As with most people I discovered wildlife photography during the lockdowns. Until then I always told myself that this was the only kind of photography I wasn’t interested in. Then I made the mistake to try to photograph small birds! Really the frustration is unbelievable. Fortunately we have a small lake nearby and it attracts larger birds so this made it more easy to practice and develop some basic skills. If anybody is thinking about starting wildlife photography don’t try to photograph small birds. You will get frustrated and potentially give up sooner than you think. This is the most difficult genre of photography and the most rewarding when you actually get your shots. 😃
Love to see you in AZ! I was just there all last week. South Fork is a great birding area. I saw the AZ Woodpecker at the visitor center, which also has feeders and Blue-throated Mountain Gems. Would have loved to run into you. Your video is great, very inspiring as always.
Nice. Every time I go out shooting I learn something and sometimes I get some decent images. Sometimes I have ideas about how I could be in the position to get good shots and it works out. Sometimes it doesn’t. I’m beginning to understand how to let the birds come to me rather than the other way around. I keep Merlin running when in the thick busy woods to help sort the calls out. Helps me learn them after a while.
We were at the exact same spot on the same trail in East Chiricahua back on Sept 23rd. Same story, just woodpeckers. We stopped at the visitor center to photograph hummingbirds :). We were just at Bosque. Still no cranes although we saw them over T or C just yesterday. The ponds are just filling with water so it will probably take a few more days for the habitat to be at what is needed. We did see a lot of frustrating kestrels, butcher birds (loggerhead shrikes), northern harriers. They were too high, too low, too far and too fast and would not pose :). The walk on the right of the visitor's center was the best with lots of lesser gold finches. About 30+ white faced ibis were at the Wetland Roost stop (just started to get filled with water).
Yeah, there won't be any cranes for another 3-4 weeks or so at the earliest. It's definitely a bit harder when everything is so far out there. Bosque is one of those places that can be amazing in the right conditions, but if things are too far away, there's really no way to get closer.
Forest photography for me is more of outdoor experience and I literally go with zero expectations. If I get lucky I might come home with a good picture or two. I really enjoyed this video, felt like being in there and struggling to get a good photo but the experience helps to learn and do better!! Thanks
Your photos looked really good. I think it would be really cool if you did a video specifically about getting hummingbird photos, like the ones at the end of this video.
Thanks for this, I've been trying to get some photos during the migration around my area too, and I haven't been having good luck either. This video really helped me keep things in perspective.
Excellent video, thanks a lot! Really doesn't looks like a frustrating day, from all your excellent pictures. Is that last Allen's hummingbird having some form of avian pox? Or is the beak out of shape because of rolling shutter?
Thank you! It really was a nice time overall. More just frustrating on the actual making of the video stuff, but it turned out well and we had a great time. That's definitely not rolling shutter. The beak was a weird shape in all of the shots. I didn't think about bird pox, but something was up with it.
I hear what your saying about the frustration with bird photography. If nothing else, it’s taught me patience. Also the special days are worth the wait. Finally for me anyway, every bird you photographed on this episode was a new species for me. I live in England, so what might come across as a mundane shoot for you, would have been an epic one for me. Stunning birds, and beautiful images too. 🙂👍🏻
Hey thanks Chris, I appreciate the kind words! I know the feeling too. When I went over to Scotland last spring, I was photographing every bird I saw, because I was just so excited to see new species, lol.
That Summer Tanager was beautiful!. Also love the hummers at the end with the bees! I struggle with my own expectations, I always expect to go out and just take incredible photos but that's not always the case.
Excellent photos!! I think it is important to not be consumed by high expectations. Hopefully just simply enjoy being out in the environment is enjoyable whether or not we get photos. I take my photography seriously, but don’t always have a camera along. Of course, I will miss a photo of a lifetime…happed many times, but the world didn’t end.
Really interesting footage - especially the hummingbird footage and photos. Also, that's a great tip about learning birds calls and songs. Once you can identify the 'usual suspects' in the area, it's the odd sounds that your ear really picks out and catches your attention. Thanks for sharing.
Super shots of the hummingbirds, Brent. Shooting while walking in the bush is always a challenge. Fortunately where I come from (Australia), I’m pretty much guaranteed that others hikers etc are infrequent. Love your work.
There's this vermilion flycatcher couple that is driving me nuts. They keep coming around, I keep trying to get a good shot from inside the house, and I don't think I am there yet. If I go outside, they fly away. Such is life while shooting birds in Tucson.
Not a total bust man, your shots show that incredible separation and silky out of focus background of the new lens. The lens really does change the look from great with a zoom to incredible on a prime. Got my wandering if I should sell my 100-500mm for a used 500mm prime.
Awesome hummingbird picture.. as wildlife photographers, I guess we will always be one step behind the wildlife. They have an advantage on us.. they can hear us, pick up on our scent, and they have camouflage. Brent.. if you really want to get close and get the awesome songbird pictures you desire, why don't you create those conditions yourself. Create a nature reserve spot where only you are the photographer in a hide or wearing camouflage, and the birds are used to your presence. As they will be after a certain period of time, especially as they only ever see you in that area 😊
Brent, love the channel. My wife says “Shoot them in the face” every time I go out! I’d love to see an acorn woodpecker! We don’t have them in OH. You rattled off many birds I would so happy to see, let alone photograph. I hike with my cell using the Merlin App for sound ID. It helps me learn and tells me to stick around or move on! Bird photography is truly a zen practice in patience. Which is something I have very little of!
I spent 11 days in SE Arizona in late July. Got pics of 84 new birds including 13 different hummingbirds and 6 warblers. Unfortunately I failed to get a Trogon...heard it but no pic. I live in Tennessee and it was a long two day drive, but I want to go back. Yes hiking the canyons was tough to get good shots.
Definitely no bust--plenty of excellent shots, but that last hummingbird/bee shot would have made my whole month, personally! You're right though, forest birding is way frustrating, especially when you can hear that one particular species you'd love to see, but never actually spot it. At those moments I like to just remind myself at least I'm still outside to hear the birds and not stuck in my office chair. :)
This video is actually what it's all about for me! Just being out there with nature. Every now magic happens and you get the added bonus of a decent image (which you definitely did). I spend way more time than I should hiking Maine trails trying to photograph elusive warblers hiding in the bush and I love doing it (I have to keep reminding myself).. Every now and then you get a decent pose 😁 and I suppose it's like when a golfer hits a great shot .. You deal with the frustration for the potential of the occasional prize.
You should have one of those three-legged camp stools that you can take with you, so you have semi-comfortable seating to wait out the wildlife. Stunning stills at thy end btw!
Thanks for Another amazing One😊 Speaking of frustration, I walked around downtown jerusalem for about three hours This morning, The only bird I could find was a hooded crow Collecting seeds and hiding them in the grass. ( it was uploaded to my channel Earlier) I left my benro GH5C At home so I Hand held it. It was a total Failure.
@@BrentHall Well yeah at least that. I Have 2 different jobs. one is security at a work site and the second one is Civilian-military job securing and monitoring the Fence and surroundings of a settlement on the outskirts of Ramalla. So I usually work 18 hours a day. Now we are on the sukkot holiday so i'm not working at all. Since I'm not working I took my My dad to dialysis Instead of my brothers so I had three hours to burn. Just Crows man😅
I just got some of my gear back after selling everything earlier this year and i havent really had time to get out and do some birding and after watching this its not helping my urge to go.
I was just in SE AZ a week ago myself. The only time I spent in the mountains, was at Madera Canyon. Got some pretty good shots, including my lifer Trogon (would like more and better though) but IMPO, Santa Rita lodge (and others) could do a better job managing "for photographers". I agree that Hummer shots on Feeders are worthless. Every feeder in places like this should have natural twig perches attached. Next time I plan to visit Chiricahua , and maybe 1 or 2 more different sky islands. Also, I really want to do this in mid to late May. I really want Red Faced Warbler, and Varied Bunting. Anyway, you still managed to get some very nice shots :) That Painted Redstart was my favorite ! I really want to shoot more of those :)
the key is to get the hummer before he steps on the feeder. I've gotten a lot of great shots at the Santa Rita lodge. I'm looking for the Trogon also, walked around the picnic area where they say they like to hang out.
@@af2w131f I assume you mean "in hover". Yes, I do those too. I've said for a long time (and not just about Hummers, but birds in general) IMPO, in-flight shots tend to be "cooler", while perched shots tend to be "prettier".... And I definitely lean towards the latter. Of course there are always going to be exceptions.
I am stressed watching you hold that lens on your shoulder by the lens hood. One screw, holds it in place. Would a large camera strap attached to the lens itself work for you. Also did that foot come with the lens? That would be so helpful. I did not know such an item exists. Can you provide a link? Does it still fit in the case?
Yeah, that wasn't the norm. I will definitely get a black rapid strap or something like that soon. The foot is definitely from a third party, though I don't know who made it. I bought this lens used and it came with it. It does still fit in the original case.
It is no easier when searching for 3-1200 lbs critters in Jasper National Park. Know their calls or grunts, know habitat, etc. do not chase good images on the roadside-they look like road shots
Too bad that you find it frustrating. Maybe you should try something else. I always enjoy it. Sometimes I get nice pictures, sometimes I don't. I always find being out in nature to be enjoyable.
Just because I was a little frustrated doesn't mean I'm going to quit, or try something else. I love birding (not just bird photography), and being out in nature is always good, whether I get shots or not. I've said that in many videos. I think it was mostly frustrating on the technical side of making the actual video, but overall, we still had a great time just being out there.
I noticed something about all of you guys that have the your channels if you’re trying to talk about wildlife birds they don’t they don’t have your same time schedule they move when they wanna move and if you got the picture gray hummingbirds they could care less either get it or you don’t
Thoroughly enjoyed the video! While it's harder in the woods, I would much rather be there rather than sitting in a blind. 😂 Some of us just aren't meant to sit. Meaning I lack patience. 🫣
I've been a bird photographer for ten years. It's as frustrating today as it was the first day.
😀 lol It sure can be, but when you finally get a great one, Whooo Hooo ! 🙂👍
@@Chris_Wolfgram I guess my greatest photo would be of a peregrine falcon. Not in flight, but sitting on a tree branch.
As with most people I discovered wildlife photography during the lockdowns. Until then I always told myself that this was the only kind of photography I wasn’t interested in. Then I made the mistake to try to photograph small birds! Really the frustration is unbelievable. Fortunately we have a small lake nearby and it attracts larger birds so this made it more easy to practice and develop some basic skills. If anybody is thinking about starting wildlife photography don’t try to photograph small birds. You will get frustrated and potentially give up sooner than you think. This is the most difficult genre of photography and the most rewarding when you actually get your shots. 😃
Love to see you in AZ! I was just there all last week. South Fork is a great birding area. I saw the AZ Woodpecker at the visitor center, which also has feeders and Blue-throated Mountain Gems. Would have loved to run into you. Your video is great, very inspiring as always.
Oh nice! I only heard the AZ woodpecker, didn't see any this time, but yeah, the hummingbirds were nice. Saw Allen's, Mountain Gem, and a Rivoli's.
I enjoyed watching this. Thanks for sharing.
Nice. Every time I go out shooting I learn something and sometimes I get some decent images. Sometimes I have ideas about how I could be in the position to get good shots and it works out. Sometimes it doesn’t. I’m beginning to understand how to let the birds come to me rather than the other way around. I keep Merlin running when in the thick busy woods to help sort the calls out. Helps me learn them after a while.
We were at the exact same spot on the same trail in East Chiricahua back on Sept 23rd. Same story, just woodpeckers. We stopped at the visitor center to photograph hummingbirds :). We were just at Bosque. Still no cranes although we saw them over T or C just yesterday. The ponds are just filling with water so it will probably take a few more days for the habitat to be at what is needed. We did see a lot of frustrating kestrels, butcher birds (loggerhead shrikes), northern harriers. They were too high, too low, too far and too fast and would not pose :). The walk on the right of the visitor's center was the best with lots of lesser gold finches. About 30+ white faced ibis were at the Wetland Roost stop (just started to get filled with water).
Yeah, there won't be any cranes for another 3-4 weeks or so at the earliest. It's definitely a bit harder when everything is so far out there. Bosque is one of those places that can be amazing in the right conditions, but if things are too far away, there's really no way to get closer.
Forest photography for me is more of outdoor experience and I literally go with zero expectations. If I get lucky I might come home with a good picture or two. I really enjoyed this video, felt like being in there and struggling to get a good photo but the experience helps to learn and do better!! Thanks
That's definitely the best attitude to have going into it!
Your photos looked really good. I think it would be really cool if you did a video specifically about getting hummingbird photos, like the ones at the end of this video.
Thanks for this, I've been trying to get some photos during the migration around my area too, and I haven't been having good luck either. This video really helped me keep things in perspective.
Hey thanks, I'm glad the video helped!
Excellent video, thanks a lot! Really doesn't looks like a frustrating day, from all your excellent pictures. Is that last Allen's hummingbird having some form of avian pox? Or is the beak out of shape because of rolling shutter?
Thank you! It really was a nice time overall. More just frustrating on the actual making of the video stuff, but it turned out well and we had a great time. That's definitely not rolling shutter. The beak was a weird shape in all of the shots. I didn't think about bird pox, but something was up with it.
I hear what your saying about the frustration with bird photography. If nothing else, it’s taught me patience. Also the special days are worth the wait. Finally for me anyway, every bird you photographed on this episode was a new species for me. I live in England, so what might come across as a mundane shoot for you, would have been an epic one for me. Stunning birds, and beautiful images too. 🙂👍🏻
Hey thanks Chris, I appreciate the kind words! I know the feeling too. When I went over to Scotland last spring, I was photographing every bird I saw, because I was just so excited to see new species, lol.
That Summer Tanager was beautiful!. Also love the hummers at the end with the bees! I struggle with my own expectations, I always expect to go out and just take incredible photos but that's not always the case.
Excellent photos!! I think it is important to not be consumed by high expectations. Hopefully just simply enjoy being out in the environment is enjoyable whether or not we get photos. I take my photography seriously, but don’t always have a camera along. Of course, I will miss a photo of a lifetime…happed many times, but the world didn’t end.
Forest bird photography is indeed very hard, but a lot of fun.
Really interesting footage - especially the hummingbird footage and photos. Also, that's a great tip about learning birds calls and songs. Once you can identify the 'usual suspects' in the area, it's the odd sounds that your ear really picks out and catches your attention. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, more often than not, we hear birds before we see them, if we ever even see them, lol.
Super shots of the hummingbirds, Brent. Shooting while walking in the bush is always a challenge. Fortunately where I come from (Australia), I’m pretty much guaranteed that others hikers etc are infrequent. Love your work.
There's this vermilion flycatcher couple that is driving me nuts. They keep coming around, I keep trying to get a good shot from inside the house, and I don't think I am there yet.
If I go outside, they fly away.
Such is life while shooting birds in Tucson.
Yeah, those guys are super skittish.
Not a total bust man, your shots show that incredible separation and silky out of focus background of the new lens. The lens really does change the look from great with a zoom to incredible on a prime. Got my wandering if I should sell my 100-500mm for a used 500mm prime.
Thanks! I'm definitely loving the lens so far.
Awesome hummingbird picture.. as wildlife photographers, I guess we will always be one step behind the wildlife. They have an advantage on us.. they can hear us, pick up on our scent, and they have camouflage.
Brent.. if you really want to get close and get the awesome songbird pictures you desire, why don't you create those conditions yourself. Create a nature reserve spot where only you are the photographer in a hide or wearing camouflage, and the birds are used to your presence. As they will be after a certain period of time, especially as they only ever see you in that area 😊
Brent, love the channel. My wife says “Shoot them in the face” every time I go out! I’d love to see an acorn woodpecker! We don’t have them in OH. You rattled off many birds I would so happy to see, let alone photograph. I hike with my cell using the Merlin App for sound ID. It helps me learn and tells me to stick around or move on! Bird photography is truly a zen practice in patience. Which is something I have very little of!
Really nice hummingbird shots!
Many thanks!
Incredible photos!
Many thanks!
I spent 11 days in SE Arizona in late July. Got pics of 84 new birds including 13 different hummingbirds and 6 warblers. Unfortunately I failed to get a Trogon...heard it but no pic. I live in Tennessee and it was a long two day drive, but I want to go back. Yes hiking the canyons was tough to get good shots.
Oh wow, well I'm glad you got to get out there and got to see some good stuff!
Definitely no bust--plenty of excellent shots, but that last hummingbird/bee shot would have made my whole month, personally! You're right though, forest birding is way frustrating, especially when you can hear that one particular species you'd love to see, but never actually spot it. At those moments I like to just remind myself at least I'm still outside to hear the birds and not stuck in my office chair. :)
Yeah, I kept hearing the AZ woodpecker, but never saw one on this trip. I'll be back though. That place is only like 2 hours from my house.
This video is actually what it's all about for me! Just being out there with nature. Every now magic happens and you get the added bonus of a decent image (which you definitely did). I spend way more time than I should hiking Maine trails trying to photograph elusive warblers hiding in the bush and I love doing it (I have to keep reminding myself).. Every now and then you get a decent pose 😁 and I suppose it's like when a golfer hits a great shot .. You deal with the frustration for the potential of the occasional prize.
Yeah, warblers are just cool to not chase!
You should have one of those three-legged camp stools that you can take with you, so you have semi-comfortable seating to wait out the wildlife. Stunning stills at thy end btw!
I definitely have one, but I left it in the car, along with my bag... they're super handy, when I'm not being lazy 😅🙃
Thanks for Another amazing One😊
Speaking of frustration, I walked around downtown jerusalem for about three hours This morning, The only bird I could find was a hooded crow Collecting seeds and hiding them in the grass.
( it was uploaded to my channel Earlier)
I left my benro GH5C At home so I Hand held it. It was a total Failure.
Oh bummer. At least you still got to get out for a nice walk. Better than being stuck behind a desk or in an office or something.
@@BrentHall
Well yeah at least that. I Have 2 different jobs. one is security at a work site and the second one is Civilian-military job securing and monitoring the Fence and surroundings of a settlement on the outskirts of Ramalla. So I usually work 18 hours a day. Now we are on the sukkot holiday so i'm not working at all.
Since I'm not working I took my My dad to dialysis Instead of my brothers so I had three hours to burn. Just Crows man😅
where is the ranger station, planning a trip over that way next month
It's called the southwest Research Station, and it's just up Forest Rd 42, west of Sunny Flat Campground.
I just got some of my gear back after selling everything earlier this year and i havent really had time to get out and do some birding and after watching this its not helping my urge to go.
Oh nice! You should definitely try to get out for some birding! 😁🦉🦅🐦📷
@@BrentHall I did some at work today and got a half decent photo of a logger head strike lol
I was just in SE AZ a week ago myself. The only time I spent in the mountains, was at Madera Canyon. Got some pretty good shots, including my lifer Trogon (would like more and better though) but IMPO, Santa Rita lodge (and others) could do a better job managing "for photographers". I agree that Hummer shots on Feeders are worthless. Every feeder in places like this should have natural twig perches attached. Next time I plan to visit Chiricahua , and maybe 1 or 2 more different sky islands. Also, I really want to do this in mid to late May. I really want Red Faced Warbler, and Varied Bunting. Anyway, you still managed to get some very nice shots :) That Painted Redstart was my favorite ! I really want to shoot more of those :)
the key is to get the hummer before he steps on the feeder. I've gotten a lot of great shots at the Santa Rita lodge. I'm looking for the Trogon also, walked around the picnic area where they say they like to hang out.
@@af2w131f I assume you mean "in hover". Yes, I do those too. I've said for a long time (and not just about Hummers, but birds in general) IMPO, in-flight shots tend to be "cooler", while perched shots tend to be "prettier".... And I definitely lean towards the latter. Of course there are always going to be exceptions.
I am stressed watching you hold that lens on your shoulder by the lens hood. One screw, holds it in place. Would a large camera strap attached to the lens itself work for you. Also did that foot come with the lens? That would be so helpful. I did not know such an item exists. Can you provide a link? Does it still fit in the case?
Yeah, that wasn't the norm. I will definitely get a black rapid strap or something like that soon. The foot is definitely from a third party, though I don't know who made it. I bought this lens used and it came with it. It does still fit in the original case.
any thoughts on the new canon 200-800 ???
I don't know anything about it other than what the rumor sites are saying. Sounds cool so far though.
It is no easier when searching for 3-1200 lbs critters in Jasper National Park. Know their calls or grunts, know habitat, etc. do not chase good images on the roadside-they look like road shots
Too bad that you find it frustrating. Maybe you should try something else. I always enjoy it. Sometimes I get nice pictures, sometimes I don't. I always find being out in nature to be enjoyable.
Just because I was a little frustrated doesn't mean I'm going to quit, or try something else. I love birding (not just bird photography), and being out in nature is always good, whether I get shots or not. I've said that in many videos. I think it was mostly frustrating on the technical side of making the actual video, but overall, we still had a great time just being out there.
If you are in the habit of holding your lens by the hood I really hope that the screw holding the hood on NEVER comes loose!
Definitely not a habit. It was a one-off. I'll be getting a proper strap for it soon.
how you find the 2x for sharpness ?
I only have the 1.4x, and I'm very happy with the iq.
@@BrentHall to be far the 1.4x has very little impact on image quality but the 2x is a bit more challanging
@canonlensesandcameras4425 This is the way.
I noticed something about all of you guys that have the your channels if you’re trying to talk about wildlife birds they don’t they don’t have your same time schedule they move when they wanna move and if you got the picture gray hummingbirds they could care less either get it or you don’t
treat photography like hunting
Wearing a black shirt might not be the best choice if you’re photographing birds.
truth
Thoroughly enjoyed the video! While it's harder in the woods, I would much rather be there rather than sitting in a blind. 😂 Some of us just aren't meant to sit. Meaning I lack patience. 🫣
Thanks man! Yeah, I do enjoy being out and about too!