Photographing WOLVES and BEARS on Vancouver Island - Nikon Z9

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Join me on a workshop: Mattshannon.ca/workshops

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Awesome stuff Matt, Vancouver Island looks incredible! Really enjoyed this video man 👊

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you sir, that means a lot! When are you heading out this way?

[@wattswildlifephoto]

@@MattShannonPhoto Absolutely! Hopefully sometime in the next few years!

[@andrewscott743]

Feels like we’re right there with you - having a once in a lifetime adventure! Thanks for putting this together! Love your work!!

[@lukeiamyourfather7736]

Beautiful BC and beautiful wildlife!!

[@irbis8801]

Beautiful video Matt, as I understand most of the time you use 400 mm lens with 1.4 teleconverter ? You choose 400 mm over 600 mm pf because of one stop more light?

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Yes, lately for wildlife I've been using the 400mm f/4.5 with 1.4 TC. I'm not always using the 1.4TC, which is nice because It feels like I own two lenses when I remove the TC instead of a fixed 600mm pf. The 400mm is extremely light and the weight is on the backend next to the camera body so it is easy to pack, and grab it when I need it. I believe the 400mm + the 1.4 TC is less money too, so thats why I chose that option. I would LOVE to get the 600mm with built in TC....but I need to sell a kidney to get one haha. Do you have a 600mm pf? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@irbis8801]

@@MattShannonPhoto thanks for your answer, I have 800 mm pf not 600 pf, and it’s great lens. As I know 600 mm pf also very light and very sharp. And balance with camera is very good.I love to photo snow leopards and it’s always problem to be close to this shy animals. As I understand animals in your area not afraid of people.

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always 🤗

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! You are too kind

[@MrTmiket0007]

What a wonderful video, you are so brave to be so close to wildlife and to get those beautiful shots, please be safe 🙏🤗

[@noneedtochange9413]

What a trip!

[@offbeatvandals6072]

Amazing, looking forward to the 2nd half

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Happy to hear it! Thanks for watching

[@davelawery4811]

Superb video, looking forward to Part 2: keep well, stay safe & dry 👍🇬🇧

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you very much! Stay tuned!

[@DynNat]

Great Pictures, great location, and great video !! I always appreciate your content.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are too kind, I appreciate all the support and positive feedback!

[@Melo_Photography]

Matt you are doing an excellent job , I love watching your videos, thank you for sharing your awesome videos!!

[@GavinParsons]

I loved this video. You get a solid like and sub. This is what photography videos should be!!!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you for joining my journey and the like! Much appreciated! Cheers

[@gafurphotography6504]

Great story and wildlife tips, chears from Norway

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Many thanks! Cheers

[@aaronm5149]

Great Story and Footage! Thanks for sharing

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are too kind. Thanks for watching!

[@ScrimshawPhotography]

Go buy a lotto ticket after those wolf encounters. Jeez that was lucky!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

😂 very lucky! Thanks for watching

[@richardellishk]

Great adventure, i see the lens was 560mm, assume a 400mm with 1.4x teleconvertor? which lens?

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are correct, it is the Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 with a 1.4 TC. I screwed up a few of the details saying it was f/5.6 with the TC added when it is f/6.3 :)

[@helencogan2187]

AMAZING AMAZING!!!!! WOW!!!!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Your comment warms my heart thank you!! ☺️🙌

[@kathycarter5379]

All I can say is WOW, OMG!!! ❤❤

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Best reaction thank you!!

[@joalva63]

Terrific job! Thanks for sharing.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@randyschwager84]

Absolutely amazing! I watch tons of photography videos and you have become my favorite to watch…by a long shot! Bring on the next one…and thanks for taking me along!

[@richardfink7666]

I feel the same way too.

[@RiccardoCevenini]

beautiful!!! Did you use the 400mm f4.5?? thank you very much

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Yes I did! Fantastic lens.

[@jamesfrystak]

Sea Wolves!! I know how hard it is to get shots like that. Well done!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you sir! It's so easy to get skunked on a trip like this. Depends on food source, perhaps puppy season and the wolf packs behaviour during that time. They can navigate through the woods along the coast without anyone noticing so we were very lucky to get the footage and shots we did! The wind was on our side too which helped.

[@skipper4114]

At 17:12 you said "looks like a small male or female" ...............I would hope so......lol .Hopefully the animal kingdom hasn't gone woke yet.....lol. Great video. I would never be around bears unless I also had a shotgun for backup.....Cheers.

[@tomdearie5165]

Nice shooting, Matt. My favourite subjects. 😎 I wish I’d had the 400 4.5 when I photo’d coastal wolves a couple of summers ago - it’s been a great lens for me. The old 200-500mm performed really well, but the 400 4.5 is another kind of beast. I note the video says 560mm 4.5 - I think that should read f/6.3. Anyway - watching those beautiful videos of those pooches makes me want to get back out there. : ) Hope you’ve managed to dry out. 🙃

[@StephenJStephen_Photography]

Wonderful video Matt! You definitely had some exciting encounters!

[@edbritelight7683]

Hey Matt! I really enjoyed watching this adventure! Don‘t want to split hairs here, but the 400 f4.5 with 1.4 TC becomes a 560 f6.3 and not 5.6 😅. Keep it up! Can‘t wait for the second half of your video 👍👍

[@MegaBriarpatch]

Great editing, narration, and the photography is so beautiful! I just found your channel last week, and I'm loving your work. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@EKowallis]

Wow! this is so awesome.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you ☺️! I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@colinc9569]

Hey Matt, my name’s Colin. I’m a big fan of yours. I love your videos and what you bring. I’m a wildlife photographer here in BC as well. Are you on N in this video? Yo or nee? Thanks.

[@Trish12303]

What an amazing experience. I thought for sure the bear and wolf were going to get into an encounter. That wolf was absolutely beautiful!! Can’t wait to see the second half. Thanks for taking us along!!

[@markmay8942]

What a great adventure Matt. I am green with envy. Wolves are one of my favorite animals and I am looking forward to watching Part 2 in the morning with a steaming cup of coffee.

[@TobiasSchlatter]

Firstly, really nice pics! i enjoyed every minute of the video. But how do you take pics whilst filming? Do you have 2 cams set up or do you export a frame of the video? Also, is there any chance to take a look at my work? My immages are like never sharp, allways a bit soft and i'm not sure why. I tryed using an 2x to get closer, higher shutter speed, all the different isos and apurtures. I'm not quiet sure why my images look like they where taken by phone 😅

[@montanaguy51]

Amazing footage, Amazing video! 👏

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Thanks for watching 🙂!

[@robertlawrence7958]

What an absolutely outstanding encounter with that wolf. Such an amazing opportunity for you to get that close and come away with both beautiful images and video footage. Best wishes from Wales.

[@arunakalu]

You are taking the 400 f/4.5 with 1.4tc only?

[@MattShannonPhoto]

For wildlife yes, but I also had my Sony A7c for landscape photos and video. It is paired with a 20mm 1.8 G lens. I also had a go pro, sound gear, and plenty of batteries and memory cards ☺️

[@iam_nobody_just_a_Nikon_nerd]

What a beautiful adventure, im sooooooo jealous. I live in the most wolf crowded part of Sweden, you could say, they are practicably just outside the door :) but still not. I been out looking for them so many times, only come close one time but was all to slow so didn't get the shoot. But that place you are at, wow its more than magical, so rich of wildlife...

[@michaelbierbaum-z5x]

Thanks for sharing Matt, nice vid.👍

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you, Thanks for watching! Cheers

[@IngolfurDavid]

Great video mate

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you very much! Cheers

[@janmoldi]

We just had our roadtrip thru Alberta and BC back in late May and were shocked after hearing about all the wildfire damage around Jasper & co. just a few months later ☹ It feels completely different when you just been there and seeing all the devastation on the news. However, I always enjoy watching your stunning videos! Keep up your great work! Greetings from Germany 🖤❤💛

[@hayleighshannon1820]

My favourite adventure of yours yet ! Amazing filming

[@MattShannonPhoto]

☺️☺️☺️

[@badboyvr4]

Those are some dangerous animals you're photographing, I would carry a firearm just in case.

[@Jeje-rb1vu]

What a wonderful video. I've always wanted to observe wolves on Vancouver Island but can't seem to find a tour or someone who can facilitate it..

[@FrancisBruhwiler]

That wolf behaviour indicates it is highly habituated. Not good.

[@hannahrheaume]

Beautiful footage! Which company did you book this through? I would love to book it for myself!

[@bcrphoto7]

Great show Matt, really enjoyed that.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you Brian, I appreciate it! Thanks for watching! Another local islander 😄

[@ultraviewz1]

Excellent work Matt.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you kindly! And thanks for watching!

[@love4wildlife]

Ahhh, they sure make you earn it. Nice footage, Matt. Will be looking out for Part 2.

[@keithmacdonald4805]

A great video Matt, what an incredible adventure. I have watched every one of your videos and this is definitely the best one yet. It is great to have a fellow Vancouver Island photographer producing such wonderful videos. Thanks for sharing and I am looking forward to Part 2.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you, Keith! I really appreciate the support-it's always encouraging to hear from locals, especially with such a global audience. About a third of my viewers are from the U.S., and in Canada, they're pretty evenly spread across the country, so it's always great to connect with fellow Van Isle residents!

[@RickHilton-l1n]

Superb work!! Bring on Part 2.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Coming soon!

[@Lelandphotography]

This is the kind of photography workshop you need to do. Not the 4 star hotel treatment. Camping and being their environment.

[@richardfink7666]

It doesn`t get any better! P.S.: Exept maybe Morten Hilmer.

[@harispats2783]

hello matt how much money does it cost you the aeroplane to take you there and back? and how many days did you spent there?

[@manfredstrata5395]

Amazing 😊

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Brilliant, thanks.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

You are welcome, thanks for watching!

[@abpage26]

Outstanding ❤❤ love from India

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Happy to hear you enjoyed it all the way from India! Huge thank you

[@coastalforgecoffee1507]

Coffee is the best on wet days like that! Beautiful BC!

[@EricWoodyVariety59]

I heard there were cougars on Vancouver Island. Where are the cougars?

[@HuntersInsight]

coastal black bears are huge

[@MattShannonPhoto]

So huge!! Such small, beady eyes for their size....I don't trust them lol

[@CarlCummins-rs3om]

Wow, amazing moments. You are very lucky, my friend. Cheers.

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Yes, very lucky ☺️

[@siegfriedgrupp6238]

Very, very nice Video 👍

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you 🙂

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

What an amazing adventure!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

I couldn’t have asked for anything better! Thanks for watching

[@nancyross2897]

I’m in total awe of those last few shots and footage of the wolf. Breathtaking beauty, thank you so much for sharing. 😊

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Lovely comment thank you so much! Thank you for watching!

[@andycoleman2708]

I'm going to start saving up for that trip right now!

[@onlyvideoillupload]

This channel is top tier! Excellent everything in this video! That first wolf got so close!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Best comment thank you! I appreciate it very much. I am blessed to see and do what I do. I am blown away by how close the wolves got. Thank you for watching!

[@sigurdrille9693]

Beautiful!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@matusmisik_photography]

Well done again 👏

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you! Cheers

[@matusmisik_photography]

@@MattShannonPhoto keep going and enjoy your trips in nature

[@michaelbissetphoto]

The quality and clarity of your video and photo images, especially of the wolves, is outstanding. Was wondering what your preferred video codec was, for shooting video of animals in the wild with the Z9? Although these technical aspect are not important for the viewer, for those wishing to emulate your quality output, they are most helpful.

[@LetsGoOutdoors]

Well done sir!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@waynearchibald3920]

Oh wow! I gotta move out west! Great video Matt and those wolves are gorgeous!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

They are! I am blessed to see and do what I do ☺️

[@csayban]

Loved, loved, loved this video! Can't wait for part 2

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching, stay tuned

[@lauriefish58]

Oh Matt what an excellent adventure! I’m so happy that you got to experience the bear and wolf encounter and also a great portrait of the wolf. Can’t wait for the next episode.

[@RayneDr0ps]

Wondeful Video Matt! That first wolf encounter was darn close! 😅 Gets me excited for next month when I'm out on the Island.

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

Wolves may have good noses but man are they oblivious 😂

[@MattShannonPhoto]

It is a good sign I think. They didn't have anything to worry about and freely walked the beach without extreme caution. Seems like they get along with the bears too :)

[@mike_s_media]

The bear and the wolf... WHAT A SHOT!!!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

It was unforgettable!! Thanks for watching

[@RGWrighthawks]

Thanks Matt for showing people the reality of the wilderness and how to properly interact with the wild ones. Awesome video.

[@LouisaLee63]

WOW! Fantastic video and story!!

[@MattShannonPhoto]

Thank you very much and thank you for watching!

[@bryanashford5118]

those wolf shots top draw photogaphy well done