Polar Bear Encounter | NIKON Z9 on Svalbard - Ep.5

I'm on a 4-day solo trip to a remote inlet to photograph wildlife and landscapes.
This is the 5th episode from my 4 weeks photo travel to Svalbard.
For quite a while now I have been planning this 1 month trip to Svalbard, and now finally the time has come. I spent the first week together with my dad, and we had a wonderful time.
I have been on a 4-day solo trip to a remote fiord to find and photograph wildlife.
This time I am on a remote location together with Robin Levin from Nikon Professional Services to hopefully find and photograph birds and wildlife.
We are facing a few challenges on our trip because we are not alone on the coast line of Svalbard!
One of the biggest challenges on a location like this is the fact that there are a lot of polar bears in the area and it takes some preparation to stay safe.
••• WHO I AM •••
My name is Morten Hilmer and I am a professional nature and wildlife photographer.
I am a Nikon Ambassador and I work as an ILCP photographer.
Nature conservation is very close to my heart.
I have served in the Danish military special unit, the Sirius Patrol, for two years and that has given me the skills and confidence to operate alone in the arctic regions. I have spent two further years in the northern parts of Greenland meeting the local people and working on photography projects. My driving force is a sense of adventure and my fascination for nature, and my curiosity and empathy for other cultures has led me to many remote regions.
Beside being featured in publications and in my books books my photographs have been awarded in the Wildlife photographer of the year and European Wildlife photographer of the year photo competitions.
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🔗 SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE
• Website & Shop: mortenhilmer.com/
• Instagram: / mortenhilmer
• My 24/7 Livestream: / @nature-live
📸 EQUIPMENT
An overview of the equipment used in my latest KZbin video can be found on below link.
Here you will also see a selection of my favorit gear for various activities:
kit.co/MortenH...
🛒 AFFILIATE LINKS
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you have a different purchase in mind, you can also use these storewide links below.
Amazon: geni.us/MH_Amazon
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I am a Nikon Europe Ambassador:
geni.us/MH_Nikon
☊ MUSIC
You can find most of the music I use here:
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Enjoy watching.
See you out there...

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

This series has been so good, especially this episode. Thanks for making these videos, they are TV worthy and we get them for free 👊

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks a lot Thomas. Such a kind compliment. It feels like a long time since you and me went to Svalbard. It was a nice trip but too short. And you probably remember the weather 🤣 I wish you all the best and I hope to see you soon.

[@iemboyshostel]

Definitely want to see you guys again in artic circle…..make it happen please😀

[@Fellmandave1]

@@MortenHilmer take me too, I'll carry you tripod and make coffee how you like it! In the meantime, Thomas, Morten, thank you both for your wonderful videos. Exciting, adventurous and peaceful too. I wish my videos could be 10% of yours.

[@patricksmith2553]

Lovely footage and images again Morten! Nice to see the Polar bear's thriving in their natural habitat. Despite what some of the climate activists' want you to think, the species are in fact thriving and their overall numbers are higher than ever before. Yes, there are more Polar bears' alive today, than at any other time on record.

[@luiscastro4814]

@@patricksmith2553 What an interesting thing to say. Your comment too doesn't paint the full picture like the climate activists you mentioned. I'm sure that the ban on polar bear hunting in the 1970s contributed to population growth. It's always more complicated than just the part people want to focus on.

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

"if you get the shot you wanted, it's probably not sharp - or if it's sharp it wasn't what you wanted..." - I'm glad that even the elite among us have this same fundamental and paradoxical experience!

[@GabrielRodrigues-fg6ex]

Same, friend. Same.

[@sudeeproy266]

Your videos are a therapy for reliving from stress.

[@williamryan3254]

Nikon could’ve ditched those teaser videos and just used Morton to showcase the new Z9

[@longrider9551]

this is what really matters, and I don't even shoot Nikon

[@t.d.j.dejong6285]

Hahaha, sarcasm. I was a Canon shooter, now Nikon for 2 years. The d800, D810 and D850 are way better than Canon or Sony species and there's something about Nikon that keeps me using them, pro's agree with that. The level of photo's that Morten is shooting is not special to me, everybody can take his pictures, and nothing happens in his pics with a wow-factor. Only the places he go's are special, not the pics. David Yarrow is the best wildlife photographer ever.

[@BlueScreenOfDeathPL]

@@t.d.j.dejong6285 If by wildlife photography you mean being taken in a jeep to safari... yeah. Totally different approach.

[@t.d.j.dejong6285]

@@BlueScreenOfDeathPL well, 7 months in Africa is not a safari... Getting 10.000 dollars for a pic is not a safari. It's for saving nature. David said that he takes 3 good pics a year. Most of the photographers are placing a minimum of 40 pics a year on social media. You have to prepare, know your surroundings. Contact guids, get close. There's nothing happening in the pics....just plane. I'm sorry.

[@sleeplessnerd7781]

I agree, I prefer seeing photographers in the wild than set pieces.

[@KellerChewning]

Man these videos just make me so calm and happy inside. anyone else?

[@gepinomus]

Absolutely, my friend!

[@danbbrawner]

Simply amazing! Getting a reindeer AND the arctic fox in the same shot!

[@derekcoe9633]

As I sit here with my ancient Nikon D200, in a built up area where the only wildlife is the occasional scraggy pigeon .. I cannot thank you enough for bringing us this experience... thank you Mr H.

[@colonelangus8247]

That's a fine camera and to some people you live in a exotic location filled with unimaginable wonder.

[@garykuiken6191]

Of all the promo videos I have watched of the new Z9 this is the most realistic. Mortensen voice tells it all. Nothing staged, just real life. The images are fantastic. The conditions those two were subject to were real life. And the equipment including the Z9 was up to the task. Looking forward to the next video. Great work you two.

[@garykuiken6191]

Hate auto spell. Its Morten.

[@MortenHilmer]

What a compliment Gary. Very encouraging - I'm really glad you like it. Thanks a lot. See you out there...

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

This series is the best "real-world" display of the Z9 that Nikon could dream of. You're beating the hell of it and it's done nothing but produce stellar photos and video. I don't think you've even mentioned the camera itself since the opening of the first episode, and you don't have to. Really cool to see a real working pro wildlife shooter at his best!

[@kathleenhart707]

Tears of joy at the leaping reindeer! Nature at her sweetest ... then the Polar Bear! WOW!

[@laku4412]

That shot of the bear looking at the glacier is stunning!

[@mateuszzdun9061]

The intensity was high in this episode! But I still got a teary eye watching the part with the reindeer and an arctic fox - the videography, music, emotions... everything was so mesmerizing. And I feel so excited watching this before my short wildlife photography trip next week, your work always inspires me so much!

[@hishamosman4341]

Come on Nikon. You must have all of Morten's video on your website. This is wildlife documentary at it's finest! Your Z9 is a marvel and I bet even the Deer, the Artic Fox and thePolar Bear will attest to that, period!

[@jeffselfphotography3066]

You’re not getting paid enough! This series is just incredible! Showing the Z9 in this environment is such an incredible selling point for Nikon. I’ve got mine on order and I know I’ll never have to worry about the durability of this camera body.

[@willtheelectrician8184]

Who needs National Geographic when this KZbin channel exists?

[@sonofagunder]

precisely

[@borocotochacha]

Nothing happens by chance. Nikon's philosophy seems to be illuminated by something else. It is not necessary to lie to compete in the market. I opted for Nikon Z for its philosophy, it gives me image quality and humanity, sensitivity. May the universe be with you Mortem!

[@JasonJonesPhotography]

"you get the photo you want, but it isnt sharp..." Glad to see it's not just me, and much better photographers than I have the same troubles. My D850 AF is light years better than my D800, but I think you have me sold on going mirrorless with the Z9.. Your Svalbard videos with that camera have been an inspiration in many ways.

[@johnlavin-ford8372]

Morten, these are not just videos... these are epics in their own right. I love these mini movies, I feel like a child looking forward to the next episode. Thank you.

[@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll]

This is one of the best advertisement for the Z9... great real life work!

[@AjayKumar-Photography]

Finally the wait is over

[@SovietLensReviews]

Inspiring series - showing that a product can be advertised effectively by simply showing it in use, no special features mentioned, no marketing key points hit - just pure results. Can't wait to watch the next episode.

[@HampshireHog63]

I've been checking KZbin ever hour this weekend for this video! At last!! 🙏

[@nicolast9383]

The film of the week I was waiting for... Just amazing!

[@heinihefti8969]

Watching it on a comfortable sofa is always exciting and entertaining - with a warm coffee and a few biscuits - and of course with dry feet. To see this with your own eyes is something else and probably priceless. The effort for these wonderful recordings is enormous. Thanks for that!

[@pavelperina7629]

Lovely place ... nothing, just cold water, mud, rocks and ice, polar bears around, a gale and freezing rain .... it can get better only with night and a dense fog :-) I would have stayed in Denmark with beloved badgers, especially in autumn, which is a nice season, I feel uncomfortable even when I'm watching this. I admire the hard work behind your photographs and great storytelling.

[@FaviousM]

Oh exciting. Always makes a Sunday better. Keep up the good work Morten

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks a lot Favious

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

Your experiences are an esoteric look into a reality that still exists on our planet and is ever fleeting! Thank you for showing us such raw beauty and expressed in so honest a format. Nikon should be so lucky to have you as an ambassador of their equipment!!!!

[@goodlife1383]

This is what should Nikon ad to Z9. It is truly bringing back the At the Heart of Image.

[@JudyStarchild]

I was impressed with the gorgeous dancing reindeer just over 7 minutes in but to then get those incredible pictures of a polar bear. Just awesome. And I can relax because I know you got home safe 😉

[@juanantoniocuellar760]

Seeing the cameras get wet in the rain is giving me anxiety! :) These videos are an absolut pleasure to watch. Thank you..

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Absolutely incredible to watch this. Better than any television by a million percent. Why you are not a highly paid documentarist I do not know. And the camera - just quietly showing its brilliance unforced. Thank you Morten for this wonderful series.

[@scotty4418]

Wow Morten, what a gripping and wonderful episode this week. Nikon have played a blinder equipping you with the Z9 as the conditions and nature of your adventure will certainly put it through its paces and be a good advert for potential buyers

[@duncanwallace7760]

As with many of the best wildlife moments, handheld with no time to prepare. Very cool.

[@fenlandwildlifeclips]

Brilliant but I'm so very very envious. You seem to be living the dream.

[@eduardomena3843]

what a wonderful landscape, thanks Morten Hilmer for share the little pieces of the beautiful world.

[@lensart_nature5310]

Mr Martin I love how humble and sweet you are

[@Endgame392]

I have been looking forward to this video since the last one! I loved the reindeer video when he was bouncing on the ridge as much as the polar bear sighting. I could feel your excitement during the polar bear section. Fantastic.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Wow! Now that’s getting serious. Fantastic shots!

[@patrickmolloy6994]

incredible. Some wonderful shots of that Reindeer and that bear with the carcass! That Nikon Z9 is awesome coupled with those long lenses. Brilliant!

[@davidellinsworth22]

Unbelievable video, Morten! Loved the stills and video footage. However, with that polar bear so close I would be gone!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@David-rc8fb]

Brilliant, superb Polar Bear footage 👍🇬🇧

[@markattardo]

I saw a polar bear at a zoo when I was fairly young. Those massive paws certainly left an impression. I can't imagine seeing one in the wild like you did. Awe inspiring. Then the adrenaline starts pumping while your head is on a swivel scouring the area. Really enjoyed the way you captured everything and put it together in these videos. Very well done👍👍

[@شهاب.بن.عباس]

What an advanture !! Thanks for this moments and for this footages 🙏

[@nikhiljakkula7890]

This is incredible, the way you are disciplined to capture wildlife and respecting the mother nature at same time inpsires me lot. So many professional companies out there endorse there flagship in perfect lighting and brilliant colors I don't think they are near to this Assignment from Nikon to you get the hands on experience on the new Z9.. just amazed and eager for the next episode. Thanks a lot Morten you are an inspiration ❤️

[@IustinPop]

One can't help but think that this is what flagship bodies such as Z9/D6/etc. have been built for. And not for nice, cozy weather :) Thank you for very well showing the atmosphere of the island, much appreciated.

[@moinnoori3456]

Morten proves that photography is not just pressing the shutter 👏👏👏

[@grantking4681]

Who's a lucky boy then?, (VERY lucky I'd say) taking pics with a Z9 of a polar bear up close and personal, what the rest of us can only dream about! Brilliant Morten.

[@picapica42]

That was a very exciting video! 😀 Amazing footage of the beautiful reindeer frolicking and the fox making an appearance. Of course the polar bear winds for casually strolling in when it is least expected. Loved the backdrop of the glacier in the photos. Looking forward to the next episode already! 😀

[@MortenHilmer]

Hey Pica👍😊 thanks a lot

[@eruilluvatar8066]

I would pay to watch this in a cinema! So good!

[@gilbertdebruijn1]

Can’t wait for the next episode. But what a adventure, wow that bear

[@MrsSusanCreighton]

Morten I find myself checking multiple times a day to see if the next episode has been posted. I am hooked on your adventures. Nikon should champion you as you are showing us how well the Z9 is handling your level of real photography. I have been waiting for you to re-offer your book and I wanted to thank you for making it available again. I am pleased to say, I just got your book in the mail and I have tucked it away for Christmas morning. You have inspired me so much I am confirmed on a Churchill trip to photograph the Polar Bears here in Canada October 2022. Anyways, as always, thank you for allowing us to come along on your amazing trips. Cheers!

[@tiborpavlisko]

Unreal shots, big respect Morten !

[@cpanbalagan]

This is the best artistic adventure have ever seen!! This channel deserves a lot of respect!

[@marcusslade9804]

Wow, Morten, amidst a growing body of work as yours, this is just so good. The footage and images of the Caribou and Arctic Fox are just fantastic but the tension building as you’re trying to find the Polar Bear a second time is palpable…and seeing the Z9 pounded by the elements makes by far the best preview of the camera yet. Can’t wait for the next episode…I need another cup of coffee 😀

[@liamdoran2149]

The reindeer are looking nice and healthy! And the polar bear in front of the glacier!!!!! Great work Morten!

[@TryingtoLearntheuke]

Wow! This series has just pulled me in.!

[@SanoyNimbus]

Wow Morten! Thanks for uploading this today. I must ask Robin more about this adventure when I meet him on Tuesday ... There will be a Nikon event at one of the local stores in Stockholm ... and I hope he will be there.

[@MortenHilmer]

Say hi from me. He was a really good buddy on this trip😊

[@tallaganda83]

Probably the best episode yet. That would be a lifetime highlight for me as I’m sure it is you.

[@katharinemovertonphotographer]

Love the Reindeer and arctic Fox I felt your excitement you can go days or weeks without seeing any animals but when it all comes together it is so magical. Looking forward to the next Video and I to am glad you made it home safely

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Definitely worth watching. Can’t say that bear didn’t know you were there. Although I don’t think photographers are currently on the menu, but you never know. Thank you for sharing your time and wonderful photos Morten. Stay safe safe 🇦🇺

[@hishamosman4341]

The Polar Bear knows and is aware that Morten was around? The bear must be saying.." Morten is shooting at me with the Z9, so I better play my part, just loiter around? Or Nikon will send poachers to hang me on some wall somwhere..."

[@BigRedDogATL]

These two videos with the Z9 in adverse uncontrolled conditions are the best demonstration of the camera's abilities in real world, real use conditions for a nature and wildlife photographer. The videos put out by NikonUSA are so "controlled" and the camera is treated too delicately, IMHO. It looks like Morten put the Z9 to it's limits and the camera came through like we expect a Nikon flagship camera to. I just wish that Morten had included in the commentary about the video and problems or quirks he encountered with the Z9 during the trip. Thanks for sharing the videos. I hope you don't mind, but I shared links to the videos on a couple of appropriate Nikon camera Facebook groups.

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much Clifford for your great and encouraging feedback. And thanks a lot for sharing

[@lunisproductions]

Amazing experience! Thanks for sharing and congratulations! Looking forward to your next upload!

[@oniinparadise9620]

Much better than a National Geographic special. Good work morten

[@BobSmith-zd2nv]

Beautifully done! I have been to Svalbard 6 times. It is so barren, but you have captured the essence of this amazing place AND showcased the Z9. I’ve carried that rifle, while escorting a small group. It’s so important to be aware of the bears and you are the ultimate professional.

[@rinisudewi9307]

This series has been so good, especially this episode. Thanks for making these vidios, they are TV worthy and we get them for free👊

[@mikiethebikie]

Whew, that was exciting. Thanks for your fantastic work too.

[@stevehamilton3181]

This has been an absolutely fantastic adventure to follow. Such a beautiful area. Your excitement when you first saw the bear was so infectious. Love it all. Thanks!

[@johnhjic2]

What an amazing first trip out with a Z9, Polar bears, rain dears and rain by the bucket. Keep well, keep safe and try to stay dry.

[@dominiqueleblanc2193]

You should have your own Tv show. Of course, seeing what the z9 does is great. But taking it to Svalbard is just the greatest adventure. Would love to have a mentor like you. Great job.

[@maharijbasumatary7556]

Soothing, brain and mind pleasing Morten Sir

[@sarahpearson4838]

Absolutely beautiful. Oh how I miss the cold weather and the back drop it gives you...a wonderful pleasure to the eyes....The most talented Photographers on KZbin. Inspiration all the way here in Southern California...never change!

[@lucabieri9250]

Absolutely fantastic and suspenseful! We really really like these Svalbard series. You are doing a really great job 👍! I totally agree with a few other comments - these are by far the best promotional videos for the new Nikon Z9. Keep it up and we hope to see you soon!

[@rasecroel2366]

The man, the legend the inspiration for many of us.... I enjoy every video of you.. But this one was beyon amazing Morten... The right person, the right place, the right conditions to put the Z9 on test...with out bragging or crying about the item being tested.. Mil gracias Morten.. Eres mi inspiración...

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

Wow. That was exciting. Good job hand holding Z9 + 800mm and getting great shots. Watch all your Svalbard episodes on my Panasonic OLED TV - The sharpness, exposure, dynamic range and contrast of your videos are spot on.

[@scruffkingman]

panasonic makes an OLED?

[@Youtuber-ku4nk]

@@scruffkingman They makes the best OLED's. They use LG panels, but make better implementation.

[@scruffkingman]

@@KZbinr-ku4nk ok i knew about vizio sony and lg never knew panasonic did too

[@divinerdetective44]

Truly amazing how you persevere under all challenging conditions! Thank you for giving us this glimpse of Nature while we sit warm & comfortable at home!

[@kamranki]

What a project and what memories! And you guys got the gear for the right conditions.

[@JorgeGomezz]

That was Awesome! Thanks for this video series. Wildlife photography at its best!

[@MichaelCortese1]

Wow Morten, this is might be your best video yet. And the photos were breathtaking. This could be Nikon's only Z9 ad and it'd be all they need

[@irisotte83]

Amazing again Morten! As always! Thank you for sharing this trip with us!🙏 Must be so exciting and soooo scary at the same time seeing a polar bear this close.... Can't wait for the next episode!

[@maneshmalla588]

Watching this third time in same day. What a beautiful video you have made moreten. Congratulations

[@DalsPhotography-Daniela]

The music, the photography and video just enlightened my morning! you are doing a wonderful work out there!!!! Thank you so much!

[@marshalhedin7538]

you, fine sir, are an inspirational legend. thank you for everything that you do

[@jpdj2715]

Great storytelling - visual, edits, talks, music. You built real suspense.

[@Vikram_8621]

Your patience level is commendable!

[@iastorgaphotos]

Challenging weather…and a polar bear! So glad you were able to get photos of it. I definitely cannot wait for the next Svalbard video installment! 😮🙏🏼👍🏼🤗🐻‍❄️

[@gbwalther3198]

Great video Morten of you and your buddy and the Polar Bear! In years past, I worked in the Alaskan Arctic so I can relate to your saga. Keep shooting!

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Absolutely brilliant video Morton. The footage of the reindeer was fantastic and the tension when the polar bear showed up was amazing.

[@cindyconlin1]

I was just as excited as you when the polar bear appeared! What great videos and shots you got!

[@chirantanbatabyal]

This is absolutely brilliant!! The NPS guy is really lucky to be a part of this. In fact Nikon should feel grateful because instead of that annoying shutter sound you're still using it 😂 lol Nikon user here as well 🙌

[@whonders2347]

Must have been both exciting and nerve-wracking seeing a polar bear that close, But the pictures are absolutely stunning!! well done!

[@porterrasi]

Very well done gentleman. Exciting footage, I'm glad I'm in the comfort of my home office :)

[@natolinaturephotography]

Great series on Svalbard Morten. I am so enjoying these episodes and your encounters. The polar bear capture dragging the carcass is outstanding IMHO. Thanks for sharing your adventures together with your experiences using the Z9. Cheers

[@albertvallecillo304]

Amazing!!! You just made my Sunday 🐻‍❄️😍

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Morten, this series of videos you have done on Svalbard has been amazing. That Z9 is miraculous in the way it locks on the subject and stays with it. Looking forward to your next installment. :)

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much Clifton👍

[@Avelurker]

love the Svalbard series

[@SAMM0608]

@13:55 that enthusiasm is so nice! It makes me feel as if I am right next to you but you are just talking to a camera.

[@oli177]

Your videos are not only highly professional, they are so beautiful to watch, fascinating and thrilling. The images you provide, either stills or moving, are so breathtaking. Thank you for your incredible work showing us the beauty of our home, planet earth.

[@wildfotografie.wimmer7425]

That must have been incredible! Looking forward to the next part 😁💪🏼

[@toniomerl6787]

Morten... this is almost a action movie! The images of the camera are just amazing. And the photos are beautiful. Did not realise until know the importance of the music... but it is. Thanks so much again. Just missing a cup of coffee ;)

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you for your kind words. Very encouraging 👍

[@rmgwheelsspokeslab.7767]

Fox and Deer image is amazing. Deserves a very good place. And be printed for sure.