{"id":26735,"date":"2015-05-05T01:00:33","date_gmt":"2015-05-05T05:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/?p=26735"},"modified":"2015-05-06T15:37:28","modified_gmt":"2015-05-06T19:37:28","slug":"a-smelly-situation-100-400-ii-versatilityjust-a-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/2015\/05\/05\/a-smelly-situation-100-400-ii-versatilityjust-a-start\/","title":{"rendered":"A Smelly Situation: 100-400 II Versatility\/Just a Start&#8230;"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Stuff<\/h3>\n<p>Monday was packing and travel day.  I left before lunch and made it to the motel in St. Augustine just after 3pm.  The 4 hour drive went by very quickly.  I met my small group for a brief orientation and then headed to the Alligator Farm where conditions are looking quite excellent.  <\/p>\n<p>This blog post, the 117th in a row, took about 1 1\/2 hours to prepare. It is scheduled to be published automatically at 1am on Tuesday morning.  Tomorrow is the first full day of the IPT. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/black-vulture-bw-high-structure-smoth-on-american-alligator-carcass-_36a3056-indian-lake-estates-fl.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/black-vulture-bw-high-structure-smoth-on-american-alligator-carcass-_36a3056-indian-lake-estates-fl.jpg\" alt=\"black-vulture-bw-high-structure-smoth-on-american-alligator-carcass-_36a3056-indian-lake-estates-fl\" title=\"black-vulture-bw-high-structure-smoth-on-american-alligator-carcass-_36a3056-indian-lake-estates-fl\" width=800 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created at Indian Lake Estates on Sunday morning with the hand held <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1092632-REG\/canon_9524b002_ef_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6l_is.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CA1004002LIS\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCA1004002LIS\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EF 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens<\/a> (at 124mm) and the amazing <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1081808-REG\/canon_9128b002_eos_7d_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE7D2\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE7D2\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS 7D Mark II<\/a>. ISO 400.  Evaluative metering +1 1\/3 stops: 1\/400 sec. at f\/5.6 was still a significant underexposure of at least 1\/2 stop, that despite blinkies on the water at 1\/320 sec at f\/5.6&#8230;.  AWB.  SHADE would have been a lot better.  <\/p>\n<p>One AF point above and two to the left of the 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 active AF point was on the vulture&#8217;s right foot conveniently on the same plane as the eye. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Black Vulture on rotting American Alligator carcass\/NIK Silver Efex Pro High Structure Smooth B&#038;W<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/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=6394&#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<p>I had been seeing a big group of Black Vultures every day in the same spot by the dead end corner of a canal.  I drove up slowly to find out what the attraction was.  I smelled it before I saw it, the bloated, rotting carcass of about a six foot gator.  At first I tried working from the car but that did not work out well.   When I got out, most of the  vultures flew the coop.  But the one on the gator was very much at peace with me and I was able to maneuver for the best backgrounds as long as I moved slowly.  From the moment I started working the scene I knew that there was a really good black and white image there for the taking. <\/p>\n<p>The funny thing is that when this or that vulture jumped onto the gator to join my friend the floating carcass would change position.  I could not have placed the gator in a better spot myself&#8230;.  <\/p>\n<p>After converting the image in DPP 4 at K 8200, I brought it into Photoshop and did some extensive cleanup of the surface of the water.  Then my NIK 50-50 recipe at about 60% opacity.   I saved a color version (below) and then went to NIK Silver Efex Pro and tried all of my favorites. High Structure Smooth was the winner by miles.    <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/black-vulture-on-american-alligator-carcass-_36a3056-indian-lake-estates-fl.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/black-vulture-on-american-alligator-carcass-_36a3056-indian-lake-estates-fl.jpg\" alt=\"black-vulture-on-american-alligator-carcass-_36a3056-indian-lake-estates-fl\" title=\"black-vulture-on-american-alligator-carcass-_36a3056-indian-lake-estates-fl\" width=800 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created at Indian Lake Estates on Sunday morning with the hand held <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1092632-REG\/canon_9524b002_ef_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6l_is.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CA1004002LIS\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCA1004002LIS\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EF 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens<\/a> (at 124mm) and the amazing <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1081808-REG\/canon_9128b002_eos_7d_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE7D2\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE7D2\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS 7D Mark II<\/a>. ISO 400.  Evaluative metering +1 1\/3 stops: 1\/400 sec. at f\/5.6 was still a significant underexposure of at least 1\/2 stop, that despite blinkies on the water at 1\/320 sec at f\/5.6&#8230;.  AWB should have been SHADE.  <\/p>\n<p>One AF point above and two to the left of the 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 active AF point was on the vulture&#8217;s right foot conveniently on the same plane as the eye. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Black Vulture on rotting American Alligator carcass<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/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=6394&#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>VULTURES AS ART? <\/h3>\n<p>Which version do you like best, color or B&#038;W?  Please let us know why. <\/p>\n<h3>Image Question<\/h3>\n<p>Do you see a reason to start from scratch and re-convert this image?  <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/nickersonbeach-carda.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/nickersonbeach-carda.jpg\" alt=\"nickersonbeach-carda\" title=\"nickersonbeach-carda\" width=800 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>The strange thing is that when I lived in New York, I never knew about this amazing and consistently productive location. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Nickerson Beach\/JBWR (possibly&#8230;)\/Black Skimmer\/Oystercatcher\/migrant shorebird IPT: August 13-16, 2015. 3 1\/2 DAYS: $1399.<\/h3>\n<h2><strong>Meet and greet on the evening of WED August 12. Limit 10\/Openings 5.<\/strong> <\/h2>\n<p>Most of our seven photo sessions will be spent at Nickerson beach photographing the nesting Black Skimmers.  In flight, sometimes battling.  Carrying fish. Chicks of varying sizes from a very few just-hatched to lots of fledglings. It is likely that we will get to see some Great Black-backed Gulls preying on the juvenile skimmers.  They swallow them whole. There will be lots of gulls to photograph as well as some Common Terns.   Locally breeding shorebird species include American Oystercatcher&#8211;pretty much guaranteed, Willet, which is likely, and Piping Plover, which is probable but we need to get lucky with those to get close&#8230;. <\/p>\n<p>Save a space by calling Jim or Jen at the office and arranging to leave your deposit of $499.  I hope to see you there. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/nickerson-beach-card-c.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/nickerson-beach-card-c.jpg\" alt=\"nickerson-beach-card-c\" title=\"nickerson-beach-card-c\" width=800 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>JBWR?<\/h3>\n<p>If local conditions are ideal we may visit Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to photograph southbound migrant shorebirds on one or possibly two mornings.  Even if we do not visit JBWR we should get some good chances with the migrant shorebirds at the beach, especially Sanderling and Semipalmated Plover. Red Knot and others are possible. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/nickerson-beach-card-b.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/nickerson-beach-card-b.jpg\" alt=\"nickerson-beach-card-b\" title=\"nickerson-beach-card-b\" width=800 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>As you can see, the oystercatchers are quite tame at Nickerson.  And we will get you up early and we will stay out late. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge In-the-field Instructional Photo Workshop\/Scouting Session. August 12, 2015.  Morning only: $250. Cheap!<\/h3>\n<p>The tide will be pretty good at the East Pond&#8230;.  If I learn that conditions there are un-photographable we will do Nickerson Beach as a back-up.  This will work either as an add-on for out of town folks coming for the IPT above or as a stand alone session.  Either way, you will, as always, learn a ton.   And we might even get some good images. <\/p>\n<h3>Facebook<\/h3>\n<p>Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.  Tanks a stack!<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Support the BAA Blog. Support the BAA Bulletins: Shop B&#038;H here!<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>We want and need to keep providing you with the latest free information, photography and Photoshop lessons, and all manner of related information. Show your appreciation by making your purchases immediately after clicking on any of our B&#038;H or Amazon Affiliate links in this blog post.  Remember, B&#038;H ain&#8217;t just photography!<\/p>\n<p>    <center> <strong>&#8230;..<\/strong><\/center><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"825\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/images\/affiliateimages\/BirdsAsArt\/index.html\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"margin-left:-10px; margin-top:-10px;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>Amazon.com<\/h3>\n<p>Those who prefer to support BAA by shopping with Amazon may use this link: <\/p>\n<p><center><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/cm?t=arthurmorrisb-20&#038;o=1&#038;p=9&#038;l=ur1&#038;category=amazonhomepage&#038;f=ifr&#038;linkID=JIBVXBCFKIBE72GU\" width=\"180\" height=\"150\" scrolling=\"no\" border=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/p>\n<h3>Amazon Canada<\/h3>\n<p>Many kind folks from north of the border, eh, have e-mailed stating that they would love to help us out by using one of our affiliate links but that living in Canada and doing so presents numerous problems.  Now, they can help us out by using our Amazon Canada affiliate link by starting their searches by clicking <a href=\"http:\/\/amazon.ca\/?_encoding=UTF8&#038;camp=15121&#038;creative=330641&#038;linkCode=ur2&#038;tag=amb07-20\">here<\/a>.   Many thanks to those who have written.  <\/p>\n<h3>Typos<\/h3>\n<p>In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a><\/center> or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.  Just be right :). <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stuff <\/p>\n<p>Monday was packing and travel day. I left before lunch and made it to the motel in St. Augustine just after 3pm. The 4 hour drive went by very quickly. I met my small group for a brief orientation and then headed to the Alligator Farm where conditions are looking quite excellent. <\/p>\n<p>This [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[590],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26735","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-590","odd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26735","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=26735"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26735\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26735"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26735"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}