50 DAYS PHOTO EXPEDITION 4:4 - White wolves on Ellesmere Island, Canada
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- Опубліковано 13 жов 2024
- EXPEDITION ELLESMERE SERIES
This is the last video from my two-month Arctic wildlife photography expedition to the Ellesmere Island chasing an old dream. The dream about seeing and photographing the white Arctic Wolf.
Video about the equipment for the expedition: • 2 MONTH PHOTOGRAPHY EX...
Video about testing the equipment in Norway: • 4 DAY SOLO WINTER CAMP...
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It started as a dream:
The idea about going on an expedition to Ellesmere Island was born a late evening where my good friend Anders Bilgram and I were looking at maps, talking about adventures and having a snaps. The next day I wrote him that I was going to Ellesmere Island to photograph the white Arctic wolf and the following day he asked if we should go together, because he had some historical interest in that area. That was basically how it all started. We had a year and a half to plan and prepare the expedition and there was a lot to do. Everything from permissions and researching to physical training, selection and testing of gear and equipment. We would be 5 weeks in the wild without any options for supplies so we could not afford anything to fail out there. Most of our clothes was from Klättermusen simply because I have a lot of great experience with the models I have used on previous trips and expeditions.
We arrived to Grise Fiord late in March and the temperatures were not as bad as we expected. After a week of preparations, we took off and headed north on snowmobiles together with 3 local outfitters. The original plan was to get dropped off on the south point of Axel Heiberg Island and then walk home from there - these plans changed a lot. We quickly discovered that this land seemed almost desolated. I had expected a lot of reindeer, hares, foxes, and muskoxen but after driving for 3 days we had seen nothing. This was not a very good beginning at all.
The plan changed:
We decided to cover a huge area on snow mobiles rather than a very limited area with skies and pulk. We had to find the muskoxen or the reindeer because this would be where the wolves would also be. We talked to the local hunters who suggested to make a combination of driving, staying in a hunter’s cabin and going on skies so that was what we did.
Frostbites, frustrations, and polar bears:
The temperatures up here were much colder than in Grise fiord and one night we had minus 42 Celsius. Wrapped in down clothes it was not a huge problem as long as we kept moving. For the camera equipment is was a huge challenge though since it simply stopped working. The face was another problem and we all got a few frost bites - me on my nose. Besides the cold temperatures, we also had to deal with other challenges such as polar bears entering the camp. One evening when we were having dinner in the tent, we suddenly heard something outside - very very close to the tent. I jumped out without my shoes and a young polar bear was trying to drag out supplies away. I quickly scared him away with the flaregun, but we all slept a bit light after that experience.
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A big thanks to all the people who have supported us before, under and after this expedition:
Family and friends for your patience and for taking care of everything in the 10 weeks we were away from home.
Terry, Olaph and Imushi - our awesome guides from Ausuittuq Adventures: www.ausuittuqa...
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📸 EQUIPMENT
An overview of the equipment used in my latest UA-cam video can be found on below link.
Here you will also see a selection of my favorit gear for various activities:
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Enjoy watching.
See you out there...
I am sitting here reading through all of your amazing comments and I'm without words... I feel truly humbled and grateful to have such a wonderful audience and I can't say thank you enough for all these kind words.
I'm on my way to a two week photo trip and it's not possible for me answer every single comment but I just want you to know how much the mean to me.
You are truly amazing 🙏🙏🙏
I'm planning on making a behind the scenes video, answering questions and telling a little about my equipment, experiences and stuff like that.
If you have any questions, please write them in a comment and I'll try to include as many as possible.
See you out there..
All the best
Morten
I'd love to know more about how you plan your filming shots. You seem to get a dozen different angles.
And, the nature of wildlife photography/film-making means you don't always know what you will/won't see, do you have to decide the story you are telling after you see what footage you have captured?
Keep up the good work. :)
Maybe you could talk a bit about the differente experiences of using an OVF or an EVF? Do you use your DSLR only as a backup or because the moment ist more intimate?
Love your work!! Thanks for everything!
Thinking back to the moment you spent so many hours in your tent waiting for the arctic wolf ... aren't you afraid that a wild animal could attack your tent? Animals like polar bears or wolves, which could be hungry and perhaps attack in packs.
Thank you very much for your work Morten,
everything is breathtaking and has an invaluable value.
Thanks a lot for your great questions 👍
Two questions just for fun:
1. It would be interesting to know, what goes through your mind, when you're in a hide for hours. Are you emersed in thoughts? Meditate? Sleep?
2. Since you seem to be a heavy coffee drinker, how do you manage to stay still in a tent/hide for a longer period of time without "answering nature's call". 😀
"If I get my good photo, but they disappear and run in panic, the photo's worth nothing".
You are a Legend Sir.
Nice beard 👍 haha.
Love from India ♥️
Exactly what I‘m thinking when seeing animals I‘m taking photos of
I am lost for words Morten. This series has been incredible. You are such an amazing story teller and at the end of the video I had goosebumps. It doesn't get any better!!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words Nigel. It really means a lot to me and you know how encouraging it is to get such a fantastic compliment after days and weeks in the field and in the editing room.
I'm really looking forward to catching up with you again this spring. Let's do something awesome 👍
Until then I wish you the best light and great experiences in nature.
See you out there..
Morten Hilmer I know how much hard work was put into this not only in the field but in the amazing editing of sounds and visuals.
@@MortenHilmer Not doing videos myself I had not thought about that. I cannot imagine the amount of work and time that involved, congratulations.
Totally agree thumbs up
Nice plug.
When you saw that wolf, the onion slicing started. I ‘m not afraid to admit it… I’ve had moments like those. The emotion of these videos is unmatched. A true adventurer. Thank you for sharing.
Not “destroying the moment”. So genuine when you said it. Full respect Sir.
Fantastic white world and wonderful white dream!!....thanks Morten!
Please turn down National Geographic when they ask you to do a series with them (if they havent already).
Your videos and story telling are way better than anything they are putting out with teams of people and big budgets. It would be a shame for them to tell your stories their way.
Have a great day Morten and be safe out there!
You captured some Muskox behaviors I hadn't seen before, I think we are all so happy for you. It feels like we have been searching along with you for these moments that you are getting. So it feels like experiencing some of the same emotions. THAT is story telling at its best
Those arctic wolve photos at the end, are beautiful. They almost look like they are picking up on your emotional response that you (and we) were experiencing.
This series makes your 2020 calendar on our wall that much more special and I will be framing many of them after the month passes.
Nat Geo does not deserve to capitalize on your product,no to them.
BBC does the best nature docu
dunno - i guess if they offered he would have a say in how expeditions are run - people inc. - and having the monetary support from a big company such as NG could allow him to do some really interesting projects.
This 4 part series seriously has to be my all time favorite series on UA-cam. The only one that I have watched 3 times. I have Planet Earth in my collection but this is a complete experience of an adventure. It's not only the story but it's also the indescribable passion about these unique moments that are just inspiring. Thank you, Morten, for bringing us on this incredible adventure.
Loved this part of the series even more than others. And what a lovely thought when you say that the photo is worth nothing if you get closer, get your shot and after that they run away in panic! That shows immense respect for Nature and Wildlife!! 👏👏😊👍
I thought the same as well very respectful what a great man 😀
You are quite simply the best out there for producing videos for naturing loving photographers. You put international TV series productions to shame with you simple, honest and emotional approach to your surroundings and subjects.
Thanks for sharing your expereinces.
Morten you are an exceptional wildlife story teller, clicked like before I watched it because I know it will be fantastic.
You deserve a TV show, for sure.!!!!!!
This video series touches me very much, thank you for sharing your passion.
I just decided to take a break because the work I was doing was getting a bit too tedious and here you were with a new video :).
I've enjoyed the Ellesmere videos immensely. The scenery, the editing, the music, the colour grading and of course the adventure itself.
I wanted to thank you for taking us with you during this incredible experience. It felt like I was there, although I was a lot more comfy and warm than you were.
I might decide to do a drawing from one of these videos as they are hugely inspiring and I can't get these wolves out of my head.
I echo these thoughts. Great integrity when its not just about the photography, but also the moment between you & the subject - respecting their own space and peace. Excellent.
Oh boy! With tears in my eyes, my coffee got quite cold as I watched your most beautiful film, Morten. It was amazing. Thank you for doing what you do for the viewing audience. A fan in Canada. (Incidentally, we had -36 degrees celsius without the windshield factored in just a few weeks ago here in Alberta.).
Brother, I got teary eyed when the first picture of the artic wolf appeared after telling us how the batteries died. At this stage in my life, I can only imagine how much that moment meant to you. Thank you so much for sharing this moment and your craft. I am truly humbled.
Nice words i agree
Morten; you deserve some kind of award for this series. You have created a video series of an expedition that is absolutely top notch!
He needs to be part of the teams sent out by Nat Geo to cover these amazing stories. He'd be a great narrator as well!
@@MiguelJuanez I agree. He does every bit as well, probably better, than most documentaries that I have watched.
It will come. This is much better than Nat Geo. Raw material. Nat Geo they have a whole team producing their films. Morten is doing EVERYTHING by himself!!!
We dont have to wait for some corporation to give him one. People's choice is much more valuable. Imo, his photos are his awards. I know mine are.
I've been trying to write what your video has made me feel - but keep deleting it every time because I can't explain. What a journey. So touching to see the muskoxen doing their every day things.
The end is here ..... Totally love this episode.... What an inspiration for me.... Thank you so much Morten
Thank God for his beautiful creation and the gift you have had!
Everytime while watching your video it feels like l am there at that place .
I lived on Ellesmere (Grise Fiord) for 7 years and had the same reaction as you kunal.
What an amazing adventure Morten. You have a wonderful gift as a writer and photographer. I felt like I was there with you and felt the emotions with you as well! You could easily make a documentary movie about all your adventures and narrate it yourself! Brilliant! Thank you for sharing with us all :)
Speechless... Absolutely speechles.... Your videos are simply the best. There is so much emotion and I can really feel that im there in the moment! Thank you so much for inspiring and telling us your stories🙏🙏
Awesome video. And even watching this video makes me feel cold. Very beautiful sceneries and everything. 🤘😊👍💯
After watching Part 4, I feel a loss and a desire to go out and shoot more. Thank you Morten, this is the second great adventure you have taken me on through your lens. The images are quite simply, spectacular. My favourites are the clip of the vanishing Artic Wolf and the White Fox with one eye open. I wish you all the very best and much success in all your endeavours. Your positivity, hope and respect for other living beings is more of what this world needs.
You’re a master storyteller, photographer and video editor. Thankyou for sharing your beautiful experience with nature in this cold brutal part of the world the likes of which I’ll never see in person.
Stunning images so respectfully obtained The privilege is all ours to be able to share Awesome Total respect and awe 👏👏👏🧑🎨
Thank you Morten...For all the times I seek strength and inspiration - you provide it.
Absolutely stunning. I'm kind of sad that it's over, I've looked forward to this story over the weeks. Congratulations on those final shots, they are incredible.
Morten fantástic vídeo ¡ congratulations and greatings from spain
My wife and I were watching this last part in your series and she said that just loves the way you describe your work because you can tell how much it means to you. I hope to channel that same enthusiasm and love for the art as you.
Excellent Morten. I wish I could be out there in the frozen desert looking for white wolves, oxen, and hares. It must be a life-altering adventure. Best.
So, you saved the best part to last. Amazing Journey Morten. Tack för att du delar med dig av äventyret. 👍🏻🇸🇪🇩🇰
You can't help but see your expedition every second.
I'm Brazilian and I was able to follow everything thanks to the subtitles. His achievement in being able to photograph the Arctic white wolf was in our crowd. For being able to see the animal itself and for its worthiness. Congratulations!! And now look for a warmer country because this ice is cold!! :)
This has been a truly amazing series from start to finish, inspirational, educational and emotional, you are a Master of your trade Morten. Thank you for sharing and allowing us to share your adventure 🙏👏👏👏
What an expedition, hunting to shoot (but not to kill your subject ) the best shot for us.!
I think I held my breath during all episodes 🤭 though I can finally breathe out, I didn’t want this series to end. What an awesome adventure!
This is one of the best episode. "Not destroying the moment" Only few photographers following the ethics... You are one among them.... Salute Sir...😍😊
Beyond words. Thank you for passing on your experience, it has meant a lot to me.
100% class! Great video series Morten!
A truly inspiring story of a photographer following his dreams and catching the impossible! Good luck with your next upcoming projects!
For me you are the greatest extreme wildlife photographer, not only for your impressive photos but for your soul, you are in harmony with nature.
Truly an amazing video Morten, that was such an emotional ending. I’m so glad you kept your hopes up through those quiet days. I think it was definitely worth it, I love the polar bear photo in the calendar this month, and it makes it even more special knowing the lengths you went to, to get that photo. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday afternoon. 🙏😃
Thank you for sharing your journey. So glad you got to get some wildlife photos to.
I got all teary-eyed watching this. Just amazing.
So glad you got your images....enjoyed all of the episodes...thinking of the serenity you experienced....happy that there are still places in our world with no insanity happening ....
Wow, Morten wasn't expecting that at the end. All I can say this has been an incredible series and congratulations on completing your trip. This really has been one of the best pieces of work, I have had the pleasure of viewing, so thank you for sharing your experience. When you feel the emotion when watching, you know this is storytelling at its best.
I know you used Epidemic Sound in your episodes, would it be possible to share the names of the artists you have used, as the music was beautiful and complimented your production magnificently.
I am seconding this request. The music is indeed very complemental to the mood, the beautifull pictures, video's and your spoken thoughts. It took you much time and effort to make these wonderfull video's , not only in the planning phase and during the actual expedition, but also to compile and edit these recordings. I am very gratefull to be able to see your beautifull work and will be always be inspired by it. Thank you very much. Best wishes from the Netherlands.
Super Bowl Sunday here in the US today...and I am going to go back through Morten's parts 1-3, and then this Part 4 again, with the TV on mute in the background. This series has been phenomenal, and I'm sending links out to my friends to watch Part 4 now.
I've never felt so much happiness for someone else before. The final shots had me in tears. Congratulations Morten, simply sublime.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventure...I felt as if I was with you. Great job!
Wow how wonderful, the wolf experience was magical I could feel the emotion just perfect
Wauw, Thank you Morten for making this wonderful video !!
Wow incredible video! This must be one of my favorites, the landscape in that area is stunning! It is so cool that you were able to experience such and amazing expedition with such cool people
I am looking forward to seeing your new upload as usual! Keep up the good work!
I was debating to even categorize what this video is. It is so much more than a vlog or at least what vlogs should be like. I enjoy the true capture of your experiences and how it’s impact on you is so genuine. You exude such an impact of generosity in your approach to wildlife. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and especially the last video. The cumulative thoughts on it’s importance to you shows your passion in what you do and your appreciation for what life has to offer you. Your perspective on it all is something I can admire. Thank you for sharing your moments in such a genuine way. I hope to see more. Thank you for reading!
"If I get my good photo, but they disappear and run in panic, the photo's worth nothing".
You are a Legend Sir..
wow what a beautiful experience and video. Thanks for sharing Morton! love your channel!
Incredible and intense series and especially the last few moments. You've raised the bar on adventure and wildlife videos. Heartfelt congratulations.
Memories for lifetime. Beautiful.
I very much appreciate the videos on this trip. More importantly though, I appreciate the emotion you bring, put in to them and share with us. Thanks.
Enchanting! Superb art! Breathtakihngly beautiful! Congratulations and thanks for taking me on your journey.
Simply amazing! I wont get into a long story here, bc i just can't express my feelings as a non english speaker.
Thanks for taking us on that journey and that last story was so amazing, i am really happy for you!
Better than a tv show! keep them coming Morten!
Finally... really I'm waiting since Long time... congrats
well that was emotional in so many ways. That last video of seeing the wolf...... no wonder lots of people are lost for words... brilliant ....
first viewer morten i am so excited to see this video thanks
This series was worth waiting eight months for. I had a feeling you wouldn't get to keep that skull; but you never know until you try.
The love & joy of chasing the light & moments in the great outdoors
Brazilian here, big fan of yours, Morten. This is better than any Netflix crap.
How do you not have millions of subscribers? The emotional impact that your words, your pictures, your story have on me is mood altering. I can start to watch your video and immediately am feeling better, feel immersed in the world you bring to us. Your energy and respect for nature, put so many of the professionals to shame. Ive heard stories of other nature documentarians that risk the lives of the animals they are watching, just to get the shot. But you step away, multiple times, to either not scare the animal nor ruin the moment, Who is so thoughtful?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you do.
Absolutely one of the most heartfelt photo expeditions about wolves and Ellesmere Island ever achieved.Congratulations.
You made me cry at the end of the video but those tears are full of joy, happiness and respect! You are true miracle, Morten Hilmer. Thank you for being who you are ✨🌿
Cant just describe how hard you work for a photo... This is what makes you a real hero💓
I only recently discoved this 4-part story of your Ellesmere Island Expedition. What a privilege and joy to listen to ypur story of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and see the rare landscape and wildlife that you documented with such skill, awe, and respect. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I was especially impressed and touched by your ethics and good character when you chose to keep a respectful distance from the Muskoxen over closing in for a better shot at the expense of their comfort.
What a life experience..you captured it beautifully 👏🏼
I am truly touched, and feel so incredibly happy for you and myself because I could be a part of it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
No UA-cam video comes close to this series in the last 12 months. Truly inspirational film and a touching story. Where are you off to this year! Epic.
I'm glad you saved the two wolves until the end of your videos, Hilmer. And, great to see that your passion and excitement never waned. You set the bar really high when several years back you photographed the musk oxen in the snow storm. And the hare. And you covered in ice. Keep up the great work that we enjoy so much. Thanks.
I may be three years late, however, it's never old. What an amazing adventure - beginning to end. Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey. the end brought me to absolute tears. Blessings and safe travels.
You've reduced a big man to tears. Truly wonderful, thank you.
A fantastic video series. Enjoyed it not just for the wildlife and landscape photography but also for the chance you had to experience true wilderness and solitude in the very busy and hectic world we live in. It reminds us all we must take time out to just experiences the beauty all around us and our lives will be all the better for it. This video series deserves to be broadcast on TV; beautifully shot and edited. I hope you undertake some further expeditions and I look forward to seeing your videos afterwards. Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
It's so rare to find something nice in 2020...
Photography channels have been a major source of calm and... nice things.
There is no one who makes videos like you, every word you say shows passion, it is incredible the way you make me feel that I am almost there with you on your adventures.
Simply great, thanks for sharing these experiences and especially for the way you do it.
Morten, I know I'll never go there, so thank you for taking me with you. It was magical. Best regards
Wow incredible video Morten! Thank you for sharing your experiences and your emotions with us. Thank you for taking us along with you and letting us see this remote area through your lens and heart. I'm so grateful for your efforts.
Awesome, beautiful video! And that paw print was huge!
I love that you are so respectful and that you don’t impose on the oxen by trying to get closer; I wish everyone would do this. Lovely video and thank you for sharing those wonderful peaceful moments with the oxen herd and their beautiful young.
Thank you Morten for the series on Ellesmere Island! You are truely an inspiration to me to get out and photograph. I am so happy your dream to get photos of the White Ghosts of the North was fulfilled. I can't wait for more of your videos in the future. Your video techniques are perfect in presenting the grandeur of nature.
That was truly incredible. Ive never had an interest in photography and it absolutely blew me away.
Awesome adventure, the documentary is one of the best ive ever seen.
You should be incredibly proud of this. It brought me to tears multiple times.
Absolutely Amazing Morten..
Thank you Morten Hilmer, for allowing me into your adventure with you. I absolutely loved every minute of it!
I have to write this: thank you so much for taking us with you to Ellesmere Island. This was amazing!
Words cannot describe it...Wow Morten Wow!
I'm lost for words except to say "truly magnificent". You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you Morten.
Trank you so much for sharing this beautyful moments
Greetings Morten. Again, what can I say? I have just watched the final instalment of your Arctic Adventure and completely LOVED every second of each episode. Your photographic images are truly made with a passion, and that shows in every one of them.
I almost feel like you 4 guys are family, you just have not been off my screen. The guides seem like genuine "I love my job" kind of guys and seem very decent. And your friend Anders, what a nice chap too, and love it when he found the hidden messages, his enthusiasm was amazingly infectious, I was pleased for him too! :-)
All the animals you shot were amazing, absolutely loved the Lone White Wolf...and at the end, you got and lived the dream...a pack of White Wolves. I have just turned 52 and even I could feel a tear in my eyes as I watched you all elated, emotional and oooozing passion for the moment...incredible.
And your videos, well...best thing ever, and better than anything the big T.V. companies can make by far. Your passion just shows in every episode. I LIVE for your videos, they inspire me and love to see fellow mankind with my same mentality as yourself.
Keep them coming please, you are now a UA-cam star in my book, the best UA-camr channel ever. I am hooked for life.
All the best from the U.K. :-)
When I started watching this series I couldn't stop bing-watching and sleep is the only thing that stopped me. Your images overwhelm me and as many have said your storytelling is amazing! There is something in the solitude that captures my soul and brings reality to the edge of the present and I often go into the northern bush just to be alone and hear the soft sweep of wind and the crunch of snow as I walk. You bring all those emotions back to me and I thank you so much for that. Be safe, take care and enjoy life....
That moment when you told you felt being at the present and you forgot to photograph. And that humble receding once you got what you wanted. You n ur cam might be sharing one soul. Would die to experience one such unique moment.
"...Ohhh it's good!" Great video. I am sure everyone watching felt your relief and excitement.
I've been following your work for quite some time. In my humble opinion you are by far one of the best photographers and narrators on youtube. The love you show for your work is contagious.
I can't believe it is over! What a wonderful adventure. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Morten, Just finished the story.........Well written, well produced, well photograph...... very emotional........all I can say is your are very fortunate ( I know you know) to have had this opportunity So.......all I can really say is, THANKS FOR SHARING........take care.
Wow. So grateful for these videos. Thank you for sharing such an intimate moment in the wild!