Unlocking The SECRETS of HIGH ISO & LOW LIGHT Photography

[@remybuitenhuis2433]

That bird is an absolute giga chad

[@jan_wegener]

Sure is!

[@clairehachey2189]

Jan, just seeing you look so happy has made my day ☺ The photos & video clips you took are breathtaking!! You never cease to amaze with your work. It is said that passions don't have a reason, but since discovering bird photography, I find it such a privilege to be out in nature just observing birds in their natural habitat. If I can get a few good shots , I'm thrilled. But even if I come home without any photos, the sheer joy of being able to go out in nature is beyond compare. Thank you for another amazing video!

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, being out there is great. Makes you forget everything else

[@tonywiseman7542]

I'm hearing you Claire.

[@Duade]

Great video mate, what a bird and some stunning shots. You did well in challenging conditions. I can't wait to visit that spot one day. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks mate! Would be fun to do a video together there

[@mw-wc4vw]

Both of you taking photos of a bird of paradise? Can't wait 👍👍

[@rickygoodyear8836]

Sensational work Jan! Been waiting a while for this to come out. I’m a bit biased on the riflebird but have to say this has been the best episode. Absolutely stunning.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks a ton!

[@percyharrellphotography]

Hey Jan, great video as always! With the ISO at 16,000 and 20,000, are you still shooting in CRAW? Those shots look amazing!!

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, mostly cRAW, although in these tough conditions RAW can have a slight benefit.

[@andrewbalcombe1338]

Hi Jan, so happy to see you are out and enjoying your photography again. I wish you good health and many more days like this.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you!

[@adrian_div_photography]

You are the official bird whisperer Jan! Great to have you back in full swing, always a pleasure watching you at work. You're photos are sensational! Keep it up!

[@jan_wegener]

Wow, thank you!

[@jgates]

Good to have you back, Jan! Great information and good to see you in the field again doing what you love. I can see the excitement in your eyes! Thank you!

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@LisaSaffell]

Amazing and beautiful birds! Happy you are back Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

Yes they are!

[@KurtisPape]

Wow, my favourite video of yours so far! Such technical shooting conditions but you still made it happen, great work!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you!

[@goldenstasgs]

Amazing sound in video! Stereo sound of this forest is stunning. Well done Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jorga.2274]

You deserve this feeling of happiness! 🤩 Thank you for your inspiration. I love taking photos in the rainforest, even if I rarely get the chance from Germany. Finding bright backgrounds in the rainforest is of course a challenge. The image effect is fantastic. I'll be in Costa Rica at the end of the year and will try to pay attention to such conditions.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes it’s not always easy but helps a lot

[@georgemccormick1247]

Great video Jan don’t have any rain forest nearby, last rain forest I was in was Vietnam in 67 but couldn’t carry a camera then. Glad you getting out and about. Looking👀 forward to upcoming videos. Oh I worked out the trouble I was having buying your prosets finally got them downloaded workflow is next.

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome!

[@gracescalzo]

Fantastic video. Love your enthusiasm, your teaching skills, and of course your wonderful images.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you so much 😀

[@laku4412]

Wow! That shot on the twisted perch is simply stunning!

[@jan_wegener]

I was stoked with it 😃

[@gearlord816]

At first, I have to say that I'm happy to see you coming back and well again, Jan. Then, I'm absolutely amazed by watching this. And the shots you took are really wonderful and so well processed that I can still be blown away every time I look at them while appreciating the beauty, the behavior of the birds and all the details it contains. Thank you so much for letting us see all this bird photography backstage and enjoy the great content and your excellent work!

[@jan_wegener]

Wow, thank you!

[@JeffreyHauser]

Wishing you good health, each & every day.Thank you for sharing your work & knowledge with the photographic community.😊🙏

[@jonberube2489]

Very genuinely happy to see you out in the field again and having the best time!

[@jan_wegener]

This was from before I was sick, but I am much better again, now

[@chelseadaddy7061]

Beautiful , Jan. Looks like video is better than still photo for this scenario. What lens/body/settings combination would give high quality frames that could be grabbed as stills?

[@jan_wegener]

You could film in 8k, but most frame would be blurry, unless you are using a much higher shutter speed and then the video may look funny.

[@bryanandryszak925]

Wow, Jan! Preparation and great good fortune have served you well on this shoot. Fantastic images as well as explanations on how you “troubleshot” challenging variable light conditions!!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it Bryan

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

Your coming back stronger than ever Jan ! 👍 So glad to see it 🙂 Funny you should ask, as a matter of fact, I was in a very "dark" forest yesterday, and taking shots that I really didn't expect a lot from... But was hoping they would process okay. To my surprise, they came out really nice ! Obviously I could have done better with better light, but for what I had to work with (oh, I was using my R5 + the RF 800 F11 !) It was actually pretty amazing I could get anything useable at all !

[@jan_wegener]

F11 is certainly tough in the forest, but what you can get out of high iso images with a bit of editing is amazing

[@63barty]

Jan, how are you cleaning up the noise in the 12800 and 20000 ISO images ? Do you have a workflow for it ?

[@63barty]

Ignore that - you got to it in the video 🙂

[@TubTechGuru]

One of the most beautiful birds photos & videos I’ve seen…I meant in “tack sharp” in every aspect…BRAVO!!!👏👏👏

[@relaxwithbirds]

This is fantastic Jan!!!!!! Wonderful photography of this incredible birds!!!! Congrats, what a wonderful opportunity to photograph the brids of paradise, like a dream como true!!!!. My two cents, I live in the rainforest (Panama) and struggle with the dark contiditions too, similar equipment (R7 + 100-500rf)...In the dark I am getting good results lately using single spot and one shot mode AF, the focus hunting stops,, try it!.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes good tip. One shot can help sometimes in these situations

[@ScottRitchie-bw9ls]

Hi Jan. I really enjoyed the episode and it inspired me to visit the same spot. So today I sat on the same deck and saw the same perches that you had shot the rifle birds at. The rifle birds are very persistent and literally will land on you to get what they want. But how well did the Canon R5 and the 100 to 500 RF working low light! With a bit of tweaking using the Topaz Photo AI. I have been using DxO PureRAW 2 but I've recently been using the Topaz because it's a one stop shop to get everything from de-noising, sharpening, etc. all in one software so it's easy to use. It's truly a magic spot isn't it.

[@jan_wegener]

awesome!

[@ScottRitchie-bw9ls]

@@jan_wegener Thanks mate! I almost had the Chowchilla on your log this AM (Wegeners perch). But the Brush Turkeys chased it off. They've taken over that log and even chase off the Rifle birds. You should come up and launch of counteroffensive.

[@jerrymoran8323]

JAN, been long time viewer and bought R5 a couple of years ago. Shooting some wildlife, but mostly vintage race cars with 1.6 crop giving 800mm capacity. I have not looked into your archives about using this feature. Is there a problem at high ISO settings? Outstanding are your narrative flow during videos.

[@mw-wc4vw]

What a stunning bird. Stunning and cooperative, too. But you took advantage of this and provided a fantastic video. And thank you for all insights on how to approach such difficult light conditions.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richritter]

Fricking AMAZING! No other words can I find for this. Nice job Jan!

[@sverreedin4229]

Fantastic pictures! Do you use teleconverters with your 100-500? Or is it better to crop and keep f/7.1 and quality of only the lens?

[@jan_wegener]

I sometimes do

[@daemonbyrd]

Jan, this is the best bird photography video I've ever seen! The production on it is fantastic. In a forest!?!?! Truly inspiring. Glad to see you back in your element.

[@jan_wegener]

Wow, thank you!

[@thegroove2000]

The diversty of nature is incredible.

[@timothylinn]

This was excellent, Jan. Thank you for sharing it.

[@mskypower]

Hi Jan, I got the shivers when I heard you say you were getting your lens from the car while shooting in the forest! Exactly 3 years ago I had my camerabag with over 10k of equipment stolen from the car during a holiday on the isle of Tenerife... I was shooting with the 5D4 + EF600mm and had all the rest of my gear in the car, only 50 metres away...never again I can assure you!

[@jan_wegener]

That sucks! Not many options tho sometimes

[@jefferyrobbins3468]

Incredible images -- I really enjoyed watching this landmark episode! I love the way you talk out your strategy and thinking as you capture these stunning images -- very educational. I'm quite impressed with the quality of your high ISO images, many of which were >=12,800. I also use DXO PureRaw2, but my high ISO images usually look too animated for my taste. Your images don't have that same animated look, rather, they look, well, like stunning photos actually. I'm wondering if it is possible to get close enough to the birds and use a 70-200 f2.8 for those of us that don't own a Big White f4 lens? Thanks for sharing. Kind regards

[@jan_wegener]

In this spot you’d get some shots with 70-200. Dxo pure raw is a good helper but the whole editing workflow needs to work together to get the best results.

[@IndiafanFromGermany]

What do You think of taking hi iso pictures with the night viewing device Sony A7SIII, Jan? Lower resolution, but ISO is no problem.

[@jan_wegener]

12 mpix is not gonna cut it for me, no matter how clean the file is. Besides that I am sure it's great

[@jerseymountainbiker]

Great to see you back - love to see you in the field photographing birds

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@simons9952]

Superb video. This bird is soo amazing. The image with both birds at the twisted perch is such a stunner. Really really cool episode. Looking forward to more of this stuff 👍🏼

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@amyfeeney7207]

Lovely to see you out in the field again, Jan! This video is exceptional and the timing couldn’t be better as I’m heading to Costa Rica for a 2 week birding trip in a few days. I don’t have the luxury of that beautiful prime lens but I did get the 100 - 500 to use on my R7. I have a 1.4 teleconverter as well, but it really puts a damper on my aperture. I’ve packed my filter flash and I’m taking your video with me.😊 Thanks again for a phenomenal tutorial. Wish me luck!

[@jan_wegener]

Have fun! The extender will be ok in good light but probably too much when it’s dark

[@amyfeeney7207]

Thank you, Jan!

[@LouisaLee63]

Please keep the in the field videos coming. They are the best!

[@mayhamilton6652]

Even my 10 year old son was mesmerised by this video. The birds were amazing. They didn't seem phased by the flash which is good. Cracking video to watch. Thank you ❤️

[@jan_wegener]

That is awesome!

[@Wrecked01]

What would you do if you were shooting auto-iso (like on an A1)? Would you bump up the exposure 1 or 2 stops?

[@jan_wegener]

I would find it hard sometimes because the camera may want to change exposure when I don't, which can easily happen when the background is bright and the bird dark. So I often prefer to set the exposure for the bird and have it not change at all, unless I wanna change it, hence I use full manual

[@axelhildebrandt]

What a wonderful opportunity, I'm glad you had such a great day with these beautiful birds!

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks mate!

[@wildlife_pixels]

Excellent work, Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@danielson_9211]

So glad you out doing what you love again :) Great shots and video, thinking of getting a flash for my R5 and 100-500 setup.

[@darkbidding]

Jan, this was a FANTASTIC video! This helped bring several things together for me that I'd been struggling to understanding. It definitely filled-in some blind spots for me. I have the R7 and my high-ISO shots aren't nearly as clean, even with DXO Pure Raw 2. I'm guessing that's a lot to do with the R7's cropped sensor and the smaller pixels on the sensor. I also have the RF 100-500, but don't yet have a big prime like you have. So I don't yet have the luxury of being able to switch to a super telephoto prime that can gather more light. I'd love to see a video explaining the reasons for differences in image noise with different cameras, sensors, lenses, and light. I get the basic concepts, but your images in seemingly low light are SO much cleaner than mine. Considering a flash/speedlite now because of this video. Maybe the new EL-5.

[@jan_wegener]

It’s not just pure raw but also the whole editing process and good exposure in the field that combine to the final result. Pure raw is just one step that helps a lot but alone isn’t enough.

[@Trish12303]

Oh my gosh, those are amazing shots. They are really beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us!!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you like them!

[@davidburton2294]

Stunning! The image at 10.14 with the two birds can that be ordered as a print/poster - i love it!

[@jan_wegener]

You can send me a message and we can work something out 😀

[@sswildlifevideos]

Great video Jan and coincidentally I realized the same thing about light. I photographed some Pileated Woodpeckers, Varied Thrush, and Bobcats in very low light conditions and the 100-400 ii f5.6 was just not wide enough and I had to blow my ISO through the roof and still was underexposed on my R5. I've been saving up for the RF 400 2.8 now for these situations. What I envision doing is mounting the the 400 2.8 on my R7 for added reach and keeping the zoom on the R5 for closeups/handheld video.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Just_because998]

Jan, Amazing captures and great composition.

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@cesarm8811]

Jan, excellent video. Really enjoyed the photos and video of these colorful birds.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you so much 😀

[@81wwwolf]

Thank you so much for this high quality video. You raise the bar every time!

[@jan_wegener]

My pleasure!

[@waynedettman6472]

Hi jan,I’m currently using the r7 with a 100_400 mk2 AT 5.6 would you think the 580EX II flash would help I dark wooded areas,ps can’t afford a 500f4,cheers.again great work.

[@jan_wegener]

It adds a bit of light but doesn’t give you sharper images or more shutter speed unless you are using it as main light

[@brendallsterling4117]

This is amazing!! What a beautiful bird and live the shots. Didn't know I could use such a high Iso to this. Thank you for a gorgeous video

[@woodygreen6826]

Cool bird courtship shots. Well done.

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@garyholmes8515]

Hi Jan, I love walking around the rainforest. Have your videos and presets but without the good images means little. I find that in the rainforest the lack of shooting spaces and the poor light is a nightmare for me with the R5 100-500mm. More info on where you actually were would be helpful as obviously open platform and plenty of tame birds. Always watching and learning, thanks for your efforts and good to see you on the mend.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, in the rainforest good positioning is key to good images, otherwise they usually look dark and messy

[@santoshmahalik]

Wow... Amazing photos and videos.. Jan... Keep doing the great work 👏👏👏

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! Will do!

[@philipgowdy]

Jan, I am sure I am right in saying your videos keep all us going in places where the current weather isnt that great for Photography. So glad to see you looking better and back to what you love doing the best. Love the interaction between you and our subjects, must of taken ages teaching that Bird of Paradise to sit on your camera and look at the monitor! keep up the great work, many regards from your UK fans..

[@jan_wegener]

haha, yes! Lots of work, although not done by me but the owners of the property.

[@j4kke046]

What a precious video Jan! I’m sitting here in rainy belgium with a big smile on my face dreaming of riflebirds in the rainforest! 😄😄 I really like this videoformat! Thanks for taking us with you 🙌🏻

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@blakerosslowe27]

Beautiful shots Jan, such exotic looking birds.

[@mattf.4727]

Amazing work as always, Jan. Did you think about using your colored tarp to try for a smoother background?

[@jan_wegener]

It’s very hard to set up with such large birds and I didn’t have enough time, but I also kinda liked to have a bit of structure in the BGs. Fake backgrounds often look fake 😆

[@dankvitka5638]

Stunning Jan. Absolutely brilliant!!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you so much!

[@kgk1999]

An incredible show! I like both your technical talks but also these discussions in the field! Good processing/editing discussion!

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks!

[@divercraig65]

Thanks Jan, amazing video of spectacular birds. I have tried this photography before and my shots were below average but you've provided some handy hints there to help with my improvement. Cheers.

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear!

[@jacobgarvelink2441]

Wow Jan what an amazing video! The enjoyment just bursted of the screen and the shots you took are absolutely next level. Thanks so much for sharing, it sure make a grey rainy Amsterdam afternoon a bit more colorfull...!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Zhorellski]

Beautiful Bird! How are ale to get non- blurry shots at slow shutter speed?

[@jan_wegener]

Tripod and good technique or a lens with good Is like the 100-500 and also firing away so that you get a bunch of sharp shots in between the blurry ones

[@RickCleland]

Oh, wow! Great to see you out in the field again!!!! I much prefer watching you work in the field rather than studio presentation of tech news etc. Having said that, I never tire of any of your videos. I'm confident that I haven't missed a single one over the years. Besides that, you and Duade keep me 'sane' since I had to relocate here to Canada from NSW 12 years ago. At 75 yrs of age, I'm unlikely ever be able to even visit Aus again 😢

[@jan_wegener]

Canada is quite nice, too 😀

[@roroanselmo]

What a video, what a photos, what a species! All is soo good, congratz Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@irfanrahat]

Absolutely brilliant, happy to see you happy 🙂

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! 😃

[@cathco9]

INCREDIBLE!!!! I'm at a loss for words. The Victoria's Riflebirds are BEAUTIFUL. All of the birds you've photographed are beautiful. I'm thinking of your Masterclass but I have a very limited knowledge of Photoshop. I prefer it though over Lightroom Classic. Which program is used for your class? Jan, I'm really so happy for you that your health is improving. Thank you again for an awesome video. -Cathy, NJ, USA.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks Cathy. My Masterclass is focused on photoshop and should be easy to follow also with small knowledge

[@cathco9]

@@jan_wegener Thanks Jan!

[@rickygoodyear8836]

I’ve done the masterclass and it revolutionised the way I process my images. Very easy to follow and after doing it a few times it just keeps getting easier.

[@pseudophotog]

Love the in the field shooting tips Jan. Thanks for more instructive beautifully shot content.

[@kennethcheong4498]

You might want to consider the 400f2.8. I would use the R7 with the EF300f2.8ii for such low light situations.

[@martinehrich1966]

One of your best videos yet! inspirational!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you think so!

[@praveerchatterjee2425]

I am going to a forest north east of India for bird photography, where light is not good most of the time. I have Nikon D850, which settings you recommend?

[@jan_wegener]

It depends what you will photograph, but you will likely have to shoot quite wide open and use very high iso

[@bjrn-einarnilsen687]

Superb video with some outstanding photos Jan. And yes i live in Brazil, so much of my time i am in the rainforest photographing. And for sure the light is complicated there, so finding the right spot to photograph in is very important. Wishing you a great weekend, with a lot of joy. Cheers, Bjoern

[@jan_wegener]

Yes being in the right spot is crucial

[@chmueller]

Stunning video Jan, the shots are amazing, congratulations 👏 great job 👍

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you very much!

[@slaps719]

Those birds are so cool.

[@jan_wegener]

They are!

[@tanocaperna1205]

Great images! Good to see you back on your feet !

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@Marmelder]

My GOD! These images nearly brought me to tears. 😮 Thank you for sharing your work and giving so many tips. I have much to learn and to relearn since the pandemic put the breaks on my travel. I’m out of practice so I’m watching great videos like yours for instruction as well as inspiration. I subscribed from the very first video of yours that I saw last week.

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Seemples]

Stunning images,Jen.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you

[@WernerBirdNature]

Oh what a joy Jan !! Thanks for sharing such amazing experience !! In the heart of Europe we have rain and forest .. but nothing remotely close to the magic you found in Queensland. Such a unique bird, truly awesome !!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tezster0]

I really love the detailed explanations you provide behind the different choices you make in the field - it gives me a lot of things to think about in terms of how I can incorporate some of your suggestions into my own work.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad to help!

[@WildlifeInMotion]

Incredible video and pictures! Coming back strong!

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks! 😊

[@kathrynmilner5448]

Wow, just loved this spectacular video! The stunning bird photography of truly amazing birds, and you always provide so much incredible information. Thanks so much! So glad you are back. Take care!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wingsandthings.]

Great video. This is an excellent comparison of the 600 prime vs the 100-500. I have the 100-500 and love how light weight it is. I tend to photograph in better light than a rainforest, I am often in prairie lands or the edge of a woods.

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear!

[@LanceMrB]

Fantastic video, Jan. Stunning photography! What time of year is best to see these Riflebirds and where?

[@jan_wegener]

Probably July to October or so, Atherton Tablelands

[@LanceMrB]

@@jan_wegener Thank you very much for the information and taking the time to reply. Much appreciated!

[@jpprovost64]

wow !! Thanks you Jan !!

[@sbphotography3751]

Terrific images! Good to see you back again :)

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tenagardiner]

Great job with nailing the images and the video. Really liked how you created the video today.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you so much 😀

[@benoutside7593]

Enjoyed seeing your process and results. Beautiful photos and videos of some pretty cool birds.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@couchphotography8861]

Whoa!!! the dancing birds of paradise! just clicked on this because of the title, never expected to see this! Wonderful, thanks for the tips!

[@jan_wegener]

They’re an amazing

[@gerards5858]

Very inspiring video Jan, I really enjoyed watching it.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BIGNatureBoy]

Stunning shots mate. Another top notch production.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nerissabklyn]

What exact gears did you use to do photos and video in the rainforest?

[@jan_wegener]

2x R5 & 100-500 & EF 600 L IS III

[@ivorgottschalk6432]

“One of those times we all live for.” Indeed!!! 🤩🦜🙌🐾

[@jgreg82]

Brilliant Jan, one of my favourite videos

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kennethcaird3892]

Jan: Thanks for doing this video on photographing in tricky situations. Beautiful birds and beautiful location. Thanks also for indicating which Proset you used with the photo. I am an avid user of Prosets so if you would continue to do this that would be great. Please continue to focus on bird photography rather than equipment reviews as this was a great vlog!

[@jan_wegener]

My go to is vibrant more contrast. Glad you are enjoying the prosets

[@malachiseilhamer8313]

I’ve been waiting for these shots!

[@AikoSukdolak]

Mega gut Jan 🐦💚

[@fredlar9421]

5:13 like it! 5:30 Amazing! Did you use the EFCS or MS instead of ES, Jan? I heard the shutter sound.

[@jan_wegener]

With flash on the R5 you cannot use ES, so I used FCES. I never use mechanical

[@DavidMaciasPhoto]

Absolutely stunning, totally gorgeous and I don't have any words, AMAZING!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! Cheers!