Hi Espen. Your videos are excellent and very instructive. The place you live is wonderful and you know how to take advantage of each situation to show us how you take your beautiful photographs. Thank you for sharing your experiences. From San Carlos de Bariloche - Patagonia Argentina.
Excellent. I was just thinking of using my bike for photography trips and here you are riding your bike in moorland photographing wild birds. Love your videos very inspiring.
With the current situation in the states most of the working photographers are looking out the window. I’ve started photographing birds and really enjoying it. I came upon your video and they are so well produced. This was a year to end all years. I sold all my Canon equipment and purchased Fuji after about 20 years. I was so impressed with the Tragagon blind I just purchased the holiday bundle. I thoroughly enjoy watching and learning from you. I normally photograph dogs at AKC Dogshow shows. Now after watching your backyard birds and setting up your blind I can’t wait it’s perfect. I want to thank you for putting a little candle under my rear end to get out there and shoot Every day looking forward to all your videos all the best stay safe and be well
What I like a lot about your channel is the combination of photography and natural history. It’s so important to engage on many levels with your subject and it’s environment. I really like your, what I call, behavioural photos over the more detailed portraits.
Hey Espen, I really like your approach to WL photography and capturing images of animals in their habitats like the stone chats! The photos you shared are great; the light was magical and I like the way you weave the chats into those gorgeous soft fore and backgrounds and give the viewer a sense of the environment and of the chat’s place in its environment. I love small in frame images like these that give me a glimpse into bird’s place in its environment but still draw my eye right into the bird itself.
Super nice video Espen, cloudy/rainy conditions not easy for birding but you took the mood in and release a video that is slow pace, calm, patient, just waiting for the magic to happen. And the music you picked up for the intro is just awesome (ghost of the tail), I don’t know why it can of reminded me of the movie Braveheart. Cheer
The scenes just changes amazingly. Here in Zimbabwe it happens in September..trees and plants just start to bloom everything turns colorful..oo how I miss outdoor scenes.
Great video as always. Quick question can you do a short video on the Mindshift 18l backlight as I am thinking of getting one myself. I have Panasonic G9 with 100-400 plus Olympus 40-150 would it hold those with say a couple of other lenses? Thanks Evan
Thanks Evan, might add that to the list of videos :) Yes it should hold all that. I added a link in the description as well to a video where they show off the whole bag a bit more so you can get a feel for it.
That was a thoroughly enjoyable watch. The wildlife shots you captured are amazing. That camera bag looks ideal although my lowpro is still going strong and will last me for a while yet.
Hello, Espen! Sorry you got skunked and yet, your video is a wonderful success. Your video productions are coming along nicely, and it was a pleasure to watch! You're right, I can see where a smaller camera would work for you with and the Mindshift bag.
Quien dijo que la fotografía de aves es fácil y sencilla. En este vídeo nos muestras el esfuerzo de llevar no solo la mochila al la espalda, que ya pesa, ahora te preparas , a lo mejor para el próximo tours, en bici por esas cuestas empinadas de Escocia. Los brezos en flor, la niebla típica y las Tarabillas ofreciendo sus mejores posados, que más se puede pedir. Naturaleza en estado puro. Un saludo desde Asturias.
... y que todos estos feroces mosquitos le chupen la sangre. Pero estas impresionantes imágenes valen el sacrificio de la sangre de Espen. (sorry for my 1st grade Spanish)
Those midges are a nightmare even here in the Peak District. Great video and some great tips too. I think you're right about the Red Grouse, hard to find at this time of year, heather is a bit higher & the noise from shooting.
You really need to do a ‘what I have in my bag’ vlog now. I got a measure of it but a proper list would be great. Vlog was a amazing as ever though and I watch it with aspirations of achieving just 1 photo the same as yours 👍🏼👍🏼
Amazing videos on your channel. I’m switching from full frame to MFT, because like you, I make all trips by bike and want to reduce weight. I’m about to purchase the 300 f4 but not sure and a 150 to 400 is in the pipeline but I don’t know the specs like wight an aperture. Do you have any sample raw files to download?
Thanks you very much Roland! The 300mm f4 is absolutely brilliant, but yeah it will be interesting when the new one comes out, I don’t really know anything about it either. I just imagine the price tag will be steep. I don’t really have anything available to download, but that sounds like a good blog post! I’m using the em1ii though, and the quality isn’t as good as the newer models. I’ll likely upgrade to em1x next month.
@@EspenHelland Because I am new to MFT, I took the opportunity to start with the EM1M3. Intentionally I have been only interested in the system because it's awesome macro capabilities. Purchased a kit with the 12-40 pro plus the 60mm 2.8 macro for start. Guess what: the hand held HighRes mode (afaik the EM1M2 has "only" a tripod HR mode) is currently second place on usage list after focus bracketing. That HR mode is awesome. Shooting e.g. still life or landscape - whatever - at low light and ISO 6400 the HR mode (both, hand held and tripod) remove almost all noise perfectly - also in the generated ORF and not only in the JPG.
Hi Espen great watch as always and intuitive, the image's were brilliant I still have so much to learn in my own photography but I'm in no hurry. Until next time take care and stay safe
Hey Espen, The thing about videos like this is.... It makes me wanting to buy more gear! Ha..... I can't count how many bags I have bought thinking it will be the right bag! I have found that the more I buy gear... the bag I thought was gonna be prefect no longer is. This bag looks pretty good. I also like how you are adding drone and slider footage to your videos. My videos are very simple and basic and not vlogs. But I just got the Mini and hope to up my game here in the next few months, we have had weeks of wind!. I'm looking forward to your next adventure! Sayin' hey... Greg
I just found Espen today Which is wonderful. I’m not sure what video but when he mentioned mind shift I found it funny as I purchased a smaller version in green. It works perfect for me I’m getting a little older
Excellent production qualities, Espen. Beautiful music, gorgeous scenery and excellent instruction. You have the perfect lightweight camera and lens. You might add the 1.4 or 2X Olympus teleconverters for your 300 f4 lens as this would get you as close as you need for these elusive subjects.
Hey Espen 👋 what drone are you using? Loved the video as always but we need to work on your climbing cadence on the mountain bike lol. Thanks for sharing!
Use of your drone, approach shots etc is greatly enhancing your vlogs. Well done. In addition to Common whitethroat and gorse/broom, yellowhammer is a good species to photograph against this background. You obviously forgot your Smidge on day two as well or it wasn’t that effective. I use RID, an Ozzie product that keeps Tetse flies off in Africa and also good for Scottish midges. Ron👍
Thanks Ron! Absolutely, was eagerly chasing the yellowhammer earlier this year :) I actually used it, but sometimes it just gets too much and I'm not sure if anything helps besides a net. I'd try RID if it's really good though, I'll look it up.
Another excellent video Espen! I hope that Hen Harrier stays away from the grouse moor. It is scandalous how many raptors are illegally persecuted on grouse moors in this country.
Thank you very much John :) I know, it's such a shame. The fact that this was the first one I've seen since I moved here 5 months ago is not very encouraging.
Great video, Espen. I was up on my local hills last week and the Stonechats were out there as well. No idea how you get so close to them. At an 800mm EFL they were still tiny in the frame for me and as soon as I tried to get closer, they were off. Unfortunately, they were only on cultivated forestry, nothing as beautiful as heather in bloom... I still have a lot to learn from you. Keep it up:-)
I use Olympus 50-200 with adapter on Gh5 and I managed to get the same frame what you have seen in the video . As soon as you see the bird , you would stop at where you are and wait for a bit .They usually jump on the tallest place (tall grass etc ... ) to look at you for a few seconds.
Hi Espen: Is it true in Scotland that there is open access and you are free to roam. What are the rules / country code when accessing the calluna moors in the shooting season. ~ I would love to visit Scotland and photograph Red / Black grouse as well as Red Deer but do not want to upset the landowners who manage these grouse moors so well. The landscapes are amazing but those midges get everywhere : D. Also Vlogging while trying to photograph birds to demonstrate technique i would find so frustrating. What tips do you have? 1/ Do you accept the fact that you will flush birds and travel light to allow for this so you can up sticks and travel quickly to relocate birds?, 2/ Do you use recorded bird calls to lure birds or attract birds to investigate. I am doing saltmarsh and wader migration at the moment. I am happy to use tap lures at this time of year as I outside the breeding season / I do not us a mobile hide but get low so I am not silhouetted against the skyline as well as use the available cover, stream lines and gullies.
Hi Malcolm, yes in Scotland you're free to roam wherever you want if you're respectful. Regarding shooting moors, they'll often put up signs on when you can go and not go. It'll be different from estate to estate, so best to check with them first if you're unsure. On a nearby estate where they do deer stalking they say on a sign that they don't shoot on weekends, but I'll call them up first I think to double-check and maybe they can give me some tips on rutting locations as well before October. Regarding vlogging, I'll often focus on filming and taking photos of wildlife at one time and film myself before and after. Sometimes in a hide or if the wildlife is very comfortable I'll vlog and talk while the animal is nearby. I don't really use call playback no, I have occasionally, but rarely and never during sensitive breeding or migration times. What is tap lures? is that bird figures like they do for duck hunting? Yeah, you don't need a hide for all wildlife photography, but it can be a lot more comfortable and you can move around a bit without disturbing the birds. Cheers, Espen
I am not receiving any email notifications for your channel anymore. Seems that RUclips stopped this on the 13th of this month. No need for your subscribers to push the bell anymore to receive an email when you uploaded a new video. Very sad.
@@EspenHelland No Espen, searched the internet and it seems that nobody/subscribers are getting email notifications anymore for new uploads. (since 13-8-20). Policy of RUclips. I am afraid that you and many other RUclipsrs will notice a decrease in views.
Thanks for a gear tip and the reminder to look at the background. The music background was also a nice plus. Great job. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks :)
Hi Espen. Your videos are excellent and very instructive. The place you live is wonderful and you know how to take advantage of each situation to show us how you take your beautiful photographs. Thank you for sharing your experiences. From San Carlos de Bariloche - Patagonia Argentina.
Thank you very much Alejandro :)
Excellent. I was just thinking of using my bike for photography trips and here you are riding your bike in moorland photographing wild birds. Love your videos very inspiring.
Thank you very much Justin! Definitely do it, I'm trying to use my bike more and more for photography :)
With the current situation in the states most of the working photographers are looking out the window. I’ve started photographing birds and really enjoying it. I came upon your video and they are so well produced. This was a year to end all years. I sold all my Canon equipment and purchased Fuji after about 20 years. I was so impressed with the Tragagon blind I just purchased the holiday bundle. I thoroughly enjoy watching and learning from you. I normally photograph dogs at AKC Dogshow shows. Now after watching your backyard birds and setting up your blind I can’t wait it’s perfect. I want to thank you for putting a little candle under my rear end to get out there and shoot Every day looking forward to all your videos all the best stay safe and be well
That’s great to hear! Thank you very much Rob 🙂 best of luck with the blind 👍
What I like a lot about your channel is the combination of photography and natural history. It’s so important to engage on many levels with your subject and it’s environment. I really like your, what I call, behavioural photos over the more detailed portraits.
Thanks!
3:26 The fact that you have access to your gear without putting the bag down makes me like it already.
It's a big plus 👌
So much good vibes in this video. You have chosen a great music for this one! Again, awesome photographic experience and learning. Cheers!
Thank you so much for that Arghyadip :)
instablaster.
Simple is good. I love your humble approach. I enjoyed this video immensely. Nice video editing. Thank you!!! 😊
Glad you liked it!
Great video as usual Espen and particularly love that footage of the Hen Harrier gliding gracefully over the moor. Cheers Keith
Thank you very much KG! So nice to see it, I've been waiting for it since I moved here :)
Wonderful footage and photography. Really enjoyed the beautiful landscape, music and your patience with finding the birds 👌👏 Thank you!
Thank you so much for that Kim :)
The Heather looks great and the birds really look great using the Heather as the background. Thanks Espen
Thank you Harold! Hoping for some red deer today 🤞
Hey Espen, I really like your approach to WL photography and capturing images of animals in their habitats like the stone chats! The photos you shared are great; the light was magical and I like the way you weave the chats into those gorgeous soft fore and backgrounds and give the viewer a sense of the environment and of the chat’s place in its environment. I love small in frame images like these that give me a glimpse into bird’s place in its environment but still draw my eye right into the bird itself.
Thank you very much William 🙂
Super nice video Espen, cloudy/rainy conditions not easy for birding but you took the mood in and release a video that is slow pace, calm, patient, just waiting for the magic to happen. And the music you picked up for the intro is just awesome (ghost of the tail), I don’t know why it can of reminded me of the movie Braveheart. Cheer
Gregory TORTISSIER thank you very much, really appreciate it :)
The scenes just changes amazingly. Here in Zimbabwe it happens in September..trees and plants just start to bloom everything turns colorful..oo how I miss outdoor scenes.
Thank you very much for :) That must be a spectacular sight, with some really cool animals to photograph I would imagine :)
Great video as always. Quick question can you do a short video on the Mindshift 18l backlight as I am thinking of getting one myself. I have Panasonic G9 with 100-400 plus Olympus 40-150 would it hold those with say a couple of other lenses? Thanks Evan
Thanks Evan, might add that to the list of videos :) Yes it should hold all that. I added a link in the description as well to a video where they show off the whole bag a bit more so you can get a feel for it.
Another Interesting And Informative Video, many thanks for sharing.
Great video, interesting backpack, lovely photos with the background.
Thank you very much Colin :)
That was a thoroughly enjoyable watch. The wildlife shots you captured are amazing. That camera bag looks ideal although my lowpro is still going strong and will last me for a while yet.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Hello, Espen! Sorry you got skunked and yet, your video is a wonderful success. Your video productions are coming along nicely, and it was a pleasure to watch! You're right, I can see where a smaller camera would work for you with and the Mindshift bag.
Thank you very much Michael :)
Hi Espen, your videos are very good. keep it going!
Thank you very much Rajesh :)
Quien dijo que la fotografía de aves es fácil y sencilla. En este vídeo nos muestras el esfuerzo de llevar no solo la mochila al la espalda, que ya pesa, ahora te preparas , a lo mejor para el próximo tours, en bici por esas cuestas empinadas de Escocia. Los brezos en flor, la niebla típica y las Tarabillas ofreciendo sus mejores posados, que más se puede pedir. Naturaleza en estado puro. Un saludo desde Asturias.
... y que todos estos feroces mosquitos le chupen la sangre. Pero estas impresionantes imágenes valen el sacrificio de la sangre de Espen. (sorry for my 1st grade Spanish)
Nil desperandum bastardo carborundum
Thanks Abel, worth it though just for getting out there :)
Those midges are a nightmare even here in the Peak District. Great video and some great tips too.
I think you're right about the Red Grouse, hard to find at this time of year, heather is a bit higher & the noise from shooting.
They can drive you insane 😅 Thanks Stewart!
Great video and great bag, bought mine year ago, it's really good size for oly gear :)
Thank you Kalle! Ideal size for me too :)
You really need to do a ‘what I have in my bag’ vlog now. I got a measure of it but a proper list would be great. Vlog was a amazing as ever though and I watch it with aspirations of achieving just 1 photo the same as yours 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you so much David! We'll see about a bag video :)
Beautiful photos!
Thank you 😊
Lovely vid. Loved the music at the beginning 😊
Thank you very much Chris :)
Amazing videos on your channel. I’m switching from full frame to MFT, because like you, I make all trips by bike and want to reduce weight. I’m about to purchase the 300 f4 but not sure and a 150 to 400 is in the pipeline but I don’t know the specs like wight an aperture. Do you have any sample raw files to download?
Thanks you very much Roland! The 300mm f4 is absolutely brilliant, but yeah it will be interesting when the new one comes out, I don’t really know anything about it either. I just imagine the price tag will be steep. I don’t really have anything available to download, but that sounds like a good blog post! I’m using the em1ii though, and the quality isn’t as good as the newer models. I’ll likely upgrade to em1x next month.
@@EspenHelland Because I am new to MFT, I took the opportunity to start with the EM1M3. Intentionally I have been only interested in the system because it's awesome macro capabilities. Purchased a kit with the 12-40 pro plus the 60mm 2.8 macro for start. Guess what: the hand held HighRes mode (afaik the EM1M2 has "only" a tripod HR mode) is currently second place on usage list after focus bracketing. That HR mode is awesome. Shooting e.g. still life or landscape - whatever - at low light and ISO 6400 the HR mode (both, hand held and tripod) remove almost all noise perfectly - also in the generated ORF and not only in the JPG.
That’s brilliant, I’ve just ordered myself an em1x so I’m looking forward to giving the high res mode a shot hand held!
@@EspenHelland The EM1X has it (hand held high res) by 2 x TruePic VIII and the EM1M3 having one TruePic IX.
Beautiful background, working on Wheatear down south at the moment! Great shots worth the pain!
Love those birds, still have a few on the hills here, but last time I was up I couldn't see a thing through the fog!
@@EspenHelland Just editing the video now adorable bird! in rain and sunshine!
Hi Espen great watch as always and intuitive, the image's were brilliant I still have so much to learn in my own photography but I'm in no hurry. Until next time take care and stay safe
Thank you very much for that Clive :)
MERCI BIEN POUR CE BON TRAVAIL ....!!!
Merci :)
beautiful shot👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you :)
Hey Espen, The thing about videos like this is.... It makes me wanting to buy more gear! Ha..... I can't count how many bags I have bought thinking it will be the right bag! I have found that the more I buy gear... the bag I thought was gonna be prefect no longer is. This bag looks pretty good. I also like how you are adding drone and slider footage to your videos. My videos are very simple and basic and not vlogs. But I just got the Mini and hope to up my game here in the next few months, we have had weeks of wind!. I'm looking forward to your next adventure! Sayin' hey... Greg
Thank you very much Greg :) Always the case isn't it 😅 Good luck with the mini!
I just found Espen today Which is wonderful. I’m not sure what video but when he mentioned mind shift I found it funny as I purchased a smaller version in green. It works perfect for me I’m getting a little older
Excellent production qualities, Espen. Beautiful music, gorgeous scenery and excellent instruction. You have the perfect lightweight camera and lens. You might add the 1.4 or 2X Olympus teleconverters for your 300 f4 lens as this would get you as close as you need for these elusive subjects.
Thank you so much Lawrence, I use the 1.4x sometimes. Definitely helps :)
Well done again!!
Thank you :)
Great video and photography. Would you mind sharing your music selections for this video? I really enjoyed it. Thanks.
Thank you, it's from epidemicsound the first one is Ghost of the Rail - Gabriel Lewis
awesome video
Thank you :)
No thanks , have a great weekend
Hey Espen 👋 what drone are you using? Loved the video as always but we need to work on your climbing cadence on the mountain bike lol. Thanks for sharing!
🤣Thanks James, I'm open to feedback on my climbing cadence 👍I use the Mavic Pro
Check the moment backpack, just released. Half price. BTW, what drone are you using? Awesome shooting!
Thanks! I use the Mavic Pro
@@EspenHelland awesome one, planning to get my hands on one as well, even if they are not so cheap 🤔
u r just awsm. it happens sometimes that photographers dont get any photos bt we must try and u did that thats why u r spacial keep it up
Thank you so much Avik! Struggled a bit this week :)
@@EspenHelland u r wlcm sir and i love ur photography
Fantastic video
Use of your drone, approach shots etc is greatly enhancing your vlogs. Well done. In addition to Common whitethroat and gorse/broom, yellowhammer is a good species to photograph against this background. You obviously forgot your Smidge on day two as well or it wasn’t that effective. I use RID, an Ozzie product that keeps Tetse flies off in Africa and also good for Scottish midges. Ron👍
Thanks Ron! Absolutely, was eagerly chasing the yellowhammer earlier this year :) I actually used it, but sometimes it just gets too much and I'm not sure if anything helps besides a net. I'd try RID if it's really good though, I'll look it up.
Nice video, congratulations
Thank you :)
Another excellent video Espen! I hope that Hen Harrier stays away from the grouse moor. It is scandalous how many raptors are illegally persecuted on grouse moors in this country.
Thank you very much John :) I know, it's such a shame. The fact that this was the first one I've seen since I moved here 5 months ago is not very encouraging.
Great content keep it up
Thank you very much :)
Great video, Espen. I was up on my local hills last week and the Stonechats were out there as well. No idea how you get so close to them. At an 800mm EFL they were still tiny in the frame for me and as soon as I tried to get closer, they were off. Unfortunately, they were only on cultivated forestry, nothing as beautiful as heather in bloom... I still have a lot to learn from you. Keep it up:-)
I use Olympus 50-200 with adapter on Gh5 and I managed to get the same frame what you have seen in the video . As soon as you see the bird , you would stop at where you are and wait for a bit .They usually jump on the tallest place (tall grass etc ... ) to look at you for a few seconds.
Thank you Andrew :) Yeah, like Oakley says: spending more time where they're at and they get more used to you. Slow movements and patience :)
WOW ...
❤
Hi Espen: Is it true in Scotland that there is open access and you are free to roam. What are the rules / country code when accessing the calluna moors in the shooting season. ~ I would love to visit Scotland and photograph Red / Black grouse as well as Red Deer but do not want to upset the landowners who manage these grouse moors so well.
The landscapes are amazing but those midges get everywhere : D.
Also Vlogging while trying to photograph birds to demonstrate technique i would find so frustrating. What tips do you have?
1/ Do you accept the fact that you will flush birds and travel light to allow for this so you can up sticks and travel quickly to relocate birds?,
2/ Do you use recorded bird calls to lure birds or attract birds to investigate.
I am doing saltmarsh and wader migration at the moment. I am happy to use tap lures at this time of year as I outside the breeding season / I do not us a mobile hide but get low so I am not silhouetted against the skyline as well as use the available cover, stream lines and gullies.
Hi Malcolm,
yes in Scotland you're free to roam wherever you want if you're respectful. Regarding shooting moors, they'll often put up signs on when you can go and not go. It'll be different from estate to estate, so best to check with them first if you're unsure.
On a nearby estate where they do deer stalking they say on a sign that they don't shoot on weekends, but I'll call them up first I think to double-check and maybe they can give me some tips on rutting locations as well before October.
Regarding vlogging, I'll often focus on filming and taking photos of wildlife at one time and film myself before and after. Sometimes in a hide or if the wildlife is very comfortable I'll vlog and talk while the animal is nearby.
I don't really use call playback no, I have occasionally, but rarely and never during sensitive breeding or migration times.
What is tap lures? is that bird figures like they do for duck hunting?
Yeah, you don't need a hide for all wildlife photography, but it can be a lot more comfortable and you can move around a bit without disturbing the birds.
Cheers,
Espen
Great vid. Too bad about the grouse..
Thank you :) I'll get them next time!
I am not receiving any email notifications for your channel anymore. Seems that RUclips stopped this on the 13th of this month. No need for your subscribers to push the bell anymore to receive an email when you uploaded a new video. Very sad.
That's a shame, they keep tinkering with things. Could it be in the settings for how you want to be notified?
@@EspenHelland No Espen, searched the internet and it seems that nobody/subscribers are getting email notifications anymore for new uploads. (since 13-8-20). Policy of RUclips. I am afraid that you and many other RUclipsrs will notice a decrease in views.
DavGilmPF thanks for letting me know. Maybe I’ll start my own notification service 🙂
If l was a grouse l would keep my head down too in hunting season!😂
Hei Espen I couldn't agree more about howto photograph birds in there habitat. I am really sick of seeing birds with no surroundings....
Thank you :)
THe bird can be the star but you always need a good background and foreground, otherwise it will be just a portrait
Absolutely :)