@@danwillis_photography one further question, how did your Dad manage with the 800? I have an 800 but will it be difficult as my min focus is 7 metres. p.s I got some great pics of Kevin the Kestrel at Brockholes, first time i have had to back away from a Kestrel to get a shot
@@philipwatson2443 he didn’t really use it to be honest, he tried it a few times but did struggle and so stuck with the 100-400. On day two he switched the 800 for his 500mm pf lens but still mainly used the 100-400 👍🏻
Great video lads. I used the same hide a while ago & the guy asked me if I wanted any food put close to the hide & quite foolishly said yes! The result was I had the same problem as you as most of the dives started behind the hide so by the time you saw them they were taking off away from you. Nevertheless, a fantastic experience as this hide gets you so close to the action. Looking forward to part 2 👍
Many thanks for your comment, Pops mentioned that he had met you whilst photographing dippers on the River Dove. He is a top bloke but then I am a bit biased 😁 Hopefully bump into you in the future 👍🏻
Fantastic stuff Dan & Stu! Tricky tricky birds to capture diving, I was as you said in this vlog ‘completely overwhelmed by the experience’ the first time I visited a Red Kite feeding station (Not Gigrin Farm, but another one in Wales). I had only had my first proper DSLR a few weeks back then, & I sure found it difficult getting decent shots of them as they dived for food. I was guilty of switching targets, letting the frustration get the better of me; & not having the patience to stay focused on tracking one bird & sticking with it - so for anyone else that reads this; heed Dan’s advice & stick to tracking one bird & keep following it. There’s usually a pattern to their behaviour & they will usually (but not always) follow an arc, and then take a dive for the food. Some fantastic footage & stills as always chaps - love some of the shapes you both captured of the birds too. Cracking stuff guys 👌👏👏👏 Roll on part 2 👍 Best, Nick
Lovely video Dan as per usual, this place is been on my bucket list to go to! I’ve just done the river Gwash trout farm near Rutland water with the ospreys, one one of the sessions I had a lovely encounter with a red Kite coming down for the trout! If you haven’t been there I can thoroughly recommend it!!
Thanks Andy, I have a very long story about River Gwash Trout farm but the short version is I’ve been but not taken a single photo 😱😱😱 Pops and me are planning a return visit this season so a video coming soon 👍🏻 Appreciate your suggestions and would thoroughly recommend Gigrin in return 😁
Great video again Dan, we are quite lucky here on the South Downs as kites are common now so plenty of photographic opportunities but getting close is a challenge. You can tell a good camera action session by the red mark on your eyebrow from pushing into that eye piece. Look forward to part 2.
Thanks for your comment Bob, good to hear that Kites are doing well in your area. I know what you mean about the red mark and giggled reading it 😂 Thanks again 👍🏻
Thanks Laurence I appreciate it. I have a video on the one at Dumfries, best advice I can give you for there is to stay well after people start to leave. The kite numbers begin to fall and you can really single out your subject. Have a great trip 👍🏻
Great video as always Dan. I defo agree with pops about the challenge of that ground hide with them coming from behind. Defo found it easier in the Tower so best of luck. 😃
Great vlog Dan just subbed will look at your other stuff, I have been there a few years ago before I brought a decent camera a re- visit is on the cards.
Hi Dan,You where in Elan Valley{Geography lesson out of way}lol, Another great show thanks,there such a hard bird to predict,If your ever Scotland bound give Argaty Red Kites a try Doune in Sterling,3 person hide with eye level to field surrounded by tall pines 2/300 metres away,You also get a terrace decking on your hide so you can see them from 360 Deg, Some great stills,Tell pops he needs an electric golf buggy for his gear.Thanks again. 😃😃
Thanks very much Dale, as a geography teacher I should’ve known better 😂😂😂 I have actually been to Agarty but not in the hide and was with general viewing at the bottom of the hill. Next time I’m up there I’ll look into booking the hide now I’ve read your comment it sounds interesting. I was actually there two weeks ago at the new Trossachs Osprey hide at Calendar (video coming soon) so I’m kicking myself I didn’t go back! Appreciate your continued support 👍🏻
Great stuff, I personally prefer the tower hide and you can get images of them in the trees as well as in flight at eye level which is really interesting!
Great video and I was there 2 weeks ago and booked the same low level hide and I agree with your sentiments completely on the hide as it was not the best choice. The direction of the wind meant that the kites flew away from you as opposed to towards you. Its an amazing spectacle to witness. Look forward to Part 2
Glad to hear that we weren’t the only ones struggling in the low level hide. It was a fantastic experience and as you say a real spectacle but we definitely preferred the tower hide in part 2. Thanks for your comment Sean, it’s appreciated 👍🏻
Thanks for your question Björn, I regularly use highlight protecting spot metering when photographing static subjects. The reason I chose not to use it for the kites is the spot metering area has to be on the subject and highlights that you want to avoid blowing, when the kites are diving and inflight I could not guarantee this and so the camera may spot meter for the trees or grass instead of the Kite leading to an incorrectly exposed shot. I find exposure compensation and then recovery of dark areas in the editing phase. Hope that answers your question 👍🏻
I have filmed at Gigrin 3 times and I must agree with you i last was in the low level hide this is not the hide for me I Much prefer the tower hides I am not up to your standard but do put my videos on RUclips so take a look just subscribed to your channel regards Dave
Thanks very much for your comment and sub Dave, it’s very much appreciated especially from a fellow content creator. I will definitely check out your channel. All the best 👍🏻
That's a great question. On my older DSLR camera I would take some test shots and then review the image to see if the exposure was correct. On the newer mirrorless cameras, you can switch on live view, this reflects your settings in the viewfinder so when negative EV is applied you can see the effect in real time through the viewfinder which is so much easier and time efficient.
Hi there , how was the z9 at focusing on the birds ? For a full feeding session you did not put up many images as you usually do ? I am thinking about getting a z9 but i am hearing terrible reports about the eye tracking ? What is your opinion on thr eye tracking on the z9??? Thanks Johnny
Cheers Johnny, I guess that the number of images being less is down to many images looking similar as opposed to failures. As for the Z9 I can’t recommend it enough (I don’t have other mirrorless cameras to compare it with). What I can say is, it is not a flawless system and at times can be frustrating but I’ve got more keepers than I would have achieved with my DSLR. Setting the camera up is very important and something that requires time and patience, I have a video on my setup but I think that it is personal preference. Hope that answers your question 👍🏻
I was there earlier in the year, and was in that same hide. I know exactly what you mean. Despite so many birds, it was really difficult. Most of my best were with the 400mm
Thanks for your comment Jonathan. I am beginning to think that 400mm is the sweet spot for hide photography, most hides I’ve been to recently 500mm is just too long and 200mm just leaves me short. Might be time to invest in a new lens 👍🏻
@@ReyhanHamdi it is the 45L version. Yes I’m really happy with it, it’s big enough for my camera and 500mm lens attached with capacity for several other lenses. The top roll section is expandable to allow space for clothing essentials. It’s also very well constructed, I really use it and it still looks like new 👍🏻
Some wonderful images and would love to visit the kite hides...!
Thanks very much for your comment and continued support. I can thoroughly recommend Gigrin red kite feeding centre it’s first class 👍🏻
Wonderful I was there in the start of May it was great and after 2 hours I was shattered great Video Wow
Cheers Sean, I really appreciate it 👍🏻
really must visit there, good video Dan
Thanks for your comment Philip, I can thoroughly recommend Gigrin Farm it’s a first class feeding centre 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography one further question, how did your Dad manage with the 800? I have an 800 but will it be difficult as my min focus is 7 metres. p.s I got some great pics of Kevin the Kestrel at Brockholes, first time i have had to back away from a Kestrel to get a shot
@@philipwatson2443 he didn’t really use it to be honest, he tried it a few times but did struggle and so stuck with the 100-400. On day two he switched the 800 for his 500mm pf lens but still mainly used the 100-400 👍🏻
Great video lads.
I used the same hide a while ago & the guy asked me if I wanted any food put close to the hide & quite foolishly said yes! The result was I had the same problem as you as most of the dives started behind the hide so by the time you saw them they were taking off away from you.
Nevertheless, a fantastic experience as this hide gets you so close to the action.
Looking forward to part 2 👍
Thanks very much Mark, that low level hide certainly presents some challenges but equally some very unique shots.
All the best 👍🏻
Another great video Dan. I had the pleasure of meeting Pops earlier inthe week on dove had a great chat, great bloke.
Many thanks for your comment, Pops mentioned that he had met you whilst photographing dippers on the River Dove. He is a top bloke but then I am a bit biased 😁
Hopefully bump into you in the future 👍🏻
What a incredible experience to see the red kite ever mind photographing them
Cheers John, appreciate it 👍🏻
Fantastic stuff Dan & Stu! Tricky tricky birds to capture diving, I was as you said in this vlog ‘completely overwhelmed by the experience’ the first time I visited a Red Kite feeding station (Not Gigrin Farm, but another one in Wales). I had only had my first proper DSLR a few weeks back then, & I sure found it difficult getting decent shots of them as they dived for food. I was guilty of switching targets, letting the frustration get the better of me; & not having the patience to stay focused on tracking one bird & sticking with it - so for anyone else that reads this; heed Dan’s advice & stick to tracking one bird & keep following it. There’s usually a pattern to their behaviour & they will usually (but not always) follow an arc, and then take a dive for the food.
Some fantastic footage & stills as always chaps - love some of the shapes you both captured of the birds too.
Cracking stuff guys 👌👏👏👏
Roll on part 2 👍
Best,
Nick
Really appreciate your comment Nick, and you summed up the video perfectly linking it to your own experience.
All the best mate 👍🏻
amazing photos, thanks for sharing
Thanks very much for your comment and continued support, it’s appreciated 👍🏻
Superb
Thanks very much 👍🏻
Amazing pictures
Thanks very much Christopher 👍🏻
Went there recently, it's almost too easy to get good shots there! My tip is to look at behaviour, and focus on one bird and predict behaviours.
Thanks for your comment and advice I use a very similar method as you have suggested 👍🏻
Another great video Dan and another one for our bucket list to do. Looking forward to part 2.
Thank you for your comment and continued support guys. I’m going to have to keep trying to create different experiences for your bucket list 😁
@@danwillis_photography you are indeed Dan. Keep up the good work.
Lovely video Dan as per usual, this place is been on my bucket list to go to!
I’ve just done the river Gwash trout farm near Rutland water with the ospreys, one one of the sessions I had a lovely encounter with a red Kite coming down for the trout!
If you haven’t been there I can thoroughly recommend it!!
Thanks Andy, I have a very long story about River Gwash Trout farm but the short version is I’ve been but not taken a single photo 😱😱😱 Pops and me are planning a return visit this season so a video coming soon 👍🏻
Appreciate your suggestions and would thoroughly recommend Gigrin in return 😁
@@danwillis_photography I’ll look forward to seeing that one! Keep up the good work 👍
@@andywilson3381 cheers mate 👍🏻
Great video again Dan, we are quite lucky here on the South Downs as kites are common now so plenty of photographic opportunities but getting close is a challenge. You can tell a good camera action session by the red mark on your eyebrow from pushing into that eye piece. Look forward to part 2.
Thanks for your comment Bob, good to hear that Kites are doing well in your area.
I know what you mean about the red mark and giggled reading it 😂
Thanks again 👍🏻
This was a wonderful adventure, it’s always great to see the two of you out getting great shots.
Thanks very much for your comment and continued support I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great video Dan , and advice. I’m going to the one in Dumfries in September 👍
Thanks Laurence I appreciate it. I have a video on the one at Dumfries, best advice I can give you for there is to stay well after people start to leave. The kite numbers begin to fall and you can really single out your subject.
Have a great trip 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Thanks Dan I watched it when you put it out as I didn’t know it was near where we are staying, looking forward to going👍👍
Great video as always Dan. I defo agree with pops about the challenge of that ground hide with them coming from behind. Defo found it easier in the Tower so best of luck. 😃
Cheers Ian, appreciated as always. Part two is from the Tower Hide and definitely easier than the low level 👍🏻
Awesome, likewise Pt.2, thanks! I hope to visit the place later this year.
Thanks very much I really appreciate it. Hope you have a great trip 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Thanks Dan! Tap on the arm to Pops!!!
lovely dan
Thanks very much Ian 👍🏻
Great vlog Dan just subbed will look at your other stuff, I have been there a few years ago before I brought a decent camera a re- visit is on the cards.
Thanks for the sub Alan it’s much appreciated 👍🏻
Just stumbled onto this. Great video, thanks!
Thanks for your comment, glad you enjoyed the video 👍🏻
Another great video Dan, fabulous shots by yourself and Pops, I can see why you weren’t a Maths teacher, 1992, 20 years ago 🤔 😓 🤣😂🤣
Thanks for your comment Derek it really made me chuckle, maths has never been my strong point 😂😂😂
Hi Dan,You where in Elan Valley{Geography lesson out of way}lol, Another great show thanks,there such a hard bird to predict,If your ever Scotland bound give Argaty Red Kites a try Doune in Sterling,3 person hide with eye level to field surrounded by tall pines 2/300 metres away,You also get a terrace decking on your hide so you can see them from 360 Deg, Some great stills,Tell pops he needs an electric golf buggy for his gear.Thanks again.
😃😃
Thanks very much Dale, as a geography teacher I should’ve known better 😂😂😂
I have actually been to Agarty but not in the hide and was with general viewing at the bottom of the hill. Next time I’m up there I’ll look into booking the hide now I’ve read your comment it sounds interesting. I was actually there two weeks ago at the new Trossachs Osprey hide at Calendar (video coming soon) so I’m kicking myself I didn’t go back!
Appreciate your continued support 👍🏻
Great stuff, I personally prefer the tower hide and you can get images of them in the trees as well as in flight at eye level which is really interesting!
Thanks for your comment I appreciate it. We are in Tower hide for part 2 and agree with you completely 👍🏻
Great video and I was there 2 weeks ago and booked the same low level hide and I agree with your sentiments completely on the hide as it was not the best choice. The direction of the wind meant that the kites flew away from you as opposed to towards you. Its an amazing spectacle to witness. Look forward to Part 2
Glad to hear that we weren’t the only ones struggling in the low level hide. It was a fantastic experience and as you say a real spectacle but we definitely preferred the tower hide in part 2. Thanks for your comment Sean, it’s appreciated 👍🏻
Wow! That's like being a bear in a salmon stream! You just don't know which one to chase after...
Best description to date of what it’s like. Thanks very much Jon 👍🏻
Have you tried the Highlight protecting spot metering? If you have is it any good?
Thanks for your question Björn, I regularly use highlight protecting spot metering when photographing static subjects. The reason I chose not to use it for the kites is the spot metering area has to be on the subject and highlights that you want to avoid blowing, when the kites are diving and inflight I could not guarantee this and so the camera may spot meter for the trees or grass instead of the Kite leading to an incorrectly exposed shot. I find exposure compensation and then recovery of dark areas in the editing phase.
Hope that answers your question 👍🏻
I have filmed at Gigrin 3 times and I must agree with you i last was in the low level hide this is not the hide for me I Much prefer the tower hides I am not up to your standard but do put my videos on RUclips so take a look just subscribed to your channel regards Dave
Thanks very much for your comment and sub Dave, it’s very much appreciated especially from a fellow content creator.
I will definitely check out your channel.
All the best 👍🏻
Like 👍
Great film 🎥 love owls 🦉 I have some owl films on my channel
Thanks very much for your comment, just checked out your channel and it looks great 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Thanks Dan 👍
How do you determine the EV setting?
That's a great question. On my older DSLR camera I would take some test shots and then review the image to see if the exposure was correct. On the newer mirrorless cameras, you can switch on live view, this reflects your settings in the viewfinder so when negative EV is applied you can see the effect in real time through the viewfinder which is so much easier and time efficient.
Hi there , how was the z9 at focusing on the birds ? For a full feeding session you did not put up many images as you usually do ?
I am thinking about getting a z9 but i am hearing terrible reports about the eye tracking ? What is your opinion on thr eye tracking on the z9???
Thanks Johnny
Cheers Johnny, I guess that the number of images being less is down to many images looking similar as opposed to failures. As for the Z9 I can’t recommend it enough (I don’t have other mirrorless cameras to compare it with). What I can say is, it is not a flawless system and at times can be frustrating but I’ve got more keepers than I would have achieved with my DSLR. Setting the camera up is very important and something that requires time and patience, I have a video on my setup but I think that it is personal preference.
Hope that answers your question 👍🏻
I was there earlier in the year, and was in that same hide. I know exactly what you mean. Despite so many birds, it was really difficult. Most of my best were with the 400mm
Thanks for your comment Jonathan. I am beginning to think that 400mm is the sweet spot for hide photography, most hides I’ve been to recently 500mm is just too long and 200mm just leaves me short. Might be time to invest in a new lens 👍🏻
Hi! What is the camera backpack ?
Thanks for your comment, mine is the Gitzo Adventury (green one) I will ask pops what his is and get back to you 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Thank you so much. I think the 45L one. Are you satisfied with the bag?
@@ReyhanHamdi it is the 45L version. Yes I’m really happy with it, it’s big enough for my camera and 500mm lens attached with capacity for several other lenses. The top roll section is expandable to allow space for clothing essentials. It’s also very well constructed, I really use it and it still looks like new 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Hmm thank you so much 🙂
@@ReyhanHamdi you are welcome 👍🏻
Hello Dan
une bonne vidéo avec d'excéllentes images fixes, Bravo
as tu une adresse mail ?
merci beaucoup Jean, j'apprécie beaucoup. mon adresse e-mail est dannwillis79@gmail.com