Lets chat during lockdown - Landscape / wildlife photography

[@charlesblack2252]

thanks darren - keep safe

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

You too Charles 🍺👍

[@jimowens8105]

Thanks Darren, I think we are kindred spirts. The way you approach the decision based on the final goal/outcome is refreshing. I follow your channel because you keep to the art and experience of creating photographs that mean something to you. It is refreshing to have a cup of tea and share the joy of photography with a friend. Cheers.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Jim, Thanks ever so much for your generous comment. Apologies for the late reply but things have been a little hectic over the last few weeks. I’m off work next week and so I’m looking forward to relaxing in the garden with the camera. Take care bud and stay safe 🍺

[@MarcioAussie1]

Thats great that the sunflower hearts are proving a hit with the birds there, to help save you a bit of money, B&M if you have one local do large sacks, which helps save a small fortune in the long term. All the best 😉

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Marcio, Thanks for the tip. We do have a local animal feed supplier and so come spring if things are going well, I’ll pay him a visit. Take care bud and stay safe 👍

[@gregs2466]

thanks for the heart felt video. Appreciation from Nevada in the USA

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Thanks for the kind comment Greg. Stay safe 🍺

[@shannonsnow8298]

Loved it! All the best in 2021!

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Thanks Shannon and you too. Stay safe 👋

[@KGsPhotography]

Great video Darren so much going on and so much to look forward to. Hope the blood pressure gets sorted out and look forward to us all been able to do more of the things we love in 2021. Stay safe cheers Keith

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Morning Keith, I’ll drink to that.......decaf coffee though 😉. Have a lovely week bud and stay well 🍺

[@susanfirth2279]

Glad to hear you are feeling better. That was a whole lot of coffee you were downing. You must have been bouncing through your days. Loved that image with the gate and the mist in the background. Good choice of seed - sunflower hearts - I use that as well, most popular but I also have in other feeders saflower seed and half peanuts as well as a mixture called Happy Garden which has a mix of sunflower hearts, half peanuts and cranberries. I wish I got the Blue Tits here but maybe one day. Do get a lot on nuthatches, chickadees, various sparrows, american goldfinch, occasionally evening grossbeaks. Trying to attract Easter Bluebirds which are a beautiful bird. Really like that new camera bag as well. What a great space to hang out in and also do some backyard birding. Sorry for the longwinded post. Take care, stay safe.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Susan, It wasn’t a long winded post at all, it was a lovely comment. I think we get more tits in the garden then any other species of bird. Mainly blue, then great, with the occasional group flybys of long tails. There’s always a pair of collard doves that visit, along with Dunnocks who live here permanently. I love our little backyard wildlife haven. Right off to make a decaf coffee 😉 Take care and stay well 👋

[@kathleenhickey7793]

Excellent video! I enjoyed visiting with you. Applause to you for being so proactive about your blood pressure and for being willing to make lifestyle changes. My husband has fought BP issues for years. Doctors in the US are big into drugs although he has made the lifestyle changes also. He has to argue being overmedicated all the time. Good luck with it! Personally, I refer to caffeine as the only vice I have left. I look forward to seeing your pictures and videos from when you get back to the mountain hikes. I’m afraid it’s going to be a while before I can get out again as I am not walking well right now. Stay safe and well!

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Kathleen, I sincerely hope you start to recover soon and you can walk more freely in time. I can understand the need to take prescription drugs but obviously if they can be avoided it’s better to do so. I’m taking it slow and steady now and realise I’m in this for the long haul. it’s pointless thinking there’s a quick fix and so I’m making small but long term changes. I’m hoping I’ll be able to return to the mountains in the spring, but if not hopefully by early summer. Fingers crossed 🤞 Take care and best wishes to you and your family 👋

[@DanielWretham]

Really sorry to hear you’ve been unwell Darren but really pleased to hear you are working on improving things and getting results ! Very nice to hear about the garden projects too, and as always....great pictures ! Stay safe and get better soon

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Morning Daniel, Thanks for the kind comment and hopefully I’ll be back on track within a few months. The BP is lowering and the weight is coming off....slowly 😉 Take care bud and stay safe

[@VeronicaintheFens]

Lots of varied information, thank you for sharing. I hope you will feel a lot better and your blood pressure will keep at bay with your new routines. Looking forward to an Ely Photographers BBQ in the summer 🤪

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Thanks V, PS, I’m loving your latest pictures down the river and over the lake 👍

[@lphilpot01]

Three years late and half a world away (Louisiana, USA) but this was an interesting and enjoyable watch. I just enjoy seeing and learning of lifestyles other than my own, even if (strictly speaking) we're not all that different. I really envy your pergola and the fact you have something to watch, in the first place. I'd love to live in a less-populous and more 'natural' area. I'm in a suburban-style neighborhood, surrounded on all sides and ~100m from a very busy mutli-lane highway. So, sitting "out back" really isn't often a pleasant option. Never mind that it's topping out at 38C (and humid) right about now in the summer! LOL An enjoyable video, as I said.

[@CamillaI]

Well done Darren for still being with us most people have a heart attack before realising their dieting errors ! Almost all ailments can actually be addressed with diet and lifestyle changes! Actually going to look at fasting seriously soon ! Apparently this can have enormous benefits ! At the moment I would recommend copious amounts of Vitamin D and C ! Not something that has been addressed in MSM. Totally safe you would struggle to exceed maximum intakes of these two natural elements! Well keep up the good work and hopefully the sun will come out soon!

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi I, My vitamin C levels are ok but I’m sure I lack D. Thanks for the kind works and hopefully I’ll be able to get everything under control over the next few months. See ya bud and stay well 🍺

[@MaliDaviesPhotography]

So many things here, that a few of us need to change. Also the change in speed and enjoying nature either be it by your back garden or walks. The muck boots are a must for me, next on the purchase list. Lovely gate shot, and coming along while you chatted. Right I’m off out! Uncle Darren has given me the kick. Love the shot with the cyclists 🚴 Everything about the enjoyment and filling the hike with eye opening views and breathing it all in. Sadly we didn’t do it in Jan, but I hope to see in March, April. I love my Osprey, but also quite happy with going in from the top, but I have it organised in a different way, we shall have to compare notes when we meet. Watched all the way and like Alan, my gold star ⭐️ is on the wall hehe 😜 seriously, Keep well and Sithee soon!

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

You’ll love the Muckboots bud. Once you own a pair you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them during winter. Me and Ell’s have just got back from an 8 mile walk and I wore them all the way without even noticing them. March / April sounds great 👍

[@johnchappell1887]

Loved the video. Thanks for sharing and I'm so glad to hear you seem to have sorted out your health scare. I look forward to seeing more from you in the future. Take care of yourself and stay safe Darren.

[@edwardlee4032]

Great video Darren, really enjoyed your down to earth conversation. It is almost as if you were talking directly to me. Take care with the high BP. I have be wanting 100-400 for some time. However, at 85, small frame and heart conditions I have not pulled the trigger. Your video has made me rethink if the lens is worth the weight it will put on my body. Thanks again and stay safe.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Morning Edward, Thank you for the lovely comment. The 100-400 really is a beautiful piece of glass but I had to think with my head rather than with my heart. As hard as it was to let it go, I feel confident I’ve made the right decision. Perhaps try hiring one for a weekend and see how you get on? Take care bud and enjoy your week 👍

[@nevcartledge]

Glad to hear you are on the mend mate, and looking forward to the bird box footage.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Cheers Nev, Stay well my friend 🍺

[@peterblackthorne1262]

Hi Darren, what a great video. It was very relaxing to watch. I'm impressed with how much walking you do on a regular basis, it's probably one of the best things you can do for your overall health. I wish I could say that I walk 8 miles a week, but I cant☹️. I've recently cut back on caffeine as well , not because of high BP but because of acid reflux. Hopefully that and reducing your alcohol intake will allow you to avoid that issue entirely. Trust me , it's not fun. I know what you mean about reducing the weight of the gear that your carrying. It becomes even more noticeable as we get older. I'm going to turn 76 on Monday, I switched from a DSLR system to micro four thirds around 2014 and have never regretted it, purely based on weight and other physical issues. I'm currently using all pro gear for my primary system but I'm fortunate enough to also have a none pro system as well. I'm finding that I'm using the none pro gear more and more, because it's so much smaller and lighter even in micro four thirds. So I think that you've made a good decision to downsize. Thanks again for sharing you thoughts and enjoy your pergola, it sure looks like a fun place to spend time .🤗

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Morning Peter, Firstly happy belated birthday for yesterday. Just recently I’ve changed rolls within the college due to COVID and it means I walk on average around 6.5 miles a day at work and probably another mile or so at home so I’m very active. The BP is lowering and so is the weight. As I said in the video, hiking has to come first and so the gear has to suit the situation. Hopefully it won’t be much longer before I can start visiting the mountains again. I’m expecting my 1st hike to start in spring. Take care and stay well 👍

[@johnsparkes8963]

Enjoyable video Darren, hope all goes well for you in the future. All whats going on at the moment does not help ones health and well being. Lets hope it soon goes away so we can get back to normal. All the best take care and stay safe.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi John, I totally agree. We just have to do what we can at the moment but I’m hopeful things will improve by the spring if not summer. Take care and stay safe 🍺

[@stephencopland1053]

Sorry to hear about your blood pressure Darren but you seem to be getting on top of it. Decaf Yorkshire or decaf m and s tea is the way forward. I’m not a coffee expert so couldn’t advise on that. I like the kit blogs I’m still looking for a comfortable stool as I’ve bought a buteo pop up hide. Advanced from the one behind you as you said a bit restrictive and mine currently has two families of field voles living in it. Hope your health continues to improve.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Stephen, I don’t really enjoy Yorkshire tea as it’s quite a strong brew. I’m more of a Twinning’s English breakfast tea drinker without milk 😉 I’ve not had caffeine for around 4-5 weeks now and really don’t miss it at all. Take care bud and apologies for the late reply 👍

[@JamieOverland]

Looking forward to joining you for a beer or 3 on that pergola in the summer mate. Thanks for the recommendation of the Osprey, I totally agree the design is just so much more comfortable and manageable to carry than the Whistler. I'll make sure I keep tagging you in my 100-400mm shots.....just for old times sake!

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

I thought it was pointless both of us owning the same lens when I can share yours 😉 Like a custody battle, you can have it Monday to Friday and I’ll have it weekends 😆

[@GaryNormanPhoto]

I really enjoyed this chat mate. Sometimes it's just nice to have a little catch up with everyone. I had no idea about the blood pressure, but I'll defintiely be keeping an eye out for any illicit caffeine intake on the pubcast from now on ;-)

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Nor did I until 3 weeks ago 😆 Hopefully I can get it under control. I’ve got the Docs this Friday and so let’s see what they say. 🍺🍺

[@davidburn9472]

My Blood Pressure has always been borderline/high! but recently I've also been suffering with pins & needles! think i need to take another look at my lifestyle, diet & caffeine intake! I can't wait to get back to the lake district & hike some fells, Ive just got some fuji gear to save weight, but i think at the end of the day I should be loosing the weight from me & not the bag! Last weeks pub cast couldn't have done much for the old blood pressure! Pleased the Sunflower hearts are working for you. All the best mate & stay safe.

[@LynneLuxonJonesphotography]

Oh boy Darren ,good to hear you're making the lifestyle changes to sort your blood pressure....I avoid caffeine at all times anyway but never knew it could have such an effect on blood pressure....you take care mister 👍 Looking forward to the day you can try out your new gear in earnest & complete those fells ,it'll happen soon 🤞

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Lynne, I hope you’re well. I don’t think caffeine is a major cause of HBP but if you have it AND drink copious amounts of coffee it can make it surge, which is what happened to me. Feeling good now though, dropped a few pounds, reduced alcohol, cut out caffeine and enjoying some long walks. Hopefully the fells won’t be too far off now 🙏 Take care and stay well ❤️

[@thevalleywalker]

Glad to see you finally got to the white hearts.... have to say you are a guy who is so well organised and nows where & what you want to do, wish I had an ounce of your planning skills. I got right to the end too so I am going to award myself a star.. or I might just go treat myself to a bacon sarnie as it's saturday. Look after yourself Daz.. atb Al

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Ooh a bacon sandwich 🥪 I’ve not had a bacon sandwich since before Christmas. I may have to treat myself to one next weekend. I try to be organised but it doesn’t always work Congratulations on achieving gold star status ⭐️ 😉 Take care Al 👋

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Hi Darren - fingers crossed you can get out soon. Feel for you guys stuck in lockdown. Also sending healing thoughts re blood pressure mate. Take care, stay safe and look forward to your next video 👍🙏

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Thanks Adrian, Hopefully restrictions will be relaxed by the spring as the number of cases is at last starting to fall. Take care bud and stay safe 🍺

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Watched from start to finish, thanks for sharing Darren, important to look after ourselves.We are getting the planning done for the garden and got a couple of new feeders, hopefully this year I will make that Hummingbird video.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi John, Thanks for watching bud and you’re a star to make it to the end 🍺 Good luck with your wildlife photography this year bud 👋

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

@@DarrenKnightPhoto Thanks Darren just got in the door from a walk in the local park, -25 with the windchill! Got a few good shots though hopefully video will be up by the weekend.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

@@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67 -21 or was it -23 in Scotland a few days ago. The coldest it’s been for 50 years I do believe. -2 here in the south 😞

[@KarlVaughan]

Glad to hear you're on the mend, Darren. Great boots too! I have the same ones and they are pretty comfortable. I've done a few in them without too many problems. Sunflower hearts are the way forward. As I write there are about 10 birds feeding on my sunflower hearts. They go mad for them. Goldfinches and greenfinches all squabbling. I wish they realised that there is plenty to go round!

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Karl, We don’t get many finches in the garden which is a shame as they are lovely birds. I have to say I love the boots. So comfortable and warm. In fact I wore them again this morning when I was photographing the college before work. Take care matey and stay safe 🍺

[@neilthacker2069]

I enjoyed the video Darren,good to see that you are dealing with the caffeine intake,I was the same until this year,now just three cups of java a day! Wise move on the bag,I will have to look into something similar for my gear,the issues with weight on the shoulders is one I deal with with mine. Stay safe,look forward to future vlogs!

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Neil, The decaf tea and coffee is a great substitute and I can honestly say I don’t miss the caffeine at all ( I just prefer the taste of real coffee). I’d look into changing you bag for a hiking bag, very very comfortable. Take care bud and have a great day 👋

[@BriBarnhamPhotography]

Good stuff Darren. I've been using a dedicated hiking backpack for yrs now along with an insert, camera bags always felt like having a cube on your back & didn't distribute the weight, making it always feel heavier than it actually was. As for the 100-400 GM hhhmm🤔 I already own the 70-200mm, but recently purchased the 100-400 GM, well what can I say it's an awesome lens, perfect combination along with my Sony 24mm GM. The 70-200 is good, but the 100-400 is Goooooood, hence my 70-200 is now gathering dust🤣 I’ll carry that extra weight all day for the quality bit of glass that it is.👍

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Bri, As I said the 100-400 is a beautiful piece of glass and it maybe a lens that I purchase again in the future, but for the time being I have to make weight saving my priority. Enjoy the lens and the hikes bud, I’m hoping that the 2nd half of 2021 is going to be a good year 👍

[@BriBarnhamPhotography]

@@DarrenKnightPhoto Totally understand where your coming from, hence why I've kept the 70-200 for those longer outings, it's been a cracking lens too. I do hope you don't have to long to wait until you can get out on the fells again. In the meantime I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with the 200-600 for wildlife. Take care & stay safe mate. 👍

[@ianbarnett]

Great vid. Really enjoyed your openness and the vids actually walking in the lakes. I bet the bird feeders are emptying almost daily by now! Helpful info about the rucksack. Much cheaper than ‘specialist’ photographers sacks. Thanks.

[@bariumbob]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for posting.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Thank you 🙏

[@tonyhales-BigT]

Excellent video Darren, great to see you back. Your gear choices make sense. I would now recommend the 3 P's so you develop muscle memory when it comes to getting to the Lakes (eventually)....... practice practice practice 😉. Glad your getting more in numbers and types of birds with the sunflower 🌻 seeds. Look after yourself, and stay safe Best wishes Tony

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Tony, February’s trip has now been officially cancelled but I’m hoping the trip in March could still be a goer. At the moment I’m limited (as we all are) to photographing my back garden, the College and on my daily walks. Even Roydon common looks a long way off yet 😞 Take care bud and stay well 🍺

[@ianspicer1529]

This really is a cracking video Darren, so enjoyable from start to finish. Good tip with the osprey bag, I (like so many of us) have been searching for a really useable solution for EVER......I will certainly give this a look. I'm with you brother on the high BP.....it's an age thing I am sure!......I'd say be careful but clearly you're on it. Everyone of 'our' age should get their BP measured by a pro.....the condition walks hand-in-hand with other nasties and it's well known in medical circles as the 'silent killer' (and worse). There isn't very much you can do to avoid it as it's largely hereditary but certainly the booze and caffeine (as much fun as they both are) are triggers. Stay well and stay safe Darren.

[@keithratcliffe5576]

Lovely range of topics for a watch with a cup of coffee (not too strong). We switched to sunflower hearts because of the mess and the pigeon count. Not cheap but worth it. Just done my RSPB Garden birdwatch - quite a good tally this year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Keith, It’s certainly decaf for the foreseeable but to be honest in quite happy it. Good luck with your wildlife 🍺

[@burtjake4137]

Enjoyed the vlog really interesting hope your health improves quickly keep safe and well Burt

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Cheers Burt, And I hope you guys are well 👍

[@atticusgrey4154]

Great watch, its nice to get a little insight in how others think and prepare for their photography. Also, great to hear you are being pro-active in your health!

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Thanks Atticus, I hope you’re well and have a lovely week 👍

[@petermaddern6653]

Excellent video Darren superbly presented.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Cheers Peter 🍺 Stay well 👋

[@sashaneemoht8764]

What a pleasant half hour! As the Romans would say, "sic transit glorious one-day" ... we just prey that "one-day" will be very soon, and post-vaccinated. (my Latin may be rusty but you get the gist I'm sure. 😉). Then, the pergola will again cover "the clink, fizz, ha ha ha" of the non-lockdown friend and family's enjoyment of your garden parties. Happy days to come.... Be well!

[@trevorfinnis9111]

Glad to see your getting on top of your blood pressure it is known as the silent killer, just to let you know that I have started taking photos of the garden birds inspired by your vloggs and have been vlogging. Take care and thanks for the video

[@markdixon9826]

Darren, thanks for posting this - I see a lot of parallels in the health warning, the gear quandaries and even around the pergola. I finished work at the end of the year from what was basically a desk job which meant I needed to lose weight so I could get around the fells etc at a reasonable pace. So far have dropped over 30 pounds with another 15 or so to go. It was relatively easy once my mind was made up - sounds like you have the resolve to get the blood pressure down. On kit, I bought another smaller bag to limit what I could carry, I have ordered the GFX 100s which is smaller and I have the same Gitzo you have bought - had it for about 5 years and it holds the Fuji gear fine as long as it isn’t too windy (not much really works then anyway). We put up an oak pergola late last year to sit out under - well, the builders did after a DIY attempt ended in collapse which fortunately missed the family member labourers and just ended in physical damage (new fire cube, dry stone wall, one broken pergola beam and the hired mechanical lift) - lesson learned when handling 300lb beams at 8’ in the air. Lights are up, IR heaters in place - all we need now is the weather and some COVID restrictions to be lifted so we can have people round. Wish our garden birds were on the diet yours seem to be - the goldfinch locusts can do a feeder’s worth of sunflower seeds in a day! Take care and keep working on that blood pressure - the changes you make will ease the effort required when you do the southern Wainwrights allowing you to keep pace with Mr Burns 👍👍👍

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi ya Mark, Congratulations on the weight loss, that really is some achievement. The pergola incident sounds nasty but I’m pleased you’ve got it sorted. I’m also sure it will give you a lot of pleasure over the coming months. We’re struggling to buy a BBQ and furniture at the moment but I’m sure within the next 4-6 weeks stocks will rise in time for spring. Take care Mark and good luck with the last 15lb 🍺

[@markdixon9826]

@@DarrenKnightPhoto Thanks Darren - I’ve been unfortunate to have seen far too many work related injuries so could imagine how close to serious injury we were. 4 people dived in instinctive directions all of which ended up being safe but only by chance. That oak is heavy and doesn’t do small scratch type injuries. Keep us informed on your health improvements - reporting it may well help keep you at it!

[@caidennehemiah7066]

Instablaster...

[@tompetersphotography]

Great video buddy, mental isn’t it. How our caffeine intake just sneaks up gradually! Really hope your well bud and getting in better now! I love your wildlife direction that you have gone, your videos are very good bud. Keep going mate

[@windleman1]

Can't believe I've just been having the same issues as you with the tingling legs. Doc has got me testing blood pressure. All a bit of a shock really when you lead an active outdoor life....

[@markzphotoscom]

I was a heavy coffee drinker but since retiring have cut right down. Been looking for a new tripod, need a light one for hiking so will look into the Gitzo Traveler. As far as bird seed I feed my backyard visitors sunflower seeds only. Interesting to see the footage from the birdbox.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Mark, I’ve only used the Gitzo on flat walks so far but I love it. Hopefully it will come in really handy on the long hikes. 3 weeks without caffeine now and I’m finding decaf a great substitute Take care bud 👍

[@paulhook7766]

Well mate a month on from your heart on the sleeve blog and all ready I can hear the hint of sparkle in your voice for the coming year thinking about your gear and other items I think you’ll be fine once out on your first photo shoot stay safe 👍

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Paul, Thanks ever so much for the kind comment. I’ve really thrown myself into the College photography project and I’m so pleased with the results. I know the College love having me document the buildings and seasons and they are extremely complimentary about my images. Take care bud and stay well 👍🍺

[@davesemmens9496]

2 words Darren - Intermittent Fasting. Just take 10 minutes to research the benefits. I now fast for around 16 to 18 hours a day. It is now normal for me although it took some getting used to. I am also thinking about the Tamron 28-200 to give me a 2 lens light bag (16-35 GM + the Tamron) It is getting some great reviews.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Dave, I have tried intermittent fasting but backed out after a week. However, as I have a real goal I’m back on it now and I’m finding it quite easy. I’m doing 10am -6pm as I think that suits my lifestyle best. Good luck with the lens choice and thanks for the comment on fasting 👍 Take care bud 👋

[@keithlow7586]

Hi Darren, really joyed the content and your train of thought. I’m an expat Scot living in Melbourne and still have family in Aberdeen and Sussex and I really fell for you guys and the pressure COVID has put on you all. Stay strong and healthy and keep up the content.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Keith, I don’t have many regrets in life but I do regret not being into landscape photography when I lived in Aberdeen. Such a stunning country. I’m sure you love Melbourne but I’m equally sure you miss Scotland’s rugged landscape. Take care mate and best wishes 🍺

[@juliangreaves4727]

Hey Dazza, wellies rock mate. I do hundreds of miles in mine. My last pair of Aigles lasted 17 years and were worth every penny. Recently got a new pair and they’re awesome. I know it’s not the done thing but I’ve walked up many a fell in them. Feet get a bit sweaty but so warm and comfy. Really looking forward to the bird box story and spring adventures. And, how you get on with your new kit. Best, J

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Julian, Mine are the artic Muckboots and so they are quite heavy but still really comfortable. I bought them with wildlife photography in mind and I wanted something warm for when I’m standing or sitting still. But I’ve just returned from an 8 mile walk and I didn’t even notice I had them on. Take care bud 👋

[@juliangreaves4727]

I've heard they're proper toasty!

[@garylord7202]

The DPD delivery brought back memories for me LOL Thanks for sharing

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

That wasn’t you driving the van Gary was it? 😂

[@garylord7202]

@@DarrenKnightPhoto LOL LOL LOL LOL

[@steviebye1]

Hi Darren, loved the video, cheered me right up seeing you posted this morning. Can't wait to see how you get on with the bird box camera. I don't think you'll miss a lens you never use and you'll just love your new gear. Take care mate, look after yourself. Steve👍👍

[@johnchallis4364]

Great variety of content with this one Darren, but easy and enjoyable to watch because of your relaxed enthusiastic style of presentation. Hope you get to those Southern fells before too long and I'm sure you're right that the weight saving on the lens/tripods will make all the difference. Thanks for this vlog, looking forward to the next one 👍

[@mikesphotography7185]

Nice one Darren

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Thanks Mike 🍺

[@kevinmarshall7604]

Nice one Darren enjoyed the contents, easy going, stay safe.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Cheers Kev, I hope you’re well bud 🍺

[@kstrohmeier]

A nice light and relatively inexpensive nifty 50 would be nice insurance if you have any anxiety bridging between your zooms.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

That’s a very good idea. Thank you 👍

[@iainmc9859]

I had the same symptoms, still do occasionally. I had to see a consultant. Tea/coffee are astringents (something to do with tannic acid, binds the guts but makes you pee more). You become dehydrated. I'm trying to drink more water and cut down on tea. Also ask to get your B12 levels checked out (blood test), as we age (what are you 24 .... 25 ;-) we can't process it as well, family genetics I'm afraid, and you may need top up jags. When I get the tingles I pop a few B12 tablets and count down the days to my next quarterly jag. Once you start travelling light you never really go back, unless I definitely know I need the height of a heavier tripod or its going to be in a raging river I just carry my light one. Tend to travel with two primes or one zoom. I hate coming down a hill and thinking 'I carried that all the bloody way up there and didn't use it'. Despite the dalek in your pergola being in camouflage I still spotted it!

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Iain, Thanks for the advice on the B12, I’ll look into that. I’m fine in the summer as I drink lots of water, but during the cold months I always favour the hot drinks which is not good. I’ve not had a drink that contains caffine for almost 3 weeks now and I fell better for it. I’ve also lost 7lb but realistically I could loose another 20. I keep pining for the 100-400 which is silly as I wasn’t using it but it was a beautiful lens. I’m just looking forward to getting back out for a good hike. I think it’s going to be March at the earliest. Take it easy mate and best wishes 🍺

[@iainmc9859]

@@DarrenKnightPhoto Careful you don't cut out too much dairy. I had to go back on to full fat milk, after years of semi- skinned, unfortunately it has stripped away my B12. By the way B12 jags hurt, feels like you've been hit with a hammer for an hour or so, which is why I bought the tablets. You never have to justify spending money on camera gear to yourself ......... just to Helen ;-) I'm lucky to live in a rural area, so getting out of doors for exercise isn't difficult, I'm hampered more by the weather than by restrictions. Still staying local and avoiding people like the plague, literally. Take care and enjoy the walks.

[@heathernewman7930]

Glad to hear that things are improving. High blood pressure runs in my family so I'm all too aware of the consequences. One piece of advice I was given is to eat a square of really dark chocolate every day. An inch square will help. Will you do a test-run with the new equipment? Keep warm and stay safe 🤗📸

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Heather, I took your advice and have bought some dark chocolate. Thank you. I’m hoping to return to the mountains by spring if not early summer to test the equipment fully, but I’m using it now the best I can (restrictions and all that) and so far I’m really happy with my decision. Thanks for the kind comment Take care and stay well 👋

[@nicholsa63]

Hi Darren, good to see you are getting sorted, Had to give up Caffeine due to a couple of ailments myself. I Was going to ask you how you're getting on with the boots when I saw them in the background at the start of the video, but you answered that question soon after. Had you considered a do it all lens like the 24-240 or perhaps the Tamron 28-200, perhaps using Panos instead of 16-35?

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Stephen, No I’ve never considered those types of lenses. I not to sure what the quality would be like on a 42mp camera. I’m quite happy with my 4 lenses I own and if I add more they will probably be short primes. Maybe 18mm, 50mm and 85mm. Take care bud and well done for kicking the caffeine 👍

[@DGriffGallery]

Looking forward to that BBQ mate 😊👍

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Same here mate. You’re certainly my 1st invite 🍺🍺

[@Optikification]

My jobs a desk job and since I have been working from home I do the 8 hours behind my works laptop working and then I go over to my personal PC so I too spend a lot of time sitting around.End of 2020 I went on a diet that actually trains you to eat 5x per day and cutting out the carbs and eating a lot of protein so the body kicks into a Ketosis state. I went from 95.9kg to 82.3kg in 8 weeks and since I keep to eating the same stuff after the diet as during my body weight stabilized so having loads of fun walking 10-km-20km on my photo walks. I always carry my canon 80d with battery grip, Tamron 18-400, tamron 150-600 and tripod so quiet a weight. Which aint bad for someone who will be 58 this year.

[@rogercrump6160]

Darren what Muck boots did you purchase

[@Rick--A-F]

I was convinced you were going to say you'd bought a MFT camera for hiking due to their size and weight advantages.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Richard, No not yet but maybe in a few years. I know Dave Griff loves his.

[@Rick--A-F]

@@DarrenKnightPhoto Yes, he does. Among my cameras I have the E-M1 mk2 which is a fantastic little camera. Lovely to use. Keep up the good work with your videos, always look forward to seeing them. :)

[@harveyarber2543]

nice place where you live i know it fairly well Darren just a shame its so flat

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Morning Harvey, Yeah it’s very flat but it has some beautiful cities, towns and villages. Plus it’s good for long walks as it’s not to tiring. Take care and stay well 👍

[@gordonmelrose57]

Muck boots are great! I’m watching a blue tit go in and out of my nesting box as I watch your video - all inspired by your last video. Thanks. Enjoyed listening to your ‘ramblings’

[@Rick--A-F]

"We know where everything is [in our camera bag] without having to look", erm, erm, erm, if you say so!

[@A2Z1Two3]

I know where it should be !

[@petermorrison2453]

Darren would the health & fitness be a good discussion on the pub cast? We all need to think of these things going forward?

[@quarkyman1]

Enjoyed this Darren, pubcast was interesting last night, how was you blood pressure after that. 😉🍺

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

It went though the roof after the chat about trees 😉 Take care Michael 👋

[@quarkyman1]

@@DarrenKnightPhoto It stressed me out too, good watch though.

[@jamescarro771]

Hi Darren really enjoyed the video it looks like you will soon get your blood pressure back to normal the way your going I need to follow your foot steps as I have same problems. Do you have a affilate link to all the bags you have purchased as I'm really interested in changing mine again! I'm going to need another shed just for camera bags the way I'm going All the best James

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi James, I don’t have affiliate links but I may look into it. Anyway the bag is the Farpoint 55 from Osprey and I bought it from Amazon. I’ll see if I can find a link. Take care bud and stay well 👋

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Osprey Farpoint Trek 55 Men's... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P82D18N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@jamescarro771]

@@DarrenKnightPhoto much appreciated

[@jamescarro771]

Hi Darren sorry to be a pain but have you tried carrying your tripod with this bag .... I have placed a order :-)

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

@@jamescarro771 yes mate, I works great, but I’ve not attached it and used the rain cover at the same time. These two combinations maybe problematic but I’m sure I can attach it to the side If need be.

[@grahamrawley]

Pleased to meet you ,,,at coniston West Bank side

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

You too Graham. What a beautiful day we had yesterday. I hope it’s another good one as I’m just about to set off to Dow Crag. Take care Darren 🍺

[@pauldlewis3138]

Enjoyed your little chat Darren, question, didn't all that caffeine give you head aches ( it did my wife until she went Decaf). Before you get netting for the pergola have a look at the netting you get with artificial leaves on ( www.amazon.co.uk/artificial-hedge-roll/s?k=artificial+hedge+roll) I got some from my local garden centre.

[@DarrenKnightPhoto]

Hi Paul, No I never good headaches with caffeine. However, I did get them for a few days when I came off of caffeine. Thanks for the link bud 👍

[@garystone6583]

Hi Darren, enjoyed this vlog, Could listen to you for hours with your calming voice. Well presented and great content. Oh on the garden bird front, Had a Sparrow Hawk and it looked like it had a Blue tit and was eating it on a log I use as a feeding station. Hopefully not one of the tits that was going in and out of the bird house on the shed I was watching Sunday for an hour or so. Fingers crossed on that. Stay safe and stay off the caffeine.