I was looking forward to using my 100-400mm lens... but...

I go out shooting sunrise with the aim of just using my long lens, however it really did not go to plan!
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NIKON GEAR (Main STILLS camera)
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Awesome telephoto lens - Nikon 70-200m f/2.8 - geni.us/nikon70200
Great ultra-wide angle lens - Nikon 14-30mm f/4 - geni.us/1430mm
Hiking mid lens - Nikon 24-70mm Z f4 - geni.us/nikon2470
Sharpest mid lens - Nikon 24-70mm Z f2.8 geni.us/2470mm28
Very long lens - Nikon 500mm F5.6 - geni.us/nikon500mm
FILM GEAR
AWESOME DRONE - geni.us/dji_mavic3
Nikon Z6 - geni.us/z6nikon
Nikon 20mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon20mmz
Nikon 24mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon24mm
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Nikon 85mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon85mmz
OTHER PHOTO GEAR
Amazing Umbrella - geni.us/blunt
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Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - geni.us/Rainjacket
Rab Downpour Pants - geni.us/rainpants
GorillaPod - geni.us/Kb9mV
The great printer I use Canon P1000 - geni.us/cIIc
Clever camera strap (peak design) - geni.us/PDstrap
Great bag for hiking - Tenba 24L - geni.us/orPwh
Great bag for travel (carry on) - Tenba 32L - geni.us/tenba32l
Super light Benro Travel Tripod UK - geni.us/Benrotravel
A must have for tripod (L bracket) - geni.us/myLbracket
Lightweight tripod - Benro Mach3 Carbon Fiber Tripod - geni.us/benromach3
Paper I use for all my prints - Fotospeed - geni.us/fotospeed Use DANSON10 to get 10% off your paper.

[@martinwilsonphoto]

“Get up and get out” . Pretty much the best photography advice I’ve ever heard.

[@geoffstairmand3747]

Thank you Nigel for re-enforcing the message. It isn't always about getting the portfolio image or the hundreds of likes you might get in the social media of choice. Enjoyment, being there and learning. Good to see you back in the hills, enjoying our wonderful local countryside.

[@alexvanderpol]

So true - I never get portfolio images 🤣 but I enjoy every minute out there. 👍😄

[@JerryMarshall]

1 hour on the mountain is better than 1 hour in bed! No truer words have ever been spoken. It's all about the experience! Great video Nigel and Rick. Good to see you get out and about. Take care!

[@williampetersen2899]

I loved the 120mm shot of the old barn and trees with the single sheep. So reassuring to hear you say that one of the things that happens when you're out shooting is that you wonder if you would have been better off going to another location! And your advice about just being able to adjust on the fly and to enjoy the outing regardless of how the photography is going is much more important than a "buy this lens" or "use this filter" tip. Have enjoyed every video you've put out Nigel but with Rick on board, I'd say the production quality has gone up a notch. You're a great team.

[@boatman222345]

An honest, truthful video like all Nigel's videos. Photography is like a treasure hunt and "treasure" by definition is rare. As I used to tell my clients when I did photo tours on my boat "Enjoy the day as an enjoyable process in an incredibly beautiful area. If you get some great photos so much the better, if not you have great memories of a relaxing day spent in beautiful surroundings!

[@bartjes2509]

Indeed getting out is key. Doing research, getting information about tides, how the sun will illuminate the scene, weather forecast etc. all help as preparation. From that it's improvisation for me mostly. Last holiday in Ireland I went to some very nice locations in the dark before sunrise and got good shots on some of these locations as sometimes the light was just flat by cloudcover. The way back to the hotel was just finding nice things to also shoot (before joining my family who slept late and have breakfast together ;-)

[@vlaney21]

Nigel, this has been a great reminder that we might not get the shot we want due to conditions, etc. And that's OK. It's also a reminder to pull out another lens and look at the small scenes. Or count the trip as "scouting". But the main thing is to just enjoy being out in nature. I just did a weekloing trip to photograph the Dolomites and the weather just did not cooperate. But with that said....photography aside...I had a wonderful time experiencing their beauty and did come back with a couple of keepr images. Thanka again Nigel!

[@davidmill7289]

Good to see you out and about again Nigel. Lovely images, I especially like the barn shot. Great filming Rick!

[@ungavaproductions]

As always, excellent presentation. Amazing photos and honest comments ! BRAVO again Nigel

[@claraconlan6557]

Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the work and not have too many expectations.

[@smkunder1]

Really enjoying your approach to photography, it’s so nice to see your thoughts behind the image.

[@haroldhobbs1184]

Another great video Nigel love the way you explain everything I hope you are feeling batter

[@garryhughes3747]

Thanks! I love your positive approach....and yep, get out there!

[@andeeleininger5968]

Nigel and Rick, thanks again for a great video. Great reminder to just get out there. If you truly love photography, You’ll enjoy it no matter what.

[@rappy90]

Thanks for the video! Every time I watch these I tell myself I gotta get my ass out of bed early on my day off sometime and do some shots but I always end up staying up late the night before lol

[@philippr8600]

Definitely great to be out early, thanks for sharing your impressions and thought process towards the photo again in a nice video!

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

This is why I always let the location dictate the focal length, the next trip I take to Cape Cod Massachusetts, will have me bringing multiple camera bodies and a selection of primes and zoom lenses, many of the photos of beaches, boat harbors and lighthouses don't have hiking involved and because of this i can bring a few different cameras that I have purchased over the last few years and see how different cameras are glass work out.

[@_noahrh]

I went on a beautiful kayak trip this weekend near Louisiana and brought my telephoto lens thinking I'd use it. I had the same experience as you, it's not about the lens, it's about when and where to use it, and really hardly found any use for it on this trip. A month ago I took a trip to a mountainous region and it was nearly the only lens I used! Good to remember to not try to force something that isn't working and adjust to something that does! Thanks for the knowledge and sharing your experience.

[@scotth7129]

This video really epitomizes why I like watching all your stuff - you're a great teacher by simply saying what you're thinking while you're doing it (In some fields, it's called "cognitive apprenticeship," not sure if it's the same in photography). In any case, I enjoy the education on many levels - technical and creative/inspirational. Thanks for making the video!

[@AliasJimWirth]

Hey, Rick, thank you for being there with Nigel. Fine video work, as well. I think it all makes for a better outing. Some nice images, Nigel. A good day.

[@selectiveimagery]

Very thoughtful video, it's about getting off the couch, getting some fresh air, enjoying the world around you and if your lucky enough to get a few wall hangers that's great, if not, you still had a great day.

[@b.2221]

When you get old like me and can’t get out and about as much , then its a boon to watch beautiful photography locations like this one. Thank you for sharing your lovely photographs with us all Sir.

[@Ginette688]

I love how you fly the drone as your teaching. It’s an awesome classroom! It’s neat to see 360°of what you see! Interesting…photography is a game of patience, observation, and adaptation. This is great advice too…”the most important thing is enjoying what you do”. That is so true. Otherwise I find I will be too stressed trying to be a perfectionist and not much gets done.

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MsPernickety]

Very enjoyable as usual Nigel. Thank you.

[@taurus7228]

Hello. Thanks for the very natural approach. Lovely video 👏 There is always something to shoot out there.

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Nice. Like the barn shot as I normally see the barn from a different angle. 👍

Love your photos, inspiration and educational videos! Regarding being on the right spot at the right time. I assume you do some research and planning before heading out into the great outdoor. Would love to hear some about such preparations. Maps, terrain, topography, directions of sunrise/set, other sources?

[@pathogan4854]

Hi Rick ! great point you wont rember the hour in bed but you will remember the hour on the mountain ! love it

[@SimonCJo]

Nigel, James and Mads the holy trinity of yt photography! Looking forward to that. Cheers Rick!

[@minus1db]

Thank you as always

[@timrosenthal46]

So true, I like to think of it like fishing, sometimes you don't get anything and sometimes you get a few beauties but both times are really enjoyable.

[@NigelDanson]

I don't fish but perfect analogy.!

[@helscy3676]

Great Video! I realy enjoy your content!

[@jacktingle215]

BTDT. I was in the mountains last week looking for some shots of a mountaintop ski area. I got them, but wind mirage was poor. I got better results dropping down from my very long lens to my favorite "mere" supertelephoto.

[@luminousremo]

Thanks Nigel ! Thanks Rick ! These videos are ALWAYS amazing. So much inspiration to draw from them. 💜

[@bobmcdonald4834]

Excellent video Nigel. And great to see you out and about again and able to enjoy the countryside. Many thanks again and good luck with your health.

[@mariebird01]

| like your honest approach to help cope with what life's surprises might bring. I also have similar saying. An extra hour in beds not so memorable, yet I've spent many a memorable odd hour by the water (sea, river etc).

[@user-tr7vm5dp9k]

Hi Nigel, thanks for your videos. Question. Do you use colour checker befor a shooting? If so how? Thx for answering

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Can't wait to come and visit! :D It'll be epic! :D

[@NigelDanson]

ha ha - it will!!!

[@LandscapeFotografi]

the location is so quiet and comfortable, I really feel the atmosphere of this location. and the photos are so cool Bro, I always come because I really like photo hunting activities, good job bro📸📸📸

[@nealschneider6554]

Thank you, Nigel. You always have good lessons in your videos. I appreciate you reinforcing the concept that just getting out and shooting is what’s important, and that not every outing is going to bring an epic photo.

[@ronboe6325]

Props and thanks to Rick for his work. Having lived through some bad back problems having some assistance to get some work done can be a godsend. Question: what on earth do you do with all those prints you make? Even if I print just 5x7's I'm lacking room and I have some 11x14 and 17x22 to use up - no where to stuff them!

[@NigelDanson]

I have a set of print drawers

[@colinmatheson832]

Top choice of tripod. It is the same as mine. Perfect for astro.

[@brianloeffler6551]

Completely agree where you have to get out and constantly practice. Otherwise why do it?

[@inghelmheidubrand1545]

Very nice shots indeed! The barn shot is really wonderful. I like it very much. I think you have an excellent approach for outdoor fotography: go out and enjoy it, enjoy being part of the scene, nature. That's absolutely true in my opinion. ("1 hour in the mountains ....") This reminds me of another verdict about good fotography: if you want to get a good foto you need to work for it, which means you have to spend some time to deal with the subject, you need to aquire it. I think that is what you have done in that session and that is why the fotos were really successful in the end. Thank you for the inspiration. (I think I have to go a bit more for landcape fotography instead of wildlife). Greetings from germany. 👍

[@brucedelorme5026]

Watch out U.K. the 'Three Amigos' are getting together. This will be fun. Nigel, just so happy tonsee youbout and about. Just take it slow and be careful good sir.

[@cliffnieuwenhuis8638]

Had to laugh at "...apart from a pheasant that flew away and I just got a rock" but I really like the video and your photographs, especially the rocks with sunlit grass in the foreground.

[@chesslover8829]

Nigel, lovely images and great videography--I really learned a lot from your presentation and agree with your main message: get out there and make photographs. Thank you so much!

[@nerrelloader4226]

My favourite was the stones on the ridge line. Really beautiful. Thanks for the reminder to adapt. I notice you don't use a lens hood. Is there a reason for that please Nigel?

[@bobhart1355]

It’s always good that you admit your mistakes and show us how you could of improved a shot. As a newbie to photography I try and try, sometimes it works but a most of the time it doesn’t. Your approach and techniques have taught me a lot but most importantly as you say it’s just being out and enjoying it. Oh by the way Nigel it was a grouse, not a pheasant.

[@MichaelGranado]

Go Giants!

[@martinjn2920]

Awesome video, very true about getting up when the alarm goes but I’m a big fan of duvets and therefore prefer an afternoon / evening / sunset shoot 😂. If memory serves me correctly you have the 24-200 in your lens cabinet, with your current mobility issues why not use this instead of the 24-120 & 100-400? Great shots from the outing, maybe I’ll give the early mornings a go, especially as the silly o’clock starts of summer are well behind us. Nice one Nigel, thanks.

[@NigelDanson]

Check out next Sunday's video for exactly this!

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

Nigel hello, Thank you very much for the lovely videow. kindly advise me on how to remove my Z100-400 from my new Z8 which can not be removed even if I keep the side button is pressed and I rotate the lens.......Have you come accross this problem before?

[@NigelDanson]

I didn’t when I tried that lens… 😬

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

@@NigelDanson Thank you. Lens was removed from the retailer shop.

[@martharetallick204]

Right now, I have to get out and learn to use my new camera. Got a couple of assignments coming up, and I need to be ready.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Re your composition at 5:40, would a bit of a taller tripod have helped? Ever consider getting one just for situations like that?

[@kaneclements7761]

Hi Rick. 👋🏻👋🏻

[@lelandchew68]

I just came across Nigel's video expecting some bad news about the Nikon Z 100-400 lens that I've been considering. But I stayed and completely enjoyed the video for a completely different reason. Beautiful location nevertheless and you made the most of the conditions and enjoyed the moment. The drone video and photographs are spectacular. There's no one and done in landscape photography. A different day, time and weather conditions will yield completely different results. Each breathtaking in its own right. And you may never use your zoom lens.

[@janroos7518]

This nice video came perfecrly timed for me: I am waiting for my ordered 24-120mm Z some time now, and was thinking of switching to the 24-200mm But your video shows the 120mm is for 90% okay for my 'long lens landscapes' That, ánd the better quality (including wheater sealing) made me decide to wait for the Z 24-120mm👍👍

[@janroos7518]

...and of course it is good to hear that also the pro's don't make reward winning shots all the time. But i love 'm!!! Looking forward to the video's of you and Mads together. Mads & you are my favorite landscape photographers and youtubers😁😁

[@NigelDanson]

Next week I use the 24-200. It is an amazing lens but not as sharp as the 24-120. I print a huge print - see what you think next week.

[@janroos7518]

@@NigelDanson looking forward to it👍

[@mayhamilton6652]

Another great video. Love Ricks filmography too. The quote about getting out of bed rings so true. It's too easy to hit snooze on the alarm after a busy week though!

[@nicop.2312]

Maybe handy to tell which 100-400mm you use in the beginning. I see after 3 minutes Nikkor

[@PaulHarveyAustralia]

what you consider average most of us consider awesome : ) - great video and images

[@billkipper3264]

Thanks Nigel. I always love your observations and honesty. You can't always get the shot you went to get. Case in point. Yesterday I went to shoot a scene I've been waiting a year for. Drove over an hour from home, set up, took the shots and when I got home I wasn't happy at all with the results even though I thought conditions were pretty good. Disappointing, but I'll go back in a few days and try again. Still, it was great to be out.

[@adamclarke3310]

Great video. I've been up at that end of the Roaches lots lately around sunset. I have quite a similar shot of that hut too! Something I've struggled with with the long lens and mist is getting the edit right. I find it really hard to avoid getting muddy colours or to nail the white balance and exposure. Maybe a subject for a future video!

[@valrion.photography]

Hi Nigel, and hi Rick 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻 Lot of wise words in this video. The important is to get out. The more we get out the more chances we will get the picture we wanted, or even better, one we didn't expect at all but we are happy to have got!

[@ddsdss256]

I often use my 100-400 Leica, but as that's an MFT lens, it has an EFL of 200-800. I often shoot at full zoom and in many cases, from its minimum focusing distance of 1.3m/4.27 ft (one of the many advantages of MFT, which also includes the rare need for a tripod--and a smaller one works when it is needed!). I also often shoot with only a 70-200 EFL lens over the course of a couple hours and rarely feel the need to swap it, even though I usually have 16-800 in my pack. As it happens, we don't have spectacular landscapes (like the ones in your videos) anywhere nearby, so I need to find and shoot what's unique locally (which also helps minimize my carbon footprint). Your comments at the end speak to that--you can't wait for "perfect" conditions--you need to play the cards you're dealt and that challenge helps produce art. That's really part of the reason I like to shoot longer FLs--I'm forced to focus on details rather than what most would consider to be more "obvious" images. Of course, you can also do a lot in post to make an image more interesting than how it first appeared. BtW, how does your wife feel about the "better than an hour in bed" comment (two ways to interpret that)? ;) Agreed in principal, however--I love being outside and especially in "nature" (but it's been too long since I've climbed a snow-capped peak--now there's some scenery).

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

I know you only live down the road, I have just been up there myself video out soon.

[@richardpesce5325]

Really glad to see you are able to get back to hiking. Thanks for the video!

[@thesourcerer6504]

Nothing ventured nothing gained...except you did in a sense and enjoyed the great outdoors and sharpened your pencil for next time.

[@robertgrenader858]

Ge up, get out and go capture the light. Have you ever considered adding a leveling base to your tripod? Made a HUGE difference with my landscape photography.

[@alwynwilliams2661]

Adaptability is good especially without a plan! Mobility isn't brilliant so when I go to a location I make decicions when I get there. 😉👍

[@petemellows]

In regards to your cards: what size do you use? I use 128GB cards, mostly because sports photography pays my bills and I can get ~1,400 36MP images on there.

[@NigelDanson]

Mostly 64gb

[@martinsarre]

Love the detail on the old building, glad you went tighter in it for the print. It was too small in the frame in your wide shots

[@josephschimmer302]

Card holder! Never thought about this - but YES!! BTW looking forward to the supergroup of the three of you.

[@MartyBecker]

Really like the several photos of the barn. Is there ant history of that barn? Why was it built there with nothing else round it?

[@NigelDanson]

I am not sure... just an old farming barn I think

[@johnyoung1606]

Hi Nigel,,, I am a Loyal Sub :) As an influencer,, it is important to remember if people see you doing something they think it is a cool thing to do!! Standing at the edge of a PRECIPICE has caused many deaths :( :( :( Luv Ya Man

[@davidbailey4976]

Excellent!!! Thank you Nigel. That was wonderful.

[@t.k.1448]

Torn between picking up the 100-400 or waiting for the 200-600 which I would use more. That said, I note you mention Kase filters in your list of gear, could you maybe mention when you are using a filter and what type. I haven't seen you use rectangular filter holders in your videos much/at all if memory serves me correctly, so I assume you are using the Wolverine magnetic models? Thanks, it would help me understand one additional variable to get the desired effect/exposure more consistently, and I assume I am not alone in this struggle. Finally, haven't seen Pebbles in quite some time. Hope she is well and simply choosing to sleep in.

[@NigelDanson]

Just the magnetic ones which are so awesome!

[@gchristopherklug]

Lovely video. Thank you.

[@michaelgoulding4425]

Great video Nigel, really enjoyed this one. Off the feet with my back myself for the last few weeks so these videos are extra important at the moment. Cheers

[@kevinw8327]

What a great reinforcement of a great msg thanks another awesome motivational video....oh and thanks Rick for helping with the awesome videography 👍

[@Yizzlesquasm]

The drone shot as you were chatting on the rock was beautiful. Hi Rick!

[@chrisridge9659]

Just back from a day in the country in Melbourne Victoria Aus, I agree with Geoff , thanks for re-enforcing the message.

[@BLITZgescheit]

Nice to see you getting back on your feet again and walking longer distances. Seems that your back is making good progress!

[@57sapke]

Love your images, looks so painterly. 👌

[@kittyclerico18]

Inspiring thoughts in this video. Getting out is always better than staying in. Loved the old hut.

[@wilmavanheerden9177]

Thank you so much Nigel!

[@philippesteindl3356]

I think I still need subtitles for the names of the landscape .. because I can't find a mountain called "shuttle and slow" :) (I have found a Shutlingsloe .. guess that is it :P)

[@chrispietryga8710]

Always inspired by your videos. I live in Cumbria and want to get into photography now that I am retired...need to get out of bed earlier! Who is that singer, by the way? I loved your comment: "I got lucky with that sheep." 😂

[@davidskinner274]

Tree hidden for me

[@antonoat]

Great stuff Nigel! Lesson learnt, your pheasant was a grouse! lol. Good to see you getting out and about after the surgery, cheers.

[@jamie2424lfc]

Looking at getting back in to photography next week and just start off with a mid range dslr. I was in Scotland a few weeks ago and wish I can a camera to snap the beautiful landscapes

[@scotty4418]

Lovely images Nigel and enjoyed watching this sitting on a shoreline waiting for the tide to drop so I can get close to a shipwreck. Don't think it will be an epic day but as you said better to be out than in bed. Hope you Mads and James have a productive time together when you meet up

[@SteveZodiac777]

Great photos & video!

[@constantinelukashin4850]

Thanks for this video ! I like the 110m shot.

[@CookedLight]

Thanks for keeping us entertained each Sunday, even tho you are obviously getting grief from your back. The vlogs look brilliant on my new 70in tele 😁 when the pals arrive, perhaps make a wee tutorial on how to like, subscribe and comment on different platforms...I am quite IT savvy but only recently figured out how to like on tv.

[@Alan-DPhotos]

Loved those images Nigel. The Roaches is one of my 'go to' places but always seem to be in the wrong place for the conditions Lol. I did notice the other week that the old farmhouse roof has reduced in size though so may need to revisit more often while there is some left 🙂

[@NigelDanson]

oh really... it is folding in a lot.

[@klassenrick87]

Thanks Nigel cheers from 🇨🇦

[@davidskinner274]

Thhe prints show up better, lovely

[@paulbenson3441]

Hi Nigel, I hope your back is well on its way to being mended, great to see you out and about in the Peak. Thanks Rick for the great drone footage. Moira and I went to Longshaw last Friday and I could feel that my heart wasn't quite 100% for photography that day, but still took the camera and tripod. Very breezy that afternoon and lots of livestock were grazing and seemed to be keen to get into the camera shot. Managed to get a bit off the track because it was the trees I was after, but still didn't feel that any of the images were going to be good. I think it was the case of not going home empty handed and that was on my mind all the time. I haven't taken the card out the camera yet, but it's October now so I should have a look and see what I have from September. Well, we got out of Sheffield, had a roll and sausage at the cafe, got plenty of exercise (well, a bit of exercise) some fresh air and conversations with some young cows and their mums. I think it was being out in the country that was the important thing and Moira and I both love Longshaw - when it's quiet like it was on Friday. Look after yourself. (PS If you feel like a bacon butty when you're out in the Peak, there's a great wee cafe in Longnor. Great place to chill for a while and it's how cafes used to be).

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks - I may have to visit that!

[@robllewellyn]

Oh good. A new video!

[@SueFerreira75]

So pleased The Master also gets photos of where the animal just was! Good to see you on a hill top again.

[@NigelDanson]

I am not a master of wildlife... trust me! ha ha