Practicing Will Make You A Better Photographer - A Bird Photography Vlog

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[@keithdickson8364]

Nothing wrong with practicing. I’m out twice a day doing bird photos and I can really tell it has helped my photography.

[@stans6582]

Steve.......all good advice.......and important to hear over and over..............thanks

[@kennetht66]

Loved it and yes birds can be a challenge. I need lot's of practice!

[@mountaintopbob]

Do you realize you are training a new photographer videographer and becoming a mentor for an old retired guy living the dream in north west new Mexico. Thanks for all you do.

[@ExplorerMelanie]

That's some simple and honest advice, thank you for sharing!

[@ghlocal1]

Great video! I use the back button for group as well, but I use the PV button in the front as my single point!

[@JustinLambdin]

Same here

[@QVL75]

I love your video. Feel like I'm there.

[@juddr2001]

I also practice at Camas, lots of birds and porquipines and stuff!!!!

[@garethkelley3093]

Really enjoyed the Steve. I love harriers. Your Northern Harrier looks very similar to what we can a Hen Harrier here in the UK. I've recently started vlogging my wildlife adventures, partly through watching your videos and wanting to document my own work here in the UK. But if wildlife photography isn't sometimes difficult enough I thought I'd try and vlog it too :) Keep up the great work Steve, certainly not easy in these difficult times. All the best, Gareth.

[@justincammidge]

Wow amazing video Steve, I agree, practice, practice, practice, is key to becoming a better photographer. And very good images, my favorite is the one where both female and male are flying on top of each other.

[@ChrisMosner]

Fabulous! Loved the yellow-headed blackbirds. Thanks for the reminder about practice: the foundation for developing all skill. I actually struggle switching between D500 and Z6 due to muscle memory issues. I'm sure I've missed plenty of shots due to fumbling around.

[@timelapseadventure5253]

Amazing! Wish you all the best!!! I remember as a kid i loved reading National Geographic magazine, and i was fascinated, when it had close shots of animals. THat definately gives a lot of elevated vibes and feelings. Thank you for your hard work and your time! Its Time. Its Adventure.

[@clanelliott0305]

second last photo is fantastic. Thanks for the education

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

We've been spending quite a few weekends at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge! Here there is an abundance of Red wing Blackbirds We had more luck last Saturday with the carp jumping out of the water than we did birds. I couldn't help noticing the similarities and differences in your video in how things are here east versus you out west!

[@weylintracking-worldwide]

It is happening outside! Thanks for another great video Steve!

[@phooesnax]

It is the barn swallows that drive me nuts!

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep they are super difficult...

[@phooesnax]

Steve Mattheis I think I could wear a body out chasing them. I almost get them in wind when they turn into wind they slow. Thanks again Steve. Love the approach of your vlogs

[@dji.drone.guy74]

Just brilliant as allways Steve

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@bobrooney5702]

Great video Steve. Love the shots of the gray ghost. I actually got out and practiced on some Bald Eagles today....need more practice lol

[@SteveMattheis]

👍 we can all use some more practice...

[@Data_Pedia]

thank you very much

[@idahomountainlover754]

I was out doing the same thing today! Thanks for another great video Steve

[@stevecolwill9761]

Good stuff, Steve. In the UK we have the Hen Harrier, which is your Northern Harrier, and they have been having a tough time through persecution. Lovely to see them here and the yellow-headed blackbird 👍🏻

[@PhotographybyTimWMoore]

You read my mind. I went to my favorite birding refuge today just to keep in tune with the D850 while shooting birds. It certainly keeps you one with the bird!

[@SteveMattheis]

Truth👍

[@STATTS01]

Love these videos!!! 😍

[@seantomlinson3320]

I enjoy this. It's nice to be reassured that even professionals need to practice their craft as I continue to bumble through inadequate shots of BIF or even my sons. Interesting suggestions about the custom buttons for changing AF mode with one button. I like PV for Group and I use the joystick press as an AF point reset to middle. I'm going to have to try to use that as an AF mode selection too. Do you use the lens button for anything?

[@markmozley5604]

Very nice video. I was trying to photograph 4 hawks going at it with a group of crows and your right. Gotta practice.

[@phooesnax]

Doing same out back. Use front preview for single and group on AFOn. Need to add specific third mode to joy though. Thank You for sharing.

[@phooesnax]

We have red wing Black Bird out east. Hard to shoot. Jim

[@philipculbertson55]

Groovy Steve.

[@SteveMattheis]

Way groovy👍

[@AndyGustavsson]

Feels good to see you out of that darn chair again! 😂 Lovely video and great message!

[@SteveMattheis]

But I do love that chair...

[@johnhennigar3769]

Nice video, Steve. I use Grp auto focus on the D850 and the PV button for single point.

[@SubiTrekker]

The first thing that popped into my head while watching the opening scene with you taking that ginormous lens out your vehicle was a scene from "Blazing Saddles" when the sheriff says, "Excuse me while I whip this out."

[@SteveMattheis]

hahaha👍

[@tonymorrison6875]

Awesome vid, ive been practicing on cardinals, jays, cat birds and a northern harrier that are living in the fields behind my house.

[@DISCOVERSASQUATCH]

New to channel...awesome awesome..just curious what camera you use for vloging ...love the owl photos!! Thanks for all the info!! GITW

[@SteveMattheis]

Canon M50 or a GoPro...

[@jesuisdenis5739]

Really helpful info on the back button programming. I just have to figure it out. Thanks.

[@SteveMattheis]

I made a video about how to set it up on the D850

[@ozmid40scouple]

I know exactly what you are saying about loss of "fine motor movement" due to the "lockdown" here in Australia....I'm itching to get back at all the birds. Our Swamp Harriers (very similar to your Northern Harriers) here in Australia are fairly prevalent but are quite skittish at letting you get very close to them. We are fairly spoilt for choice in "Birds of Prey" here.......just need to get back out there as soon as it is safe to do so.......

[@kccrump1504]

Awesome!!! There are some burrowing owls near by also! Woulda been cool to meet you.

[@SteveMattheis]

Hmmm I'll have to try to find them! Burrowing owls are so much fun to photograph👍

[@kccrump1504]

Steve Mattheis Hit me up next time and I’ll show you.

[@J4Photo]

I love me some grey ghost! And what are some tips for Grebe Eyes? I can get perfectly in focus bird, but the eyes look off. That third to last image of the blackbird was awesome!

[@SteveMattheis]

Hmmm, hard to say but I would say faster shutter speed, and make sure you're not blowing out the reds (check your red channel on the rgb histogram)

[@joeyb833]

It's cool to see you on the other side of the tetons at Camas. It's an amazing place to go especially for birds, but also for moose and elk out in the sage brush.

[@SteveMattheis]

👍 I didn't see any mammals except for a lone skittish coyote. But it was superfun!

[@joeyb833]

@@SteveMattheis I'm surprised haha I'm out there once or twice a week and always see about 8 or so elk and the same 4 deer every night before heading out. Glad you had a fun time though!

[@jeffmiller8950]

Always enjoy your “down to earth” video, plus I learn a little something from each as well, so thanks for doing them. A question for you and that is, who is the mfg of the beanbag you were using and do you have an affiliate link for it? Thanks

[@jeffmiller8950]

Just saw it in your gear link.

[@geminiasalon]

Thanks Steve!!!

[@daviddowling9830]

Nice very nice,always something to learn.My Flexshooter pro arrived today,can’t wait to use it on an Osprey shoot.

[@SteveMattheis]

Nice, make sure to practice with it a little bit before you go out in the field... 😬

[@daviddowling9830]

Steve Mattheis thanks for the introduction to this product.My gimbals are on the chopping block.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I've struggled with BIF because I'm probably using too big a group (whole center section on my 5D Mark IV). Next time I'll use 5-point group focus and hopefully get more accurate results.

[@SteveMattheis]

Only one way to find out... Practice👍

[@markattardo]

Great stuff Steve..the info and photos!

[@twiztedzero1685]

Oi , missing captions ... I'll have to try again later and see if they're up then. There's only so much I can figure out just by observation.

[@rodneybeck4227]

Love this...the blackbirds rock! Steve...which refuge is this?

[@SteveMattheis]

Camas

[@rundlerambler6150]

I love your window beanbag. Is that homemade or can you purchase it, from where? Love your vlog and photos.

[@SteveMattheis]

Google BLUBB and you will find it

[@boscomac2434]

Good suggestion to knock off the cobwebs! 👍📸

[@smkunder1]

Fun video, love that bean bag, which one is it?

[@SteveMattheis]

Google BLUBB and you'll find it

[@MrSammie81]

Good stuff as always

[@joefrat]

I’ve had a lot of free time lately and found photographing wildlife a good way to stay away from people. I’ve gotten more practice than usual.

[@brandt_bennett]

What head do you use for your cinema work? I checked your website, but I didn’t see it listed. Thank you.

[@SteveMattheis]

I have two manfrotto fluid heads. One small one and one that is ridiculously big for the 600mm...

[@rogerapplegatephotography5500]

Steve - great info and video. Question: nikon shooter - 600 f4 FL or 400 f2.8 FL? I know that is a broad question. Asking in terms of performance and versatility. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@SteveMattheis]

I chose the 600 but we all have different needs. If I could afford it, I'd choose choose both😬

[@rogerapplegatephotography5500]

Steve Mattheis - I would take both too. Unfortunately, I will have to make a choice.... decisions... Thanks. PS - I love watching you stuff - very down to earth and grounded. If I ever make it out your way, hope to do a workshop or something. Take care.

[@peterhewlett1531]

Hi Steve, another wonderful video. You have the masters touch. Question, please. How long do you use an SD Card ??? Do you change them out after a finite time? ?? You would not use them till they fail, would you as you would lose all your shots. Regards Peter from Tasmania

[@SteveMattheis]

I use it till I lose it...

[@ianbachanek2538]

Been after a mated pair of coyotes for the last week. The male is interesting because he is 100% beige (looks more like a giant fox). As for birds the pond near me has its annual visit from a flock of cormorants.

[@SteveMattheis]

Nice, have fun out there👍