WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY- Highland Adventure- Meet up with ESPEN HELLAND

There's only one species on the radar at this time of year if youre up in the Highlands of Scotland and that's the iconic Red Deer. This time of year is especially important as it's rutting season. At this time of year the Stags are particularly active as they stamp their authority over the younger bucks and fight for breeding rights with the females of the herd.
It was great to meet up with fellow photographer and KZbinr, Espen Helland. This was his neck of the woods and found a great location where there was plenty of activity with the roar of the Stags breaking the morning and evening calm. Join me and Espen as we get cammed up and head into the hills !!!
If you fancy following me on the channel click to Subscribe to see more.
Check out Espen's awesome KZbin Channel @Espen Helland and his Instagram at / espenhelland
Anyway grab a brew and a fig roll (other biscuits are available) and sit back and enjoy the film!! Thanks for watching.
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[@paulbaldwin2290]

What a great video Simon such a joy to watch 👌great shots and footage 👍I used to go fishing and taking photos at Butterstone Loch such a beautiful part of Perthshire, enjoy Scotland your very welcome 👏👏👏

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Paul, a fantastic area of Scotland. All the best, Si.

[@RichardBirchett]

Top work mate, what a place to be! So glad you've met up with Espen, he is a lovely chap and what an experience you both had! All that Scran's making me well hungry, anyway don't burn those Snorkers, lol.... Always a pleasure to watch you mate, might see you soon. Cheers Rich 😀

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Richard, yeh he's a top guy. It was a short one but a great trip, topped off with that impressive stag. We'll deffo have a catch up when time permits. All the best, Si 👊 👍

[@dradmin792]

This is really something incredible! The photos are simply unique! Liked the photos very much! 👏👏👏👏👏📸📸📸📸📸🙌🙌🙌

[@simoneardley]

Thank you so much 😀

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

loved the stag footage , was mint bug those stills were something else. Absolutely fantastic. loved the Badger footage too, great to see ond in the daylight going about it's business. fantastic 🙂👍 atb Rick n Billydog

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Rick, love it up here mate. The place is awesome and great to see old Brock going about its business. We need to get up here in the snow👊🏼🤞🏼

[@Rob.1340]

Brilliant, thank you. Fantastic images. Great humour as always. Cheers 🍻. All the best. 👍📷😎

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Rob, thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@richardhutchings921]

Most Magnificent Animal. Beautiful photography Simon. Thanks for Sharing.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Richard, theyre an awesome beast up close!!

[@trevorkenny]

Wonderful photos of those Red Squirrels.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Trevor 👍🏼

[@EspenHelland]

Nice film Simon and great to catch up with you! Will never forget that intense moment with the stag!

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Espen, likewise mate. Looking forward to another trip👍🏼 Yeh it'll live long in the memory that one. Thanks again 👌🏼📷

[@paulflatley2056]

What a brilliant film Si.! Settled down with a brew and enjoyed every second . The footage of the stag and hind is magnificent . Always feel chilled and relaxed after watching your splendid films ! Bravo mate .

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paul, glad you enjoyed it mate. Give me a shout sometime and we'll have a walk out. Take a break from the pencils!!👊🏼😉 All the best, Si

[@rlrphotography-uk]

Brilliant ,scared me watching it ,LOL what a great adventure ,Thanks for sharing.oh and Espen.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Roger, it was a great little trip 👌🏼

[@KWTImages]

cracking blog mate nice to see you and Espen out shooting. Well done on your footage and images were stunning, not often you gey that close to wild Deer....👏👏👏👍😁

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Keith, they werent so obliging as walking down the high street in Kinlochleven!!😆👍🏼

[@gladysklip6984]

Hi Simon, an awesome video, I loved watching it! I love Scotland as well, it is such an amazing experience with all the wildlife. Some stunning images you've captured in 3 days. It looks so very cosy in your tent. I hope you can get there in winter one day in the snow to photograph the mountain hares in the snow and the ptarmigan. Already looking forward to your next video. Take care, greetings, Gladys

[@andybone]

Hi Simon cracking video and stunning pics. Thank you for everything you do to entertain us. Awesome

[@garywebster8355]

Photography and comady fantastic. 🤣

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Gary 👊🏼

[@jvas5871]

Totally brilliant two of my favourite wildlife tubers thanks so much, brilliant👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Jvas, glad you enjoyed the film 👌🏼

[@shinysurfer]

Another excellent video Simon! So great to see your channel growing like this (as well as Espen's). Pure no-nonsense-in-the-field content, with the right amount of fieldcraft knowledge nuggets for people like me to pick up on and learn. Invaluable.

[@simoneardley]

Much appreciated. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel👀👍🏼

[@old4004]

Wonderful trip with great photography, Simon..............not bad for a bird photographer! (Heh, Heh!!) Greetings from South Texas.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers pal 👀📷

[@GeoffCooper]

Great stuff Simon - looks like you and Espen had some cracking encounters with those deer! Looking forward to the fallow deer.. You'll need to spot some grouse, foxes and red kites to round up the red highland species :)

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Geoff, yeh the proximity made it all the more special. The red trilogy eh, its got a ring to it. No Kites near me which is strange so looks like I'll have to make another trip over the border. Any excuse eh ⛰ 😆😉

[@pathogan4854]

brilliant video the stag looking directly at you must of being squeaky bum time ! getting the badger 2 was a big plus ! i enjoyed that cuppa with you great work !

[@touchedbynature5445]

Beautifully Crafted Film, With Beautiful Photos. Greetings From Norfolk.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it!👌🏼👊🏼

[@vincentspratling365]

Hi Simon. Brilliant video and shots. Wild Scotland you can't beat it.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Vincent, yeh its a true wilderness 👌🏼

[@neilcole3406]

You can chuck in Eastenders with the strictly dancer comment too!😂

[@simoneardley]

Haha, the list is endless Neil😆

[@evgenygorshkov9893]

Hi Simon ! Great video ! Beautiful photos !!!

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks Evgeny

[@JPWaldron5]

Definitely on my bucket list to shoot the red deer, I just got home from a elk rut adventure in North Carolina/Tennessee, enjoyed the share, cheers!

[@antharrisonthe.grumpy.snap1459]

Great footage again , excellent as usual, great to see the red squirrel too .

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Ant, yeh the squirrels were a great little bonus 👍🏼

[@catherinetremerryn]

Terrific video and amazing shots - v well done.

[@nickclaytonphotography]

Super stuff Simon & Espen, great advice on the eyesight adjustment too. I'll give that a try myself sometime soon. Great footage & stills of the deer. Keep on keeping on. Best, Nick

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Nick, glad you enjoyed the film.

[@andirutherford2615]

A great video again, i really enjoy them and learn from them, Ive not managed to get out in the lakes much of late, so your videos are as near as I get sometimes It looks better camping there than your last time up near the Kirkstone Pass inn, in Cumbria , that food looks better than those dried meals thanks for this, waiting with baited breath for the next one

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Andi, i love wild camping in the hills though those dry meals are crap!! Can beat fresh snags and eggs in a cast iron pan . Thanks for watching mate👀👊🏼

[@Gazzab6]

Superb video once again Simon and it was good to see Espen too. What an adventure you had and that 3D Camo certainly helped you get some great shots. I’ve used the staring into space technique myself and agree with you, it definitely works. Keep the videos Coming and good health to you.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Gary, the Deerhunter 3d camo is really effective. Thanks for watching, all the best 👍

[@andywilson3381]

Brilliant video Simon, as per usual Just watched it in my van whilst camping on Exmoor photographing the red deer here! 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andy, great to be out there aint it. Hope you get the shots youre after mate 🤞🏼📷👍🏼

[@christhorpe1966]

what an excellent experience ! Cracking footage again Simon and stunning photography. Heres to the next one.

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks Chris👍🏼

[@neilalmond9354]

Great video Simon, looking forward to your next one.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Neil👍

[@jeffbrown4743]

Stunning images! 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Jeff 👍🏼

[@mikedeasey8767]

Hi Simon, new to your channel, campsite in Dunkeld is our favorite site, we found a beaver 🦫 lodge on river just under A9 bridge leading to Dunkeld village, plenty of evidence of tree felling and food gathering, we ran out of time, but will be back now we know the lodge , keep up your great work 🦫👍

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Mike, yeh good little site that. Its a great location round there for sure!!👍🏼👌🏼

[@marksymonds8477]

Great video again Simon and stills,it’s nice to meet up with someone like Espen who probably knows the area well.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Mark, yeh you cant beat a bit of local knowledge!!👍🏼👀

[@johnchecketts1732]

Brilliant Simon mate really good video and stills nice to see all them dear

[@simoneardley]

Cheers John, they were tough to get near but well worth all the effort👍🏼

[@narinthip3058]

Very nice footage Simon!!! Those are some fine captures, cheers....

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Narin 👍🏼

[@gordonpearson1265]

That's where I live Simon, the camp site at Dunkeld is 3 mile from me [ Murthly ]. Looks like you were up at Loch Tay area, for the stags. brilliant video & the stills were brilliant.

[@simoneardley]

Youre a lucky man living up there Gordon, a beautiful part of the world. Thanks for following.

[@ivortomkinson6368]

Hi Simon, another top draw blog, quick question, what is the name of your tent you used?

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Ivor, its a Onetigris Rock Fortress

[@andrewinpompey]

Amazing how close you got to the red deer.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh it was a great encounter Andrew 👍🏼👀

[@neilcole3406]

Wow what a place Simon, wish l was there!

[@simoneardley]

Yeh its a beautiful location Neil

[@chrispitman1169]

Fantastic another great video

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Chris

[@littlemike50]

Great bit of video and some cracking images Simon. As for the closest encounter he probably got a whiff of some figimus Maximus, all the best Mike E...

[@simoneardley]

Haha, you may be right Mike 😆😆

[@NikCan66]

Yet again another brilliant video

[@tedshillitto6886]

Excellent vid Simon. Keep 'em coming.

[@simoneardley]

Will do Ted, thanks for supporting the channel 👊🏼

[@satcat]

Happy Day,s mate, glad it,s all going to plan..

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Dennis 👍🏼

[@andrewmcfarlane8271]

Nice one! Fair enjoying this.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andrew👍👀

[@johncameron4968]

Excellent video as usual and breathtaking pics! One thing though, camping in Scotland without a groundsheet, they must breed them hardy down Lancashire way lol

[@simoneardley]

Haha, cheers John. More daft than tough mate 😆😆

[@AlexVisualMoments96]

veru jealous of u both getting them imahges as want better red deer stag images myself great t hear that u met up with espen im hoping meet up with other photographers myself would love an impressive image like the portrait red stag image u captured

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Alex, yeh its great to meet like minded folk. Get out there mate and like i say "Make it happen"!! Best of luck👍🏼📷

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Always good to go on a photo adventure with you, Simon. This one was exceptionally good. That big 5x5 bull was majestic and must have been a real thrill being so close. Looking forward to out next outing.

[@robinbarnes3050]

Absolutely magical Simon. Great to see you OM1 shooters together. I can only imagine how brilliant It was to get so close to the Red Deer stag. Thanks for sharing. As always a splendid video.👏👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Robin, it was a great experience getting that close👀👍🏼

[@adrianmoore8228]

great video and nice shots Simon

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks Adrian 👍🏼

[@the.vale.wildlife]

What a great experience to savour 🙏🏻 really enjoyed watching as usual Simon haha I'd say you both were touching cloth when that stag kept coming, you both are a credit to your craft and look forward for more great content. Well done Simon 👏

[@simoneardley]

Yeh youre not wrong there. It was unreal how close he came👀. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@laurencebell8024]

What a truly awesome video Simon two of my best wildlife photographers on KZbin I can watch this all day absolutely stunning well done .

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Laurence, thanks for watching and supporting the channel 👍🏼

[@Andy_ATB]

Great scenery & wildlife....what a fabulous trip!

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Andy👍🏼

[@klackon1]

Cracking shots, lovely portraits of the stag. Well done.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter 👍🏼

[@michaelbilbie7104]

Absolutely fantastic video Simon, production, soundtrack, photos, just perfect, one of your best!

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

My two favourite wildlife photographers together, what could be better. Wonderful images and videos.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Brian, thanks for watching and supporting the channel 👊🏼📷

[@alanarmer8069]

What a beautiful brilliant video Simon,I loved all of it you do Lancashire proud mate 👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Alan, born and bred mate 🌹👊🏼

[@marellacoyle6999]

Wow stunning footage throughout Simon I was at the Birks of Aberfeldy yesterday (19/10/22) the autumn colours were at their best with a great mixture of reds, oranges, yellows and greens, very dull so the light was pretty poor, could have down with a break in the clouds. Love the roaring stag image, super work. I also follow Espen.

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou Marella, it's a beautiful time of year especially in these heavily wooded areas. The drone really gets some great footage in the Autumn. Thanks for following the channel 👊🏼📷

[@JohnCooper-jl5nt]

Totally brilliant Simon two of my favourite wildlife tubers thanks so much

[@simoneardley]

Thanks John and thanks for watching pal 👀👍🏼

[@robcarter42]

Simon, just wanted to let you know how much I love you videos! I am so glad you take the time to share all of your awesome videos of wildlife. Seeing all those beautiful animals brought tears to my eyes! They are so beautiful to just watch! Thank you so much for sharing this awesome talent you have! I can't wait to see your next video! Thank again so much! ATB! Rob

[@simoneardley]

Very kind words Rob, glad I could take you along for the ride. See you on the next one pal!!

[@andywhiteside16]

Simon love your videos they are so well presented but this one has to be your best so far truly stunning what a 3 days you had

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andy, looking forward to getting back up there mate 👀🤞🏼

[@ryanackland9330]

Cracking images Simon. Glad you got to have an amazing experience! Look forward to your next video. All the best.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Ryan and cheers for watching 👍🏼

[@colpage4030]

Great Vlog Simon glad you met up with Espen, we are in Ardnamurchen forc2 wks ive got 3 Martens coming down to the V6 every night and also 3 Badgers plus upto 12 Red Deer coming off the Hills down to the Loch side . are you lens swapping again..

[@simoneardley]

Lucky man Col, sounds like youre gonna be a busy man. Hope youve got plenty of memory cards!!😆📷 Thanks for watching 👊🏼

[@steverobinson939]

The technique you mentioned about taking in the whole scene is popular in martial arts. The Japanese describe it as using “Enzan No Metsuke” (Gazing at the Far Mountain) as a visual search strategy

[@simoneardley]

Every days a school day Steve, nice one mate👀👀👍🏼

[@raytaylor3090]

Excelent video as always Simon . What a magnificent creature they are. Two great photographers doing what they do best.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Ray, always a joy getting behind the camera especially over the border when the Stags are playing out.

[@andyroberts2640]

Truly stunning photographs Simon, what an experience 👏

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andy, yeh it was a great trip

[@barriewatts127]

Great video Simon. I like your hat, where did you get it from?

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Barrie, its a Buffy hat, theyre all different.They sell out pretty quick so youve got to keep checking the website. Heres the link. benandloisorford.com/store/#!/Buffy-Hats/c/8817579

[@mjsmith8741]

Brilliant video again, quick question are you using the MC20 for 1000mm or is that the full frame equivalent, if with MC20, remarkably sharp images! That 150-400 is fantastic

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mike , no TC apart from the built in 1.25 x . 150-400 is 300-800 full frame equivelant. With the 1.25 engaged the 800 is 1000mm.

[@JohnTomasella]

Our Whitetail deer start their rut in a week or two. They aren’t as brazen as your Red deer though.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers John, they can get a bit feisty when theyre rutting. The park deer are pretty easy to photograph but the hill stags that roam the estates are hunted and super wary. A great test of anyones fieldcraft 👀📷

[@davidcannon2464]

Great video as always, what’s the name of the tent and does it have a built in ground sheet?

[@simoneardley]

Thanks David, its a Onetigris Rock fortress. No groundsheet with this tent.

[@davidcannon2464]

@@simoneardley it looks impressive what is the water repellant like in heavy rain. I am seriously looking at one for winter with a stove

[@markk1873]

Great video,A unforgettable experience getting so close. What's the OM system like at high ISO?

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Mark, to get the best out of it you need to slow the shutter speeds down which is easily achievable with the image stabilization in the lens and camera

[@bolleolympus]

👌👌❤❤👍👍

[@scooter5193]

Truly beautiful! Love the colours this time of year. Super footage and stills. 👏🏻

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Scooter, its a great time of the year