There were tons of birds feeding on red-tide weakened fish. In the soft early morning light, the usual -1/3 stop was not needed.
Though we could see fish of all sizes going belly-up in the shallows, no airborne toxins were evident; nobdoy was coughing...
I had the aperture set wide open but fortunately I had set the Safety Shift custom function which dropped the aperture to f/13 and gave me the exposure that I wanted. It has been a long time since I had a chance to create a really nice keyhole sunrise image...
It was great to see the almost always dependable Long-billed Curlew back early. DeSoto is the best place in the eastern US to pohtograph this much cought-after species.
With the 70-200 on my shoulder, I often leave the 28-135mm IS lens in the truck, opting instead to use the incredibly versatile 70-200 for scenics and grab shots.
MM: I cannot find anything in the manual about a J-peg being embedded in the Raw file. I started out shooting in Raw + J-peg large mode (set at 8 quality). Lately I have only been shooting in J-peg mode (set at 10 quality). What is your suggestion for image settings? I have the Photoshop CS2 program.
AM: #1: In the Digital Basics File (http://www.birdsasart.com/digitalbasics.htm) we suggest that all serious photographers use Raw Mode for a variety of reasons... Please see the DBF for the reasons.
#2: Whether or not it is mentioned in the manual, the fact is that the Mark II 1D embeds a j-peg in each Raw file at the instant it is created. If you use Breezebrowser Pro (as we strongly recommend) and you doubt this, simply click on Tools/Extract Embedded J-PEGs after selecting any Raw image. Leave all the boxes checked. Click on Extract Selected. A box will pop up stating that the Output directory doe not exist and ask you if you want to create it. Click on "Yes." You will then find the embedded j-peg in an "extracted" sub-folder. I often grab the embedded j-peg and then downsize and sharpen it via an action when I need to get some pix to folks really, really fast.
Thank me very much, and best <smile>, artie
A big part of creative vision simply involves opening your eyes and seeing what is there...
ATLANTA and DALLAS SEMINARS
Here's why: In addition to two great days of learning and laughing, and more than 1200 great iamges, there will be loads of great door prizes including Lowepro Roadrunner AWs! (One will be given away at both the Atlanta and Dallas Seminars.)
These seminars are for all nature photographers who want to learn how to make better images. 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, composition and image design, and sharpness and my tips on getting close to wild subjects and photographing action and behavior will benefit everyone with a telephoto lens who 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 during the Sunday sessions.
Weekend package (2 days): $159. Either Saturday or Sunday: $109. To register send a check for the full amount made out to "Arthur Morris" to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. We accept credit cards by phone: 863-692-0906. In either case, we need your e-mail address, your mailing address, and your daytime and evening phone numbers. Here is the Cancellation Policy for these events: Photo Road Show is relying on your attendance, so if for any reason you need to withdraw, please notify Arthur Morris as soon as possible. Once we receive written notice of your cancellation the following fees apply: cancel 31+ days prior to the start of the workshop and your fee will be refunded less a $50.00 cancellation fee; cancel less 30 days prior to the date of the workshop and there will be no refund.
The Atlanta Venue is the Renaissance Waverly Hotel. There are no special rates available at this location. Please e-mail us at birdsasart@verizon.net for a list of additional lodging options.
The Dallas event will take place at the Verizon Place Hotel & Conference Center- Dallas. This beautiful facility is adjacent to the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and offers around the clock shuttle service to and from DFW. There is a special rate on rooms for this event: $79 single and $89 double occupancy. To get the Photo Road Show preferred rate, 1-800-731-6131 and mention "booking # 1576". Room availability is limited so be sure to take advantage of this offer soon!
Please e-mail us at birdsasart@verizon.net to request the SAT/SUN schedules.
This guy was a great subject. I would walk towards him but stop short of the light angle. Then HE would run towards me. You gotta love it!
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 BIRDS AS ART sponsor, as is Delkin Devices. Do feel free to forward this Bulletin to one or more photographer-friends. Those wishing to subscribe click here: mailto:http://birdsasart.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=94ad23bd96f48a1de2ca612b3&id=bdb4a511a0?subject=subscribe To unsubscribe, click here: mailto:birdsasart@verizon.net?subject=unsubscribe. Back issues of all BAA Bulletins and relevant BAA Notes are archived on the web site at: http://www.birdsasart.com/bn.html