Reindeer in Rough Weather - Wildlife Photography on Svalbard

I am on Svalbard, Norway for about a month to do nature photography. I am focusing on wildlife and in this video I am lucky to find the Svalbard reindeer while a blizzard is hitting this archipelago.
My Nikon Z9 and the Nikon Z400mm 2.8 are being put to the test in this snow storm, and I am giving some tips on how to take care of it afterwards.
Temperatures ranges from just around 0 degrees Celsius down to minus 22 degrees celsius and the wind can be very brutal.
I am here just as the sun is about to return after 155 days of darkness and that gives me the best of both worlds. Dark nights, plenty of "Blue Hours" and some hours of daylight.
I am staying here for a little more than a month and while I am on Svalbard I am living in a small cabin close to Greendog - a dog yard owned by my good friends Martin and Karina.
This is the first episode in this small series about wildlife photography on Svalbard and I am looking forward to taking you behind the scenes when I am working in this beautiful region of the world and to share some great experiences and some photo tips with you.
Sorry I had to re-upload this video. I had a lot of issues with the white images burning out on KZbin.
Enjoy watching.
See you out there...
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🖥️ MORE VIDEOS IN THIS SERIES
Episode 2: • Enduring The Snowstorm...
💡 USEFUL LINKS
• Greendog Svalbard: greendog.no/
• Sirius Dogsled Patrol: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius_...
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📸 PHOTO EQUIPMENT
Some of the photo equipment I am using in this video:
Drone: Mavic 3 Classic
Camera, Nikon Z9: geni.us/MH_001
Camera, Nikon Z6 II: geni.us/MH_004
Lens, Nikon Z50mm f/1.8: geni.us/MH_009
Telephoto zoom lens, Nikon Z100-400mm: geni.us/MH_007
Wideangle zoom lens, Nikon Z24-70 f/4: geni.us/MH_010
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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 sponsored by:
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Nikon Europe
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All the best
Morten

[@diaryofcreation582]

Nikon could not ask for better advertisement for the Z9 😄

[@DaniConnorWild]

Incredible visual storytelling. Your videos have gone up a level with this one!

[@ritanarayanan1489]

the critters at Hilmer's are spoiled by Dad 🤣...... and we by Morten's lovely posts. Sitting comfortably & enjoying all that hard work but of course the stark beauty must call to him. We cannot express how fortunate we are to be able to view your Ode to Svalbard. Many such travels am sure lie ahead & many more magical moments. As always 🥂

[@Jon_Doh]

How them dogs cope with the cold is unreal. Just a mad wild terrain.

[@jroynorris2963]

Great to see you back Morten. Another amazing video as always. Thanks. I am looking forward to the next episode.

[@bozhidarmadzharov7066]

One should really love nature, living things and his job to go through such extremes. Morten showed us hardcore wildlife photography and devotion. Such inspiration! Incredible adventure Morten. Rock it on!

[@DM-xb9zv]

I am in awe…words are simply inadequate.

[@SteveTheTechy]

Amazing photographs. The lack of contrast, the deer appearing in the mist of snow, no horizons. Fabulous.

[@rogertemple7193]

Very Beautiful photography and scenery not much nice weather but it is still very beautiful and there is so much unexplored places here. 📷🗻🗻🗻🗻🗻📷

[@denisesavage2382]

Oh my goodness Morten! You photograph some amazing creatures in some of the most amazing and incredibly brutal environments. That anything can survive such a place just blows my mind. Thank you for sharing the story and reality. Absolutely loved the images you shared. I have a great respect for how you've come to photograph the creatures, and also the people and creatures who live in such places. Goodness . . . .

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Incredibly work. I know every PBS filmer does this much work, but this is the real thing for us all to see. I like your minimalist photos and have a couple on the wall. Waiting to see a print of pure white with one little black dot. I'd buy it.

[@jamesurzykowski4918]

AMAZING pictures! Morton you are just one in a billion. Not only are you a great photographer but you are also a very wise man. The Danish military trained you well. You were one of their elite soldiers! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and photography with the rest of the world!

[@adammacsween3230]

Thank you for your amazing storytelling Morten. The dream would be to do an expedition with you. Absolutely amazing

[@georgiewanders]

Extraordinary videos mate, KZbin seems poor when you haven’t posted for a while. Thank you for the inspiration , the journey , the affection for wildlife and the earth . Thank you for making dreams come true

[@andrewyeates7717]

Absolutely incredible footage of the reindeer. There is a lot to be said for living in that environment like your friend and his family. Away from all the rubbish and troubles of urban worlds. I would think its a happier life in this day and age

[@nldazuu]

amazing how you deal with these circumstances and than are able making this video. The photos of the reindeers are just WoW….. thanks Morten for this nice video.

[@LucasTJahn]

Those conditions look utterly brutal and at the same time serenely beautiful. There is something very fascinating about entirely white landscapes. Highly appreciate the fact that you brave blizzards for such an extended period of time to bring us this stunning footage. And needless to say, those Svalbard reindeer are just incredibly adorable.

[@jsigur157]

You make doing all that stuff in those heavy gloves look easy!

[@cindyconlin1]

Winter wildlife photography at its best! I enjoy your videos so much! And good tip on looking after the Nikon equipment when in cold weather. Looks like it was a fantastic trip!

[@AlinFlair]

Amazing. Your stories are like fine wine ! 🍷

[@CraigJOutdoors]

These days, the content I get most excited about is when I see a new Morten video. Great as always!

[@f.sailaway5549]

Great video! 👍🏼 I only missed the coffee ☕ part.

[@madechandraarunaputrafkhip7696]

Finally new video, i like the raw and honest style of your video, truly shows the reality of wildlife photography❤

[@Jaigo-Ar]

such a great piece of work Morten! 👏👏👏

[@jdsd771007]

Can’t tell you how excited I get every time I see you post a new video! Love the landscapes and wildlife, especially the colder, harsher trips you take. Just as captivating as anything NatGeo puts out, and you really make the viewer feel immersed in the landscape! Thank you for the excellent content.

[@Elisa-vq4iz]

Amazing landscape! Thank's for your work, i can see so many parts of the world that I will never be able to visit🤗

[@tudora5498]

What an amazing place! Thank you for masterfully capturing some of its essence and sharing it with us, as probably most of the people watching will not get to visit such a location.

[@shepherdfrank8729]

Can’t wait to see the next , I literally watched all of your videos 2 times at least ❤ you are the motivation for me to keep going 🙏

[@belaacs5238]

"Respect has to be earned", you and your friends even the reindeers and dogs who live in that place definitely earned it. Thanks.

[@adamromek5386]

👏👏👏 More, more, more

[@brianbrooking496]

Another nature classic Morton… seems harsh Arctic weather is your true calling. Truly inspiring. Do you have any tips on how to focus in this type of weather, white balance, metering etc? You make me want to take one of these Arctic boat tours on Svalbard but I am concerned about their impact to the wildlife, do you have any thoughts on that? Keep them coming and I can’t wait for the next video.

[@doozerakapuckfutin]

The only thing I new about savlbard until now was they keep lots of seeds there . Thank you for opening my eyes

[@TorToroPorco]

Absolutely stunning imagery and video production. Looks like Morten really likes the 400/2.8 Z.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thank you for sharing your always-beautiful work, Morten! Looking forward to the next one. Take good care of yourself!

[@john2000l]

A magnificent video in Svalbard. I have photographed in Greenland, but that is as far North as I have gone (on the ground any way's). These videos are the kind that you sit there in the quiet of your home, and just watch and listen to what Mr. Himer is showing us.

[@syedzohair]

Finally!! Ahh this takes me back to the good ole Svalbard video😍

[@JermeyACL]

Je l'attendait depuis un moment et je suis pas déçu, merci ❤🤩

[@rushl.workman7138]

I got so cold watching the fantastic video I had to go to the kitchen for hot coffee.

[@porkster5924]

What an incredibly harsh environment. An amazing way of life too.

[@brescacingiacomo]

Two videos in two days, boys we must be lucky 😜 Glad you fixed it, awesome images! 👏🏻

[@andreaschudzinski-buchholz4221]

Thank you Morten for this incredibel new video, the shots of the Reindeers are so beautiful, some looks like paintings, I'm looking forward to your next episode 👍😍

[@john_norris]

Awesome Morten! There was something different about your voice too. So natural and it was great to hear your observations about the reindeers'. Thank you very much!

[@hbestinternetwatch]

Please use fog prevention eye glasses. I was so much worried about you after watching this 👆, an epic video!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@guycl2381]

One whole month ... what a dream ... fantastic ! I'm eagerly awaiting the next episodes, before we go ourselves for a week beginning of june. Beautiful pictures. Kind regards, Guy.

[@aynsleycooper365]

Thank you Morten (and Martin and Karina) for this remarkable insight. I can only imagine the difficulty of living and working in these conditions, or surviving as a wild animal.

[@andylee8251]

thank you Your Videos👍

[@tomisframes]

We want 60 minutes videos!! Amazing as always🙌🏻

[@iscoguy]

Amazing work, already looking forward to the next video!

[@antonoat]

Beautiful images Morten, thank you for sharing the story and the photos with us!

[@shotsphoto]

Enviable! Wonderful work! After one week industrial fair for me this is a great benefit. The waiting paid off. Thank you Morten! 😍

[@old4004]

I always look forward to your blizzard photo experiences, Morton. Your musk oxen adventures are always really special along with all of the other animals and birds that are able to survive in such beautiful but deadly conditions. This South Texas guy is really impressed. Please keep those adventures coming!

[@emanuelbief7088]

16:20 that shot when you turn on the bike & the que reindeer looks up 👌👌👌👌👌

[@christophwagner6851]

Another video from Morten, finally :)

[@J5388T]

A stunning video Morten, thanks for posting it and now awaiting the next ones!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Beautifully done as always!

[@AlexFBuchholzPhoto]

Awesome footage and images of the reindeer. Looking forward to seeing the next episode.

[@CJamesPhoto]

Stunning video, you always know how to bring everything to life for the rest of us, almost felt like I was there. Thanks again for bringing me along. 😊

[@FernandoLee]

Good morning! I am also a photographer and journalist in Brazil. Congratulations on the high-level equipment and your professionalism.

[@michaelgglover8922]

Thank you Morten for the truly awesome view into the life and struggle. It is a wonderful story.

[@chessreaction.]

I enjoy when I watching a Morten Hilmer's videos 🙌

[@thephotoyak]

Those people who live on Svalbard are tough, but I don't think you would feel as isolated living there as those people you worked with in Grise Fiord. Beautiful landscape.

[@17filipo]

Beautiful images

[@kelvinaitken9020]

I googled Zendium. You learn something new every day.

[@MortenHilmer]

😂😂😂

[@brucecrossan2284]

Fabulous adventure, brilliant storytelling and amazing photography. Not enough superlatives to keep going.

[@rdalrt]

So awesome! So epic! Thank you so much Morten for bringing us along on this adventure. Absolutely incredible!

[@KarenPAlexander]

This was well worth the wait, as usual! The scenery is so breathtaking! It feels like you took us with you... and the sled dogs are beautiful. I admire how you get along with nature and the cold to get amazing photos.

[@andrewhulson4000]

Wow, I have just found your channel Morten. Your film making and imagery is just superb, wow, what a life you have !! Thank you so much for making these videos.....

[@Torbjoern76]

What an amazing way of life. All year long in such an environment. Thanks for the glimpse in this life and the nature, again!! Can’t wait to watch the next episode!

[@jss27560]

always excellent video and photos

[@giuseppecapilli1954]

These photos are among the best ones. Thank you Morten.

[@seabreezeof]

My favorite wildlife photographer in the great white north.. One has to appreciate the conditions you photograph in., and your mild manner story telling.

[@edhickl205]

Great video!!!! I was on a Birding tour of Svalbard last year and got some nice photos of a young Polar bear who approach our stopped ship. What an adventure. Seeing the clips of Longyearbyen brought back fond memories of that wonderful country. Having been there make it more real the feelings of exploring that part of the Arctic you are showing. I can see why you would want a month there. Thanks for sharing and look forward to the next episodes.

[@D.P.R.Images]

and another thing...your choice of music....*chefs kiss!!

[@joanhuggett5164]

Wonderful, wonderful video, so enlightening. Loved seeing how eager the dogs were to be off on their adventure. Thanks for sharing about your friends and life on Svalbard, about the reindeer, about the care you must take with your camera equipment. It was all so awesome, the blizzard images, the reindeer, everything, and no time for coffee. Poor Morten :) You are a great friend to all your subscribers and this family in Western Australia loves you.

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Stark Beauty, Thank you for doing these videos to places I will never experience myself. I get to see it through your lens.

[@perandersen2015]

Epic video again. What a wunderful experience you have had. I must admit that I was glad to sit in my cosy home office looking at this freezing video. Thank you!

[@Pop-zb3wr]

I went on a dog sledding trip with Greendog when I was in Svalbard! The dogs were beautiful.

[@achyutacharya1624]

finally MORTEN HILMER is on screen ...😀❤

[@BilBalFpv]

I cant get over how well you put together these documentary videos. Outstanding and very enjoyable to watch

[@vickychristopoulos8614]

They're beautiful, and seem so fragile, like ghosts in the snow

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

As Alwys a Great video and nice story.❤👍😇

[@waynekirk8951]

Such dedication in those conditions. Incredible...

[@aureliomarsili3902]

Spectacular !!! How can people live in so cold environment ?!?!?!?!

[@D.P.R.Images]

Thank goodness for weather sealing!! Great video as always Morten and the still images arent half bad either. Your narration , knowledge of surroundings, wildlife and filmography are remeniscent of David Attenborough, one of my favourites.

[@burrdaddy]

SO EXCITED TO WATCH THIS! I saw the thumbnail yesterday and have been refreshing since then.

[@Ticolme819]

What a beautiful white wonderland. Enjoyed learning a little about the reindeer of Svalbard. It looks like you really enjoyed yourself. Always good to get together with friends. Nice photos. Thank you for sharing another awesome video.

[@gary.kenyon]

A fantastic video with great video footage and photos.

[@annferricher3931]

I have been waiting patiently for your videos of Svalvard! Finally have seen the first one and waiting for more! You live a Wonderful life and so in tune with your surroundings. I also do this in a more restrictive way. I am a catholic Nun that lives the southern part of the USA. I just want to thank you for your channel and I wish all the best that life has to offer. PEACE

[@user-sj2iv2vf7z]

breathtaking!

[@chandankundapura4324]

Beautiful. So serene and pleasant. Its like a show for me when ever you post a video. I am so excited to see what new adventures and animals you take photos off. Thank you.

[@katharinemovertonphotographer]

Watched this and the last one Thank you for sharing your adventure looking forward to watching the next one

[@picapica42]

Even though I watched it already, watching again ;) The photos look great now :)

[@JonElofson]

same!

[@geisslernator]

Thank you Morten for these wonderful and very impressive impressions of the landscape, people and wildlife on Svalbard. I am already looking forward to the continuation. Greetings Michael

[@ColorsRfun]

Morten, great video, touching photos of those amazing animals. The weather is intense and the landscape is beautiful. Look forward as always to your next video . Thank you for the work you put into them. 😊

[@davelawery4811]

Stunning scenery and wildlife, very interesting information. How did your Camera Gear stand up to the extreme weather? Keep well & Stay safe. 👍🇬🇧

[@gregquigley3000]

Beautiful Morten , you are truly an artist of the north !

[@Lauren1989mc]

Another great video! I find it astounding that people are able to live and thrive in places where these weather conditions are part of everyday life (we don’t get much snow at all here in England!)

[@Rob.1340]

Fantastic. Thank you. Stay well and safe travels. All the best. 👍👍🐾📷🐾😎

[@Javi4x4]

Increible video, te ha faltado el cafe, jejejejejejeje. Un saludo.

[@TheGuitarsadist]

Between your videos and adventure shared of Svalbard and those of Cecilla Blomdahl I am so wanting to go visits this region one of these days. Thanks for sharing and as always great story telling and sharing of the adventures.