LATER TODAY...
COMING
SOON: ROBERT O'TOOLE'S "ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUES AND TIPS
SIMPLIFIED”
PDF
MORE ON
THE NEW EOS-1D MARK III
THE NEW
STANDARD: THE GITZO GT3530LSV CARBON FIBER TRIPOD
BAA
SELECTED
IPT UPDATES
EOS 1-D
FOR
HUNT’S
SPECIALS
Photographic
theme:
Assorted images by Robert O’Toole.
Bald Eagle, vertical
banking flight, Homer,
Image Copyright 2007:
Robert
O'Toole
Canon
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
lens with the EOS-1D Mark II N ISO 200.
Evaluative Metering +1 stop:
1/1250 sec. at f/4 in Manual Mode.
Robert has been working hard on creating
vertical flight images and it has helped him make lots of great images of
banking birds. As Robert describes it, It is simple: “Just hold the camera
vertical, lock onto a bird, and follow it until it banks and fills the frame.”
Trust me, it is not that easy <smile> First, you need to recognize the
situation and then hope that it repeats. Second, handholding the camera
vertically takes practice… This image was made on the possibly last-ever BAA
Homer IPT and is featured in the current BBC/Shell Wildlife Photographer of the
Year Competition book. It was highly commended in the “Bird Behavior” category.
Important note:
Most contests do not allow anything but levels, color, and contrast adjustments
to the RAW files (and those adjustments must be applied to the entire image).
So while Robert can do amazing things in Photoshop, the vast majority of his
(and my) images are optimized in 3-4 minutes or less and are little different
from the original capture. . Do realize that JI=JO: junk in equals junk out.
If you have clipped or cut a wing and you decide to attempt to save the image
the end result will be satisfactory only if the original (flawed) image is
perfectly exposed, sharp, and dramatic. And the same goes if you are going to
attempt to remove a substantial and distracting background element or elements.
In other words, Robert is a highly skilled photographer who also happens to be
highly skilled in Photoshop.
To the unfortunate few who received the earlier addition of this Bulletin which contained bit map images instead of J-PEGs. When Robert O'Toole sent me the images via e-mail, they arrived as bit map images. I checked the sizes in Photoshop and all seemed OK. Not exactly; the Bulletin sent earlier weighed in at something like 9mb. I apologize if I messed up your in-box. I learned an important lesson and will not be sending any more bit map files. <smile>
LATER TODAY...
Later today, after I get up from my nap, I will be sending a BIRDS AS ART NOTES with some images made on Jim Shadle's boat this past Sunday and a few made on Jim Neiger's boat this morning... If you live anywhere near Tampa or Orlando you will want to pay close attention as Jim has guaranteed Snail Kites on West Lake Toho and Mr. Shadle has guaranteed Roseate Spoonbills in full breeding plumage in Tampa Bay. For those of you who either trust me implicity or simply cannot wait to see the images, you can contact James Shadle on his cell phone at 813-363-2854 or via e-mail at James@wildflorida.net. You can contact Jim Neiger on his cell at 407-247-5200 or via e-mail: jimn@cfl.rr.com
COMING SOON:
ROBERT O'TOOLE'S "ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUES AND TIPS
SIMPLIFIED" PDF (APTATS)
Brown Pelican
landing, La Jolla cliffs, San Diego, CA
Images Copyright 2007:
Robert
O'Toole
Canon EF70-200mm f/4L lens
(handheld at 122mm) with the EOS-1D Mark II N. ISO 100. Evaluative Metering at
zero: 1/1000 sec. at f/4.
Robert created the image above
from the image below by taking the bird’s right foot and part of the tail from
the next image in the sequence. He imported the section of the photo that he
needed using a Soft Brush and a Quick Mask. (Robert’s use of these two tools
will be a large part of his APTATS PDF.) He is truly the master of the Quick
Mask! In addition the shape and size of the foot and tail were off a bit.
Robert used the Transform and Warp tools to create a perfect match and will
teach you to do the same in APTATS.
ROBERT
O'TOOLE'S BAA/IPT APTATS WORKSHOPS
Robert O’Toole’s Advanced
Photoshop Techniques and Tips Simplified BAA/IPT Workshops
Bosque #1:"The Fall
Color IPT" APTATS Workshop:
Bosque #3:"The
Post-Thanksgiving IPT"APTATS Workshop:
The Bosque APTATS workshops are limited to 6 participants
Neurothemis Dragonfly,
perched on peacock fern, Malaysia
Image Copyright 2007:
Robert
O'Toole
Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro lens USM
lens with the EOS-1Ds Mark II ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering +1 stop:
1/50 sec. at f/4.5 in Manual Mode. Manual focus. Manual flash at
1/16th power.
On his third day of trying to create this
image, it was about 95 degrees and about 105% humidity. To make things worse
this species does not like the shady areas where the ferns grow, nor do they
like landing on the soft ferns. When they did land, maybe 4-5 times in an hour,
it was for a second or two at the most. The most challenging issue for Robert
was the low light, but with good flash technique and ISO 400 he was able to
create some sharp images. After an hour of sweating, an old local man walked
over to him and said, "Hey boy, don't you know these ferns grow all over
Note:
This is another image that requires only basic adjustments in Photoshop:
Levels,
MORE ON THE NEW
EOS-1D MARK III
Despite addressing this issue in
the last Bulletin, folks are still e-mailing wanting to know: Will I get rid of
my Mark II 1Ds and rely completely on the new Mark III…
Here is my typical response:
BS (Bulletin subscriber): I
know that Arthur Morris prefers the EOS- Mark II 1Ds over the EOS-Mark II 1DN
for reasons stated in previous Bulletins. Now that the EOS-1D Mark III has been
released (knowing that he has had limited time with the new product) does he
feel that it will replace his EOS 1Ds Mark II as his primary camera?
AM: I have not decided yet. I
will make my decision after I have had more time with my two Mark III bodies (on
order now). The decision will be based on the relative quality of the image
files and will be tempered by the fact that working with two different cameras
is difficult, especially when the operation of each is quite different… Other
factors will include how much more accurate the Mark III is in AI Servo AF than
the 1Ds and the many great Custom Functions available with the Mark III.
BS: I getting ready to
purchase my new pro body for wildlife photography. I was going to purchase an
EOS 1Ds Mark II when the Mark III was announced. Does Arthur have any inside
information on when the EOS 1Ds Mark III will come out?
AM: How about "if"? That camera
has been and is only a rumor. And even if I did know anything, I could not and
would not tell anyone, even my mother. It would be a violation of my Canon
contract which includes an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).
Best and love, artie
Double-crested Cormorant in
flight w/ prey, Anhinga trail,
Images Copyright 2007:
Robert
O'Toole
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens
handheld with the EOS-1D Mark II N. ISO 200. Evaluative Metering +1 stop: 1/800
sec. at f/5.6 in Manual Mode.
Robert created the image above by
adding canvas to the original (far right below), taking the far-wing from the
first image below and taking the tail from the second image below.
Note: Attention to detail is mandatory for all folks who wish to create successful images. On IPTs I often say that there is a single secret to nature photography: attention to small details… Here, the inner primaries are molting and as a result, are a bit shorter than some of the outers. Robert could have extended those feathers on the far wing but then they would not (as they should) have matched the corresponding feathers on the near-wing. Again, Robert will share his amazing Quick Mask/Transform Tool/Warp Tool techniques with you in APTATS. Though Robert has shown me these techniques several times, I still do not own them. By having APTATS either open in another window or having a printed copy on my desk, I will learn them and be able to incorporate them into my workflow.
THE NEW
STANDARD: THE GITZO GT3530LSV CARBON FIBER TRIPOD
GITZO
GT3530LSV Carbon Fiber Tripod: $649.94 (1 cent less than B&H) + $15 shipping to
US. Overseas customers please e-mail for a shipping quote.
For years I have used and
recommended the Gitzo CF 1325 tripod for just about all nature photography
applications from macro to scenics to intermediate telephotos to the 14 pound
monsters. It is with a pang of sadness that I announce that the CF 1325 has
been replaced by the Gitzo Carbon Fiber GT3530LSV tripod. The GT3530LSV is
quite similar to the 1325 but is a bit lighter, rated as slightly stronger, and
is an inch shorter. The height difference should be of little concern to all
but those well over six foot four or so. (If you are way-tall or want the
absolute stiffest, most stable of the new tripods, please e-mail us for
information on the GT3540XLS. I have ordered one for the 6-foot eight Todd
Gustafson and hope to have my hands on it for a bit early next week.)
The GT3530 is a 3-section tripod
that is—unfortunately—shipped to us with a ridiculous video bowl head that
needlessly adds about $50-$75 to the cost. You simply loosen a bolt with the
wrench (that is included), slip in the flat platform, and re-tighten the bolt.
Jeez, I almost forgot to tell you about the new tripods’ best features. All
of the LSV tripods feature the all-new Anti Leg Rotation system and the new
G-lock twist locks which make them faster to operate than their predecessors; it
is no longer necessary to tightly lock the upper-most leg section in order to
tighten or loosen one below it. The new G-locks offer a 20% increase in rigidity
and offer stronger, safer locking. These tripods feature removable rubber feet
that offer several attractive options for either changing or replacing the feet.
With a closed length of 26.4 inches the GT3530SLV will fit easily into almost
all types of checked bags. It was a pretty amazing 4 pounds even. How this
tripod will do in salt water (definitely not recommended) is yet to be seen.
I have added three GT3530SLVs to
the arsenal…
Snow Geese
flock, one second blur, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2007:
Canon
EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
lens with 1.4X Extender with the EOS-1Ds Mark II ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering +1/3 stop: 1
sec. at f/32 in Manual Mode.
The 1 second shutter speed listed is not a
typo. With low light levels Robert often drops the shutter speed instead of
cranking up the ISO. With careful planning and by using the cottonwood trees as
his canvas he was able to paint a flock of snow geese blasting off with their
individual wing beats creating an impressionist brush-stroke effect. I love this
one and so does Robert. He laments, “M girlfriend absolutely hates it.”
BAA CENTRAL
As expected, this trip sold out
within hours.
Sandhill Crane, juvenile
landing composite, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2007:
Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS lens with
1.4X TC and EOS-1D Mark II N. ISO 100. Evaluative Metering +1 1/3 stops: 1/400
sec. at f/5.6 in Manual Mode.
Amazingly, Robert combined
the four images below to produce the composite above. The four birds in the
image above are in fact the same bird photographed as it parachuted its way
down… Robert is as creative in Photoshop as he is in the field…
SELECTED IPT
UPDATES
Fort DeSoto
IPT: APR 13-15, 2007. Slide program on
the evening of Thursday, APR 12. 3-DAY: $999 (Limit 14:
openings 2.) Co-leaders: Robert O’Toole,
Image Copyright 2007:
Canon
EF 600mm f/4L IS USM
lens w/1.4X extender and the EOS-1D Mark II. ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering + 1 stop:
1/1250 sec. at f/5.6 set manually.
Early out on the beach one morning a playful
brown bear cub tosses a razor clam while keeping an eye on the stranger with 5
legs… From the Silver Salmon Creek IPT, 2005.
Note:
You can learn about Robert’s Private and Small Group instruction by scrolling
down after clicking here:
http://www.birdsasart.com/bn224.htm
EOS 1D FOR
Anne Bellenger has a used Canon EOS-1D in
excellent condition (no scratches, used rarely) with two batteries, charger,
user’s manual, and body cap for $1200 plus $20 shipping (
Please contact Anne as follows for additional
info: (863)453-8621 or via e-mail at
cyclist2@strato.net
HUNT’S SPECIALS
Contact:
Email:
DigitalGuyGary@wbhunt.com
Epson Printers-
Hunt’s is an authorized Epson Pro-Graphics
Dealer.
Epson 3800 Printer regular edition and pro
edition are currently in stock;
limited supply.
For Birds as Art pricing
“Call”
Epson 2400
Printer
$ 749.99
Epson 1800
Printer
$ 469.99
Epson Inks-
2200
$ 9.00
2400
$ 11.99
1800
$ 11.99
3800
$ 47.99
4800, 7800, 9800
110ml
$ 49.99
4800, 7800, 9800
220ml
$ 79.99
Canon Printers-
Canon IP5000
Printer For Birds as Art
price “Call”
Canon Pro 9500 Printer (Now taking
orders) For Birds as Art price “Call”
Canon Pro 9000 Printer
For Birds as Art price
“Call”
Canon Inks-
Canon Pro 9000
Inks
$ 11.49
These inks are compatible with the MP600,
MP800, and other printers
Canon S9000
Inks
$ 9.49
Ask for pricing on Epson and Canon sheet and
roll paper. Hunt’s stocks the full line.
Canon Digital SLR Camera-
Ask about the new low price on the Canon 5D and
30D. The 5D is now being included as a kit with the 24-105 lens. The Canon 30D
is now being included with the 28-135 lens.
Canon Lenses-
Hunt’s is a full line Canon authorized dealer.
Call for pricing on Canon lenses. Hunt’s only carries USA warranty and stocks
all Canon lenses including the 24-105F 4 L IS USM, 85 1.2 L II USM, 70-200 F 4L
IS USM, 100-400 4.5 5.6L IS USM, 70-200 2.8L IS USM, 400 4.0 DO IS USM, 300 4.0
L IS USM, 500F 4.0 LS and 600 4.0 LS.
Hunt’s stocks the Canon CPE 3 battery which is
Arthur’s favorite external flash battery. $ 139.99
Nikon Digital SLR Cameras-
Nikon D200 Body
New low price
“Call”
Nikon D80
Body
$ 899.99
Nikon D2X
Body
$4200.00
The Nikon D40X is scheduled to ship the end of
April. Taking orders now. This camera is available as a body only or with an
18-55 or 18-135 lens. When ordering; free shipping is being offered.
Nikon Lenses-
Hunt’s is a full line Nikon authorized dealer.
Hunt’s only carries
Digital Accessories-
Hoodman LCD
Loop
$ 59.99
Hoodman Angle
Finder
$ 119.99
Software-
Nikon NX
software
$ 119.99
Greg Tag
MacBeth
$ 199.99
Adobe Light
Room
$ 199.99
Nik Professional Suite includes Dfine 1.0 Nik,
Color Efex Pro 2.0 complete Edition, and Nik Sharperner Pro 2.0 complete
Edition. $ 369.99
Call for pricing on all other Nik filters.
Hunt’s is an authorized Nik dealer.
Digital Projectors-
Canon Realis 600 60 and
6 For Birds as Art price “Call”
Storage Devices-
Epson P5000 80
Gig
$ 659.99
Epson P3000 40
Gig
$ 469.99
Film Deals-
Provia 100F 36 dated 3/07 in 20
packs Per roll $ 3.00
Velvia 50 36 dated 2/07 in 20
packs Per roll $
3.00
Velvia 100F 36 dated 2/07 in 20
packs Per roll $ 1.50
Best and love and great picture-making to
all,
artie
Note: Arthur Morris has been a Canon contract
photographer since 1994 and continues in that role today. Hunt's Photo of
Boston, MA is a BAA sponsor as it Delkin Devices. Back issues of all BAA
Bulletins can be found in the Bulletin Archives which may be accessed from the
home page at
www.birdsasart.com