BIRDS AS ART BULLETIN 177
 
JULY 5, 2005
 
 
KAMLOOPS BC REPORT
 
DESOTO COMMON SENSE CAUTION
 
ONE NEW IPT SCHEDULED
 
e-MAIL MISSIVES
 
ATLANTA and DALLAS SEMINARS
 
 
Photo Theme: working tight.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Loon with young chick on back, Little Lac-Le-Jeune, Kamloops, British Columbia 
Image copyright 2005: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
 
Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS lens with EOS 1D Mark II. ISO 400.
Evaluative metering -1/3 stops set manually: 1/800 sec. at f/8.  

 

We were blessed with several still mornings.  We were on the lake by 5:30 am to take advantage of the soft early morning light and the calm surface of the water.  Having the adult calling here is a huge plus. 

KAMLOOPS, BC REPORT

As noted previously, long-time IPT veteran Derick Macdonald had been after me for years to come up to his Lac-Le-Jeune Resort (http://www.bcfroa.bc.ca/member/88/Lac-Le-Jeune-Resort) and photograph. Boy, am I glad that I made it to Kamloops, BC.  My rustic cabin was great, with views of the little lake (there are two Lake Le Jeunes) and lots of room.  We had lots of great opportunities  but the very best were with a baby loon. Derick was an amazing host and the food was great. We photographed the loons on four of the seven mornings and Derick was just fantastic at getting me in the right spot to get some great images.  And best of all, the food was superb.  The staff was friendly and competent and everyone treated me like royalty.  It was a relaxing week filled with great bird photography.  I even created a photo set-up on the front porch of the lodge where Derick maintained a feeding station.  Thanks Derick and staff!  I shall return.

Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS lens with EOS 1D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero set manually: 1/1000 sec. at f/4.

 

Black Tern hovering, Kamloops, British Columbia 

Image copyright 2005: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
 
Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS lens handheld with EOS 1D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero set manually: 1/1000 sec. at f/4.
 
When we arrived at the marsh, the wind was against the light and it was cloudy.  We stuck it out and were rewarded with soft sunlight and a gentle breeze from the west as the sun set behind us.   

 
DESOTO COMMON SENSE CAUTION
 
The marsh to the right of the foot bridge is an environmentally area.  One of the reasons that DeSoto is such a treasure is that there are no restrictions at all on those wishing to enjoy the park.  With this freedom comes the responsibility of exercising some common sense when traversing the marsh.   At all times, strive to walk around the marsh, stay on the paths through the marsh grasses, or make your way along the shoreline.   Do know that if a Red-winged Blackbird is scolding you are a Willet is dive-bombing you, that there are young nearby. 
 
The blackbirds' nests are usually buried in thick vegetation but is you stand quietly and observe, you may be rewarded with some images of the adult's carrying food for the tiny helpless chicks. Songbird young are altricial: they are born totally helpless and naked.  Shorebird chicks are precocial; young Willets are up and about within an hour or two of hatching.  The chances of photographing the small chicks in the thick marsh grasses are between zero and none...  Best photo opps are flight images of the adult dive-bombing you.  If the wind and sun are together, give it five minutes and then move along.  Be good to the marsh, and be good to the nesting birds.
 
Do check out our DeSoto Site Guide here: http://www.birdsasart.com/siteguides.htm

Cassin's Finch, male, Kamloops, British Columbia 

Image copyright 2005: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
 
Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS lens with 1.4X II TC and 25mm Extension Tube with  EOS 1D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering at zero set manually: 1/125 sec. at f/5.6.  Fill Flash at -3 stops. 
 
When I arrived at the lodge, there were lots of birds and squirrels coming to the feeders, but photography was pretty much impossible.   The Backyard Doctor (that's me!) simplified things and erected three decent perches...  The whole operation took only about 15 minutes but as is always the case when working at set-ups, I continued to fine tune things each day.  The sun-angles on the porch were horrific but with the somewhat lousy weather, I spend lots of time photographing even in the rain. I had brought my umbrella clamp!  Derick was impressed.
 
ONE NEW IPT SCHEDULED

ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM IPT  MAY 12-14, 2006.  2 1/2 DAY IPT  (Limit: 12): $649

HERON AND EGRET ROOKERY.  NESTING GREAT EGRETS WITH CHICKS, NESTING SNOWY AND CATTLE EGRETS AND TRICOLORED HERONS.  COURTSHIP BEHAVIORS, COPULATIONS, EGGS, NESTS AND POSSIBLY TINY CHICKS.  INCLUDES THREE CLASSROOM SESSIONS.

THE INTRODUCTORY SLIDE PROGRAM WILL BE AT 2PM ON FRIDAY MAY 12.  THIS IPT WILL INCLUDE TWO MORNING AND THREE AFTERNOON SESSIONS.  WE ENTER SUPER-EARLY AND STAY LATE.  MOTHER'S DAY IS SUNDAY SO PLEASE ARRANGE TO HAVE FLOWERS SENT IN ADVANCE...

 

 

Ruddy Duck, male displaying, Kamloops, British Columbia 

Image copyright 2005: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
 
Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS 1D Mark II. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops set manually: 1/500 sec. at f/11 with High Speed Synch flash.  Manual Flash at 1/1 to maximize flash output. 
 
 Till I visited Kamloops, breeding plumage Ruddy Duck had been a nemesis bird for me...  At f/11 with High Speed synch and the bird about 70 feet from me, I knew that I would be lucky to have any flash at all hit the subject, but with the Better Beamer in place, the results were perfect. 
 
e-MAIL MISSIVES
I
From subscriber Bryan Harding: 
 
BH: I will be using Photoshop Elements for post processing.  Would your Digital Basics File provide me good information for use in Elements?

AM: Yes, but there will be some things that you can do in CS that you will not be able to do in Elements.  The Digital Basics File will teach you the basics of downloading and creating and organizing files as well as the basic steps to use when optimizing an image.  In addition, it will give you a good overview of the basics of digital photography including and most importantly, how to understand and evaluate the histogram, digital photography's greatest asset.
 
BH: Thanks and have a great Fourth of July weekend!
 
AM: Thanks and ditto.  And best, artie
 

 
Common Loon small chick on adult's back, Kamloops, BC   
Image copyright 2005: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
 
Canon 500mm f/4 L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS 1D Mark II.  ISO 400.  Evaluative Metering -2/3 stop: 1/250 sec. at f/11. 
 
With the large dark areas predominating, I went with -2/3 stops to avoid burning the white details of the adult's feathering.    Derick put the boat in perfect position without alarming the loons at all.
..... 
 
From subscriber James Coda:
 
JC:  Art, as you may recall, I ordered a mongoose from you just before going to New York City for a short vacation a month ago.  I am very pleased with it.  I used it with my 20d and 400L f/5.6 and it performed superbly.  
 
AM: I am glad that you liked the M-262 (http://www.birdsasart.com/mongoose.htm).
For those using intermediate telephoto lenses as their prime lenses their is not better head.
 
JC: Next on my list are either an EOS 1D Mark II or a 500 f/4.   (I can't afford both right now.)  With the $500 rebate Canon is now offering on the Mark II I assume a replacement is coming out soon.  Do you have any info on the replacement?

AM: Sorry, no, and even if I knew, I would be contractually obligated to keep my big mouth shut.  <smile> 
I would, however, opt for the 500 IS and a 1.4X TC if you do not have one already.  To me, that decision is a no-brainer because of the vastly superior effective magnification of the 500/20D combo as compared to the 400/1D Mark II setup...   Best and love, artie 
 
 
Northern Flicker, red-shafted form, male at nest hole, Kamloops, BC   
Image copyright 2005: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
 
Canon 500mm f/4 L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS 1D Mark II.  ISO 400.  Evaluative Metering at zero: 1/100 sec. at f/11. 
 
When working with a shutter speed of 1/100 sec. and an effective magnification of 26X you had better have your sharpness techniques down pat... 
 
ATLANTA and DALLAS SEMINARS

 

 
 
The Art of Bird Photography; It Ain't Just Birds! Weekend Seminars
    Atlanta, Georgia, July 30-31, 2005  Presented by Photo Road Show
Dallas, Texas,  September 24-25, 2005     

 

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.

 

 

Squirrel (species?), Kamloops, BC

Image copyright 2005 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Each seminar will cover the basics of backyard set-ups.  And remember, it ain't just birds!

.....

 

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- DallasThis 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.

 

 
 
 
 
Mountain Bluebird, male Kamloops, BC   
Image copyright 2005: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
 
Canon 500mm f/4 L IS lens with 2X II TC and EOS 1D Mark II.  ISO 400.  Evaluative Metering +1/3 stop: 1/250 sec. at f/10.   Fill Flash at -3 stops.
 
Whenever your subject looks right at you, push the shutter button!
 

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