Bird Photography - Success in the Floating Hide

I make a rain cover for my floating blind, set it up in the night and go out to photograph birds the next morning. Behind the scenes tips and tricks.
Since the top of the floating blind is very breathable it is not waterproof. We get a lot of rain at this time of the year so I decided to make a homemade rain cover for the photo hide. I like this kind of custom equipment since it lets me modify my gear so that it perfectly fits my needs.
On my first trip I was not lucky at all but after getting some tips and tricks from other photographers I decided to change my tacktics. I went down to the small lake in the evening and set up my floating and build a shelter so that I could sleep in there if necessary. This had some obvious benefits that I am talking about in the behind the scenes section of the video.
I hope you enjoy this little everyday life adventure.
---
🔗 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 KZbin video can be found on below link.
Here you will also see a selection of my favorit gear for various activities:
kit.co/MortenH...
🛒 AFFILIATE LINKS
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you have a different purchase in mind, you can also use these storewide links below.
- Amazon: geni.us/MH_Amazon
- B&H Photo: geni.us/MH_BH
- Adorama: geni.us/MH_Ado...
- Mr. Jan Gear: geni.us/MH_MrJ...
- AllPowers: geni.us/MH_All...
I am a Nikon Europe Ambassador:
geni.us/MH_Nikon
☊ MUSIC
You can find most of the music I use here:
geni.us/MH_Epi...
Enjoy watching.
See you out there...

[@oerglwoergl]

I liked the "no talking" section. It has kind of a meditative mood to watch you doing your craft without narration.

[@fuglbird]

Me too. I wish ALL KZbinrs would stop talking.

[@kaiolsen6963]

And above all. All the videos that add disturbing music.

[@stefdnk4428]

@@kaiolsen6963 what a Nice video without the usual annoying music. Just the gentle rain, the birds and a man quietly pissing in a tent !🤫

[@JH-qv3xv]

Yes silence can be golden especially when you let Mother Nature do the talking. Great backstory, tips and video!

[@Kraken17]

Sewing machine"got" adapted hide, "got" light, camera, action. The new style video is great, keep it up Morten, very enjoyable. 🖖

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much Frank. I'm glad you like it 👍

[@sigurdroemer4274]

Hi Morten, i also live in Denmark, i really look up to you and all tour work. I just started Nature and wildlife photohgraphy as 14 years Old. Keep up all the good work 💪👍

[@luiscarvajal9054]

Thank you for the uploading and for not playing loud stupid music, I like the nature sounds well done

[@envyrish]

Your dedication is insane. A true photographer 🙏🏾

[@blazegeneration]

Friday Morning (weekend here in bahrain) cup of coffee, sitting on my bed, watching Mortens story. Can't get better.

[@frankstopa6270]

Morten, I'm a diver & photographer. In a drysuit you should have undergarments to keep your body temperature up. Water saps your body heat 25x's faster than air. Fleece works great. Fourth Element sells fleece undergarments that work great in drysuits, and also work great in cold temperatures as base and mid-layers. Hope that helps!

[@Janihonkalaxxx]

And powerbank used warming vest.

[@maxspringer7247]

Morten does it again. Watching this made we want to be out in the cold and rain under a tarp trying to keep dry in the hope i could get a photograph. You have such an ability in bringing out the wonders of nature in areas that we would never consider. Your special forces skills have equipped you in being adaptable to your environment and your skills as a film maker bring your viewers so close to the experiences you are living.. Keep them coming

[@lumixs1np289]

Imagine walking around there and meeting Morten in a photoblind like Jesus walking trough water😂👍

[@ruley74]

The Great Egret can be such a lovely bird to photograph and watch do its thing.

[@patrickmolloy6994]

I'm impressed that you can do the sewing and everything. These are great videos, keep them coming!

[@gustavos9657]

i'm wondering why you don't have at least a million subscribers. Every video is a masterpiece, you should win a prize, or something similar, for them. I can only thank you for them, they are some kind of relaxing drug for me LOL

[@stevedobbs9427]

Hi Morten. Like the new format. We were all there with you in the dark, in the rain, then enjoying the moments it had all been leading up to. With headphones on the rain all around me, I don't think I blinked for a long time! From one of your many followers in Australia

[@johnhitchon8043]

Really enjoyed your latest video, and yes have to agree Sewing Machine skills could come in very handy because most of the time “ you know what you want but they don’t seem to make it “ so being able to adapt has got to be a bonus we were very impressed with your sewing machine skills in being able to construct bespoke accessories is just wonderful.

[@HampshireHog63]

3.31 - the sound of swans in flight - one of the best sounds in nature!

[@mattbrash]

I like the new format....and I wouldn't go out into the woods/water before daylight and destroy the mood and chances at wary wildlife to talk to a camera when I could either edit it in later or do a "behind the scenes"......much better for you and at least as good for us (in my humble opinion)....thanks for all you do,I love the vids!

[@CarolineOrdHume]

I like the new format of no talking, just natural sounds. Maybe some of those rechargeable hand warmers would also be useful.

[@oakandsage]

I really like the style of nature photography video where you don’t talk when you’re in the field. I find that’s very calming to watch. I have a playlist on KZbin that is just for photography videos that don’t contain any talking, just being out in nature. And then I love to hear your commentary afterwards. So to me when I watch, it’s a perfectly fine change! Of course it is also most important to not disturb the wildlife in the field, and get the photo. We are just along for the ride, which is a privilege however you decide to do it.

[@tibbefuchs968]

I already know It's gonna be awesome

[@paulgray2682]

Love the split video style, and very jealous of your hut and burner. Thank you Morten.

[@scottwarburton6219]

The amount of effort you put in to getting a photo is always inspiring!

[@iastorgaphotos]

YES! When it’s very cold out, I try and skip breakfast so I don’t get the urge to pee. It’s a little bit different for women 😉. But then I’m grumpy because I’m hungry 😟. I do like the new format since it will not interfere with your photography opportunities 👍🏼. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience, Morten. Your dedication and especially your love for nature and wildlife is so evident 🙏🏼.

[@shyamalsinp]

I love the way you follow your words. You made a turf by yourself. I wonder how nature also reacts to you as you expect. May be you know the nature so well. Brilliant Morten.

[@CB-kn1ox]

Thanks so much for another fun video! Don't' worry about the no chatting while you're working. The natural/nature sounds compliment the video perfectly. Your new approach will work out great. It's all so enjoyable. Thank you!! CB from Canada

[@arnebischoff6732]

You are always an inspiration, Morten.

[@jontibertsch]

Nice work Morten. For the dry suit you can get scuba diving warm underwear, there are even heated versions. I use one/two layers of polypro underwear and nanopuff bottoms, this works pretty well above freezing temps for the legs. Polypro is better than down in case there's a leak, you still stay warm. You can get a "pee valve" added to a dry suit - good for emergencies! Keep it up.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Love the rain on your roof!

[@MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE]

Nice Work Morten !!!!!! Cold water for sure !

[@mikestefani7414]

I really enjoyed the new style of video! Hearing nature is the best!

[@svtk5104]

Morten, it is nice to see quality - Quality persons, doing quality job - it is refreshing.

[@JoeMustang99]

I love the format and this video. I was mesmerized during the no talking photo shoot. Running the second camera for video is challenge enough! Forget the narration during the shooting.

[@coreychappelle2543]

Omg man, the video quality has progressed so much, even the audio whoa. Great to see you living your passion Morten :).

[@CAYENNEOREZ]

I enjoy the no talking sections and the description/explanation later. Another option could be a little voice-over narration, maybe? Either way, your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Thanks for sharing them with us.

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

The new format is great!

[@2gui10]

Your channel should have 100 million subscribers, watching your videos inspires me with greetings and many blessings from Paraguay 🇵🇾

[@samaeldeul572]

I'm a simple girl, I see mrs Morten, I clic! Great work with the blind btw🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@idahomountainlover754]

There are not enough Morten Hilmers out there that’s for sure!

[@samaeldeul572]

@@idahomountainlover754 definitly

[@zenphotojourney]

I enjoy the new format with the silent observer and then the explanation later. The pre story cracks me up! 😄

[@saverioantinori461]

A new and stimulating experience! The way you face misadventures in the backstage is very nice. So go on Morten!

[@Ninja-iw5zp]

White bird with long yellow beak is a Great Egret^^

[@bhanuteja7926]

The best thing of PHOTOGRAPHY is ➡ It has the ability to stop the moving period by capturing images (memories) 💛❤.. And love from INDIA🤗🤝🤝.....

[@kimpilegaard5828]

I also like your new style of video: No talking in the field, but explanations afterwards.

[@scottgarriott3884]

ha ha - my diving drysuit has a P-valve installed. But it's a heavy suit to drag way out into the woods... Your adventuring inspires me!

[@thomaszilch]

Morten, the new format is great. We are very close even if you're not telling us anything. And the explanations later are also fine. Please keep up the excellent work!

[@robertstephens1868]

Thanks, Morten, for sharing an inspiring video. It kept my interest up for the whole time.

[@ammarabuoch1509]

Wonderful you endure all the trouble and fatigue to reach us the image of beautiful nature thank you.

[@frankroden8233]

Beautiful photos of the White Egret a close cousin to the Great Blue Heron,

[@denisbede3251]

I still don't understand how you can film footage like this all by yourself... it's unbelievable! Well done mr. Hilmer!

[@evanjones467]

Really enjoyed the new video format....I look forward to seeing your next adventure 👍🏻

[@S.R_Productions]

YES!! A new Morten Hilmer video! Time to kick back and relax with a cup of afternoon coffee ;)

[@sctm81]

I like the ground level perspective of those shots. Really makes a difference for birds.

[@artesorobaserria]

Thanks for the tips. I have also observed that there are days when the activity of the birds is less. But you're right. Birds are very observant and perfectly know their environment and the changes that occur in it. Thanks for the info!

[@MichalOlender]

Always magic!

[@johnnelson2618]

Excellent Morten. Such tenacity and patience a real example.

[@don_wild]

That is what I call a real wildlife photography! Rain, wind, cold water, peeing in a drysuit... Not a walk in a park shooting ducks which are almost domestic animals there. Thanks for the video. Great as always!

[@albeross85]

I love this new format, Morten. I agree with the other comments too, let Nature do the talking while you are photographing, and then we can hear you in the aftermath. Watching you on the field with nothing but the sounds of nature is meditative and a soothing experience. Love it, keep it up!

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

Brilliant use of tripod as tent pole!

[@carstenholmclausen]

As a Seeduckhunter, I use a "flydedragt" and Neoprene vaderes (5 mm neopren). That is verry good to protect you from the cold water. On top of this you can where a thin layer of camflage jacket.

[@MySamarIslandAdventures]

Now I have the idea of how to make a DIY floating photo blind. Thank you very much.

[@ExtremelyKolkata]

Morten, really enjoyed this vdo too much. Keep going on. Just a natural video indeed. Awesome presentation. 👍👍👍👍🖐🙏

[@aaronbourque6379]

Thanks for your honesty and easy manner. What a gorgeous bird. I’ve seen blue herons but the white is magical. Love the new format too.

[@VideoNatur]

Your videos could be one hour or more - it is always a time to relaxe for me. Against the (hectic/modern?) stream here on youtube, you go a way which I prefere!!! Thanks for sharing these perfect films! Best regards and keep healthy, Rolf

[@kristianaltmann7721]

Hands down the best intro I have seen for a long time. After your announcement to make a rain cover since you know how to sew I was very much looking forward to this part. I think it is vital to be able to help yourself in almost any kind of situation and not depend on somebody else to provide something you can just buy. It might not be the best rain cover in the history of rain covers but certainly does the job and looks decent to me.

[@picapica42]

I quite like the new format of video. Your videos are already interesting enough that you don't have to say anything 😉 Loved the photos of the egret (the light bird against the dark landscape). Without a hide they are so hard to photograph.

[@silentrabbit247]

Big improvement with the waterproof cover Morten. New shooting format should allow better opportunities. Sewing machine brought back memories - at start of lockdown in April bought a low rider camo fishing brolly and made a canvas front for it, so it can be used as a blind, Plenty of space to sleep in and get an early start without disturbing the wildlife. Look forward to more videos with your floating blind. All best from a rainy Scotland.

[@giuseppecapilli4914]

Very much like this new format, it allows you to be more focused on your task and be relaxed to talk about things thereafter. As for the pee, any diver can tell you that they pee in their suit, it’ s just water in water...

[@MortenHilmer]

😂😂 Thank you so much

[@prochinaction1884]

Its amazing how your videos make me calm

[@Masteroftee]

You are fantastic man! Keep doing your job ! Greatings from Poland.

[@susanbreau]

Yes, thank you, I really enjoyed your video. I go out in my kayak with my Nikon and I can get quite close to some of the birds at 500mm. I too spent quite some time with an Egret the last time I went out, and he didn’t care at all. He caught a lot of little fish while I was photographing him. Our weather is cold now in Canada and most of the birds have migrated. Thank you so much for sharing your time out there with us! Good luck next time you go out!

[@BaaPhoto]

Well done Morten =) Good to see one more pond crawler around =) Cheers

[@louisruth9348]

Dedication, Dedication, Dedication!

[@AspendanceAlpacas]

I really liked the new format. Makes so much sense to be quiet for the shoot. The audio on the loop during that part got a little annoying but other than that, such a delight. Love all your videos!

[@kevins8575]

Great video. I almost encountered the same situation you had with the cold water just from watching. Liked the style, you might also try voice-over for the times that you don't want to talk in the field

[@dannydanquah3681]

It's always an awesome feeling watching your videos. Thank you🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@ulrichpflug2644]

Good idea to split up the scenes. 👍 Well done👏

[@Fifteenacrefarm]

Great video, as always I learn something new and walk away with a smile. Thank you for keeping it real! God Bless! :)

[@p_aulwhite]

You put a lot of time and effort into your videos which are very practical and informative. I really appreciate that.

[@petercseszarik6552]

Thank you very much Morten, this format works for me perfectly! Egrets are awesome to watch hunting. Beautiful photos and it's a great perspective from ground level!

[@ronvelner6530]

Nice video Morten, because I also have a floating hide, I can tell you from experience that when you are in shallow water like in the video you can still do something against the cold. A fleece overall for example, but when the water is deeper and you can just stand, you get problems with the water pressure that restricts your blood circulation, especially because you are not moving. I sometimes went out of the water because I had almost no feeling in my legs anymore. So far my experience with the floating hide.

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks a lot Ron for your great advice. Very useful for me 👍

[@djblast101]

I like this format this is sooooo good. Mediative is perfect

[@philippaday7805]

Hi Morten, I so love all your videos, they are so inspiring! I love the respect you show the wildlife! So thanks very much 😀

[@NikCan66]

Brilliant video as usual and another tour de force

[@gabrieldelisle4181]

I have been feeling down lately and your videos always manage to put me in a nice and relaxed mood. Thank you for this amazing content!

[@fubband]

Lovely results from all your effort, Morten. Big thumbs up! 👍🏻😃

[@simoneardley]

I like the new format Morten, i know exactly what you mean about the difficulties and challenges faced by wildlife photographers who are trying to vlog and get great shots at the same time. It can be really frustrating as you want to immerse the viewers in the experience as much as possible. Get yourself a 'wooly bear' for under the drysuit and you'll not go far wrong, also a hot water bottle works wonders!! These two items have made many a cold session in my hide, bearable. All the best and keep up the good work 📷👊ps good effort with the shots of the hide out on the water, as a fellow youtuber i know the hassle you went through to get that footage😄🎥

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks For the lot great tips. Really appreciate it 👍👍

[@haakonmilde8095]

@@MortenHilmer check out www.masterdive.dk/shop/inderdragter-76c1.html (only DK divesite i know of), I used to do 2hour+ deep dives in around 4 degree celcius water with no problems when using fourth element garments under my drysuit. There is also something called uridome, that can be used to handle the need for peeing while in the drysuit (www.coloplast.com.au/global/continence/conveen-solution/) alltho unsure where to buy in DK.

[@andyroberts2640]

Great video Morten, like the format!

[@philipwatson2443]

I like this style of video Morten

I really hope that someday I will have a cabin like yours! Your way of living is beuatiful to watch. Keep it up Morten!

[@jamesclifford3401]

I like the new format Morten, next time your out, it may help not having so much coffee, leave that until after the photo shoot.

[@ArkansasPrepper]

What drew me into your videos was the amount of extra time setting up two cameras. I have not seen any other videos on KZbin where the creator took the extra time as you would. Your videos were made in real time and edited beautifully. Your ability to have the subject in live view and place an edited image on the scene to match is amazing. You have always sounded great with voice over you may use it more. I understand , lost shots = lost money.

[@maketzu5966]

No weather condition is too bad for a cup of coffee🤣

[@roderickwho1983]

This is great! Beautiful photographic advise plus a tutorial on peeing in a confined space ;-) Thank yo Morten, nature is beautiful :-)

[@tudora5498]

I'm glad for you making the floating blind work for you, you got some really nice footage there. I also like the new video style. Thank you for sharing!

[@kevinhall6917]

Incredible Morten. Not watched any of your vlogs before. Not a wildlife photographer. But hats off to you for (i) taking commitment to the cause to a new level and (ii) breaking some new ground in the style of your videos with interesting footage of your shoot without voiceover and then a frank talk over a coffee about what you did right and what you would do better. Others will doubtless copy you but take pride in being an innovator and clearly great photographer in an over populated medium of at best average photographers trying to cash in on KZbin! Well done!

[@aishwaryak9621]

Wow...I thoroughly enjoyed your video...great sir

[@davidkrzesni9928]

I really like the new format with sort of a debrief at the end a lot more .

[@glttheriault]

Very interesting video. Two things, you can do what you have done before by recording what you are doing on your camera. Like the video you were showing us, how you focus, and all the camera settings. Then in the studio, you can do a voice-over telling us what you were doing. Second, it would be great if you share how you modified your blind. Again, very good information and interesting. Thanks for sharing and hope you keep warm next time!

[@norwaywithpal]

Very enjoyable to watch. Footage is great of course, but I also like the "sound image" lydbildet, as we say in Norwegian :)

[@alonphotos6366]

Let's Gooo what an amazing pictures!

[@filipseweryn2555]

Did you really stay the whole night in the middle of nowhere next to a pond? You are awesome guy with super passion!!! That's beautiful! Grettings from Poland!