Wildlife Life Encounters Don't Scare Me But This Does

[@karleehusch5913]

I can confirm your friends and family are incredibly proud of you ❤. Congrats on branching outside your comfort zone, I can’t wait to watch your next video.

[@jamesfrystak]

Thank you so much!!

[@craigwallace166]

Hi James, watched you on the Truth and Legend KZbin video, it was very interesting. I’m toying with the idea of branching out from still photography and taking some video, so what you are providing here might be just what I am looking for. And you’re right being on the other side of the camera is the biggest challenge. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks, Craig. Feel free to ask any questions. I love teaching.

[@bhaveshsanjay777]

The shots are just amazing. Looking forward to seeing much more interesting informative content. I would really like to know the workflow that you go through while doing a big shoot, including your gear and location. All the best for your new KZbin journey.

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks! That's a great video Idea. I'll see what I can do in a future video.

[@TristanJeffAlex]

I think a lot of people were waiting for this moment! Wish you the best on youtube !

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks!! I’m excited and super nervous at the same time.

[@thechaaze]

It’s amazing what you are doing. So stoked for you old friend.

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks!! Muchly appreciated.

[@TimLaytonDarkroomDiary]

I think there are a lot of wildlife filmmakers that do it as a serious hobby that can learn from you. I would say try and share real-world tips using common gear like the Sigma 60-600 vs. the Canon 50-1000 because almost no one can afford that... I would vote for teaching how to build and tell the story. I think that is very important and is needed. Keep going!!

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks for the tips! And will do 😊

[@marksky]

Vulnerable, raw and honest. Your true friends will support you! Can someone get started with just an iPhone or what would be the minimum equipment required?

[@jamesfrystak]

The best camera is the one you have with you. Keep your shots steady, at eye level and try to anticipate the action, don't react to it.

[@RokasBaskys]

Hi :) greetings from Lithuania :) Just stumbled across you video and since I saw your channel is only starting to grow, I wanted to say I find this topic very interesting and wish you succeed in KZbin journey. Usually I don't comment on things here but seeing a person with such a huge baggage of wonderful experience being so humble made me say a few words. As probably millions of other small creators I also thought about starting my own channel once, but decided I don't have enough unique or valuable knowledge to offer. It seemed really scary to put myself in position of just another wannabe youtuber who maybe makes people laugh being not so charismatic on camera, stealing time form family or real work so I never tried. However I believe that for you it will not be the case, you definitely have what to show and I will be happy to know I was among first thousand subscribers when I'll see your channel stats explode :)

[@jamesfrystak]

Thank You and thanks for taking the time to comment. I feel like everyone has unique and valuable knowledge to offer, you just have to find the right audience to share it with. Take care.

[@romanwilliwildlife]

Very keen to follow you here! I am a wildlife filmmaker too. Starting out having made a few shorts but looking to get more established as a freelancer. For me that would be interesting to know how you approach getting jobs / write pitches etc. Greetings from Switzerland

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks! I'll be sure to make some videos about these topics. Hope all is well in Switzerland.

[@maartenvl91]

Excited for your upcoming content!

[@jamesfrystak]

What would you like to see or learn?

[@flightographist]

Well, I'm one year in as a fellow Canucklehead...did you hear the colockolou? I'm in bro, teach me, consider me a sea sponge!

[@codylooman]

KZbin has been such a great resource for learning for me. I greatly appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience. I'm excited to see more. As a still photographer just making the leap into video I'd love to learn more about manual focus, exposure control and framing.

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks!! Check out my latest video about building a camera rig wildlife videos.

[@GregRyder]

love this James -- so many insights to come I'm sure!!

[@jamesfrystak]

There is so much to dig into I'm having a hard time on where to start.

[@futureexperience]

I was expecting a harrowing encounter but instead got a vulnerable insight into your experience and hopes! Congratulations and wish you the best to continue creating amazing content on here! If anything I’d like to learn more about filming wildlife with my current set up.

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks! It’s challenging me in so many ways but I do enjoy it. What are you currently shooting on?

[@futureexperience]

@@jamesfrystak canon R5

[@jamesfrystak]

@@futureexperience The canon R5 is great. I have one too. Have you been shooting video with it?

[@futureexperience]

@@jamesfrystak a little bit but mainly handheld so it’s too shaky. I have a hard time bringing the tripod in since i don’t have a gimbal so maybe that is the key?

[@jamesfrystak]

@@futureexperience I don't have much experience with photography gimbal tripods but the answer is YES. It would be best to have a sturdy tripod, or your video will be shaky. I'm in the middle of creating my next video and will make a significant point about tripods.

[@frodeaardal]

Absolute fantastic footage you show us here! Not only the places and animals but it really shines trough how good you are at this! Being an KZbinr and self thought videographer myself I would love to see how you think, plan and practically go about catching that amazing photage!

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks! I feel very fortuante to have the opportunity to explore these places and have these experiences. I'm excited for this new chapter and hopefully I can add value to the work you are already doing. Where are you based out of?

[@frodeaardal]

@@jamesfrystak I live in Sandnes on the southwest coast of Norway.

[@theirsko3100]

Looking foward to see all the diffrent perspectives that you have to offer. I would also like to know the path that got you to work for BBC and National Geographic such as if you went to school/what degree or the path that took you to get recognized?

[@jamesfrystak]

I have lots to say about that and it will be in my next video.

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Excellent insight into most people's youtube journey, thanks and subbed.

[@jamesfrystak]

Thank you! I’m excited for what the future looks like.

[@georgereed1568]

A credible source of experience is very hard to find on KZbin I think your going to make it big on here. I'm actually watching Island of the Sea Wolves right now, which has lead me to your channel. I hope you keep it up and take the courage to stick with KZbin.

[@jamesfrystak]

Thanks!! I'm glad you are enjoying the show. Let me know what you think when you are finished.

[@georgereed1568]

@jamesfrystak I finished watching it yesterday. I honestly think you all did a brilliant job of putting that series together. It looks like an amazing place, and I really don't think anybody could have done that story better.

[@madswaadenseholt368]

Hey James. I think you are exactly what I have been looking for. Great video! I wanna get into wildlife and nature cinematography - but I am a bit lost on how to get started. How did you get to where you are today? I recently bought my first telephoto lens (Tamron 50-400mm) Its versatile, so I can use it for doc work too and it was in the price range I could afford. I have been out In nature a few times now, but I don't know what I am doing or where to start :D

[@jamesfrystak]

Hey! Thanks for taking the time to comment. The first thing you need to do is get out there and hit record. Go to a local duck pond, film pigeons in the park, whatever, just start filming wildlife. You’ll quickly see where you need improvement and then build off of that.

[@aawandzu]

Congrats on getting out from behind the camera and sharing more of your personal story!

[@jamesfrystak]

Thank you!! ☺️ It's way more challenging than I expected, and now I know how hard people work to create content like this.

[@CalvinFisherPhotos]

Sorry for blowing up your comments the last couple of days, but again I’m so glad to see you here on KZbin. I’m working on improving my skills because just would love a career in wildlife cinematography/filmmaking. I have a few questions for you that would be amazing if you could cover in future videos. First would be what you would recommend as a first step towards a career as a camera operator for wildlife. Second would be how would you recommend starting to connect with people in the field, and getting those first opportunities to branch into this kind of work. Currently I work in ecology and I’m about to start a position at a wildlife sanctuary which I’ll have access to around the clock, I’m hoping this will provide some opportunities to create some great stories about the local wildlife there!

[@CalvinFisherPhotos]

Also side note, thank you for taking the time to read and respond to comments I’ve left, it’s really appreciated! Also you’re doing great in front of the camera! I have the same fears, and it’s something that has definitely held me back from KZbin, but I’m hoping to follow in your footsteps soon and make that transition to showing my face on here too

[@love4wildlife]

Being on the other side of the lens is indeed - well, very different. But you do it well. So bring it on. Any hints to specific future videos?

[@jamesfrystak]

You inspired me with your lastest video, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I have a ton of ideas for the next videos and I'm trying to narrow it down. Any suggestions?

[@love4wildlife]

You put out there, I’ll watch it. Tips, tricks, favorite encounters….all of it. @@jamesfrystak

[@jamesfrystak]

I might talk about my path to winning an Emmy award.

[@love4wildlife]

Great idea. @@jamesfrystak

[@brianthrallphotography]

New subscriber and already binge watching your films! Inspiring me in my journeys

[@jamesfrystak]

Cheers. I've got a good one coming out on Wednesday about how I won an Emmy Award as a wildlife cinematographer.

[@jamesfrystak]

And thanks for subscribing.

[@MomentsWithBirds3454]

Fantastic Work! What is your favorite camera for filming?

[@jamesfrystak]

I have shot with many cameras, but my favourite is the Red Gemini. That camera is a bit out of most people's price range, but if you are interested in similar features, I highly recommend the Zcam E2 series. It's a very underrated camera system, and I use my F6 all the time.

[@MomentsWithBirds3454]

thank you for your time @@jamesfrystak

[@TruthLegend]

Great job. We'd love to have you on our podcast if you are interested.

[@jamesfrystak]

Sounds like fun. Please send me more details.

[@HeatherCashArt]

OMG I want to be you 😍

[@jamesfrystak]

Hahaha. You be you and that’s the best.

[@HeatherCashArt]

@@jamesfrystak 🥰