WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY of SMALL ANIMALS - SHARP PRO IMAGES using the Nikon Z9

[@MattShannonPhoto]

What lens do you use for WILDLIFE photography? Thanks for watching! Cheers

[@TheWildlifeGallery388]

600mm F4 - with a 1.4 tele a majority of the time. depends on what I'm after, hoping to get a photo of.

[@gabeatv]

Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S

[@coffeeatitsbest1500]

Iphone 4. battery last for 2-3 mins....its not bad but i am looking to upgrade

[@SundayRacers]

Can't beat my 500mm f/4 - same one you have. A good used one in the UK is incredible value at the moment. Did you have to fine tune it on the Z9? I understand that native Z lenses don't need AF fine tune, but interested to hear if you needed to fine F mount glass on the Z system

[@christianwillows]

Hi Matt, your videos are great! Thanks for the helpful and inspiring content! I just finished a week trip around beautiful BC shooting songbirds, waterfowl, owls, etc and really enjoyed the combination of the z800 (on z9 w/ tripod) and the pf500 (on z8 using cotton carrier for quick/closer handheld flight shots). I switched the pf500 for the z100-400 (sometimes with TC for macro) for situations when waterfowl, etc come close. I found using the wireless remote with the z9 & tripod to be fun for triggering video while at the same time taking stills with the iight z8/pf500 or 100-400 combination. Do you find the 105mm prime a lot better for macro? Haven’t done much macro, but hope to in the future.

[@Halmstadfoto]

I really like your movies. Calm and relaxing pace and fantastic quality. Thanks😀😀

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Made my day thank you so much! That is so great to hear. I hope to keep the good content coming 😄!

[@alessandropicchiowildphoto]

Thanks a lot for your content

[@adreanna1935]

I really love the black and white version on the last picture!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thanks for the feedback, 🙂!

[@KimberlyNBarnard]

Your subjects' personalities shine through the lens!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are too kind, thank you!

[@KimberlyNBarnard]

The black and white version at the end stands out to me with the textures of its fur 😍

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Another for the B&W, thank you! Everyone on YT likes the B&W and everyone on Facebook likes the color. interesting.

[@tysonator5433]

The eye level shot of the squirrel looking at the back of the Z9 is amazing.......I wish I had that in my portfolio !

[@mlai2546]

Squirrel? I thought they were prairie dogs. 😅

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! It worked out really well. I think I timed it perfectly while they were still interested in me and my equipment to take a closer look. After a few of them took a look behind the camera for that particular shot, they left it alone so I was lucky I was in position to catch the action before it was too late.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

@@mlai2546 From my research prairie dogs are also squirrels but there are no prairie dogs in this video. Prairie dogs look similar to the Columbian Ground Squirrel but there are a lot of differences between the two when compared side by side and the region in which they live. I am not an expert so that is as far as my info goes before I start sharing websites and links 😄. Thanks for watching the video! Cheers

[@adam.bilton]

Some absolutely brilliant fine art photography there. Very inspiring

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are the best! Thank you, that is encouraging. Cheers

[@KimberlyNBarnard]

Eye level with them is magical!! Thank you so much for sharing these moments and the process of making them ✨🌟🥰

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Gotta have that magic in the images ☺. Thank you for watching and taking the time to write a wonderful comment. I enjoyed making this video and I am glad you liked it! I appreciate the encouragement. Cheers!

[@lakesidepaul3950]

Outstanding! Thank you.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Glad you liked it! Cheers

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Wow, thank you for the 100,000 views!! Thank you everyone for your support and for following along, cheers!

[@leightonpearce5486]

Thoroghly enjoyed this episode. Ground level images are more to my liking. Last image in black and white is a winner.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Happy to hear it thank you! Another vote for the B&W. It's funny, I posted the same question on my facebook page and most like the color. Very interesting.... Thank you for your comment and for watching. Cheers!

[@nicholaskh]

The black & white is stunning, very nice work.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Another vote for B&W :)

[@capturingnaturewithsandip]

Nice capture. Thanks for sharing so amazxing video. BIg Like

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Great to hear thank you so much! Cheers

[@LtColDavenport]

The B&W one it is amazing :D

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Glad you think so, thank you and thanks for watching! Cheers

[@tomfoord8860]

I prefer the B&W of the little guy. The pose is reminiscent of a study of the human form - especially in B&W. Anyway, great photos of these cute creatures.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

I appreciate your preference for the B&W image of the little guy. It's interesting how it can resemble a study of the human form in black and white. Thank you for your kind words about the photos of these adorable creatures.

[@Boredoldman]

This video brightened my day, thanks for sharing!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Awesome! This comment brightened my day, thank you! Cheers

[@ViewSore]

beautiful....

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thanks!

[@Trish12303]

Great video Matt! Really enjoyable. Thanks for sharing!!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@homy4046]

sending love to this beautiful content. 😍

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you 🙋‍♂️☺️!! Cheers

[@todor92]

It's amazing how these little guys are not scared at all, haha

[@edstam5336]

I like the B&W version. Beautiful pictures and great content to watch. Thanks!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you very much! Another vote for B&W. Thanks for watching!

[@i.mran86]

How is your channel so small. Blows my mind how amazing your videos are. Discovered them today and now i cant stop binge watching 👏🏼👏🏼 Keep up the good work. I hope you get the reach you deserve.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

So stoked to read your comment, what a compliment thank you! I remember back in December someone writing something similar on a video when I had 300 or so subscribers and it fired me up that I went 100% in on my consistency. now I'm nearing 6,000 subs and I read you comment, and I am stoked to go the next mile! Thank you, made my day, cheers!

[@pentagramyt417]

@@MattShannonPhoto So now it's 10k 😅😊

[@MattShannonPhoto]

@@pentagramyt417 🙌😄

[@marccalvert6040]

I like the color version of that photo best😊

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Done! Another vote for the color. Thanks for watching and the feedback

[@victorlim5077]

Great photos! I prefer the Black and White at the end.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you Victor! Another vote for the B&W, thank you! cheers

[@andrewweathers2938]

I love photographing the small mammals. You captured their personality wonderfully. That last photo, I prefer the black and white. It makes the texture of the fur stand out.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Photographing small mammals is addicting eh, especially when you find a colony like this one. My wife had to drag me out of this location lol. Thank you for your feedback and for watching, cheers!

[@camloff]

Lisbon. Amazing wild life and a superb video of the area: Nature is great and to be preserved for the coming generations happiness. Great shots and video and great works.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Great comment thank you so much for all the kind words! I love Lisbon!! Thanks for watching!

[@gabrieladandu6601]

Great footage and fabulous images ‼️

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it thank you! Cheers

[@GordonFRegan]

I saw your channel featured on Fstoppers and decided to watch your episode and I was totally impressed. You live in an amazing area for wildlife and nature photography. I also saw your episode where you talk about your KZbin monetization but I don’t think you have much to worry about. I also follow another wildlife photographer from Nova Scotia and found him on Fstoppers as well. At that time he had 24K followers and how has over 400K. I think you have a lot to offer and look forward to future postings.

[@khair71]

Feel pity for you Matt. Very soon that photographer 🐿️ will take your job and you will be jobless.😭

[@MattShannonPhoto]

I know! First AI and now squirrels.....this is getting ridiculous!!

[@EricWoodyVariety59]

I like both of the shots.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thanks! Win win 😄

[@agioklima]

Very good job!!!😊 love from Greece-Hellas

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@PeterRaimondi-f6l]

I liked the black and white

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thanks!

[@beepeachey]

MATT, THIS IS MY FIRST TIME WATCHING A FILM LIKE THIS AND I WAS VERY IMPRESSED !!!! YOU AND YOUR WIFE CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF EVERYTHING YOU TOUCH. I JUST NOW SUBCRIBED. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR WORK AS YOU DIFFENITLY SHOW OFF HIS WORK OF CREATION !!!!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you so much for your enthusiastic comment! I'm thrilled to hear that you were thoroughly impressed with the film. It means a lot to me and my wife to know that we were able to capture the essence of our subjects. Your subscription and kind words are greatly appreciated! Cheers

[@photographerwithawalker]

Great photos.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Many thanks! Cheers

[@gw2k66]

Hello Matt. I think the photos of the squirrels are super cute. You have a beautiful back yard where you can do some awesome photos. Thanks for sharing. Be sat.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you so much! I am truly blessed to see and capture the beauty of where I live. Thank you for watching and your kind words, I appreciate it! Cheers.

[@coffeeatitsbest1500]

Super cute wildlife to photograph. They look well fed :)

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Yes they do, chunky and cute

[@francisschweitzer8431]

BLACK AND WHITE most definitely on the squirrel at the end

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Awesome thank you for the vote! B&W is far in the lead.

[@maumaljay]

Love your work 😍

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you so much 😀. Cheers

[@qkamoen]

Love you photos and you have a new photographer with you.

[@jun1004you]

굿!!good

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! 🙂

[@elamuruganmahadevan1112]

Awesome

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thanks 🙋‍♂️🙂

[@davidholliday6904]

Saw this first on Mel's Video. Came over here just to give you a thumbs-up!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Awesome! You are the best, I appreciate that thank you.

[@NapoleonStafford]

sending love to this beautiful content.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are the best thank you! Cheers

[@0123nikon]

LOVE THE VIDÉO ! ALSO PREFER THE BLACK & WHITE ,have a good day

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Awesome thank you! Black and white for the win, thanks!

[@squirrel_82]

Matt, I appreciate the videos. We are moving back to the Olympic Peninsula soon. I haven't done photography in years thanks to my career but I'm going to get back into it. I'm looking forward to the peace it will bring.

[@treemonk1662]

B+W. Nice shot.

[@andy1or2]

Really glad I found your channel :) great stuff ...!! My vote is for the color shot for the squirrel ...

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Welcome to my channel, I am glad you found me! Thank you for the kind words and you vote for the squirrel, you are the best thank you! Cheers

[@Ben_Stewart]

Manning is so underrated 🌲 Don't forget to give a shout-out to the Alberta Rockies in the intro! 🏔️ Keep up the hard work! 📷

[@MattShannonPhoto]

I appreciate it! And yes, Manning park is epic. So much more to explore there.

[@sounds8781]

great tutorial. valuable content

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you so much! Great feedback to hear thank you!!

[@EricWoodyVariety59]

Cougars are on my top list of animals to photograph.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Oooo yes, same here!

[@pathfindercod4638]

I'm at a loss for words. GREAT video and work, thank you.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it! That is so great to hear thank you! Cheers

[@tilikumtim5562]

Brilliant as always. Love the shots at 5:17. I preferred the black and white versoin at the end.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you very much! Such a fun moment getting those cute critters to hop up on the stump. Thanks for the kind comment and support and also your vote! Another for the B&W.

[@Cubrunwildlife]

Beautiful work ❤

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you very much!

[@songomis8326]

Amazing pictures. Greetings from Chile.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Chile, epic! Thank you, Cheers!

[@NikCan66]

Superb video and greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you very much! I love Ireland!

[@NikCan66]

@@MattShannonPhoto plenty of wildlife to cover here if you ever get over

[@MattShannonPhoto]

@@NikCan66 where in Ireland are you? It’s been a while since I was there so I need to go back!

[@NikCan66]

@@MattShannonPhoto I'm in the east coast but travel across Ireland on a regular basis.

[@randyschwager2515]

Fantastic images! I’m really happy that I discovered your channel! Thanks for taking me along!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Many thanks! Glad you found my channel and I appreciate the compliments! See you on the next episode :)

[@markmay8942]

Today is the first time that I have seen your channel and all I can say is "WOW, I am hooked". Look forward to watching all of your videos and thanks for the inspiration.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Welcome to the show! I hope I didn't set the bar too high. I am still fairly new to the youtube world with a few dozen videos out into the world but I am keen to learn and pump out more exciting content! Feel free to share your feedback and suggestions. Thank you for the encouragement and kind words and I'll see you on the next video! Cheers

[@patrickp.2819]

Happy to discover your video and your channel . Very interesting how you share your beautiful walk and also your technical choices. About your question at the end, I prefer the colour version, there’s a soft and warm atmosphere on it.

[@davidcarlier3546]

Nice...verry nice 😮

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Awesome to hear thank you! Cheers

[@lee-annruttan12]

Absolutely loved watching this Matt… At the end you asked about the colour or B&W… I liked both so it was to choose, but I am going with the B&W 👍🏼

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a lot of fun creating this episode. Another vote for the B&W, thank you for commenting, always a pleasure Lee-Ann!

[@TheWildlifeGallery388]

another corker ! - your vids are more like a production, I'm sure it must be time consuming to put together. Black & White for me on the photo. safe travels.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

What a compliment thank you!! It does take a lot of time but I am enjoying the process and outcome of my work. The community is so supportive and I've learned a lot from the feedback viewers like yourself give. Another vote for B&W, thank you! You are the best, cheers!

[@bharthiramsewak1467]

Absolutely stunning. You should make a trip out to South Africa and pay a visit to the Kruger National Park.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are very kind thank you! Is that where you are from or currently living? I would love to go there!

[@bharthiramsewak1467]

@@MattShannonPhoto yes. Headed to the Kroger this weekend. Hoping to get some shots.

[@19Photographer76]

The California Ground Squirrel here in Oregon is neither cute nor friendly. Nice video and it again reinforces that I should have kept my D850.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

What camera body did you upgrade to from the D850?

[@19Photographer76]

@@MattShannonPhoto I sold my D500 and D850 for the Z7II and Z9. I don't do video anylonger but video with the Z9 is just so pure. Great content Matt!

[@lesleyh2007]

Really wonderful video. Love the interaction with the squirrels. So cute. My wife and I used to live in Hope in the 1970’s to mid eighties and Manning Park was our backyard. We just loved the nature there and at the time much of the park was remote and not visited by many. Pristine really. We haven’t been back in years since we now live on Vancouver Island. After watching this though we will have to revisit the area and explore it again. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful part of British Columbia.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you for sharing and the kind compliments to my video! It can be busy in Manning Park during the Summer but worth a visit during the week if you can make it out there. Vancouver Island is a slice of paradise. BC has it all.

[@tonyh4266]

B/W image has great impact, both are excellent! Very good channel and great video 👍🏻

[@MattShannonPhoto]

I can't argue with you decision. Compliments flying left and right from you, wow! Thank you!!

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

Really great video! The last image you showed is stunning and artistic in black-and-white, but I prefer the color image because it more accurately captures the animal.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Great feedback on both the video and images! Huge thank you!

[@fenomelle47]

çok güzel... bravooo

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you!

[@edbritelight7683]

Hello Matt…I am going with the B&W image ❤. Love your adventures and content! Keep it up 👍🌸🐿

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Another for the B&W, excellent! I'm happy to hear that my gut feeling with the B&W was aligned with those watching the video. I didn't actually expect that. I will have to try a few more. Thanks for watching, your fantastic comment and feedback. I appreciate it, cheers!

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always, you had a big crowd of camera crew 😂Keep up with the awesome content 👏👍🤗

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you so much 😁. I had a blast with this adventure. So many get moments. Happy to hear you enjoyed it too.

[@soumakbinduwildlife]

amazing images

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Cheers

[@yevheniivernyhora5508]

Black&White is better as for me😊

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Boom another for the B&W thank you :)

[@dwightsorensen7313]

Awesome shots Matt! Maybe see you around the Island someday …cheers.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you Dwight! And yes, I hope to see you around, that would be great!

[@grzegorzbachnio3637]

Super ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Cheers

[@royparkes6182]

Really like the way you present your channel & your style of narating the images is very good, you have the type of voice & delivery personality that keeps the viewer engaged👍👌 so lucky to have such wonderfully rich wildlife & scenary locations around you, love those funny ground squirrels🤣

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled that you appreciate my channel's presentation and narration style. It's truly a joy to share the beauty of the wildlife and scenery in my area with viewers like you. Those funny ground squirrels never fail to bring a smile to my face too! As long as they don't join together and turn on you....😅

[@tanphwrld]

officially I'm your new subscriber sir

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Yes! Welcome to the channel, thanks for watching

[@annefraser6129]

This was just shared with my by a friend and I loved it. Your photography is amazing and I love your respect for nature. Thanks for sharing your passion.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Awesome, huge props to your friend for sharing that is epic! Welcome to the channel and thank you for all the compliments, cheers!

[@คําผองประจําค่าย]

สัตว์ป่าก็หน้ารักชอบกินใบไม้ผลไม้สุข์

[@MattShannonPhoto]

100%

[@indiancomrade2629]

You are an amazing photographer. The way you explain things and also mention the setting of your camera with each photo is really amazing for new photographers like me who usually play with the camera settings most often. The last photo in black & white was superb. ❤❤❤ lots of love from India 🇮🇳.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It's truly rewarding to know that my work and the effort I put into explaining the settings is helpful to new photographers like you. The black & white photo is one of my personal favorites as well, and I'm thrilled that it resonated with you. Thank you for following along!

[@flying__goose24]

nice work man hope i can get as good as you

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are too kind, thank you! Cheers

[@theartworlds_]

amazing❤

[@mohamadkhairullizhar1006]

Hi, new to your channel. I love it keep it coming 😁😁😁

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Epic, welcome to the channel! Thanks for saying hello and the compliments to my work, I appreciate it! See you on the next vid

[@jonstout7635]

The smile factor of this video was 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, and my personal nomination for an outdoor photography Academy award. And right after this charming day with ground squirrels, you are headed off to hug Grizzlys and swim with Orcas. Thanks again for a great adventure and for posting the setting details of each shot. Also, are the guitar tracks your own? And, I like the B&W shot the best.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

EPIC! I couldn't have asked for a better rating and nomination thank you! I recorded a few guitar tracks a while back and I used one or two in this video. I need to spend more time refining my work in the music world. Not sure when that will be but I hope in the near future. The rest of the tracks are from other artists that should be listed in the description of the video. Another vote for the B&W! Dang, B&W is far in the lead for votes....interesting...

[@celeselopez7373]

New subcriber here. Loved this video. As far as choosing between the last 2 photos. Hmm they both appeal. The black and white one really shows the details of the fur. The one in color I like because of the browns in the arms contrast with the body. I'll b 👀 4 more content. Thanks 4 sharing

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Welcome to the channel! It is so great to have you and I appreciate your compliments and vote for the best image! Thanks again and have a lovely day! Cheers

[@BkiyhffuRtdfujv]

I am used to take the shoot of wildlife with my Kase landscape filters set, good for me to control the light outdoors.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Kase polarizer for wildlife?

[@DennisBoucher]

Just found your channel this weekend, phenomenal images and content! I've been in a bit of a photography rut lately and was looking for inspiration - found it here. I'm a fellow Nikon fan so particularly appreciate your tips on the Z9 (just bought a Z8) and seeing a pro out there invested in the "new" Nikon mirrorless platform in rugged outdoor settings. As for the B&W vs Color squirrel, its's a tough one but i lean towards the color. Look forward to watching more..

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Welcome to my channel! I am happy you found me. How are you enjoying the Z8 so far? A lot lighter than the Z9 but packed with all the same goodness. I'm pretty rough on my camera gear in the bush and I enjoy all things in nature (wildlife and landscape). I just got back from a 2 month trip and I can't wait to share more. Thanks again for following along and the feedback on my B7W image! Cheers

[@rebeccashannon3080]

Absolutely Adorable! New assistants perhaps???

[@MattShannonPhoto]

That’s what I was thinking 🙂

[@jameschetwynd]

Good work

[@lukeiamyourfather7736]

It is a good thing those Columbian Ground Squirrels didn't see you as a threat. Strength in numbers. I think they were sniffing you out to see if you were worth the hunt.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

hmmmm good point. Luckily I was there for only one day so they didn't have enough time to plan an attack.

[@DLD_Photography]

New subscriber. Nice video. Wish I could get my bird friends to be so sociable 🤔

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thanks for subbing Tom, and thank you for the compliments to my video! What type of bird friends are you thinking of?

[@DLD_Photography]

@@MattShannonPhoto It was kind of joke about your little squirrel friends. Birds just aren't that friendly.

[@lover_boy2009]

They look like big ounce RIP buddy RIP 🕊️🕊️🕊️@urban rescue ranch

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Sigma 50-500 on a Canon 6D camera, enjoyed the video

[@MattShannonPhoto]

great combo! 50-500, wow, so versatile. Glad you like the video, thank you! Hope to see you on the next one. Cheers

[@zidnyknight3611]

Thanks

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are welcome, thanks for watching! Cheers

[@mikehogan2829]

Impressive 👍, I am wondering how do you protect your photo gear on the motor cycle. Do you have any advice? Thankś a lot in advance!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Do you mean from theft or from the bumps and vibration? For bumps and vibration, it's all about the padding 😃. I use ICU kits from f-stop. Their pro medium kits fit perfectly in my side boxes and they have dividers to nicely fit my camera gear snug if I decide to place them in the side boxes. Most of the time I keep the camera gear in my camera bag and strap it down on the back of the bike. You are not the first person who has asked this. I should do a short episode on this topic.

[@1EyedJack51]

Great channel !!!! You have yourself a new sub buddy !!!! I look forward to more or your content. Cheers

[@thomasmanson1119]

Fantastic stuff Matt, very well done! I’m going to have to try my 300 f2.8 (with 2.0 TC) foot on my fluid head like that. Thanks for the idea. Tom KC3QAC

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are very welcome! Have you had a chance to try it yet?

[@CumminsDreamin]

Hey Matt... Love the video. I reviewed your gear list, and noticed you shoot a Z9 and D850. Are you using F-Format lenses with adapters or do you also have Z Mount lenses? I am working to build a similar kit, and am wanting to use my D500 as a backup, and get a mirrorless as my primary. Thanks in advance for any insight!!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you very much, glad you liked the video! I mostly use F-mount lenses paired with the FTZ II adaptor. It will take some time and money to switch my lenses over to the Z lineup. I am in no rush since the quality of glass in the F-mount series is exceptional. The Z-series is a step up, but not enough at this moment to throw a much of money to switch over. Not to mention that I still use my D850 as a secondary camera. I hope that makes sense. Thank you for the question.

[@explorevanisle2924]

Awesome video Matt - really enjoyed the ground squirrels. Are you shooting with auto ISO in these light conditions?

[@MattShannonPhoto]

I am glad you liked it! Yes, I set my camera to Manuel with auto ISO moving the exposure compensation in my favour if the scene is too bright or dark for my liking.

[@ViVuGo0574]

Thật là tuyệt vời luôn!

[@amandajackson668]

I believe the purple flowers at 6:50 are Phlox divaricata the wild blue phlox

[@MattShannonPhoto]

oh awesome! Thanks for sharing, I'm sure others would like to know too. Cheers

[@dance2jam]

Very cute, Matt. First time seeing your videos. Fun stuff (and wonderful setting - sort of). Lucky some didn't jump in your pocket. So, let me pose a quick question - mainly about the Z9. I'm going to guess, with the D850 your in dynamic 9 for AF area mode and Auto-ISO? On the Z9, (I shoot mostly wildlife, but have ventured into hockey), something like the ground squirrels, I would likely start in custom Wide-Area starting above the grass line for initial subject detection (clearly, SD for animals turned on). Question to you is, do you stay there or hand off to 3D? 3D on moving subjects is too unpredictable for me. I've tried all kinds of setups when shooting ice hockey with human eye detect and Wide Area and 3D - and had to go back to DSLR dynamic because the camera will never stay focused on the player I want. This is a bit less demanding, but was wondering, in general, what your "work-flow" is for this. Stationary subjects, totally different thing. I don't know if you have any Nikon reps you can ask, but if you do, can you ask them when is Nikon going to add zebras to stills with an adjustment to approximate the RAW ceiling like the Sony A1? I rarely blow images out these days, but it would be nice. (just like a battery percentage instead of bars would be nice). VOTE: Color. ;-)

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Hey there! Thanks for diving into my content and for the kind words. I'm thrilled you're enjoying the videos! Regarding your camera queries: For the D850: Spot on! I typically lean towards dynamic 9 for AF area mode coupled with Auto-ISO. For the Z9: Your approach with the ground squirrels sounds pretty spot-on. I've also experienced some unpredictability with 3D on moving subjects, so I tend to start in custom Wide-Area and make adjustments based on the scenario. Switching to 3D is case-dependent for me, though I do understand and share some of your frustrations when trying to maintain focus on a particular subject, especially in fast-paced environments like hockey. I sometimes rely on manual focus with peak focus highlighted in blue to make sure I was spot on with my focus. I've also tried programming my telephoto lens buttons with spot focus when pushed....but for moving animals it is a nightmare. Only works with stationary or slow moving wildlife that I need accuracy to pin-point. Nikon Features: I do have some contacts at Nikon, and I'll make it a point to relay your feedback about adding zebras for stills with adjustments for RAW ceiling. Just a simple firmware update will do ;) Lastly, noted your vote for color! Thanks for the input and happy shooting!

[@dance2jam]

@@MattShannonPhoto Thanks so much for your responses. Nice to get validation with issues being faced. I did find that when shooting ice hockey a custom box that is taller than wider with human subject detection worked pretty well. I also completely understand using single point on moving animals - would be problematic - at least for me. Happy Shooting, thanks for your input, for your shout out to the Nikon Reps - FW 5.0 for Christmas would be nice - and look forward to seeing more of your work.