It Started as a Normal (And Wonderful!) Owl Photography Vlog-Then Something Incredible Happened...

[@19Photographer76]

Your first series of images were great because they also told a good story. The Teton/owl capture was great for you as the photographer. But again, the first series had great detail, and great fidelity of the Owl!

[@Fred-wb5nz]

I'm always impressed by 1. How you can even see the owls and 2. How chilled you are walking around casually where there might be bears (as a european, we don't worry so much about our rank in the food chain when we are out in the woods).

[@betterbirders]

Bears aren't that big of a deal in the U.S. Just make noise every now and then. Bring bear spray too just in case.

[@SMGJohn]

@@betterbirders Bring your friend Smith and Wesson too just in case. Bear attacks are real and happens.

[@betterbirders]

@@SMGJohn They can, but are still pretty rare. Just remember to give them their space.

[@SMGJohn]

@@betterbirders Better safe, than sorry.

[@johnbonotto7637]

Steve knows his way round Griz

[@thisisme1999]

That was fun and thank you for sharing that. I will frequently thank the birds I photograph, not that I expect a response, but I am Canadian, and we tend to be polite. I get the feeling you experienced, sometimes it is not about the perfect shot but the perfect moment. Photography for me has always had a therapeutic facet; the world ceases to exist; negative thoughts are dropped, and you are just in the moment.

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep. You get it.

[@minerdave]

Perseverance pays off! And yes the result is sum of your years of hard work and miles of travel with a heavy camera over your shoulder. Thanks for sharing and taking us along.

[@SteveMattheis]

Yes! Thank you!

[@1958zed]

That truly was a once-in-a-lifetime shot with the owl in front of Grand Teton. Incredible.

[@SteveMattheis]

So fun…

[@jimbryan860]

I agree that was a shot to die for, one of a kind. I love your videos and photos. I love the Tetons and Yellowstone area. No place like it . Keep up the great work

[@markcatizone2011]

The smile on your face and in your eyes were magic. Award? You will never forget the experience associated with that shot. That is the real award. Congrats to you.

[@SteveMattheis]

True! And thank you.

[@mariaulvw]

Wow, incredible photographs!!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@PeterLariviere]

When you said 'I wish he would come back to thank him' I knew the reason why I love watching your channel. I always thank a bird if it let's me take a special image and in my traditions also lay tobacco as thanks. That Great Gray was thankful for you telling it's story to all of us. Miigwetch.

[@SteveMattheis]

I appreciate that. All of it.

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

Geez! What an experience! The GT in the background is the proverbial cherry on top. Just having solo time with a GGO in a meadow with so many amazing perches is incredible. Love it! For those wondering about slowly approaching species, I use a zig zag slow walking method. I'm sure Steve and others do it. This way a bird or animal doesn't think you're a predator by not being interested in them. That approach has worked countless times, along with obviously observing their behaviour and ensuring you don't get in their hunting space.

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep, good technique 👍

[@rickleinen1881]

Congrats!!

[@OhHeyItsLou]

Talk about an unreal moment! As soon as I heard the music and saw the mountain, I literally said out loud while watching "no way!" My takeaway, your dream shot could be one leisurely walk through the woods away. Don't take what seems ordinary for granted. We could be surrounded by extraordinary moments but will never know if we don't get out there.

[@foto-spective]

Great photo! Great video! Some of us know the feeling of getting a shot you've been after. In your case you got to share it with all of us. Thanks for doing so. Absolutely enjoyed watching your excitement. 👍😎

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it👍

[@ArtoMikkola]

Great moment with you in nature, thanks once again!

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kamcma1]

I like how you mentioned at the beginning sometimes you start a video and it comes to nothing. It makes ones like this all the sweeter.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@tjnicol]

So awesome Steve and very happy for you that you got one of your “lifer” photo ops. That is so special when that happens! :)

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks so much

[@65Jimmi]

Damn Steve! Congratulations on getting that shot.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@brandt_bennett]

Congrats my friend! What a photo and experience!!!!! 🔥🥳. Thank you for sharing

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks so much!!

[@sstarr1310]

Awesome! Thank you for letting us tag along with you on your owl adventures. And tell Mr/Mrs owl thank you from all of us!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@GaryGough]

I’d be super-excited with that mountain silhouette shot too. Incredible vlog as always. Hope you’re well 👍👍

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks Gary! I’ve been digging your Mach loop vids - my son and I are airplane nerds😂

[@christophercarlimages9003]

Always entertaining! Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@chops411]

Spectacular video!

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@betterbirders]

Great picture of the Owl! I saw a GGOW in Glacier NP last year. Always give owls their space. Not only do you get better photos but its better for them too!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@deanherschede1760]

Way cool. You never know what will show up, and that is reason to always be optimistic:)

[@SteveMattheis]

True

[@sharonlee782]

Wowsers, what a shot. 😀

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@TxBronco]

What an amazing capture. Wow. You truly are an inspiration for me

[@SteveMattheis]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johnbonotto7637]

I know you loved that bro! 🦉

[@SteveMattheis]

Yeah I did

[@captainsteve19]

too good Bud! love it! and congrats on finally!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@aspenandvail]

Awesome!!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@prandg0]

Wow!!! Fantastic shot Steve, congratulations! I’m sure you’re gonna be adding that one to the portfolio.

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep🙏

[@JimboP-Outside]

Awesome man, truly amazing! 🤩

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@Fivetogoable]

So glad you got that epic shot! You deserve it my friend.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@prandg0]

Thanks!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thank you very much 👍

[@shereesmazik5030]

A golden moment-you must have a deep sense of satisfaction.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@crittaker]

Thanks for sharing...awesome shot

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ronnyolsson2802]

Stunning shot and great video ! Ronny //

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@samiam1025]

Great day! And I'm thankful that I know that feeling!

[@SteveMattheis]

Yessssss👍

[@johnknittel7923]

Your work in always inspirational. Thank you for your time and effort to share this one and so many others with us.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@lynnecliffe3056]

Oh, the look of satisfaction! I talk to the creatures too. Thank you for sharing your enthusiastic capture.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks for watching!

[@neilcole3406]

Well done dude, right time right place!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@timloucks4325]

Cool shot. Congrats. I’m a little surprised you didn’t do a focus stack with a more detailed “Tetons”, but perhaps that’s what sets you apart from all the Landscape Photographers that vlog here. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Thanks for sharing.

[@SteveMattheis]

I typically prefer some separation between subject and background. And sometimes I want enough detail to make it obvious what that background actually is. I stopped down to f/14 to make sure the Grand Teton was still recognizable enough.

[@PhotographybyTimWMoore]

Some walks in nature can be so rewarding!!!

[@SteveMattheis]

Definitely

[@vincentlimagne9768]

The peak and the howl what an awesome personnal photo ! Congrats Steve… you might have to come back to the same spot and hope for a better light with him on the dead tree .

[@SteveMattheis]

For sure

[@dac9404]

So cool.

[@SteveMattheis]

I agree

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

Incredible!!! The Grand in the background, glorious!

[@SteveMattheis]

🙏

[@mattthomas1547]

Thanks for letting us hang with you Steve, it's always an adventure and I always try to be quiet.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@johndeblaquiere5218]

Great video and moment Steve thanks so much for sharing it😊

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mornekombrink]

What an amazing shot!! Having envisioned this shot and then quickly acting on the opportunity when it presents itself must have required some quick thinking on your feet to pull of this shot, fantastic work!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Great image

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@Greg-rx4pt]

I'm jealous that you had snow in mid June, here in central Florida we were already in the mid 90's during the day and mid 70's for lows at night. We are opposite, I would have liked for the cooler temps to stay around a little longer. I'm now counting down the weeks until we start seeing some 80's again. That won't be for another month and a half though.

[@SteveMattheis]

Yuck

[@kurtkemnitzer]

What a spectacular opportunity! So glad you got the shot and experience, regardless of how it turns out.

[@SteveMattheis]

🙏

[@JRodPhotoArt]

Amazing video Steve, I enjoyed every second of it. Well done!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@CanonR5II]

Congratulations on the epic great grey and Teton shot… winner winner chicken dinner 💯🐔

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@tonybrinkley5824]

Awesome photo! I'm glad you got the opportunity to take it.

[@SteveMattheis]

Me too!

[@adventureswithduck7400]

Glad you got the shot. Is a keeper for sure.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@ericsmith9777]

Stellar video, well done Steve !! You know you had a good one when you walk out smiling. And the pictures.......bonus !!! So people don't realize what they just experienced, sad. Thanks for sharing............ Cheers,

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks 👍

[@4score]

Congrats Steve! Very happy for you.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks so much!

[@akountreegal]

So fun to watch your excitement...As always truly enjoyed your video.

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@brianhigginsphoto]

Congrats Steve, that's a lot of field work paying off.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks 👍

[@donnakeeley4531]

Awesome Steve. I love that you got this photo, it looks great. This is the reward for your passion, patience and just enjoyment of this great bird. I bet the smile was on your face for a while. Cheers from New Zealand

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@toddleech1055]

Congratulations Steve !!! i got goosebumps just watching this, i cant imagine being in person, what a great experience, and thanks for sharing it with us.

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikemiller5661]

Wowza!

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@CathySummers-z7g]

Wonderful photos with the owl and the Grand. Thanks for sharing the photo and experience.

[@SteveMattheis]

Many thanks!

[@WildlifeOnFocus]

Nice Video and Photos ❤. Greetings from Germany. Daniel

[@SteveMattheis]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@grgdavis2]

Amazing!! I would have been choked up afterward as well! Love your content Steve!

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@benoutside7593]

Thank you for another video and for sharing your work with us. Congratulations on your dream image.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@dennisfrederick9304]

It's very impressive what you accomplish in such a relaxed nonchalant manner. What a pleasure to watch. Also fantastic images. ❤

[@SteveMattheis]

Thank you so much 😀

[@theholepicture]

Congrats on that one. We must talk, I can tell you where I have gotten 2 bulls with the GT in the background.

[@SteveMattheis]

I’ll find you in the field one of these days…

[@LouisaLee63]

Awesome! Wonderful images!!

[@SteveMattheis]

Many thanks!

[@mikearcher6239]

What a great video! Such an beautiful bird in an awesome setting….thanks for sharing this magical encounter!❤

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JanieP53]

You are the best at spotting owls! Thanks for sharing your hikes!

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you like them!

[@kirstymcleod6647]

Love that you got your vision owl shot - I got a shot last year that I'd had in my head for ages, so completely understand the giddy feeling when it comes together - whatever the result (and your result was just fine!). Also had to giggle at your definition of "ok shots" from your first encounter - I'd be absolutely made up with those! Always enjoy your vlogs - thank you Steve!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@tomespinoza9809]

Congrats on a shot of a lifetime!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@blakecook7469]

Sweet pic Steve! Thanks again for sharing...

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@georgefourlaris7948]

Amazing as always Steve.

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markattardo]

Wow, awesome day!! Fantastic photos👍👍

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@Walkinginthewoods]

It's epic Steve. Epic. Well done.

[@SteveMattheis]

Haha thanks!

[@JenRitchiePhotography]

Congrats - super cool!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@JeffandLeslie]

nicely done and some beautiful shots of a beautiful creature.

[@SteveMattheis]

Many thanks!

[@narinthip3058]

Congrats, very happy for you!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thank you!

[@imagesbirds5066]

I always love your videos and enthusiasm and love and respect for nature. Brownie points: Your little Sony on the hot shoe is so great!

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it 😘

[@bowenrichardc]

So great, thanks for sharing......

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@iralakritz9746]

Sometimes the stars align in nature. So glad you were there to witness it and capture the moment. Congratulations.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@kw8147]

Amazing ... good on you getting a shot you wanted so much and thanks for sharing .:)

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Awesome stuff, Steve! Thanks so much for letting me hang out with you!

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

Congrats on the awesome shot!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@annedinan8749]

awesome

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@marilyngiannuzzi9867]

I am so jealous of all your great owl opportunities.My very favorite raptor to photograph but I am not in a state that has the great gray owls!😢

[@SteveMattheis]

They are wonderful. When you can find them!

[@randyschwager84]

Absolutely amazing! Thanks for taking me along!

[@SteveMattheis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@grega9220]

You know your're from Wyoming when:.... you can wear a T-shirt @ 40degrees after a snowstorm, :-)

[@SteveMattheis]

It was lovely!

[@isotechimages.9130]

Oh Steve l was so sure the way the owl was perched on the dead tree with the Teetons in the background it would fly off giving you a take off or in flight shot with Teetons as a backdrop did it not happen? Love your passion for Great Grey Owls and will have to get your book if l can find a way to make it affordable to send to the other end of the earth here in Tasmania.

[@SteveMattheis]

It was a butt shot…

[@johnround8311]

You should carry an Inreach as well.

[@SteveMattheis]

I do.

[@evgenygorshkov9893]

Hi Steve ! Great video !!! beautiful photos ! picture with an owl against back ground of a mountain is nice , what is yours opinion about this photo ? Your face looks happy during all the video !!! Respect from Evgeny !

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@davidsherman3462]

Did you post the owl pictures on Instagram? thanks

[@SteveMattheis]

Not yet

[@HeideMason]

Wonderful video, thank you. Why do you have the little Sony on top?

[@SteveMattheis]

To shoot video of the wider scene for these vlogs

[@MichaelFogleman]

Have you tried a thermal scope for spotting wildlife out there?

[@SteveMattheis]

No

[@ianbrown704]

Wonderful find Steve and thanks for sharing. What metering mode did you use and I notice you were at f14 was this because you wanted the background to be sharper? Cheers Ian (UK)

[@SteveMattheis]

Manual mode, and yes, f14 so the Grand Teton wasn’t just a blurry blob.

[@neilcole3406]

You must have owl detect eyes, because l don’t think l could pick them out like you do!

[@SteveMattheis]

Practice practice practice

[@Schaferhund1]

Thank you for telling us that you have the 400 2.8 because I was wondering what lens was adorning your shoulder.😂 Are you using a teleconverter is what I'm very curious about. Thank you.

[@SteveMattheis]

It has a built in 1.4x TC👍

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Grand Teton National Park or nearby National Forest?

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep…