The Isle of Mull, with POPS! Pt1

Join us on an unforgettable adventure as we explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Isle of Mull in Scotland, a wildlife photographer's paradise! In this captivating KZbin video, we embark on a journey with our camera gear, capturing the elusive otters and majestic white-tailed sea eagles that call this pristine island home.
Our journey begins with a scenic ferry ride to the Isle of Mull, where we're immediately immersed in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. As we make our way to the coast, our excitement builds in anticipation of the incredible wildlife encounters that await us.
Once on the island, we venture to some of the best otter-spotting locations, where we patiently observe and photograph these adorable and playful creatures in their natural habitat. Watch as we employ our photography skills to capture the otters' charming antics, showcasing their endearing and often humorous behaviour.
But the adventure doesn't stop there! We board the 'Lady Jane,' a vessel renowned for its wildlife tours, for an exhilarating boat trip. As we cruise along the pristine waters of the island's coastline, our eyes are peeled for the awe-inspiring white-tailed sea eagles, one of the largest and most majestic birds of prey in Europe. Witness the sheer grace and power of these magnificent raptors as they soar overhead and dive to snatch fish from the sea.
Throughout the video, we share our photography tips and techniques, offering insights into how we capture these incredible moments in high definition and most importantly have a lot of laughter along the way. Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply a nature enthusiast, you'll find inspiration and valuable knowledge in our journey.
So, if you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magic of Scotland's wildlife up close, make sure to watch this video. Join us on this incredible expedition as we photograph otters and white-tailed sea eagles amidst the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Mull. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and ring the notification bell to stay updated on our future adventures!
#WildlifePhotography #IsleofMull #ScotlandAdventure #Otters #WhiteTailedSeaEagles #NaturePhotography

[@pjbateman406]

Seeing you and your dad share these special moments warms my heart. Quite the pair, you are. Really enjoying your photography and adventures.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate your comment, all the best 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Just love Mull, brings back memories of our trip there a couple of years ago. Defo look at staying in Arle Lodge next time we go. Looking forward to part 2. 😃👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian, really appreciate it. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@user-cy4oe5ef9s]

Absolutely Brilliant Dan. Rob Arundell

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Rob, glad you enjoyed the video 👍🏻

[@sbphotography3751]

Lovely to see both of you on tour again...wish I had been able to do the same with my pops....but living on different continents made it impossible. Great otter images - one can even see a tick in its ear (5'47").

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much for your comment, I do truly appreciate every second I get with Pops, it’s great to share a hobby/passion together, I couldn’t imagine living that far apart. The ticks this year in Scotland have been horrendous but I was surprised it could survive on an aquatic animal. All the best 👍🏻

[@laurencearnold5822]

Outstanding Dan and Pop’s , when I went i concentrated on the photography so much I needed another trip just to watch and take it all in👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Laurence I really appreciate that. I know what you mean it certainly is intense at times. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@Capcity44]

This was awesome! Pops is the coolest. Hopeful that my son will hang out with me like this one day.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Freeman I and Pops really appreciate that mate. Getting to spend time with family is always treasured 👍🏻

[@jasonfraser3572]

Done the Eagle trip twice and got to say one of the best wildlife experiences iv ever had. Great vid guys will be following the channel from now on.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jason I really appreciate the sub. All the best 👍🏻

[@jeanlouis83]

Hello Dan and Pop 😀a great video and great pictures you'll see Dan when you squeeze old for the toilet

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jean Louis, always appreciate your comments and support 👍🏻

[@JohnCooper-jl5nt]

Superb well done Pops

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@albin2232]

Very nice video. Just an interesting fact: Mull was the home of the longest runway in Europe. It was one of a number of emergency landing sites for the space shuttle. It was very secret and well guarded when it was active.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much. That’s a really interesting fact and something that I’ve not heard before so thanks for sharing it 👍🏻

[@andywhiteside16]

Brilliant Dan my only disappointment is that I can't enjoy the same experience with my dad who himself was a brilliant Photographer so enjoy every chance you get

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Andy, I do feel incredibly fortunate to share my love of photography with Pops and never take it for granted. My condolences that you don’t get to share experiences with your Dad. All the best 👍🏻

[@mikedeasey8767]

Another fantastic video, great advice from from you and pops, always in Scotland, we just got back from 3 half months trip, hope to bump into you and pops one day, keep it up very entertaining👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Mike, I’m certain that we will cross paths at some point. Please come and say hello if we do 👍🏻 All the best

[@paulliversage4479]

Great video again Dan and pops...we got squeezed onto an hour earlier ferry in May..think another coat of paint and we wouldn't have fit

[@danwillis_photography]

Hahaha I know what you mean they literally squeeze every bit of space out of those ferries 😂 Thanks for your comment and continued support Paul, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@NikCan66]

Superb as per usual

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Nik, I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@stephencooper8565]

Wonderful as always been waiting for this to come out since you put on passionate about mull of finding that either ill or dead sheep by the lock . Looking forward to part two . I am back there in 10 days can’t wait

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stephen, I’m jealous that you are heading to Mull in 10 days I hope you have an absolutely fantastic trip mate 👍🏻

[@stephencooper8565]

@@danwillis_photography thanks Dan it never fails to impress

[@ianjackson1670]

Another good video Dan another one for my list am in Bulgaria for the raptor migration at the moment keep up the good work!!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian, I have to say I’m very jealous of where you are right now. Hope you have a fantastic trip 👍🏻

[@nickclaytonphotography]

Excellent stuff Dan & Stu, love the excitement & enthusiasm you both have. I can fully relate to Stu’s toilet needs too having just returned from a 17 day trip to Scotland with my own pops! Some excellent footage & photography as always, & glad to hear you got to see Merlins too. Look forward to part 2. Keep on keeping on! Best, Nick

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Nick, looks like you had an epic trip mate and look forward to seeing more of your images from it. Did you vlog it for your channel?

[@nickclaytonphotography]

@@danwillis_photography Cheers Dan, I did some footage the first week; but not touched it or downloaded any images/video as yet. Got home Sunday afternoon, straight back to work Monday morning! I will get round to it 🤣

[@valerieboardman8336]

We go to mull twice a year and have to do mull charters and have never been disappointed my husband has some great shots of the eagles just wish for a dolphin encounter at some point .. roll on April

[@danwillis_photography]

Mull charter’s really is a highlight for any Mull trip. I’m glad that your husband has some fantastic shots. Fingers crossed for dolphins 🤞🏻

[@SwanSycorax]

Excellent video. Hoping to do this trip in 2024.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Brian, I always appreciate your comments and support 👍🏻

[@derekflynnsnr]

Never fail to impress, always exceeds expectations, can’t wait for part 2

[@danwillis_photography]

You are too kind Derek, thank you I really appreciate it. All the best 👍🏻

[@trippydippy-j5n]

Awesome video ❤ Next challenge = Pine Martens Difficulity level is insane 😊

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph Pine Martens on several occasions and have 2 videos on them. They really are a fantastic animal to see let alone photograph 👍🏻

[@user-on9bu6tu7c]

What a fabulous day and delights me to see Pops so excited. He’s much more confident in front of the camera. You both had an incredible day photographing and video-ing the White Tailed Eagles. Surely Pops needed the loo after his close encounter with the Eagle. Look forward to part 2. Very enjoyable watching you both together, so precious Father & Son moments. Regards, Kay (SAC). Xx

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Kay I really appreciate your comment. It was an incredible experience, made even better by sharing it with Pops. Thanks again 😊

[@KWTImages]

Great to see the two of you putting on a show, think will pops will soon be taking never the talk over, and leaving you Dan to takes the pics. Think he's coming out his shell...😂😂 great pics/video of the Otter encounter, and the WTE... hope Pops bladders lasts for Part 2 😂😂😂

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Keith, I’m hoping Pops takes over the voice over, video and editing so that I can get the photos he keeps getting 😂😂😂 All the best mate 👍🏻

[@UKSTAGROSCO]

Love mull so it was great to watch 👏👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@leemanton3169]

Another great vlog, it's always great to spend time with our parents, I cherish every moment I spend with mine 😊

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Lee, totally agree with you it really is. All the best 👍🏻

[@MrCopper4]

I wish I had spent time with my father before he passed. So nice to see the bond you both have. Great photos by you both. See you in part two. Cheers.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks I do feel incredibly lucky to be able to share my hobby with Pops and never take it for granted. All the best 👍🏻

[@bjarnehyldgaard]

Great video - again ;-)

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, really appreciate your comment and continued support 👍🏻

[@deolimjo]

Beautiful images as usual, can’t wait for the next one, well done Dan great to see your pops enjoying himself.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I appreciate that. Pops is always having a great time when he has a camera in his hand 👍🏻 All the best

[@ianwarren7815]

Just the best trip you could go on in my opinion. Brilliant video as always

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian and I totally agree with you, Mull just has it all 👍🏻

[@johnflanagan44]

You and pop never fail to impress. Absolutely spectacular to watch 👊👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John I really appreciate that 👍🏻

[@jonpridham7134]

G'day Dan. Really enjoy watching these videos with you and your Dad. Special times.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jon, that’s really appreciated 👍🏻

[@cliveingram9840]

Fabulous way to start a working day - brought back some really happy memories of Mull earlier this year. Can’t wait to return to Mull. Stunning photos as ever and looking forward to Part 2.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Clive I’m glad that the video brought back some happy memories. All the best 👍🏻

[@relichunter7984]

Great video again Dan. Your mix of video, photography and humour make it, looking forward to part 2.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate that, fingers crossed 🤞🏻 that part two will be equally as good. All the best 👍🏻

[@debbiesmith2332]

Loved this video. Fantastic shots and so good to see you both enjoying this trip together. Looking forward to the next one.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Debbie, I really appreciate your continued support 😊

[@marchumphreyphotography]

Wonderful video mate 👍 always great to see pops on your vids! Looking forward to seeing part 2

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Marc, I really appreciate that mate. We must get out together soon 👍🏻

[@derekclark4762]

Put the headphones on last night, searched, nothing, searched again, withdrawal mode set in , my Sunday evening fix was missing, phew here you are tonight, really enjoyed the 1st episode on Mull .Of course White tailed sea eagle was cracking, such an enormous bird of prey, saw my first back in the late 70s whilst birding at Elmley Marshes in Kent. This was a young bird that had strayed from the release from Rhum and Eigg then flying a male back in my early falconry days in the mid 90s , anyway back to your video,brilliant as usual great footage looking forward to the second part,I sympathise with Pops and his many visits as I'm of the same vintage, thanks again guys

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Derek for sticking with us and apologies for not getting the video out at my usual 8pm on a Sunday, the internet went down at home 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ I enjoyed reading about your exploits and experiences with the White Tailed Sea Eagle, awesome! Thanks for the comment and continued support, all the best 👍🏻

[@paulrainford70]

Another cracking video Dan, and superb images. Loved it. Looks like you've had a fantastic trip and can't wait for part 2. I'm already now looking to plan a week in Mull myself for next year!

[@danwillis_photography]

Many thanks Paul. I can’t recommend the Island enough to wildlife photographers, I try to go 2-3 times a year or more if possible. All the best 👍🏻

[@andywilson3381]

Great video Dan as per usual, thoroughly entertaining I’ve just got back from Mull, had an amazing holiday! Not as busy on the island as I thought it would be, and a bonus at the end of the week seeing all the stags coming down from the hills!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andy, I’ve been watching your photos pop up on Insta and thought you’d had a fantastic trip. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@johndoe-nh9sh]

Was there only last week. At least there was no-one flying drones over otters this time...

[@danwillis_photography]

To be honest with you I saw very little poor fieldcraft on this trip which was a very welcomed change 👍🏻

[@KarlWellerPhoto]

Great video as always Dan, always good to see you and your dad in a video - looking forward to part 2 👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Karl, really appreciate your comment and continued support mate. All the best 👍🏻

[@antonoat]

Looking forward to this film! 👏😀👍

[@danwillis_photography]

I hope you enjoy it 😊

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Wow! That was wonderful!

[@danwillis_photography]

Glad you enjoyed it Jon and I appreciate your ongoing support 👍🏻

[@antonoat]

That was just fantastic, so glad it worked out well for you guys! Thanks a bunch for sharing this with us, stunning 👏😀👍 I do think that sometimes a zoom can really reap benefits especially in helping to frame the shots, I know for the ultimate image quality prime is best but with a zoom you get so many more chances!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks for your comment Anton. I totally agree with you that a zoom gives you flexibility that primes just don’t achieve and with these modern zooms the image quality is so marginal compared to primes that they really are a great choice. All the best and thanks for your continued support 👍🏻

[@andretim75]

Great Video ! Wonderful location ( I have been there on Mull just once in my life and want to go again ! ) Just curious to know, what lenses you are using ? ( suppose 70-200mm with converter sometimes and of course 500mm , but which one ? )

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. The kit question is a great question. So I use the Z70-200mm I sometimes couple this with the z2xtc. I also use a 500mm f4G VR. Pops uses the Z100-400mm, the Z400mm and the Z800mm. All coupled with the Nikon Z9. Hope that answers your question 👍🏻

[@Bird_in_camera]

Lovely video again, you seem to be quite unique as a wildlife photographer, bringing in the human side with your relaxed style and the heartwarming inclusion of 'pops'. To be honest, this is prime time TV stuff as you tell a great story. Mull is a place i must do before long. Also, do you do your aerial video with a drone?. PS, have gone and bought a DJI pocket2 creator pack on your recommendation, great little thing. Hope to be making my own youtube vids but am doing jury duty next 6 or so weeks and trying to redecorate my studio in the evenings.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks so much that was a fabulous comment and compliment to read, let’s hope someone from the BBC thinks so 😁 In answer to your question, yes the aerial footage is all shot using my DJI mini 3 Pro which is a cracking little piece of kit. Glad you liked the pocket 2 and I look forward to seeing your videos in the not so distant future. All the best 👍🏻

[@Bird_in_camera]

@@danwillis_photography Aagh, my credit cards twitching again. Maybe I should learn how to walk first.

[@user-ed1qs5ji1v]

Hiya Dan fantastic footage as always, what trip did you choose. The Sea Eagle one or the Wildlife photography one? booking this year. x

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much. I’ve done both trips but can definitely recommend the photography trip as you get far better photos 👍🏻

[@nikonid80]

Love your channel, my favourite by far. I am planning to go to mull and wonder what lens I should take with me, I've got 500 f5.6, 400 f2.8 and Z70-200, obviously the 400 f2.8 is to heavy but I might take it as it is the sharpest but defo the other two just want to know if the 500 is to long, cheers

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Walid I really appreciate your kind words. I would definitely recommend the 500mm for photographing Otters as you definitely benefit from the range. As for the White Tailed Sea Eagles, if you are going on Mull Charters I would recommend the 70-200mm it’s what I use and then crop in on the image. The 500mm will be to long at times as they come really close to the boat. The 400mm is challenging for holding on a boat that’s moving a lot, especially if it’s heavy as there’s no chance of using a tripod (you might get away with a monopod). Hope that answers your question, all the best 👍🏻

[@nikonid80]

@@danwillis_photography Thank you so much, yeah the 400 is really heavy

[@scopetrekker5024]

Hi Dan, I hope you don't mind but I have a gear question, specifically for the Sea Eagles whilst out with Mull Charters. I have just arranged a trip to Mull for later in April and I managed to get myself on the 'photo' trip, I have the Nikon D500 coupled with the Nikon 200-500. However, I'm a little concerned from watching your fantastic videos, that this might be a little too much lens (taking the crop factor into account). I have a very reputable lens hire company near to me and can rent the 70-200 2.8 e fl ed, for a very reasonable £69. I also own the 1.4tcIII if needed. I think the 70-200 2.8 may be the better option (being weather sealed also helps!) I would love to know your thoughts please. Kind regards

[@danwillis_photography]

I don’t mind at all and that’s a great question. I would say that the 200-500 is a fantastic choice for the photo trip. I think that the optimal focal length for the dives is 300mm, so with the 1.5 crop factor that gives you equivalent 300mm at the 200 end. The beauty of the zoom lens will be the ability of close up shots and in particular if any of them are perched on cliff tops which the 70-200 will not be able to do. The only thing I would say is that the 200-500 is heavier than the 70-200 and if the swell is up it can be tricky as tripods are not allowed. If this is not an issue for you though then I would definitely go with the 200-500. Hope that helps 👍🏻

[@scopetrekker5024]

@@danwillis_photography thank you very much for the prompt reply. 👍