BIRDS AS ART NOTES
MAY 26, 2007
Visit: www.birdsasart.com
BOOK LINKS
NYC SEMINAR NEWS
FLEDGED BABY SPOONBILLS OUT OF THE NESTS WITH JAMES SHADLE
MERRITT ISLAND SITE GUIDE KUDOS
APATATS-1 FEEDBACK
USED 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS LENS FOR SALE/PRICE REDUCTION
SEEING THE LIGHT/TEACHING AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS…
GREAT MARK III NEWS!
SELECTED IPT UPDATES
Contact us by phone at 863-692-0906 (Eastern Time Zone) or by e-mail at birdsasart@att.net or birdsasart@verizon.net. The att e-mail address is best from overseas.
We gladly accept credit card orders by phone 8am till 9pm Eastern Time (8 am till 3pm Fridays).
You can use the Paypal links on the web site to order anything. Just type in the item(s) and the amount. If using your own Paypal account, please send to either of the e-mail addresses above.
Roseate Spoonbill, fresh juvenile plumage, Tampa Bay, FL
Image Copyright 2007: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 600mm f/4L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/160 sec. at f/8.
With the somewhat cluttered background, I made sure to use the wide-open aperture. I waited for the perfect head turn to create this image.
BOOK LINKS/RECOMMENDED READING
Click on the blue links for more information or to purchase.
Good Birders Don't Wear White:>
Forward
by Pete Dunne, Edited by Lisa White: A light-hearted and informative collection
of essays by fifty of the biggest names in birding (including yours truly). A
must of the true birder.
The Shorebird Guide>:
By Richard,
Crossley, Kevin Carlson, and Michael O’Brien. An excellent photographic
identification guide to all North American shorebird species (including the
rarities). A must for shorebird fanatics.
Penguin Life: Surviving with Style in the South Atlantic: by Andy Rouse and Tracey Rich. Andy is an award-winning photographer and a after a quick glance at this book you will know why. The Gentoo Penguin image on page 21 alone is worth the price of the book. The bird is peering at us from the face of a wave, looking as if it were photographed through a shower curtain. See Andy’s great images left me yearning to return to the Southern Oceans…
Roseate Spoonbill, recent fledgling, Tampa Bay, FL
Image Copyright 2007: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 600mm f/4L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/400 sec. at f/11 (set manually).
James was in the water pushing the boat closer and closer to the birds. I was seated behind my tripod in the boat, while James was using a BLUBB draped over the side of the boat. Talk about service!
NYC SEMINAR NEWS
Ace Canon Pro-Markets rep Alyssa Cohen will be joining us with a few large equipment trunks of great Canon gear (new and old) for you to get your hands on. Every pro-markets rep that I have worked with at the various seminars has been a wealth of technical knowledge and has been mobbed by eager participants during the breaks. In addition, we will have a host of great door prizes including stuff from Lowepro, Delkin, Hunt’s, Wimberly, Nature Photographer magazine, Birder’s World, WildBird, and Bird Watcher’s Digest among others.
The Art of Nature Photography; It Ain’t Just Birds!
Weekend How-To Seminar
Queens, New York (near JFK Airport)
August 18-19, 2007
This seminar is for all nature photographers who want to learn how to make better photographs. If you live within a three hour drive and are not planning on attending, you are either an amazingly talented photographer and Photoshop expert or you need to re-think things <smile> On Saturday I will describe the methods and techniques that I have developed and used since 1983. My comments on equipment (including and especially digital equipment), autofocus, light, and on composition and image design, and my tips on getting close to free and wild subjects and creating pleasing blurs will benefit everyone who owns a telephoto lens and wishes to dramatically improve the quality of their images. Since going all-digital in November 2002, I have--in short order--become a digital photography and Photoshop expert. My approach to optimizing images is to create a master file of excellent quality in the shortest possible time. I will share our workflow and numerous Digital and Photoshop tips on Sunday. As more and more folks are using Digital Capture, I am finding on our IPTs that many good to excellent photographers have no clue as to how to use Photoshop to make their images look better. In fact, many of them make their best images look worse! My workflow is designed to quickly produce master files of high quality. I can and will teach you to do just that at this seminar.
The cost of the weekend seminar is $169. The cost of either single day is $99. Members of qualifying camera clubs are invited to apply a $10 discount. (If you are a member of a camera club or other photography organization please e-mail for details.) Register with a friend or spouse and take $10 off each registration. Register in groups of four or more and take $20 off of each registration. Get a group of ten photographers together and apply a $30 discount to each registration. (Please e-mail for group registration details.) It is highly recommend that folks purchase the buffet luncheon option ($15/day includes tip and tax) as there are no fast food restaurants nearby. Those purchasing the lunch option will receive their lunch coupon when they check in each morning.) The cost of the weekend seminar plus the two lunches is $199.
To register, send a check for the full amount made out to "Arthur Morris" to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855, call with a credit card: 863-692-0906, or send a Paypal (using either any link on our site or your Paypal account) to us at birdsasart@att.net In all cases, we will need your e-mail address, your mailing address, and your daytime and evening phone numbers. Here is our Cancellation Policy: If for any reason you need to withdraw, please notify us ASAP. Once we receive your e-mail, phone call, or written notice of your cancellation the following fees apply: cancel before May 17, 2007 and your fee will be refunded less a $20.00 cancellation fee; cancel by July 17, 2007 and your fee will be refunded less a $50.00 cancellation fee; cancel after July 17, 2007 and there will be no refund.
The doors will open on both days at 8 am and the programs will begin at 9 am sharp. There will be tons of great door prizes. I hope that you will be able to join me for what will be an incredibly educational and fun-filled weekend. (If anyone would like to help us set up or to simply hang out, be there at 7:00am.)
Marsh Pink blossom, Indian Lake Estates, FL
Image Copyright 2007: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 300mm f/4L IS (tripod/Mongoose mounted) lens with 37.5 mm of extension and the EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/320 sec. at f/7.1.
With a pretty good breeze blowing, I chose a relatively fast shutter speed and created about 25 images to ensure a framing that I liked. And remember, it ain’t just birds!
FLEDGED BABY SPOONBILLS OUT OF THE NESTS WITH JAMES SHADLE
I woke at 2am on the morning of Thursday, May 24th to join James Shadle on his flats boat in quest of the baby Roseate Spoonbills that had already fledged on the Tampa Bay rookery islands. Though the tide was unusually high (because of the wind) and in spite of the sunny conditions, I was—with some extraordinary help from James—able to create some very nice images. For the next three to four weeks there will be amazing opportunities (weekdays only) to photograph these fledged youngsters at close range (oh, those ultramarine lores!) and begging for food from their parents. Just fledged spoonbills are an almost pure white with a touch of pink and with amazing sky-blue facial skin. To explore the possibility of making a boat trip with Jim try him on his cell at 813-363-2854 (do leave a message if he does not pick up) or send an e-mail to James@wildflorida.net. Do consider a trip with James between now and mid-June. (There are still lots of adult spoonbills in breeding plumage around, and just-fledged White and Glossy Ibises should be out of their nests any day now.
Roseate Spoonbill in flight, fresh juvenile plumage, Tampa Bay, FL
Image Copyright 2007: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 400mm f/5.6L lens (handheld) with the EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (set manually).
Whenever you are working with a big telephotos lens, it is a great plan to have a hand-holdable intermediate telephoto lens within reach at all times… I kept the toy lens on the bench seat in James’s boat all morning and reached for it only once.
MERRITT ISLAND SITE GUIDE KUDOS
By e-mail from Robert Herold:
Hello Art, I finally got Robert Amoruso’s Merritt Island/Brevard County Site Guide on CD: it is fantastic! The amount of work that he put into it is just unbelievable. For a small run project, it is certainly worth every penny of the $50. I will no doubt make a (paper) copy of it since that will be easier to tote around. Also, there are great hints about photographing in the Merritt Island area in the fall & winter months. I am going to try and arrange a club trip there based on the Site Guide.
Adios, Robert Herold
…………………
You can order your Merritt Island/Brevard County Site Guide (on CD only) today for $50 plus $2 shipping and handling ($52 total) in the US. Florida residents need to add 7% sales tax: $53.50 plus the $2 shipping and handling ($55.50 total). To Canada the cost is $50 plus $6 shipping ($56 total). For overseas customers the cost will be $50 plus $8 shipping and handling ($58 total).
As is usual Paypal is quite convenient. Be sure to include your US Mail ship-to address. You can call us at 863-692-0906 with credit card in hand, or send a check for the correct amount made out to “Arthur Morris” to us as follows: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, 4041 Granada Drive, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855.
You can learn more about this Site Guide here:
Snowy Egret chick (forlorn), St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
Image Copyright 2007: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with 2X II TC and the EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/60 sec at f/8.
This chick, seen with two others in the image below, was either the runt of the litter or an orphan from another nest. The other two (larger) chicks pecked viciously at its head and once it was driven out of the nest it was attacked in similar fashion by nearby adults of various species. Amazingly, it survived for three days during the IPT, but it was gone on our last morning, surely “It’s Just Lunch” for a lucky gator. The blood on its bill was from head wounds.
APATATS-1 FEEDBACK
By e-mail from Phillipe Collard:
Dear Masters,
I received the APTATS CD yesterday and I went through the first three tutorials last night. I still have to use the techniques on my own images, but I can already tell you: I have never seen anything like this. The techniques are amazingly simple and best of all they work! (And that is an understatement). This CD is one of the best investments I have made recently in an effort to improve my images (along with Artie's own Art of Bird Photography II CD of course ;-) I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for providing such great tips, tutorials, and wisdom to the photographic community. This is much appreciated, and you can quote me on this one: APTATS is a must have. Seriously. I am going to post a mini-review on a French bird photography forum that I am involved in, I hope that it will bring you a few more sales. Keep up the excellent work. I wish you all the best and a happy life!
Philippe
……………………
You can order APTATS-1 PDF (on CD only) right now for $20 plus $3 shipping and handling ($23 total) in the US. Florida residents need to add 7% sales tax: $21.40 plus the $3 shipping and handling ($23.40 total). To Canada the cost is $20 plus $6 shipping ($26 total). For overseas customers the cost will be $20 plus $8 shipping and handling ($28 total). APTATS-1 is being shipped in its final form; it will not be updated.
As is usual Paypal is quite convenient. Be sure to include your ship-to address. You can call us at 863-692-0906 with credit card in hand, or send a check for the correct amount made out to “Arthur Morris” to us as follows: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, 4041 Granada Drive, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855.
Snowy Egret, rear view of crest, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
Image Copyright 2007: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering -2/3 stop: 1/125 sec at f/5.6.
Fill flash at -2 stops with the Better Beamer.
When a bird turns its back to you, don’t forget to keep “seeing” and thinking… Lots of underexposure was needed to keep from blowing the whites. Exposure Simplified and dozens and dozens more digital and nature photography topics are covered in great detail in “The Art of Bird Photograph II” (916 pages on CD only): http://www.birdsasart.com/ABPII.htm
USED 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS LENS FOR SALE/PRICE REDUCTION
Multiple IPT-veteran Monte Brown is offering on of my very favorite lenses for sale, the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS Zoom Lens, for sale. The lens is in like-new condition, has been used only a few times, and has no scratches or other marks. It includes both the front and rear caps, the soft case, and the original box. Monte has lowered the price to $1275.00/buyer pays shipping and insurance. If you are seriously interested in this lens, contact Monte Brown at 1-765-744-1421 or via e-mail at montebrown@cblunsford.com. (I bought a used 500mm lens from Monte last year and it was exactly as described: “like new.”)
Tricolored Heron displaying, adult breeding plumage, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
Image Copyright 2007: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens with 62.5 mm of extension (handheld at 200mm) with the EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering -1/3 stop: 1/400 sec at f/71.
This bird set up shop right next to the boardwalk on the afternoon of Day 2. He was so intent on attracting a mate that he allowed ridiculously close approach, thus the need for multiple extension tubes: two 25ms and a 12.5mm. Many of the group took turns and joined in the extension tube fun. The 70-200 f/2.8 is an extremely valuable lens when working at close range in low light.
SEEING THE LIGHT/TEACHING AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS…
For about 4 ½ years, I have used the brightness histogram on all of my camera bodies, refusing to check out the RGB histograms. On the recently concluded St. Augustine Alligator Farm IPT, I began using the RGB histogram and I absolutely loved it. It is easier to see the highlight end of the histogram and warns that you may have clipped only one of the three colors. (Note: in rare instances, with large dark backgrounds and small-in-the-frame white subjects it may be impossible to see the very few clipped pixels; it is always best to rely on Highlight Alert.
Snowy Egret chicks begging, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
Image Copyright 2007: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with the 2X II TC and the EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400. Manual Flash as main light: 1/500 sec. at f/18. Flash with Better Beamer at 1:1.
These birds were begging to get fed in a very dark spot so I went to flash as main to freeze the action. Several distracting branches were removed from the lower right corner of this image so it is fine with me if you choose to label this as a photo illustration. All of the images above and below are pretty much Found-View (now defunct) compliant, i.e., the images show exactly what I saw in the viewfinder. Optimizing all images includes levels, color, and contrast adjustments as well as dust-spotting.
GREAT NEWS!
The amazing Canon EOS 1D Mark III is now shipping, but it will be hard to get for a while, probably the most difficult-to-attain new camera ever. Thanks to the generosity of Hal DuPont of Vero Beach, I will be getting one tomorrow on the eve of the 5-DAY Pontoon Boat IPT with Jim Neiger, here-to-for to be know as Kissimmee Jimmy (new nickname courtesy of James Shadle (aka Frog-hair).
In about a week I hope to release a User’s Guide to the MIII (via e-mail as a PDF). When I had two of the new cameras for about a week it took me nearly the whole time to figure out how to use them. The first version of the MIII UG will feature the basics. The $20 purchase price will include several updates as I learn more about this amazing new tool. Click here to read about my first impressions: http://www.birdsasart.com/bn224.htm
We will be posting the images that went out with the original e-mail sometime in early June. Sorry, but we are not taking pre-orders for the MIII UG; please check the next Bulletin for release and purchase info.
Tricolored Heron, adult breeding plumage, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
Image Copyright 2007: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering -1/3 stop: 1/400 sec at f/5.6.
I had manually selected the two focusing points above the central sensor to move the bird a bit up in the frame. Working in AI Servo AF enabled me to create a sharp image when the bird yawned.
SELECTED IPT UPDATES
The third Bosque IPT has been sold our for some time and #1 and #2 are filling quite nicely. Acclaimed UK photographer Andy Rouse (who has had multiple images honored in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competitions) will be joining me as a guest co-leader on the last day of Bosque #1 and for all of Bosque #2.
Bosque #1: "The Fall Color IPT" NOV 13-15, 2007. Slide Program on the evening of NOV 12. 3-DAY: $999. (Limit 14; openings: 7). Co-leader: Robert O'Toole. Guest leader (DAY 3 only): Andy Rouse. This IPT should feature a better chance for a day or two of the rare south winds that drastically improve flight photography and will definitely feature the brightest fall-color cottonwoods.
Bosque #2: "The Pre-Thanksgiving IPT" NOV 18-20, 2007. Slide Program on the evening of NOV 17. 3-DAY: $999. (Limit 14; openings: 7). Co-leader: Robert O'Toole & Alfred Forns. Guest leader: Andy Rouse. This IPT will feature increasing numbers of geese and cranes with lots of great opportunities. In 2007, I will again be hosting a Thanksgiving Day luncheon at Las Lunas Mansion, a fine restaurant in an historic building. You will need to reserve a spot and pay in advance. Details TBA; strictly limited to 50 folks.
Bosque #3: "The Post-Thanksgiving IPT" NOV 24-26, 2007. Slide Program on the evening of NOV 23. 3-DAY: $999. (Limit 14: Sold Out) Assistant leaders: Robert O'Toole, Robert Amoruso, and Alfred Forns. This IPT is scheduled on dates that I consider peak for Bosque. (There may be a Full Moon Add-on NOV 23; details TBA.) If you register for this one, hold off on buying your plane ticket if you might be interested in the add-on.) In 2007, I will again be hosting a Thanksgiving Day luncheon at Las Lunas Mansion, a fine restaurant in an historic building. You will need to reserve a spot and pay in advance. Details TBA; strictly limited to 50 folks.
SW FLA Post X-mas IPT: DEC 27-29, 2007). Slide program on the evening Wednesday, DEC 26, 2006. 3-DAY: $1029. (Limit 12) Co-leaders: Alfred Forns, & Robert O'Toole. Sanibel Island, Venice Rookery, Cape Coral, and possibly Little Estero Lagoon (depending on the tides). Herons, egrets, gulls, terns, skimmers, shorebirds, both pelicans, Osprey, Burrowing Owl, and lots more. Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork possible.
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