{"id":100119,"date":"2026-11-04T06:26:03","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T10:26:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/?p=100119"},"modified":"2026-11-04T09:00:42","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T13:00:42","slug":"is-it-bird-photography-or-is-it-cheating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/2026\/11\/04\/is-it-bird-photography-or-is-it-cheating\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it Bird Photography or Is It Cheating?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Is it Bird Photography or Cheating?\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PVMAVSRQlfI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>Is it Bird Photography or Is It Cheating?<\/h3>\n<p>Regular readers know full well I use Photoshop to optimize the images I create, and often, to eliminate or soften distracting background elements. In this 5 minute video, I ask, for the five before and after images, &#8220;Is it bird photography or is it cheating?&#8221; Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.  <\/p>\n<p>You can see the images in question in these blog posts:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/muvsms66\" target=\"_blank\">&#8220;Initial Impressions &#8211; A Short Afternoon w\/the Sony A7R VI&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/467wej99\" target=\"_blank\">&#8220;Working the Subjects &#8212; Water Lily and a Miracle Rainbow&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/y8d2td7y\" target=\"_blank\">&#8220;The Extraordinary Featherweight Sony Super-telephoto Lens&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you are impressed with the before and after images, you can check out my Photoshop Tutorials <a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/5fn4j73e\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<h3>In the Last Blog Post<\/h3>\n<p>In the last blog post everyone loved the huge A7R VI crop of the Western Cattle Egret with the wasp. And both the quartet and the flight shot got some love as well. In the next blog post we will take a deep dive into the shortcomings of the a7R VI for bird photography \u2014 along with the technical explanations that back up those findings, revealing exactly why the a7R VI costs $2,500 less than the a-1 ii. This new body might or might not be perfect for you. <\/p>\n<h3>What&#8217;s Up?<\/h3>\n<p>It was raining hard when Bob Eastman and I headed down to the lake on Monday morning. All three fields were lakes as it had been raining all night. We did manage a very few nice rain-streaked keepers when we found some cranes on the edge of a vacant lot. With a strong wind from the north the trick was to point the car west and shoot out of the lee-side of the car. I was in the front seat with Bob behind me. <\/p>\n<p>The rain had lessened quite a bit on Tuesday morning and by the time we made it down to the lake the sun was peaking in and out. It turned out to be a fabulous vulture morning with a touch of Great Egret added to spice things up. There are hundreds of Black and Turkey Vultures at ILE right now and they make great subjects. Many folks would scoff at photographing vultures but a good picture is a good picture. <\/p>\n<p>Today is Wednesday 4 November 2026. It is 4:50am as I type. We are headed to Sebastian Inlet to do our best. We are meeting multiple IPT veteran Jim Dolgin at 6:00am. Steve (&#8220;Bags&#8221;) Baglione is flying down from Maine to meet us for 13 days of In-the-Field Instruction. <\/p>\n<p>Whatever you opt to do today, we hope that you choose to have fun and enjoy life. Please remember that happiness is a choice &#8212; Byron Katie &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/thework.com\" target=\"_blank\">The Work.Com<\/a> I will begin work on the next blog post that will take a deep dive into the shortcomings of the a7R VI for bird photography \u2014 along with the technical explanations that back up those findings, revealing exactly why the a7R VI costs $2,500 less than the a-1 ii. You will learn if the A7R VI is right for you. Or not. Promise. <\/p>\n<p>Note: Despite the shortcoming my plan is to use the A7R VI quite extensively at Sebastian to learn more about it. <\/p>\n<p>If an item \u2014 a <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/digital-media\/\" target=\"_blank\">Delkin flash card or reader<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/levered-clamp-flexshooter-pro\/\" target=\"_blank\">Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro<\/a>, or a<a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/plates-and-replacement-feet\/wimberley-arca-swiss-style-lens-plates\/\" target=\"_blank\"> Wimberley lens plate <\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/plates-and-replacement-feet\/wimberley-lens-replacement-feet\/\" target=\"_blank\">low foot<\/a> &#8212; for example, that is available from B&#038;H and\/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&#038;H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and\/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Gear Questions and Advice<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on <a href=\"https:\/\/birdphotographers.net\/forums\/avian.2\/\" target=\"_blank\">BirdPhotographer&#8217;s.Net<\/a>,  are &#8212; out of ignorance &#8212; using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail.<\/a> If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.<\/p>\n<h3>Gemini<\/h3>\n<p>General information, copy editing, re-crafting, technical refinement, and formatting for this blog post were assisted by Gemini AI.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera (with an extra!)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Used Gear page regular John Nelson is offering a Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera in like-new condition for a very low $1699.00. The sale includes the BG-R10 battery grip (a $409.00 value), the original box, one battery, the charger, the front body cap, the strap, the instruction book, &#038; 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. <\/p>\n<p>Please contact John via <a href=\"mailto:jhopi22@aol.com \">e-mail<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>The R5 is the only Canon mirrorless body I\u2019ve ever used. I was quite impressed and made lots of good images with it. It is still in production and sells new for $2599.00. It would be a great camera for someone looking to get in the game with Canon mirrorless and, with the battery grip, you\u2019d be saving about $1300.00. Purchase John\u2019s pretty-much-new body and I will be glad to send you a free copy of <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/the-birds-as-art-canon-eos-r5-r6-camera-users-e-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\">The BIRDS AS ART Canon EOS R5\/R6 Camera User\u2019s e-Guide<\/a>, (a $75.00 value).<\/em> artie<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Canon EF 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Used Gear page regular John Nelson is also offering a Canon EF 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens in like-new condition for a very low $1199.00. The sale includes the original box, a replacement low foot (installed), the original foot, the front and rear lens caps, the carrying case, &#038; 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.<\/p>\n<p>Please contact John via <a href=\"mailto:jhopi22@aol.com \">e-mail<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>When I was a Canon Explorer of Light, the incredibly versatile 100-400mm EF was one of my very favorite lenses. This lens is still in production and a new copy goes for $2699.00! Grab John\u2019s 100-400 and save a ridiculous $1500.00. Grab his R5, add the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1433717-REG\/canon_mount_adapter_ef_rf.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAMAEFRF\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAMAEFRF\" target=\"_blank\">Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R<\/a> ($149.00), and you will be good to go.<\/em><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_0_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on 29 October 2026 on the pier at Indian Lake Estates, FL by yours truly. Standing as tall as possible, I used the handheld <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1881961-REG\/sony_fe_400_800mm_f_6_3_8_g.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SO400800G\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSO400800G\" target=\"_blank\">Sony FE 400-800mm f\/6.3-8 G OSS Lens (Sony E)<\/a> (at 626mm) and the alleged poor man&#8217;s a-1 ii, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1970580-REG\/sony_ilce7rm6b_a7r_vi_mirrorless_camera.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SOA7R6\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSOA7R6\" target=\"_blank\">Sony a7R VI Mirrorless Camera<\/a>. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 800: 1\/2500 sec. at f\/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:39:25am on a sunny morning.    <\/p>\n<p>Wide\/AF-C with Bird-Eye\/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #1: Great Egret juvenile with bill open during head shake<br \/>\nImage copyright 2026: Arthur Morris\/BIRDS AS ART<strong<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=468x60&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=11732&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>400-800\/A7R VI<\/h3>\n<p>The Sony 400-800 is surely the most overlooked Sony super-telephoto zoom lens as far as reach, versatility, handhold-ability, and price. But not by me. Lately, I have been using it more than ever before, always without a tripod. There will be a new YouTube video on the 4-8 here soon. This lens with the A7R VI is deadly for sure on static subjects. With bright sun and a white subject, f\/8 was not a problem at all. Remember: white subjects need one stop less light than middle-toned subjects to be exposed properly, and two stops less light than dark tones. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_1_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This Photo Mechanic screen capture represents the raw file for today&#8217;s featured image (above). <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #1A: Great Egret juvenile with bill open during head shake<br \/>\nImage copyright 2026: Arthur Morris\/BIRDS AS ART<strong<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=468x60&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=11732&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>The Image Optimization<\/h3>\n<h2><strong>Is it Bird Photography or Is It Cheating?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>1- I used a Linear Gradient Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) mask to darken the sky bit until it came close to matching the color of the lake.<\/p>\n<p>2- I cleaned up the schmutz on the bill and toned down some unwanted specular highlights. <\/p>\n<p>3- I enriched the exposed to the right colors during the ACR conversion. <\/p>\n<p>4- As the eye was a mess &#8212; completely covered by the nictitating membrane, I replaced it with the eye from the frame before. <\/p>\n<p>So, is it bird photography or is it cheating? <\/p>\n<p>Do understand that if I ever again enter a photography contest that I would only submit photos that complied perfectly with the published rules of the competition. <\/p>\nngg_shortcode_2_placeholder\n<h3>Silicone Spatula Set &#8211; Soft Rubber 9.5&#8243; Scrapers Resistant to 500F (2pcs)<\/h3>\n<p>My search for the world&#8217;s greatest kitchen spatulas ended recently. <\/p>\n<p>The flexible blade reaches every corner of mayonnaise jars, mixing bowls, and the like! They are heat-resistant up to 500\u00b0F without melting or warping. The one-piece design keeps bacteria out and the head will never pop off. And best of all, at two for $7.99 they are practically free. <\/p>\n<p>The package includes two Silicone Rubber Spatulas (with scraper shaped heads). The the heads are made of premium food-grade silicone rubber and the handle of nylon plastic. This spatula set is nontoxic, BPA-free &#038; very durable. Both the head blade and the handle are 100% safe for direct food contact.<\/p>\n<p>You can purchase your set by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/link.amazon\/B070Q8Wuc\" target=\"_blank\">here <\/a>or on the logo link above. <\/p>\n<h3>Support BIRDS AS ART with your Everyday Online Shopping<\/h3>\n<h2><strong>Using the BAA Tip Jar Costs You Nothing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>This You Tube video blog post took three hours to prepare not including the time spent photographing, picking my keepers, and optimizing the images. Consider using the BAA Tip Jar &#8212; it never costs you a single penny to help me out. <\/p>\n<p>If you are like me, you enjoy the convenience of shopping online at Amazon without having to drive into town. The prices are competitive, and you can return anything you purchase for any reason (as long as you have not wrecked it). <\/p>\n<p>If you enjoy learning from the blog posts, the YouTube videos, and the Instagram posts, or simply love being inspired by the images, the simplest and easiest way to support my efforts at BIRDS AS ART at no cost to you, is to use my generic Amazon link:<\/p>\n<p><center><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com?&#038;linkCode=ll2&#038;tag=biasar0c-20&#038;linkId=b3440927d2cffd60a9c1041a6a79d2f0&#038;language=en_US&#038;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\">BIRDS AS ART Amazon Affiliate Link<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<p>Whenever you make your routine household purchases \u2014 from groceries and coffee to backup batteries, household supplies, or electronics, making it a habit to click on our link first helps keep things running smoothly here. And again, it never costs you one penny to help me out. <\/p>\n<p>Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/surf-booties\/\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> or on the <em>Great (Photographic Accessory) Stuff<\/em> tab on the lower, orange-yellow menu bar at the top of each blog post to learn about my favorite photo accessories. And more. <\/p>\n<h3>Typos<\/h3>\n<p>With all blog posts, feel free to <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a><\/center> or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n<p> Is it Bird Photography or Is It Cheating? <\/p>\n<p>Regular readers know full well I use Photoshop to optimize the images I create, and often, to eliminate or soften distracting background elements. In this 5 minute video, I ask, for the five before and after images, &#8220;Is it bird photography or is it cheating?&#8221; Leave [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[643],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-100119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-643","odd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=100119"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":100150,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100119\/revisions\/100150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=100119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=100119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=100119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}