Photographing Herons with a Tragopan V6 Blind

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Photographing Herons with a Tragopan V6 Blind

Рет қаралды 18,060

Күн бұрын

One of the biggest challenges in wildlife photography is getting close to subjects. A photography blind is one of the most important tools in a wildlife photographer's arsenal for getting into camera range in places that would otherwise be impossible and to shoot in places where no one else is shooting - a local woodlot, marsh, or your own backyard bird feeders. A good photography blind also minimizes your impact on wildlife providing intimate opportunities to shoot natural undisturbed behavior.
In this Field Vlog, I take a Tragopan V6 Photography Blind to an Oregon wetland to shoot a Great Blue Heron and Great Egret feeding frenzy.
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I am a Wildlife Photographer and Cinematographer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a Senior Fellow at the International League of Conservation Photographers and have been photographing birds and wildlife professionally for the last 25 years. I am best known for my work documenting endangered birds and conservation issues around the world including the enigmatic Spoon-billed Sandpiper. My book, The Living Bird, was a New York Times Bestseller and National Outdoor Book Award winner and my work is published regularly in magazines including National Geographic, BBC Wildlife and Audubon. My work has also been featured in media outlets including NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, Morning Edition, and The New York Times. My film work has been featured in the PBS Nature series and in film festivals including Jackson Wild, Mountain Film, and the Banff World Tour.

Пікірлер: 106

@six66red14 2 жыл бұрын

Merci pour cette vidéo, du Luxembourg, +1A.

@andreak4280 Ай бұрын

Another great day out with nature’s beauty/gifts to us to enjoy & protect. outstanding captures 😍🫶🏼

@GerritVyn Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@chrisjmiller6 2 жыл бұрын

Every photographer should be lucky enough to experience a day like this. It's difficult to explain to people who aren't photographers. Nice work all around. The egret photos were excellent.

@TaraTanaka 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for emphasizing the importance of not flushing birds from feeding. Opportunities like that don't come often for them, and they need every minute to take advantage of them. I especially loved the image at 16:47. The universe rewarded you handsomely for your extra care :-).

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tara! It was quite and awesome experience and is so rewarding to be a part of it without causing any disturbance!

@amynelson9499 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent!!!

@vladepast4936 2 жыл бұрын

I think I know the place you were taking pictures at... I like it too. Noce video! Thank you for sharing!

@johnhynd8037 6 ай бұрын

G'day Gerrit,I'm from Bendigo Victoria Australia thoroughly enjoyed your video the grey herons and white egrets are two of my favourite birds, I use a Canon R7 mirrorless with R600 and R800 lens and 150-600 zoom Tamron g2 lens walking around lake's and reservoirs, and wetlands but after seeing your hide set up I will be looking out for one, Thanks again for your video you got some great shots 👌

@GerritVyn 4 ай бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@demitimmer4805 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Gerrit

@StGeorgeSaint 2 жыл бұрын

GLORIOUS GLORIOS SHOTS Gerrit!!! I absolutely loved them. (and I love my V6 hide as well - have all the same attachments. Use it at the lakes here in Staten Island the few occasions that I'm able to wrangle some free time)

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Walkinginthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely vlog. It looks like a tough place to be a fish.

@MsMarciamae 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice and informative Vlog

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@jeffkatzer 2 жыл бұрын

That was fun, I watched it from my backyard bird blind.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Nice! Good luck!

@dannyswildlife 8 ай бұрын

"It's perfect. It's beyond perfect. It's perfect." I think that's a fair assessment! I thoroughly enjoyed the video! Thank you for sharing!

@GerritVyn 8 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@craigmitchell905 2 жыл бұрын

very nice man, i will watch some more

@jimclark8283 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gerrit! Enjoyed the journey!

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jim. Glad you enjoyed!

@noelhewitt7434 2 жыл бұрын

Just got yourself a new sub.. really enjoyed this vlog..

@robertbernard9546 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@digidraxe8052 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed your video and found it helpful. Thanks.

@michealpociecha8351 Жыл бұрын

Nice video. Well done. Look forward to more. Thanks.

@johnepattison 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been hoping for more than a year that you’d do something on KZfaq. I’ve only been doing photography for about 18 months - I’m down in Silverton, not far from Portland - and your book has been my guidebook for bird photography. I also have a Tragopan blind. At the same time, I’ve learned a lot on KZfaq and I’m super glad you’re on here now. This was really informative and inspiring.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the kind note, John. Much appreciated and glad to hear my book has been helpful to you in your new journey photographing birds!

@theolinol Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video thank you

@GerritVyn Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@digger360 Жыл бұрын

Love the video .. will vhave to look into one of these style hides

@GerritVyn Жыл бұрын

They’re the best!

@GaborRuff 2 жыл бұрын

Great video and awesome photos. I'm looking forward to watching more vlogs like this.

@calebwalsh4834 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid mate, I learnt a tonne of tips and tricks. Next purchase a blind.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Caleb!

@airsearescueguy 2 жыл бұрын

Solid first effort Gerrit, looking forward to seeing your next work. Will look up your book. Cheers, Bruce

@benwilliams9627 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video Gerrit. I really learned a lot and I know what’s on my shopping list for xmas.

@arniecoons5686 Жыл бұрын

GREAT VID! thanks for both the techniques and the inspiration.

@robertlawrence7958 2 жыл бұрын

A superb set of images. Excellent video too.

@turnstone146 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for this. If you do a future video on raptors it would be very much of interest, especially in prairie or agricultural environments!

@georgelepp 2 жыл бұрын

Gerrit: A wonderful Vlog that really shows how your blind works. I've been looking at the V6 and wanted more info, and this really gives excellent info. I like your ethic and methods. I will be following your Vlog as you continue on. This is the kind of field info that serious photographers should be willing to pay for...at least maybe they'll buy your blinds when they see the results. You kept my attention, and that isn't easy after doing this for 50+ years.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, George. Vlogging is quite laborious so the feedback is much appreciated! Especially from someone with your years and years of experience. Thank you!

@briansmall3090 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff Gerrit..............would love to see you do one when you go out to photograph owls someday.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Brian. Will think on that one.

@bruceterrill8730 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing vlog, absolutely loved the footage and the content. I purchased your book a while back and love your ethical approach to bird photography and now that we have, finally, seen the second vlog on the Great Grey Owls, I'm looking forward to a steady stream of vlogs from you. You offer a teaching style and ethical approach that few vloggers can match these days. Please continue posting and I will certainly keep watching. Bruce, Ballarat, Australia.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks you very much, Bruce. Great to hear this kind of feedback! I only have limited time for vlogging but will do my best!

@myronrayevasco2344 10 ай бұрын

super duper video i learn a lot from this.

@GerritVyn 10 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@JonathanMikulich 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. My comment: simply more informative vids. Perhaps a Lightroom session in the future.

@joncothranphotography9375 2 жыл бұрын

I love getting images of herons and other water birds. Thanks for sharing! We seem to have similar ideas about wildlife! Great looking blind!

@trondwestby5264 2 жыл бұрын

Love your work Gerrit! So I was glad to see your vlogging. Looking forward to the next one. All the best!

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Trond! It's not as easy as you make it look :) Hopefully I'll find time to do one every now and then!

@patroque2388 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Gerrit!

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pat!

@user-is2to5fl6o 9 ай бұрын

Great video.

@GerritVyn 9 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@trishmccallister Жыл бұрын

Super helpful video! I love that this blind allows you to shoot low as well as seated.

@fixitright9709 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah here in Florida at least for me you can get pretty close to the great egret, snowy egrets a little shy but the great blue heron can be difficult.

@thomastuorto9929 2 жыл бұрын

Good vid. Some great photos. You ever set up a floating blind? I wish I owned that lens.

@denischasse3567 2 жыл бұрын

very effective ! I am waiting for mine which will arrive soon I hope !! can't wait to try it out! i just received the floating model from austria! it's very effective too 👍 thanks for your great video my friend! Merci! 🎥🎥🎥

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Sure thing. Good luck out there Denis!

@garyshackelford4474 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the perspective you bring to this vlog, especially your thoughtful preparation prior to a shoot and your use of blinds. Most of us do not live in places like Florida where the birds and other wildlife are accustomed to human presence, so your vlog is a welcome addition to the body of online resources for field nature photography. I own your book. It is loaded with useful information.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Gary! With all of the photographers out there these days it's more important than ever to find ways to reduce our cumulative impact. Blinds are a great way for folks to spread out and reduce disturbance. Appreciate the note!

@htorres1stk 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Inspiring to say the least... Thank you

@GiuseppeGessa 2 жыл бұрын

Great pictures!! I've got an old Tragopan photo-blind and the new Hokki v3, for photographing birds close to the ground, but your photo-blind I think is better for a general purpose use, water-birds as well

@quidquamquaero5694 4 ай бұрын

Very inspiring video. Thanks.

@GerritVyn 4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@michaellyons5208 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, great shots. New sub. I haven't had the cash for purchasing a blind, but I plan to DIY one and see how it goes.

@rfritz1267 2 жыл бұрын

This is a beautiful Vlog! I have been researching this blind for quite some time and you made a very informative video from start to finish that definitely enhanced my decision to purchase this and get back out into nature. Thanks so much!

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comment, glad you found it inspiring!

@andywessels4719 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!! I live in South Carolina and Egrets and Herons are always on the (photography) menu!! (I even put a video together with a compilation of photos I took over the last year or so). I really like the idea of a blind to get closer and to avoid disturbing the habitat. My back issues pretty much prevent me of lying down on my belly to take photos from a low perspective (they look great), but I am sure that I'd be getting some great shot from a sitting position as well....... Subscribed and hope to see a lot more content from you!!

@ChrisMosner 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent! I own the same blind sans the leg extension. Going to look into adding that to my kit. New subscriber!

@pseudophotog Жыл бұрын

Really appreciate the format , especially the explanation of your fieldcraft to design your shooting opportunity and the close-up Dowitcher is magnificent!

@GerritVyn Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. Appreciate the positive feedback!

@mondujar279 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, I am retiring in one week after which I will have a lot more time to pursue my bird photography. We have a heronry locally in the UK with egrets aswell, I will be heading there again when they are nesting! Thanks for sharing your experience

@richardschmidtke6453 2 жыл бұрын

Well that is a solid start to the channel. I really like the educational component you bring. Look forward to seeing many more. Finally got my blind and can't wait to start using it.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks and good luck out there!

@jasonnorris767 2 жыл бұрын

My blind just came as well and your insight for an amateur like me is so valuable. Please keep the vids coming. Thanks, Gerrit!

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jason! Good luck out there!

@davefram4653 11 ай бұрын

Very nice tutorial and images. Shutter was quite loud. Apparently that isn't as much of a problem as I thought it might be. I always shoot silently but perhaps I don't need to.

@GerritVyn 10 ай бұрын

A silent shutter is definitely preferable! I'm loving that about the new mirrorless camera systems!

@tolga_cicek 2 жыл бұрын

Greetings from Turkey. This is an awesome content and the results are incredible. Blind is one of the best thing to take this kind of photos. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. I hope you keep up this videos.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Tolga. Much apprecaited!

@thatsricktoyou2245 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Gerrit. Very interesting video. I do have a few comments and questions. 1. Setting up your blind on day 1 and leaving it overnight is something that I really like, BUT, I also live in the Portland area and there are not many publicly accessible areas where I would personally leave my blind unattended overnight. Did you camp out close to the blind or did you really leave it all alone for rascals to play with (or take)? 2. You have an attachment on the back of your camera, what is it? Seems to be a viewfinder extension? 3. Which mounting rig/tripod do you use when you are shooting on the ground? 4. Why does your lens have a different camo jacket than the one that you sell on your website? Seems like a missed opportunity to advertise one of your other products. 5. Which equipment are you using to capture your vlog? 6. It would seem, with transparency in mind, that you might want to tell the viewers that you are indeed the proprietor of Tragopan...just saying. 7. I own several of your products and am always anxious to see what you are selling to those of us that want to get close to nature. I'm impressed with your products, with a few small caveats, but I'm a nitpicker (it seems). Thanks for the vlog. Very enjoyable. I also liked the other videos that you've put on your channel. Nice job! Rick

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rick, I judged this place to be safe to leave the blind overnight but yes it is obviously a concern in some places. The camera attachment is part of a Zacuto Z-finder viewfinder I use for video shooting. I use a skimmer ground pod with a gimbal head on the ground. Sometimes I'll just use a beanbag. I shot the vlog with a combo of Nikon D850, Panasonic GH5, and GoPro.

@thatsricktoyou2245 2 жыл бұрын

@@GerritVyn Thanks Gerrit. I appreciate the info on your gear, very much. Rick

@michellestewart7494 Жыл бұрын

New to your channel...awesome shots!.

@danielknapp3267 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to put together an informative and extremely helpful video for all of us to enjoy. Your book has also been a great help with lots of insight into how to ethically photograph wildlife. Question: how do you deal with other people disturbing birds (not intentionally) at public locations? Do you primarily shoot on private or public land? How do you talk to land owners to access private land?

@friendsinnaturevideosbydia8178 2 жыл бұрын

This is great, Gerrit. I'm researching blinds for bird and other wildlife photography. I'm wondering how you decide on a location where can you put up a blind the day before without it being stolen or squatted in? many areas I photograph can get a bit of foot traffic. I'm planning to scout out my location(s) & get out before sunrise to set up the blind. Will that work as well? I also feel the need to put a note on the blind - photographing, not camping, please don't disturb.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Hi there, I just use my judgment based on the visibility of the blind and how heavily an area is used. If I'm in a spot where it is likely to be seen and/or stolen I do as you suggest and arrive early very in the morning (if the species/location being shot requires it) to put the blind up. I would usually pick my location beforehand, however.

@edwfd356 2 ай бұрын

You should try this here in Florida we’ve got thousand# of blue herons and egrets

@GerritVyn 2 ай бұрын

Always a great place for wading birds!

@churchsnaturescenes7864 2 жыл бұрын

Cool video! Do you ever photograph deer? If so be real awesome to see you do a video on photographing deer

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Will put it on my list :)

@SwanSycorax 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks. However, you really confused me - talking about a "blind". I saw the title of your video and watched because I had no idea what you might be promoting. Now I have watched I realise it is what we call and see advertised in the UK a "hide"!! I am very envious that you have somewhere where you are clearly remote from other people and feel you can set up and leave the hide unattended. Here in the south of the UK we are so over-populated I cannot think of anywhere where I would feel comfortable leaving one unattended and secondly, if I was set up, just as you have, I can guarantee that I would be quietly sitting / lying in the hide, watching for photo opportunities, and within minutes some passer by would come along and call out "Are you taking photographs in there?" or some other such unnecessary question, or else some dog owner will come along letting their "pet" frighten the birds and/or wee against the side of the hide!!! The pleasures of trying to be a wildlife photographer in the south of the UK!!! I am very jealous!!

@fotografiabymiguel 2 жыл бұрын

Timing is everything, my new blind showed up, then this video appears on my YT feed. Love it :) Great process you have here Gerrit. Leaving the blind unattended may not be ideal. Have you found much success with scouting the day before, then returning prior to sunrise, setting up for the shoot and obtaining good results?

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Miguel, yes, for many situations setting up in the morning works too. However, sometimes, it's much easier to sneak into a blind that is already setup then to potentially flush birds setting up pre-dawn (if you are in a spot with lots of birds already present).

@fotografiabymiguel 2 жыл бұрын

@@GerritVyn I can certainly understand the pro's of sneaking into a blind that was set up ahead of time. Appreciate the response.

@kennethcaird3892 Жыл бұрын

Gerrit: Great vlog! Where did you get that yellow fold-up ground mat?

@GerritVyn Жыл бұрын

Its a backpacking mat. I believe that one is made by thermarest.

@cliftonwhittaker260 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent equipment and photo technique for these wonderful shots. Only thing I would wish to change a bit on your vlog is less emphasis on you and more on the birds. What I mean by that is when you are talking about birds landing and/or wading around your blind I would like to see the birds while you are talking about them. Instead, what I am seeing is you. You're a handsome enough man but I would rather be watching birds while listening to you. I will give it a "like" and subscribe because it is obvious you know what you are doing out there.

@GerritVyn 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed!!