FEATURES

• THE BEAR BOAT IPT REPORT
• MAJOR BAA DIGITAL WORKFLOW CHANGE
• THE BPN e-ZINE
• USED CANON CAMERAS FOR SALE
• CS-4/MY BRIEF COMMENTS
• PHOTSHOP CS-4 FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS
• BIRDS AS ART FINE ART CANVAS PRINT: FIRE IN THE MIST
• THE BIRDS AS ART ON-LINE STORE
• 2009 SEPTEMBER BEAR BOAT TRIP
• IPT UPDATES

THE BEAR BOAT IPC REPORT

The Bear Boat Instructional Photo-Cruise was a wonderful success. We had quite the travel adventure this spring; check the blog at www.birdsasart-blog.com and scroll down to the June 11th, entry, “Planes, Boats, and SUVs.” In addition, on our travel catch-up day, June 3, we enjoyed some fine photography right in Anchorage.

Once we (finally!!!) made it to the boat, we spent our first afternoon/evening (June 4th) as planned, photographing sea otters and a huge Black-legged Kittiwake colony at Whale Pass, near Kodiak, AK. We continued with the otters the next morning, this time with much more light than the previous afternoon. As it was a clear day we quit fairly early and made the six-hour trip across the Shelikof Strait in search of Coastal Brown Bears (that are actually huge grizzlies). We anchored up in Kukak Bay in Katmai National Park that afternoon and soon after dinner we were photographing the bears at close range as expected. Ah, dinner. The boat had a fantastic new cook, Sherri (“I have a need to feed”) who stuffed us with great food at each and every meal. Off the top of my head I can come up with prime ribs, fresh tanner crab (that we caught a la Deadliest Catch—well, not exactly), huge and amazingly tasty barbecued Pork Ribs, killer steaks done to individual perfection (that would be rare for me), and baked chicken each prepared as if by a world class chef trained in fine dining. There were so many crabs in the pot that even though we threw a bunch back Sherri used the left-over crab meat for most every breakfast and lunch. As a diabetic I stayed away from the rich desserts, except for the night near the end where I had three pieces of Sherri’s carrot cake plus a left-over slice of fresh berry pie; both were other worldly. I did not take my blood sugar that next morning….

Our last five days were a blur of bears and eagles and eagles and bears. The first few days we rose on the late side as the bears wake up late, but after several clear sunrises we were up early the last two days and in the skiff before the sun rose. Our best bear photography was in the evenings; most nights we did not head for the sedge meadow until after dinner. We had nice light until after 10pm. Aside from the bears and eagles, we photographed kittiwakes and Glaucous-winged Gulls in flight, Harbor Seals on the rocks, Wilson’s Warbler, Savannah Sparrow, and kelp patterns. In addition of course, we had some beautiful landscapes to photograph and on the morning of the 9th, a lovely full moon setting over the snow-covered mountains.

The group got along great and with the clear conditions we had lots of midday time for Photoshop lessons. On day five, Linda shared her hummingbird images with the group; everyone was totally amazed. Jim Heupel has long been an accomplished photographer; his patience got him the eagle-landing-with-fish image that we had all dreamed about. It has been great to watch Monte Brown develop into a fine photographer; he created many wonderful images on this trip including more than a few that I was quite envious of. George is also a fine photographer and was (and is) anxious to hone his skills both in the field and at the computer. He had lots of questions, and he too had lots of great trip images. My very favorite thing about George was the fact that he spent lots of time complaining about Nikon autofocus and MAC computers. Man, you gotta love that! (At least if you are me ) George will be joining me for the September trip; we still have room for a few more folks who would like to get close to bears catching and eating salmon.

MAJOR BAA DIGITAL WORKFLOW CHANGE

Regular readers and Digital Basics purchasers know that I tried using Adobe Camera Raw to convert my Canon RAW files for about a year before giving up some time ago due to problems with the accuracy of the colors. About 8 months ago I began experimenting again with ACR, especially with images that featured saturated REDs and/or YELLOWs. When using BreezeBrowser to convert my RAW files (BrBr uses the Canon software development kit), I found that I had to dramatically darken many images in order to prevent burning the RED or YELLOW channels. It was impossible to create pleasing images from the too-dark converted TIFFs, so I returned to ACR to take advantage of the Recovery Slider. This restores highlight detail while not affecting the overall exposure. The more I used it the more I liked it. And as I concentrate so on exposing to the right I often have images with some overexposed highlights. I would say that right now I am using ACR for more than 95% of my conversions. Go figure.

I do need to say that BreezeBrowser is still the heart and soul of the editing portion of my digital workflow. It is still the fastest way to edit large numbers of images. And it is relatively inexpensive. In addition, BreezeBrowser is the storehouse and filing cabinet for our entire digital image collection.

Here is my ACR conversion strategy (working in Photoshop CS-3):

1. From BreezeBrowser, hit Control D to open the image in the ACR dialogue box within Photoshop. (Working from BrBr is far easier than working from Bridge.)
2. There will be a line of text bottom center. Mine reads “Adobe RGB (1998); 16 bit; 2592 by 3888 (10.1MP); 300 ppi. Adobe RGB is my preferred color space. 16 bit is to be preferred to 8 bit for its greater range of colors. 2592 by 3888 (10.1MP) indicates the native resolution of the camera you are using, in this case, the E)S-1D MIII. 300 ppi is my personal preference. You can set your preferences here by clicking on the text line and then selecting from the various drop-down menus (and by typing 300 ppi into the appropriate box if need be).
3. Make sure that the highlight and shadow warning boxes are activated. You will find them in the upper left (shadow) and right (highlight) corners of the histogram box. A thin white box around each signifies that it is active.
4. If there are any red highlight warnings present, it is almost always best to start by moving the Recovery Slider to the right until the highlight warnings disappear. I prefer to move the slider a bit past the point where the red disappears. (If all of the red does not disappear, you may need to move the Exposure slider to the right. If the red does not disappear or if the image becomes unduly dark, it is likely that your original capture was over-exposed. Most of my images open with small areas of over-exposed pixels; I consider that to be ideal.)
5. If there are underexposed areas of dark pixels, indicated by the dark blue shadow warnings, move the Blacks slider to the left until they disappear (plus a teench more).
6. Once you are finished, or if there are no highlight or shadow warnings present to begin with, adjust the Exposure slider. I like to have the histogram end a fraction of an inch from the highlight axis, the one on the right.
7. Next, adjust the Black slider as needed. Here I prefer to have the histogram end a fraction of an inch from the shadow axis, the one on the left. Note: I rarely use the Fill Light slider preferring instead to use a Shadow-Highlight adjustment in Photoshop. Do note that if you have room to the left of the histogram, using either the Fill Light Slider or Shadow-Highlight should (theoretically) be unnecessary.
8. The Brightness slider is next. Move it left or right to taste. This slider is the equivalent of the Middle Tone slider in Levels in Photoshop.
9. I almost always move the Clarity slider to +30. This applies a small amount of “in-camera” sharpening. I have never had an image look oversharpened while using this setting.
10. I play with the Vibrance slider usually ending up somewhere between -10 and +30. (The only time that I touch the Saturation slider is when I need to desaturate some YELLOWs or some REDs. Doing so may eliminate a red highlight warning.)
11. Hit Open Image. The RAW file will be converted to a 16-bit TIFF and opened in Photoshop.

If you are at a loss as to what to do next, get yourself a copy our Digital Basics PDF.

The information above and the Refine Edges Tutorial in the BAA Bulletin 290 will be added to the next update of Digital Basics. Not sure when other than to say, “not soon.” If you are fairly experienced in Photoshop but like my easy-to-read, easy-to-follow writing style (as above), you can learn a ton about our digital workflow along with dozens of great Photoshop tips in Digital Basics. And “The Art of Bird Photography II” (916 pages on CD only), written in the same style, covers in detail everything that I learned about nature photography between 1998 and late-2006: https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=19 or on sale with the original ABP here: https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=84.

USED CANON CAMERAS FOR SALE

Canon EOS 1-D Mark III (my workhorse digital camera body) in mint condition. Includes an extra battery and Really Right Stuff Bracket: $3100

Canon EOS-5D in mint condition, Includes extra batteries and vertical battery grip: $1700

Contact Phillip Berryhill at 1-505-850-3933 or by email: pberryhill@mac.com. (Please do not contact BIRDS AS ART as we do not have any additonal information on these two cameras.)

Do you have some gear to sell? Write for our Items for Sale guidelines. Why pay 20% elsewhere when you can sell your stuff quickly via the Bulletin for just a 5% brokerage fee?

CS-4/MY BRIEF COMMENTS

I have not so far upgraded to CS-4, and doubt that I will any time soon. (Do note that I have made many wrong decisions in the past…). Whenever I have seen folks working with CS-4, I have seen folks having problems. On the bear boat, I attempted to work with CS-4 on two different computers. I understand that instead of having to create an adjusment layer for everything that you want to do, that you can simply click on the appropriate symbol in the new pallette to access the layer you want. That worked fine for me for the first layer, which for me is usually Levels. So I clicked on the symbol for Layers and the Layers dialogue box popped up. The problem was/is that the Layers dialogue box covered the pallete; when I wanted to open a new adjustment layer, Curves for example, I had to click on another symbol to access the vaunted pallete…. It is likely that you can change your preferences so that the active layer does not cover the pallete, but why should that be necessary? t makes no sense to me. Here is another instance of CS-4 frustration: I created a new curve that I wanted to save, but try as I might, neither I nor anyone else could figure out how to save it. In CS-3, saving a curve was practically a no-brainer. Why change something for the sake of changing it when it only results in confusion and wasted time?

My understanding is that the biggest new trick in CS-4 is the ability to make localized adjustments to your RAW files with either the Adjustment Brush or the Graduated Filter. Admittedly, this is a huge plus, but so far I have not run into anyone using CS-4 who knows how to use either of the two new tools. You gotta love it! As it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks, I am sticking with CS-3 at least for a while longer.

PHOTOSHOP CS-4 FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

On the way out of the motel room at 5:30am, headed for the hospital in Leamington, Ontario to visit the emegency room, I wondered whether or not to grab my computer. “I won’t be there that long,” was my thought, so I grabbed my copy of “Photoship CS-4 for Nature Photographers” instead. Well, I wound up staying for a mere 12 hours, which gave me lots of time to read when I was not groaning in pain. (To find out what ailed me and to learn the whole story, check out the blog here: http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2009/05/ and scroll down to the May 10th, 2009 entry, “Exciting Day in Leamington, Ontario.”)

I any case, I was quite impressed by the book, which is actually a third edition, written by Ellen Anon and son Josh Anon. The title is a bit inaccurate, as about 80% of the text can be applied to most recent versions of Photoshop (especially to CS-3; I of course consider that a plus), and in addition, includes excellent coverage of for Photoshop Elements users. (The latter info is neatly set off in light purple text boxes.) The book is well written, the directions are easy to follow, and the numerous Photoshop screen captures ensure the reader a clear understanding of each concept. With coverage ranging from basic Photoshop concepts to fairly advanced techniques, the book has something for everyone (even me!) My emergency room reading inspired the Refine Edge Tutorial in BAA Bulletin 290: https://www.birdsasart.com/baacom/bn290.htm. And there is lots more in the book that I need to revisit while working on images. I learn best by doing as I study, and then rewriting the instructions to myself in an e-mail. And best of all you will find detailed instructions on how to use CS-4’s most powerful new tool, the Adjustment Brush, on pages 114-116.

If you own CS-4 and have been confused by it at times, you will want a copy of this book. And if you are still using CS-3 as I am, and you have mastered everything in Digital Basics and in APTATS, then you too will want a copy of “CS-4 for Nature Photographers.” The book is available from BIRDS AS ART for $37.99 plus $5 shipping and handling (to US addresses). Your purchases of books and photographic accessories from BIRDS AS ART help support the creation of the Bulletin that you are reading now and the BAA Blog. And they are of course greatly appreciated.

BIRDS AS ART FINE ART CANVAS PRINT EDITION: FIRE IN THE MIST

The initial limited sale period for the classic Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART image, “Fire in the Mist,” will end in just two weeks on June 30, 2009. We will offer our second print in the series soon thereafter.

This spectacular image was created at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in San Antonio, New Mexico. It was honored in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and was selected as cover art for “Light on the Earth,” a collection of the best of 30 years of winning entries. (See here for Light in the Earth info: https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=28)

The thick gallery wrap (1 ½ inches) canvas is hand-made in the US under the supervision of the artist and is available only through BIRDS AS ART.

As above, this is the first of a series of Arthur Morris’ digitally signed, numbered, limited edition gallery-wrapped canvas prints. The canvas is stretched over custom-made wood supports. The canvas has no frame and appears to float on the wall. There’s no need for a frame for stability since the structure is inside the art. These fine canvas limited edition prints are covered with a rear black dust cover. The hanging wire is neatly attached and a courtesy package with two clear bump-ons, a nickel plated hanger and nail are included. (Some folks prefer the canvas in traditional frames; please e-mail for details and costs.)

This edition will be limited to 100 pieces of any size. Once the final print is sold the edition will be permanently closed making each Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART print a valuable collectible. Each 16 x 24 inch print is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and by a pair of white photographic gloves and directions for safely handling your prints.

The first fifty prints will sell for only $349 plus $20 shipping and handling to all US addresses. Once 50 prints are sold, the price will rise to $424. The last five prints will sell for $499. (Please e-mail for prices on other sizes and for framing options.)

The first batch of 19 prints has been shipped. The last batch (for now) will ship no later than July 15, 2009.

Shipping and handling to Canada will require an additional $35 handling fee. (Canadian orders may be subject to Customs delays and duties and require payment via personal check or money order in US funds.)

Each image will be professionally packed to avoid damage during transit. All fees are due and payable in advance in US funds. (We cannot be responsible for delays at customs.)

Payment may be by check or money order mailed to Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855, by Paypal to birdsasart@att.net, or by credit card. Please call 863-692-0906 for credit card orders. Or visit the store here: https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=253

We offer a 100% money back guarantee. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied we will gladly accept a return for exchange or refund provided that the item is returned within seven days of receipt and is in saleable condition. We refund only the purchase price plus the shipping and handling. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. This guarantee does not include prints that you damage or that are damaged in shipping. If your print is damaged in shipping, please let us know and we will arrange to have a replacement sent. Please allow 14 days for your check to clear.

We are 100% positive that “Fire in the Mist” will become a collector’s item; thank you for your support of my work.

THE BIRDS AS ART ON-LINE STORE

If you missed the grand opening of the BIRDS AS ART On-Line Store, be sure to check it out here: https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/default.aspx. The store was created by Blake Shadle and was stocked and tested by Jim Litzenberg and Jennifer Morris. The store was designed to make your on-line shopping efficient and completely hassle-free. If you need additional product information or advice or help with your on-line purchases, do of course call us at 863-692-0906 during regular business hours. If you experience any problems while using the store, please let us know via e-mail: birdsasart@att.net Note: Jim, my right-hand man, is taking a rare vacation so I will be spending lots of time answering the phone this week.

2009 SEPTEMBER BEAR BOAT TRIP

Who has not dreamed of photographing the coastal grizzlies at close range as they go about their daily business catching salmon? If you are at all interested in joining me for the trip of a lifetime, please e-mail (birdsasart@att.net) or call me at 863-692-0906.

Do check out the brand new Katmai Bear Boat Gallery here: www.birdsasart.com/katmaibearboatgallery. If you do not think that you can make this trip, it would be best not to look at the gallery….

Bear Boat #2

Sept 4-10, 2009$6999. Openings: 3. (It is advised that you be in Anchorage on the afternoon of the September 2nd to be assured of not missing the boat!). This one is the bears-catching-salmon trip. In addition, Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls eating roe are a certainty. Dark phase Northern Fulmars and Black-legged Kittiwakes (including the gorgeous immatures), Harbor Seals, and Stellar’s Sea Lions are likely. Did I mention bears catching salmon? And more bears catching salmon?

If you are curious about the trip or have any questions and would like to explore the possibility of joining me for the trip of a lifetime, please e-mail (birdsasart@att.net) or call me at 863-221-2372. I will do my very best to make it happen.

IPT UPDATES

I will be teaching fewer and fewer IPTs each year. The number of participants has been reduced, and the number of days in most tours have been increased. If you want to learn from the very best, do consider signing up ASAP.

BOSQUE del APACHE 2009 IPT “The Complete Bosque Experience.” NOV 21-27, 2009

Slide program on the evening of Friday, NOV 20. 7-FULL DAYS: $3199. (Non-refundable deposit: $500.) Limit: 10/Openings: 3. Co-leader: Scott Bourne.

SW FLA PRESIDENT’S WEEK IPT FEB 10-15, 2010

Slide program on the evening of FEB 9. Slide program on the evening of FEB 11. 6-FULL DAYS: $2799. (Non-refundable deposit: $500.) Limit: 10/Openings: 5. Co-leaders: Tim Grey, and Alfred and Fabiola Forns. Escape winter’s icy grip and join me in Florida in the land of ridiculously tame birds. This IPT will visit Little Estero Lagoon which has been fantastic for the past three years (and been getting better each year), the Venice Rookery, several killer Burrowing Owl nests on Cape Coral, and several spots on Sanibel including Blind Pass, the Sanibel Fishing Pier, and the East Gulf beaches (for Snowy Plover). If we have a foggy drizzly morning we may visit Corkscrew Swamp and Sanctuary. We have arranged for morning low tides at Little Estero and a setting full moon for our Saturday visit to the Venice Rookery For the first time ever, we will not be visiting Ding Darling NWR as photographic opportunities there have been diminishing steadily for the past decade. As you can see, I am teaching less and less, taking fewer folks, and lengthening the IPTs to allow for a slightly more relaxed pace with repeat visits to the best locations.

A non-refundable deposit of either $500 or $1,000 is required to hold a spot for each BAA IPT, Photo-Cruise, or Photo-Safari. Deposits may be paid by check, Paypal, or credit card. Payment in full (by check or money order) is due four months before the start of each trip and is non-refundable unless the IPT sells out. You will be required to sign a statement of understanding to this effect. Travel insurance is of course highly recommended. Travel Insurance Services offers a variety of plans and options. Included with the Elite Option or available as an upgrade to the Basic & Plus Options, you can also purchase Cancel for Any Reason Coverage, which expands the list of reasons for your canceling to an infinite list, from a sudden work or family obligation to 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: Travel Insurance Services. We regret that we must implement this new policy but we have recently been plagued by last minute cancellations that make it impossible for others to participate and deprive us of essential income.