{"id":88577,"date":"2023-12-16T07:53:30","date_gmt":"2023-12-16T11:53:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/?p=88577"},"modified":"2025-03-07T11:13:44","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T15:13:44","slug":"nanci-griffith-julie-gold-and-a-stuck-osprey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/2023\/12\/16\/nanci-griffith-julie-gold-and-a-stuck-osprey\/","title":{"rendered":"Nanci Griffith, Julie Gold, and a Stuck Osprey"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>What&#8217;s Up?<\/h3>\n<p>On Thursday, I took a day off from swimming. I came across a tame adult Osprey that let me approach in my vehicle to within 15 feet. Image and story below after the music. (Tip: if you click on the Watch On > YouTube button the video will play in a new window and you can listen in the background while reading the blog.) On Friday, I took a day off from photography. In this post, I share some really good music with you. If <em>Southbound Train<\/em> or the wonderfully inspiring article by Julie Gold below does not garner a few tears, you might want to see about getting a heart transplant. <\/p>\n<p>Today is Saturday 16 December 2023. The forecasts is for cloudy skies with the very strong northeast winds continuing. I will likely be heading down to the lake each weekend morning, probably with the 400mm f\/2.8. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great day. <\/p>\n<p>Please remember to use the B&#038;H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/ipt-update-page\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">BAA IPT<\/a>. You will be amazed at how much you will learn! <\/p>\n<p>You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange\/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.<\/p>\n<p>If an item \u2014 a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head \u2014 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 any price. Please remember also to use my B&#038;H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords 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<h3>B&#038;H Simplified<\/h3>\n<p>To ensure that I get credit for your B&#038;H purchases, you can always click <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/?BI=6633&#038;KBID=7226\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here.<\/a> The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&#038;H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&#038;H receipt for major purchases. <\/p>\n<h3>Bedfords Simplified<\/h3>\n<p>Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bedfords.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly. <\/p>\n<h3>B&#038;H<\/h3>\n<p>Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&#038;H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value.  When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&#038;H purchases <strong><em>only if they use one of the many B&#038;H affiliate links on the blog <\/em><\/strong> or begin their searches with <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/?BI=6633&#038;KBID=7226\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">this link<\/a>, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a> and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.<\/p>\n<h3>Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy <\/h3>\n<p>Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.<\/p>\n<p>Visit the Bedfords website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bedfords.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>, shoot Steve Elkins an <a href=\"mailto:Steve@bedfords.com\">e-mail<\/a>, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.  <\/p>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_0_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Important Note<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW \ud83d\ude42 <\/p>\n<p><center><A href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com?BI=6633&#038;KW=&#038;KBID=7226&#038;img=14751-300x250.jpg\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/images\/affiliateimages\/14751-300x250.jpg\" border=\"0\"><\/a><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/affiliates.bhphotovideo.com\/showban.asp?id=7226&#038;img=14751-300x250.jpg\" border=0><\/center><\/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=\"http:\/\/www.birdphotographers.net\/forums\/content.php?s=52d51423c223b39bdca1765c6839ffc2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BPN<\/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<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Southbound Train\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1Y1x87cKXdY?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>Southbound Train<\/h3>\n<p>Years ago my younger daughter Alissa gave me a Nanci Griffith CD for my birthday. I listened to <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3TpTC7u\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Flyer<\/a> <\/em><\/strong> often and fell in love with several of the tracks. My very favorite is Southbound Train. Griffith&#8217;s voice has been described as &#8220;gorgeously graceful and distinctive, simply spellbinding.&#8221; To that I would add, &#8220;hauntingly beautiful.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>For many years after my wife Elaine&#8217;s death (of breast cancer in 1994), I felt a lot like the lady on the Southbound Train (even though our losses might have been different). The lyrics are pure poetry. And of course, heartrending. <\/p>\n<p>Nanci Griffith died in the summer of 2021 of undisclosed causes. There is a wonderful article about her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irishtimes.com\/culture\/music\/nanci-griffith-s-irish-hit-cancer-history-and-really-dysfunctional-family-1.4648298\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> on The Irish Times website. It is entitled &#8220;Nanci Griffith\u2019s Irish hit, cancer history and \u2018really dysfunctional\u2019 family&#8221; and was written by Adam Sweeting.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Written by Julie Gold<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><em>I&#8217;m sitting on a southbound train<br \/>\nStaring at the sky<br \/>\nI&#8217;m thinking of my childhood<br \/>\nAnd I&#8217;m trying not to cry<br \/>\nWhile a stranger sleeps against me<br \/>\nAnd it feels like I&#8217;m his wife<br \/>\nThe towns and cities flutter past<br \/>\nLike the pages of my life<\/p>\n<p>My heart is on the baggage rack<br \/>\nIt&#8217;s heavy as can be<br \/>\nI wish that I could find someone<br \/>\nWho would carry it for me<br \/>\nJust to pay it some attention<br \/>\nAnd to handle it with care<br \/>\nBecause it has been dropped and<br \/>\nIs in need of some repair<\/p>\n<p>Some things I know<br \/>\nSome things I guess<br \/>\nSome things I wish I could learn<br \/>\nTo express<br \/>\nLike the way that I feel<br \/>\nAs I stare at the sky<br \/>\nAnd I remember your voice<br \/>\nAnd the sound of goodbye<\/em><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nanci Griffith &amp; Julie Gold - From A Distance\/Heaven\/Southbound Train (1991)\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/U9iE-20YieY?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>Nanci Griffith and Julie Gold<\/h3>\n<p>While YouTube surfing on Thursday evening, I came across the video above. Much as I did when I found John Prine, I asked, &#8220;Who is Julie Gold?&#8221; Julie Gold is an American singer-songwriter best known for her musical composition &#8220;From a Distance,&#8221; which became a huge hit for Bette Midler and won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1991. Additional searching brought me to the moving article <a href=\"https:\/\/performingsongwriter.com\/from-a-distance\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> (and below) on the Performing Songwriter website. <\/p>\n<h3>The story behind the Grammy-award winning \u201cFrom A Distance\u201d and the miracles a song can bring, as told by the writer, Julie Gold.<\/h3>\n<p>In 1978, at the age of 22, I came to New York in pursuit of my dream of being a songwriter. And while dreams are essential, they don\u2019t pay the rent. For years, I worked various temp jobs while gigging at night and sending songs out whenever possible. I demonstrated vacuum cleaners, Mr. Coffees, and toaster ovens. I worked the flea markets, as a proofreader, for a dentist, and at a venetian blinds factory.<\/p>\n<p>It was a struggle. No health benefits. No money for recreational purposes. Desperation. Self doubt. Fear. We all know what that\u2019s like. But, all the while, I clung to my dream like a life preserver. I knew why I was born, and no one could discourage me from reaching my mountaintop. I was willing to die trying. Honest, I was. I finally gave in to taking a full-time job as a secretary at HBO in 1984. It was a smart move. Ah, the magic of a steady paycheck. In my spare time and evening hours, I was of course still gigging, writing songs and dreaming my big dream. Now, however, I didn\u2019t have that horrible daily struggle of keeping my head above water financially.<\/p>\n<p>In 1985, just before my 30th birthday, my parents sent me the piano I grew up playing. I had just served as a juror on an emotionally trying case, my brother had just married, and I was questioning my life to date, wondering what my future could possibly hold. I took the day off work to be home when my piano arrived, and I remember how it glistened in the sun as the movers lowered it off the truck. My piano. My truest love and friend. My confidante. Back together again after all these years.<\/p>\n<p>It came into my little, one room apartment and fit just where I hoped it would. The movers told me that it had been on the truck for 24 hours, so I had to give it a chance to settle. They said I couldn\u2019t play it for a full day. So there we were in the same room, unable to make music. I remember hugging it and polishing it. Then I went to bed. My bed was a high loft bed, and I looked down on my piano all night to make sure it was really there. The next day I sat down and \u201cFrom a Distance\u201d just poured out of me. On one hand, it took me two hours to write. On the other hand, it took me 30 years. Pick whichever hand makes you happy. I love them both.<\/p>\n<p>I sent \u201cFrom a Distance\u201d around to all my contacts. As usual, most did not even reply. Those who did found fault with my song. My friend and fellow songwriter Christine Lavin loved it and requested copies to send around to her friends and contacts. Within two weeks, my scratchy demo was getting radio play thanks to Christine. Then I came home one day to a flashing message on my answering machine. There was a gentle, unknown voice identifying herself as Nanci Griffith. Christine had sent her the song, she loved it, and was asking to record it. Nanci recorded \u201cFrom a Distance\u201d on her first album for MCA. I remember sitting at The Bottom Line the first time I saw her perform it live and observing her audience sing along. That\u2019s when I realized that my life would never be the same.<\/p>\n<p>Nanci sang that song all over the world, and I was still very much a secretary. She would call me at work from Belfast and tell me how the song was affecting people around the world. She took me out on the road with her several times, just so I could play the piano as she sang that one song. What incredible moments we shared. Me, away from my day job and in the spotlight with a beloved world-class talent. Me, getting love and honor from total strangers all because of one little song. Me, basking in the light of my life-long dream.<\/p>\n<p>On June 16, 1988, I played Carnegie Hall with Nanci. All my relatives came up from Philadelphia to share the miracle. Most of them, including my mother, are immigrants. In many ways, I am their American Dream. What an amazing dream it is. As I write this, I can\u2019t even believe it\u2019s true. But it is. It really is.<\/p>\n<p>Even with all this glory, however, I was still a secretary. I still lived in one little dark room. I still barely made enough money to survive. Believe it or not, I was depressed and despondent. I remember crying on the phone to both my parents (who, incidentally, were never anything short of supportive, encouraging and fully loving with regard to my dream). On this occasion, I remember my desperation and how they tried to console me with a stereo pep talk. It didn\u2019t work. Finally, they asked what they do to help me feel better. For the first and only time in my life, I asked them to please pay my rent for six months. They agreed, and July 7, 1989 was my last day of work at HBO. I walked down Sixth Avenue, crying all the way. Free at last.<\/p>\n<p>They were the best six months of my life. Finally a musician full-time. I made my hours. I wrote my songs. I called. I mailed. I pitched. I played. I prayed. I sent songs to every singer in the world. I walked tall. I felt good. I received my first royalty check from Nanci\u2019s foreign performances of \u201cFrom a Distance,\u201d and that bought me another six months of freedom.<\/p>\n<p>During this time, I received a call from Marc Shaiman, who identified himself as Bette Midler\u2019s musical director. She was making a new record, and, in their search for songs, they called Stephen Holden at the New York Times for suggestions. Stephen told Marc about \u201cFrom a Distance,\u201d Marc called me, I sent the scratchy demo, and Bette recorded it.<\/p>\n<p>People seemed to love it, and I won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1991. Here I was still living in one dark room, no money, uncertain of my future, and yet my song was on the radio and I had won a Grammy. If that isn\u2019t a dream come true, what is?<\/p>\n<p>I am now 55. I live in a beautiful condo with air, light and a view of my beloved New York, the city of dreams. I earn my living as a songwriter. I have hugged Burt Bacharach. I have dined with Lamont Dozier. I have met Paul McCartney. I have chatted with Carole Bayer Sager. I have laughed with Cyndi Lauper. I have heard \u201cFrom a Distance\u201d in many languages. I have felt it in Braille. I have heard it on music boxes and in elevators. I have read it on greeting cards and in children\u2019s books. And it has been played for astronauts in space. It is nothing short of a miracle, and I am never anything but amazed and grateful that the miracle happened to me.<\/p>\n<h3>My Comments<\/h3>\n<p>Roger Tory Peterson first field guide, <em>A Field Guide to the Birds<\/em>, was rejected by more thirty publishers before he convinced Houghton Mifflin to go with it. They had modest hopes for the new title, publishing 2,000 copies in its first print run. It famously sold out in one week. Since then, various editions have sold more than 7 million copies, one of the bestselling nature books of all time. I have a copy of the fourth edition of <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/41pwV5j\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Eastern Birds<\/a>, signed by Roger with a red Flair pen as was his style. It was a gift from my good friend and great photographer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/anitanorth1\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Anita North<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Many of Gold&#8217;s comments should strike a chord with anyone struggling to reach a goal, especially nature photographers. Paraphrasing a bit:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In 1994, at the age of 47, I retired from teaching elementary school in New York City in pursuit of my dream of being a full time professional nature photographer. And while dreams are essential, they don\u2019t pay the rent.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>I am often asked, &#8216;How long did it take to make that photo?&#8217; I always reply, &#8220;Either 1\/1000 of a second or 47 years, depending on how you look at it.&#8221;  <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I sent my images around to all my contacts. As usual, most did not even reply. Those who did, found fault with the photos.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>None-the-less, I stayed the course, even after losing my beloved Elaine in 1994. The result? I have had a wonderfully blessed life doing what I love and teaching others to do the same.<\/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 14 December 2023 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver&#8217;s seat of my SUV, I used the <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/blubb-big-lens-ultimate-bean-bag\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">BLUBB-<\/a>supported <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1485539-REG\/sony_sel600f40gm_fe_600mm_f_4_gm.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SO6004GM\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSO6004GM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sony FE 600mm f\/4 GM OSS lens<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1222778-REG\/sony_sel20tc_fe_2x_teleconverter.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SOTC2\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSOTC2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter<\/a>, and The One, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1619483-REG\/sony_ilce_1_b_alpha_a1_mirrorless_digital.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SOA1B\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSOA1B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera<\/a>). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1\/400 sec. at f\/10 (stopped down 2\/3-stop) in Manual mode.  When evaluated in <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/the-rawdigger-e-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">RawDigger,<\/a> the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:59:52am on a cloudy morning.       <\/p>\n<p>Tracking: Expand Spot\/AF-C with Bird Face\/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly (even at 1200mm). Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #1: Osprey &#8212; head portrait of adult on grass<strong<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"728\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"90\" 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=728x90&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=10411&#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>Very Strange Behavior<\/h3>\n<p>Turning left, I spotted what I thought might have been a large bird on the ground some distance down Banyan Drive. As I got closer, I saw that it was an adult Osprey. As it is much more efficient to shoot out of the driver&#8217;s side than the passenger&#8217;s side, I drove past the bird at about five miles per hour without slowing down in hopes of not scaring it off. I went a good ways down the block, made a u-turn, put the <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/blubb-big-lens-ultimate-bean-bag\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">BLUBB<\/a> on the window frame, made sure that the Direct Manual Focus switched was set to off, and placed and balanced the 1200mm rig on the <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/blubb-big-lens-ultimate-bean-bag\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">BLUBB<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>I drove into position very slowly and was surprised that the bird did not fly away as they almost always do even when I approach only to a far greater distance. I was even able to change my position at will for slightly better perspectives and to get even closer. <\/p>\n<p>Over a span of about 12 minutes, I created more than 400 head shots and realized that though the bird appeared healthy, there must be something wrong with it. As the bird turned a bit, the riddle of the too-tame Osprey was solved; a treble hook from a yellow, 5&#8243; fishing lure, a diving swimmer, was embedded in what looked like the back of its left foot. Poor guy. <\/p>\n<p>I know that it has been notoriously difficult to get help for injured wild birds in Central Florida so I came up with a plan. I grabbed a heavy blanket from the back seat. If the bird did not fly, I would throw the blanket over it, pick it up safely, and bring it home to grab a pair of pliers and remove the hook.  <\/p>\n<p>The bird, however, had other plans. As soon as I opened the car door, it flew without a problem to the top of a nearby telephone pole. If I see it again, I will get in touch with the bird rescue folks at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland.    <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/ANIM-GIF-Osprey-head-portrait-LAYERS-_A1G6396-Indian-Lake-Estates-FL-Enhanced-NR.gif\" class=\"aligncenter\" \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>The Image Optimization<\/h3>\n<p>Huge thanks to Steve Kaluski of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.birdphotographers.net\/forums\/forumdisplay.php\/2-Avian\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Bird Photographer&#8217;s.Net<\/a> who first turned me on to the new Remove Tool in Photoshop. It made cleaning the bill in today&#8217;s featured image incredibly easy. I used the new Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool (L-TAT) along with Tim Grey Dodge and Burn to lighten the Osprey&#8217;s yellow iris. The difference is huge and brought the image to life. You can learn all about may current digital workflow in the <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/the-digital-basics-iii-video-series\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Digital Basics III Video Series.<\/a><\/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>The Digital Basics III Video Series<\/em><strong<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>The Digital Basics III Video Series<\/h3>\n<p>I realized about a year ago that my digital workflow had changed significantly and was toying with the idea of writing a Digital Basics III. More recently, I have learned and begun working with two great new Photoshop Tools, the Remove Tool and the Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool. The former is like a smarter Spot Healing Brush Tool on steroids and the latter is a huge step up from the fabulous Color Mixer Tool. During that same time frame, I came up with a new and improved 2-step noise reduction technique. I still use Divide and Conquer, Quick Masks, Layer Masks, an expanded array of personalized keyboard shortcuts, and tons of other stuff from both versions of Digital Basics. <\/p>\n<p>As soon as I realized that I did not want to take on another large writing project, I realized that by creating a series of videos I could much more easily share all the details of my current digital workflow and much more easily incorporate additional new tips, techniques, and tools as I went. And so, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/the-digital-basics-iii-video-series\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The Digital Basics III Video Series<\/a><\/em> was born.  You can check out Volume I\/#1 <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/digital-basics-iii-volume-i-1\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> and Volume I\/#2 <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/digital-basics-iii-volume-i-2\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>You might opt to purchase single videos or to subscribe to Volume I and save $26 by ordering the first five videos in one fell swoop. You can purchase the five videos in Volume I by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/the-digital-basics-iii-video-series\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. The videos will be most valuable for folks using the latest version of Photoshop (2024) or Lightroom along with Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI. I will be working on Volume I\/#3 this weekend. <\/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>What&#8217;s Up? <\/p>\n<p>On Thursday, I took a day off from swimming. I came across a tame adult Osprey that let me approach in my vehicle to within 15 feet. Image and story below after the music. (Tip: if you click on the Watch On > YouTube button the video will play in a new window [&#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":[645],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-88577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-645","odd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88577","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=88577"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88577\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88602,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88577\/revisions\/88602"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88577"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88577"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88577"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}