How I got The Impossible Shot - Gear, Techniques, Bird Photography

In this behind the scenes video I am sharing how I photographed the osprey from my floating hide in Norway. I am also talking about what gear I brought and about how I take care of my equipment when I have used it in heavy rain.
Link to the video this is all about:
• The Impossible Shot - ...
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Tawny Owl Livestream: • Video
Fox and Badger Livestream: • 🔴 Wildlife In The Fore...
🔗 SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE
• Website & Shop: mortenhilmer.com/
• Instagram: / mortenhilmer
☊ MUSIC
You can find most of the other music I use here: (affiliate link)
share.epidemicsound.com/morte...
📸 EQUIPMENT
Some of the equipment I am using in this video:
Dehumidifier-/ silica bags: geni.us/MH_058
USB-C battery charger: geni.us/MH_060
Knee-pads: geni.us/MH_059
Swim fins: geni.us/MH_061
Drysuit: geni.us/MH_039
My Floating Hide: geni.us/MH_038
Oh, and if you like pizza as much as me, check out my new oven :)
geni.us/MH_062
🛒 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
- Mr. Jan Gear: geni.us/MH_MrJanGear
I am a Nikon Europe Ambassador:
geni.us/MH_Nikon
Enjoy watching.
See you out there...

[@michaelahochmayer]

You are the only person on youtube that I don‘t get bored watching for more than an hour! Loved the insights and thoughts on the baiting part. But what I loved most was Björns snoring in the background 😂😂😂

[@WildlifeToGo]

I agree, my friend.

[@RogerJones-mountfield]

How very true, I often loose interest if the subject drifts off, Motimer’s videos are full of coffee and useful information 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@gdv2268]

This man is special!

[@TimsWildlife]

I also love Morten's videos, but there are many channels out there which are not recommended to you by the algorithm. Newer channels are hard to pick up, which is a shame. There is good stuff flying under the radar.

[@andyblessett1951]

Bjorn is a superstar, as far as I'm concerned he can do what he wants hahaha. He's not a youngster now so and he's nearly as famous as his dad ❤❤ Just love that dog!

[@jexmartinez9343]

Mannn that dog made me so happy when I heard him snoring @ minute 20. 😂😂😂😂😂 he was like ‘guys listen to Morten while I nap here”

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

My favorite camera content creator - he actually uses his gear.

[@berg58]

I always give a thumbs up when I start a new video because I know Morten's videos are always top quality.

[@Thunderb3Martin]

Same here and I know I will watch the whole video. :)

[@user-markparker]

I haven’t even watched it yet but already know it’s going to be a great video. Thanks Morten👍👍

[@user-markparker]

& I was right!😂👍

[@simonbooker]

I did stay to the end and loved the beer and pizza discussion ! I love to just take local images but recently went to Outer Hebrides and was lucky enough to photograph a White Tailed Eagle from a boat tour that put out 1 fish. It’s tough but the experience was amazing and neither of us were harmed - the WTE a got his fish and I got an amazing picture although you still had to take it so only the odds of a sighting increased a little. I love natural photography and try to be ethical and random. the WTE experience will live with me forever but so is a moment with a Blue Tit in a bush 100 yds from my front door 😎👍🏻 great video as always. 😊

[@user-me8jl8uy5f]

I'm watching you from Russia. I think your content is very high quality; in our country, many photographers take staged shots with almost tame animals and re-present it as wildlife. You have real wild nature in your video!

[@f.sailaway5549]

Dear Morten, thank you so much for sharing your expertise and experience with your community / your followers. It's so interesting, entertaining and amusing (snoring Björn, cutting Pizza with an axe, how to handle ordinary human needs in nature,...) to listen and watching. To make this videos is a lot of work. So enjoy your coffee, beer, pizza and private time at your cosy home. I'm looking forward to follow your coming adventures. ☕

[@lyndac7511]

Can’t believe Bjorn is 13.5 years old he looks amazing ❤ thank you Morten great video it’s amazing to see how much work goes into the photos and videos you make. Can’t think of a better way to end the day than with a beer and homemade pizza.

[@itakephotos1141]

Thank you so much for this video. I learned so much. Give your pup a hug for me. I just said goodbye to my companion of almost 16 years.

[@Tukkerson]

Love how the Bjorn's nose and then the whole snout makes its way into the frame making him look like an overly curious passer-by :)

[@marshalhedin7538]

you're exactly right, people need to put things into context, see the big picture. walk the streets of Los Angeles, there are people without homes everywhere, struggling. or do we complain when someone baits a bird with a single fish ? my point is .... there are MANY, MANY other things in this world to be an activist for. putting out bird food to take some photographs is not one of them. the latter brings joy and benefits to this world. and thank you Morten for being such an awesome person

[@steinaragotnes4805]

its a problem if endagered species gets in harms way, and off course any species really . Many birds have been poisened by lead after eating bait . So its always good to not do harm when it comes to boht birds , animals and humans .

[@billbarraclough9653]

Quite possibly the best KZbin channel there is!

[@woodymeristem2223]

Your closing comments were an echo of my feelings regarding nature and using bait to attract wildlife for photos and videos -- thank you.

[@peterdclark]

Spending an hour with you watching your videos is time well spent. Lovely job as usual, Cheers~Peter

[@tristramstout8988]

To what degree do we want to take the question of baiting? Fishermen have used bait for fish for centuries. We have fish hatcheries which the government uses to grow the fish to stock lakes and reservoirs with, which in turn attracts birds of prey as well as others. The Midwest of the US is one big giant bird seed farm for migratory birds. When you consider it in this way, tossing a fish or two so an osprey can catch it and you get a magnificent photo, benefits both the osprey and you. I’m just jealous because I haven’t advanced to that point, yet.

[@Eule-tb2hq]

To be in nature makes me feel beeing part of it and "having the right size", feeling gratefull and full of peace.. Somebody said once to me: you only can protect what you know! So, I agree with you. Your videos can be a little piece making people more aware of the value of nature. Thank you Morten, especialy for the livestreams

[@cg-s2439]

Your ethics, morality and true love of nature, alongside your photographic altruisim is inspirational to many. Slainte Mhath 🍕🍻

[@frankpeters288]

Hi Morton, it was another nice movie. Enjoyed it with a cup of coffee. hopefully see you soon with a new video. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@kooslehlogonolo2423]

Finally he came back with new car, Morten for your shots man we believe in you

[@woodyinthewoods]

Even if you made videos of 10hours they would never get boring. Love it. Thank you for letting us be part of your adventures your life

[@janzychiewicz]

Morten, thank you for amazing videos, I'm currently on my second run through all of your material. This time I decided to watch it on TV in living room and even managed to get my wife to watch it with me ( partly because I needed to justify my expenses on gear 😂). Anyway, looking forward for new videos, take care and say hi to Bjorn !

[@stephanies.7989]

Thank you for sharing this video, it's interesting to see the backround of your beautiful pictures and adventures. Bjørn is funny and cute as always. Take care 🙂

[@guillermoburbridge3613]

Totally agree with you. Nice video. Thank you.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

I don't know what you feed little Bjorn, but he is amazingly spry and active for a little doggie his age. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this video, Morten. Usually 15 minutes is a stretch for me in most photography videos, but you and about three more regular posters always get my undivided attention. Thank you.

[@russrichards]

Just incredible, Morton. You are such a great advocate for wildlife, the natural world, photography, and coffee. "See you out there" trooper! 👏👏👏

[@stanleyleary]

Great to see your thoughts behind the curtain on why you choose specific gear.

[@CamillaHolm]

Loved your video, and especially your little talk at the end. I agree completely with your view of baiting. And then if you could choose between fantastic photo trips with arranged scenes or your own back yard you would chose the latter. I don't really have the choice to go to fantastic places, but also not a big urge, I just love to explore what is happening close to home. A fox, an badger, a deer, a boar, all the birds, the toads and frogs. I have endless entertainment, and love to go out with the camera and just take it in. Getting pictures is secondary to the experience.

[@chrisfourie9410]

Nice to see you again. I have a handy hint for the moisture issue with gear. Use baby diapers and stuff all over by bag and storage area. It does not take up too much space and is rather inexpensive Love your work

[@ferkolaszlo_nature]

I was really looking forward to it. It was good to see you again. 👍

[@TheWillRogers]

19:53, Bjorn snoring lol.

[@Nadera2511]

Thank you very much for this extremely beautiful video and your wise words at the end. You are speaking from my Heart ❤

[@CMule32]

Thank you Morten! I really appreciate you breaking this down.

[@markushafner6627]

Thanks, Morten, you are the man! Thanks for the advice for drying the cameras and lenses - and how to enjoy a great pizza! ;-) Your videos are always great - love them...

[@stuartphotography1968]

Love your style Morten 🎉

[@KarenPAlexander]

It is why you shine bright. Love the video as always.

[@pavankaul]

As always it's most engaging & informative to watch your videos! Thank you, Love & blessings to you Morten!

[@debjohnson6332]

Congratulations, Morten! As always, amazing shots! You rock!

[@SeynazheeID]

Thank you for sharing this video, Sir. Greetings from Indonesia

[@moonlightset]

A great video. Thanks Morten. From Portugal.

[@23earth]

These last few weeks have been difficult and depressing for me and I noticed you added a new video, I rushed to watch it because it’s always educational and entertaining and it also helps to forget everything else, even if its just for an hour and seven minutes. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and video taping a new episode. Cheers!

[@LottaLund]

Tack för ännu en superbra video och dina ord på slutet är precis som jag känner. Glad att jag fann din kanal.

[@wildphil]

Thank you, Morton. That's a top tip on the rechargeable Silica bags! never knew they existed! I'm going to get a couple - one for the camera and lens storage cupboard at home and also one to keep inside my camera bag at all times 👍

[@J5388T]

Morten, I'm never bored watching one of your video's!

[@brianhigginsphoto]

you gotta love @mortenhilmer one of the few guys who doesn't have to explain himself but he does so anyway. Always an enjoyable adventure.

[@chriko22]

alwas very nice videos and incredible photos congratulation and thank you

[@Ticolme819]

Great and informative video Morten. I will watch it again. I'm sure I missed some good info. Beautiful little pond until my Florida brain kicked in....GATORS! Then had to override that thought, he's in Denmark😅As to baiting...mmm I think there are always going to be people out there that don't like it, in any form, but yet we bait our hooks when we fish. So you're making it's life a little easier for a day or 2. Sounds like a good trade off. You're not guaranteed it will take the bait. My opinion is you treat the animals with the utmost respect. Keep doing what you're doing. You're Awesome!

[@AntonioKenzo-nc4kk]

A well-deserved beer, keep up the great videos, best regards.

[@miguelangelpulpeiro9228]

Superb video, as usual. I'm already waiting for the next one. Thank you Morten.

[@morayeel6585]

Thank you for sharing BTS and techniques for taking care of wet gear. It was wonderful! We get gray rainy winter here in Pacific Northwest, US and can definitely use your tips! The comment about baiting reminds me of hunters. I personally don’t like hunting, but I have learned some hunters are active conservationist to sustain their hunting ground. If baiting or hunting does more favor than harm to nature, I am not against it.

[@rolfjohansen1939]

Thank you, Morten! I really enjoyed this one. Right up till the end. Best I’ve watched in quite a while. The pizza and your reflections on photography and presevation was an unexpected bonus!

[@rosaramos7671]

What a fantastic video! Lots of useful information, combined with exterior images and practical examples. And I completely agree with your opinion. Thank you so much for continuing to make and share these videos. And yes, I missed it already!

[@Thunderb3Martin]

Thank you for amazing experience and for going through the gear and stuff. And the silica gel is a great advice. Always looking forward to see another video. Cheers from Czech Republic.

[@iAmFilin]

Thank you Morten. I like how you break it into parts by introducing different locations for different topics and this hour flew away so quickly and unnoticible. Silica gel is cool suggestion, I was thinking about rice (what we usually have when doing outdoor trip) . But you could not probably recharge rice quickly ))

[@tobylux1750]

Morten's way of being simply reflects the Danish lifestyle of 'Hygge' completely 😊

[@franksparano688]

Thanks for the thorough video. Very informative.

[@Benskingdom]

That was a thoroughly enjoyable video, thank you. Now I want a pizza and a beer.

[@ianroscoe4706]

Really enjoyed this video, as always Morten, thanks for tkaing the time and effort to make the film. Looking forward to the next video already! all the best. Ian

[@robberkhuizen108]

it was a very good story. With all the details and so on. Good very good. Keep make movies like this i love it. thanks

[@FrankH-sz1ln]

Great video. I’ve tried that focus pre set a few times to get a Kingfisher diving but haven’t quite got the shot yet. Yet being the operative word. I’m with you on baiting, I don’t see a problem if it’s harmless. The pizza looked great, I’m hungry now! Enjoyed the video so much, appreciate your time.

[@SinisaPopovic33]

When I saw that last part where you eat pizza and drink beer in your backyard I thought "This is paradise".

[@filipposeminerio6389]

Thank you very much for the tips on the photographic technique, always very beautiful and relaxing videos.

[@jonifelix7112]

I am loving Christmas in may! Your videos are always so special!

[@Emerald_City_]

This is a great combination of spontaneous, relaxed demeanor and meticulously planned hard work. Not easy! Most of us have no clue how much work all this is. Not so long ago this used to be done by the whole TV crews who had a person appointed for each aspect of the job, like script, direction, camera, audio, editing etc.

[@jrmccartyphotogallery]

Hi Morton from Texas! Like this video content. Enjoyed knowing the sitting you use and how you setup your camera. On talking about wildlife, I just started to get back into wildlife photography. We have a 10 acre farm here in Texas and we are converting to Wildlife Management. As you stated, we wish to develop a place where our wildlife can be protected. Our target is songbirds and pollinators. We do have other wildlife that visit. 2 gray foxes, lots of deer, raccoons, and many more. We also had two red should hawks that stayed on the place this last winter! What a joy!! Take care from Texas!!

[@phillipalmond4357]

Fantastic video, and so worth watching to the very end. 🙂👍

[@arunasstaponas5704]

Once again Morten, thank you for an amazing hour. Thank you for making me to become a sponge for learning more. And the best part was your insights at the ending of this video. I have been discussing this same issue about the baiting with many of my friend colleagues. You have to be conscious in all the ways possible when entering any wildlife habitat. People seem to think that true wildlife photographers are some sort of Indian tribe jungle hunter gatherers. And all they do is just blend in the surrounding nature like they don’t exist. And the truth is different, because you already intervene with your first steps on the ground with your boots leaving your scent all over. The question of ethics i think is in another place. Most of us who love to stay in the nature with cameras have many more things to think about. Do you leave rubbish behind you? Is the animal you’re photographing not stressed of you being close? If you are visiting the animals habitat regularly for your photo project, does animal have to change his nesting place or feeding grounds because of this? You need to consider many things. Every animal is different. Don’t forget to put yourself in the animals perspective. I bet you would be pissed if some strange object with a clicking sound is crossing your safe zone (home) every day. Love the nature like you love yourself! Best regards Morten from Norway!

[@jaromereysimon6006]

Thank you for sharing your opinion on wildlife photography using bait. Your insights has widen my understanding on the matter. I wish you well and see you out there! 💯

[@22ophiotrix11]

Thank you for the insights and advises. Answered some questions I came upon when taking pictures of very quick birds like wrens.

[@RichardHarper-rl8kr]

I have been photographing red kites and nesting ospreys this week in Wales, in beautiful weather except for one afternoon when I and my camera equipment got thoroughly drenched by heavy rain, so your straightforward methods of drying out camera gear came in very useful. Your videos are always enjoyable to watch and I always learn something from them, especially as your methods come from doing it and not from theory, and your presentation is always free of waffle. Thank you Morten; I look forward to your next video.

[@denisesavage2382]

It was lovely to share a day and pizza with you as you took us through the gear you used, how you use it, why you use what you do in the way that you do. And the big thing underneath it all is about sharing the beauty of the animals in the world and how we can appreciate and look after the environment for them. Cheers!

[@film317]

Another great video Morten! Always an inspiration. Looking forward to the videos to come!

[@ADA777]

Amo🫶Observar las Aves ☺️Me encanta lo que hacen 🐦 me la paso viendo sus Aventuras en la TV👌Gracias 🩵

[@Wildlifevideopicture]

Tack för denna fantastiska video Morten. Mycket lärorik och du är duktig på att förklara. Tack för att du delar😊 //KD

[@epostiljon]

As usual, gently, nice, wellspoken and generous :-) Like a smörgåsbord, take what you like. Thanks Morten

[@anthonygomes-il3dl]

Good morning Sir. Thank you for sharing all the information. I am from India. I love watching your videos.

[@montanaylago]

Morten says: let’s make a tutorial, and instead of doing what any other KZbin people, he just says let’s get out there… Björn get’s all muddy, we see the actual example and technique… I can tell you how much I like your videos!!! Thanks for sharing and “I’ll see you out there”!!!

[@sharonhaasbroek7464]

Thank you! We really appreciate your work.

[@norskattforfun8575]

Very interesting and great to see another video from you

[@monosqueak]

Bravo! It is very soothing and also inspiring watching your content and also seeing you as a DIY pizza person it is way more satisfying... Now it's time to knead one for myself :)

[@darekpro6117]

great video. lots of very useful and inspirational stuff. I did muskoxen in Dovrefjell because of you, now you inspired me to look into water fowl from a blind. Great thanks! Lots of hugs to Bjorn.

[@aljo.antony]

Happy to have you missed on youtube because you spend that time doing something so good for nature. Can you do a video on the sound recording equipment used to record in stereo?, Sound just immerses ourselves when in a jungle.

[@juancarlosasiain5922]

primera vez que veo un video tuyo, estoy encantado y que forma de terminarlo, ya me pongo con los demás videos, saludos desde Nicaragua

[@cometmoo]

Thank you Morten, better a masterpiece once or twice a year than just anything less. You are a GEM!

[@come.on.lets.go.]

I love these videos, I don't even do nature photography, I just love watching this.

[@michaelrobinsonphotography6552]

Awesome!

[@LasseNikolaisen]

Great video! Good content and hard, honest work! it feels just like being at home with you to learn, share experiences and discuss! 😀

[@StephaanBOSS56]

I am touching 70 years soon, worked hard all my life and having troubles with my back. Like 1km from the center of the little city I live in in Belgium, there is a very small nature reserve. I managed to get the rangers to trust me and let me install a small, hidden hide. Passing my time alone in that hide, observing, filming and photographing the kingfishers beats just bout everything for me. I think I very much understood what you wanted to say there at the end of your great video.

[@oczkoo8252]

Thank you Morten!!

[@digidraxe8052]

Thank you Morten. I really enjoyed your video.

[@RobinsIan]

I have been watching a lot of your vids and all I can say is well done. Just a tip from someone that does a lot of aurora photos. I use a vacuum bag when I come in from the cold. Put the camera and lens into a vacuum bag and use a hand pump to suck out the air. Stop condensation getting to the camera when it comes into the warm.

[@chrzanik666]

Good morning Morten 😊 what a nice treat ☕ thanks for uploading, this is great way to start BH my Monday 😊😊

[@ED-on8to]

Thank you Morten!

[@waileemo6682]

Thanks so much for your sharing your experience.I always enjoy your videos thanks again cheers 🍻

[@Welcome_to_real_life_]

Wonderful!

[@greggorter]

Awesome video Morten ! Beer and Pizza 🍕 skål !!! 😅🍻

[@yomismo1945]

Thanks for sharing your rich experiences. 😊 You're amazing! By the way, keep Bjorn away from anything that might harm him. That little guy is an irreplaceable treasure.

[@neilyeomans9805]

Fantastic as always

[@rkarlson0083]

These are the only videos I can watch all the way through. Good job

[@tomfoord8860]

So glad to see you back.😃