BIRDS AS ART BULLETIN #251

January 9, 2007

 

Visit www.birdsasart.com

 

SW FLA POST X-MAS IPT REPORT

BIRDPHOTOGRAPHERS.NET/IT AIN'T JUST BIRDS UPDATE

IPT KUDOS

2008 BOSQUE & POST X-MAS IPT ANNOUNCED/REDUCED GROUP SIZES

EVEN MORE ON EXPOSURE

LAKE WALES LIBRARY PROGRAM  

WADING TIP

BEAR BOAT OPENING

DIGITAL BASICS UPDATE

SW FLA SITE GUIDE UPDATE

HUNT’S SPECIALS 

 

Contact us by phone at 863-692-0906 (Eastern Time Zone) or by e-mail at birdsasart@att.net or @verizon.net.  The att e-mail address is best from overseas.

 

We gladly accept credit card orders by phone 8am till 7pm Eastern Time (8 am till 3pm Fridays).

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.

 

Note:  maximize this e-mail for best formatting. 

 

Photographic theme:  Images from my recent trip to Bosque Del Apache NWR, San Antonio, NM 

 

Important Request: if responding to this e-mail, please take the time to delete all images and all irrelevant text.

 

 

 

Great Blue Heron at sunrise, Little Estero Lagoon, Ft. Myers Beach, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D MIII.  ISO 800.  Evaluative Metering +2/3 stop: 1/320 sec. at f/5.6 

 

Sometimes getting up early to scout has its rewards.  The bird in the original image was centered.  I added canvas to the right and used Robert O'Toole's Quick Masking techniques to quickly and seamlessly add the needed water.  My favorite part of this image is the light on the bird's bill.  Nobody--including me--can figure out where that light came from as the sun is directly behind the bird...

 

SW FLA POST X-MAS IPT REPORT

 

Sandwiched quite comfortably between two brutal cold fronts, this year's Post X-mas IPT was hugely successful with nearly perfect (but for one lovely but foggy morning) weather, an eager and enthusiastic group of nice folks (as per usual), and lots of beautiful, tame birds.  Things were great even before we started as guest co-leader John Moran presented a wonderful program for the group at 3:30 pm (on the 26th).  After dinner, we had our introductory slide program at 7pm.  We visited the various locations, met the birds that we would be photographing, discussed various photo opportunities and techniques, took a quick look at histograms, discussed logistics for the next morning, and hit the sack. 

 

After scouting Ding Darling on the morning of DEC 25th, I decided to skip it entirely on the IPT.  On the morning of the 26th I scouted Little Estero Lagoon and found conditions excellent.  Even better, I enjoyed a feeding spree in the Gulf right in front of a fairly spectacular sunrise.  I almost always begin the SW FLA IPTs at the Venice Rookery, but Little Estero was so good that we started there.

 

It was very foggy as we made our way out the the beach but the birds were feeding right where they had been the previous morning.  As the morning went on, conditions brightened and we did quite well.  After lunch and a nap we had our image critiquing session.  Late that afternoon we made our way to Cape Coral and thanks to pal Norman Bateman we quickly found some very cooperative Burrowing Owls.  We spent the next morning at the rookery.  I had heard tales of doom and gloom as there have been fewer great blue pairs in each of the past few years.  There were only about half a dozen pairs but we had one male on a relatively clean perch who spent the whole morning sky-pointing.  There were only four nests on the south side of the rookery island but three of them were excellent for photography.  In addition, there were lots of good flight photography opps as several of the males were bringing sticks and sprigs back to the nests almost continuously.  (I visited the rookery again on my way home on the morning of December 30 and had another good session.)  We made our way south to my favorite pelican site and found that the local conditions had changed considerably.  While I napped in my Sequoia, Alfred Forns and several members of the group scouted up a fabulous new White Pelican spot.  We photographed them until just after 5 pm, had a great meal at a local fish restaurant, and then made our way back somewhat wearily to the motel.

 

We re-visited Little Estero Lagoon on our last morning and did quite well, especially enjoying a clear sunrise quite different from our first foggy morning.  We headed back at ten for a quick lunch.  By 12: 30 we had begun our Photoshop sessions.  I did an hour on the BAA digital workflow, Robert O'Toole did an hour going over his stellar Quick Masking techniques, and Alfred and Fabiola Forns did an hour on Lightroom.  (Are you tired yet???)

 

We spent most of our last afternoon on Sanibel feeding Snowy Egrets live bait fish (greenbacks) that I had caught with my cast net, and finished up on the Sanibel Causeway with a great sunset.  Milo Burcham, who showed me around on my visit to Cordova, AK a few years back, attended the IPT as my guest.  He led a small group up the beach.  I should have followed.  He posted a wonderful sunset/Great Blue Heron/flash image here:  http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=954

 

In a love-fest reminisicent of the one at the conclusion of the first 2006 Fort DeSoto IPT folks stood around in the dark chatting, hugging, and saying goodbye.  It was a most rewarding experience for me.   

 

 

 

Great Blue Heron with stick for nest, Venice Rookery, South Venice, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1Ds Mark III.  ISO 1250.  Evaluative Metering + 1/3 stop: 1/400 sec. at f/8 set manually after histogram check. Gitzo 3530 LSV tripod and Mongoose M3.5 head. 
 

 I am always amazed that very few of the many photographers at the rookery often do not even move their gear into position when one of the guys lands right on the bank nearby. I did <smile>  The pond this year is covered with algae which provides a very nice background (especially on dark mornings).  And yes, the MIII 1Ds is noisier than the 1D MIII because of smaller individual pixels. That said, I just grabbed the camera and went to work. I will be interested to note the results I set the in-camera ISO noise reduction...  With 21 million pixels, the fine detail is, however, mind-blowing. 

 

BIRDPHOTOGRAPHERS.NET/IT AIN'T JUST BIRDS UPDATE

 

Hatched just a week ago, BirdPhotographers.Net/It Ain't Just Birds (www.BirdPhotographers.Net) has gotten off to an amazing start.  Activity in the "Avian, Wild and Free"f orum has been virtually non-stop.  With our staff of owners and moderators leading the way, honest critiques done gently are ruling the roost.  And the quality of images in all of the galleries borders on amazing.  Below are a very few of the many wonderful images that you might enjoy at BPN.  (If you are a first time visitor, you will be prompted to register.  Registration is free.  Folks who will be using our image hosting services or otherwise wish to support our efforts are invited to become members by clicking here:

 

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/membership.aspx)

 

As promised above, here are some of my favorite posts from Week One.  (In additon to the quality of the images be sure to follow the threads to see all the learning that is going on.)

 

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1152

 

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1028

 

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=915

 

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=902

 

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=844

 

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=237

 

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1313  (Most of the stuff in Landscapes will take your breath away.) 

 

Those just getting started are invited to post their images in our Eager to Learn Forum where they will receive extra help: 

 

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=7

 

In just seven days, well more than 1700 folks have joined us.  Please drop by and check us out.

 

 

 

 

Burrowing Owl, Cape Coral, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 500mm f/4 L IS lens with the EOS-1D MIII.  ISO 400.  Evaluative Metering +2/3 stop: 1/200 sec. at f/4.    

 

When working with these tame little owls I try to vary the height of my tripod working from full height to right down on the ground.  I love the look of the foreground grasses in this image which was created with the lens about a foot off the ground.  Nice image, but tough on the back...

 

IPT KUDOS

 

By e-mail from Lori Cash:

Wow! What a great IPT. I had a fantastic time, and what I have learned from you and the co-leaders (Alfred, Fabs, Robert & John Moran) was invaluable. You provided some excellent shooting opportunities, and I came away with a lot of wonderful images. I enjoyed this experience and appreciated the camaraderie among the leaders and participants. Just a great atmosphere for learning.  I can't wait to attend my next IPT.

Happy New Year, Lori

And an e-mail from Marc Schoenholz:    

Hi Artie,

Below are my comments on the IPT.   Thanks for a great trip!!

Marc

About 10 days before the Post-X-mas IPT, I received a call from Artie advising that there was a trip cancellation and was I interested in filling the opening.  I quickly committed to the trip and made all of the necessary scheduling arrangements.  This was my second IPT and I was really looking forward to my first trip to Florida’s West Coast.  Well…would I be disappointed with the outcome?   Absolutely not!!  Everything about the trip was terrific!!  Artie works incredibly hard to provide the best photo ops possible.  Similar to my first IPT experience, Artie was extremely generous in sharing information, answering questions and going that extra mile to help everyone bring back great birding images.   

Artie’s supporting cast was stellar: Alfred and Fabs, the newlyweds, were extremely helpful and continuously demonstrated an extraordinary level of creativity.  Thanks to Fabs I came home with a new creative technique!!  Alfred, continuously supported Artie and provided expert technical points on Lightroom.  Robert O’Toole’s PS skills are brilliant and he shared some existing and new APTATS info.  In the field Robert was very helpful and eager to respond to questions.  And if all of the above wasn’t enough, John Moran was Artie’s special guest.  One look at John’s work and it is clear why he has earned the unofficial title of Florida's Photographer Laureate.  Check out John’s terrific book “Journal of Light.”  I strongly recommend going on one of Artie’s IPTs…great learning…great images…and…great people!!  I look forward to my next IPT.  Best, Marc

 

 

Snowy Egret on foggy morning, Little Estero Lagoon, Ft. Myers Beach, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 24-105mm IS L zoom lens (handheld at 85mm) with the EOS-1D MIII.  ISO 1600.  Evaluative Metering +2 stops: 1/30 sec. at f/4.  

 

Creating pleasing images has much more to do with how you see rather than how long a lens you are using…  As I pushed the shutter button I knew that I would be cropping a bit from the left and from the bottom and that is exactly what I did.

 

2008 BOSQUE & POST X-MAS IPT ANNOUNCED/REDUCED GROUP SIZES

 

Bosque IPT #1:  NOV 22-25, 2008.  (Slide program on the evening of NOV 21.)  4-DAY:  $1799   (Limit: 10/Openings:  7)

 

Bosque IPT #2:  NOV 29-DEC 2, 2008.  (Slide program on the evening of NOV 28 4-DAY:  $1799  (Limit: 10/Openings: 5)

 

SW FLA POST X-MAS IPT: DEC 27-29, 2008.  (Slide program on the evening of DEC 26)  4-DAY:  $1799  (Limit: 10)

 

(As always, BAA reserves the right to exceed the posted limit by one.)

 

Yes, the price of poker has gone up.  While I am proud of the service we have provided even with the very large groups that we have been working with over the past two or three years, many benefits will come along with smaller groups.  These include more individualized attention, less need to rush through critiques, more intimate lunches and dinners, and an overall more peaceful and satisfying experience for all involved.  And the best news is that various members of my amazing Posse will be in attendance on IPTs—as always and in force.  Their presence will provide even more opportunities for individualized instruction.

 

I will not be adding a third Bosque IPT no matter how quickly the two Bosque IPTs above sell out.  And one thing is for sure: all of the newly scheduled IPTs will sell out quickly.  If you are seriously interested in joining us, please do consider calling us or sending your $200 deposit immediately. 

 

 

 

Great Blue Heron with baitfish, Sanibel, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D MIII.  ISO 320.  Evaluative Metering at zero:  1/800 sec. at f/10.   

 

One of the benefits of attending the Post X-Mas IPT is getting to watch me try to catch greenbacks with my cast net and—if I am lucky—place lots of those little baitfish in a bucket…  As the birds were definitely not standing still, I used 45-Point AAFPS with great success.     

 

EVEN MORE ON EXPOSURE

 

I received this via email a while back from Wheeler McDougal Jr.:

 

I have purchased both editions of you excellent book ABP books, the soft cover and the all-new CD.  I have for the most part found them to be extremely instructional, but seem to have found one thing that is bothering me that I would like you to address.  It seems that the sections on exposure are written for Canon folks.  I am a Nikon user and it seems the numbers you give don’t work as well with my cameras (D2H, D2X, D200 and as of yesterday a D3) as they do with yours. I am wondering if the metering systems of the Nikon bodies are similar to those of the Canon bodies.  I am referring to Canon’s Evaluative Metering system as compared with Nikon’s Multi-segment metering.  Is it possible that the programs that control these two types of metering are quite different in their philosophies and thus return a different value? Any help you can give me on this matter would be extremely helpful.  Wheeler

 

Here is my reply:

 

Hi Wheeler,   Thanks for your purchases.  Before the introduction of the Nikon D300 and the D3, the two metering systems were much more similar than they are now.  Several of the Posse members have recently purchased some Nikon equipment and have told me that the metering systems on the two new cameras are very different.  They usually need to subtract more light to save the highlight details in sunny situations and add less (or even no) light when the sun is not out and the scenes average to lighter than a middle tone.  I have to laugh though, as one minute they (I won’t name names here to protect the innocent) might tell me that the Nikon meter yields a perfect histogram all the time in all lighting conditions but by the time I turn around they are either subtracting a full stop of light or adding 1/3 stop…

 

Here is the vitally important point for all digital photographers: No matter what camera system or metering mode you are using, you need to learn to check the histogram, to make sure that you have some data in the highlight (right-hand) box of the histogram, and to check for flashing highlights.  If the metering system on any of your camera bodies always yields histograms that have at least some data in the right hand (highlight) box and never produces an image with any flashing highlights at zero exposure compensation, then you are good to go and you can skip the sections on exposure, exposure theory, and histograms.   (In my experience, there is no metering system that can produce perfect exposures in all lighting conditions without any exposure compensation.)  If your meter needs help in some conditions (all of them do), you need to learn when and how much light to add and when and how much light to subtract in the various lighting situations.  And do understand that the compensation values will differ with different cameras from the same manufacturer, and even at times,  with two of the same camera bodies.  Robert O’Toole consistently gets perfect exposures with his EOS 1Dn Mark II with exposure settings well darker than those of folks standing right next to him using the same camera body. 

 

 

The bad news is that each photographer must learn the exposure intricacies of each of their individual camera bodies, but the great news is that by checking and evaluating the histogram and then adding or subtracting light as needed that chore a simple one.  Studying and understanding the principles covered in the books will make that chore easier no matter your camera or your metering system.  You gotta love digital photography.

 

I hope that that helps.  Later and love, artie

 

 

 

Great Egret with inflated baby blowfish, Little Estero Lagoon, Ft. Myers Beach, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D MIII.  ISO 320.  Evaluative Metering at zero:  1/800 sec. at f/11. 

 

I have seen various wading birds with small, inflated blowfish before but they have never let me get close.  I waded out into deep muck in order to attain a good sun angle and was quite happy with my efforts and with the results.  

LAKE WALES LIBRARY PROGRAM  

 

I will be presenting BIRDS AS ART on the Road at the Lake Wales Public Library at 7pm on (next) Tuesday, January 15, at 7pm. 

 

 

 

Brown Pelican taking off, South of Englewood, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 400mm f/4IS DO lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1Ds MIII.  ISO 400.  Evaluative Metering +2/3 stop: 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6.    

 

AF with the 1Ds MIII is superb.  I love the low perspective here.  You gotta love what you do.  Thanks to John Moran who inspired me to go for a swim with my lens.  (See the image immediately below.)

 

 

 

Arthur Morris in deep with the 400DO and his Brand New $7,000 Camera,  South of Englewood, FL

Image Copyright 2008 & courtesy of:  Alfred "Don Diego San Francisco" Forns, AvianScapes Images

 

WADING TIP

 

With conditions excellent at Little Estero Lagoon and with Fort DeSoto having the potential to be excellent on any given day, serious photo-folks will be spending lots of time wading in shallow water in order to be in position to make the very best images.  For almost two decades I struggled trying to come up with a solution as to what type of foot-wear would be best for wading.  Some simply go barefoot, but that would not work for me.  My tootsies are tender and it would be likely that I would find a sharp broken shell, a glass shard, an old beer can, or a sting ray to step on on my first bare-footed outing...  Calf-high boots and hip waders are not high enough for crossing the deeper channels, and chest waders are too cumbersome.  Others use a variety of water-sandals; I tried a few pairs of those and hated each one.  None of them fit and all of them allowed for the entry of sand, mud, and grit.  

 

Out of options, I went with old New Balance sneakers.  They did not last too long thanks to the ravages of salt water, but the very worst problem was that the sneakers filled with mud and sand; at times it would feel as if my toes were in a vice.  And though it only happened to me once, there was always the chance that some extra-sticky muck could suck a sneaker right off your foot never to be seen again.

 

About two years ago Alfred Forns gave me a pair of Scuba-pro skin diving boots.  (Thanks again Alfredo!)  They turned out to be absolutely perfect for me.  In cooler weather, they keep your feet warm, and in warmer weather, your feet feel a bit cooler than they would otherwise.  I wade about in absolute comfort as the boots are ankle high with a snug fit and great zippers so no mud, muck, or sand can get into them.  I am protected against sharp objects and the ribbed soles provide excellent traction on all but the slickest mud.  (Tip:  In really nasty situations keep your tripod with the legs spread in front of you as your walk and use it as sort of a three-legged walking stick.  In a worse case situation, you might slip and fall but by letting go of your tripod at least your lens and camera will be spared.  Never try to navigate a channel with a slick mud or deep muck bottom while carrying your big tripod-mounted lens on your shoulder; are you listening Milo?

 

If you get a pair, be sure to rinse them in fresh water after each use.  This will protect the fabric and ensure that the zipper will continue to work smoothly.  

 

 

 

 

Roseate Spoonbill, adult, Little Estero Lagoon, Ft. Myers Beach, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 500mm lens with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1Ds MIII.  ISO 400.  Evaluative Metering +1/3 stop: 1/1250 sec. at f/10

 

I have just begun working with the 1Ds Mark III.  So far, I am very impressed (except for the noise as noted above). Photographing birds with a camera with a full-frame sensor can be a challlenge.  I had to use my best stalking skills to get close to this bird.

 

BEAR BOAT OPENING

 

Due to a cancellation, there is an opening for a single male on the 2008 Bear Boat #2 trip.  This trip is timed for the average peak of the chum salmon run; we will photograph bears catching salmon every day. 

 

Bear Boat Trip #2: Sept 4-10, 2008  (Openings: 1—we have room for a single male). Bears catching salmon.  Bears catching more salmon.  Lots of bears catching lots of salmon.  Bears less than five yards away…  This trip was planned two years in advance to coincide with the peak of the chum salmon run.  Great macro and scenics.  Moose & young Bald Eagles eating salmon carcasses possible.  Mew Gulls eating roe.  Bears catching salmon.  Spring, one-year old, and two year old cubs.  We may do some halibut fishing.  Fish can be shipped home from Kodiak.

 

We will fly to Kodiak from Anchorage on the early morning of Sept and then travel by float plane to Katmai National Park where we will meet the boat.  Registrants MUST be in Anchorage by the afternoon of Sept. 3, but it is recommended that you arrive on September 2nd so that you do not risk missing the flights to Kodiak and to Katmai.  (Unfortunately, there is not much around Anchorage to photograph at this time…) If you do come on the 2nd, that hotel room is on you.

 

Dinner in Anchorage and the introductory slide program will be in the early evening of Sept.  3rd.

 

$6499 includes flights to and from Kodiak, and the float planes to and from Katmai.  A shared hotel room on the night of Sept. 3rd  (single supplement: $85 if available),shared (small) stateroom, and all meals on the boat.  If Erik is back again, I can guarantee absolutely amazing food…If not, then just great food.  

 

Not included: your flight to and from Anchorage and the tip: $200 total per person tip recommended.

 

Deposit: $3750.    Final payment: $2749 due April 4, 2008 

 

 

 

 

I often say (somewhat jokingly), "Universal advice for better flight and action photography:  zoom wider."  As the above image shows, that it sometimes easier said than done. <smile>  I would have preferred that I had not clipped the tops of the mangroves. 

 

 

 

 

 

Brown Pelican landing, Little Estero Lagoon, Ft. Myers Beach, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 70-200mm f/4 L IS lens (handheld at 280mm) with the 1.4X II TC and the EOS-1D MIII.  ISO 500.  Evaluative Metering +1 stop: 1/1250 sec. at f/5.6.    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

I love the 70-200 f/4 L IS lens because of its light weight and small size.  In addition to adding canvas (and sky) and repairing the mangroves, notice that I leveled the horizon, got rid of the two gulls with the Patch Tool, and boosted the contrast (it was still a bit foggy when I made this image) using Levels and Curves adjustments.  You can learn the basics of Image Optimization in our Digital Basics PDF File:  http://birdsasart.com/digitalbasics.htm.

 

DIGITAL BASICS UPDATE

 

The January 2008 update of the Digital Basics File should be finished today.  The update includes the basics of Quick Masking, important Shadow/Highlight changes, a great opacity trick, and my brief comments on CS3.  Once I am done, Jennifer will create the PDF and then send the update to the distribution list.  If you have previously purchased the DBF you are entitled to free updates until I kick the bucket or buy the farm; if you do not receive your update by Monday, January 14, please e-mail us at birdsasart@att.net and cut and paste this in the Subject box:  JEN/Digital Basics File Update Please.  In the body of the e-mail, please let us know how you paid. 

 

Important note:  if you have changed your e-mail address since you ordered, you will need to let us know of the change. <smile> 

 

 

 

 

I clipped the wing-tips (original above) but the pose and the light were so spectacular that I took the time to re-build the missing tips of the primary feathers using Quick Masking Techniques.  You can learn there advanced techniques in APTATS:  http://birdsasart.com/aptats.htm  

 

 

 

Great Egret, wings spread before landing, early morning light, Little Estero Lagoon, Ft. Myers Beach, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 400mm f/4IS DO lens with the EOS-1Ds MIII.  ISO 400.  Evaluative Metering +2/3 stop: 1/1600 sec. at f/7.1.   

 

My first impression is that AF with the 1Ds MIII is excellent.   The AF is less jumpy than AF on the 1D Mark III and seems to be a bit more consistently accurate.   And the more I use my 400 DO, the more I like it.  It is great for hand-holding.

 

 

SW FLA SITE GUIDE UPDATE

 

The January 2008 update of the SW FLA Site Guide is complete.  The update includes up-to-the minute detailed information on the spots visited on the Post X-Mas IPT. Included are specific info on the location of several tame pairs of Burrowing Owls, all within a two block area, and the skinny on a great White Pelican location.  Jennifer will create the PDF today and then send the update to the distribution list.  If you have previously purchased the SW FLA Site Guide you are entitled to free updates.  If you do not receive your update by Monday, January 14, please e-mail us at birdsasart@att.net and cut and paste this in the Subject box:  JEN/SW FLA Site Guide Update Please.  In the body of the e-mail, please let us know how you paid. 

 

Important note:  if you have changed your e-mail address since you ordered, you will need to let us know of the change. <smile> 

 

 

 

White Pelican landing, South of Englewood, FL

Image Copyright 2008:  Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

 

Canon 400mm f/4IS DO lens with the EOS-1Ds MIII.  ISO 400.  Evaluative Metering +2/3 stop: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.    

 

I love the strip of color in the upper left corner.  Some folks do not.  Check out the interesting comments here:

 

http://birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=767

 

What do you think?

 

HUNT’S SPECIALS

 

 

Tel 800-221-1830 Gary ext. 2332        Fax 800-336-3841

Email: DigitalGuyGary@wbhunt.com

 

Birds as Art Specials                                        (Expiration January 31, 2008)

 

Canon has started to ship the 1DS Mark III in a limited supply.  Gary will do his best to oblige the customers that are currently on the waiting list to supply them with the cameras as soon as possible.

Customers that are interested in purchasing the 1DS Mark III that are not on the waiting list must send in full address and telephone number, and Gary Farber will contact you when a shipment is in stock.

Canon Mark III is currently in stock with the serial numbers and the blue dots.  Free shipping is being offered to the Birds as Art subscribers.

 

Canon 5D with the 24-105 lens                                  $2849.99

Canon 5D Body                                                        $2129.99

Canon 40D Body (currently in stock)                           $1149.99

Canon 500 and 600 F4 lens                                  for price    “Call”

 

Currently Canon is offering some instant rebates up to $125.00 on the following lenses and Speedlites until February 17, 2008:

 

EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM                               EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM                           EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM                           EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

EF 17-40MM f/4L USM                                 F 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM                        EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

EF 70-200mm f/4L USM                               EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

EF 50mm f/1.2L USM                                   Speedlite 580EX II

 

Hunt’s is a full line authorized Canon Dealer.  Call for the pricing on all Canon lenses.

 

Canon Factory Refurbished Item:

 

Canon 30Ds are in stock; limited supply, and they will go fast           $ 749.99

 

Nikon

 

The Nikon D3 has started to ship.  The 500 and 600VR lenses are being shipped some time in February or March. Subscribers interested in being placed on the waiting list to purchase these items, should contact Gary with their full address and telephone.  Gary will contact them when they are available.

 

The D300 Body and D300 with the 18-135 lens is currently in stock.  They will go fast.  Free shipping is being offered with purchase to Birds as Art subscribers.

 

Trade-Ins

 

Hunt’s is offering competitive pricing for a Nikon D200 and all other photographic equipment trade-ins toward the new Nikon D300, Canon XT towards the XTi, and Canon 30D toward 40D. Contact Steve Genatossio at ext. 2312 for more details. 

 

Epson Printers/Storage Devices/Scanners

 

Currently great promotions are being offered on:

1800, 2400, and 3800 printers

P3000 and P5000 storage devices

700 and 750 scanners

 

Free shipping is being offered on the Epson 4880, 7880, and 9880 large format printers.  Call for current price.

 

Added to Hunt’s terrific prices; Epson is offering tremendous rebates.

 

Software (Free Shipping is being offered when subscribers make the following purchase of):

PhotoShop CS3 Upgrade                                                            $ 189.99

PhotoShop CS3 Full Version                                                        $ 619.99

PhotoShop Light Room                                                              $ 259.99

Eye One Display 2                                                                     $ 199.99

 

Inks

Epson 2200                                                                              $    9.00

Epson 1800                                                                              $  11.99

Epson 2400                                                                              $  11.99

Epson 1400                                                                              $  18.99

Epson 3800                                                                              $  47.99

Canon Pixma Pro 9000 (8 pack)                                                  $  79.99

Canon BCI-6 Multipack                                                              $  49.99

Canon Pixma Pro 9500 (6 pack)                                                  $ 119.99

 

Rain Covers

 

Shutter Hat                                                        (Less 10%)     $  38.95

OP/TECH                                                                                $   6.95

 

In the event Gary Farber is unavailable, we invite you to receive excellent service from a member of our professional sales staff.  At our flagship store in Melrose, please ask for Kathryn Nazzaro, Ora Lea, Bob Roach, or Keith Patankar at Tel 800-221-1830 ext. 2360.  You will receive the same great prices and service that Gary offers.

 

                                                                                                                                                                            .....

 

Best and love and great picture-making to all,

artie

Note: Arthur Morris has been a Canon contract photographer since 1996 and continues in that role today.  Hunt's Photo of Boston, MA is a BAA sponsor as is 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