Amateur vs. Professional Wildlife Photographer

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
  • Morten Hilmer and I have made it to the Amazon Jungle. So, I wanted to see the difference between a professional wildlife photographer and an amateur.
    SquareSpace: www.squarespace.com/brendanvanson
    Morten's Channel: / mortenhilmer
    When I asked professional wildlife photographer Morten Hilmer to join me in Ecuador for this photography trip, I was excited to learn from him. I'm a professional travel photographer and an amateur/hobbyist wildlife photographer. What's thee difference in the skill level of someone who does wildlife photography for a living and someone like me who just loves animals and can handle a camera.
    Well, on today's photo vlog, Morten and I have a bit of an informal photography shoot out in the Amazon basin of Ecuador.
    Twitter: / brendanvanson
    Facebook: www. thetravelwriter

КОМЕНТАРІ • 311

  • @isaacspotts107
    @isaacspotts107 4 роки тому +366

    Weird seeing Morten in shorts and a T-shirt I’m so used to seeing him in winter gear with a beard full of ice lol

    • @ArthurMG00
      @ArthurMG00 4 роки тому

      lol isaac. This man, comment section, aprecciate him. Real sasquatch hunter. And a great wildlife photographer, when off duty.

    • @alanmadej9706
      @alanmadej9706 4 роки тому

      Same feeling 😅

    • @ludeta5272
      @ludeta5272 4 роки тому

      Tru

    • @myroadtours6147
      @myroadtours6147 4 роки тому

      Right, almost different recognize him lol

  • @CarlosHernandez-kg8py
    @CarlosHernandez-kg8py 4 роки тому +165

    A professional photographer is one that blows dust away from the lens without spitting on the lens.

    • @winstonpx
      @winstonpx 4 роки тому +5

      @tyvek05 damn u seem fun at parties

    • @NightShooter87
      @NightShooter87 4 роки тому +1

      @@winstonpx Haha I was thinking the same ;-)

    • @Odinthesleepy
      @Odinthesleepy 4 роки тому +2

      tyvek05 a professional knows that spit on the outer element won't affect the shot and lets it sit there haha

  • @MichalOlender
    @MichalOlender 4 роки тому +73

    Morten is a legend.

  • @23rdsentry72
    @23rdsentry72 4 роки тому +41

    I love Morten’s passion and emotive perspective about wildlife and photography, keen for his part 2 of his latest expedition 😁😁

  • @chris_perea
    @chris_perea 4 роки тому +70

    jodie's photo of the kayman was 🤯🤯!!

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  4 роки тому +7

      Right?! Crazy good

    • @craigbishop2529
      @craigbishop2529 4 роки тому +2

      I concur! First video I’ve watched on this channel, and that shot was incredible 🤯🤯 new subscriber: check.

  • @Jim1971a
    @Jim1971a 4 роки тому +13

    I like how you feel that the words “professional”, “hobbyist”, and “amateur” say nothing about a photographer’s talent, knowledge or experience. I agree 100%.

    • @debzyjg
      @debzyjg 4 роки тому +5

      Jim1971a I agree too. Many amateurs take shots just as good as pro’s. They just choose not to make a living doing it. That’s the only difference to me.

  • @SuperFucdat
    @SuperFucdat 4 роки тому +25

    Jody’s image of the snake eye is a fantastic shot. 🇬🇧

  • @russleewildlife1136
    @russleewildlife1136 4 роки тому +9

    So awesome to see my favorite wildlife photographer Morten Hilmer and my favorite Landscape/travel photographer together again.

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  4 роки тому

      Glad you liked it!

    • @juanperes2331
      @juanperes2331 3 роки тому

      My favorite nature photographer is Mark Smith, when it comes to birds especially

  • @JustinOpinionChannel
    @JustinOpinionChannel 2 роки тому +1

    Morten is inspirational as a photographer, and as a human being. High on the list of people I would love the chance to have a conversation with. Far above any "celebrities" or other high-profile people.

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  2 роки тому +1

      As someone who knows Morten well, anyone who gets to spend time with him is very lucky. He's such a ball of positive energy. Such a great human being.

  • @bardot777
    @bardot777 4 роки тому +8

    I have to agree with others here. The shot of the Caymans eye was top notch and stole the show for me also.

  • @gregsnell
    @gregsnell 4 роки тому +15

    The explanation of the Pro vs. Amateur is spot on dude. Morten's 600mm is hectic!! I could see how the 200-400 with the extender might have been better though. Also that 150-600 Tamron could have been nice. Always good to challenge yourself though and work with what you have. Those Spider Monkeys are the best. Also Anacondas!! Wow Jodie's images are great too. Another great video dude!! 🙌

    • @CarlosHernandez-kg8py
      @CarlosHernandez-kg8py 4 роки тому

      Worst place to shoot lowland rainforests are from a moving boat, with the exception of a maneuverable kayak where you can move into tight places. 600mm was a bad choice here. Wildlife photographers are leaving the primes 500/600mm home and opting for telephoto zooms for wildlife photography.

    • @nordic5490
      @nordic5490 4 роки тому

      The 200-400mm Canon is killer - I used one for a couple of hours, af fantastic, Dragon flies in flight - no problem!

  • @christiantengeler8417
    @christiantengeler8417 4 роки тому +1

    Nice to see that Morten is meeting you, I love his Videos.

  • @pvpixelarts
    @pvpixelarts 3 роки тому

    Amazing to see my favorite UA-camrs together. Fun to see Morten Hilmer in a different setting with all smiles. This video exactly showed what we do as amateurs wildlife photographers. Loved every bit of it. Shared it with our group guys as well.

  • @dacekundrate4391
    @dacekundrate4391 4 роки тому +2

    Beautiful photos. My favorite was two parrots on blue sky background. So minimalistic, but amazing.

  • @johntravena119
    @johntravena119 Рік тому

    Morten’s next level determination to get the shot is right!

  • @lilledilorenzo1341
    @lilledilorenzo1341 10 місяців тому

    What a GREAT video. I watch many, many wildlife videos by many photographers. I truly enjoyed this one !! So down to earth . Thanks much.

  • @debbieb9815
    @debbieb9815 4 роки тому +16

    Such a fun video to watch! I love Morten, he has such a gentleness about him. He is the most patient wildlife photographer I’ve seen. But watching you and Jodie enjoying the jungle is fun too because it’s different from most places you go to and it’s a new challenge shooting wildlife spontaneously and quickly without the time to plan out a shot too much. Keep the videos coming.... and have a wonderful Christmas family.

  • @bigsubful
    @bigsubful 3 роки тому

    Hello Brendan, what did you use to attach the camera to the backpack?

  • @perceptualreality3502
    @perceptualreality3502 4 роки тому

    What camera bodies were you both using?

  • @CJE71
    @CJE71 Рік тому

    I admire Morton. Love his kind spirit. God bless you.

  • @davearchbell9921
    @davearchbell9921 4 роки тому

    I just bought a sigma 150 to 600. Based on your vlog I am even happier with the versatility it provides. I learned a lot by you showing your settings.

  • @michaelwong7444
    @michaelwong7444 4 роки тому

    请问是什么地方?

  • @AraceaeFanatics
    @AraceaeFanatics 4 роки тому

    What did you use to film this video?

  • @martinpaiva4994
    @martinpaiva4994 4 роки тому

    Hey Brendan ! What is the L bracket you are using ? I have an EOS R (believe you use that body too) ?

  • @PedreschiMess
    @PedreschiMess 4 роки тому +3

    in the first 2:30 min you already brought tears to my eyes. thank you for the inspiring video & content!

  • @R.Hogarth
    @R.Hogarth 4 роки тому

    Looks like an absolutely amazing trip! Have fun and I can't wait to see your videos. Have a Merry Christmas.

  • @TwittyMc
    @TwittyMc 4 роки тому

    Through which agency did you book this trip? Im interested in doing photography trips..

  • @GodIsReal
    @GodIsReal 4 роки тому

    How cool that you hooked up with Morten. He's an amazing big kid who didn't forget how to play and have fun 😁

  • @eduardovilela7915
    @eduardovilela7915 4 роки тому +1

    Morten you are fantastic both at the Artic or the Jungle. Well done.

  • @ganngamtangjang5797
    @ganngamtangjang5797 4 роки тому

    Can I use Canon 80D to sigma lens 300-800mm

  • @zmzegare
    @zmzegare 4 роки тому

    It seems like your ISO jumps around a bit throughout the shoot. While on the move filming wildlife, what made you select the ISO you selected?

  • @grub20583
    @grub20583 4 роки тому

    What about the sigma 60-600mm? Is that the best all around lense for wildlife and sports?

  • @DrNick8002
    @DrNick8002 2 роки тому

    Such wonderful moments being with Morten Hilmer

  • @josephcole3187
    @josephcole3187 4 роки тому

    Definitely on my bucket list, looks amazing!!!

  • @adedotunajibade
    @adedotunajibade 4 роки тому

    Happy to see this! 💚💚💚

  • @PeterLariviere1
    @PeterLariviere1 4 роки тому +11

    You two make a great team....add Greg S and it couldn't be better...BVS if Morten was feeling out of sorts in the jungle he should have been pulling a pulk to feel more at home!!!

  • @billbell8800
    @billbell8800 4 роки тому

    Really enjoyed the video, what a amazing place. Thanks

  • @kian8382
    @kian8382 4 роки тому

    Great to see you guys hang out, I thought I was in his channel at first.

  • @edgardo_z_
    @edgardo_z_ Рік тому

    Love your wildlife trip....😍

  • @dland4766
    @dland4766 4 роки тому

    AMAZING pictures from ALL 3 of you.... keep doing you!!!

  • @Fer257
    @Fer257 4 роки тому +4

    MI HERMOSO ECUADOR...

  • @alexm4903
    @alexm4903 4 роки тому

    I really enjoyed watching this video , great men!!!

  • @tyd7972
    @tyd7972 4 роки тому

    Out of curiosity can you tell me why you have your lens collar with the mount at the top?

    • @snap-n-shoot
      @snap-n-shoot 3 роки тому

      It c n be used as a handle to carry the lens

  • @Daggie666
    @Daggie666 4 роки тому +1

    Wonderful story, Brendan. And as a wildlife photographer I must admit: Your shots in this video are absolutely first class! Also the lens impresses me. The bokeh is beautiful. You're multi talented, Brendan. Just get used to it :)

  • @cIimber314
    @cIimber314 Рік тому

    I like your camera mount on the backpack. What exactly is it?

  • @faildotcomable
    @faildotcomable 3 роки тому

    super late. But, This is a great video. Your dialogue is insightful and natural. Thanks!

  • @jamiemorphy
    @jamiemorphy 4 роки тому

    Looks fun. Great shots Jodi!

  • @gg48gg
    @gg48gg 4 роки тому

    Extremely insightful and very enjoyable video!

  • @johnvinci6995
    @johnvinci6995 4 роки тому

    Great shots from the both of you. Were the photos post processed though?

  • @TheJuniorbastos
    @TheJuniorbastos 4 роки тому +11

    O Brasil precisa incentivar e investir mais em turismo ecológico, pois somos uma enorme potência em biodiversidade, e o mundo tem que vir conhecer!

  • @meganashlea
    @meganashlea Рік тому +1

    Just stumbled on your channel, bought my first “real” camera where I can change lenses in April for an upcoming Alaska cruise. I’ve been playing with the settings and watching UA-cam videos to help explain them to me. I truly appreciate you adding the setting used for each shot. I ordered a Sigma 150mm-600mm off a recommendation on a different channel, hoping it will help me catch some wild life from the ship. Also fingers crossed to see the northern lights on our land tour after the cruise. (Off to watch more of your videos)

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  Рік тому

      Welcome to the channel! Hope you have lots of fun in Alaska, the 150-600mm lens is a good choice!
      For wildlife settings, I always try to remember to keep my shutter speed at least double my focal length. For example, if you're at 500mm your shutter speed for sharp images should be at least 1/1000sec.
      I hope that helps.

    • @meganashlea
      @meganashlea Рік тому

      @@BrendanvanSon thank you for the tip!

  • @admirdeliccom
    @admirdeliccom 3 роки тому

    Why is the grass greener on your side?

  • @KruiserIV
    @KruiserIV 4 роки тому

    Are those EOS R and Nikon Z6/Z7?

  • @keithpinn152
    @keithpinn152 4 роки тому

    Great video. It was nice to see the collaboration between yourself and Morten. Cheers, Keith Pinn, Barrie Ontario

  • @Coolchris158
    @Coolchris158 4 роки тому +1

    Great video! I have thre nikon d500 with a 200-500 5.6. Would that work for the Amazon?

  • @dr.whocares8702
    @dr.whocares8702 4 роки тому

    How do you get those unfocused backgrounds? 14:52, awesome video btw

  • @sambennage1478
    @sambennage1478 4 роки тому

    Awesome just awesome on all points.

  • @scientia_potentia_est
    @scientia_potentia_est 4 роки тому +2

    Just subscribed to your channel, love your vids and all the useful advise about which gear to use in specific scenarios! Just got started in amateur landscape photography with a Nikon D500 and a Nikkor 16-80 F/2.8-4

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  4 роки тому +1

      Welcome to the community!

    • @MrAyybee2cold
      @MrAyybee2cold 4 роки тому

      scientia est potestas you plan on picking up a 80-400, 150-600, or 200-500?

  • @PunjabiGymBeats
    @PunjabiGymBeats 4 роки тому

    R you using EOS R with 100-400 mark ii..? I want to purchase eos R so wanna get your advise. I like to shoot wildlife and landscape for fun.

  • @nwyetiphotography
    @nwyetiphotography 4 роки тому

    Sweet video! And a new subscriber! :) What bodies are both of you guys using? I don't see a lot of Sonys out there! I shoot with a Sony a7iii FF and a a6300 crop body for a little more reach with either a Sigma Bigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 or a Sigma 150-500mm f/5.6.

  • @BirdinginMalaysia
    @BirdinginMalaysia 3 роки тому

    sometimes, yes, photographers will carry 2 camera body and 2 lens (zoom and prime). but this video is a great reminder.

  • @harraldpostauto6379
    @harraldpostauto6379 4 роки тому +2

    Man iam over there aswell can I in any way meet you????

  • @JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67
    @JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67 4 роки тому

    Awesome video Brendan, Thanks for sharing, Merry Christmas.

  • @lyndons.grondiano6654
    @lyndons.grondiano6654 4 роки тому

    I love this two great man in our times

  • @ledzep369
    @ledzep369 Рік тому +1

    I see Morten, I give thumbs up

  • @andya5068
    @andya5068 4 роки тому

    AYEEEEEE ECUADOR!!!!!!!

  • @joepalmer75
    @joepalmer75 4 роки тому +1

    Great shots..really high ISO's on many of them.

  • @thiru486
    @thiru486 4 роки тому

    How the pictures are so grain-free when the ISO is 6400, Can someone help me out?

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  4 роки тому +1

      A good full frame camera, shot at the right exposure does the trick.

  • @Str8int
    @Str8int 4 роки тому +1

    I am so jealous you got to photograph with Morten--he is a living legend!

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  4 роки тому +1

      Morten is one of the best people in the world.

  • @slodays1158
    @slodays1158 4 роки тому

    Cool vid. Makes me want to go!

  • @michalstoch
    @michalstoch 4 роки тому

    Jodie`s kayman photo is just awesome ❤❤❤❤

  • @aaronramos6056
    @aaronramos6056 4 роки тому +15

    Now do the same in the artic and he'll show you !

  • @furiousdoe7779
    @furiousdoe7779 4 роки тому

    You should have tried an M1III and the 300mmf4 and converter .

  • @debzyjg
    @debzyjg 4 роки тому +1

    I agree.
    I think as an amateur there’s no pressure. We can go out and explore nature knowing we only have to please ourselves. But for a pro, they have more pressure to get the perfect shot.

  • @Tedng84
    @Tedng84 4 роки тому

    for me, i think the more convenient the lens the better. i been using 100-400mm L II. for traveling on boat or jungle its still the best

  • @TheGuitarsadist
    @TheGuitarsadist 4 роки тому +9

    Wow the shots Jodie took were fantastic. All the shots presented were very good for sure, but the one you showed from Jodie, especially the parrot with the moon were fantastic. Morten is one of my favorite by far and I have been following him for a few years now (as well as BVS) and the dedication he puts into trying to get the perfect wildlife shot cannot be overstated. He has just started posted video of his 2 month Artic Expedition and recommend all check it out.
    Brendan your shots are very very good also especially since your are shooting outside your normal landscape and travel, love the Anaconda pics as well as those unusually monkeys.
    Thanks for sharing the adventure

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  4 роки тому +3

      Yes! Morten's video from Ellesmere Island is crazy.

    • @TheGuitarsadist
      @TheGuitarsadist 4 роки тому

      @@BrendanvanSon Yes they are and as I just posted on his site, got me on pins and needles to see what happens next. That also to see if he makes it to Alert for one of the weird places I have also been too in my line of work a few years back. Unlike Morten, got to spend my time on Ellesmere in a nice warm building with good food and some interesting conversation, basically spending close to a week there for about a day of work waiting on the plane to return.
      Best to you and Jodie and your loved ones for a great Christmas and more fun and memorable adventures in 2020.

    • @bejegerent.2928
      @bejegerent.2928 4 роки тому

      TheGuitarsadist morten’s parrot with the moon is also extremely beautiful

    • @TheGuitarsadist
      @TheGuitarsadist 4 роки тому

      @@bejegerent.2928 Agree as are most of Morten shots

  • @snap-n-shoot
    @snap-n-shoot 3 роки тому

    Where can I find out more about doing a similar tour?

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  3 роки тому

      Head to my blog, Brendansadventures.com and click on "photography workshops" they're all listed there. Or, shoot me an email! Cheers!

  • @jonny_leach
    @jonny_leach 4 роки тому +1

    What a shot of that Kayman!!!!!! Holy Sh*t!

  • @IleniaCore
    @IleniaCore 4 роки тому

    So interesting. Thanks

  • @BrentODell
    @BrentODell 4 роки тому +1

    MORTEN!!! Love this guy!

  • @TetraEzio
    @TetraEzio 4 роки тому

    Brilliant video I like the choreography.

  • @safariexperiences
    @safariexperiences Рік тому

    Hi Brendan looks like a great experience. I have 1 rule as a pro I’d say. I generally only take a photo if I know it can become a fine art or if to hang on the wall. When on safari in Africa for example I know what a leopard looks like when I close my eyes so if the composition is not favorable I don’t take the picture and I don’t believe so much in bad light as in bright sun light I often over expose to blow out the high lights and then go black and white and up the contrast for great prints. Just an idea. Enjoy Doug

  • @nikolatesla9384
    @nikolatesla9384 4 роки тому

    Since you moved more into 'travel photography' rather than 'landscape' i have not been watching your videos anymore. Seeing Morten here makes me want to see more nature related content from you. At least as i remember i suscribed for that reason in the first place or maybe i just never really got what your channel is about. Anyways great pictures.

  • @twotone3070
    @twotone3070 4 роки тому

    hmmm, hardly think you could describe such a gent as "your boy". You certainly got some amazing photos.

  • @bhalchandrakapatkar1710
    @bhalchandrakapatkar1710 4 роки тому

    No.1 photography. 👍👍

  • @JohnDrummondPhoto
    @JohnDrummondPhoto 4 роки тому +1

    You had me at "Hoatzin" (1:45)! Are you going to do this tour again in the foreseeable future? I wanted to come but life intervened. 😣

    • @BrendanvanSon
      @BrendanvanSon  4 роки тому +1

      Yes. But it will likely be 2 or 3 years from now. We had such a great time

  • @ThrivingCountry
    @ThrivingCountry 3 роки тому

    I am thinking about providing a service very similar to what you guys experienced in this video but in the Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area, National Forest and along the coastal system in NW Florida. Obviously we have different wildlife than what was shown in this video but the area is rich with wildlife none the less. I am glad to see something that closely resembles what I already had in mind to offer. It gives me more confidence that it can work.

  • @jeffreyhawker9042
    @jeffreyhawker9042 4 роки тому

    Brendan, I saw Tom's video mention the Peru trip, has my interest peaked, not great timing for my schedule, but might be too good of an opportunity to pass on, any chance that you, Tom and Greg do the same trip in 2021?

  • @fualexander7798
    @fualexander7798 4 роки тому

    I think my choice of lens would definitely be a super zoom. If you have a Canon or Nikon body, then the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 would be my choice and on an APS-C body for additional reach. But, the most ideal setup would probably be a Sony A9 or A9 II paired up with the Sony 200-600mm f/5-6.3 for its AF performance.

  • @Bazzasphotolife
    @Bazzasphotolife 4 роки тому

    I really enjoyed that. Thank you.

  • @queerios9925
    @queerios9925 4 роки тому +2

    I take a lot of photos in a row just in case one of them is slightly out of focus I keep very few of them. It's better being safe than sorry 🤷‍♂️

  • @101blog
    @101blog 4 роки тому

    I'm on a boat.. thanks for a great trip ;-) JA

  • @alexandercalderon7612
    @alexandercalderon7612 4 роки тому +3

    Just wished to see Morten shooting with his tamron 150-600 since he uses it alot and well, most amateurs is what they use for wildlife... usually.

    • @turgs1
      @turgs1 3 роки тому

      So what was mortons camera

    • @styled9876
      @styled9876 3 роки тому +1

      @@turgs1 Nikon Z7 and a Nikon 600mm lens, not sure about anything else

  • @myroadtours6147
    @myroadtours6147 4 роки тому

    As much as I love my 600mm F4, I would probably opt for the Nikon 500mm pf.

  • @dance2jam
    @dance2jam 4 роки тому +1

    Brendan, love your approach. My two favorite lines: As an amateur, "you're kinda just snapping and hoping a moment appears in the images later" (so true and refreshing to hear spoken) and "I thought my version of it was pretty special, until I saw Morton's". Brilliant, aye? Why didn't anyone warn Morton he would be carrying that lens and tripod around the jungle? The 180-400mm with TC is at least a pound lighter (still heavy) and more versatile but also expensive when you have the 600mm f/4. Glad you guys had a great time. As Morton proves (and you too Brendan) you can great photos with any gear (as long as you can carry it). Which camera body was Morton using? D850?

    • @Unless85
      @Unless85 4 роки тому +1

      I believe he was using the nikon z6 here. He has a d850 as well, but mostly uses that for vlogging.

  • @glttheriault
    @glttheriault 4 роки тому

    Great video and content. Just watch Morten Part 1 in the Arctic. Wow! What a contrast that is! Awesome photos and a very interesting place. Have to admit that competition between you and Morten was won by Jodie!!

  • @tylerng2004
    @tylerng2004 4 роки тому +24

    Did they make Morten seat in middle of the boat with that 600mm so he doesn’t flip the boat? Hahahah Hope you guys are having a great trip! Greats images and Jodie’s cayman is the winner

  • @uglyigor3055
    @uglyigor3055 4 роки тому +1

    imaging casually sitting in the damn boat with your nikon 5600 and a 70-200mm lens...turning around and seeing the one and only morten hilmer with a giant 600mm telephoto with you in there...

    • @lan2580nokia
      @lan2580nokia 4 роки тому

      Great description 😂😂😂 why do I feel attacked tho? 🤔😂😂

    • @uglyigor3055
      @uglyigor3055 4 роки тому +1

      @@lan2580nokia haha because it's true. But you don't need to feel attacked. It was just a joke. There is no need for a non-professionel photographer to have a ~10.000$ lens with you. And he even admits that it was too heavy and bulky at the beginning of the video.

  • @Jeff-jg7jh
    @Jeff-jg7jh 4 роки тому

    Lordy, that was one long orange boat. I'd stand guard over that snake. Next level. A good description. I don't know why Morten would even go to the jungle unless he needed to warm up a little.

  • @outsiderimages
    @outsiderimages 3 роки тому

    Great video