Amateur vs. Professional Wildlife Photographer

[@isaacspotts107]

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]

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

[@alanmadej9706]

Same feeling 😅

[@ludeta5272]

Tru

[@myroadtours6147]

Right, almost different recognize him lol

[@CarlosHernandez-kg8py]

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

[@winstonpx]

@tyvek05 damn u seem fun at parties

[@NightShooter87]

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

[@Odinthesleepy]

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

[@MichalOlender]

Morten is a legend.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Yes he is!

[@23rdsentry72]

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

[@johntravena119]

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

[@CJE71]

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

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

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]

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.

[@chris_perea]

jodie's photo of the kayman was 🤯🤯!!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Right?! Crazy good

[@craigbishop2529]

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

[@Jim1971a]

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]

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.

[@russleewildlife1136]

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

[@BrendanvanSon]

Glad you liked it!

[@juanperes2331]

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

[@gregorsnell]

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]

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]

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

[@bardot777]

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

[@Str8int]

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

[@BrendanvanSon]

Morten is one of the best people in the world.

[@ledzep369]

I see Morten, I give thumbs up

[@DrNick8002]

Such wonderful moments being with Morten Hilmer

[@davearchbell9921]

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.

[@pvpixelarts]

Amazing to see my favorite KZbinrs 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.

[@PeterLariviere1]

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!!!

[@lilledilorenzo1341]

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]

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.

[@tylerng2004]

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

[@TheGuitarsadist]

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]

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

[@TheGuitarsadist]

@@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]

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

[@TheGuitarsadist]

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

[@christiantengeler8417]

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

[@dacekundrate4391]

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

[@meganashlea]

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 KZbin 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]

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]

@@BrendanvanSon thank you for the tip!

[@Daggie666]

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 :)

[@PedreschiMess]

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

[@TheJuniorbastos]

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

[@eduardovilela7915]

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

[@debzyjg]

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.

[@nikolatesla9384]

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.

[@jonny_leach]

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

[@GodIsReal]

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

[@douglascarrphotography]

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

[@alexandercalderon7612]

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]

So what was mortons camera

[@styled9876]

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

[@aaronramos6056]

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

[@BirdinginMalaysia]

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

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

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.

[@kian8382]

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

[@dance2jam]

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]

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

[@oldbonesuk1139]

150-600 sigma sport, it's an amazing lens which is only a fraction less sharp than my 600mm f4 canon, half the weight 1 quarter the size, fast, weather-sealed, one of the best pieces of gear I have ever bought

[@nordic5490]

I used the Canon 200-400 F4 for a couple of hours birding - they had to prise it out of my hands at the end!

[@alexandercalderon7612]

I own the 60-600 wich is quite similar to 150-600... and havent use an 600 f4 yet but from what in have seen on reviews in the net, if you stop down the sigmas to f8 it gets aproaches in IQ alittle bit to some of the big primes, but shooting wide open (6.3) still far behind. I just wondering if thats your case since you have both lenses. Of course bokeh and Af could be another topic, but i guess your are taking about sharpness.

[@keithpinn152]

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

[@Coolchris158]

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

[@snap-n-shoot]

Yes, very well.

[@fualexander7798]

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.

[@queerios9925]

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 🤷‍♂️

[@faildotcomable]

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

[@MrGflan]

I agree with the gentleman in blue. I would not bring my 600mm to the close up areas he mentioned. A 100-400mm version 2 canon lens with a flash backet and better Beamer extender would be a perfect setup in that case!!

[@twotone3070]

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

[@DamonBowe]

I'm just glad that you and Morton have matching facial hair. TBS uniform.

[@michalstoch]

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

[@dland4766]

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

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks Derek!

[@jamiemorphy]

Looks fun. Great shots Jodi!

[@zmzegare]

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?

[@blisteringbooks2428]

As a professional [motorsport] photographer I can tell you the difference. In 2004 I earned £58,000, in 2014 £7,000, because digital makes it so easy for almost anyone to get at least a couple of decent images and put them online for free downloads. So an amateur may earn £40,000+ every year, can afford to buy all the kit he wants and go on safari twice a year, a pro has to struggle to find markets and make do with the kit he relies on. Status doesn't make anyone a good photographer, talent, your eyes are what matters. No doubt there are amateurs who are far better than many professionals, it is just that they will probably enjoy what they do more as there is less stress, they are doing something they enjoy and don't need to worry about their next meal.

[@BrentODell]

MORTEN!!! Love this guy!

[@edgardo_z_]

Love your wildlife trip....😍

[@andya5068]

AYEEEEEE ECUADOR!!!!!!!

[@ThrivingCountry]

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.

[@Odinthesleepy]

Zoom lenses are awesome. As a debticated wildlife photographer I can easily say I use my Nikon 200-500 5.6 three times more than my 800mm FL ED prime. I mean the 800 has a ton of reach literally costs 15x more than the 500. But the 500 with a 2x converter. Can't beat it

[@adedotunajibade]

Happy to see this! 💚💚💚

[@marximus4]

If I were going into the jungle or on safari, I'd probably take the Sigma 60-600. A bit heavy, and slow at the long end, but incredibly versatile and very sharp. Also quite compact for the FL range (about 11 inches when zoomed out, minus the lens hood).

[@BrendanvanSon]

One of the issues, though, is that the jungle is REALLY dark. Even at f/4 you're generally shooting at iso3200. At 6.3 you're breaking into the iso 8000 area really often.

[@Sparxdd]

Oh, there's a 6 meter long anaconda...and there was a bullet ant in my shoe Brenden: :) Me: >_________> !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@uglyigor3055]

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]

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

[@uglyigor3055]

@@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.

[@JungleEddie]

You inspired me to part with some cash. There is a large group of bald eagles that winter an hour from my home and I have never had a lens that would get me close enough. I finally broke down and got a Pentax SMC 300mm f4 to use on my Fuji X-E2.

[@joepalmer75]

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

[@johnvinci6995]

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

[@jeffreyhawker9042]

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?

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I am surprised by your comments about the dedication and effort of professional photographers. I was a nurse for 35 years and worked 8 hour shifts. I put 8 hours of effort into it. What is different about a photographer putting 8 hours into getting a shot so they too get paid? We amateurs do it because we enjoy it. They do it because it is the job they have chosen to do it.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

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]

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

[@Fer257]

MI HERMOSO ECUADOR...

[@furiousdoe7779]

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

[@R.Hogarth]

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

[@RB-ez8vx]

The place is really a paradise!

[@PereaPhotography]

I literally can’t even say the word anaconda without following it with “don’t want none unless you got buns hun.” Such an awesome video buddy!

[@alex82776]

first time i see Morten in hot country

[@cIimber314]

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

[@BrendanvanSon]

It's a peak design clip.

[@Tedng84]

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

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

Considering what Morten said, I can safely assume then that he'll be getting that new Nikkor 120-300/f2.8 (with a 1.4×TC & 2×TC), that'll be the ULTIMATE versatile (travel) wildlife lense.

[@bhalchandrakapatkar1710]

No.1 photography. 👍👍

[@josephcole3187]

Definitely on my bucket list, looks amazing!!!

[@nwyetiphotography]

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.

[@charlierivera5725]

How did you get him to go with you. What?????? I want to meet him. I am also a amateur photographer and would love to make a trip like this. Would you share the link for this expedition please? Thank you 🙏

[@lyndons.grondiano6654]

I love this two great man in our times

[@sambennage1478]

Awesome just awesome on all points.

[@billbell8800]

Really enjoyed the video, what a amazing place. Thanks

[@martinpaiva4994]

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

[@myroadtours6147]

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

[@jancovanderwesthuizen8070]

That picture against the moon that Morten got wasn't of the parrot

[@BrendanvanSon]

You're right. Different bird/tree as they were just behind us.

[@hwattever]

Yours is better than Morten’s in my opinion. Silhouettes is easier than an actual colored photo.

[@gumbysenduro6546]

I think the real pro here is easy to see, Jodie with 2 shots that were just awesome, Oh and your's were pretty good to lol. Great vid :)

[@admirdeliccom]

Why is the grass greener on your side?

[@alevans1168]

Sorry to both you guys but Jodie’s shot of caiman steals the show 👌🏻

[@grub20583]

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

[@B-kl8vj]

I am still waiting for Morten to post a Galapagos video!

[@scientia_potentia_est]

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]

Welcome to the community!

[@MrAyybee2cold]

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

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

An interesting video but I found myself puzzled by both Photographer's choices. I'm not saying I know more then these two, or that I would get better results on this trip through such a beautiful place. I am celebrating my 42nd year as a Photographer. I have sold many images and and have been published many times; mostly in the 1980s. My first camera was a Nikon FM with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 in 1978. In 1984 I was hired by a wedding photographer as a Secondary and Candid Photographer. I purchased a Nikon 75-150mm f/3.5 Series E AI-s lens after borrowing one a week earlier. The 75-150 E is legendary... It is a constant aperture, push/pull zoom using the same ring for manual focusing. This lens cost me $150.00 new and many of my peers flat out called me a liar when they say the results. As I went out on my own, the 75-150mm Series E lens made more money for me than any of the other Nikkor high end glass I had access to. It was also light, small, and durable as hell. Today I shoot for my own gratification for the most part. For the trip in this video I would pack the same kit that I use day to day here in Arizona shooting Raptors... Got to be DX for wildlife. I love my phenomenal D7200 with MB-D15 grip matched with the absolutely superb NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR AF-S Lens. Crop sensor makes this lens a 300-750mm that has a astonishing 4.5 stops of VR! In my opinion; this is the ultimate amateur Bird/Wildlife/Sports Rig. The only upgrade for some who prefer the "spray and pray" method would be upgrading the D7200 to a D500. That's my 2 cents.

[@Bazzasphotolife]

I really enjoyed that. Thank you.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks for watching!

[@Appu8689]

Love the shots. If you change the fonts of the details in which you have taken the shots, it would be even more appealing.😇

[@TetraEzio]

Brilliant video I like the choreography.

[@snap-n-shoot]

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

[@BrendanvanSon]

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

[@alexm4903]

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