Polar Bear Encounter | NIKON Z9 on Svalbard - Ep.5
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- I'm on a 4-day solo trip to a remote inlet to photograph wildlife and landscapes.
This is the 5th episode from my 4 weeks photo travel to Svalbard.
For quite a while now I have been planning this 1 month trip to Svalbard, and now finally the time has come. I spent the first week together with my dad, and we had a wonderful time.
I have been on a 4-day solo trip to a remote fiord to find and photograph wildlife.
This time I am on a remote location together with Robin Levin from Nikon Professional Services to hopefully find and photograph birds and wildlife.
We are facing a few challenges on our trip because we are not alone on the coast line of Svalbard!
One of the biggest challenges on a location like this is the fact that there are a lot of polar bears in the area and it takes some preparation to stay safe.
••• WHO I AM •••
My name is Morten Hilmer and I am a professional nature and wildlife photographer.
I am a Nikon Ambassador and I work as an ILCP photographer.
Nature conservation is very close to my heart.
I have served in the Danish military special unit, the Sirius Patrol, for two years and that has given me the skills and confidence to operate alone in the arctic regions. I have spent two further years in the northern parts of Greenland meeting the local people and working on photography projects. My driving force is a sense of adventure and my fascination for nature, and my curiosity and empathy for other cultures has led me to many remote regions.
Beside being featured in publications and in my books books my photographs have been awarded in the Wildlife photographer of the year and European Wildlife photographer of the year photo competitions.
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🔗 SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE
• Website & Shop: mortenhilmer.com/
• Instagram: / mortenhilmer
• My 24/7 Livestream: / @nature-live
📸 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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☊ MUSIC
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Enjoy watching.
See you out there...
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
This series has been so good, especially this episode. Thanks for making these videos, they are TV worthy and we get them for free 👊
Thanks a lot Thomas. Such a kind compliment. It feels like a long time since you and me went to Svalbard. It was a nice trip but too short. And you probably remember the weather 🤣
I wish you all the best and I hope to see you soon.
Definitely want to see you guys again in artic circle…..make it happen please😀
@@MortenHilmer take me too, I'll carry you tripod and make coffee how you like it! In the meantime, Thomas, Morten, thank you both for your wonderful videos. Exciting, adventurous and peaceful too. I wish my videos could be 10% of yours.
Lovely footage and images again Morten! Nice to see the Polar bear's thriving in their natural habitat. Despite what some of the climate activists' want you to think, the species are in fact thriving and their overall numbers are higher than ever before. Yes, there are more Polar bears' alive today, than at any other time on record.
@@patricksmith2553 What an interesting thing to say. Your comment too doesn't paint the full picture like the climate activists you mentioned. I'm sure that the ban on polar bear hunting in the 1970s contributed to population growth. It's always more complicated than just the part people want to focus on.
Nikon could’ve ditched those teaser videos and just used Morton to showcase the new Z9
this is what really matters, and I don't even shoot Nikon
Hahaha, sarcasm.
I was a Canon shooter, now Nikon for 2 years. The d800, D810 and D850 are way better than Canon or Sony species and there's something about Nikon that keeps me using them, pro's agree with that. The level of photo's that Morten is shooting is not special to me, everybody can take his pictures, and nothing happens in his pics with a wow-factor. Only the places he go's are special, not the pics. David Yarrow is the best wildlife photographer ever.
@@t.d.j.dejong6285 If by wildlife photography you mean being taken in a jeep to safari... yeah. Totally different approach.
@@BlueScreenOfDeathPL well, 7 months in Africa is not a safari... Getting 10.000 dollars for a pic is not a safari. It's for saving nature. David said that he takes 3 good pics a year. Most of the photographers are placing a minimum of 40 pics a year on social media. You have to prepare, know your surroundings. Contact guids, get close. There's nothing happening in the pics....just plane. I'm sorry.
I agree, I prefer seeing photographers in the wild than set pieces.
Your videos are a therapy for reliving from stress.
"if you get the shot you wanted, it's probably not sharp - or if it's sharp it wasn't what you wanted..." - I'm glad that even the elite among us have this same fundamental and paradoxical experience!
Same, friend. Same.
Man these videos just make me so calm and happy inside. anyone else?
Absolutely, my friend!
As I sit here with my ancient Nikon D200, in a built up area where the only wildlife is the occasional scraggy pigeon .. I cannot thank you enough for bringing us this experience... thank you Mr H.
That's a fine camera and to some people you live in a exotic location filled with unimaginable wonder.
Simply amazing! Getting a reindeer AND the arctic fox in the same shot!
Tears of joy at the leaping reindeer! Nature at her sweetest ... then the Polar Bear! WOW!
This series is the best "real-world" display of the Z9 that Nikon could dream of. You're beating the hell of it and it's done nothing but produce stellar photos and video. I don't think you've even mentioned the camera itself since the opening of the first episode, and you don't have to. Really cool to see a real working pro wildlife shooter at his best!
Of all the promo videos I have watched of the new Z9 this is the most realistic. Mortensen voice tells it all. Nothing staged, just real life. The images are fantastic. The conditions those two were subject to were real life. And the equipment including the Z9 was up to the task. Looking forward to the next video. Great work you two.
Hate auto spell. Its Morten.
What a compliment Gary. Very encouraging - I'm really glad you like it. Thanks a lot. See you out there...
The intensity was high in this episode! But I still got a teary eye watching the part with the reindeer and an arctic fox - the videography, music, emotions... everything was so mesmerizing. And I feel so excited watching this before my short wildlife photography trip next week, your work always inspires me so much!
You’re not getting paid enough! This series is just incredible! Showing the Z9 in this environment is such an incredible selling point for Nikon. I’ve got mine on order and I know I’ll never have to worry about the durability of this camera body.
Inspiring series - showing that a product can be advertised effectively by simply showing it in use, no special features mentioned, no marketing key points hit - just pure results. Can't wait to watch the next episode.
Who needs National Geographic when this UA-cam channel exists?
precisely
I've been checking UA-cam ever hour this weekend for this video! At last!! 🙏
That shot of the bear looking at the glacier is stunning!
Watching it on a comfortable sofa is always exciting and entertaining - with a warm coffee and a few biscuits - and of course with dry feet. To see this with your own eyes is something else and probably priceless. The effort for these wonderful recordings is enormous. Thanks for that!
"you get the photo you want, but it isnt sharp..." Glad to see it's not just me, and much better photographers than I have the same troubles. My D850 AF is light years better than my D800, but I think you have me sold on going mirrorless with the Z9.. Your Svalbard videos with that camera have been an inspiration in many ways.
Finally the wait is over
I was impressed with the gorgeous dancing reindeer just over 7 minutes in but to then get those incredible pictures of a polar bear. Just awesome. And I can relax because I know you got home safe 😉
The film of the week I was waiting for... Just amazing!
Lovely place ... nothing, just cold water, mud, rocks and ice, polar bears around, a gale and freezing rain .... it can get better only with night and a dense fog :-)
I would have stayed in Denmark with beloved badgers, especially in autumn, which is a nice season, I feel uncomfortable even when I'm watching this.
I admire the hard work behind your photographs and great storytelling.
Your experiences are an esoteric look into a reality that still exists on our planet and is ever fleeting! Thank you for showing us such raw beauty and expressed in so honest a format. Nikon should be so lucky to have you as an ambassador of their equipment!!!!
This is incredible, the way you are disciplined to capture wildlife and respecting the mother nature at same time inpsires me lot. So many professional companies out there endorse there flagship in perfect lighting and brilliant colors I don't think they are near to this Assignment from Nikon to you get the hands on experience on the new Z9.. just amazed and eager for the next episode. Thanks a lot Morten you are an inspiration ❤️
Oh exciting. Always makes a Sunday better. Keep up the good work Morten
Thanks a lot Favious
This is one of the best advertisement for the Z9... great real life work!
Wow Morten, what a gripping and wonderful episode this week. Nikon have played a blinder equipping you with the Z9 as the conditions and nature of your adventure will certainly put it through its paces and be a good advert for potential buyers
Morten, these are not just videos... these are epics in their own right. I love these mini movies, I feel like a child looking forward to the next episode. Thank you.
Come on Nikon. You must have all of Morten's video on your website. This is wildlife documentary at it's finest! Your Z9 is a marvel and I bet even the Deer, the Artic Fox and thePolar Bear will attest to that, period!
Nothing happens by chance.
Nikon's philosophy seems to be illuminated by something else. It is not necessary to lie to compete in the market. I opted for Nikon Z for its philosophy, it gives me image quality and humanity, sensitivity. May the universe be with you Mortem!
Nice, in past 2 Svalbard episides almost nothing and now polar bear, reindeer and arctic fox.
Wow Morten! Thanks for uploading this today. I must ask Robin more about this adventure when I meet him on Tuesday ... There will be a Nikon event at one of the local stores in Stockholm ... and I hope he will be there.
Say hi from me. He was a really good buddy on this trip😊
The man, the legend the inspiration for many of us.... I enjoy every video of you.. But this one was beyon amazing Morten... The right person, the right place, the right conditions to put the Z9 on test...with out bragging or crying about the item being tested.. Mil gracias Morten.. Eres mi inspiración...
This has been an absolutely fantastic adventure to follow. Such a beautiful area. Your excitement when you first saw the bear was so infectious. Love it all. Thanks!
Can’t wait for the next episode. But what a adventure, wow that bear
What an advanture !! Thanks for this moments and for this footages 🙏
Morten I find myself checking multiple times a day to see if the next episode has been posted. I am hooked on your adventures. Nikon should champion you as you are showing us how well the Z9 is handling your level of real photography.
I have been waiting for you to re-offer your book and I wanted to thank you for making it available again. I am pleased to say, I just got your book in the mail and I have tucked it away for Christmas morning.
You have inspired me so much I am confirmed on a Churchill trip to photograph the Polar Bears here in Canada October 2022. Anyways, as always, thank you for allowing us to come along on your amazing trips. Cheers!
Great storytelling - visual, edits, talks, music. You built real suspense.
Unreal shots, big respect Morten !
Wow, Morten, amidst a growing body of work as yours, this is just so good. The footage and images of the Caribou and Arctic Fox are just fantastic but the tension building as you’re trying to find the Polar Bear a second time is palpable…and seeing the Z9 pounded by the elements makes by far the best preview of the camera yet. Can’t wait for the next episode…I need another cup of coffee 😀
I have been looking forward to this video since the last one! I loved the reindeer video when he was bouncing on the ridge as much as the polar bear sighting. I could feel your excitement during the polar bear section. Fantastic.
"with the muesli you're never done chewing'" great stuff, thanks for a wonderful video
Absolutely incredible to watch this. Better than any television by a million percent. Why you are not a highly paid documentarist I do not know. And the camera - just quietly showing its brilliance unforced. Thank you Morten for this wonderful series.
Really enjoying your adventure these days...been watching your videos almost everyday now! Thank you Morten and congrats on your huge achievement!
Loved this series so far, amazing videos and cant wait for the next one too.
That Z9 certainly looks like a beast of a camera too, good to see it getting some real world use too not just an advert where someone tells you about how great all the features are that you dont care about.
Looks like the autofocus for photos and video is damn impressive from your clips you've filmed and photos you have shown.
All the best Morten
what a wonderful landscape, thanks Morten Hilmer for share the little pieces of the beautiful world.
Brilliant, superb Polar Bear footage 👍🇬🇧
Seriously I go for a walk in the bush and worry about snakes he needs a rifle and he’s just so calm about it
Love these videos so inspirational
It's amazing how you can bring out the beauty in such a harsh and unforgiving environment. That's a big part of what makes your videos so mesmerizing.
Amazing again Morten! As always! Thank you for sharing this trip with us!🙏 Must be so exciting and soooo scary at the same time seeing a polar bear this close.... Can't wait for the next episode!
As with many of the best wildlife moments, handheld with no time to prepare. Very cool.
Great film Morten. It really shows the huge effort and passion that photographers and filmmakers put behind their images and films. And also a way more worthy showcase of the camera capabilities, than the Z9 teasers we did see so far.
Truly amazing how you persevere under all challenging conditions! Thank you for giving us this glimpse of Nature while we sit warm & comfortable at home!
Absolutely beautiful. Oh how I miss the cold weather and the back drop it gives you...a wonderful pleasure to the eyes....The most talented Photographers on UA-cam. Inspiration all the way here in Southern California...never change!
Love the Reindeer and arctic Fox I felt your excitement you can go days or weeks without seeing any animals but when it all comes together it is so magical. Looking forward to the next Video and I to am glad you made it home safely
I saw a polar bear at a zoo when I was fairly young. Those massive paws certainly left an impression. I can't imagine seeing one in the wild like you did. Awe inspiring. Then the adrenaline starts pumping while your head is on a swivel scouring the area. Really enjoyed the way you captured everything and put it together in these videos. Very well done👍👍
Morten, this series of videos you have done on Svalbard has been amazing. That Z9 is miraculous in the way it locks on the subject and stays with it. Looking forward to your next installment. :)
Thank you so much Clifton👍
Definitely worth watching. Can’t say that bear didn’t know you were there.
Although I don’t think photographers are currently on the menu, but you never know.
Thank you for sharing your time and wonderful photos Morten.
Stay safe safe 🇦🇺
The Polar Bear knows and is aware that Morten was around?
The bear must be saying.." Morten is shooting at me with the Z9, so I better play my part, just loiter around? Or Nikon will send poachers to hang me on some wall somwhere..."
Wow. That was exciting. Good job hand holding Z9 + 800mm and getting great shots. Watch all your Svalbard episodes on my Panasonic OLED TV - The sharpness, exposure, dynamic range and contrast of your videos are spot on.
panasonic makes an OLED?
@@scruffkingman They makes the best OLED's. They use LG panels, but make better implementation.
@@UA-camr-ku4nk ok i knew about vizio sony and lg never knew panasonic did too
Your videos are so inspiring, without a second thought my all time favourite photography channel out there. nothing but man - glass - wilderness. keep up the amazing work! I also Love that you are really putting the z9 through its paces, cold, snow, rain, muddy hands, love it
Incredible Morten, wonderful footage of the Polar Bear! What an excellent experience 👏
These two videos with the Z9 in adverse uncontrolled conditions are the best demonstration of the camera's abilities in real world, real use conditions for a nature and wildlife photographer. The videos put out by NikonUSA are so "controlled" and the camera is treated too delicately, IMHO. It looks like Morten put the Z9 to it's limits and the camera came through like we expect a Nikon flagship camera to. I just wish that Morten had included in the commentary about the video and problems or quirks he encountered with the Z9 during the trip. Thanks for sharing the videos. I hope you don't mind, but I shared links to the videos on a couple of appropriate Nikon camera Facebook groups.
Thank you so much Clifford for your great and encouraging feedback. And thanks a lot for sharing
Seeing the cameras get wet in the rain is giving me anxiety! :) These videos are an absolut pleasure to watch. Thank you..
Mr Martin I love how humble and sweet you are
Your videos are not only highly professional, they are so beautiful to watch, fascinating and thrilling. The images you provide, either stills or moving, are so breathtaking. Thank you for your incredible work showing us the beauty of our home, planet earth.
One can't help but think that this is what flagship bodies such as Z9/D6/etc. have been built for. And not for nice, cozy weather :)
Thank you for very well showing the atmosphere of the island, much appreciated.
It's always a pleasure watching your videos!!
That was a very exciting video! 😀 Amazing footage of the beautiful reindeer frolicking and the fox making an appearance. Of course the polar bear winds for casually strolling in when it is least expected. Loved the backdrop of the glacier in the photos. Looking forward to the next episode already! 😀
Hey Pica👍😊 thanks a lot
Wow! This series has just pulled me in.!
Your patience level is commendable!
Another awesome episode from a beautiful and raw location.
The Svalbard Reindeer are really unique looking and the shots in the river are fantastic. Having a Polar Bear surprise you that close to camp is no joke! Photographing wildlife is a little different when you realize you are high on the pray list for the animal you are trying to get close to, but the photos look fantastic.
Fantastic work as always Morten, thanks for bringing us along :-)
Thank you so much Steen. See you in the live stream chat👍
Wow Morten, this is might be your best video yet. And the photos were breathtaking. This could be Nikon's only Z9 ad and it'd be all they need
Must have been both exciting and nerve-wracking seeing a polar bear that close, But the pictures are absolutely stunning!! well done!
So relieved to see you using the 800mm with the Z9,reinforces my decision to buy the Z9,could be a while but the 800mm is in Hand waiting.
Such an adventure,your best yet.
ironically, out of 100 Z9 owners, .0001% would ever get that close to a Polar Bear... I hope you are in that group.
@@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll it won’t be me near that beautiful beast.
As a follow up on the Z9,400,000 preorders to date……production rate of 3500 per month………12 years to get yours if you were the last in line,not too hopeful at this time.
@@daviddowling9830 wow impressive numbers. Don't have a view as i don't have a sense of many d5/d6 owners are there but remember Nikon is basically catching up with Sony/Canon specs so somehow I suspect we might be overestimating people returning to Nikon. I also suspect multiple preorders from the same person that would cancel as soon as the first one delivers.
@@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll cancellations and multiple orders are real,so yes you are correct.The production numbers came from Nikon,i was just illustrating a somewhat realistic scenario if they hold to their numbers and nobody cancels.maybe they have something coming between the Z711 and the Z9,could be
@@daviddowling9830 months, not years ;)
Brilliant but I'm so very very envious. You seem to be living the dream.
love the Svalbard series
Beautifully done! I have been to Svalbard 6 times. It is so barren, but you have captured the essence of this amazing place AND showcased the Z9. I’ve carried that rifle, while escorting a small group. It’s so important to be aware of the bears and you are the ultimate professional.
you, fine sir, are an inspirational legend. thank you for everything that you do
Morten... this is almost a action movie! The images of the camera are just amazing. And the photos are beautiful. Did not realise until know the importance of the music... but it is. Thanks so much again. Just missing a cup of coffee ;)
Thank you for your kind words. Very encouraging 👍
Absolutely brilliant video Morton. The footage of the reindeer was fantastic and the tension when the polar bear showed up was amazing.
Have always had goose bumps watching your adventures and photo expeditions Morten and this series of Svalbard is next level and truly appreciate your commitment and work.
What an amazing first trip out with a Z9, Polar bears, rain dears and rain by the bucket. Keep well, keep safe and try to stay dry.
Such a flex from Nikon to showcase using equipment in that dreaded weather. And absolutely amazing episode from you Morten, thank you for sharing with us earthlings.
The reindeer are looking nice and healthy! And the polar bear in front of the glacier!!!!! Great work Morten!
Probably the best episode yet. That would be a lifetime highlight for me as I’m sure it is you.
Absolutely amazing...and thrilling..glad the z9 is making up to the toughest conditions
Very glad to read your assessment! 😊
This is the best artistic adventure have ever seen!!
This channel deserves a lot of respect!
I can feel the joy while encountering with the polar bear 🐻❄️
Morten, This is one of my most all time favorite videos. My heart was also pounding as I went through it with you. How exciting and what an amazing experience! Thank you for sharing it with all of us!
This has been a fabulous series. This beats any TV show I have been following. Even knowing you were safe because you were able to upload the video, this episode was exciting to watch. I can't imagine a polar bear encounter.
The music, the photography and video just enlightened my morning! you are doing a wonderful work out there!!!! Thank you so much!
Been looking forward to this episode since last weeks teaser, epic and spine tingling as ever. Loved the way you timed the music to the dancing Reindeer.
Amazing experience! Thanks for sharing and congratulations! Looking forward to your next upload!
incredible. Some wonderful shots of that Reindeer and that bear with the carcass! That Nikon Z9 is awesome coupled with those long lenses. Brilliant!
I am enjoying these films so much. It's like being taken on a wonderful adventure. Thank you, Morten.
What a great REAL world test of the Z9, must have been an intense experience for you both. Brilliant video and a great camera. If this video doesn't silence the doubters nothing will.
Soothing, brain and mind pleasing Morten Sir
Fantastic video again, thanks! I'm glad that you guys were able to meet the polar bear safely in real and on same level, not only from the deck of the ship. It is totally different this way. More natural and exciting.
Wow! That handheld video of the bear on a lens that large was really good. That shows your skill, along with the power of the image stabilization. Good on you sir. That was a joy to watch.
This series has been so good, especially this episode. Thanks for making these vidios, they are TV worthy and we get them for free👊