FEATURES

• GALAPAGOS 2010/2011
• PHOTOSHOP CLEAN-UP BASICS
• BIRDS AS ART FINE ART CANVAS PRINT EDITION/GANNETS IN LOVE
• POSSE NEWS
• IPT UPDATES

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Galapagos Penguins, courtship braying, Bartolome, Galapagos, Ecuador Image Copyright 2009: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Canon 400mm f/4 IS DO lens (handheld) with the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 400: 1/1600 sec. at f/6.3. Exposure-wise, I was set-up for flight photography, but when the action happened right in front of me, I followed my own advice: press the shutter now and worry about the rest later. If you attempt to adjust the exposure (or change any other settings) when the unexpected action occurs, you will wind up with nothing. In this case though the image as a bit under-exposed, I was easily able to make a decent image from the RAW file using ACR to convert and Photoshop CS-3 for the finishing touches (as described in Digital Basics: https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=252).

GALAPAGOS 2011

2010 Galapagos Photo Cruise of a Lifetime

The Complete Galapagos Photographic Experience 15 days on the boat including 13 full days, one half day, and a 2-hour panga ride on the last morning: $10,999. July 4-21, 2010. (July 6-20 on the boat.) Limit 11/Openings: Sold Out.

The Galapagos 2010 Instructional Photo Cruise of a Lifetime is sold out. We are accepting names for the waiting list. If you are interested in getting on the interested list for the 2011 trip, please e-mail us at birdsasart@att.net. IFor the complete 2010 details, please see BAA Bulletin #294 here: http://www.birdsasart.com/bn294.htm. If you would like to receive the complete 2010 itinerary, please e-mail us at birdsasart@att.net with the words “Galapagos 2010 Itinerary Please” cut and pasted into the subject box.

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Galapagos Tortoise yawning, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, Ecuador Image Copyright 2009: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Canon 800mm f/5.6 L IS lens with the EOS-1D MIII. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/60 sec. at f/8. Gitzo 3530 LS tripod with the Mongoose M3.5. Though it sounds ridiculous, it seemed that if we yawned the tortoises would yawn back at us….. While working in AI Servo AF, I manually selected the outside AF sensor at the 10 o’clock position so that it fell as closely as possible to the tortoise’s right eye.

PHOTOSHOP CLEAN-UP BASICS

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Yellow Warbler, Galapagos race, male on passion fruit—original capture, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, Ecuador Image Copyright 2009: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Canon 800mm f/5.6 L IS DO lens with one 25mm Extension tube and the EOS-1D Mark III. ISO 800. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/100 sec. at f/5.6. When I saw this image n the back of the camera I was thrilled. I had been after the classic image of a killer male for six years without success. But when I saw the image on the laptop, I was a bit disappointed for several reasons: the background was a bit busy, but the biggest problem was that the feathers of the bird’s head were littered with white fluff. (See the enlargement below.)

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Before proceeding, you might be saying, “You always add light to your MIII images, often lots of light. How did you know to use the metered exposure to come up with the correct exposure here?” #1: The background was relatively dark, much darker than the subject. When the camera sees dark tones, it opens up to make them a middle-tone. #2: If you hang out on BPN, you would know that bright yellows are a dangerous color. It is easy to render them oversaturated and over-exposed. Adding #1 and #2 I came up with 1 + 2 = zero exposure compensation (to avoid blowing out the yellows….)

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Above, in a cropped version of the original, you can see the white fluff on the head and on the bill, as well as a small bug just above and behind the bird’s eye. .

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To create the optimized master file above, I used the Patch Tool to clean up all the white fluff, both on the plumage and on the bill. I used some Quick Masks, the Patch Tool, and some 50% Opacity Clone Stamp work to clean up the lower background. That was followed with a Contrast Mask of the head and face to increase the apparent sharpness. Last, I reduced the YELLOW saturation about 10 points and used a 10% BLUE Photo Filter to tone down the yellows. (I learned the latter trick on BPN.) You can learn the basics of Quick Masking and advanced techniques for using the Patch Tool and the Clone Stamp in our Digital Basics File. Advanced Quick Masking Techniques are covered in detail in APTATS.

BIRDS AS ART FINE ART CANVAS PRINT EDITION/GANNETS IN LOVE

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Great news: I just learned that this image will be one of eighteen honored images in this year’s National Wildlife Federation’s contest. More great news: I just learned that this image is in the finals of the Nature’s Best contest.

BIRDS AS ART proudly announces the limited sale of another classic Arthur Morris image, “Gannets in Love.”

This endearing image was created at Bonaventure Island, Perce, Quebec, Canada. The thick gallery wrap (1 ½ inches) canvas is hand-made in the US under the supervision of the artist and is available only through BIRDS AS ART.

This is the second in a series of Arthur Morris’ digitally signed, numbered, limited edition gallery-wrapped canvas prints. The canvas is stretched over custom-made wood supports. The canvas has no frame and appears to float on the wall. There’s no need for a frame for stability since the structure is inside the art. These fine canvas limited edition prints are covered with a rear black dust cover. The hanging wire is neatly attached and a courtesy package with two clear bump-ons, a nickel plated hanger and nail are included.

This edition will be limited to 100 pieces of any size. Once the final print is sold the edition will be permanently closed making each Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART print a valuable collectible. Each 16 x 24 inch print is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

The first fifty prints will sell for only $349 plus $20 shipping and handling to all US addresses. Once 50 prints are sold, the price will rise to $424. The last five prints will sell for $499. (Please e-mail for prices on other sizes and for framing options.)

Prints ordered before September 30, 2009 may apply a $50 discount. These prints are in stock and ready to ship now.

Shipping and handling to Canada will require an additional $35 handling fee. (Canadian orders may be subject to Customs delays and duties and require payment via personal check or money order in US funds.)

Each image will be professionally packed to avoid damage during transit. All fees are due and payable in advance in US funds. (We cannot be responsible for delays at customs.)

Payment may be by check or money order mailed to Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855, by Paypal to birdsasart@att.net, or by credit card. Please call 863-692-0906 for credit card orders.

We offer a 100% money back guarantee. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied we will gladly accept a return for exchange or refund provided that the item is returned within seven days of receipt and is in saleable condition. We refund only the purchase price plus the shipping and handling. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. This guarantee does not include prints that you damage or that are damaged in shipping. If your print is damaged in shipping, please let us know and we will arrange to have a replacement sent. Please allow 14 days for your check to clear.

We are 100% positive that ”Gannets in Love” will join “Fire in the Mist” and become a treasured collector’s item; thank you for your support of my work.

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POSSE NEWS

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Northern Gannet, The Dive, Bonaventure Island, Perce, Quebec, Canada Image Copyright 2008: Chris Dodds Photography

Canon 1D MKIII, 70-200mm F2.8 IS & 1.4II tele-converter @250mm, from the Zodiac with mackerel ISO 320 F8 1/1600s manual.

MONSIEUR CHRIS DODDS

Gannets Galore/August 17-19, 2009

3-DAY: CAD$2395.00: http://naturephotographyblog.squarespace.com/gannets-galore-august-17-19-20

Moose and Fall Colors of Maine September 28 – October 2, 2009

http://naturephotographyblog.squarespace.com/moose-and-fall-colors-of-maine

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Common Murre, flight, Bonaventure Island, Perce, Quebec, Canada Image Copyright 2008: Chris Dodds Photography

Canon 1D MKIII, 500 F4 IS, from the Zodiac ISO 400 F6.3 1/2000s manual.

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Northern Gannet. 7-week old chick, Bonaventure Island, Perce, Quebec, Canada Image Copyright 2008: Chris Dodds Photography

Canon 1DsMKII, 500 F4 IS 1.4XII & 2XII tele-converters, Canon 580 EXII 1/16 power, Gitzo 1325, Wimberley Head II (Locked-down). ISO 400 F16 1/100s Manual.

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ALFRED AND FABIOLA FORNS

Everglades Workshop, January 22 to 25, 2010.

Florida Surf and Turf, March 5-7, 2010: Fort DeSoto and the Hooptie Deux.

Please E-mail fabs@avianscapes.com for complete information on the above trips.

Summer fun in Florida with Captain JAMES SHADLE (aka FROGGIE)

There is more than a month left of the baby bird season on Tampa Bay or on several freshwater rookeries that James trailers to regularly. If you have any questions, or would like to join Jim for either a full or half-day, contact him as follows: by cell phone at 813-363-2854 or via e-mail at James@wildflorida.net. Better yet: get a small group together to cut costs.

JIM NEIGER

Flight School Photography Goes To Bosque/Workshop-1, November 10, 2009 thru November 12, 2009: $900.

Flight School Photography Goes to Bosque Workshop -2: November 14, 2009 thru November 16, 2009; $900.

Contact Info: You may contact Jim Neiger of Flight School Photography via phone or email: Cell phone: 407-247-5200. Email: jimn@cfl.rr.com Flight School website: http://www.flightschoolphotography.com.

LINDA ROBBINS’ HIGH SPEED FLASH HUMMINGBIRD TRIPS

Guango, Ecuador, NOV 7-13, 2009. (SOLD OUT). 3 FULL and 2 HALF-DAYS of photography: $3,000. Non-photographer spouse or friend: $1,000.

Guango, Ecuador, NOV 13-19, 2009. (Limit 6: openings: 3). 3 FULL and 2 HALF-DAYS of photography: $3,000. Non-photographer spouse or friend: $1,000.

Guango, Ecuador, JAN 10-16, 2010. Co-leader: Arthur Morris (Limit 6: openings 1). 3 FULL and 2 HALF-DAYS of photography: $3,000. Non-photographer spouse or friend: $1,000.

Guango, Ecuador, JAN 16-21, 2010. Co-leader: Arthur Morris (SOLD OUT) 3 FULL and 2 HALF-DAYS of photography: $3,000. Non-photographer spouse or friend: $1,000.

Tandayapa, Ecuador, Extension JAN 22-26, 2010. Co-leader: Arthur Morris . (Limit 6: SOLD OUT): 3 FULL and 1 HALF-DAY of photography: $1,600. Non-photographer spouse or friend: $600.

For the past two plus years Linda Robbins has worked very hard to become one of if not the best high speed flash hummingbird photographers around, and in the process, taught me to make some great hummer images. She wrote and published (with a bit of help from me) “The Hummingbird Guide – How to Photograph Hummingbirds Using High-Speed Multiple Flash by Linda Robbins.” Learn more and see some great images here: http://www.birdsasart.com/hummingbirdguide.htm. As above, she is now running her own tours; four are to Guango Lodge in Ecuador. On some hummingbird trips you are required to bring your own set-up. Ugh! On some hummingbird trips you take turns on a single set-up while sharing with 6-12 other photographers (while the so-called leader is photographing on his very own set-up. How nice.) That means that you get a chance every three or four hours if you are lucky. On Linda’s trips she provides all of the equipment. She routinely travels with 30 flashes, 21 light stands, 400 rechargeable batteries, and with numerous backgrounds, clamps, clips, eye-droppers, and lots more. All you need to do is show up with your camera (and a back-up), a decent lens of from 300-500mm, one flash, some flash cards, and your laptop and you are good to go. With only two photographers per set-up, you will be photographing 100% of the time if your arm or your trigger finger does not give out. (I once created 3,500 images in a single morning at Guango.) Linda is an excellent Photoshop instructor and does lots of image optimization and teaching on the trips. She was a huge hit on the recently concluded Galapagos Instructional Photo-Cruise as she tirelessly tutored the masses in Photoshop afternoons and evenings.

ROBERT AMORUSO

Silver Salmon Creek Lodge/Lake Clark National Park , Wildscape Images Photographic Instructional Workshop, August 14 to 20, 2009. 7-DAYS, 6-NIGHTS: $5250. Limited to 7 participants.

To lean more click here www.wildscapeimages.biz/storage/SSCL-Bear-PIW.pdf or contact Robert at wildscapeimages@comcast.net or at 407-808-4717.

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Swallow-tailed Gull chick, Darwin Bay, Tower Island, Galapagos, Ecuador Image Copyright 2009: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS lens (handheld at 150mm) with the EOS-50D. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/200 sec. at f/5.6. As I made this image, I knew that I hated the butt-ugly plant that was just behind the cute little birdie. But with a series of Quick Masks and some Protect and Defend work, the plant was history in just a few minutes. As always learn how in Digital Basics and APTATs. The 70-200 f/4—50D combo is light in weight and is especially deadly in the Galapagos where so many of the birds and animals are beyond tame. .

IPT UPDATES

Panama Combo IPT

AUG 9-17, 2009. High speed flash hummingbirds and perched tropical birds: $3199. Limit 10. 6 Full, 1 Half, and 2 Quarter DAYS of photography. Limit 10/Sold Out

Jamaica Bay

Wildlife Refuge/Nickerson Beach/Shorebird/Nesting Skimmer Photography-Tour (JBWR/NB PH -T): August 18-21, 2009 4-DAY: $1399. Limit: 6 Openings 3. (Please call for late registration discount). For complete details, see BAA Bulletin #294 here: http://www.birdsasart.com/bn294.htm and scroll down.

Bear Boat #2

Sept 4-10, 2009: $6999. Openings: 3. Call for late registration discount info. (It is advised that you be in Anchorage on the afternoon of the September 2nd to be assured of not missing the boat!). This one is the bears-catching-salmon trip. In addition, Glaucous-winged and Mew Gulls eating roe are a certainty. Dark phase Northern Fulmars and Black-legged Kittiwakes (including the gorgeous immatures), Harbor Seals, and Stellar’s Sea Lions are likely. Did I mention bears catching salmon? And more bears catching salmon? If you are curious about the trip or have any questions and would like to explore the possibility of joining me for the trip of a lifetime, please e-mail (birdsasart@att.net) or call me at 863-221-2372. I will do my very best to make it happen.

BOSQUE del APACHE 2009 IPT

“The Complete Bosque Experience.” NOV 21-27, 2009. Slide program on the evening of Friday, NOV 20. 7-FULL DAYS: $3199. (Non-refundable deposit: $500.) Limit: 10/Openings: 2. Co-leader: Scott Bourne.

SW FLA PRESIDENT’S WEEK IPT

FEB 10-15, 2010. Slide program on the evening of FEB 9. Slide program on the evening of FEB 11. 6-FULL DAYS: $2799. (Non-refundable deposit: $500.) Limit: 10/Openings: 5. Co-leaders: Tim Grey and Al & Fabs Forns.

2010 Galapagos Photo Cruise of a Lifetime

The Complete Galapagos Photographic Experience: 15 days on the boat including 13 full days, one half day, and a 2-hour panga ride on the last morning: $10,999. July 4-21, 2010. (July 6-20 on the boat.) Limit 11/Sold Out.

If you would like you name placed on the Interested List for the 2011 trip, please e-mail us at birdsasart@att.net. For the complete 2010 details, please see BAA Bulletin #294 here: http://www.birdsasart.com/bn294.htm. If you would like to receive the complete 2010 itinerary (which should be pretty much the same in 2011), please e-mail us at birdsasart@att.net with the words “Galapagos 2010 Itinerary Please” cut and pasted into the subject box.

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Blue-footed Booby resting, Punta Suarez, Hood Island, Galapagos, Ecuador Image Copyright 2009: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Canon 800mm f/5.6 L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D MIII. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops: 1/250 sec. at f/11. Gitzo 3530 LS tripod with the Mongoose M3.5. Can you see the problem area in this image? I will bet you a nickel to a dollar that when I post it on BPN they will jump all over it.