BIRDS AS ART BULLETIN #218
DECEMBER 17, 2006
Visit: www.birdsasart.com
ABP II GOOD TO GO!
BOSQUE IPT(s) REPORT
BOSQUE 2007 DATES ANNOUNCED
ALBUQUERQUE SEMINAR REPORT
NYC SEMINAR
EDITING IN BREEZEBROSWER (IMPROVED)
CONGRATS TO DON LOZIER/ SPECIAL THANKS TO HELEN LONGEST SACCONE
KENDALL CAMERA CLUB EVENTS
PERSONAL NOTES
ICELAND TRIP
IPT UPDATES
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Photographic theme: My favorite images from Bosque 2006.
Snow Geese, fire in the mist/alert flock, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with 1.4X II TC and EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering -1 stop: 1/2500 sec. at f/13.
I knew—on one of my days off—that there was potential for fire in the mist; right at sunrise I wound up in the right place. I will share the next image in this sequence with you in the next Bulletin.
ABP II GOOD TO GO
Nearly four years in the making, and plagued by problems with the cover art, the Art of Bird Photography II on CD is finally ready for shipping. We only have 9,780 left so be sure to order yours now.
The Art of Bird Photography II (on CD only) is the all-new continuation of the How-To classic, "The Art of Bird Photography; The Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques." One chapter covers all aspects of Digital Photography and includes a section on understanding histograms. It also includes Artie’s digital workflow along with tons of great Photoshop tips. Other chapters include "Equipment; What's New?," "Advanced Composition and Image Design," "It Ain't Just Birds," "Exposure and Flash Simplified," and "Advanced Sharpness Techniques & Creating Pleasing Blurs." The "Practicalities" chapter includes a detailed section on setting up your backyard for bird photography as well as sections on photographing on safari and on the tundra. Each image in the book includes all the technical data and is accompanied by the legendary educational captions that have made Artie’s free on-line Bulletins so popular. Most chapters will include one or more galleries designed to illustrate and reinforce the principles covered in the text. There are two copies of the book on the CD. Open the "Spreads" version to best enjoy the beauty of the images and the layout and design. Open the "Single Pages" version for easy reading.
You can order your copy of ABP II right now for $40 plus $2 shipping by calling us at 863-692-0906 between 8am and 9pm Eastern Time with your credit card information, by sending a Paypal for $42.00 to us at birdsasart@att.net, or by sending a check for $42.00 made out to "Arthur Morris" to PO 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Florida residents please send $44.80, which includes sales tax. Postage to Canada is $6.00. For all other overseas orders, postage is $8.00.
If you purchased a pre-publication copy of the book, you can purchase the final version for only $10.00 plus the shipping costs (as above).
For additional info and reviews, click here: http://www.birdsasart.com/ABPII.htm.
Sandhill Crane, taking flight/golden sunrise, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS-1D Mark IIN. ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering +2/3 stop: 1/640 sec. at f/11.
Part of being a successful bird photographer is learning to recognize repeating patterns of avian behavior. When I saw several cranes take off through the golden reflections of the just-risen sun I alerted the group to try to make some silhouetted images of the birds as they flew ever-so-briefly through the brightest reflections. In such situations you need to press the shutter button just as the bird is entering the zone with the brightest light… (If you wait until you see what you see above in the viewfinder, you will be a tad too late.)
BOSQUE 2006 TRIP REPORT
Despite worries about the lack of opportunities caused by the draining of the two crane pools (Ed Krane Pool & Harry’s Crane Pool) on the west side of Highway One north of the RR tracks, Bosque provided a wealth of wondrous chances for the thinking (or the lucky) photographer. I realized this year that more than any location that I visit, that Bosque rewards those who put their brains in gear, consider the lighting conditions, the wind direction, and the birds’ recent behavior, and put themselves in the right place at the right time. While the Bosque Site Guide gives folks a taste of this type of decision-making, joining an IPT is the very best way of learning to read the wind and the light. Each of the four IPT groups was afforded many wonderful chances, most because the leader thought the situation through and made the correct decision <smile>. As always I was wishing for less good weather and more bad weather; bad weather at Bosque equals great photography. Clear skies and sunny conditions are the rule, and with the predominant winds from the north, I spend lots of time praying for forecasts that include clouds, rain, and snow.
Line-of-sight views at the pools on the east side of the Farm Loop are nearly 100% obstructed. This is quite unfortunate as these pools have the potential to be fantastic on clear mornings, but at present it is simply impossible to get a lens on the birds in any of the five large rectangular impoundments. I had a great exchange of ideas when I had a ride-around the Farm Loop with new Refuge Manager Tom Melanson (say” muh-LUND-sun) near the end of my nearly month-long stay. I am hoping that many new viewing windows will be cut before the Fall 2007 season begins. Opening up additional viewing windows at the pools mentioned above and also at the Main Impoundment would ease over-crowding at the Flight Deck. Some folks arrived at the Flight Deck more than 1 ½ hours before sunrise to secure a spot. While managing a refuge like Bosque is a delicate balancing act, it would seem that photographic conditions could be improved greatly.
Bosque #1 had some great fun as the geese flew and walked from an alfalfa field to the corn field. When they walked past the row of salt cedars, it was quite comical. When they flew, we had some great chances for flight photography (with yellow-green backgrounds). Bosque #2 had the best and the most cornfield blastoffs and a great evening at the North RR Pond. Bosque #3 had two great orange-gold sunrises, some great blackbird blast-off action, a nice sunset at the south end of the refuge, and some truly great flight photography at the Dirt Road. IPT #4 had a great half hour photographing Snow and Ross’ Geese landing into the south wind at the Dirt Road, and finished with a stunning blue-pink purple sunset skies filled with geese and cranes on their last afternoon and an amazing pre-dawn fly-in and blast off on their last morning.
Linda Robbins, who is great with beginners, was a big help on the first IPT. Robert O’Toole helped out admirably with the first three IPTs and will be helping with all three next year as well. Aside from being amazingly creative, Robert is a computer and technical expert and helped many folks with problems in those areas. Alfred Forns was his usual helpful, delightful self. While I would give you the shirt off my back if you needed help at Bosque, Alfred would give you his shirt and his parka! Robert Amoruso and BBC 2005 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Manuel Presti, visiting from Rome, served as my co-leaders on IPT #4 and with their help, we were able to break the group into smaller groups so that we could maximize our chances by getting smaller groups of folks into some tight spots (like the Willow Deck for the setting full moon). I thank all the members of my most willing and able “Posse.” Having them along enables each and every IPT participant to receive personal attention.
Snow Goose braking to land in early morning light, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 600mm f/4L IS with 1.4X II TC and EOS-1D Mark IIN. ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering +1/3rd stop off of sky above mountains set manually: 1/2500 sec. at f/8.
I love ISO 400 and I love using f/8 for a bit of extra depth-of-field when doing flight photography with an effective aperture of f/5.6
…..
Unsolicited Bosque Kudos:
“Bosque #3 was great. Once again you did an excellent job of orchestrating a very educational and enjoyable IPT. Your expertise and your ability and willingness to teach others is amazing. I can hardly wait for the Aug. 8-15, 2007 Silver Salmon Creek Bear/Puffin IPT! Best wishes for good health, happiness and great pictures,” Ned Schroeder
“Marsha and I greatly enjoyed our time with you at Bosque. Things were very well organized and presented, particularly in view of the wide range of skills and experience that were represented in my group. Your helpers were, well, helpful. Robert is, as you know, a real talent. Thanks for a very fine time. We hope to be able to join you again before too long.” Cordially, David and Marsha (non-photographer spouse) Meltzer
“Thanks for the compliment on my Great Gray image that you made in the last bulletin (and for your comments during the critiquing session). I thoroughly enjoyed the IPT and I learned a lot. I got a multitude of perfectly exposed flight shots using manual settings; this was new territory for me. Thanks for that. I realize that I have a long way to when using manual exposure settings, but I am off to a great start. Several of the techniques that you demonstrated in Photoshop were new to me and I'm finding them extremely useful. Your great organizational skills and teaching abilities made this a fantastic experience for me. For someone like you, who is—unquestionably--the best in his field to be so approachable, so caring and so enthusiastic when it comes to teaching rank beginners like myself, is both amazing and very much appreciated. Thanks so much for your help.” Ted Schroeder
“Just a note to let you know how much Young and I appreciate your help in photo excellence and your friendship with us. As a new bird photographer, I have prepared by reading ABP I for several years and have also read the advanced copy of ABP II. I have worked hard to create some good images. Bosque was our second IPT this year and we both learned valuable information. I am becoming more comfortable with working in Manual Mode, but I still need a bit of work. I had grown stale using Av mode all the time and your new lessons really challenged me. Thank you for your ever-patient teaching and for engaging the non-photographing spouses into the program by pointing out unusual species for the birders in the group. Young and I will work hard on getting up to speed with photoshop next so that at the next IPT my images might be even a bit better. You are a valuable teacher and an inspiration to us both. We both consider you a friend and a mentor. We are on board for Galapagos 2008!” Your friends, Greg Hritzo & Young An
Snow Geese in earth shadow skies, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 100-400mm IS L zoom lens (handheld at 250mm) with EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 50.
Evaluative Metering +1 stop: 1/8 sec. at f/5.
Here I chose ISO 50 to ensure that I would have the slow shutter speed that I wanted and a wide aperture as well. This may very well be my favorite 2006 Bosque image. After photographing for more than 23 years I learned this year that the blue sky near the horizon on clear evenings is actually the shadow of the earth itself…
BOSQUE 2007 DATES ANNOUNCED
What can I say? I love this place. Below are the dates and rates for the three Bosque 2007 IPTs. All Bosque IPTs have sold out well in advance for the past several years.
Bosque #1: "The Fall Color IPT" NOV 13-15, 2007. Slide Program on the evening of NOV 12. 3-DAY: $999. Limit 14. Co-leader: Robert O'Toole. 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. Co-leader: Robert O'Toole. 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. Assistant leader: Robert O'Toole. 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.
Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes at sunrise, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS L zoom lens (at 110 mm on Mongoose M2.3 head and Gitzo CF 1325) with EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 4800. Evaluative Metering -2/3 stop: 1/25 sec. at f/7.1.
Knowing that the brightest red-pinks would cause exposure problems I chose -2/3 stops as my exposure compensation and then checked the histogram.
ALBUQUERQUE SEMINAR REPORT
By all accounts, the Albuquerque “The Art of Nature Photography; It Ain’t Just Birds” Weekend Seminar was a huge success. More than 95 folks attended both the Saturday and Sunday sessions at the Park Plaza Hotel. Pro Markets Rep Jerry Ward was on hand with a few trunk-loads of Canon equipment and tons of knowledge. And Gary Farber of Hunt’s Photo was there taking orders almost non-stop for two days. And BIRDS AS ART’s very own Jim Litzenberg—after a short busman’s holiday at Bosque—manned the BIRDS AS ART sales booth. His efficiency and pleasant manner were appreciated by all. We shipped a ton of mail order stuff to New Mexico and most amazingly, we sold almost everything that we brought. The Cavalier room at the Park Plaza Hotel provided a more than suitable venue. The door prizes were a huge hit. Thanks to Lowepro, Hunt’s, Wimberley, Delkin, Visual Echoes, LegCoats, Nature Photographer, Bird Watcher’s Digest, WildBird, and Birder’s World.
I tried something new on Digital Sunday: I edited a folder of more than 350 new Bosque images that I had not looked at (but had backed up…). I used my new Breezebrowser editing technique (see same below) and explained my decisions on the fly. To say that the editing session was hugely popular would be an understatement. Folks really appreciated being able to look over my shoulder as I kept some and deleted many. At one point I was auctioning off my rejects to the highest bidder <smile>
ABQ Kudos (excerpted from e-mails):
Several friends asked me, “Why would you go from Annapolis, MD to Albuquerque, NM? “ “If you want to improve your photography, if you want to learn from the best, you have to go where they are. The best was in Albuquerque on December 2 & 3." “Was it was worth it?” they asked. “Yep, in spades! I have both your books and the Digital Basics file. They are great reads and wonderful references. Nothing, however, takes the place of a live classroom setting and intense interactive discussion between teacher and student. Getting a better understanding of exposure and flash were my main objectives and you brought them to life. The whole discussion of flash as main light answered the questions generated by reading the pre-publication version of ABP II. Although I understood your concept of exposure, the "quick and dirty" evaluation method that you covered at the seminar will make field application even easier. You inspired and motivated me, but at the same time made me take a more critical look at my techniques and my "keeper" evaluation process. Thanks Artie for a fine seminar. It was definitely worth the trip.“ Russ Mader, Annapolis, MD.
“Thanks so much for all you do--and for your wonderful, caring attitude. The seminar was great; you were right: the second time around was even better. Sunday was totally different from Dallas, and it was well worth doing it again!! Your seminars have something for everybody, from near novices to experienced photographers. Thanks for sharing with all of us!” Jim Heupel, Fredericksburg TX.
“The Albuquerque Seminar was so enjoyable that I wanted it to go on for at least another day. Each and every sentence was well thought out and packed with useable information. It was great to see and touch all the gear that Arthur uses. He was warm and personable and was always eager to answer any questions and share his years of experience. I can honestly say "This seminar has changed the way I think about bird photography." To make this even better Gary from Hunts was there with lots of products that are not available in our market. To top it all off Jerry Ward, the Canon rep, brought all the latest bodies and long lenses; we got to see and try the latest goodies. Albuquerque was a great experience.” James Wray Albuquerque, NM
Sandhill Crane landing in snowy cornfield, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 600mm f/4 L IS lens with 1.4X II TC and EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering off of yellow corn set manually: 1/2000 sec. at f/8.
On a six degree morning we had both fire in the mist and a light coating of snow. Fortunately, there was little wind… Morning temps ranged from 10-12 degrees for the next ten days. Sales of hand-warmer packs were brisk during that period.
NYC SEMINAR
The Art of Nature Photography; It Ain’t Just Birds!
Weekend How-To Seminar
Queens, New York (near JFK Airport)
August 18-19, 2007
The cost of the weekend seminar will be $169. The cost of either single day will be $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.)
Sandhill Crane flock at full moonset, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS L zoom lens (at 100mm on Mongoose M2.3 head and Gitzo CF 1325) with EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 4800. Evaluative Metering +1 stop: 1/60 sec. at f/7.1.
Some of the group opted to return to the Flight Deck while the rest of us headed for the Willow Deck. We arrived at the Willow Deck at about 5:30 am and then chatted for 1 ½ hours to keep warm. The chatting did not help: we froze!
EDITING IN BREEZEBROSWER (IMPROVED)
In the current version of Digital Basics (http://www.birdsasart.com/digitalbasics.htm), I describe in detail the editing technique that I used up until several months ago. Many folks noted that my way was—contrary to my nature—the slow way. Over the past few months I have realized that they were correct. Here is how I edit my images today in Breezebroswer:
I open the day’s folder and hit Control “A” (Select All). (Note: If you follow the directions for setting up Downloader Pro as per our Digital Basics File or ABP II the program puts all of the images from a given day into a folder named with the day, month, and year. In addition, the location is—if you have set your preferences correctly—automatically inserted behind the file number for each image.) Next I hit Control “S” (Slide Show) and make sure that the High Quality option is set. Then I hit the right arrow key and then the left arrow key. This prevents the images from advancing according to the previously set interval and lets me advance to the next image by hitting the right arrow key or go back to the previous image by hitting the left arrow key.
As I make my way through the slide show I use the up arrow key to highlight the keepers with a blue check mark. The blue check mark appears at the end of the caption in slide show mode and in the upper right corner of the image when viewing the thumbnails. If I come across a better image in the series, I use to left arrow key to get back to the checked image and then use the down arrow key to uncheck it. On this first, very fast edit I keep most of the stuff that is up to my standards. If—at this point—I am in doubt as to whether I should keep or delete a given image, I usually keep it. Once I have gone through all the images in a folder in one fell swoop, I hit escape to get back to thumbnail view. I then highlight a single checked image by left clicking on it and then hit Shift-Control “S.” This highlights all of the checked images. Next I hit Control “F.” This moves all of the checked (and selected) images to the front of the folder. I then simply highlight the first unchecked image and scroll down the unchecked image and left click. This selects all of the unchecked images. Then I hit the delete key. This deletes all of the rejects.
Next I hit Control “A” (Select All) and then Shift Control “U.” This un-checks all of the keepers. Then I simply repeat the entire process, taking a bit more time to carefully evaluate the similar images. If—at this point—I am in doubt as to whether I should keep or delete a given image, I usually get rid of it. As it states in Digital Basics, I firmly believe that all serious digital photographers need to edit ruthlessly. On my recent nearly month-long Bosque trip I am already down to just 448 RAW file keepers. Of those, I have already optimized more than 175 of them.
This new method is much faster than my old way. When working alone, I can often finish editing a 500 image folder in less than 20 minutes.
Here is some great news: The latest MAC computers, those with Intel chips, come with software that will allow MAC users to run Breezebrowser; MAC users can finally enjoy the fastest image viewing and browsing program on the planet. And Canon users will be able to make their conversions in Breezebrowser as well. It is my belief that Breezebrowser conversions offer the most accurate color of any conversion program. You can learn more about the Breezebrowser/Downloader Pro package here: http://www.birdsasart.com/breezebrowser.htm.
Detailed instructions for setting up preferences and using both of these great programs are included in both our Digital Basics File and in ABP II.
On a related note, if anyone out there knows of a fast image browsing program for MAC users, please e-mail that info to me and include the approximate cost. (Programs under $100 greatly preferred…)
Red-winged Blackbird swirl, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 600mm f/4L IS lens with EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 100.
Evaluative Metering +2/3rd stop off of sky set manually: 1/30 sec. at f/25.
Both Alfred Forns and Robert O’Toole would often return to the refuge while I and most of the rest of the group napped. As a result, they were able to alert us to some great opportunities. We photographed this flock of blackbirds at Alfred’s Corner…
CONGRATS TO DON LOZIER/SPECIAL THANKS TO HELEN LONGEST SACCONE
Congratulations to Don Lozier who had the front cover of the Winter 2006/07 issue of Nature Photographer. Don created his Bald Eagle cover image on the Homer IPT this past March. He has a short article on the inside back cover of the same issue.
Additional Albuquerque Seminar thanks go to Nature Photographer editor-in-chief Helen Longest-Saccone who kindly sent about 450 copies of back issues and 150 copies of the current issue for distribution at the seminar. The left-overs were donated to Bosque as give-aways. Congrats to her also on the great Winter issue which contains many fine articles and images. Professional contributors include John and Barbara Gerlach and Weldon Lee. You can learn more about Nature Photographer at www.naturephotographermag.com. There are lots of articles in the “Free to Read” section. Thanks again Helen for your amazing generosity; you have worked very hard for years and must be exceedingly proud of your success.
Sandhill Crane in pink reflections, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 600mm f/4L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 800.
Evaluative Metering +2/3rd stop: 1/80 sec. at f/9.
Making sharp images at slow shutter speeds with long effective focal lengths is a difficult skill to master but the rewards are great. There is a section on advanced sharpness techniques in ABP II.
KENDALL CAMERA CLUB EVENTS
On the evening of February 22, 2007 I will be presenting “BIRDS AS ART On the Digital Road for the Kendall Camera Club in Miami. You can learn more here: http://www.kendallcameraclub.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1026. Best, however, would be to contact Fabiola Del Alcazar by e-mail here: fabiolad@bellsouth.net
On Saturday, February 24, 2007, I will be leading a rare east coast In-The-Field Workshop ($275 per person) sponsored by the Kendall Camera Club. You can learn more here: http://www.kendallcameraclub.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2462&sid=4ec5c656890c62d9925ed6084f05b2e8#2462. Best again, however, would be to contact Fabiola Del Alcazar by e-mail here: fabiolad@bellsouth.net
Sandhill Crane silhouetted against blindingly bright sun, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering -3 stops: 1/8000 sec. at f/57.
It is obvious that here I should have chosen a much lower ISO. I used manual focus (While listening for the AF beep) and took my eye from the viewfinder as I pressed the shutter button. Can you say “miracle”?
PERSONAL NOTES
Last night I celebrated the last night of Chanukah with older daughter Jennifer’s family. The potato latkes were great! Grandson Sam was not feeling too well until the presents were opened, but soon after that he fell asleep on the living room floor. (He had slept most of the day away.) Maya was her perky self. Son-in-law Erik prepared a delicious chicken.
When I left New Mexico, I flew to Islip, Long Island to attend the first birthday party of my youngest grandson Ilyas. As many of you know, younger daughter Alissa married Ajiniyaz (Azik) Reimov, a lovely young man whom she met while serving in the Peace Corps in Uzbekistan. Azik’s field is environmental biology. After living in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for about a year after their marriage, Lissy and Azik moved to Alexandria, VA. About a month ago Lissy called and said that Azik had a new job offer; he will be living and working (for the UN) in Kabul, Afghanistan for one year starting in mid-January 2007. After the birthday party, the whole family flew to Uzbekistan for a previously planned vacation. In early January the whole family will fly back to the US. Azik will fly back to the Middle East the next day, while Alissa will continue on to Alexandria. She will work for a few more weeks and then move back to Tashkent, Uzbekistan where she will live off and on in their apartment in the Uzbek capital. Azik has a quite liberal vacation schedule and will be able to spend something like four weeks out of ten with the family several times during the year. They have not decided whether they will keep their apartment in Virginia yet, but in any case Alissa will be visiting family in the US quite a bit during 2007.
Now on to the birthday party… Alissa was expecting that only my ex-wife Dana and husband Kenny, my older sister Ilene’s family, and a few of her NY friends would be at the party. My Mom, who is in the process of moving from San Diego to Long Island to be near Ilene, decided to surprise Alissa by coming a week early. Older daughter Jennifer decided to fly to NY with Maya to surprise her sister. (Erik stayed in Florida with Sam who chose to take part in his school’s holiday program.) Jennifer and Maya and I hid in a spare bedroom when Dana went to pick up the global wanderers from the airport. It seemed like forever for them to arrive. We had left my Mom sitting on the living room couch. When Lissy finally came in, we listened as best we could. Dana and Kenny were having trouble getting Lissy into the living room, but finally we heard a screech as Lissy saw her Grandmother. I walked into the living room and said casually, “Hi Lissy.” She whirled around pointing a finger at me and said,” I knew that you were gonna be here. I told Azik that you sounded weird on the phone this morning!” While I was hugging Lissy Maya and Jennifer came in and Lissy sensed them behind her. She had saved the biggest shriek for last. All in all, a wonderful time was had by all.
Sandhill Crane in flight/grey fog cloud, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 600mm f/4L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering +1/3rd stop off of grey fog cloud: 1/1250 sec. at f/8.
We make a great effort to help folks learn to use Manual Mode for most flight photography so that the exposure for the bird will be correct as long as the lighting conditions do not change. If you are working in Av Mode (as I usually do), you would need to set different exposure compensations as the background changed from deep blue sky to bright white cloud to light blue sky to mountain to cornfield. It would simply be impossible to do that.
ICELAND JUNE 2007
For whatever reason, nobody wants to go to Iceland. One couple has sent a deposit check. I, and several friends, will be going no matter what. If you are interested in joining us 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. Please note that the correct year is indeed 2007.
Snow Geese pre-dawn fly-in, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS lens (handheld at 135mm) with EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 400.
Evaluative Metering +1 stop: 1/8 sec. at f/4.5.
The 70-200 is a valuable lens at Bosque. I use it on a tripod-mounted Mongoose when it is way dark but hand-hold it once it gets a bit brighter.
IPT UPDATES
SW FLA Post X-mas IPT: DEC 27-29, 2006. Slide program on the evening Tuesday, DEC 26, 2006. 3-DAY: $1029. Please e-mail to learn of our late registration discount. (Limit 14; Openings: 5) 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.
Kudos from one of last year’s SW FLA IPTs:
“I loved the dockside photos we got at Placida. That IPT was the most productive trip I have ever been on. During our two days at Estero I created my most beautiful images ever ((thanks to someone telling me to expose by +1 when I thought zero would be fine…)” Mary Louise McCulloch
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: 3.) 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; Sold out; wait list only.) 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; wait list only) 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: 1. We need either a single female or a male, the latter most likely in a cabin) Three leaders, two TBA (plus me <smile>.
Bosque #1: "The Fall Color IPT" NOV 13-15, 2007. Slide Program on the evening of NOV 12. 3-DAY: $999. Limit 14. Co-leader: Robert O'Toole. 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. Co-leader: Robert O'Toole. 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. Assistant leader: Robert O'Toole. 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.
Snow Geese/cornfield zoom blur, Bosque Del Apache, NWR, New Mexico
Image Copyright 2006: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Canon 100-400mm IS L zoom lens (handheld while zooming) with EOS-1Ds Mark II. ISO 50.
Evaluative Metering +1/3rd stop: ¼ sec. at f/13 in Tv Mode.
Lots of the IPT folks enjoyed learning and experimenting with zoom blurs. It’s not as easy as it looks!
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