Michael Aagaard Wildlife Photography
Michael Aagaard Wildlife Photography
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PHOTOGRAPHING GREAT CRESTED GREBES IN DENMARK - BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS (2021)
Join me for a sunset session where I’m out photographing Great Crested Grebes in Denmark. These birds are incredibly beautiful and have quickly become one of my favourite species after moving back to Europe from Canada. In the video you’ll see how I approach photographing Grebes in the evening when I don’t have the cover of darkness to get into position unseen by the birds. I’ll also show you some of the photos I got and do a walkthrough of the gear and setup I used during this outing.
Here are a few parts of the video you might want to jump to:
03:34 - Video of grebes on the water
04:35 - Examples of photos I took during this session
06:30 - Walkthrough of gear and setup used in the video.
Thanks for watching and as always feel free to drop me a comment or ask a question - I’d be happy to respond!
Follow me on Instagram:
michaelaaga...​
Website:
michaelaagaard.photo/​
Переглядів: 1 755

Відео

Will Camera Gear Make You a Better Wildlife Photographer?
Переглядів 9873 роки тому
“It’s not the camera, it’s the photographer…” This is a common statement you’ll hear when folks discuss what role gear plays in wildlife photography and in developing the skills of the individual photographer. But if that’s the case, why do we sink so much money into camera bodies and lenses? In this video, Ray Hennessy and I attempt to give a nuanced answer to the question “Will camera gear ma...
Loon Photography in British Columbia - Photographing Loons From an Inflatable Boat (2020)
Переглядів 1,8 тис.3 роки тому
Loons are magical creatures. From their haunting calls to their haunting beauty, they make summer in British Columbia very special. This year my friend and I were lucky enough to find 9 loons within a 2-hour drive from where I live. Among them were two breeding pairs with chicks. I had the pleasure of visiting them several times and I finally got to see the chicks riding on their parents’ backs...
NIKON Z6 FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY - STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES (2020 review)
Переглядів 14 тис.4 роки тому
I finally got over my skepticism and decided to take the plunge and try out a mirrorless camera for my wildlife photography. I bought the Nikon Z6 and I've been using it for two months. In this video, I'll walk you through the main strengths and weaknesses of the Z6 (for wildlife photography specifically) and also tan about some of the situations where prefer the Z6 over my D850 and vice versa....
Wildlife Photography Gear - Using a Gimbal Head on a Monopod (2020)
Переглядів 27 тис.4 роки тому
For the past six months I’ve been using the monopod and gimbal head combination for wildlife photography with my heavy 500mm f/4 prime lens. I use the Jobu Jr. 3 compact gimbal head. It is only 9 inches in height and weighs just 1.7 pounds. It is basically the perfect fit for a monopod and makes for a very light and portable combination. In this video I’ll share my experience and talk about the...
Interview with Wildlife Photographer Traci Sepkovic - How to Compose Wildlife Photos (2020)
Переглядів 2,7 тис.4 роки тому
I recently had the huge pleasure of interviewing the extremely talented wildlife photographer Traci Sepkovic. She is one of my favourite photographers and I’m always blown away by the quality she is able to deliver time after time. One of the things that makes her images so strong is her eye for composition. She really is the master of composition and framing if you ask me. In the interview we ...
Owl Photography - Photographing Barred Owlets in the Forest (British Columbia 2020)
Переглядів 1,7 тис.4 роки тому
Join me for an evening of photographing baby Barred Owls in the lush forests of British Columbia. These owlets are so funny, cute and curious. It is such a pleasure to watch them as they discover the world around them. In the video I’ll give you some tips for how to locate and photograph them. And I’ll show you some cool and intimate behaviour - including mom feeding them. It is quite magical w...
Bird Photography Behind the Scenes - Photographing Red-Winged Blackbirds in BC (2020)
Переглядів 8954 роки тому
Join me for a behind the scenes video where I'm out in the evening photographing Red-Winged Blackbirds. It is a species I usually ignore because they are so common where I live. But I recently realized they are really beautiful birds that are a lot of fun to photograph this time of year (late spring). In the video, I'll give you some photography tips that revolve around how to get your exposure...
11 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH GEAR (2020)
Переглядів 1,2 тис.4 роки тому
Gear is an important aspect of wildlife photography - but it isn't everything. There are many other skills you need to master in order to get the most out of it. For example, even the best gear in the world will not make a difference if you don't know how to find and approach the wildlife you want to photograph. In this video I'll give you 11 wildlife photography tips that having nothing to do ...
How to Photograph Ducks - Conversation With Wildlife Photographer Ray Hennessy (2020)
Переглядів 8 тис.4 роки тому
I’m trying out a new concept where I reach out to wildlife photographers that I find inspiring and invite them on the show for a conversation about an aspect of wildlife photography that I think they are particularly good at. I ask them some general questions, ask them to share some tips and not least bring a handful go their own favourite photos so we can hear the story behind the shots and wh...
NIKON 500MM F/5.6 PF REVIEW - Tiny but Mighty Wildlife Photography Lens
Переглядів 23 тис.4 роки тому
I've been using the Nikon 500mm PF for two weeks now - and overall I'm pretty impressed with this tiny and super light wildlife photography lens. In the video I'll show you some test shots, talk about the benefits and drawbacks of using this lens, I'll compare it to the Nikon 500mm f/4 and the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and I'll round off by talking about how I plan on using this lens going f...
Bird Photography in the Forest - Photographing Long-Eared Owls (2019)
Переглядів 4,6 тис.4 роки тому
Join me as I go looking for Long-Eared Owls to photograph in the forest on a crisp morning in the late fall of 2019. I’ll show you what signs I look for and give you some overall tips for finding owls. I’ll also show how unpredictable and challenging bird photography can be as something beyond my control suddenly made this shoot a lot more challenging than I expected. In addition to this, I’ll ...
Photographing Pygmy Owls in BC - Wildlife Photography Behind the Scenes
Переглядів 7 тис.4 роки тому
Join me and my friend Kevin Lippe (@crispimagephotography) as we go looking for Northern Pygmy Owls in the mountains of BC. Pygmy Owls are super cute and very small - only about 7 inches! But make no mistake, they are very effective predators that can easily take prey as big as or even bigger than themselves. They are one of the few truly diurnal owls species - meaning they are active during th...
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY - PHOTOGRAPHING BELTED KINGFISHERS IN BC (Behind the Shot Video, 2019)
Переглядів 6 тис.4 роки тому
In this bird photography video, I’m taking you with me into nature to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how I photograph Belted Kingfishers. I’m on a mission to get high-quality closeup portraits which means I have to get very close to the birds. That’s a huge challenge because Belted Kingfishers are extremely skittish and difficult to approach. In order to stand a chance of getting a good c...
Wildlife Photography Behind the Shot: Tawny Owls in Sweden (Plus tips for taking pictures of owls)
Переглядів 3,4 тис.5 років тому
This behind the scenes wildlife photography video is all about owls and owl photography. In the video, I’ll show you how I found a beautiful Tawny Owl in a forest outside Stockholm, Sweden and give you tips for how to find and photograph wild owls in nature. This includes the setup and settings I use when I take pictures of owls. When it comes to photographing owls, you’ll often be shooting in ...
WILD CANADIAN BEAVERS MORNING ROUTINE - BRITISH COLUMBIA (2018)
Переглядів 7545 років тому
WILD CANADIAN BEAVERS MORNING ROUTINE - BRITISH COLUMBIA (2018)
Wildlife Photography Behind the Shot - Least Sandpipers in BC (August 2018)
Переглядів 4855 років тому
Wildlife Photography Behind the Shot - Least Sandpipers in BC (August 2018)
Wildlife Photography Behind the Shot - Juvenile Barred Owls in BC (July 2018)
Переглядів 3,3 тис.6 років тому
Wildlife Photography Behind the Shot - Juvenile Barred Owls in BC (July 2018)
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD VANCOUVER, BC (2018)
Переглядів 3 тис.6 років тому
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD VANCOUVER, BC (2018)
NORTHERN PYGMY OWL BRITISH COLUMBIA (2018)
Переглядів 1,5 тис.6 років тому
NORTHERN PYGMY OWL BRITISH COLUMBIA (2018)

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @Filinozavr
    @Filinozavr 11 днів тому

    How does it compare to nikon 200-500 5.6 at 500?

  • @Daniel_Oberg
    @Daniel_Oberg Місяць тому

    So many lovely clips and photos! Loved seeing this! 🦉🤎 Greetings from a Swedish youtuber! 🇸🇪

  • @massimo196888
    @massimo196888 2 місяці тому

    hi Michael thanks for your precious advices. i m a happy z6' possessor. a would ask you if you has ever tried the z 24-200. i wish join it to z 24-70 f4 that i already have. thanks

  • @mattthomas1547
    @mattthomas1547 3 місяці тому

    Awesome. I was out looking for Pygmies today and got skunked, so this is cool.

  • @Mlw693
    @Mlw693 6 місяців тому

    Hi Michael, thanks for the video.I do wildlife painting and photography. I am going to move to Denmark this year. I live in tropics. How is the Denmark's bird and other animal abundance . How easy we can see them?

  • @Milutino
    @Milutino 7 місяців тому

    Great video, very informative. Photographing ducks is a very challenging task.

  • @alexabadi7458
    @alexabadi7458 8 місяців тому

    Thank you !

  • @steveloudon7491
    @steveloudon7491 9 місяців тому

    Great video. Hope you're still at it. And I hope you're still reading these. I have a question. When doing video of the birds, do you try to use the 180° rule? Do you use ND filters? Thanks.

  • @RichardBirchett
    @RichardBirchett 10 місяців тому

    Great video Michael, I'm heading out this week to hopefully photograph the Belted, done a few days recce and found a few favoured perches so fingers crossed! Great images and video of the birds, fieldcraft, and patience paid off. Great work, Just subscribed, Cheers Rich 👍

  • @EmmettKing-gu5op
    @EmmettKing-gu5op 11 місяців тому

    Great idea ill use this on my next shoot

  • @goodnewsproductions
    @goodnewsproductions Рік тому

    Well done!

  • @jasongoodwill8013
    @jasongoodwill8013 Рік тому

    Hi Micheal . I have just found 2 GCG’s at a lovely spot and I can get down low so hoping for a great photography experience . Love your video and the info is very useful . What aperture and minimum shutter speed do you normally use when photographing the grebes please?

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto Рік тому

      Hi Jason - congrats that sounds like a great opportunity to get some nice shots of the Grebes! I usually shoot wide open (for me that is f/4 or f/2.8 depending on the lens). Shutter speed mainly depends on the lighting conditions. I usually photograph them at sunrise or sunset. I'm mainly trying to keep ISO and noise to a minimum (under 1000 preferably under 500). So that dictates the shutter speed and I adjust as needed along with how the light changes. Hope that helps and good luck with the Grebes!

  • @sharonmorris1299
    @sharonmorris1299 Рік тому

    Yes and No is the perfect answer

  • @joeymac2563
    @joeymac2563 Рік тому

    Great video! Question please- with the gimbal monopod combo how do you safely and easily mount the big lens like 600mm f4 to the gimbal bracket? With the tilt head I usually laid down the monopod flat on the ground with towel or some kind of protective materials and angle the head facing up to install big lens. Thank you in advance.

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto Рік тому

      Thanks Joey! I've been using my 400mm F2.8 FL with this mini gimbal / monopod setup. I usually just mount the lens on the gimbal with the monopod in upright position. Haven't had any "close calls" yet : ) I'm just careful and make sure that I've got a good grip on the lens. But there is a small risk of dropping it involved with that approach. If you kneel down while mounting it, you should be safe. Thanks!

  • @lennartoberg292
    @lennartoberg292 Рік тому

    Wonderful shots !! I have had tawnies nesting on my property since 1970, when we put up 2 boxes.

  • @eze3572
    @eze3572 Рік тому

    Awesome!! I saw one once it was really loud and swooped in the water .. i got shots but i was very far away and my lens is only 250 mm. But it gave me hope knowing they exist in my area! Thanks for this info. Do they perch high? Or close to water? The one I saw seemed very high.

  • @johnalessi
    @johnalessi Рік тому

    Fantastic video production. I really appreciate you sharing your experience. Starting to look for kingfishers myself and this helps a lot!

  • @jonathansmithies
    @jonathansmithies Рік тому

    So cool

  • @davidguedj4489
    @davidguedj4489 Рік тому

    Excellent video and thanks to share. Which camera did you use with the 500MM PF ? I have the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary and want to have a better image quality, I'm using a D850.

    • @imoldgreggboosh3467
      @imoldgreggboosh3467 Рік тому

      You're gonna have to change the lens to get better image quality. The D850 is superb but the sigma is not.

    • @davidguedj4489
      @davidguedj4489 Рік тому

      This is what I did and the D850 with the Nikon 500MM is amazing...

  • @sharadbhutoria
    @sharadbhutoria Рік тому

    Super tips and pointers. 👍🏼

  • @ludobirdclub
    @ludobirdclub 2 роки тому

    Respect for your respect for nature! Good man.

  • @andymok7945
    @andymok7945 2 роки тому

    Thanks for sharing. I live close to some water where they come every year and a couple of other water ways that are close by. The bummer part is none of them provide a way of getting close like you can. Also around here, if you are seen with cammo stuff, the police would be called. I wold be thrilled to get within 25 feet.

  • @darrylharrisberg6803
    @darrylharrisberg6803 2 роки тому

    Do you think that a firmware update wil take care of BIF requirements on the Z6?

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto 2 роки тому

      Hi Darryl, not for the Z6 unfortunately. But the Z6II with the dual processors was a big improvement on the first Z6 and it has gotten better with firmware updates. It is not perfect but also not nearly as bad as I think many make it out to be :)

  • @Jordiephotography
    @Jordiephotography 2 роки тому

    goed bezig

  • @ThomasWeiskirch
    @ThomasWeiskirch 2 роки тому

    Very well filmed, Michael. Lots of beauty in this movie. Thumbs up. 👍 Greeting, Thomas

  • @gregorychernalis1958
    @gregorychernalis1958 2 роки тому

    How do feel this lense will perform on a D700 with its 12mp...

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto 2 роки тому

      Hi Gregory and thanks for you comment. I don't have any personal experience with the D700, but I imagine it would perform well. If you bring the D700 to a camera store I'm sure they let you mount it and give it a try. That of course won't be extensive, but at least you can check gif AF and so on works well.

  • @beverlykune5109
    @beverlykune5109 2 роки тому

    Great video, very helpful. I'm wondering if you ever use a monopod with feet attached, or what you think of that. Thanks.

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto 2 роки тому

      Hi Beverly, thanks a lot! I've considered feet in the past, but never ended up trying them out. I think for video on a smooth and even surface they probably help a bit in reducing shake. But for most wildlife photography I find I'm mostly out in rough terrain where I think the foot would get in the way or at least not add any benefits. Let me know if you try one out :)

  • @iphoneskidad
    @iphoneskidad 2 роки тому

    Awesome photos and video. I saw one for the first time last week and it's small and hard to photograph. Thanks for sharing

  • @billcecil2889
    @billcecil2889 2 роки тому

    Just wait until you hit 70! Then those heavy lenses are killer.

    • @bngr_bngr
      @bngr_bngr 2 роки тому

      Once they are on the monopod you really don’t feel the weight.

  • @TheChisquare
    @TheChisquare 2 роки тому

    Hi Michael Z5 camera +ftz ii + nikkor 200-500mm f5. 6; would it make a good combination for bird & wildlife photography?

  • @kristymellow7726
    @kristymellow7726 2 роки тому

    Looks like Vancouver island. Theres so many of them on North Vancouver Island.

  • @gregoryrogalsky6937
    @gregoryrogalsky6937 2 роки тому

    There is no free lunch.

  • @glennburch1081
    @glennburch1081 2 роки тому

    My favorite bird. I have them in my back yard, marsh habitat. Just tooled up with the D500 and the Z6 II for wildlife. Need to figure out how to photograph them as you already have...... you have some magnificent photos here, congratulations! Got my work cut out for me as a serious amateur learning my cameras as well as photographing wildlife. I have the rest of my life to have fun in those endeavors. Currently waiting on the 200-500mm f5.6 and then it will be time to begin exercising the shutter. Thank you for sharing those magnificent photos as well as your technique.

  • @kerrykestrowl6785
    @kerrykestrowl6785 2 роки тому

    I am so glad you found her she is winking at you beautiful shots If you look on the ground you might see pellets

  • @HarryCollinsPhotography
    @HarryCollinsPhotography 2 роки тому

    Nicely done!

  • @joeyalbergo
    @joeyalbergo 2 роки тому

    Thank you sir.

  • @samkin73
    @samkin73 2 роки тому

    I see one in my yard ")

  • @fotografiabymiguel
    @fotografiabymiguel 2 роки тому

    Great video, Michael. Looking forward to you sharing a video of you using this lens in the field. I ordered a copy of this lens and looking forward to pairing it with my D500, D5 and (Z9 whenever that day comes.)

  • @rockfishmiller
    @rockfishmiller 2 роки тому

    Amazing birds. If you can, get out on the ocean, Pacific Loons are beautiful too. Thanks for posting. Hello from the Island.

  • @tobiaszgames1173
    @tobiaszgames1173 2 роки тому

    5:11

  • @thomaseriksson6256
    @thomaseriksson6256 2 роки тому

    Can you use 500mmF5.6 with a 1.4*TC? I thnk I will get one to replace a old AF300mm2,8 screw drive

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto 2 роки тому

      Hi Thomas - I use it with the TC1.4-EIII on the Nikon Z6II and it works surprisingly well (f/8 of course)! But it worse worth mentioning that the Z& II generally works better with converters than DSLRs in my experience. So I can't vouch for other cameras.

    • @thomaseriksson6256
      @thomaseriksson6256 2 роки тому

      @@michaelaagaardphoto Thank you for your answer. I will not upgrade to Z camera because they cannot multi exposure and save the combine result in a RAW file. I have to test the 500mm with a 1.4*TCIII on my camera. The alternative is an old 400mm with a 1.4*TC converter but the cost and weight increases and my main interest is landscape photo and not bird and animal.

    • @imoldgreggboosh3467
      @imoldgreggboosh3467 Рік тому

      @@thomaseriksson6256 I shoot the 500mm PF with a D500 - the 1.4TClll works perfectly for me.

    • @thomaseriksson6256
      @thomaseriksson6256 Рік тому

      @@imoldgreggboosh3467 Thank you for the info. I have some ideas to get a 2nd hand AFS 400mm F2.8 G VR for wildlife, but its heavy.

  • @jimdunn9016
    @jimdunn9016 2 роки тому

    At no time does he address the price differences in the lenses he discusses. Must be nice to be rich enough that money is never a consideration.

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto 2 роки тому

      Hi Jim, thanks for you flattering comment! Oh man, I wish I were rich and that money never was a consideration. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The truth is that I worked very hard and saved up money for a long time to buy the camera gear I own. Moreover, I’ve bought my gear used to save money and sold other personal possessions in order to finance it. I could make a separate video about that - would you find that helpful? Thanks again Jim and have a great weekend!

  • @chaos2kProductions
    @chaos2kProductions 2 роки тому

    I'm trying to decide between the Jobu jr3 and the JR3 deluxe any thoughts? I have the Canon R5 Gripped and RF 100-500

  • @aaaaanton1
    @aaaaanton1 2 роки тому

    Excellent review!

  • @lsaideOK
    @lsaideOK 2 роки тому

    Why no new videos

  • @stans6582
    @stans6582 2 роки тому

    Nice work, Michael is it legal to use a floating hide in the water where you shoot ??

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto 2 роки тому

      Thanks Stan! I didn't use a floating hide in this video, I was lying on the ground. I shoot in many, many different locations. Whether it is legal to use a floating hide, depends on the rules governing the specific location. I always make sure to understand what is legal and not, before I go to a new location. Michael

  • @marianwhit
    @marianwhit 3 роки тому

    Is bobbing and gaping normal behaviour?

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto 3 роки тому

      Hi Marian - thanks for you interest. Yes, they bob their heads to better judge the position and depth of the fish before they dive. Kinda like cats bob their heads before attacking to better judge the distance to their prey. Gaping is also normal behaviour, it is part of their stretching routine. Moreover, they gape a lot before regurgitating a pellet. Have a nice day!

  • @NomadByFate
    @NomadByFate 3 роки тому

    AHHHHH MAGICAL .....WOW , THANKS FOR SHARING BRO

  • @Andy1076
    @Andy1076 3 роки тому

    I keep trying to find these beautiful birds but I never seem to be able to capture them sitting still like this, not in Burnaby Lake or even at gardens. Whereabouts was this at if you don't mind my asking? 😊

    • @michaelaagaardphoto
      @michaelaagaardphoto 3 роки тому

      So sorry for the late reply Andy! This was taken in Stanley Park. They do spend a lot of time sitting still on their favourite perches. But they are hard to spot for sure. I normally listen for the Male's territorial calls. site loud and distinct. Once you learn to recognize their calls, they'll be much easier to spot and photograph :)

    • @Andy1076
      @Andy1076 3 роки тому

      @@michaelaagaardphoto I didn't know they had a mating call. Will have to search for the sound now. Thank you for replying! 😀

  • @NomadByFate
    @NomadByFate 3 роки тому

    LOVELY ! WELL DONE PAL