{"id":62751,"date":"2019-06-23T06:42:32","date_gmt":"2019-06-23T10:42:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/?p=62751"},"modified":"2019-06-25T05:43:59","modified_gmt":"2019-06-25T09:43:59","slug":"lucky-with-tame-stuff-image-design-quiz-and-the-sony-a7r-iii-for-close-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/2019\/06\/23\/lucky-with-tame-stuff-image-design-quiz-and-the-sony-a7r-iii-for-close-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Lucky With Tame Stuff. Image Design Quiz. And the SONY a7R iii for Close Work &#8230;"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>What&#8217;s Up<\/h3>\n<p>Two brand new BAA publications will be released soon. The first will be <em>The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide<\/em>, co-written and co-illustrated by Joe Przybyla and yours truly. Frog Pond Adventures\/A Guide to Photographing Frogs and Toads was written and illustrated by Andrew McLachlan and edited for readability by yours truly. Each of these new e-Guides is lavishly illustrated with images that will educate and inspire. Both will sell for $50 via electronic download. <\/p>\n<p>Please take a good look at the turtle image below and see if you can come up with the answer I am looking for in the Image Design Quiz. <\/p>\n<h3>Coming Soon<\/h3>\n<p>I will be announcing the Fort DeSoto Fall Sandbar Secrets IPT and one or two Bosque IPTs soon.<\/p>\n<h3>FlexShooter Pro Update<\/h3>\n<p>We currently have FlexShooter Pro heads in stock <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/search.php?search_query=flex\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. We are sold out on the newly-arrived FLN-60 BigFeet recently re-designed to perfection for the Nikon 600 VR. <\/p>\n<p><center><A href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/buy\/Photography-Deals\/ci\/18560\/ipp\/48\/N\/4143096970\/view\/GRID?BI=6633&#038;KW=&#038;KBID=7226&#038;img=bestdeals-am.jpg\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/images\/affiliateimages\/bestdeals-am.jpg\" border=\"0\"><\/a><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/affiliates.bhphotovideo.com\/showban.asp?id=7226&#038;img=bestdeals-am.jpg\" border=0><\/center><\/p>\n<h3>BIRDS AS ART<\/h3>\n<p>BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.<\/p>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_0_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<h3>Money Saving Reminder<\/h3>\n<p>If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&#038;H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase, click <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bedfords.com\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> 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 <a href=\"mailto:Steve@bedfords.com\">e-mail<\/a> 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 currently has several D850s in stock along with a Nikon 600mm f\/4 VR. He is taking pre-orders for the new Nikon 500 P and the Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera body.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez_banner_container_155_10\" style=\"margin:auto;position:relative;overflow:hidden;\">\n   <script src=\"https:\/\/ajax.googleapis.com\/ajax\/libs\/webfont\/1\/webfont.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n   <script type=\"text\/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/ez_banner\/?b=155&#038;v=1.0&#038;aff_num=7226&#038;sid=nphotomonEZBANNER\"><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Gear Questions and Advice<\/h3>\n<p>Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.birdphotographers.net\/forums\/content.php?s=52d51423c223b39bdca1765c6839ffc2\" target=\"_blank\">BPN<\/a>, are&#8211;out of ignorance&#8211;using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads&#8230; Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a>. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and\/or lens choices and decisions.  <\/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 image was created on June 15, 2019, at Basket Lake, near Dryden, Ontario Canada. Lying on the road I used the handheld <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1333230-REG\/sony_sel100400gm_fe_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6_gm.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SO100400GM\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSO100400GM\" target=\"_blank\">Sony FE 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens<\/a> (at 400mm) and the high mega-pixel <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1369441-REG\/sony_ilce7rm2_b_alpha_a7r_iii_mirrorless.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SOA7R3\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSOA7R3\" target=\"_blank\">Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless Digital camera body.<\/a> ISO 1000: 1\/125 sec. at f\/9 in Manual mode. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial &#8230; AWB at 6:47pm on a clear afternoon.  <\/p>\n<p>Flexible Spot (S) C (tracking) AF was active at the moment of exposure. The selected AF point was placed on the subject&#8217;s eye. <\/p>\n<p>Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Painted Turtle sunning <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=9866&#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>Tame Stuff &#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>When I sent this image to my friend Andrew McLachlan to confirm the ID, he replied: <em>They are usually rather skittish  &#8230;<\/em>. Anita North and I were exploring some back roads around Basket Lake driving a very noisy four-wheeled gas-powered cart. When we passed this turtle sunning itself on the side of the road, I called out, &#8220;Stop.&#8221; We got our lenses and approached with great caution assuming that most turtles would be very shy. This one was not. We started at about 15 feet and once we realized that it was quite content and unafraid, I was easily able to approach within four feet (at which point today&#8217;s featured image was created). Anita was using her 500 PF and needed to stay well back as the minimum focusing distance (MFD) is 3.0 meters, about nine feet, ten inches. That as compared to an incredible .98 meters for the SONY (and the Canon) 100-400 lenses. Note: .98 meters is about 3 feet, two and one-half inches. <\/p>\n<p>More than a decade ago I came across a Texas Horned Toad on a dirt road. It was silly-tame. I picked up and posed it on various branches on the weathered branches of a dead tree. I used my Canon 180mm macro lens and &#8212; over the course of an hour &#8212; made a zillion images varying my perspective and framing every few minutes. And re-positioning the creature. When I showed the images to some friends in Texas and told them the story, they were astounded: &#8220;Those buggers always run and hide whenever you even look at them.&#8221; Over the years I have run into more than my share of incredibly tame creatures that are supposed to be very shy &#8230;   Scroll down to see two of the horned toad images and an excerpt from <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/the-art-of-bird-photography-ii-cd\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ABP II<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>The toad that I mentioned in yesterday&#8217;s short blog post was another in what has been a long series of wonderfully lucky encounters.<\/p>\n<h3>SONY a7R iii for Close Work<\/h3>\n<p>As seen here often on the blog, the a7R iii\/100-400 GM is superb for close work be it avian, flowers, reptiles and amphibians, or any other medium-sized or tightly framed subjects. On the UK Puffins and Gannets and Red Kites IPT it will always be on my shoulder via the <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/black-rapid-curve-breathe-camera-strap\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Black Rapid Curve Breathe Strap.<\/a> I will have the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.outdoorphotogear.com\/search.php?search_query=indurogrand&#038;rfsn=132487.5cf37.9906\">Induro<\/a> GIT 304L\/<a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/flexshooter-pro\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FlexShooter Pro<\/a>-mounted Nikon 600 VR along for most of our sessions. The SONY rig will again be on my shoulder as above but my &#8220;big&#8221; lens will be the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.outdoorphotogear.com\/search.php?search_query=indurogrand&#038;rfsn=132487.5cf37.9906\">Induro<\/a> GIT 204L\/<a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/flexshooter-pro\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FlexShooter Pro<\/a>-mounted Nikon 500 PF. With the lighter lens, I may go to the FlexShooter Mini; more on that here soon. <\/p>\n<h3>Image Design Quiz<\/h3>\n<p>In what way would this image have been improved if I had pointed my lens 3\/8 of an inch to <strong><em>my right<\/em><\/strong> (sorry &#8212; &#8220;left&#8221; was a confusing my-bad error). Please be very specific. There would be two benefits to re-framing this image slightly; I am looking for the really big reason. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_2_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h2><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/the-art-of-bird-photography-ii-cd\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ABP II<\/a> excerpt<strong<\/h2>\n<p>Click on the image to see a sharper version if you wish to read the fine print. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>ABP II Excerpt<\/h3>\n<p>The screen capture above is an excerpt from the <em>Setups and Backyard Photography Gallery<\/em> in <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/the-art-of-bird-photography-ii-cd\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Bird Photography II<\/a> (ABP II: 916 pages, 900+ images on CD or by electronic download.) Every time I scroll through ABP II, I marvel at the quality and the amount of both information and images. I think to myself, &#8220;So many folks could learn so much from ABP II; it is the most under-utilized resource in the wonderful world of bird photography. Along with <a href=\"http:\/\/www.birdphotographers.net\/forums\/content.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BPN<\/a> &#8230; For those who read the fine print an online search seemed to indicate that Johnny Cozad&#8217;s ranch is no longer open to visiting photographers. If I am wrong, please let us know. <\/p>\n<p>Note: overseas folks or those who wish to enjoy the convenience of an electronic download can do so by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/the-art-of-bird-photography-ii-electronic-version\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here.<\/a> <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_3_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h2><strong>Bosque del Apache 2019 IPTs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Notice the incredible variety of images that you can learn to make by developing your skills and your creative vision on a BAA IPT. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>2019 Bosque del Apache IPTs<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Return to Bosque Reduced Rate Scouting IPT #1. NOV 26-28, 2019 &#8212; 3 FULL DAYS: $1199.00. Limit: 8. Introductory Meet and greet at 7pm on MON 25 NOV. <\/p>\n<p>Return to Bosque IPT #2. NOV 29 (afternoon session thru DEC 4 (morning session) &#8212; 5 DAYS (4 full and two half): $2249.00. Limit: 10\/Openings: 9. Introductory Meet and greet at 2:00pm on FRI 29 NOV.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I quit going to Bosque several years ago as conditions had worsened each year for several seasons running. My understanding is that things have improved dramatically in recent years. Photography-wise, I know Bosque better than anyone. Join me to learn how wind and sky conditions influence bird photography, how to create dramatic sunrise and sunset silhouettes, how to be in the right place at the right time, and how to create contest-winning blurs. As usual, you will learn to get the right exposure every time, to use your camera&#8217;s AF system to create pleasing, balanced image designs, and to improve your flight photography skills.  <\/p>\n<p>We should get to photograph many thousands of Snow Geese, more than a few blast-offs, some Ross&#8217;s Geese, and lots of Sandhill Cranes in the water, taking flight and flying. Depending on local conditions we may get to shoot some ducks: point-blank American Wigeon and Wood Duck. With any luck, we might enjoy sunrises and sunsets that leave you in tears. Live, eat, and breathe photography with one of (if not the) world\u2019s premier photographic educators at one of his very favorite locations on the planet. Top-notch Photoshop instruction. Join me to learn to think like a pro and to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather. Every time we make a move, I will let you know why. When you get home, applying what you learned will prove to be invaluable.<\/p>\n<p>I go with one registrant. Lunch is included on all full days of each workshop.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Free Morning Session<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Sign up for either IPT and enjoy a free morning session on Friday, 29 NOV.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>$500 Multiple IPT Discount<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Join me for both IPTs and we will be glad to apply a $500 multiple IPT discount. <\/p>\n<h3>To Register<\/h3>\n<p>To register, send your non-refundable $500 deposit &#8212; check made out to BIRDS AS ART &#8212; via US Mail to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Or call Jim weekdays at 863-692-0906 to put your non-refundable deposit on a credit card. Balances must be paid in full by check no later than three months before the IPT. If you cancel, all but your deposit will be refunded only if the IPT sells out. <\/p>\n<h3>If In Doubt &#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>If in doubt about using the BAA B&#038;H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/?BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p><center><A href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/buy\/Nikon\/ci\/9811\/N\/4288586282+4291315846\/view\/GRID?BI=6633&#038;KW=&#038;KBID=7226&#038;img=bh_nikon_14-728x90.jpg\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/images\/affiliateimages\/bh_nikon_14-728x90.jpg\" border=\"0\"><\/a><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/affiliates.bhphotovideo.com\/showban.asp?id=7226&#038;img=bh_nikon_14-728x90.jpg\" border=0><\/center><\/p>\n<p><center><A href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/promotion\/12352\/canon-rebates.html?BI=6633&#038;KW=&#038;KBID=7226&#038;img=CanonSaveBig-728x90.jpg\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/images\/affiliateimages\/CanonSaveBig-728x90.jpg\" border=\"0\"><\/a><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/affiliates.bhphotovideo.com\/showban.asp?id=7226&#038;img=CanonSaveBig-728x90.jpg\" border=0><\/center><\/p>\n<h3>Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BAA Online Store<\/a> \ud83d\ude42<\/h3>\n<p>To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&#038;H affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/\">New BIRDS AS ART Online Store<\/a>, especially the <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/mongoose-action-head\/\">Mongoose M3.6 tripod head<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/plates-and-replacement-feet\/wimberley-arca-swiss-style-lens-plates\/\">Wimberley lens plates<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/digital-media\/\">Delkin flash cards and accessories<\/a>, and <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/lenscoat-covers\/\">LensCoat stuff<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>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 <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&#038;H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. <font color=red><strong>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. <\/strong><\/font> Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who will be visiting the <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/\">New BIRDS AS ART Online Store<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n<h3>Facebook<\/h3>\n<p>Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. <\/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>What&#8217;s Up <\/p>\n<p>Two brand new BAA publications will be released soon. The first will be The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide, co-written and co-illustrated by Joe Przybyla and yours truly. Frog Pond Adventures\/A Guide to Photographing Frogs and Toads was written and illustrated by Andrew McLachlan and edited for readability by yours truly. [&#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":[628],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-628","odd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62751","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=62751"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62751\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62806,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62751\/revisions\/62806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}