{"id":64588,"date":"2019-11-21T05:01:14","date_gmt":"2019-11-21T09:01:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/?p=64588"},"modified":"2019-11-22T06:19:02","modified_gmt":"2019-11-22T10:19:02","slug":"flexshooter-minis-in-stock-what-simple-thing-could-i-have-done-to-improve-this-image","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/2019\/11\/21\/flexshooter-minis-in-stock-what-simple-thing-could-i-have-done-to-improve-this-image\/","title":{"rendered":"FlexShooter Minis in Stock!  What simple thing could I have done to improve this image?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>What&#8217;s Up?<\/h3>\n<p>I headed down to the lake on Wednesday morning hoping to do some vulture flight with my new a9 II and the 600 GM.  With a gentle wind from the east and lovely light early on a clear day I had high hopes. I put out a load of smelly fish heads and smoked salmon skins. I waited for one hour and not a single vulture even flew over. There&#8217;s always Bosque!  Jim is driving me up to an Orlando airport hotel this afternoon, Thursday 20 NOV. I fly to ABQ at oh-dark-hundred on Friday morning. <\/p>\n<p>As of Friday night, I had not packed a thing &#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to everyone who took advanatge of the silly low prices for the stuff in the first-ever BAA Garage Sale. I sold every single item that I listed within 26 hours. I was amazed. Due to a technical foul-up, three items that I had listed disappeared. I sold one of those to good friend &#8220;Bug&#8221; Bob Allen of southern California as he is trying to corner the market on used Canon teleconverters. <\/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<h2><strong>FlexShooter Pro Mini<strong<\/h2>\n<p>The Mini offers the same great performance as the FlexShooter Pro in a smaller, lighter (one pound!) package. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>FlexShooter Mini Update<\/h3>\n<p>Our first shipment of 30 Flexshooter Minis arrived on Wednesday afternoon. Jim will be shipping the pre-orders tomorrow.  Thanks for your patience. The Mini is now in the BAA Online Store; you can order yours <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/flexshooter-mini\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. Or call Jim at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Note: Jim will be out of the office on Thursday after about 2:30pm. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>The FlexShooter Mini<\/strong> <\/h2>\n<p>The Mini on a GIT 204 is dead-solid-perfect for those whose intermediate telephoto or telephoto zoom lens is their workhorse lens for bird and nature photography. It sells for $579 plus shipping. <\/p>\n<p>Several months ago I had a <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/flexshooter-mini\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">FlexShooter Mini<\/a> to test on both the UK Puffins and Gannets IPT and the Galapagos Photo-Cruise of a Lifetime.  It is a smaller, lighter (one pound even!) version of the amazing <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/search.php?search_query=flex\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">FlexShooter Pro<\/a>. I used it often with both the Nikon 500 PF and the SONY 100-400 GM with great success and in a pinch, I was able to make sharp images even with the Nikon 600 and the TC-E14. I mounted the Mini on the light weight <a href=\"https:\/\/www.outdoorphotogear.com\/search.php?search_query=indurogrand&#038;rfsn=132487.5cf37.9906\">Induro<\/a> GIT 204. After my testing, I suggested to developer\/manufacturer Csaba Karai that the Mini needed a bit more spring tension. Our new batch with my suggested changes is now in stock. <\/p>\n<h3>IPT Updates <\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The Return to Bosque Reduced Rate Scouting IPT. NOV 26-28, 2019 &#8212; 3 FULL DAYS: $1199.00. Limit: 8\/Openings: 2. Extra Day Options: Join me for one to three extra In-the-Field Days at the end of the IPT as follows: FRI 29 NOV, SAT 30 NOV, and SUN 1 DEC for only $300.00\/day.<\/li>\n<li>The 2020 San Diego 4 1\/2-DAY BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT) WED JAN 8, 2020 thru and including the morning session on SUN JAN 12: 4 1\/2 days: $2099.(Limit: 8\/Openings: 5)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/ipt-update-page\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> for complete IPT info and details. <\/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_1_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 over $1000.00, click <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bedfords.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" 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 has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&#038;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. <\/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>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\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">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_2_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on January 30, on the 2019 San Diego IPT. I used the hand held <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\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sony FE 100-400mm f\/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens<\/a> (at 400mm) and the beyond remarkable AF King, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1333228-REG\/sony_ilce_9_b_alpha_a9_mirrorless_digital.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SOA9B\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSOA9B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera.<\/a> ISO 400: 1\/6400 sec. at f\/5.6 in Manual mode. AWB at 9:19:56am on a in the shade of the building behind us.  <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Western Gull calling<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=9190&#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>Western Gull Calling<\/h3>\n<p>This image was made when I was just starting with SONY. I was not quite confident with my exposures and had never even heard of Zebras; as a result thisone was just a bit under-exposed. <\/p>\n<h3>Image Question<\/h3>\n<p>What simple thing could I have done to improve this image?  The answer is great advice for everyone photographing birds, especially those using intermediate telephoto focal lengths of from 200 to 400mm.  <\/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<p>San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there &#8230; Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>The 2020 San Diego 4 1\/2-DAY BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT) WED JAN 8, 2020 thru and including the morning session on SUN JAN 12: 4 1\/2 days: $2099.(Limit: 8\/Openings: 4)<\/h3>\n<h2><strong>Introductory Meet and Greet at 7:00pm on the evening before the IPT begins; WED JAN 7, 2020.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt&#8217;s (nesting with eggs and possibly chicks) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Duck; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann&#8217;s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals (depending on the current regulations) and California Sea Lions; and Bird of Paradise flowers. And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction. <\/p>\n<p>Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or relocated) with offerings of grains or healthy bread. <\/p>\n<h3>Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not<\/h3>\n<p>Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on the exposure situation along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and the subject of blinkies. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode and to get the right exposure every time as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant. And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.  <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_4_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>It Ain&#8217;t Just Pelicans<\/h3>\n<p>With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning there is usually some excellent flight photography as well. And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of all of those opportunities. And depending on the weather and local conditions and tides, there are a variety of fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/san-diego-card-neesie.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/san-diego-card-neesie.jpg\" alt=\"san-diego-card-neesie\" title=\"san-diego-card-neesie\" width=800 \/><\/a> <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>The San Diego Details<\/h3>\n<p>This IPT will include five 3 1\/2 hour morning photo sessions, four 2 1\/2 hour afternoon photo sessions, four lunches, and after-lunch image review and Photoshop sessions. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own. <\/p>\n<p>A $599 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. You can send a check (made out to &#8220;Arthur Morris) to us at BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 3385, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, will be due on 10\/11\/\/2018. If we do not receive your check for the balance on or before the due date we will try to fill your spot from the waiting list. Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/ipt-registration-and-release-forms\/\">here<\/a> and shoot it to us along with your deposit check. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a><\/center>.<\/p>\n<h3>Travel Insurance<\/h3>\n<p>Travel insurance for both big international trips and US-based IPTs is highly recommended as we never know what life has in store for us. I strongly recommend that you purchase quality travel insurance. Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic &#038; Plus Options you can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. My family and I use and depend on the great policies offered by TIS whenever we travel. You can learn more here: <a href=\"https:\/\/select.travelinsure.com\/?pcode=32940\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Travel Insurance Services<\/a>. Do note that many plans require that you purchase your travel insurance within 14 days of our cashing your deposit check or running your credit card. Whenever purchasing travel insurance, be sure to read the fine print carefully even when dealing with reputable firms like TSI.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/san-diego-card-b.jpg\" class='thickbox'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/san-diego-card-b.jpg\" alt=\"san-diego-card-b\" title=\"san-diego-card-b\" width=800 \/><\/a> <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late<\/h3>\n<p>On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities. <\/p>\n<div id=\"ez_banner_container_178_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=178&#038;v=1.0&#038;aff_num=7226&#038;sid=eos90dEZBANNER\"><\/script><\/div>\n<h3>If In Doubt &#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>If you are 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\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">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<h3>Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" 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 or Bedfords, 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 or Bedfords 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>I headed down to the lake on Wednesday morning hoping to do some vulture flight with my new a9 II and the 600 GM. With a gentle wind from the east and lovely light early on a clear day I had high hopes. I put out a load of smelly fish heads and [&#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-64588","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\/64588","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=64588"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64588\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64604,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64588\/revisions\/64604"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64588"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64588"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}