BIRDS AS ART BIRDS AS ART BULLETIN 216                                                                                             

NOVEMBER 11, 2006

 

Visit: www.birdsasart.com

 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

ALBUQUERQUE SEMINAR/WALK-INS WELCOME 

SAN DIEGO IPT

ICELAND JUNE 2007

THANKSGIVING LUNCH

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Snow Geese blast off, Bosque Del Apache, NWR< New Mexico

Image Copyright 2005:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens and EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 800.

Evaluative Metering at 0: 1/8 sec. at f/4.

 

I love the three degrees of blurring here.  If you note the shutter speed and aperture you will note that it was way-dark! 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

 

II fly to Albuquerque this weekend and will be spending nearly a month at my beloved Bosque, one of my three soul places.   I will be leading four sold out IPTs and conducting the Albuquerque Seminar (see below for info.)   Please hold your e-mail questions if at all possible until I get back in the office on DEC 10.  Jim and Jennifer will be here as usual to handle your mail order needs and your IPT & Seminar registrations. Enjoy the beginning of the holiday season and don’t eat too much turkey…

 

 

Sandhill Cranes, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico

Image Copyright 2005:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 100-400mm IS L zoom lens and EOS-1D Mark II. ISO 800.

Evaluative Metering +1 2/3rd stops off of sky set manually: 1/60 sec. at f/5.6.

 

Many of the  folks on the Bosque IPTs are anxious to learn flash-flight techniques and most who try wind up getting a few good ones.  I really enjoy having a 100-400 at Bosque and have borrowed one for this year’s IPTs.  

 

ALBUQUERQUE SEMINAR/WALK-INS WELCOME

 

Though we are already assured of having our largest group ever, we still have room for lots more folks.  Walk-ins are welcome either day and our discounts (see below) will apply to registrations taken either Saturday or Sunday.

 

The doors open officially at 7am but anyone wishing to help us set up and hang around and chat are welcome at 7am

 

The Albuquerque “The Art of Nature Photography; It Ain’t Just Birds” Weekend Seminar will take place at the Park Plaza Hotel, 2500 Carlisle Boulevard NE in Albuquerque on December 2-3, 2006.  Saturday will be devoted to learning the techniques needed to create pleasingly designed, technically perfect images of natural history subjects.  Saturday topics will include getting the right exposure, advanced composition and image design, making sharp images, creating effective motion and zoom blurs, using flash as fill and as main light, and tips for getting close to free and wild birds and animals.  Sunday will be devoted entirely to Digital Photography and Photoshop with much of the time being spent on live Photoshop demonstrations.  On our IPTs I see many great photographs that are ruined because folks have no clue as to how to effectively optimize their images.  Join us to learn how to make your images look great in minutes.  

 

We are now accepting registrations.  Paypal is best but we will be glad to take your credit card information by phone (863-692-0906) or to cash your check.  If sending a check, please make it out to “Arthur Morris” and send it to us at BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7145, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855.  Be sure to include your snail mail and e-mail addresses and your day, evening, and cell phone numbers.  The cost of the weekend seminar is $159.  The cost of either single day is $99.  Register with a friend or spouse and take $10 off each registration.  Register with three or more friends and take $20 off of each registration.  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 September 2, 2006 and your fee will be refunded less a $20.00 cancellation fee; cancel by November 2, 2006 and your fee will be refunded less a $50.00 cancellation fee; cancel after November 2, 2006 and there will be no refund. 

 

 

African Lion, young male, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Image copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with 1.4X II TC and EOS-1Ds Mark II on Todd-Pod.  ISO 800.

Evaluative Metering +2/3 stop: 1/200 sec. at f/5.6.   

 

On our first afternoon at Mara in August, 2006, we came across a large pride of lions on the move just before sunset.  And remember, it ain’t just birds!

 

 

SAN DIEGO IPT

 

There is lots of room on this great 4-Day IPT.  If you would like the chance to photograph the California race of Brown Pelican in breeding plumage with their amazing bright red bill pouches, Wood Duck, Heerman’s Gull, and lots of other tame gulls, shorebirds, and ducks, see below for details. 

 

 

Brown Pelican, preening twins, LaJolla, CA

Image copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 100-400mm IS L zoom lens (handheld at 275mm) with EOS 1D Mark II.

ISO 400.  Evaluative Metering +1/3 stop: 1/400 sec. at f/11.

 

I made a long series of images of these guys preening and this was my favorite by far.  BTW, it was the only one of the series that I kept.

 

ICELAND JUNE 2007

 

We have three deposit checks for this trip.  I will be going no matter what.  If you are interested in joining me in Iceland one way or another in June 2007, click here http://www.birdsasart.com/bn212.htm and then get in touch with me ASAP.

 

 

Atlantic Puffin, Iceland

Image courtesy of and copyright 2006: Steve Metildi

 

THANKSGIVING LUNCH

 

On Thanksgiving Day, 2006, I will again be hosting a photographer's lunch for those lucky enough to be visiting Bosque Del Apache during the holiday season.  With the unfortunate demise and closing of Socorro's ValVerde Steakhouse, we were hard-pressed to come up with a good place to eat last year.  At the last moment, someone suggested that we try the Luna Mansion (http://www.ghostinmysuitcase.com/places/luna/index.htm) about 40 miles up I-25 in Los Lunas, New Mexico.  Wow!  We had great food--fine dining in fact--in a glorious setting.  This elegant restaurant occupies a historic landmark building that was constructed in 1881.  I have made arrangements this year for lunch for up to 50 folks to dine at 11:30am sharp. 

 

The cost of the complete lunch including main course, dessert, beverage, and tip is $30/person.  (Wine not included.)  We are now accepting reservations by check only.  You can make a reservation in advance or find me on the Tour Loop at Bosque or somewhere in Socorro.  If you do meet me in New Mexico some time between now and Thanksgiving Day, be sure to have a check with you.  If you would like to register in advance, please mail a check made out to "Arthur Morris" for $30/per person to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You must include your e-mail address and a note stating, "Thanksgiving Lunch.” 

 

 

 

 

Wild Turkey, immature, Indian Lake Estates, FL 

Image Copyright 2006:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with 1.4X II TC and EOS-1D Mark IIN (handheld)

ISO 400. Evaluative Metering at 0: 1/800 sec. at f/8. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!  On most clear mornings I head down to the lake that is just a few minutes from my home; being able to do that is one of my many blessings.

 

IPT UPDATES 

Bosque #1: "The Fall Color IPT"  NOV 14-16, 2006.  3-DAY: $929.  Slide Program on the evening of NOV 13.   (Sold out.)  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 19-21, 2006.   Slide Program on the evening of NOV 18.  3-DAY: $929.  (Sold out.)  This and the next IPT have sold out for the past eight years.  If you are interested in attending the Thanksgiving Day luncheon in Las Lunas, please contact us via e-mail.  This IPT will feature increasing numbers of geese and cranes with lots of great opportunities.  

Bosque #3:  "The Post-Thanksgiving IPT"   NOV 25-27, 2006.  3-DAY: $929.  Slide Program on the evening of NOV 24.    (Sold out.) This IPT has sold out for the past eight years as it is scheduled on dates that I consider peak for Bosque.  If you are interested in attending the Thanksgiving Day luncheon in Las Lunas, please contact us via e-mail. 

Bosque #4:  "The Full Moon IPT"  DEC 4 (mid-day) through DEC 7 (mid day), 2006.  3-DAY: $929.  (We may have room for one; please call or e-mail for details.)  Slide Program mid-day on DEC 4.  Co-leaders include Manuel Presti, 2005 Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and Robert Amoruso. This IPT includes a half day of photography on the 4th, two full days of photography on the 5th and 6th, and a final half day on December 7th.  Limit 14.  This IPT has been scheduled to maximize the opportunities to include the rising and setting full (DEC 5) and near-full moon in your images.  There will be lots of the usual chances as well, and this time period has provided more than its share of spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the years. 

SW FLA Post X-mas IPT:  DEC 27-29, 2006. Slide program on the evening of Tuesday, DEC 26.  3 -DAY: $1029.  (Limit 14, Openings: 9.)  Co-leaders: Alfred Forns, & Robert Amoruso.  Sanibel Island, Little Estero Lagoon, Venice Rookery, Cape Coral.  Herons, egrets, gulls, terns, skimmers, shorebirds, both pelicans, Osprey, Burrowing Owl, and lots more.  

 

Antarctica, JAN 2007: (Sold out.) 

 

San Diego IPT:  FEB 3-6, 2007. 4-FULL DAYS: $1359.  Introductory slide program on the evening of Thursday, FEB 2. (Limit 12, Openings: 9.)    LaJolla, Shores Beach, Coronado, and Santee Lakes.   Brown Pelicans, Heerman’s & Western Gulls, Marbled Godwits & lots more shorebirds, Wood & Ring-necked Ducks & Lesser Scaup.  And lots more. 

 

SW FLA President's Holiday IPT:   FEB 17-21, 2007.  Slide program on the evening Friday, FEB 16, 2007.  5-DAY: $1649. (Limit 14; openings 3.)  Co-leaders: Robert O’Toole, Alfred Forns, & Robert Amoruso.  Sanibel Island, Little Estero Lagoon, Venice Rookery, Cape Coral.  Herons, egrets, gulls, terns, skimmers, shorebirds, both pelicans, Osprey, Burrowing Owl, and lots more.   

 

Fort DeSoto IPT: APR 13-15, 2007. Slide program on the evening of Thursday, APR 12.  3-DAY: $999 Limit 14: (Sold out)  Co-leaders: Robert O’Toole, Alfred Forns, Robert Amoruso, and Todd Gustafson.  Courtship and breeding behaviors of Laughing Gull and Royal and Sandwich Terns.  Herons, egrets (including both dark and light phase Reddish Egret), shorebirds (including Long-billed Curlew), gulls, terns, and skimmers among others.  

 

Silver Salmon Creek: August 8-14, 2007.  Coastal Brown Bears catching salmon, Horned Puffins, macro, scenics, and fishing (optional):  $4999. ( Limit 12: openings: 2Three leaders, two TBA (plus me <smile>.

 

Kenya 2007 Gustaphoto/BIRDS AS ART Photo-Safari/Sept. 11-27, 2007: 16 days on the ground in Kenya: $9,499.00.  Todd and I will be returning to Kenya again in 2007, leaving the US on September 10.  We never take more than 15 photographers so that we are limited to five vans, three photographers per van.  Period.  We already have 12 slots filled.  Here are the basics: A non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required.  A second payment of $4,499.00 is due by March 1, 2007, and the final payment of $4000.00 is due June 1, 2007.  All deposits and payments should be sent to: Todd Gustafson, 2122 Elmira Ave, Des Plaines, IL  60018.  Please make the checks out to “Todd Gustafson.”  Thanks <smile>.   We cannot guarantee a single supplement at this time but do contact us if you are interested.

 

Write if you are interested in either Tanzania JEN/FEB 2007 or Kenya AUG 2008.  Amazingly, each of those trips is more than half full.  Happy campers only <smile>

 

Note: when comparing safari prices please note that most tour companies include one of two travel days on each end of the tour when stating the number of days…  Our 16 days on the ground includes 16 days that we will be photographing.  Please e-mail for a detailed itinerary, but do note that the itinerary is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the leaders should such changes be needed to improve the photographic opportunities for the group.  Lodgings will of course be comparable.

 

The registration fee includes food, lodging, ground transportation and airport transfers, driver guides, game park entry fees, and our round trip flight from Nairobi to Mara.  Not included are the Kenya Visa fee ($50.00 US), personal items, all beverages, driver and staff tips, and phone, fax, e-mail or laundry charges.  There is no “non-photographer” rate. 

 

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