Springtime Wildlife Photography, on location with Brown hares in the UK

[@MattGouldphotography]

Some lovely shots Tom. Especially that end portrait! Nicely done.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you so much 😀

[@EspenHelland]

Great video Tom and some very nice photos in the end 👌

[@thewildlifephotographer297]

love brown hares, awesome footage :)

[@inverlane1939]

Brilliant Tom and captured my first Brown hare shots on Thursday following watching your informative videos.Thank you 😀

[@ecycled3d]

Excellent video Tom. Loving seeing the landscapes of your local fields and haunts. Stay healthy. Great work. Inspiring many.

[@ianspicer1529]

Really fantastic images Tom; proving that there really is no substitute for time and familiarity with your subject. Well deserved and very well done.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Ian! Was great to be home in Hertfordshire again, enjoying the local wildlife I grew up with! Stuck here now for a while so going to be a good chance to enjoy the garden wildlife too!

[@ianspicer1529]

@@TomMasonPhoto - yes, I suspect our gardens will become our safety, sanctuary and sanity in these peculiar times Tom. I'm not that far from you in Bucks; there are a few hares around the paddocks where my wife keeps her horses, your video has been inspirational and offers a potential break from the garden birds! Keep well Tom.

[@luckyadrian100]

What a wonderful shoot tom !!

[@DirkDien]

Wow! Awesome shots Tom, will have to try that out in spring this year with my 300 2.8

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Enjoy! Getting close to Hares is seriously some of the best fun you can have out taking images in the UK!

[@andreabbenhaus8857]

Great portraits! Wonderful:-)

[@StefanoIaniro]

Dude, the colors in the sky were amazing on that silhouette shot. Stunning images! 🔥

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks dude!

[@cotswoldphotographers]

Wonderful work Tom, very useful tips so thank you and stay safe 👍

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Garry, same to you and your family! I’m hoping to get more videos out soon!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I watched that from start to finish, and I’m glad I did. Tom, that was one of the best videos I’ve seen. And I can only imagine how how hard it was to film.! Wonderful vlog and the hare stretching is gold, just beautiful.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Cheers Paul, I really appreciate that, certainly was a fun video to make, all tough my knees afterwards were feeling it! Some great little opportunities for images the last few months with the Hares and they are still showing up on my camera traps! We must get together and go on a shoot sometime when life's a little more normal!

[@peterjohnson1845]

This was brilliant! felt like we were scouting for the hares with you, I bought and am trying out the nikon 300mm f4 thanks to one of your other videos so thanks again for that, how you haven't got over 100K subscribers is beyond me

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Cheers Peter, glad you enjoyed it, the 300 f4 is cracking and will certainly treat you well! I’d love to reach more people and get to the 100k so any help and shares are much appreciated!

[@zenphotojourney]

It was a lot of fun to watch how you get in close to the hares! They remind me of the jackrabbits we have here. I once stalked a herd of mule deer by crawling through the grass like that but didn't get nearly as close as you did. There were quite a few of them and they knew I was there.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

There isn’t much that gets the heart racing like stalking subjects on your front for an image! I’ve spent years working with hares and you pick up little bits of field knowledge that helps you know when and when not to move!

[@matteorocca7078]

great images, both the hares in their actual environment and the final portraits (stunning and masterfully framed)! Hope for more future videos of you out in the field

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you and glad you enjoy the images! For me the high key portrait and the environmental shots are my favourites! I'll certainly try and get more field videos out when I can!

[@Unused_Channel666]

Some amazing shots there, I have just got my first telephoto lens and I am expecting to be out in the hills as much as possible 😁

[@rogersmith4308]

Great video Tom, lovely images. Stay healthy and safe

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Roger, same to you!

[@bennymaguire5331]

Great video, Tom. The extra effort to stalk slowly really paid off, those photos are beautiful

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Working slowly is often the key, rushing always results in fluffed encounters and of course you have to put the time in and visit day after day to get everything to fall into place!

[@techassyst]

Wonderful video fantastic to see how to stalked the hares and some lovely photos I look forward to you talking about the Z6

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you! Yes I’m looking forward to talking more about the Z6 and sharing some thoughts. Really enjoying the cameras day to day!

[@barneyrubble5633]

Was just reading your article in NPhoto then up pops another great video. Keep up the good work and stay safe

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I’m really excited for my new column over with the NPhoto Crew, looking forward to sharing more stories and thoughts, if you have any subjects you’d like me to cover, let me know!

[@barneyrubble5633]

Good sites around Harlow/Ware?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I’m not that way anymore but when the restrictions are a little looser, try heading out towards Hunsdon, the old aerodrome is a good spot, however you’ll need to get permission and such from local people, although a few footpaths give views and driving the lanes can offer some great sightings

[@barneyrubble5633]

Tom Mason : thanks for the info Tom. I knew of Hunsdon (although never been there) but did not know of the old aerodrome - will look it up, cheers

[@sarahhilton8631]

This is exactly what we've been doing, they are fantastic in the Peak District too

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thats good to hear Sarah! They are just such fantastic animals to work with!

[@sarahhilton8631]

@@TomMasonPhoto they are aren't they, really magical. Lockdown has come at the perfect time of the year to photograph them - and all the other busy animals and birds 😊

[@heinihefti8969]

Beautiful pictures - thanks for sharing your experience - greetings from Switzerland - Heini

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!

[@CamillaI]

Love Brown Hares ,great to get down low and eye to eye. I have had some luck with them on the Wiltshire chalk downland

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Certainly, working low to the ground is key for tree backgrounds and also for the approach!

[@amicx1001]

As always, it was a pleasure to watch, enjoyed it very much! The high key portrait at the end is simply fantastic! 👍

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you, it’s one of my favourites and I think, will certainly make the new updated portfolio!

[@peterpliger8948]

amazing shots man. congrats.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Cheers Peter!

[@JoaoRodrigues_photo]

Very nice! because of this video tomorrow I will try my local little owls :) Thanks!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Good luck!

[@frankchapman9464]

Great video Tom, loved the last shot.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Frank, its one of my favourites and I'm sure will end up as a print sometime!

[@anteater74]

Lovely pics. I live in Hertfordshire..would be good to know the rough area you were in.

[@SimonMcCabe]

Great vid Tom. Keep up the good work.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Simon! More videos on route however lots will be garden/office now we are in total lockdown!

[@SimonMcCabe]

@@TomMasonPhoto Same with me Tom. Only filming/photos are out walking the dog or, like you, in the garden. Fingers crossed this will all be over soon.

[@DaniConnorWild]

nice one dude!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Dani!

[@theyetiinoz1478]

Thanks Tom, top video. I had to giggle when you did what looked like 50 metres of crawling b-roll and then said "5 meters closer". Thanks for entertaining us. Oh...and fantastic shots btw!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The funny thing is that 5m feels like 50! My poor knees have taken a battering, I must but some knee pads! Glad you enjoyed the images!

[@tompetersphotography]

That was fantastic Tom, they were all beautiful but as a landscape photographer that strives for simplicity all the time, that last shot was perfect! Wouldn’t mind a print of that!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I was pretty chuffed with the final image, especially as it was the last day I was out before the full isolation kicked in! From now on it’s a lot of garden macro!

[@tompetersphotography]

Tom Mason this is true just a shame I don’t have a macro lens lol 😂 take it easy Tom

[@azshleavia2933]

I thought I came here to watch those hares getting photographed, but all I saw was this dude crawling around!

[@pakhers]

Lovely snaps!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks!

[@JeganSriragavan28]

Great video

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!

[@Red35Photography]

Nice to see you up and running Tom! I would love to see a field next to my house but there's no chance :( But I've been spotting birds in my back garden :D

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Cheers dude, having a couple of fields as the garden is rather handy, although I'll be sticking close and doing more macro over the next few weeks as the new restrictions are in place (this was shot a few weeks back) hope you are well? We need to catch up when this is all over!

[@Red35Photography]

@@TomMasonPhoto absolutely mate, our catch up is way overdue!

[@mengjur4639]

England countryside is beautiful ! Hopefully I will be there in one day. By the way, nice shoot!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!

[@johnwright619]

Many Thanks for the video always a pleasure to watch. It would be nice to see a how to on new locations, finding/ tracking animals such as deer?.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

No problem, once the lockdown is over and I can get out safely to more locations I’ll be happy to do a video on that!

[@johnwright619]

@@TomMasonPhoto ah great to hear I will very much look forward to this :] now hopefully the lockdown won't be to much longer.

[@hmbr131050]

Tom I a Nikon D500 which lens would be best 300 F4 PF or the 200- 500 F5.6

[@richardkinnard7135]

Hi Tom, another great video as always, I love seeing these animals in the wild although I’ve never been in the right place with the right equipment when I have seen them. Just a quick question if you don’t mind, it’s a bit off topic but I just wondered what you use for your go to remote shutter release controller. I noticed in one of you videos that you have some Pocket Wizzards so is that what you use. Keep up the great vids Tom.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hey Richard, the PW's are my go to for remote triggering, they are PW III's I have a set of three that are great when I have multiple cameras out. They work great, fire on time every time and the battery life is pretty good too, can get a few days out of them on some fresh AA's. I also have some Flex5's for flashes but don't find them as good and often tend to use wired setups for flashes. Cheers, Tom

[@richardkinnard7135]

Tom Mason thanks for getting back to me, that’s great I will purchase a couple and have a play. I must say I think your approach to your photography is fantastic and I really enjoy your videos and find them very informative. Keep up the great work. 👍👍

[@TomMasonPhoto]

@@richardkinnard7135 Thanks Richard, Ill try and keep the videos coming on the regular, and shares and such much appreciated! Cheers, Tom

[@tomhughes5123]

great video Tom , i know the frustration haha , crawling around getting within a herd of deer then one walks right up to you and gives you away . nOOOOOOO, Or simply the breeze changes direction , good on you 👍 , that was me 25 years ago , changing a roll of fuji velvia 50 asa , lay in the dirt , battered minolta x700s 😃😃 . great video

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Tom, it was great fun to make and really took me back to how wildlife photography all started for me, dragging myself through the fields looking for hares!

[@tomhughes5123]

@@TomMasonPhoto i was there fella , funny i mustv had the noisy,est motordrive going the minolta md1 3.5 frames a second .. compared to the d850 wow , rushing home to develop it in dangerous chemicals 😂😂 happy days

[@paulr9348]

Great video Tom. Do you always shoot on the widest aperture F2.8 i.e. F4 with teleconvertor attached and what ISO did you need for the late evening shots? I'll be interested to see your review of shooting with the Z6.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

In regards to aperture it really depends on the situation / images I’m after/ distance / light. For example the images of the hares with the sky backgrounds are stopped down to f5.6 as I had the extra light and was close enough that the backgrounds would still be rendered very out of focus. When the light drops I’ll drop the aperture/ if I’m a little further away and still want the same separation. On the Z6 many of those evening images with the farm in the background are ISO 3200 as it was really quite dark. The images with sky are around 400/800. The Z6 certainly handles ISO Bette than the D850 and that’s one of the reasons I purchased. I’m looking forward to working with badgers and testing for them! If we ever get out of this lockdown!

[@paulr9348]

Tom Mason Thanks Tom, i have a D850 too and was thinking of purchasing the Z6 with adaptor as a back up, so I'll be very interested to hear your views on you tube.

[@MrDunk66]

Awsome solo film making effort 👍

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!

[@FabrizioGiammatteo]

Great video Tom, I am curious to see a video about your impressions on the Z6 as a wildlife camera. I have been using it alongside my D850 and I think with firmware 3.0 starts to be a compelling option in most cases. Unfortunately we have been on lockdown for over a month here in Italy and I didn't have as many chances as I wanted to test the new firmware in the field. As soon as this pandemic ends I think I will "self-isolate" myself in nature for a couple of months ;-)

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I shall be getting the Z6 video out later this week, talking about my thoughts and experiences with the camera, firmware 3.0 and how it slots into my gear bag. I do think now the Z6 really is starting to become one of my "Go to" cameras for multiple reasons and there D850 although is still my "flagship" I certainly see myself using the Z6 more and more!

[@andrewbutler9533]

Great video! Looking at trying to photograph hares next spring, as I've never done it before. Are evenings better than mornings would you say?

[@balintk.9373]

Hey Tom, Really great video. You are one of the few wildlife photographers who actually give advice on stealth and field skills which are crucial if not critical. Thumbs up! I have a couple of questions tho. How come you are not using a D500 (as I remember you had\have one?) with the 300mm F2.8? You would get the same focal length at 2.8 instead of 4.0. Also how is Z6's auto focus performance compared to the D500's? Don't you miss the bigger buffer and more frames per second? Does the silent shooting helps with the critters? I am planning on upgrading to FF but having hard time deciding between the Z series (the new Z lenses seem outstanding) or a used D850.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Glad you find the videos handy! In regards to the D500 is pretty simple really, I don't own it any more for a few reason, the main one being my D850 basically rendered it redundant. The increase in MP on the D850 basically means the crop mode is as good as the DX on the D500 and with the additional battery grip and D5 batteries as I have I still maintain 9fps that's more than enough for me. The options to go wider are more often how I shoot. On this video and in lots of future videos on the channel I'll be using the Z6 as it allows be better hybrid shooting (will talk about this in my upcoming Z6 review) because I want to get video and stills for these videos, the Z6 is just far better for that. On that camera the ISO is better than the D850 so I can trade one stop for the TC to make up the focal length, whilst not loosing much, but gaining the video shooting specs of my Z6 at the same time. When I'm shooting lots of my professional stills work, id be using the D850 mostly (as I did on a number of days with the hares) but for some when I also wanted video the Z6 comes top. Also as I've been finding with the Z6 is better as pushing the high ISO thats handy for those later evenings, something I'm looking forward to using with badgers. In order to gain the crop factor + video abilities I have just taken delivery of the Z50 thats my new Vlog camera, however already I can see its a great choice when I need some extra reach so will certainly be trailing and reviewing this soon! To round off this essay comment, the D500 is brilliant, but more often than not I shoot wider and don't need to crop and the D850 basically covers this anyway! Cheers, Tom

[@balintk.9373]

@@TomMasonPhoto Thanks for your detailed answer :) One more thing what came to my mind. How is the 300mm 2.8 with the 1.4 TC? Does it degrade image quality and slow down af. a lot or it is not really noticeable?

[@renewendt5455]

Another brilliant video :-) Regarding the 300mm: I currently own the Nikkor 200-500 f5.6 paired to my D850. In good light it produces good photos, but I am not totally happy with the sharpness. In your opinion, would a 300mm f2.8 and a TC be a better option sharpness-wise?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

In short, yes. The Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II is optically superior to the 200-500 even with the 1.4 TC attached. the effective focal length will be slightly less however the sharpness and IQ is majorly upgraded. An additional element is also the "Look" of the out of focus areas, there 300 2.8 renders these far more pleasing than the 200-500. Added to this the increase in aperture, allows for faster shutter speed, shallower depth of field and faster AF. all round the 300mm is a big improvement, if you're happy to have the weight increase and price. Ive been using my 300mm 2.8 on the D850 since day one and its just fantastic. Hope that helps! Cheers, Tom

[@renewendt5455]

@@TomMasonPhoto thank you very much. The answer was absolutely a great help.

[@renewendt5455]

@@TomMasonPhoto well, I got lucky! A 4 year old Nikon 300mm f2.8 with TC1.4 and 2.0. You were right, the sharpness and IQ is amazing - thanks for the advice, stay safe.

[@XCMRM80]

Great video Tom, can you recommend a decent bean bag? It's one piece of kit that seems to be hard to find.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Buy a Wildlife Watching supplies one from Kevin. Best in the business, that’s true one I have. His pre filled ones are excellent because of the waterproof beads he uses meaning they last and are very durable! About £30/50 depending on size but worth the investment!

[@XCMRM80]

@@TomMasonPhoto thanks Tom, I'll get one ordered 👍

[@j.cordero6965]

Hey Tom, question. I have a Nikon D5600 with kit lenses. I'm a beginner Photographer, and I own a 18-55 and a 70-300. My 70-300 is a variable apeture lenses and only goes down to like F5. I was wondering about your 300mm lense. Does it actually Zoom father than my 300, or does the price come from the apeture?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

So my 300mm prime doesn’t zoom any further than your 70/300 however when I mount the 1.4 Tc I do get some extra magnification of 420mm. The price comes from a number of key things with the lens, mainly the aperture, the f2.8 lets in a huge amount more light for working with shallow depth of field and for aiding the AF system - more light helps it to focus faster. The lens also has far more powerful lens focus motors for super fast AF and the lens itself is specifically designed for better sharpness especially wide open. The whole package therefore makes it a fantastic tool but it does add to the size and weight. Often people think 300mm is to short for wildlife however with good field craft and knowledge of how to get close it’s more than enough, however for some subjects it’s certainly more workable to use a far longer lens like a 600mm. However I do just love the 300mm 2.8 and fresh flexibility it offers me. Hope that helps!

[@DavidWeiller]

Beautiful brown hares pictures in the sunset. Like & Sub my Friend 👍

[@bakra7]

great video. What do you do about ticks ?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Be careful, tuck my socks inside my under layers and the check every evening to be sure. Although long grass and deer post more of a problem and the low vegetation isn’t too bad

[@indyreno2933]

Scientific names of all thirty-six extant hare species: 1) Lepus timidus - Mountain Hare 2) Lepus tibetanus - Tibetan Hare 3) Lepus tolai - Tolai Hare 4) Lepus comus - Yunnan Hare 5) Lepus oiostolus - Himalayan Hare 6) Sinolagus yarkandensis - Yarkand Hare 7) Sinolagus sinensis - Chinese Hare 8) Sinolagus formosanus - Formosan Hare 9) Sinolagus hainanus - Hainan Hare 10) Sinolagus mandshuricus - Manchurian Hare 11) Sinolagus coreanus - Korean Hare 12) Sinolagus brachyurus - Japanese Hare 13) Poecilolagus othus - Alaskan Hare 14) Poecilolagus americanus - Snowshoe Hare 15) Poecilolagus arcticus - Arctic Hare 16) Otolagus townsendii - White-Tailed Jackrabbit 17) Otolagus californicus - Black-Tailed Jackrabbit 18) Otolagus callotis - White-Sided Jackrabbit 19) Macrotolagus alleni - Antelope Jackrabbit 20) Macrotolagus insularis - Black Jackrabbit 21) Macrotolagus altamirae - Tamaulipas Jackrabbit 22) Ammolagus flavigularis - Tehuantepec Jackrabbit 23) Eulagus europaeus - Brown Hare 24) Eulagus italicus - Italian Hare 25) Eulagus corsicanus - Corsican Hare 26) Eulagus granatensis - Granada Hare 27) Eulagus castroviejoi - Broom Hare 28) Indolagus nigricollis - Indian Hare 29) Indolagus singhala - Sri Lanka Hare 30) Indolagus peguensis - Burmese Hare 31) Afrolagus victoriae - African Savanna Hare 32) Afrolagus fagani - Ethiopian Lowland Hare 33) Afrolagus starcki - Ethiopian Highland Hare 34) Afrolagus habessicanus - Abyssinian Hare 35) Afrolagus capensis - Cape Hare 36) Afrolagus saxatilis - Scrub Hare

[@JoeMaranophotography]

To say I am pissed about the current situation is somewhat of an understatement. No Hare photography this year :( Like yourself I had some great success last year as well :(

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes it is a shame, this was filmed a few weeks back now but of course with the full lockdown it will be garden birds and macro for the foreseeable future! Luckily I have some office videos to get to work on!

[@kolapyellow7631]

I want to shoot my backyard birds, butterflies and dragonflies ect. I also see rabits in the back too. What lens do i need? I have a7ii. I have a lomitmited buget and i am just learning about 2 months now. I have a 30mm f1.4, and the kit lens 28-70mm f3 to 6. I can't see any birds in the back yard with either lens. Feed back much appreciated.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

As a Nikon shooter I don't really know the Sony lenses however for my D850/Z6 I use the 105mm Macro. A macro lens will offer you a great close focus for insects and allow you to get some great frame filling shots, additionally you could look into extension tubes as a lower cost alternative! Cheers, Tom

[@mistycrowimages1875]

Well as you'tr only allowed up to 1 hour exercise a day Hare photography is out as is most photography outside :o(

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes, I shot this a week back now and am adjusting as things go on, Luckily the field is 5m from the back door so I can be on location nice and fast for the light, however I guess It will be a lot more macro over the next few weeks!

[@thedrvn]

You don't half waffle on fml!

[@TheSecretprod]

Wait what, can you be 25 meters away from them, and still talk and not scare them? I cant fart 2 km away without scaring them here in norway 😂😂

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yeah It’s amazing how tolerant they can be with the right approach here, into the wind is key, the talking doesn’t distract as much as scent or movement. Although I was quite amazed I managed to film even when I was within 10m!

[@TheSecretprod]

@@TomMasonPhoto amazing, i would love to photograph those hares. 👍 The fur on those portraits is awesome

[@fnnn6030]

pls keep up doing and step up the interval of vidios ;)

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I shall try my hardest to keep them coming out!

[@davidbull9681]

Not a good idea to tell people where hares are, ex coursing man. I know.

[@RoGameReview]

or you can call them with your palm and mouth making a very annoying sound simillar to a hare scream, no need to crawl

[@k.grg46]

I'm fed up with your fake speech Don't show your face Rather show faces of animal and birds

[@cubingwithcarl4572]

K3shab Koranggi lol then just don’t watch his videos....