BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY with Nikon Z6 | camera settings, camouflage, permanent photo blind and coffee..

I am in my permanent photo blind to do some bird photography and it is one of the first time I am shooting from here solely with the Nikon Z6. The birds are comfortable with the blind itself, but they seem to notice when I am there. Hanging up the camouflage in the opening gives me the advantage that I can look out and still remain unseen. At least it worked out very well.
This is probably the most I have ever pushed one of my video cameras. Most of the video is recorded on ISO 20.000 in the light from a candle light on the Nikon Z6. As you can see the quality is really bad - especially in the beginning. But regardless I managed to tell my story from a day in the photo blind:)
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Enjoy watching.
See you out there...

[@NigelDanson]

Brilliant Morten. This brought back so many good memories from the last few days. You capture the feelings so well with your amazing cinematography and carefully chosen words. Setting up a blind with my daughter over the next few weeks...

[@MortenHilmer]

It was such a nice time we had Nigel. Looking forward to next time. Thank you so much for your kind words. Here you have a great example on the "iso limit" for the z6 video. I decided to light the blind with only candlelight so I had to go to iso 20.000🙄 anyway.. The story got told.. Can't wait to hear more about your blind and to see your videos from the trip😉 I was really enjoying one of your videos this evening - the one I am linking to in the end of this video.

[@NigelDanson]

Morten Hilmer incredible at iso 20,000!

[@stevesvids]

Hello Nigel... Hello Morten.... absolutely right... Morten captures the intimacy of patience, the love of photography, love of wildlife, solitude, and companionship of dogs... so much so I never once thought about the camera or the settings.... just the life. What a great life. I loved this vid.. just perfect. 🙂

[@chime65]

Hello Morten Vos vidéos sont vraiment très intéressantes mais malheureusement je ne comprends pas l'anglais. Si vous avez la possibilité de mettre un sous-titrage en français ça serait vraiment sympa. Mais dans tous cas, vos images sont superbes et vos commentaires donnent une belle ambiance. Au plaisir de vous suivre prochainement.

[@s4lwhysabottcube565]

@@MortenHilmer give i'am camera😅my subscriber you😁im for Indonesian

[@Yushi-wg1kl]

The photographer who doesn’t try to become a youtuber, but yet makes one of the best photography videos. I love his dedication, passion, and pure love for photography.

[@HampshireHog63]

Absolutely!

[@MortenHilmer]

I'm so glad you like it 👍👍👍

[@presshere1351]

that dog is the best partner for your job, excellent video

[@MortenHilmer]

I love him❤️

[@photografiaaustralis2131]

Björn is a superstar! He seems to understand English as he does Danish. Love your videos Morten. You have inspired so many people. Thanks for sharing.

[@justinrichardson3864]

Your actual photography, your dedication to your craft, or your film making.... I don't know which of these is best. They are all staggering

[@MortenHilmer]

What a great compliment Justin👍

[@shazra1173]

Your approach towards photography and these videos is so refreshing. It’s always about the experience and the subject instead of the kit and the tech. It’s so pure and classy. In your hands, even a humble magpie becomes the rarest of fauna. Big fan of both Bjorn and you! Cheers!

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍

[@PSKSJ]

Can’t believe how far this channel has grown, when I first saw your deer photography videos ai thought you deserved more subs and now you’re over 200K. Great job!

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks to great people like you. Thank you so much for your support

[@ajc1482]

After a long and stressful day watching Morten talk to his dog made me smile..so thank you!

[@sunking9050]

Thx Morten and friend ! Can’t think of a channel that I enjoy watching more than yours

[@amerphoto1]

For many of us that cannot get out to do our own photography because of travel restrictions, your videos make it feel like we are right with you on your adventures. Thank you!

[@ianporter1600]

Hey Morten, Looks like another relaxing morning in the hide, with beautiful light. I’m glad you could share it with us. 🙏

[@nestorluvsher]

My favorite thing about watching your videos is how it brings me back to reality, reminds me it's ok to do things for the passion of it and not focusing on trying to make money from it. It's hard not to get wrapped up in the rat race of today, with KZbin and Instagram making it so easy to feel like you need to be famous from something you like

[@MortenHilmer]

I'm so glad I can inspire you this way. It is a very important point to keep in mind 👍👍

[@mohammadashfaq]

You know Morten, i purchased expansive gear for wildlife photography, sometime i get bored because of too much of work, staying with family and keeping them protect and spending time with friends, than suddenly i think of quitting Wildlife photography & selling my gear, but wait Boom here Morten hilmer uploaded a new video than i am be like, no way i'm gonna sell my gear and quit photography, Man you are the only person that keep me going. Thank you sir

[@MortenHilmer]

Never quit. Nature photography is so much more than just the photos. It is pure meditation and about sharing the importance of taking better care of nature👍

[@mohammadashfaq]

@@MortenHilmer Thank you so much sir ❤️🙏

[@kubacz6145]

Hi Morten now I have holiday from school where I teach so my day is like this: I drive my wife to her work than back home, cup of coffee watch half Your video (that's enough to warm me up) grab a gear and walk into nearby forest or drive to the lake... Not a wilderness.... its Upper Silesia but if I'm lucky I can photograph a deer and plenty of birds jays included.

[@AKwildphoto]

love that you brought your dog. Don't currently have a dog but when I did I wish i could have taken my dog(s) on more photo trips. They were always my best travel companions.

[@MortenHilmer]

Totally agree👍

[@cesarpalomares1398]

Mr. Hilmer im a big fan of everthing you do. I wish i could do what you do one day, but unfortunatly im on a wheel chair breathing through a ventilator. I still dont give up my hopes of one day recovering and do what you do with photography. I got all my gear ready a lot of gear, I even got my coffee Thermos. Thanks for all those inspiring videos, that make a guys life like me have some hope.

[@donwyates]

That's a cool little dog you have. He seems like the perfect companion.

[@George-OctavianPopa]

I am happy because I just rediscovered your channel. Your videos are therapy for the soul, perfect mood for relaxation. Excellent videos!

[@haunting4648]

Hey Morten, I can’t express how much I appreciate and love your videos. After a long of day of school, sitting down with a cup of tea is so relaxing and it makes me almost forget about stress and anxiety. Thank you so much!

[@neilthacker2069]

Thanks for sharing Morten...any day out in Nature is a good day,regardless of whether or not an image is captured.It's the experience that makes it worthwhile!

[@ArieVanderwyst]

I loved it when you told us to be quiet when the Jay landed on the roof 😅

[@rayeaglenz]

Another meditation video, dog sleeping, coffee sipping, birds posing :) Thank you Morten, very enjoyable :)

[@YabannPenceresi]

Jay's a bird I admire. Very intelligent and capable of imitating quite a lot. He can imitate the buzzerd sound to kidnap other birds.

[@MortenHilmer]

Yeah it is so Amazing 👍

[@a.d.s_foto]

Wold love to hear moore about how the z6 gas worked out for you, and in depth how you use it. Great video again 👍

[@MortenHilmer]

I'll do something like that. Input for such a video please..

[@a.d.s_foto]

Picture quality and focus with your long lens and the ftz adapter. Your settings and why? Silent mode. What du you expect from a big telephoto made for the Z mount. Would you ever go back to DSLR? Viewfinder/ backscreen

[@HampshireHog63]

@@MortenHilmer, How does the Z6 compare to the D4 in term of picture quality and handling? I've just sold my D4 :( and am just waiting for funds to clear to buy a Z6 - so would like to know if I've made the right choice!

[@patkeen8668]

Your work is always a wonderful experience. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@88DudeThe]

I love how your dog is looking through the window

[@d-entrecasteaux]

This is the only channel I give a thumbs up to even before watching the video.

[@BoAngles]

It was a small detail, but I really enjoyed the scene where you were changing settings. As someone with no formal photography education- I really enjoy seeing what professionals like yourself do for your photos! :)

[@undeaddave]

You know I just cannot wait for your videos to be uploaded. You are the BEST.

[@naturshoot8448]

Jays are such beautiful birds, but so shy too! Excellent 👍

[@neilfifer1703]

I'm enjoying your videos Morten. I've spent 20 years sitting in blinds myself for up to 10 hours a day and also find it relaxing. A few observations though. I'm worried you're going to get a bad neck problem if you continue to lie like that. It would be better long term if you raised the perches so you could sit up. Also some small birds have a problem leaving cover to feed out in the open. Either put the perches near bushes or drag a large branch over to the perches to protect from sudden attack by raptors (or much larger birds). Also the lens doesn't need to extend out the window. If you pull it inside you would be able to move the perches much closer. In that case you face would reflect light so some kind of face covering would help. We had a bush pond and had the hide only 3 metres away. And that was before mirrorless (silent shutters). Keep up the good work.

[@оооооо-и9п]

Hello, you take very high-quality photos and videos, don’t take your eyes off, come to the city of Magadan which is located on the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and you will see a lot of wild places, animals and you can capture them in your photo, video gun 📷, what are your upcoming projects ?), I’m very grateful for such videos, don’t stop you will discover the secret corners of nature 😁👍💫

[@michaellyons5208]

I'm looking forward to the day I can have my own same such space. Until then, I will enjoy it vicariously through you. Thanks, Morten.

[@paulinefollett3099]

Fantastic images. Your dog is very patient too.

[@Liberty_Tree]

I can tell you put a lot of thought and effort into this set up. Well done.

[@breeze8929]

Sat here in my room waiting for some inspiration to strike to get out with my camera then i refresh youtube and see a Morten video has just been uploaded. inspiration and motivation levels high once again. Thank you Morten for the constant inspiration you give and the great content you never fail to provide. See you out there!

[@MortenHilmer]

I'm so glad I can inspire you Andrew and thank you so much for your kind words. See you out there..

[@PinetreeLine]

Another incredible relaxing experience with you Morten! Thanks for having us join you brother! 🇨🇦

[@jbenedict100]

Love that you include your dog in your adventures. I have a German Shorthaired Pointer (bird dog). Can you imagine me taking him with me on a bird shoot. lol He is great at stalking when we go after deer though. He's quieter than me and very focused. Love your work. Keep em coming.

[@MortenHilmer]

Hey John and thank you for your nice compliment. Yeah it is like that with Bjørn and deer😜

[@picapica42]

Videos from the photoblind are always among my favourites! Bonus points for the magpie!!! Lovely to see your assistant Bjørn again 👍

[@jpokeefe]

Glad your efforts were rewarded. The birds were so sharp in your photographs.

[@sampestell]

Love this channel to bits and you will always be loved by all 👍🏻

[@antonoat]

Stunning images as always Morten, your little furry friend cracks me up looking out of the blind, lol. Love the Jay images especially.

[@TheGuitarsadist]

Excellent video and story telling once again Morten, since I started watchin your channel nearly 2 years ago, stories like this have pushed me so many time to get out more and more. Days when I have found myself sitting on some mountain for 8 hours trying to get a Condor, or trying to find a nice Elk, many times in the back of my mind when wondering if should go or should I leave a site early since seems no activity, I think to myself what would Morten do! In doing so, I found myself sitting longer and enjoy just the overall experience of being out in nature and regardless if I got a photo or not, the days were always good.Yesterday was a long day for me doing just such, and though not a whole lot of action found myself alone overlooking a field where Tule Elk were know to be and not seeing anything for hours, the thinking of what would Morten do made me stay a little longer and finally it paid off and I saw a nice Bull Elk off in distance. Was able to get a shot, though not the best due to distance and heat reflection between him and my lens, manage to get a shot nonetheless and proud of it and it will bring back memories for years to come.Best to you and Bjorn

[@MortenHilmer]

A comment like this is what makes me continue vlogging even though it would sometimes be much nice without that extra camera. Just reading through this is so inspiring and encouraging for me. Thank you so much 😊

[@PinedaTravel]

Como siempre me quedo sin palabras, me encanta como trabajas y con la dedicación y esmero con que lo haces; enhorabuena.

[@tibbefuchs968]

I'm sure now, you're by far the best photographer in the world!!!!

[@janemonahan4666]

The jay is so beautiful; it is wonderful to see all of the detail in his plumage in your still shots.

[@VideoNatur]

May be someone says Quality in this video is sometimes not like the "standards" in Cine and TV! But most important for me is the information about: how was your day, how do you work! And in these cases the documentation is worth every "footage". A high quality video has a perfect message, not in every case a perfect looking footage. And be sure, your videos are 99% perfect in all aspects! The remaining 1% is the job, because we do it;-) Best regards from Germany. Rolf

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much Rolf it is so nice to hear. I was a bit in doubt with this video because of the bad quality from high ISO but decided just to let the story come out. So happy you look at it this way👍👍

[@tanmay110]

It's a nice demonstration by a great photographer.

[@TITAOSTEIN]

Amazing! Great video, atmosphere, pictures, music..!! I just want to go outside to take pictures!!!

[@ale_richini]

Fantastic, beautiful and outstanding! Thank you Morten, this are the type of videos a nature photography amateur loves to see! You deserve at least 1M subscribers and you'll reach it 👍

[@MortenHilmer]

😊😊👍

[@lucabieri9250]

Wow...What luck Morten, two magpies! I really miss that beautiful photo blind!

[@MortenHilmer]

Yeah you'll have to come back soon👍

[@iastorgaphotos]

The opening shot of you lighting the candle brought to mind the 17th century artist, George de La Tour’s paintings. Lovely. It’s amazing to watch your storytelling, photography, and cinematography combine to convey your feelings and thoughts 🤗. And it’s sweet to see Björn again as well! 😉 Have yourself a fantastic rest of the week! 👋🏼

[@MortenHilmer]

Oh thanks so much Irene. I'm always love to read your comments👍👍

[@iastorgaphotos]

Morten Hilmer Oh, you mentioned the photographer Sandra Bartocha in Instagram. Let me thank you for bringing her beautiful work to my attention. I have your book…now I’ll have to buy Ms Bartocha’s book as well! Today is Thanksgiving Day here in New York so…I’m grateful to have found your YT channel when I did. I was going through a difficult point in my life, and your work brought me inspirational, sanity and showed me where I could find sanctuary…in nature and photography. Happy Thanksgiving, Morten! 🙏🏼🤗🌿

[@9oldfingers349]

my best coffee of the week is while watching your videos, shout out to ur dog its Lovely, !

[@perandersen2015]

Ohhhh. that was wonderful Morten. I have been looking forward to this. Thank you.

[@F1OCU]

Great footage/images yet again Morten, nice to see your little companion with you again.

[@chriswildlife8826]

...hallo morten...! ...i have allways a smile on my face... ...when youtube inform me that you posted a video...🙏🏻 ...iam an wildlife photographer from germany...(also using the z6/d850)...and your vids are a pool of inspiration for me... ...good wishes from chris(and little joe,my dog)...from ratingen...

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you Chris it means a lot to me. Say hi to little Joe👍

[@chriswildlife8826]

Morten Hilmer ...yes...and you say hallo to your cute björn...🙏🏻❤️

[@ath3263]

Great video as usual conveying the emotion and the joy of wildlife photography

[@thewarpig111]

Thank you for sharing , brilliant photos as usual Morten

[@btechbhanuprasad9056]

really..amazing...hatsoff to your dedication..thanking you...keep it more

[@SebastianSo54]

Great video as always, Morten. I can really feel the mood you got in the blind. I would love to be able to spend some time in a blind like this too, maybe sometime in the future.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks again Morten, your such an inspiration. It gives me so much help on creating my own Wildlife & Nature Vlogs here in the UK:-)👍

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much 👍

[@MichalOlender]

Images look incredible even straight in camera Morten!

[@zakidjati]

I started following you during the Covid period, man, time flies

[@vacanechaser]

awesome as always. loved watching Björn sticking his head out the hole to see. such a great little guy. love your work!! happy shooting

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks a lot Jesse👍

[@SteveMellorPhotography]

Brilliant video and I loved seeing someone using the Nikon Z6 in the field. I do really love seeing the journey in this video. Have subbed, looking forward to more.

[@koolkutz7]

Nice work Morten. Jays and Magpies are always tricky to photograph due to their shy nature around people.

[@tadasgruzinskas6790]

It was an amazing photography challenge. As always, your work is exceptional. Perfect! I look forward to your summer in Lithuania !!! 🤩🤩

[@Babumoshaaai]

I am thinking about Werner Herzog in Mandalorian while watching this. ☺️

[@RylansAmazingPhotography]

Another fantastic video Morten thanks for all you do!!

[@HandsomeNature]

Love your work! ASMR meets nature photography

[@bigboi36]

ASMR 2019. I was actually holding my breath during this video.

[@gregwilsonnaturephotography]

Hey Morten, I so enjoy this type of video. You inspire me to keep try my hand at video. The love of nature is always in my heart and soul like I can see in you! Bravo man.... Saying hey Greg

[@MortenHilmer]

It is so nice to hear. Thank you so much

[@Line-Grid]

Another fantastic video Morten. :) I love how you point out that with nature photography sometimes you don't always get a lot of shots. There's a lot of patience and persistence that goes into getting those great shots. :)

[@demitimmer4805]

You have the best job ever! I am saving up money so I can buy my first camera, I can't wait until i can spend a whole saturday sitting in the forest photographing! Please keep documenting your journey because it is the best thing ever for people who also wan't to do what you do :) Much love from the Netherlands

[@bos1o325]

Watching this video i had a really nice feeling, u deserve lot more subs (sorry for the english, but i'm from Italy)

[@PapaVeedy]

Very nicely done, Morten!

[@LieslHuddleston]

That is a very nice blind, and worth the effort and long hours for watching those birds and getting some photos :)

[@dhruv7056]

You are at the next level, Morten! I understand the hard work that goes into this! It takes me days of attempts to capture a good photo with a 70mm-300mm lens and Nikon d5300. Very Awesome again!

[@vinnykeenan4215]

excellent again Morten, and good to be back to the old relaxing music too... the Z6 seems to have plenty of batteries :)

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks Vinny. Yes it is loaded😉

[@gryphongryph]

Its like looking at a sniper at work ))) Great video as always.

[@tonymurphy9112]

So relaxing, it’s honestly like we with you. I can even smell your coffee 📸👌🥡☕️

[@wm3720]

I enjoyed this film Morten. Jay is a beautiful bird.

[@MortenHilmer]

Soon I'm coming up to visit you again Wenche😊 I'm missing our cozy moments in your awesome cabin👍👍 Good food, photography and a lot of talking😉

[@wm3720]

@@MortenHilmer Just let me know WHEN? you are coming. You are always welcome, would love to see you, Bjørn are welcome as well:) (Are in Africa from 1st of Feb to 16th of Feb.Try to sort out a way to get your jumper to Denmark...... maybe I have to go by myselves in January ..... practice rough sea before our Antarctic expedition:)have to admit I am terrified to se what will be possibe to meet us, just have to be prepared mentally..... heheheheh

[@StefanoIaniro]

Another great video, Morten! That blind looks so comfortable haha

[@Dixlive]

Miss you Morten i wish you can upload sometimes twice a week and even when you not shooting at least show us a bid of your Private life with your friends and family..inspiration

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks for your input. I'll think about it 😊

[@floringhitulan8623]

Hello from Romania! The photos are simply delightful.👏

[@MEGAtip8]

Мужик, смотрю все твои видео! Безумно классный контент

[@jimshanks8352]

Excellent as usual Morten. Not many birds coming to the feeders in my garden at the moment either

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks a lot. Another month and they will come😉

[@martinchirila]

Morten, great cafe, great time in nature and excelent photography. What more could you want :)

[@S.R_Productions]

Great video Morten! Fantastic photos too!

[@AlexBerger]

I think you may have won the award for the cutest photography youtube moment of the year at 1:30 with Bjørn.

[@clivewelch1025]

Hi Morten lovely video and I love the Jay images they were just beautiful, I also love your dog I bet he's great company.

[@robertels8578]

Björn!! Stop faffing around ;-) I am truly addicted to this channel.

[@feek465]

Excellent job on this video. Keep it up Morten. 👍

[@victrolaso8139]

vengo de parte de { un poco de todo} lo que haces es genial me gusta muchísimo la naturaleza es preciosa.. y mas aun que tu muestras los videos con una calidad de video y de editacion

[@thirupathirouthu8201]

Hi...this is Thiru,I'm a Nature Lover.I love photography too..., # you are the Best photographer in the world... You the inspiration for me.# Best video.

[@j30roth]

I love your enthusiasm for all animal species Morten and not just the more exotic animals that most of us don't have access to due to time and the financial cost. One of my favourite photos i have taken this year is a crow in an elevated position behind long grass. My favourite trip this year was to the Scottish highlands to photograph the deer rut with Geoff Cooper/@tapiopix. Beutiful animals and a great weekend in the glens. I'm developing a garden hide myself and look forward to finishing soon. I must ask, can you actually go to sleep with all the coffee you drink? 😉👍🐦🦌🦊

[@MortenHilmer]

Hi Jon and thanks a lot. Yes I love all nature regardless if it is rare species or not. Sounds amazing with your trip and I am looking forward to hearing more about your blind👍👍

[@mountain_goat1]

What good boy! And Bjorn is fantastic too😂

[@Haerleif]

nice little video ! cool to see how you work

[@v_i_s__]

Very cool video and fantastic photos. Good job.

[@n1k1george]

Inspired by nature, powered by coffee!