my first thought is always my background which I think is the most important thing

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

It certainly can make or break an image so I agree with you on that 👍🏻

Again you've pulled another cracking video out of the bag stunning shots again dan loved it

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

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

Super video Mark and super images i love the Kestrels and jays thank you again love the way you process the images aswell

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much David, really appreciate it. Just a little point, my names Dan not Mark 😂 All the best 👍🏻

Beautiful footage! I can shoot Kestrels and Bluebirds 7 days a week but all that there is for them to land on out in the fields is power lines so it makes for lackluster pictures. They’re amazing and cute though 😻

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much I appreciate it. I know what you mean about power lines and photographs not looking great. If the land owner allows it, it may be worth putting in some posts to see if they perch on them over time? All the very best 👍🏻

YEAH GO ON DANNY ❤️❤️❤️❤️🎀🎀🎀🎀💕💕💕🤍🤍🤍🤍🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸😍😍😍😍😍

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 😊😊😊

Yet another wonderful video! That was great!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Cheers Jon, really appreciate your comment and continued support. All the best 👍🏻

Proud to say that the man who built this hide is my uncle, even prouder to say I've helped with a few bits round the hide. Nice video and I will now be subscribing.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much for your comment and your sub it’s really appreciated. A lot of hard work, time and dedication has gone into making this hide what it is today and I appreciate every person who has helped in making this happen. You definitely should be proud of your uncle 👍🏻

@randomtransportguyx4397

6 ай бұрын

@@danwillis_photography oh I am

Fantastic video Dan, would be great to see more post production please!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much, definitely something that I intend on doing more of in my videos as this has been well received. All the best 👍🏻

Another belting and informative vlog. stunning images as usual. I need to get back up there. cheers Dan, all the best for 2024.

@danwillis_photography

5 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Daz, it’s such a fantastic place isn’t it. Don’t think it will be too long before I return 👍🏻

@dazeaton5492

5 ай бұрын

your welcome mate. I look forward to your next video.@@danwillis_photography

Only just found your channel yesterday an it’s my favourite all ready fantastic stuff 👏👏 best uk channel I’ve come across

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Matt, that’s a fantastic compliment. I’m glad you are enjoying the channel. All the best for the new year 👍🏻

I really like your style of presentation and you approach editing as I do , great stuff .

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Cheers John I really appreciate your comment and support 👍🏻

Great video again Dan. Yorkshire Photography Hides are really good. I was there recently just a few days after you and very impressed.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Cheers Sean, Mick has a fantastic setup doesn’t he. Glad you had a good experience. All the best 👍🏻

Fantastic foties Dan.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Cheers Andrew, appreciate it 👍🏻

This adventure was really cool. Those kestrels are gorgeous and they look a little bigger than the American kestrel. It’s amazing that something that looks so adorable is an efficient predator.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Freeman, always appreciated. They are slightly larger than the American Kestrel but nowhere near as colourful. I know what you mean about adorable killers. The male in this video is an absolute assassin! All the best 👍🏻

@wesb123

6 ай бұрын

I’ve seen the wee little AK’s pursue, boop and run off mature Redtails. There’s just something extra special about Falcons 🤩

Great video Dan, a beautiful bird.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much mate 👍🏻

Fantstic Dan well done 👌

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much mate, all the best for 2024 👍🏻

Hi Dan, great video, I did laugh when you moved because the background wasn't quite what you wanted, because when I visited the hide I was own my own and did exactly what you did. I am so fussy about backgrounds, and I know sometimes they can't be helped as getting the subject is more important, but I do hate cluttered backgrounds.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Tony, I’m glad it’s not just me that gets fussy about backgrounds. They really can make or break an image. All the very best mate 👍🏻

Gonna have to get me booked in with Mick soon - Nice to see some editing advice and don't know how many images I have chucked away through lack of catchlight in the eye - now I know what to do next time. Hope Pops had a good time up in Scotland, I am booked in with Alan in Dumfries and Galloway, quickly followed with Cumbria hide too - cant wait. All the best for the New year both you and Pops.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much mate, glad the editing advice was useful. Pops and me were in Cumbria hide yesterday, it was an absolutely fantastic day with 3 visits from the sparrowhawk in torrential rain. You are no doubt gonna have a fantastic time with that and Alan’s hides. All the very best for the new year 👍🏻

Great stuff Dan, you an Pop,s have a great xmas..cheers Den

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Cheers Den, hope you and yours also have a fantastic Xmas 👍🏻

Great upload Dan, so pleased you mentioned “pops” was elsewhere enjoying himself and not poorly 👍 I thought it was great how you showed your approach to the editing process to overcome the elements. Out of interest did you do anything with your video ? Personally I thought it looked fine and gave all of us a real sense of being there 👌 in fact, I would have loved to have joined you as your dad was in Scotland.Thank you so much for sharing your passion and knowledge. Phil. Perhaps I’ll get in touch with you shortly for a catch up, if that’s ok !!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Phil. I don’t do a huge amount of colour editing with my videos other than a basic colour correction. Always up for a catchup mate 👍🏻

Great video!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much 👍🏻

Top man, great footage, will def put it in my to do list.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Albert, appreciate it 👍🏻

Great stuff again Dan and a great insight into how to photograph in the snow and fog. Thought the post processing piece was really informative as well.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Ian, always enjoy receiving and reading your comments. All the very best 👍🏻

@ianwilsonwildlifephotography

6 ай бұрын

@@danwillis_photography no worries Dan. Watching the post processing part made me wonder if you’d ever thought of doing some for your viewers in general? I’m sure, as I would be, they’d be interested to see what you do with your images to improve them. Regards Ian

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

@@ianwilsonwildlifephotography I’m glad that you raised this Ian. I thought of putting this one in to test the water and it has been well received so I think it’s something I would definitely consider putting out 👍🏻

@ianwilsonwildlifephotography

6 ай бұрын

@@danwillis_photography that’s great nice one Dan. I’m abit of a novice on post processing so would be a great help. 👍

Evening Dan, any images or footage of raptors are my bag, and as stated in previous comments I am just a snapper, nevertheless I still enjoy the technical aspects you also feature, as you make them interesting, since watching your channel I've also started to watching other wildlife film photography videos but not many of them do I stay with. You have got the right balance with the way you put your videos over, thanks for tonight's episode, magic as usual.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks Derek, that's a fantastic comment to read as I try very hard to bring about that balance and have a very strong critic (my wife) sat at the side of me who challenges everything I do with the channel. Always appreciate your comments and your continued support for the channel. All the very best

Your teaching skills are on parade with the lightroom tutorial explaining how to conquer atmospheric mist. Your editing of the videos is so professional. So enjoyable. I hope Pops is well. We haven't seen him lately. Happy Holidays.

@pjbateman406

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the Pops update at the end!!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thank you very much that’s a fantastic compliment. Pops is doing great, we often struggle to find time to get out together especially in the winter months as the weather is shocking. No doubt he will be back soon. All the best 👍🏻

Another top video Dan, Yorkshire Wildlife hides really are great, I'm fortunate that they are literally 5 minutes from my Daughters house, so have been a few times with my Son in-law. Mick really is a top bloke and his hard work is very evident every time we go!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Cheers Chris, you are very lucky indeed to have daughter’s house so close. I would be visiting the hide as regularly as possible if it was that little bit closer. Mick really is a top bloke 👍🏻

Great entertainment Dan especially the footage of the pheasant and kestrel on the telegraph pole.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much, really appreciate it. All the very best

As usual, fantastic video. My question is this: do you use frozen or thawed mice for bait? Regards, Adam

@danwillis_photography

2 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Adam. In regard to your question about the mice, these are provided by the hide owner. They are not frozen but possibly thawed instead of fresh? Hope this answers your question 👍🏻

Another great video Dan, beautiful shots & good insight into your editing process. I moved into the Cambrian Mountains a few months ago & already have a resident pair of Sparrowhawks in the garden so just waiting for that snow!…

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Mark. The Cambrian Mountains is a stunning part of Wales I’m very jealous. All the best and good luck with those sparrowhawks 👍🏻

Another quality video Dan. One of my favourite birds to photograph

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much David, I must admit that they are also one of mine. All the very best 👍🏻

I am visiting the hide in just 4 days and cant wait!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Cheers Jonathon, hope you have a fantastic experience. I am certain that you will

Great one Dan. I am really jealous - a) you have this great hide facility within reach and b) you have opportunities for snow!!! Down here in Sussex, snow is a real rarity - usually no more than a few hours light scattering per year! Hey-ho!!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Brian, always enjoy reading your comments mate. I’m sure what you lack in snow you make up for in abundance of wildlife opportunities. Sussex is a fantastic part of the country 👍🏻

Another great video Dan and looking forward to giving this hide a go in the New Year. Quick question though.. I may have missed it in a previous video, but where did you purchase the neoprene cover for your 400mm lens?

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Paul, you will not be disappointed it’s a fantastic hide. The lens cover is from a company called Roland Pro and I bought it from Ali Express although you can get it from Amazon but slightly more expensive 👍🏻

Yet another great video Dan. That short spell with the snow made for a nice change photography wise. I feel a trip North next time it snows will be on the cards. Thanks also for the editing tips. Take care . Ted Nottm.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Ted really appreciate your comment. The snow is definitely something I look forward to every winter as it definitely brings that something different to images. Nottingham is a fantastic part of the country though and the Attenborough reserve is very special. All the very best

Absolutely amazing vlog and yet another spectacular image. It shame that pops was there mate

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much John, always appreciate your comments and support.

Great stuff Dan, the tutorial was really interesting and thanks again for posting such valuable camera info.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

My absolute pleasure Gerald and thank you very much for your comments and continued support mate I really appreciate it 👍🏻

Dan, fabulous video and shots of the kestrels! They are bigger than the American ones, but that pheasant is monstrous compared to them. No wonder the kestrel took off. Fog and haze are so difficult to deal with. I usually just use dehaze but will have to try your method out next time!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

I must say I absolutely adore the American Kestrel, what an awesome little raptor it is with stunning colouration. Thanks very much for your comment, I’m glad that you found the editing section useful. All the very best 👍🏻

Great video Dan and the processing part was interesting and useful. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Xmas.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Clive, hope you and your family also have a fantastic Xmas mate 👍🏻

hello Dan, a good video and very good images, your explanations about ligthroom and adobe are interesting but how do you do it for videos? Thank you

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Jean Louis, always appreciate your support. I will definitely consider a video editing project in the coming weeks. This was just testing the water to see if people are interested. All the best 👍🏻

Top work again Dan!!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Mick, really appreciate it

Lovely video Dan. Considering a trip over during the Christmas break if I can drag myself away from those SEO’s. Interesting what you were saying with backgrounds. It’s something i was told to be cautious with at Alan McFadyen’s kingfisher hide. It really is something that needs to be considered in a hide. If I’d gone with my original seat I’d have had a big tree ruining the background.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Cheers Dave, always appreciate your kind words and support. Backgrounds is definitely something that is often overlooked but definitely comes back to bite you in the future, especially in competitions. I can thoroughly recommend Yorkshire Photography Hide mate, Mick has and exceptional setup and has really put a lot of time and effort into the setup. All the best mate

Great video, Dan, with some lovely footage. Look forward to seeing Pops next time. Have messaged you on Instagram with a possible new location.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for your comment and your coffees Debbie, really appreciate it. I have just checked Instagram and can't see a comment, hopefully it will come through soon.

Awesome video again Dan. Just a quick question. Does Mick put baits out for the Kestrels?

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Mick. Yes he does put baits out for the kestrels. Interestingly though they actively (and recently caught) the song birds that come to his feeders though despite bait being present. Something I also witnessed at Alan McFadden and Cumbria wildlife hides with the sparrowhawks. All the best

@mickbear413

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the quick reply to my question mate. I'm going to pay the hides a visit sometime in January. I also loved your advice about Lightroom as well. Keep up the great work Dan. Take care mate, and I hope that you and yours have a great Christmas. @@danwillis_photography

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

@@mickbear413 cheers mate 👍🏻

Hi Dan, I stumbled upon one of your videos a month or two ago and have subscribed as your enthusiasm and presentation is infectious, I am so jealous of some of the images that I have seen truly tremendous. It's also great to see the time you spend with Pop's great memories for both of you to share. After seeing your Red Fox video myself and two other friends from the same camera club have booked to go next summer so really looking forward to that. I am also going to check out the Yorkshire hides that you have been going to that looks really good. One of the things that myself and the other guys really appreciate is that you don't hide the fact where you are getting your images lots of KZread Photography channels don't divulge where they are so Kudos to you mate. I just have a question about your editing whenever I edit a noisy image I get rid of the noise before doing the rest of the editing as I think why edit the noise, so just wondering why you do it that way. Anyway looking forward to your next video Dan they have all been top quality viewing keep up the great work really appreciated.

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Thanks very much Kevin I really appreciate it. The fox hide experience is fantastic, Dave who runs it is a fantastic guy and he is also a great photographer. I can thoroughly recommend Yorkshire Photography Hides, Mick really puts a lot of time and effort into the hide and it really pays off for the clients. In response to your question about editing, I always de-noise last because when it comes to editing in Lightroom, especially bring details out of shadows, you do this and introduce noise back into the image. Topaz will only analyse the noise present in the image and won’t recognise this noise as you haven’t introduced it yet. I must say though that’s only my thoughts mate, I am certainly not an expert and it maybe more effective to de-noise at the start. I will look into that over the coming weeks. Thanks again for your comment and support it’s really appreciated. All the very best 👍🏻

Hi Dan Hope you can help , I've been fascinated with your channel especially the goshawks kestrels red kites perragrine falcons etc, I've just got my panasonic lumix g2 back out of the cupboard , not the same standard or quality as yours , I don't understand when and how to work the aperature out f2 f5 f7 etc , watching you I've learnt a good place to start is between f4 to f6.5 I've now set mine at f5 , I've also got a 45mm to 200mm lens , do I get a x2 converter or do I buy a new 500mm or 1000mm lens if available for mine Hope you can help Thanks

@danwillis_photography

2 ай бұрын

Hi Colin, thanks for your comment and support. I will do my best to answer your questions. First off f-stop! I tend to shoot wide open, so that means that I use the smallest f stop which in turn means that the aperture blades are open wide letting in as much of the available light as possible. The payoff (and there is always a payoff) is depth of field, the wider the aperture the shallower the depth of field. This then tells you what I do next. For subjects that require a greater depth of field I increase the aperture which in turn increases the depth of field but allows less light in. The sacrifice here is either shutter speed or ISO. As for purchasing new kit, I would always consider new glass (longer length) over teleconverters if you can afford it. Teleconverters always degrade the sharpness of your images. Hope this helps and all the best 👍🏻

Hi Dan, asking for a friend - do you run 1 to 1 workshops? If so what's the best way of them getting in touch with you? Thanks!

@danwillis_photography

6 ай бұрын

Hi Ben, I do offer 1:1 workshops. If you’re interested then please drop me an email on dannwillis79@gmail.com 👍🏻

Interesting to see your post production techniques. Conditions were clearly terrible for photography.

@danwillis_photography

3 ай бұрын

Thanks John, I've certainly been in better conditions. All the best