The Reality of WILDLIFE Photography | Loons & Black Bears
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- Join me today in South Central Alaska, where we'l search for Loons and have a nice surprise from a few local residents. Also, we'll discuss the good bad and ugly of wildlife photography.
Don't forget to drop a question in the comments, or shoot me a private message and I'll try to address all questions in an upcoming video!
Thanks for joining me today!
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Website: Roxberry Photography
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Never apologise for expressing passion 👍
steve simmons you’re right.. i just know it came be a sensitive topic for some.. i appreciate the support, Steve🙏
I totally agree with you about the new technology on digital cameras.. They might as well buy a point and shoot camera
I've always felt that in order to stand out from the crowd you have to do the things most aren't willing to do. Whether it's crawling through the mud to get that one shot or flying out to a remote location. You can put two people on the same mallard in a pond and one will get a plain photo of it from the standing position shooting down and will center compose the image (yawn). The other will be down on the ground, crawling through duck poop, getting as close to the water as possible in an uncomfortable position, and will only push the shutter when the duck is doing something really interesting like preening or dipping its bill in the water. The results will speak for themselves. It's really the person behind the camera that makes the magic. It's all about vision, effort, and passion.
Jamin Hunter Taylor couldn’t agree more, man!
Another super video Cameron, and I completely agree with your thoughts about wildlife photography. I especially agree about the new cameras, I have seen so many of my friends and fellow photographers dump their Canon and Nikon gear and move to Sony mirrorless systems but I really haven't seen much of an improvement in their photography, like you say I think we are going to have to strive to bring more into our efforts. I'm sticking with my Nikon kit and going to work harder and bringing more to my images. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your images.
Keith MacDonald absolutely, Keith! i couldn’t agree more. i own a few mirrorless cameras and although they make the technical side a tad bit easier. it changes 0% of what my images look like haha. I’m stoked you’re enjoying the videos, man! 🙏
..., but a very honest and interesting rant session. Really liked your insights👌🏻
Cheers Tom
This weekend I finally got the shot i was hunting for months, what shot has eluded you the longest or still does?
instagram.com/p/CDoQkl9n8pr/?igshid=lix4410av3d2
No reason for people to get pissed off on your opinion. But, sadly these days, someone might..lol..I just recently printed my work for the first time within the past couple years. I have to say i was shocked. It is an entirely different feeling when you see it hanging on a wall.
Foto Hysteria i couldn’t agree more, Foto! i’m so stoked you had the chance to print your images!
Really, your points are only have some meaning if you're a professional. I couldn't care less about what other people are doing or what kit they have. I do my photography for me, so don't have to do anything. Besides, you can have the best camera in the world and it won't make you a great photographer, you still need at least artistic skill and in the case of wildlife, field craft skills. Just look at sites that post pictures by camera type and see how rubbish images can be with a good camera.
This isn't anything new in photography. The move to 35mm cameras from larger frame camera's opened up the market for wanna be photographers. When these cameras went to built in light meters and automatic modes, that made it easier for people to take a photograph. When digital cameras became affordable, that really opened up the market. Now anybody could just snap away and not be technically skilled. Every new piece of technology in photography does this, so this is nothing new.
A good camera will not put you in the right place at the right time and take a artisticly beautiful image no matter how in focus the eyes are. You still need the person behind the camera for that.
Perfectly said. Most people don't realize how much work this is. Technology is only part of the equation.
Watching this whole cleaning my house. “You really have to let it consume you and be obsessed”. My gf looks at me..I can feel the hatred coming out of her eyes 😂.
sounds like her and my wife would get along swimmingly 🤣
Nailed It!! I'm old school. I started with a Minolta camera back in the 80's. No AF, No Auto anything. You had to work out everything. Aperture, Shutter, Focus point. And them wait 1-2 weeks to find out if you got the shot. You leaned a lot. Now with the Nikon D7500, I still do the same. But I use the histogram to check my comp and settings to verify them. About the only thing I use is the AF. But I still zoom in to 100% to verify. Photographers are getting lazy. Ansel Adams would be disappointed.
I agree with you 100% Marc!
Having problems with my latest video my talking head camera card seems to have become corrupted but I think the images and video from the Sony A9 ii should be OK. (Spent two days on a corrupted file!) Anyway you have given me an idea, rant first about the poor quality images I got with my D850 and then present the amazing video and stills. My main problems were joggers, baby strollers and cyclists, so glad I live here in Southern England UK few! Enjoyed the video and thanks for the inspiration!
incredible video!!!!! all great points!!! :) love the loon images AND the bears! Even though I probably would have freaked out just a little!!!!
Brilliant Channel Cameron, Amazing Photographs, very inspiring and helpful information. Many Thanks For Sharing. 🇬🇧
Hey, great stuff man! I just found your channel. I don't think I've ever met another YouTubing photographer in the military before! Your work is incredible, and also, just a tip from a fellow RUclipsr...don't ever apologize for your opinions, it really encourages the trolls, lol.
Too funny trying to talk and Raptors taking off. The sound brought back memories of KKMC in Saudi. As we staged before getting our M1A1 Tanks, we were there for a few weeks Jets were landing and never shutting off, they only changed pilots, refuel, rearm, and take back off. Almost 24/7.
Now, I need to get the some experience as the awesome experiences you had on the dock! Crazy. Also, agree with printing.
Cameron, Thanks for all you do with your videos. I never miss any of your postings. Too, thanks for your military service! With that said, doesn't it take the same time, money, travel, absence of sleep, stress, and concentration to take a series of photos and/or videos with a cheaper camera and lenses as it does with a higher quality contemporary system that will likely allow a photographer to "raise the bar" and capture a theme or project in which to take pride for years to come? As best I can tell, you commonly use a Nikon camera that cost $3,000 and a 600mm f/4 Nikkor that cost $12,000, a professional tripod, and a high $ gimbel. You must know after you have worked a project for a few days to a few weeks that your camera system will be dependable on a professional level. A prof level photographer, within the competition of today's marketing world, must also be a bit of an expert in the use of modern editing software. How else is a photographer going to grab one of the 24x36 prints that qualifies for marketing and/or taking up space in an office? Of course, your ability as a wildlfie and scenic photographer, absolutely balances the equation. Something that may not be "PC" to tell a bunch of your viewers is that your personal physical and mental fitness has to be accountable when testing the challenges of the wilds. Another point: Be it know to all "wanta be" wildlife and scenic photographers, the natives who live in a specific and amazing setting have the advantage over someone who flies in, rents a car and hopes to land a never before taken photo--unless the "fairy godmother" of luck is always in the camera bag. Best of continued good health to you and yours.
All that being said, I think there is a place for content type photography. But if you're going to post content, make sure it's damn good.
Hello from the UK!
Great video. I think that issue about not appreciating common species went a long way in my photography development. I was always looking for the rare and wonderful.....
Hi Cameron! Surely I am one of your biggest fans over here in Europe. So no criticism from me. But honestly, what's the difference of using a classic DLSR and then edit it in Photoshop or let do a Magic-Z the job while shooting? The outcome is the same, isn't it? Big cheers from the other end of the pond!
Finally!!!!!! Someone said it. Probably not as harsh as I would have but you said it and I am glad you did. 98% of the Instagram and RUclips photographers only push the newest, latest and greatest cameras and lenses. Hardly any ever talk about being happy with what you have and learning to use it to its fullest extent. Love your art and your videos.
The F-22s were great. I feel your pain. We used to have some land along the Arkansas River that was loaded with wildlife, but also very near the runway for McConnell AFB. The KC-135s and F-4s would rattle your brain. It took away from the outdoor experience, but we had some good times and the wildlife seemed unfazed.
haha exactly. they’re so conditioned to the noise. wouldn’t even look up. i’ve always wanted to visit Arkansas. Such a beautiful state.
During the lockdown I have been digitising my old slides and negatives from as long ago as the 1960's. Some were surprisingly better than I remembered. I am getting images now that in the 60's and 70's would have made me a world leader and a rival to Eric Hosking. In those days Hosking made some fantastic pictures which still stand up to-day. The skill he had was amazing but now the current tehnology has de-skilled the creation of "good" images making technically great pictures available to everyone. To get images to take the breath away you need to do something beyond technically good so the more traditional photographic skills of composition, lighting, rarity and beauty are at a premium for real success. Look at Hosking's work to get an idea of what great bird photography is. It is still happening and great pictures are being created but the technical improvements in technology have now set the bar extremely high.
Some great shots of the loons and the sneaky bears - shame about the raptors though!
I agree with the points about content vs. photographs, but also wanted to add that as the people who still get up early and get into the situations where we can capture images of magnificent wildlife, it is important for us to also keep the content flowing so that people get a constant reminder through their social media of just how awesome nature is!!
By the way, what’s the name of the music track you used at the end of the video?
This past July I did a kayak trip in the Adirondacks. My second day I was awakened by a sound I've never heard: loon calls. Then around lunch time I heard and saw fighter jets flying around. I'm not sure if the we're stationed out of Fort Drum or someplace else. This video brought me back to that awesome weekend. Thanks
Whouaouuuuu nice pictures. I love your Loons one ! I totally agree with what you say about wildlife photography. Thank a lot for this reminder of what would bee our motivations ;-)
Nice rants..😂. That was very fortunate encounter with bears..they are juveniles that’s why more curious to check you out ..
Now I agree with you on the price of gear. In reality I wish I could afford that beast of a lens you have. Lol. But some people are looking for the fast easy way of doing things. Is that bad no. But I like to practice with what I have. Is my crop sensor going to get that low light shot nope. But I just love taking pictures for a hobby and print for myself and gifts. But you are a 100% correct.
Can I achieve this with my d7500?
Sandra Heroux absolutely! the 7500 is a wonderful camera!
Another great video. Enjoyed the rant 😁Keep pushing us :-)
Thank you for bringing up these realties of wildlife photography. I agree completely. Love the images!
Truthfull description of many photographers at this time and gear, great Bear story too...I believe you keep pepper sprays for this kind of event, alas we dont get bears in the UK.
Fantastic video you have got here and really informative to really appreciate and understand what you are saying.
What millimetre lenses would you say for what you are describing for wild live photography and what stocks would these be.
Dear Cameron , HI ! from Canada ,I am a nurse and love photography. I I love your videos a lot and am learning from them ,my dream is take pictures of bears ans eagles someday .AL my best to you & family Marie
It's not the gear it's the man behind the tool. Any one can snap a picture. But most images for me start as a photo I myself has envisioned or seen somewhere. Back in the 80s commercial work is already designed and as the photographer you had to make that design come to life. Sometimes it wasn't possible but photographer with art designer worked together and acomplished a final image for magazine cover or ad. Now wildlife photos are a lot of trial and error. Sometimes several visits to a location over several years to get the perfect shot. And then is it really the perfect shot? You must ask yourself....practice and repetition is the key never stop pushing the limits
Do you ever think about hosting a wildlife photography course in Alaska? Please though not in the dead of winter
Rant, Reality, either way, it's good to hear, thanks for sharing. Content, never thought about it before, makes a lot of sense, i love big prints.
Apologize......not.
I don’t see how what you had to say would upset anyone. It’s all great information and each of us has the right to our own opinions. And, BTW, I agree with everything you had to say! My “opinion” is you are an amazing wildlife photographer, actually an amazing photographer all around. Thanks for sharing!!
Right on. The mentality out there is buying the best is going to fix poor skills & technique. I see it all the time and still see crappy images being produced by these people.
I love the people that think they are going to get better instantly by purchasing the latest greatest camera body or lens because they burn out fast and their gear ends up on the used market at a discount. Personally I think even if the camera is doing a lot of the work these days the people who actually understand what is happening and how to use light to their advantage have the upper hand. Anyone can fumble around and get good images by accident but when you understand the mechanics then your intention and passion shows in your work.
Great stuff dude and well said. Keep those videos coming up.
Would I be safe in assuming you had your bear spray with you????
Guy Kerr Guy.... i didnt😐 i left it in the truck with the mindset that i wasn’t in bear country. obviously everywhere is bear country in Alaska 😂
Nice shots...Greetings from Italy
GREAT !!! GREAT !!! GREAT !!!
Evgeny Gorshkov haha, thank you Evgeny 🙏
I agree 100% with everything you have said.
What is a good way to get your photos printed if you don’t have access to a good printer?
Jan Wagner on Instagram and RUclips is a good example of a photographer that using a DSLR and incredible fieldwork and technique to get his images that go Way Beyond just settings in the camera. The way he handles his preparation in fieldwork and perches shows us other avenues of individual excellence that are not just settings in the cameras and something that can be easily duplicated with technology. Great ideas and great video, be safe!
Wegener
Points well made, Cameron. Makes me glad that I'm a "Prosumer" rather than a Pro. The only stress I have is making photography that pleases me. Yours is exceptional!
Old400 thanks, brother!!🙏
First off great video!!! I think that most people are seeing wildlife photography as shooting all kinds of majestic animals and have the newest gear. For me it is more of taking pictures of your basic animals and trying to understand what my camera is doing/what I am doing wrong and what the animals are doing. That doesn't not mean that I am great photographer, because I am not. It means that I am willing to learn. I did use a canon 550d for years and now I have a canon 7d. I did noticed that I am the kind of guy that is taking more and more pictures for IG instead of taking them to put them on the wall. But I am going to change that
Completely agreed with you. Being a beginner in wildlife photography, I relate to this topic so much.
Is it possible to follow your photography other than RUclips? I tried to search with your name on IG, but I didn't succeed.
Milin Patel @roxberry_actual on instagram man🤙🏻
Another great video man! I totally agree with your thought process. I strive everytime time I go out to do that extra step just to separate myself from the rest of the pack. 👍 so I'm planning on making a trip to Alaska sometime in the spring next year hopefully you'll have some workshops set up by then
absolutely! and if not, don’t hesitate to reach out man! we could definitely set something up and go shoot together
I love someone going to have a better shot than me keep me in the hunt for the best photo any photo can get better love it the hunt will never end
You gta put the time in if you want to be a photographer or just take pics by time I mean years
I very much agree with you Cameron. People might have the latest camera technology but you cannot buy dedication and a passion for nature. You either feel it or you don't and for me in the end the person who is at one with nature will create the better images, content and story.
I love your videos dude! Keep up the great work!
Try concert photography ! Great video
Aww man, the Loon pictures by themselves were awesome. Being snuck up on by a pair of Black Bears is a bit of a wild experience, that's for sure! I need to move to Alaska, that's all there is to it!
I think your "rant" was extremely valid. More than any other genre I think wildlife photography is about being present. Being patient. But ultimately being out there and being prepared. Sure, big expensive lenses and high quality bodies will give you higher resolution and sharper images, but not necessarily the "best" images. As you say, all the gear in the world can't save your images if you're not where you need to be, learning fieldcraft, learning behaviours, learning locales. I am a nightmare for it, I'll research species and areas to death to give myself the best possible chances. And I'll sit under a DPM net from sunrise to sunset to give myself every opportunity. People say I'm obsessed, I guess that's true.
I've spent the last 5-6 years training and competing strongman. There's an old school strength athlete called C.T Fletcher who said something I'll never forget. "Obsessed is a word lazy people use to describe the dedicated". I might still have a highlight reel on my instagram account @garethkelley.photo with some of my strongman stuff.
Really enjoyed the Cameron, thanks buddy. Take care.
Gareth Kelley i agree with you 100% man. and i’m so stoked you enjoyed the loons!
Such solid thoughts! Glad you were able to get the loon images you were after. Enjoy your work. Keep safe!
Dont need to apologize, was great. Thanks for sharing !
Great video glad I found this
Those bears look so cuddly! Beautiful video again. Loved your comment about low vs high quality mediocre images. Looking at all of these announcements, I had thoughts of upgrading my Canon 80D. But this video has definitely helped me make up my mind more about putting that money towards a trip. Also, great tip about printing out the photos. Love that bald eagle print on your wall!
Anand Sriraman oh man! the 80D is a phenomenal camera! i’m so stoked you’re enjoying the videos, man. looking forward to seeing your upcoming pictures from some trips you take!
Hey. You got a Nikonos V. Best Nikonos ever made (paired with the 15mm). Pity it never made the transition to digital.
HoganPowerlifting I couldn’t agree more! i actually had an incredible buddy of mine Jeff, a subscriber to the channel send it to me. I’m blown away by this camera! Great eyes noticing it!
Holy cow dude. This video is exactly what I've been thinking about for a while now. I am a mirrorless geek AKA Sony fanboy lol but that's all I've known because I've only been in wildlife photography for 3 years. So I've only had mirrorless. But thinking about what you said about getting out there and changing the playing level is what I've been trying to do for a few weeks. I'm tired of my photography being mediocre but I am also tired of seeing on social media all these photos that are mediocre but are getting all these views and likes and what have ya and I know that some of my photos are better quality. not saying that I am a good wildlife photographer but I bust my ass to get out there and find these amazing animals but there not getting noticed by anyone. Anyway, I know this was random and doesn't make any sense. I just had to say something. I'm really inspired by your videos and your work so please keep posting lol. Anyhow, keep em coming, sir.
North Texas Photo Journal Oh man, as long as you’re working towards improvement i think that’s all that really matters. regardless of your system, man. i’m stoked you could take a little away from the video, man🙏
WOW..... Rant or not, your soooo right.
Hey.
Thanks for a video that stand out from tons of all other nature/wildlife photography videos.
This might easy be the best I've seen so far this year!
Rino Hals whoa! what a compliment, Rino. so glad you’re enjoying the videos, man! 🙏
I was very interested to hear your views on the new technologies that are emerging and I couldn't agree more.
However, it is nothing new. I would hazard a guess from your appearance that you are of an age that you started your photography during the digital age.
I am far older and cut my teeth photographically on film. I transitioned from film to digital when the eos 20d came out as that was all I could afford. I kept one of my film cameras as I didn't think this 'digital stuff' would last long. It has!
And it has made the technical side of photography vastly easier. The high iso capabilities of even the cheaper dslr cameras is far, far superior to any film camera and I would never for one moment consider returning to film. I can honestly say that digital improved my photography because it allowed me to experiment more and take advantage of correcting minor errors in post production. If the majority of photographers today had to spend a year shooting rolls of transparencies at a maximum of 200 iso they would give up photography.
You are 100% correct when you say that there is no longer any real technical difficulties in photography. If you have the money you can easily take competent images. The skill lies in the individuals ability to see the image, to be able to locate their subject, understand their subject and to put in the time and effort to achieve their images.
So many people in this age of instant gratification simply purchase good kit and then pay for ready made locations and set ups.
Their goal is the simply narcissistic gathering of "likes" on social media, a platform which, as you so rightly pointed out, is totally unsuitable for viewing images.
The new mirroless technology is taking a further leap forward. Again you are 100% correct in saying that equipment won't automatically make you a better photographer but it may give you a tool that can help you achieve the images you are aiming for. Unfortunately photography is one of those pursuits that attract a lot of gear nerds.... especially as it is so closely linked to computers.
I shall remain with my dslr's simply because they enable me to capture all the images that my limited ability, imagination and vision can hope to achieve. Also, being realistic I would need to be a lottery winner to afford the kit that is being introduced these days.
Robert Lawrence thank you for the input, Robert! What an experience it must have been to transition from film to digital.. i can’t even image. i do shoot a large amount of film still though. not that it could ever replace digital as you stated but there is such a textile experience when i shoot and develop film..
Great vlog sir,,, in today’s world we need more “rants” like yours. You hit the nail on the head. Thanks for sharing .. cheers.
jamie burning absolutely, Jamie! so stoked you’re enjoying them🙏
I liked your images of the black bears,your right to say images should be printed to go on a wall or in a book and not live in social media sites ,enjoyed the video you put a lot of thought into your video keep up the good work .
william mcgillivray Thanks William! so stoked you’re enjoying the videos, man🙏
Great video Cameron and you hit some key aspects on your rant haha.
That´s something I can relate to myself, creating content rather than photographs it was something I tried to do once I started out with photography
and feeling bad about why don´t my photos turn out as some of the others on social media etc, stressful situation and it puts photography second after likeble images...
Once I picked up wildlife photography I found a new meaning to photography and today I´m more invested in the moment, the "personal" connection you get with a wild animal
through your lens are you to die for! haha
Great photos of the loon and I would probably poop my pants if a black bear would come creeping up on me..
so we should switch to sony
Hi Cameron, I love watching your videos! This one was honest, relevant and helpful. I am inspired to get out and photograph birds when I see your images, in New Zealand where I live, the only large animals we have are introduced (Thar, Red Deer, Chamois, Goats) and most of those are not living around where I live, which is why I am shooting birds mainly. If there is one thing that I find challenging, it is getting the focus on the subjects eye (7DII, 5DIV, 135mm f2, 400mm f5.6). Do you have any videos specifically on auto focus? Many thanks.
Fabulous images, as usual.
Thank you for the video. I've got a question! I do wildlife photography as a hobby. I own a D500 and a tamron 70-200 2.8. I get good results as far as sharpness and bokeh, but some extra reach is missing. what is your suggestion for getting some extra reach with similar result and not breaking the bank? Thank you so much
I need to get some of mine printed,
Like in Aviation - Analog vs. Glass/Digital cockpit... the more technology at your finger tips doesn't always equate to being a great pilot/photographer. Solid photography insight & advice.
I appreciate your distinction between making "content" and doing photography proper. Even though you were talking about wildlife photography, your sentiments cover the truth of what it takes to make high quality photography.
Amen brother.
I am back from a couple of days of bird photography and realized how much time and $ I spend taking these pictures vs the time and $ I invest to appreciate the images afterwards. Days of effort, hours in post, minutes of review and a couple of seconds later it ends up in a lightroom folder. Don’t apologize for summarizing what most of us are doing!
It's always been about getting out early, staying out late, finding animals in great light and doing it frequently enough to capture great moments.
Excellent Cameron enjoyed the vlog and images. I dont think there will be many wildlife photographers that will disagree with your opinion on this issue. On the subject of gear i do believe that it makes a massive difference in the reach, composition and intimacy at a distance that it can afford you. In my opinion a snap shot on an i phone, for example, is picture taking for the masses and not photography.
Nothing wrong with this vlog Cameron. A lot of my own sentiments here also. As I am far from being considered a professional photographer or even want to be a professional photographer, I’m forever trying to improve. I generally print 4 or five of my favorite photos each year and enter them into our local fair. Your bear episode was a familiar theme for me, though it is not always bears. As most of my photography adventures are of a bushwhacking style, one is quite frequently getting up on wildlife an announced to them. Carrying my camera in search of wildlife and alerting them that I’m coming through is something that doesn’t work all that well.🤫. I’ve told my wife of a few episodes of encounters but she would rather not here them anymore. All she asks anymore is please keep your cellphone on so we can at least find your body. Again, a most enjoyable vlog here.👍👍
Brilliant
Great info
Thank you!🙏
Ohhh no what a scary moment with the black bear 🐻☺️ great captured my dear friend and well explained everything..in detail 👏👏
Great post and tips Cameron! It never hurts to honest once and a while! You've got yourself another subscriber!
That was interesting, fun and educational, I now know what a loon is 😂 not a term I know in the UK 🤷🏼♂️
I’m happy to have subscribed to your channel early. I think you got a good thing going.
I like the rant, It resonates
Great video. Agree wholeheartedly. The images are amazing as always....what a surprise with the bears.
I'm just getting started and I'm easily confused haha. Age is catching up with me and getting low is kind of tough when you have bad knees and a big-ol belly. But I'm figuring it out, there's more than one way to skin a cat right. But can an 18 megapixel Canon 7D produce a print like your bobcat or even the eagle. What camera did you use for that? I'm very interested in printing pictures but I'm hearing that you need higher megapixel cameras. What is the scoop?
Nikon's professional models are 20mb. $6500.00, does that answer your question? Don't chase the megapixels.
It's not a rant, that's passion and you are just speaking your heart out. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
Right in time for my lunch break at work haha
Tony Morrison 😅 hopefully i don’t ruin your break hahah
Cameron Roxberry on the contrary, something to do while I eat haha
Really good summary: so true
I stopped watching at :58, your drama queen opening. lol It's like everyone thinks they're special now. Spare all the BS.
Sky Tiger 😂😂 okay!