PHOTOGRAPHING MOUNTAIN HARES part 2 | Wildlife photography in Scotland - Behind the scenes vlog

Im back in the mountains of Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland to do wildlife photography and to enjoy nature. This is my second day and the weather has changed dramatically from the day before. The high winds with snow on the top of the mountain makes wildlife photography challenging.
Watch Wildlife photography in Scotland - behind the scenes part 1:
• PHOTOGRAPHING MOUNTAIN...
DPREVIEW.COM has featured an article where I explain some of my favorite settings on my camera: goo.gl/R8vopi
It is very windy so I had a lot of challenges with the sound but I decided to make this short behind the scenes VLOG to share this great experience with you. So please forgive me for the poor sound - I hope you will bear with me.
In this short behind the scenes documentary I am trying to share my fascination of the animal kingdom and to show how to photograph wildlife using the foreground as a blurry element to close the bottom of the photo.
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Website: mortenhilmer.com
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shop.mortenhilmer.com/
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I am using Artlist and Epidemic Sound for my videos.
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••• GEAR LIST ON MY WEBSITE •••
mortenhilmer.com/my-gear-list/
In this episode I am using my main Nikon D5 camera and the Nikon 200-500mm telephoto lens.
The 4K behind the scene vlog is recorded on my Panasonic GH5 with the Leica 12mm.
For the drone footage I use my DJI drone.
More details about my camera equipment on my website.
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••• ABOUT THIS EPISODE •••
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I spent some days doing wildlife photography in these mountains and this is part 2 from my trip - I am currently working on a video about the equipment I brought on this photo trip.
I think the biggest challenge was the temperatures that were around 0 degrees Celsius all the time. That in combination with the sleet made it almost impossible to keep the front element of the lens free from water and snow.
Another challenge was to actually find the hares. Some of them were very shy but I was lucky to find a few that would let me get quite close.
The Scottish mountain hare is indigenous to Scotland and even though it looks quite similar to the Arctic hare, it is quite different.
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••• WHO I AM •••
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My name is Morten Hilmer and I work as a professional nature and wildlife photographer. In a series of short 4K videos I will share my fascination of nature and the animal kingdom with you and invite you behind the scenes when I am out photographing the fascinating wildlife, the stunning landscapes and the wild nature. I work as a ILCP photographer, and nature conservation is very close to my heart.
Read more about my time in the Sirius Dogsled Patrol on the BBC Earth website: www.bbc.com/earth/story/201602...
Beside the many publications, my photographs have been awarded in the Wildlife photographer of the year and European Wildlife Photographer of the Year photo competitions.
In spring 2017 I published my book Silence of the North: shop.mortenhilmer.com/product...
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All the best
Morten Hilmer

[@spacemanspiff01]

It’s not just your photography. You’re a damned excellent film maker and story teller.

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much 😊

[@GaryGough]

I find myself glued to your video watching you photograph a damn rabbit. I’m not even a rabbit fan. Compelling viewing. Wonderfully narrated. I’m drawn in and I’m there with you all the way, except I’m all snuggly in warm bed. Fantastic Morten 👍🏻

[@MortenHilmer]

Hi there Gary and thank you so much. It is incredible nice to hear and very very kind of you to take your time to write me such a great and encouraging compliment:) Thanks so much:)

[@nomadcompany]

well said mate

[@danschardein856]

Gary Gough My exact thoughts as well Gary.

[@artemisasio8569]

I love rabbits, especially these snowy mountain hares. I'm glad this video expanded your horizons.

[@brianbrooking496]

Love your channel and photography stuff too Gary, as a relatively inexperienced hobby photographer I gotta say with Morton you feel your his sidekick.... but safely watching warm and snuggled up at home

[@hiteshjawahirani7726]

Smiling like a baby here :). Honestly i watch your videos not to know about techniques and gear. I love to see the intense love you have for nature the way you're so passionate about pictures and how brutally honest you're. And no you're not the worst one here you're the best one for me . Will wait for the next one!! ❤️

[@XlogicXX]

I agree entirely. I think it is a blessing if one finds his true passion in life. Morten has found his. Inspiring to watch. Cheers.

[@MortenHilmer]

So good to hear that you appreciate the stories from "out there". I will definitely continue this line and then just add a little information about my gear and how to make a living as a wildlife photographer in general. I am really looking forward to sharing some more stuff with you:)

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks a lot - so kind of you to write:)

[@manasdash6055]

Hitesh Jawahirani agreed

[@kingfishervideo]

It's not about the equipment. Your films are just wonderful to watch. There is an issue at the moment in Scotland with Gamekeepers culling Mountain Hares & your film shows what a waste of life that is. Wonderful animals. Thanks for sharing that wonderful moment.

[@petracollins8623]

Morten you are an absolute gem. What a pleasure to share these beautiful moments. Looking forward to many more episodes lined up.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Fantastic video. I can tell I will be lost in your channel for a long while. It must be an enormous amount of work to capture these videos for us while also capturing such great photos.

[@shovelrocker7102]

I think it's rare to see videos like this when photographer is so genuinely happy to part of nature while being in absolute snow blizzard. Love your videos and they surely are big motivation to go out and enjoy taking more photos of nature.

[@damienpeterson9891]

Morten you have killed it this time, I was on the edge of my seat and listening intently to every word. What a great video and easily one of your best so far. Thank you again for putting in the hard work and then for being kind enough to share it with us. You're becoming a bit of a legend in my books.

[@wendysalter]

I feel for you, the effort, cold and frustration. Then, boom!! I feel so happy and filled with joy when you succeed. I love hares and rabbits - I had a pet rabbit that thought is was a little dog, would follow me everywhere and sleep by the fire. So when I see these beautiful gentle animals surviving with antifreeze blood and so well camouflaged to escape the eagle's stare, eating tiny bits of heather, I sigh in absolute wonder. Thank you so much Morten, you are the best.

[@reavesjl]

I know how difficult it is to film yourself photographing wildlife solo, so thank you for putting in the work to share it with us. Can't wait for the next one!

[@IgorZinovjev]

This is pure art of photography. Thank You for sharing your love to the nature through the camera.

[@kellybalkom7149]

There is something to be said about your enthusiasm and respect for nature that I admire greatly. Your images are just icing on the cake. I thank you for taking us along!

[@shenascooking1]

I really love watching you work around these animals. I really love the picture of the Hare sticking it's tounge out. It like it saying hahaha. Im here. Thank you so much for your photos.

[@rinusevertse]

Hallo Morten, wederom bedankt voor de schitterende video. Dankzij jou passie voor de natuur maak je het verschil voor de kinderen op deze wereld. Mede door jou leren ze hopelijk respect te hebben voor het onmisbare, de natuur en haar bewoners.

[@brandonwells8300]

I really don't know what is more compelling about your videos. Is it the abundant love you feel for your subjects and the honest and articulate way you express this in words - or the sumptuous images themselves? To capture as you do not just the lovely static stand alone subjects but to incorporate aspects of typical behaviour often in the context of startling light and a thrilling wider composition is quite exceptional. To say that I admire both your values and your work is a very considerable understatement. Please continue just like this. Simply beautiful.

[@GlenDomulevicz]

Wow!!! Again. What a privilege to get so close to a hare and experience such a natural behavior and capture those images.

[@bregodk]

I’m not a huge fan of animal photography, but the way you capture images of the animals and share your experiences with us really touches something deep inside me. Thank you for sharing and good luck on your journeys.

[@sylvia2692]

Thank you, for sharing with us all, your passion for nature and your amazing talent of capturing those amazing creatures. You are truly an inspiration for many of us who love nature and photography. Thank you, for allowing us to travel with you to those fabulous destinations and allowing us appreciate its beauty through your lens. You are an amazing artist.!.

[@vyasvikrant5602]

Can't describe... Man...your hard work, passion, talent. Hats off to you 👏👏👏

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much. It means a lot to me.

[@miketschappat6402]

I've watched stags, musk ox, and both hares videos. They are probably the best wildlife photography videos I have ever watched! Keep up the good work.

[@MortenHilmer]

That is just to encouraging to hear. I am really really happy you like my work:) Thank you very much.

[@didierh.g.coeurdeplanete4264]

Always wonderful your hikes and your videos. Your sensitivity to the grandeur of Mother Nature takes us to this journey where the mind and the heart merge with each other, facing this Earth in suspension so fragile and damaged by man.

[@hiperborei]

Amazing, magic videos. Thank you very much from Russia!

[@mauriciogonzalez8997]

DEAR MORTEN, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR VIDEOS AND EVERY DAY YOU SURPRISE ME WITH SOMETHING EVEN BETTER. I CONGRATULATE YOU AND I FEEL HAPPY WITH EACH EXPERIENCE THAT SHARES MAKE US PART OF HER AND WE APPROACH A LITTLE TO THAT WONDERFUL NATURE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE JOY YOU BRING TO OUR HEARTS. MAYBE SOME DAY COME TO CHILE, WHICH IS A COUNTRY WITH MANY VARIOUS LANDSCAPES ... DESERT IN THE NORTH, MOUNTAINS, LAKES, RIVERS, FORESTS, OCEAN, ISLANDS, THE ANTARCTIC AND MUCH MORE INCLUDED ALL THE FAUNA AND THE HOSPITALITY OF OUR COUNTRY . ESTIMADO MORTEN, HACE ALGUN TIEMPO ESTOY SIGUIENDO TUS VIDEOS Y CADA DIA ME SORPRENDES CON ALGO AUN MEJOR. TE FELICITO Y ME SIENTO FELIZ CON CADA EXPERIENCIA QUE COMPARTES HACIENDONOS PARTE DE ELLA Y NOS ACERCAS UN POQUITO A ESA MARAVILLOSA NATURALEZA. MUCHAS GRACIAS POR LA ALEGRIA QUE TRAES A NUESTROS CORAZONES. QUIZAS ALGUN DIA VENGAS A CHILE, QUE ES UN PAIS CON MUCHISIMOS DIVERSOS PAISAJES...DESIERTO EN EL NORTE, MONTAÑAS, LAGOS , RIOS, BOSQUES, OCEANO, ISLAS, LA ANTARTICA Y MUCHO MAS INCLUIDA TODA LA FAUNA Y LA HOSPITALIDAD DE NUESTRO PAIS.

[@Jack-se2iz]

So wonderful. Gorgeous photos that do justice to this darling little hare. Such a brave creature to live in that environment. Thank you.

[@robertoambrosi9876]

Beautiful images Gold job Morten

[@deborahhammond8576]

Thank you Morten, your photography and phone video makes my heart sing

[@svseaglobe]

Thank you so much Martin for sharing your experiences and your beautiful photography! You are truly inspiring thanks for all the time and effort you put in to sharing your passion.

[@scottcjmckelviephotography]

I photographed the wild hare in the Cairngorms when I did a one to one tour with a wildlife photographer here, Neil McIntyre, the experience I had was out of this world, there is no words that could describe it and this fantastic video shows the passion and love you have for nature. Fantastic.

[@PECHERSTORFERgerard]

Best Story Telling Ever

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much Gerard - I am so glad you like it:)

[@lizzyseay8617]

Laughing for joy! Thank you for sharing your joy of nature and reminding me of mine! I loved seeing those amazing Hares, thank you!

[@ElianaLemosArt]

Such a precious little angel, bless his soul ❤️ Thank you for your inspiring work and sharing with us your journey

[@AMills-ox4ch]

I love your videos. Your enthusiasm is contagious and if you can inspire one more person to care about the nature you're showing, it's worth it. Looking forward to more!

[@NatureBound]

What a magical moment, absolutely stunning interaction with nature. Your videos are breathtaking and so inspiring. Everytime I finish one of your videos I get an overwhelming motivation to grab my camera and run outside and try and capture nature in all its beauty. The way you can tell your story with such raw passion and your love for nature is such an unbelievable inspiration to me. Please don't ever stop bringing us along. Lifetime Supporter, a forever fan and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing us on your epic journeys. Much Love & Respect Eric

[@wyldeshooter]

I watch Wildlife photography channels quite often here on KZbin, and you are one of the best! Thank You so much for sharing your adventures with us.

[@slowmography1747]

the backlit images with the particles in the air are fabulous!

[@charliegoddard5642]

First class Morten, that is truly a wonderful valley. 15 out of 10.

[@qqchuchuqq]

I love your vlogs, because all your passion for wild life and the nature. That touch me a lot. Camera and lens are important as tools. What inside your heart is really the matter.Thank you!

[@Austria39]

I really love nature with all the different facettes, in combination with photography you can create such wonderful things. I am amazed by mortens storytelling, you can tell that so much effort goes into his videos, it just gives me goosebumps and I just want to grab my camera and get out there after i see a new one coming up! Thank you Morten!

[@captainsteve19]

Morten Take in all the praise cause its true, you have a way of taking us with you, do not change one bit! you have the right mix of everything I live for in photography. Cheers my friend.

[@goldenstardust]

Your videos are pure therapy. So peaceful, and that rabbit was gorgeous.

[@michellestewart7494]

Your an inspiration to all of us. Your so real and love everything you speak about

[@MegaXivan]

Thank you for the effort you put into capturing your adventures. It brings the viewer as close to the encounter as possible. Your enthusiasm and graciousness are contagious. I (and many others) look forward to the next encounter. Thanks again

[@jsimes1]

Oh my, I was tearing up watching you get so close to the hare. Beautiful, beautiful photographs and amazing storytelling. Thank you so much.

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you Joseph, so nice of you to write :)

[@GarnettLeary]

Thanks for bringing us on your journey. Very immersive. Great video. Clear skies.

[@ryanlandry8214]

I love your videos and most importantly you as a person. You are so down to earth and passionate about wildlife. Not only are you an amazing photographer, but your videos are amazing too! Thank you for following your passions and sharing with us! You're such an inspiration! 😊

[@adamaj74]

Great video. And it's not just the photography (which is outstanding). It's your reverence and respect for nature that makes you stand out.

[@trendfacts7090]

You are a inspiration for me, I always want to be a photographer like you. You are the best sir.

[@nanguameimei5396]

Morten. I love your videos and photos. I can connect with your passion through whatever it is that binds us together with nature that I can't explain but can feel. I love your videos because you are a regular guy without pretense and it's easy to connect on that level. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing.

[@garyclarricoates8972]

Truely inspirational, Morten. No more words required!!!! Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@yidneth]

I literally cried in emotion with this video. when the close ups were shown with the music... tears Thanks for sharing your respect and enthusiasm for nature and animals. Following.

[@MortenHilmer]

Such a wonderful comment - thank you very much Priscilla - it means a lot to me to hear that my work kan touch affect you in such a way. It is very very nice of you to leave me such a lovely comment. All the best :)

[@yidneth]

You are welcome, I love hiking and my partner is a photographer. We do enjoy your vlogs. I am a musician and often find inspiration in Nature to compose yet he is the "eye" behind the lens. By the way you always make me want to drink a hot cup of coffee after your videos ;) especially in the "bad weather" ones. Best wishes.

[@oldnikonian343]

Priscilla Hernandez wrote: I literally cried in emotion with this video. Phew, it wasn't just me then ;o)

[@Hangs4Fun]

Priscilla Hernandez you are an amazing musician and your voice invokes similar emotions for me. Human passions can be a beautiful thing, especially when there is a good story along with it. Have a great day :-)

[@goldenstardust]

Me too ... ticks all the boxes!

[@aarouswiss]

Photo/Video is Art. Thanks again!

[@hariharanm1164]

Super Awesome photos You Are My Inpersation Thank You for the video

[@minisla]

Amazing feeling to experience that feeling like you are at one with nature. Lovely

[@philwheelhouse3405]

Morten I have been looking forward to part 2 and not disappointed, absolutely superb! keep up the good work and enjoy Scotland I am fortunate to live in the highlands and can never tire of its beauty and abundance of wild life. You promote it very well, if you venture north west on your trip please call in for a coffee our doors always open. Look forward to more videos thank you.

[@upyours88]

All your videos are simply heartwarming! Thank you so much for sharing such intimate and special moments with all of us.

[@bobcat6653]

Spectacular photos! The stories behind where you go, and why and how are so so interesting especially with your great story telling talents. Thanks so much for sharing these!

[@samluing5663]

Thank you for sharing this....so amazing

[@millardwelch997]

Your videos and comments are fantastic. I really enjoy each and everyone of them, keep up the great work. You really motivate me and help me enjoy every moment of each day and the pleasures photography gives to us and the ones we share it with.

[@jameslane3846]

The last photos were phenomenal. Definitely add some of those to your primary portfolio! Yes, a video of your decision-making, planning for these trips especially the major expeditions would be amazing!

[@kevindongkai]

I can't believe your video is 11 mins long. It feels so short when I am absorbed by your words, your pictures, videos, music and especially your passion. 590 up vote, 100% up vote. The stats can say everything!

[@CaptainDoel]

You are the real wildlife photographer .. Thank you for sharing this .. Amazing work .. Cute bunny ..

[@4k4u99]

That Music & the footage perfectly matching .... So Lovely , Really Love it

[@hannukontturi5849]

You are the best! I enjoy every minute, when i watch your videos! Thank you that you are sharing these videos with us!

[@emptychannel9444]

Can't wait to see "What is in my bag?". Great videos.

[@bighighlandphotography1702]

Absolutely fantastic vlog and shots Morten! Loved watching your excitement at getting so close to the Mountain Hares! That's what it's all about isn't it - not always about getting the shots (although you captured some magnificent shots!) but getting the experience and being able to share some special moments observing nature at it's finest! I can relate to your enjoyment of being at one with nature and just loving life and all it offers us. Brilliant! Can't wait to see your next Scotland trip!

[@jaichndrn]

you are awesome Bro, your passion is mind blowing, Amazing

[@uncle0eric]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and your love for your art. It's very inspiring!

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you very much - I really appreciate your nice comment:)

[@balbhujel4881]

I salute you for the respect you have for any subject you are photographing... 🙏🏼

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much - I really appreciate.

[@ceilihmcgrady4125]

Wonderful video!!! And beautiful photos! It is a pleasure to watch this.

[@harlidawidoo9294]

Wow. You really reveal the tranquility of nature, thanks! Beautiful photos by the way.

[@corrvisuals]

Awesome, you are the man,,, the rabbit whisperer ;)

[@upde]

I agree. You are an amazing storyteller and videographer. The endurance and patience you show are truly amazing. Like Gary's comment, I am mesmerized by your videos. I hope you do make some videos about your planning and equipment. Just love your stuff and will follow your every adventure. Best.

[@PeteWoronowski]

Morten, what an amazing man you are, so kind and have the insight to appreciate what is beautiful in life. Lucky for us you are gifted with a camera to share not only your amazing work but be inspired with your positive attitude and a drive most people only ever dream of. Wishing you the very best in health and happiness always! Cheers, Pete

[@satriabajahitam7529]

Hunting without killing. Youre awesome, sir!

[@WildlifeWoody]

Thank God for photographers like you love watching your videos Fantastic! 10 out of 10

[@studio96vienna64]

absoltely stunning!!

[@luisfelipegope]

That first Black and White shot ws simply amazing!

[@photoholic6369]

Just beautiful, wonderful !! Do not find better words !!

[@stephenbarlow2493]

Excellent, this is what nature photography is all about. To get close to your subject, for it to trust you, so you can work on getting the best images is something you have to experience to understand.

[@michellestewart7494]

Plus plus plus ..your photography is amazing... cheers with coffee!

[@Henry30065]

Fantastic video Moreton. I was shocked to see how close you got to the hare - they are usually incredibly wild. Your patience stalking skills are clearly superb! Well done.

[@amnaturephotography]

Hi Morten, Glad you posted the second video at the top. I love your passion and honesty, Wildlife photography is a curse (a good one) its so rewarding when you are patient & persistent. The area is getting well known now, and a lot of photographers are visiting, hopefully they will respect nature like you... I look forward to seeing more video on your channel.. Adam

[@TheChuckism1]

Another absolutely exquisite piece of work. Fantastic images and video. Thx for the enormous effort you put in to it all. It’s loved by so many people all across the world. Your genuine love and connection to nature is infectious. Keep on.

[@benvanboom8907]

Morten.... You thank us for watching and our nice comments? We thank you (!!) for sharing your experiences....fantastic👏 It looked that the hair was playing with you when we see those last images. So great ! Regards, Ben

[@PinetreeLine]

Amazing video once again Morten! So cool you were able to get that close to that hare. I can’t imagine how wonderful the feeling must be getting to have that true connection with nature. Thank you so much for taking us along! I look forward to your equipment video. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 my friend. Doug

[@gladesoutfitters]

Just amazing footage and narration...you can see the light in you, shine back on your subject and vice versa...applause!!!!

[@Dams88230]

Superbe, merci de nous partager ces moments ! Encore de magnifiques images !

[@miguelao1]

Great videos! Nice story telling and a bit of fresh air in the wildlife video format, snow and sub-zero cold are not easy to deal with! Congrats and enjoy your well deserved cup of coffee!

[@stevengriffin1406]

Wow Morten thank you so much for all of the incredibly hard work you put into sharing these! What an inspiration you are to me. You have taught me that if you want to get these amazing shots, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to get them. And...you film yourself doing it. Really amazing videos. Thanks man!

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Loved it fella, I've never seen a mountain hare in his winter coat. Loved it 👍👍

[@nilslull1999]

what a beautiful story, amazing pictures

[@chrisroot7182]

Another amazing story and images! Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@Nadera2511]

you are such an inspiration. Your pictures are so emotional and beautiful and I love how authentic you are. When I go onto a photo adventure with my boyfriend, we always say, let us do the trip in the Morten-style :-) I learned so much from you. Thank you for your precious content.

[@MikePhumanaut]

Amazing as usual. I find myself totally forgetting there are a series of photos to watch at the end, because the rest of the video was so good, because of how you share the experience. At the end, you show a bunch of photos and it's like icing on the cake. Just great!

[@sightseeingberlin]

the shot with the tounge sticking out is spectacular i love it!

[@adventurouseater]

Your passion and awe and admiration-so inspiring

[@davet3530]

Another wonderful video Morten. Your enthusiasm and natural presentation style is so engaging. You rightly deserve the following you are getting. I fully agree with you that when a wild animal is so confiding in you that it is indeed an amazing experience. Field skills are of course important, but in situations like you had with that mountain hare, I firmly believe that nature chooses to share that moment with you.

[@davewebster6945]

This was wonderful to watch, to see you making the great effort, to persevere with the conditions, the elusiveness of the hares, and to keep trying and not give up and then to finally be rewarded with that one wonderful obliging hare 🤗 what are the odds of that happening ? You truly deserved to be gifted with the privilege of gaining that hares confidence and to get such marvellous shots and such close up footage 😊🤗👍.

[@DiegoSartori]

So happy for you to experience this wonderful moment, and thankful that you decided to share it with us :) Fantastiske billeder.

[@turfguy100]

Its beautiful and wonderful!