on the front element that does not affect performance. The sale includes the lens hood, the original box, the soft case that came with the lens, the front lens cap, the rear lens cap, and insured shipping via Fed Ex Ground. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Patrick via e-mail.

The .98 meter minimum focusing distance of the SONY 100-400 is a huge plus. It comes in very handy when working with mega-tame birds and the lens can be effective as a quasi-macro lens for large bugs (including butterflies and dragonflies), frogs, all but very small flower blossoms, and lots more. In addition, it is a more than capable flight lens that is a lot lighter than the 200-600. The 100-400 was my workhorse lens on the 2019 Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime. As it sells new for $2,498.00 you can save a very neat $848.00 by grabbing Patrick’s lens.

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 over $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 in my driveway on Sunday 12 APR 2020. I used the Induro GIT 404L FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x teleconverter (at at 560mm) and the 61-mega-pixel monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless digital camera body. ISO 500. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/14 in Manual mode. AWB at 10:03am on a morning with mixed clouds and sun. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) AF-C was active at the moment of exposure. Image #1: Fresh Magnolia blossom portrait

Now is the Time

When you see something that interests you, photograph it. If you think, I’ll photograph that tomorrow, it ain’t gonna happen. This is doubly true with macro photography. Add in the fact that magnolia blossoms are quite fragile. They are often overrun by small bugs and the petals bruise easily. It had not been the greatest morning for bird photography — the only images that I kept were of vultures. The low blossom that I had seen when I pulled the car out of my garage had opened, so I checked it out despite the then-bright sun and the wind. Having just opened, it was in pristine condition. I almost gave up on the situation but realized that the flower might look really bad by the next day. So I pulled into the garage and went to work. As often happens, this was the first image in a long series. It was made when a cloud covered the sun briefly.

Image created with my i-Phone 11 on 12 APR. See The iPhone Photography e-Guide by Dr. Cliff Oliver. That’s where I learned to shoot with my i-Phone! macro-telephoto set-up

Why the Second Tripod?

Setting up a second tripod in the manner seen in the image above was the key to success. Why?

The Prize-winner and Stamen Scars

The image above was created in my driveway by older daughter Jennifer. Though I like the image I created last Sunday, Jen’s image would surely win Best of Show in the Magnolia Blossoms in artie’s Driveway category. Read the whole story in the Can Photography Actually Be Simple? Or is it Genetic? blog post here. Curious as to the gorgeous pink in Jennifer’s image I did a few web searches. Here is what I came up with: the tiny curvy green parts are the carpels (or anthers or stigmas). The off-white cup-like structure below those are the (developing?) stamens. And the pink seen only in Jen’s slightly older flower are the stamen scars, presumably a result of some of the stamens falling off.

If you can add anything to the above or have any corrections, please leave a comment as my web search was anything but definitive.

Final note: By Monday morning the pink stamen scars on this year’s low blossom were evident but the flower was otherwise a mess.

The Art of Flower Photography by Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris

You can learn everything e about this e-book here, or order your copy here.

Video: The Art of Flower Photography

In this B&H Event Space video, two of the world’s premier photographers of flora and fauna — Arthur Morris and Denise Ippolito — share the techniques they use to create dramatic, sharp, well-composed, properly exposed images of flowers and flower fields. Denise does great things with the Canon 100mm f/2.8 L IS lens, while artie often goes to longer focal lengths—he has been seen photographing tulips at Keukenhoff Gardens, Holland, with a 600mm lens and a teleconverter. In addition to standard techniques, the video ends with Ippolito and Morris showing a wide range of abstract floral images and describing a variety of creative artistic effects such as multiple exposures, sharp/soft blending, texture overlays, warping a flower, creating zoom/twirls, in-camera blurs, and many others.

Click here to see the 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 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

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 :).

What’s Up?

Groundhog Day. Every day. Up early. Down to the lake. Work on the SONY guide. Work on photos. Speak to both my daughters. Swim. And two meals. Recently I have been watching reruns of the Masters golf tournament. In a normal year, we would be watching the winner get his green jacket in the Butler Cabin late this afternoon, Sunday 12 APR 2020.

Happy Easter and Azizen Pesach (have a sweet Passover) to all.

Via e-Mail from old-friend and multiple IPT veteran Dr. Steve Bein

Why is this night different from all other nights?
On all other nights, we open the door to Elijah. On this night we keep the door firmly shut as we are social distancing.
On all other nights, we dip for the 10 plagues. On this night we do not need to remind ourselves of another 9. One is quite sufficient, thank you.
On all other nights, we hide the afikomen (matzoh). On this night we hide a roll of toilet paper. Blessed be he who finds this treasure.
On all other nights, we eat bitter herbs. On this night lemon, honey and ginger to ward off chest coughs and colds.
Next year in Jerusalem as we are definitely not going to China!

Happy and Healthy Pesach

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

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 over $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 the morning of 10 APR 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. Working from my SUV, I used the Induro FlexShooter Pro Mini-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the 61-MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body.. ISO 800. Exposure determined by Zebras: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode. AWB at 8:42am on a cloudy morning. Center Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure. Scroll down for AF point location information. Cattle Egret, non-breeding plumage near pink marsh plant

The Situation

If I am doing non-breeding Cattle Egrets on cloudy days, you will know that the photographic opportunities were not great. That morning I kept only 22 images — some vultures, a young great blue, Old Gnarly, the crane colt family, and a few Osprey flight shots. There were a few Cattle Egrets feeding along the eastern edge of the North Peninsula that offered the chance of a gray water background. I slowly moved the SUV into position and shut off the engine while quickly removing the key to prevent the high-pitched whine that often scares away my intended subjects.

A bird flew in and landed. I knew instantly that I had to reposition the vehicle and risk scaring all the birds away. I started the Sequoia, put it in gear, moved the car forward six inches, and turned off the engine. The bird that I wanted had not moved. Hooray!

I keep Upper Center Zone as my default vertical AF Area Mode. As I framed the image I tapped the bottom of the joystick to set Center Zone. I acquired focus and created six images. Then the bird flew began to forage and the shot was gone. The first photo — today’s featured image — offered the best pose by far. Perfect bird/flower juxtapositions are rare; had I not acted quickly and decisively, I would not have succeeded.

Why?

Why did I move the car forward six inches?

The Flower?

If you know the name of the flower, please leave a comment. I do not think that it is native (but hope that I am wrong).

The Mini/GIT 204 Combo in the Vehicle

I am really loving using the FlexShooter Pro Mini on the Induro GIT 204. The Mini weighs 1 lb, 1.4 ozs and the GIT 204 tips the scales at 4 lbs, 0.2 ozs for a total of 5 lbs, 1.6 ozs. The FlexShooter Pro weighs 1 lb, 9.4 ozs and the GIT 304L comes in at 4 lbs, 10.7 ozs for a total of 6 lbs, 4.1 ozs. So the Mini/204 combo is 1 lb, 2.5 ounces lighter than the Pro/304L rig. Just over a pound does not seem like a huge weight saving, but the thinner legs and smaller size of the GIT 204 make it a lot easier to set up in my vehicle.

Learn how in

.

Click on the image to read the fine print. Capture One RAW Conversion Screen-Capture

Capture One RAW Conversion Screen-Capture

First, carefully compare the optimized image that opened this blog post with the RAW image in the Capture One Screen-Capture and you will note some image clean-up. I used Content-Aware to eliminate the gray area in the bottom right corner, Divide and Conquer to get rid of some bright or ill-placed grass stems, and — working large — cleaned some tiny feathers off the bill tip. Eagle-eyed folks might note the small crop from below and from the right.

Note also that I increased the Exposure 1/3 stop (+.32) to bring the RGB values for brightest WHITEs on the top of the bird’s head into the mid-240s and then set the BLACK point by pulling in the dark tones on the left side of Levels until the BLUE underexposure warnings showed and then backed off just a bit. You might be asking, “If using Zebras to get a perfect exposure is so great how did you wind up 1/3 stop underexposed?” For the answer to that question, see the RawDigger item next.

RawDigger Screen-Capture

RawDigger Screen-Capture

The Over-exposure/Under-exposure Stats above show 206 underexposed RED pixels and 39 underexposed BLUE pixels. But as those are out of 61,000,000 pixels, the over/under percentages show 0.0% across the board. Such is the brilliance of Patrick Sparkman’s Zebra value. Using our method for getting the right exposure with ISO set to the Control Wheel is so accurate that even when you screw up one-third stop you are still perfect! You can learn just what we are doing in the soon-to-be-finished SONY e-Guide and Camera Videos. Recently, we added a Zebras Coaching gallery to the e-Guide. And the videos include a live Zebras demo.

Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera Videos and Pre-publication e-Guide Costs and Discount Info

The cost of the SONY e-Guide is $100.00 US and will include one of the four camera set-up videos — we offer one video each for the a7r iii, the a7r iv, the a9, and the a9 ii — and the written guide with the galleries. The guide is now 98% done and you will — of course, receive the final version when it is completed. I sent out the third draft today to those who have purchased the Guide with or without the discount.

Folks who have used my B&H links or purchased their SONY gear from Bedfords will receive said discount based exactly on how much they spent. If you spent more than $10,000 you will receive one free video and the e-Guide. Additional camera videos are $25.00 each. If you spent $2400, you will receive a 24% discount, and so on and so forth. And again, additional camera videos will be $25.00 each.

I will need time to verify your B&H purchases so folks will need to send their receipts and then be a bit patient. It is much easier to verify Bedfords’ purchases but I need those receipts as well.

If you have not used BAA links, please do so in the future. If that is the case and you would like the e-Guide now, please send a Paypal for $100 US to birdsasart@verizon.net and be sure to include the words “SONY Pre-publication Guide” in the Paypal e-mail along with the name of your camera or cameras so that you can receive the correct video or videos. Please add $25 for each additional camera video. Be sure to send a copy of the Paypal transaction to me via e-mail.

Folks who have used BAA links to purchase their SONY gear should send their receipts to me via e-mail asap and let me know which camera videos they need. I will verify their purchases as quickly as possible and send a quote to be paid via Paypal as above.

Thanks to all who have properly used my B&H links or gone through the fabulous Steve Elkins at Bedfords, and thanks to everyone for having faith in the information that I provide, knowing that it will be the best available anywhere.

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.

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

All 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.

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

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

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 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

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 :).

What’ Up?

Me, early again. I was down at the lake both morning (cloudy) and afternoon (sunny). It was not the greatest of days, but I had fun and made some good images including a very few good ones. With the pool at a steady 82 degrees, swimming has been a pleasure.

I spent too many hours working on completing the SONY e-Guide. I have just a bit more to do and hope to have the final version published no later than next Tuesday. Writing is a process and I have gotten some great help from several folks including of course my co-author, Patrick Sparkman. Others include Ellen Anon, son Josh, blog regular Craig Elson, and the eagle-eyed Dane Johnson.

I was glad to learn that Patrick sold his a7r iii yesterday. He replaced it with a 7r iv.

On Today’s Images

There are three questions today:

1- Which background do you prefer?

2- Which image has the better head angle?

3- Which of today’s two featured images is the strongest by far? Be sure to let us know why you made your choice.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART

Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. Please understand that e-Bay prices are bogus. And the same is true of the prices of used gear including my dear friends at B&H and the other mega-outfits. They offer you pennies and then try to sell the stuff to ignorant folks for ridiculously high prices. With their huge international exposure, they occasionally find someone …

The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please scroll down here or shoot us an e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past year, we have sold many many dozens of items. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the 5Ds and 5Ds R, the old Canon 500mm, the EOS-7D, the Canon 200-400 with internal extender, and the original 400mm DO lens have been dropping steadily. Most recently the price of used Canon 600mm f/L IS II lenses have been dropping like a rock with the introduction of the 600 III. The prices garnered for used Canon gear has tanked completely as demand has dropped tremendously. It is ironic that for decades Canon gear had very strong resale value …

Note: all BAA Used Gear sales include insured ground shipping via UPS to lower 48 US addresses only. Others who live elsewhere are invited to e-mail the seller for shipping surcharge info. Sellers should charge you only the difference between shipping to the farthest US location from their home and the charge to a non-lower-48 address.

Price Drop

Canon EOS-1D X Professional Digital Camera Body with Extras!

Price dropped $100 on 6 FEB 2020!
Price dropped $200 on 9 APR 2020!
BAA Record-low Price!

Jim Lewis is offering a Canon EOS-1D X in near-mint condition with extras for a BAA record-low $1,595.00 (was $1,895.00). The sale includes the original box, the CD’s, the strap, the cables, the manual, the front body cap, the charger w/LPE4N battery and an extra Canon LPE4N battery, 2 Lexar 1066X CF cards (one 32GB & one 64GB), a Canon RS-80 N3 remote switch, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Jim via e-mail.

Several rugged 1D X bodies served as my workhorse cameras for about four years. I made many hundreds of family jewels images in all types of weather all around the world. artie

Re-run

Please note: the purchase of the item below includes a $50.00 discount on the to-be-finished SONY e-Guide.

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS

IPT veteran and dear friend Patrick Sparkman is offering a Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens in very good condition for a very low $1650.00. The body of the lens is in excellent condition. The glass is perfect except for a tiny scratch on the front element that does not affect performance. The sale includes the lens hood, the original box, the soft case that came with the lens, the front lens cap, the rear lens cap, and insured shipping via Fed Ex Ground. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Patrick via e-mail.

The .98 meter minimum focusing distance of the SONY 100-400 is a huge plus. It comes in very handy when working with mega-tame birds and the lens can be effective as a quasi-macro lens for large bugs (including butterflies and dragonflies), frogs, all but very small flower blossoms, and lots more. In addition, it is a more than capable flight lens that is a lot lighter than the 200-600. The 100-400 was my workhorse lens on the 2019 Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime. As it sells new for $2,498.00 you can save a very neat $848.00 by grabbing Patrick’s lens.

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 over $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 is yet another image from the wonderfully magical later afternoon and evening of 3 APR 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. Working from my SUV, I used the Induro GIT 204/FlexShooter Mini-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the 61-MP Monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO: 800. Exposure determined by Zebras with exposure compensation on the rear wheel: 1/1000 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. AWB at 6:16pm on a clear afternoon. Tracking Flexible Spot M, AF-C. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper version. Image #1: Limpkin calling, two-toned background

Working Off a Tripod From Your Vehicle

As mentioned here often, I have been setting up a tripod in my vehicle for more than two decades. Adding the FlexShooter Pro (only one in stock right now) transformed a good technique into an incredibly efficient and effective one. I stayed with the Limpkin for more than an hour, moving my vehicle only once when the bird moved a few steps to my left. When I first positioned my Sequoia, I approached very slowly with the lens already on the tripod. I made a few head portraits at 1200mm and then took a moment to center the bubble on the silver ball in the scribed circle. That done, with the lens rotated to one of the two click-stops, I was able to shoot horizontals and verticals with impunity for the next 45 minutes knowing that every image would be perfectly square to the world. The first time that the bird called (heck, screamed is a better word), it turned its head away so I never pressed the shutter button. But I was ready for it the next few times!

You can hear (and see) a Limpkin calling here.

This image was also created on 3 APR 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. Again working from my SUV, I used the Induro GIT 204/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the 61-MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body.. ISO 400. Exposure determined by Zebras: 1/640 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode. AWB at 6:27pm on a late on a sunny afternoon. Tracking Flexible Spot M, AF-C. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper version. Image #2: Limpkin calling, green background

Tracking Flexible Spot M

Folks might ask, “Why did you stay with one bird for so long?” First off, tame Limpkins at ILE are few and far between. Second, and most importantly, I was able to practice using Tracking Flexible Spot M at 1200mm. This amazing AF area separates SONY from all Canon and Nikon AF systems: you usually start with the AF point in the center and acquire focus on the bird’s face. Then you can point the lens wherever you want to get the perfect image design; the AF point always stays on the bird’s face. It does, however, require some practice to develop complete confidence when using it. When the bird called, I trusted Tracking Flexible Spot M. My confidence was rewarded by two sharp images.

There is extensive coverage of all of the AF Area Modes (including and especially the Tracking Modes) in the soon-to-be-finished SONY e-Guide. Keep reading for details on that.

From Fred Innamorato via e-mail

Hi Artie,

Fred Innamorato

The Sony Camera Videos and Pre-publication e-Guide Costs and Discount Info

I recently sent aa link to the March 19 Version of the SONY e-Guide to the 31 folks who have purchased it. It will siureely be the next-to-last pre-publication version.

The cost of the SONY e-Guide is $100.00 US and will include one of the camera set-up videos — we offer one video each for the a7r iii, the a7r iv, the a9, and the a9 ii — and the written guide with the galleries. The guide is now 98% done and you will — of course, receive the final version when it is completed. I sent out the third draft today to those who have purchased the Guide with or without the discount.

Folks who have used my B&H links or purchased their SONY gear from Bedfords will receive said discount based exactly on how much they spent. If you spent more than $10,000 you will receive one free video and the e-Guide. Additional camera videos are $25.00 each. If you spent $2400, you will receive a 24% discount, and so on and so forth. And again, additional camera videos will be $25.00 each.

I will need time to verify your B&H purchases so folks will need to send their receipts and then be a bit patient. It is much easier to verify Bedfords’ purchases but I need those receipts as well.

If you have not used BAA links, please do so in the future. If that is the case and you would like the e-Guide now, please send a Paypal for $100 US to birdsasart@verizon.net and be sure to include the words “SONY Pre-publication Guide” in the Paypal e-mail along with the name of your camera or cameras so that you can receive the correct video or videos. Please add $25 for each additional camera video. Be sure to send a copy of the Paypal transaction to me via e-mail.

Folks who have used BAA links to purchase their SONY gear should send their receipts to me via e-mail asap and let me know which camera videos they need. I will verify their purchases as quickly as possible and send a quote to be paid via Paypal as above.

Thanks to all who have properly used my B&H links or gone through the fabulous Steve Elkins at Bedfords, and thanks to everyone for having faith in the information that I provide, knowing that it will be the best available anywhere.

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 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

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 :).

What’s Up?

Tuesday was mixed clouds and sun all day long. I went down to the lake early, had a few fair chances on Cattle Egret and Old Gnarly with its still-tiny chick, and did some feather close-ups on an adult crane. With a nice northeast wind and the sun out, I set up for flight photography at the always-dependable Vulture Tree. Not a single vulture flew in. I headed down twice in the afternoon and never raised my lens. I’ll be heading down to the lake this morning, Wednesday 8 APR 2020. The forecast is for west winds and clear skies so chances are that it will be a tough wind-against-sun session for bird photography.

Thanks to the many who commented on the Osprey silhouettes in yesterday’s blog post here.

And thanks to the many who have been ordering a ton of educational guides from the BAA Online Store here and here. And instructional videos here.

In Jim’s absence, I have pretty much mastered the UPS and Stamps.Com shipping stuff so the BAA Online Store is open for business.

Unexplained Upper Leg Pain

When I woke on Sunday past, I could barely sit down due to some pretty decent muscle pain in both thighs, especially the hamstrings and the adductors on the insides of the legs. For only a moment, I thought, “Is this the muscle pain of COVID-19?” But I realized that what I was feeling was sore, over-used muscle pain. I asked myself, “What had I done yesterday that strenuously involved my upper leg muscles?” For the answer, see the Bored? Trash Pickup Solution feature below.

SONY 7r iv or a9 ii?

Thanks to Bill Webb for his comment at yesterday’s blog post. At 10:46am on April 7, 2020, he wrote:

Image 3 for me. Approach angle, wing position, and talon display all work.

Just curious because I find myself wondering if I should have bought the α7R iv instead of the α9 ii. (Sigh)

At 6:41pm I replied:

Hey Bill, Thanks for your comment and your question. When it comes to birds in flight, the a9 and the a9 ii are far better than the a7r series bodies. (That said in spite of the sharpness of Images #2 and #3 above.) And that goes double for folks with the 200-600. My a7r III was my workhorse camera body on my last Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime; it served me well. If you keep your shutter speeds up and the bird holds still for a moment, the 7r iv is great. I enjoy working with the a9 ii much more than with the 7r iv as it is so fast and everything is sharp. On the other hand, the 7r iv files are amazing and you can crop with impunity.

with love, artie

From Fred Innamorato via e-mail

Hi Artie,

Fred Innamorato

The Sony Camera Videos and Pre-publication e-Guide Costs and Discount Info

I recently sent aa link to the March 19 Version of the SONY e-Guide to the 31 folks who have purchased it. It will siureely be the next-to-last pre-publication version.

The cost of the SONY e-Guide is $100.00 US and will include one of the camera set-up videos — we offer one video each for the a7r iii, the a7r iv, the a9, and the a9 ii — and the written guide with the galleries. The guide is now 98% done and you will — of course, receive the final version when it is completed. I sent out the third draft today to those who have purchased the Guide with or without the discount.

Folks who have used my B&H links or purchased their SONY gear from Bedfords will receive said discount based exactly on how much they spent. If you spent more than $10,000 you will receive one free video and the e-Guide. Additional camera videos are $25.00 each. If you spent $2400, you will receive a 24% discount, and so on and so forth. And again, additional camera videos will be $25.00 each.

I will need time to verify your B&H purchases so folks will need to send their receipts and then be a bit patient. It is much easier to verify Bedfords’ purchases but I need those receipts as well.

If you have not used BAA links, please do so in the future. If that is the case and you would like the e-Guide now, please send a Paypal for $100 US to birdsasart@verizon.net and be sure to include the words “SONY Pre-publication Guide” in the Paypal e-mail along with the name of your camera or cameras so that you can receive the correct video or videos. Please add $25 for each additional camera video. Be sure to send a copy of the Paypal transaction to me via e-mail.

Folks who have used BAA links to purchase their SONY gear should send their receipts to me via e-mail asap and let me know which camera videos they need. I will verify their purchases as quickly as possible and send a quote to be paid via Paypal as above.

Thanks to all who have properly used my B&H links or gone through the fabulous Steve Elkins at Bedfords, and thanks to everyone for having faith in the information that I provide, knowing that it will be the best available anywhere.

BIRDS AS ART

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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 over $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.

Image created with my i-Phone 11 on 7 APR. See The iPhone Photography e-Guide by Dr. Cliff Oliver. That’s how I learned to shoot with my i-Phone. box of collected trash

Bored? Trash Pickup Solution

On Saturday morning I was waiting at the point on the North Field for the cranes to swim across. To keep my self busy I set up the 600 with the 1.4X and the a9 ii for Black Vultures in flight. Many were landing on opposite shore on the North Peninsula. I lined up a few nice group shots but never pressed the shutter button as there was so much litter on the grass and along the shoreline. So when the light got too harsh, I drove around to the opposite point and began cleaning about a 40-square yard patch. I picked up plastic bottles, cups, caps, and container lids, soda cans and straws, dozens of cigarette butts, lots of paper, a rubber worm, cardboard containers, and even two washcloths. Sad to say, the fishermen at ILE are quite careless.

I bent and squatted so many times that I was quite sore the next day or two as detailed above. After a day of rest, I trash-picked half of the road by the North Field point. I still need to do the other half.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to get out in a natural area for an exercise walk, consider bringing along a plastic bag and picking up the litter. You can be ultra-safe (as I was) by wearing a glove on one hand, holding the plastic bag in the other, and then washing up with lots of soap as soon as you get home. Heck, I’ve been keeping a spray bottle of HoCl in my car and using it often.

It seems like a win/win to me.

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.

Purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.

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 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

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.

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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 :).