Don’t Give Up - Life and Photography

In Life and Wildlife Photography things never go as planned, but the key is to persevere and not give up. To push through the obstacles and difficulties in the way and find the good at the other side makes everything. Enjoy this short film recorded along the coastline of Alaska as we finally discover 2 small semi palmated plovers.
Music - “Man On Fire” by Justin Lapont licensed via Music Vine: CRUVZEOSWABJTQDI
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SOCIAL MEDIA & WEB
Instagram: / sdwest11
Facebook Page: / sdwest11
Website & Shop: westakphoto.com/
WHO I AM.
My name is Scott West and I am a nature and wildlife photographer located in Alaska. I am very lucky to live in a place surrounded by amazing landscapes and even more amazing wildlife.
☊ MUSIC
Music licensed through Epidemic Sound www.epidemicso...
Music licensed through Music Vine. musicvine.com/
Best Wishes
Scott

[@OhHeyItsLou]

This KZbin channel is one of the places I escape life's stresses. Never stop what you're doing brother! I just started planning for one of my all-time bucket list adventures, photography trip to Alaska. Your channel puts me there before life is ready to send me, thank you.

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks. That means a lot. Lot of cool places to visit in Alaska.

[@yogipopp5524]

I really like listening to your stories, especially when they are accompanied by beautiful photos and videos.

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tonylockhart1963]

One of those lovely KZbin videos that leaves me feeling better as a result of watching it. Therapy

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ericsmith9777]

Thanks Scott (& Cassie), for taking us along. Nothing better than a day out lad.....especially for recovery !!! Would have expected more bears up there. I've had a good spring/early summer, with a number of blacks and grizzlies, here in West Central Alberta. Cheers,

[@WILDALASKA]

Nothing for them to eat in the bays we were searching for shorebirds. In. month or so when the salmon come in those bays will produce bears for sure. Most are further south where the sockeye are running atm

[@ericsmith9777]

@@WILDALASKA Look forward to seeing them !!

[@rcgrant9310]

I was touched by your heartfelt message. It was so great to see both of you capturing the images together. Thank you for taking the time to share your message and great images. GREAT JOB!!!

[@WILDALASKA]

Thank you so much!

[@ViktorKrum93]

Visited Alaska for the first time this summer and loved it all. This video made me reminisce about all the wonderful memories we made. Alaska is truly wild.

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ericaceous1652]

Lovely - good message, and a wonderfully edited window into the wildlife and landscape of Alaska. Looks beautiful, thank you for sharing.

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Marks.wildlifephotography]

Wow those plover photos and videos by you two are great!!!! Awesome work

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks so much!!

[@simeonbennettphotography9111]

Excellent video Scott 👍your videos are always so inspiring and encouraging.

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad to hear it!

[@jsmith0924]

Beautifully done Mr West.

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kellysher]

Scott, you are an inspiration! Your positive attitude is infectious. I love your generous spirit and that you include photos by Cassie too.I laughed out loud and REALLY identified with your comment, “too stupid to give up”! I may need to put that on a hat! I really look forward to seeing what you do next. I will never get to see Alaska in person, so you are giving us such a gift taking us along!

[@WILDALASKA]

Never say never !

[@dansouth2088]

Great stuff and such an amazing landscape! Thanks as always for sharing these awesome videos!

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@paulleendertse936]

Thank you for sharing this one! Put a smile on my face.

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

Amazing spirit and beautiful photos from you both!

[@WILDALASKA]

Thank you so much!

[@alphaandomega2709]

Canon EF 500mm is phenomenal! Best colors to date! 😊 very excited what the Canon R5 mark ii will bring.

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@markattardo]

Awesome video👍👍 I've always been fascinated with Alaska. Solid but simple message.

[@WILDALASKA]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@2224jnk]

Great one, Scott! Glad you're getting back out there!

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks 👍

[@randyschwager84]

Awesome video and message! Thanks for taking me along!

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johndeblaquiere5218]

Scott,great video and message hope your health continues to improve and also for sharing the wonderful place you live in cheers

[@WILDALASKA]

Thank you.

[@brianrose2487]

Great short! Looks like fun and take care.

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks, you too!

[@chipsrafferty8362]

Glad you have recovered Scott,good for you. I’m planning on driving to Alaska this fall for photography,best time to head north and best places to visit.

[@WILDALASKA]

Very cool.

[@jereXIX]

Great message and photos! Also, thanks for introducing me to Justin LaPoint’s music through your videos 👍

[@WILDALASKA]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@chipsrafferty8362]

Persistence concquers resistance.

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@hildebeb]

Love watching your vids. I am learning lots on technique to use in my journey. You and Cassie capture some amazing shots, very inspiring.

[@WILDALASKA]

thanks

[@floydhurst6372]

Beautiful, I loved the music as well. Looks like you are getting around well.

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes, thank you

[@brucegraner5901]

Really nice video. On those days I don't find great images I still enjoy getting out there and seeing what there is to see. Persistence, the law of averages and remembering to put batteries in your camera will often help you bring back images you can be proud of. It looks like ya'll had a good time and that your health continues to improve. Thanks for sharing.

[@WILDALASKA]

We had a blast. And yes even if I don't find something to photograph. Just sitting on the side of a mountain or along a river kicking back is just amazing and so good for the soul.

[@jeffbirmingham861]

Great video!! Stay nice and cool up there it crazy hot down here! My truck said a 124* yesterday i couldn't believe it i've never seen that before !!!!

[@WILDALASKA]

Fun fun.

[@davidbarr9475]

So funny I see an watch your video after the day I had yesterday at one of the lakes I visit. Hours of just calm which is fine. But yes one thing I've been good at my whole life is patience. Great video suburb images. After hours my day panned out with a beautiful sub adult bald eagle. Thanks for all you do my friend.

[@WILDALASKA]

I love the juvenile eagles. You never know what kind of feather pattern they will have and they are much easier to expose for than the adults with the white and dark brown 😉

[@jordancook1668]

Beautiful work.

[@WILDALASKA]

Thank you very much!

[@alansparrow6396]

Great to see you out having fun Scott 😁😁😁😁

[@WILDALASKA]

thanks

[@davidsherman3462]

Beautiful !!

[@WILDALASKA]

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

So awesome to see you out in the field getting stronger and creating wonderful images and videos! The Orange crowned warbler was my favorite! The plovers are a bit comical! Love their colors!

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks so much!

[@ritapeacelove4254]

Enjoy the summertime, Scott, and thank you for sharing the beautiful and amazing Alaska with the world. God Bless !😍

[@WILDALASKA]

Thank you! You too!

[@KevinNordstrom]

Wishing you the best scott. Life has never been the same sense my heart attack in 2021. I pray a full recovery for you. Your videos are such an inspiration with a message that resonates with many. Happy shooting brother.

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks Kevin. I am a different person after all this. Its frustrating and rewarding all at the same time lol

[@KevinNordstrom]

​@@WILDALASKAit definitely puts things into perspective of what's important, that's for sure. I wish you the best. 📷

[@pauldarville3843]

Nothing wrong with having passion for photography!

[@WILDALASKA]

yup

[@SWeberpal]

Great stuff as always! I’ll be visiting your beautiful state in a few days and traveling the Kenai with a trip to Katmai (out of Homer) mixed in. I can only hope to do justice to Alaska the way you have with your images. Thanks for your great content!

[@WILDALASKA]

Very cool. You will love Katmai

[@spidersj12]

I had a heart attack just broke 2am June 24, 2024, I even drove myself to the ER as I live 1-2 minutes from the ER over the week I was down south in a cardiac unit and a couple days in a hotel b bettor flying back up north, I thought of you and your journey post heart attack. The fact that I can't lift more than then 10 lbs in my right arm for a couple months because of the stints the pot in my heart they put up my arm and wondering if you had the same problem. Anyways, you're an inspiration to those of us older folks who have had health issues.

[@Tropicusa]

Hang in there Brother! Prayers going out!

[@WILDALASKA]

Prayers going out for you. My best advise is to get up and walk as much as you can each day. It's hard some days when you breathe goes out and the meds make you dizzy when you get up. Im still struggling at times. So keep going !

[@garymeredith2441]

Scott beautiful photos I especially loved the Golden Crowned Sparrow , I have them in my yard during the winter here in California , you have them in there beautiful breeding colors , and then the beautiful Semipalmated Plover this is A great video here I absolutely loved it .

[@WILDALASKA]

Very cool. Yes the White and Gold crowns are too cool. I am heading to Hatchers pass this week and there is a ton up there. SO hopefully we get more shots of them soon.

[@bigboi36]

wow, great segment Scott. Loving these short videos that are less about gear and more about the photographic experiences of getting the shots. Shout out to Cassie and securing that Z 400mm|2.8! wonderful shots. I just realized Scott had an adapted Canon 500mm |4 on the Z9. Sweet combos!

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes that adapter made it possible for me to move into the Nikon world along with Canon. I love doing the short films. I try to add some short film pieces into the reviews anymore also.

[@MrsAnnieTK]

@@WILDALASKA Scott, what adapter do you have for putting the Canon EF lens on a Z body?

[@mizachs]

👍 Great video!

[@WILDALASKA]

Thank you! 👍

[@sarimento1]

well done! great editing to weave it all together! thanks for sharing 'just another ho-hum photo outing in alaska'!! looks to be along turnagain arm?!

[@WILDALASKA]

The drive was along the arm

[@chadolson5537]

Thanks for the inspiring message! I am a disabled vet and I'm losing my job in radio at the end of the month due to the station closing and I'm having a hard time with it. I appreciate the reminder to not give up and I won't.

[@WILDALASKA]

Prayers out to you. Just keep taking a step forward and stay active is what helps me. Not always easy.

[@dominiclester3232]

Lovely, thanks! Now I know what a Plover is. I have a Nikon 500mm f5.6 and it’s really light by the way. And focuses quickly using the FTZ.

[@WILDALASKA]

Great to hear!

[@cathco9]

Thank you, Scott. This is such an important message. Summertime in New Jersey isn't the best for bird photography. I often come home with minimal or no photos at all. All of this is truly a mind game to stick to it. Your message means a lot. I needed to hear this today. It's great to see you out and about doing so well with your health. One day at a time for sure.

[@WILDALASKA]

Oh the number of times I strike out is high also. I mean I may find something, but able to get a decent shot is another story. But I still keep at it and eventually get rewarded with some wild encounter. This upcoming couple videos is a prime example of that kind of wildness.

[@RichardBedford-p3q]

Agreed!! Keeping going, that's my Moto.

[@WILDALASKA]

👍🐻

[@Tropicusa]

Thanks for Sharing! 🇺🇸 New Subscriber!

[@WILDALASKA]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@stephenthompson1998]

Another excellent video with landscape and animals featured, shame the bear cub never turned his head. Now got to check ring and little ring plover v semi palpated p as the old grey matter not what it was😂. Your looking fit being out in the summer weather, ours still hasn’t started in the uk. Enjoy yourself mate.

[@WILDALASKA]

Your weather and ours is very similar. We only get the semi-palmated here on the small plover species. Larger ones we get the golden and black bellied also.

[@kevins8575]

This is a particularly scenic video. Love the plovers!

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@keeskraaijeveld4704]

Nice video again. Good to see you in great health and looking fine. This kind of video's make me relaxed and enjoying my hobby. Thanx for sharing!!

[@WILDALASKA]

Very cool. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnwelchphotography]

Scott, great message and glad to see you out in the field more and more. Beautiful shots you both got of the semi palmated plovers. Hope you soaked the experience in and didn't just get soaked!

[@WILDALASKA]

Oh we did. It just puts a smile on your face for the entire day when. you get a chance to watch those little guys

[@medhatmourad7409]

Thank you so very much you are truly amazing. God bless.

[@WILDALASKA]

You too!

[@brucewilliamsstudio4932]

Whether it's health, photography or anything else, giving up is not an option. Glad you are doing okay after your health scare and vehicle accident. Keep the faith brother.

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks and good advice

[@denisturcott5131]

Always worth the wet and down and dirty for the image you want. I have been out looking for wildlife and didn't find it. I did com home with a small patch of flowers that are not always growing in our area. You just never know what or when you get that image. Never give up! All the best to you and yours!

[@WILDALASKA]

Of course. This weekend we switched to landscape and flower photography a few times during the dry spells. Lupine fields...sooooo amazing

[@jrperezphotography]

You are looking healthy. AWESOME

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks

[@Rudy.Pohl.Ottawa]

Great message and great video, Scott. I really enjoyed my weekly guided trip to Alaska! 😃

[@WILDALASKA]

🤪 Awesome glad I could help

[@guylorenzo5324]

Great stuff as always, Scott! Its gratifying to see you looking good and getting stronger. Introspection and perspective are traits everyone should possess. Sometimes unforseen life events force a course correction upon us. Your message resonates as do the wonderful images.

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks for the kind and wise words.

[@rawbsworld6604]

Great message 👍 but alas one of them easier said than done ☝️ The new normal 🤦‍♂️ you hang in there ! , i done joined that club , been pulling for you since you divulged it!!! Really makes one contemplate things 🤨 had 3 myself 🤷‍♂️ ✌️ 🤙

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks 👍

[@Mthompson4545]

Thanks!

[@Mthompson4545]

I really enjoy your videos. - Mick Thompson - Seattle.

[@WILDALASKA]

thx

[@WILDALASKA]

Thank You !

[@tikidog5085]

Wish I could give you more than 1 like

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks 😃

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Wishing you and all your viewers all the best!!.

[@WILDALASKA]

Thank you so much 😀

[@scrptwic]

I have been out of the hospital for two weeks. I am walking 2 miles per day yesterday I walked a park with a lake as I walking into the park my wife spotted a bird perched in a tree I quickly photographed it . The bird is a Pin Tail Windom only the second one I have ever seen the male during matting season gets a two foot long tail and this one had the tail

[@WILDALASKA]

That is so cool. And it's great you are able to get that much walking in. Staying active is key and I have to tell myself that every day "Get ups and get moving!"

[@todddrew1192]

enjoyed the video.. Great to see it warmed up to 60.. haha.. yesterday it was between 109-115 here in Bakersfield, Ca... Good thing I'm retired and don't have to go out in the heat anymore.. How are you liking your new Ford Bronco? I think you had a dodge truck before the accident..

[@WILDALASKA]

Had a F-150 prior and loving the Bronco. Very comfy and handles well. Yes I had to get that temperature dig in there for those in the heat lol

[@claritovirata3504]

I have EF 600MM f4 MK ll what kind of adaptor should I get for Z8 and how will be the result thank you

[@WILDALASKA]

Here you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn3ShmhraNd9o8U Excellent results. Fringer EF-NZ II amzn.to/3X09ZsN

[@jdiamond9513]

Another lesson for future videos, don’t chew gum while talking. It is really annoying because the microphone picks it up. Otherwise, another great video. I’m so glad you are doing much better.

[@WILDALASKA]

Oh yes I forgot I had the gum in until I got home and was a bit pissed at myself. I chew the gum a LOT anymore to keep my throat clear due tot he fluid buildup I get from the heart attack. Trust me I'm still kicking myself. Didn't have time to re -record it with my schedule this week. Thanks for rubbing it in again *just kidding* 🤪

[@daram5257]

Beautiful! I'm still new to this....are the photos stills from the video or do you take video AND photos?

[@WILDALASKA]

Videos and photos. I just flip the switch back and forth and fire away.

[@daram5257]

@@WILDALASKA Thank you!

[@csandks1]

This was an awesome video! I tried to friend you on facebook, but each time I do, I get a message "It looks like you may not know this person. Send requests to people you know personally to see their updates on Facebook." Maybe your settings don't allow friend requests? Anyway, I subscribe to your videos on youtube. Great work and I loved the choice of music. Wishing you continued good health and healing.

[@WILDALASKA]

I will have to check. I post much more to Instagram (well I don't post that much beside KZbin really lol)

[@MrsAnnieTK]

Scott, what adapter do you use to put the Canon 400 EF on your Z mount. Also, why did you use this lens instead of a Nikon F mount 500 f5.6 PF? Had access to the Canon?

[@WILDALASKA]

Here is a video I made about the Fringer adapter I use and why. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn3ShmhraNd9o8U the video prior to this one also has why I picked up the Z9 as a canon shooter for s long. SO the 500 5.6 PF lens is a bit flat in colors and handles bokeh in a different way in rendering. The lens imho is more about weight considerations over some quality items. Its very good if you need a light lens otherwise im not very big on it.

[@MrsAnnieTK]

@@WILDALASKA Thanks for the explanation. I have a Z8 and have been looking at the Nikon 500 f5.6, will look at the Canon one also.