A Day of Raptor Photography - Part 2 - Wildlife Photography Vlog

After visiting a Goshawk nest and finding no action, I decide to go for a hike to look for owls...
Join me for a private workshop in the Tetons! More info here:
www.sgm.photogr...
Check out my app too:
itunes.apple.c...
Gear I use:
www.sgm.photogr...
Instagram: / stevemattheis

[@Wildtotarda]

The whole mosquito ordeal was so funny... had me laughing out loud

[@ChrisHunt4497]

I love her new fluffy look. It’s so cool. Top marks for spotting her . Think she was laughing at you under those feathers. 😊 😊👊

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@juddr2001]

As I watched this video I found myself scratching and swatting at the mosquitos! Talk about realistic!! WOW! Great video!!

[@lanemusa1528]

I realize I am pretty randomly asking but does anyone know of a good website to watch new movies online?

[@darioreid244]

@Lane Musa flixportal

[@lanemusa1528]

@Dario Reid Thank you, I went there and it seems to work =) I really appreciate it!

[@darioreid244]

@Lane Musa You are welcome xD

[@davidrichards2215]

A sublime video, the dictionary definition of sublime is excellence or beauty, you nailed both:)

[@SteveMattheis]

Thank you sir 👍

[@timloucks4325]

I came across one of your photos whilst perusing an issue of Audubon Magazine at the Barber Shop (Great Grey with "L" positioned wings against dark background). Cool shot. Even the smaller format of the magazine was a subtle reminder of the impact a print can have over viewing video (or high resolution stills) on an lcd monitor.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks, yes that image won The Audubon Grand Prize this year and will hang in the Smithsonian for a year.

[@laurielavallee411]

Awesome video! I love how she trusts you. Hope you healed from all of your bites!

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@bobrooney5702]

Great video and stills Steve. I give you a lot of credit for hanging in there with those mosquitoes buzzing around. I would not have lasted 2 minutes...🙂

[@SteveMattheis]

You might have hung around... with that owl in pretty light, it would be hard to leave!

[@buc71x24]

I was beginning to itch just watching you being assaulted by mosquitoes, enjoyed, beautiful owl!

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep, they were annoying to say the least...

[@natpark182]

stunning video Steve (especially the slow motion) and again gorgeous stills as usual. danny.

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@Hellgap50]

I ment to also add are great greys over all more relaxed compared to great horned

[@SteveMattheis]

In my experience, yes

[@acidsnow5915]

man that must have been an amazing experience thanks for sharing this with us really enjoyed watching this

[@SteveMattheis]

Cool, thanks for watching!

[@whafrog]

I can't even get that close to the crows around here, never mind an owl. Nice job!

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@SanJuanMountainBob]

Fantastic footage and shots Steve. Blasted mosquitoes anyhow! Oh well, other critters need them for food. haha . Thumbs up - thanks again for sharing!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@tmjr]

Awesome clip, and the owl is just amazing, such a beautifull bird :=)

[@SteveMattheis]

She is so pretty 👍

[@JungleEddie]

How would the Fuji setup be for stills? I have the X-T2 but I only have a manual focus 300mm f4 lens that I use for bald eagles. I would like the 100-400mm zoom but it is currently out of my budget.

[@michaellyons5208]

Some of those mosquitoes look and sound like hummingbirds. Mercy, you look like you went a few rounds after that. Glad it was worth it.

[@SteveMattheis]

I’d prefer no mosquitoes but the owl makes it worth it of course...

[@RickyZenInLivingFocus]

I think you missed a spot with that Mosquito spray :)

[@SteveMattheis]

I did my best 😬

[@danielbenejan4780]

Great shots! I feel your pain with mosquitoes. I hate when they bite my bald head. 🤕

[@renaatmarchand5852]

So glad to be with you observing these amazing animals, you make us feel like we're looking over your shoulder. Great patience and footage. Only once I've seen a Grey Owl, on a mountain bike, me, not the Owl, it flew right in front of me on the trail, towards Banff, Canada. So inspiring and yes it takes guts and determination. Off the pharmacist now for a strong painkiller, been there done that. Very entertaining and real.

[@marilyngiannuzzi9867]

Love your videos,you make my day,thank u!😊

[@schweglerd]

awesome, your videos are feeling much more polished in terms of music and timing. great work, keep it up.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks! I keep trying to do better...

[@gorila1958]

I have an area where I go shoot or should I say I've shot 3or 4 owls now . ( Photos getting better and better ) BTW . But unable to shoot at high speed due to low light it's almost a Canopy of trees so I have to keep my shutter speed at 160sec or lower . I'm guessing you have run into situations like that ? I have not gotten my 1st flight shot yet . Time and patience etc will tell . I'm getting there lol but frustrating to wait lol .

[@cysix4939]

Beautiful creature. From a fellow photographer, thanks for braving the elements and hunter killers to get the shots.

[@jesuisdenis5739]

cryptic coloration. It takes a trained eye to parse the owl from the bark of the tree and you've got the experience. wow.

[@owenbale]

No you cant complain when watching a GGO. Beauty light later on.You ever try a bug jacket to see if that would be better? Another great video Steve.

[@wanderingwolf2242]

Fantastic footage, and even more fantastically stunning photos. Your videos are always a joy to watch. Your very lucky having them lovely looking Owls out in the daytime. We are not so lucky with daytime Owls in the U.K.Beautiful and very wild-looking them Tetons, would love to visit there one day, absolutely stunning playground you have.I also feel your pain regarding mosquitos, some places I shoot in the U.K. they are truly vicious and in great numbers too.What I use, but not sure if you can get it in the USA, IS Avon Cosmetics spray called "Skin So Soft" Original. All natural ingredients and it works like a dream...trust me, I use it all the time, and no nasty chemicals or DEET involved. I truly recommend it, if of course you can get it over there......I don't know?Brilliant video,...keep "em coming!ATB :-)

[@SteveMattheis]

Cool, thank you for the tips! And thanks for watching 👍

[@jims1812]

I can't believe how obliging that owl was, it hopefullyt made bearing the mosquitos worth it.

[@tjf2010x]

Great shots. Love the video footage. Definitely going to subscribe.

[@SR-sg7qk]

You should try buggins spray. I keep wanting to swat around me seeing them swarm around you. Thank you for taking this magnificent video

[@jimeiden9561]

Awesome! Thanks for putting up with the misquotes for us!

[@carmas54]

great! I just heard you say that you have a fuji 100-400m and I have been trying to decide whether to keep it or get the new Fuji 200 f2 (that comes with the 1.4 tele) or the new Nikon 500m pf lens you just got. I plan on keeping my Fuji XT3 because I'm loaded up with a lot of great Fuji lens but if I go with the Nikon 500 I would have to get a D500 or D850... your thoughts

[@SteveMattheis]

Hmm there’s no way I can answer that, it’s such a personal decision but all of those options are top notch so you really can’t go wrong!

[@daviddowling9830]

😷🤧I cant breathe....good stuff Steve,great shots.

[@SteveMattheis]

Ahhh the smell of the forest... and chemicals...

[@davidburton2294]

Hey Steve not a good idea to spray Deet in your eyeballs mate!

[@twiztedzero1685]

Wide brimmed hat + mesh bug mask, I always have mine with me need it or not, along with long sleeve shirt. And yes I carry bug spray too mostly to keep the ticks away. Here's a GBH imgur.com/xE1SHDJ some 30 ft up in a tree.

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@reginaschwarz7443]

I like the shots with the tousled owl! Steve, since spring and the mosquitoes are waiting already for us, you might want to check out the brand "craghoppers" with its "nosilife" insect protective gear.

[@SteveMattheis]

Cool thanks👍👍

[@Hellgap50]

on average how far away from your subject are you shooting with out having the owl getting disturbed . where I live owls are pretty spooky and were lucky if we get 50 yards most the time its well beyond that .im asking cause you would know the answer to my dumb question

[@SteveMattheis]

Every time is different. Sometimes they fly away immediately from 100 yards away, sometimes they fly within a few inches of me.

[@billmacfarland3200]

That was fun. Thank you for sharing.

[@RingWraith66]

You might try Sawyer, Picaridin Insect Repellent. Unlike Deet, Picaridin won't damage gear (plastics, painted surfaces) I use the lotion type but it also comes in a spray version too.

[@vinceserafini1208]

Works excellent

[@vinceserafini1208]

Put the clothing treatment and then the lotion or spray on skin

[@SteveMattheis]

Cool thanks I’ll check it out

[@EdgarJFeliz]

That stuff your spraying on is not good for the Apple watch, keep an eye on the screen, it may come unglued.

[@SteveMattheis]

Hmmmm, wanna buy a used Apple Watch? 😬

[@wojtekgrabowski1]

thumb up! well done

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@samaresh93]

Very nice

[@MSchumacherfan]

Fuji xh1 or Nikon D500 , which is better for stills?

[@SteveMattheis]

For wildlife? D500

[@blutchblutcherson3427]

Why don't you wear a hat?

[@DeeDeeDIY]

Durn mosquitoes!

[@reneehall5637]

Great video.

[@RyanHooGeek]

Mosquitos... LOL

[@phooesnax]

Awesome

[@tobiasyoder]

Also, that first shot with the blurred hummingbird is really cool! It just adds that extra element to make a good shot a great shot.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks! I agree...

[@MHarenArt]

I'm curious, how did you know it was the same bird you've photographed before? How can you tell? You poor thing!! I can see all the welts on your face!

[@captainsteve19]

Stunning shots and video per usual Steve!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@geoffn8963]

Great video Steve....really enjoyed this one....also good work handholding the Fuji for video....I guess the IBIS and lens OSS helps a lot to get such a stable handheld image. On Vancouver Island we have many hummingbirds and they are constantly buzzing our local Pygmy Owl. What hummingbird species is in your area....ruby throat? or Rufous also? We have year round Annas and summer time Rufous out west here. Actually the easiest way I locate owls on the island is listening for Robins harassing them (that is mostly for Barred and GHOs). Do you find Robins or other birds harassing the GGOs?

[@ncfishbum1647]

Did you film that in the Tetons ?

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep

[@lazynut81]

Beautiful scenery. Mirror-less camera for bird shots? Thanx.

[@EricWoodyVariety59]

Awesome. I love capturing Raptors especially Bald Eagles

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Why not shoot video with the 850?

[@SteveMattheis]

I do. When I have a tripod with me. Shooting video handheld with the D850 is an exercise in futility. Not to mention Nikons terrible video AF tracking...

[@mymix9429]

What’s the ear piece for.?

[@SteveMattheis]

Hearing aid. I have since had surgery which restored the hearing in that ear so I don't need it anymore... 👍

[@jimreimer6140]

Don,t get Deet on your camera!

[@SteveMattheis]

True

[@datdudenosense]

And what have we learned today? Bug spray is useless.....

[@brenbob747]

Fantastic these pictures and videos blew me away man keep up the good work👏🏿

[@mahoum]

Awsome!!!!

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@soumenroychowdhuryphotogra864]

Eagerly waiting for the second part.. Great video.. Keep doing.

[@TheMwilkin]

Just subscribed oh i wish i had them owls in uk lovely bird same problem in scotland with dam midges . All worth the pain to get close to nature . Look forward to following your trips

[@SteveMattheis]

Yes, I’m glad we don’t have your midges for sure

[@phildoodler2199]

That was informative. Not just the rigours of wildlife photo, but insights with the gear you use. Well put together. For your information; if you want to know about insect attacks, shoot in Scotland and become acquainted with the midge population.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks for watching! And no thanks for the midges 😬

[@tobiensam]

Beautiful

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@williamwest8324]

Awesome video again, you have the knack of drawing people in so close its like they're there with you. But man, I was reaching for the mosquito spray myself there for a while 😂

[@SteveMattheis]

Ha!

[@AstroDenny]

The bokeh on that 300 f/4 is really not too bad!

[@GeorgeENorkus]

Oh man. Just watching this has me brushing my fan blown hair.

[@larryrudnick1519]

Real serendipity getting the hummer harassing the owl - nice! I felt bad for you with all the mosquitoes but I bet you still had a great time. You certainly caught the owl with a "bad hair day". :-)

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@tristramstout8988]

Except for the mosquitoes, I would have loved to have been shadowing you. You've obviously have trained yourself for spotting owls. I think its something a person develops the more you do. Great video!

[@SteveMattheis]

Definitely training the brain helps 👍

[@chuckgmanleyphotos7197]

I just switched to AppleTV, the resolution is fantastic for watching video though your Fuji.

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@ianbrown704]

Steve I bet you were buzzing on the way home after that? Do the owls bother about you? They seem to allow you to get close, I notice you had a bright blue jacket on does the colour matter? Well done for surviving the mosquito infestation have they left you scared for life?

[@SteveMattheis]

It was fun for sure! Sometimes the owls aren’t bothered, sometimes they fly away...

[@DonaldTingle]

Take me with you, mosquitoes love me and would leave you alone! I'm itching just watching you!

[@SteveMattheis]

There were plenty for both of us, trust me...

[@OhSoCheesy]

"Destroyed" is an understatement. I can deal with mosquitoes for a while, but you look like you fell in a fire ant mound. Do you feel it was worth it?

[@SteveMattheis]

Sure! I made some nice images (and an interesting video)

[@keithmacdonald4805]

Super video Steve, they just keep getting better. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@urlkrueger]

Now Steve, haven't you learned yet that telling a female she looks disheveled is going to at least get you a cold shoulder.

[@SteveMattheis]

Maybe someday I’ll learn. Maybe not...😬

[@susanbradley3174]

Are you using the dry spray? I have found that doesn't work as well as the regular.

[@SteveMattheis]

I was using the dry spray. Never again...

[@adammutolo5800]

Great video Steve! The light on her in your video footage around 12:53 in the video is amazing. Another good well... well done!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks! Yes it was gorgeous light...

[@cldunkin8145]

A new thought--Always carry mosquito netting!

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@yankinoz1956]

Everybody go to the blood bank!! Steve needs a transfusion!!!

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@bbrown6057]

Love your channel Steve and I want to shoot with you some time! Minus the mosquito's of course ha ha

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep, no more mosquitoes please...

[@natpark182]

we watched this one again this morning and my wife wants to know if you swallowed any mosquitoes?

[@SteveMattheis]

Just a few...

[@hansdegroot9300]

Lucky i have the spray,it doesnt seem to work.🤣🤣🤣

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep, lucky me...

[@markattardo]

Taking care of 2 birds with 1 stone I see. Getting a full on owl fix and keeping the skeeter population alive and well. You sir have some serious focus to stay with the owl during the skeeter attack. What percent deet were you using? Loved the video footage, all of it!

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep, it was a great day!

[@henrikojmark7898]

awsome shots

[@yankinoz1956]

I use a bug suit when I'm bowhunting. Cant use spray when hunting.

[@SteveMattheis]

Bug suit. I’m picturing a bug Halloween costume... hehe

[@jasonkoch3181]

Thanks for sharing such amazing videos!

[@SteveMattheis]

Getting ready for owl season?

[@seantomlinson3320]

I love the hummingbird harassment!

[@SteveMattheis]

It was fun to watch!

[@RogerZoul]

Great work. Sorry you had to get eaten though. That sucks.

[@SteveMattheis]

I survived...👍

[@tomdullage1531]

Loving the video with the Fuji, great stills, as usual, too.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!👍

[@zih5903]

Awesome video Steve. Thank you.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@ansiemartin7280]

Try eucalyptus oil sprays for mosquitoes!

[@SteveMattheis]

👍

[@crittaker]

Thanks for sharing...Another good one!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!

[@MrEmbangweni]

thanks for this. really enjoyed the evening in the forest

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@graphguy]

stop complaining! Geez you are in the woods... next time better prepare for bugs... they will eat you alive haha. Gorgeous shots of her.

[@tobiasyoder]

Im sure you know all about the z7 and I am just curious if you think it has a place in your camera bag as a wildlife photographer? They say the weather sealing up to the 850 and the adapter should work seamlessly with AF-S. As a bird watcher I always have liked optical veiw finders because its more like I am actually looking at the bird rather than looking a screen with the bird in it. side note: I really liked the flying footage of the owl and it kinda shows us how your tracking the flying bird for your stills also as we are see what your seeing. I hope your missing shots for the video though!

[@ScriptureToday]

With a CIPA rating of just 330 shots, it won't find a place in my bag. That said, word on some forums is that some testers of pre-production models are getting up to 1,600 shots. Another nit for me is the frames per second. It claims "up to" 9fps. From what I can tell that is only true if you are in 12-bit mode, rather than 14-bit. In 14-bit it is just 5.5fps. Finally, the buffer is just 18 frames. That's a 2-second burst and you're out of bullets.

[@SteveMattheis]

I think I’ll do a video about this. But I’m disappointed...

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

No, just no. Nikon failed

[@ScriptureToday]

The Z6 and Z7 appear to be video-centric, so if you need to up your video production, these might be a good choice. Their hybrid AF is a big deal for videographers, along with the 10-bit Z-log codec. For stills, I'll stick with the DSLRs for now, which are great, BTW. :-)

[@JustinLambdin]

Steve, there is a great all natural bug spray on Amazon called BugMace. It uses essential oils that mosquitoes hate. It smells a little strong, but it works great for me here in the Pennsylvania mountains.

[@SteveMattheis]

Cool, I’ll check it out!

[@SuperFucdat]

OMG!… I was scratching just watching you!

[@SteveMattheis]

It wasn’t pleasant...