Yes to wildlife too! I have a question about the focus for bee shot... you said you went to manual focus but then when the baby came you released and went back to auto focus. Is this because you wanted auto focus in case the bee moved or does it not automatically switch back to auto focus? Why not keep in manual? Amazing shots and yes Attenborough like thoroughness in your descriptions too!!😉👍 makes the videos even more enjoyable with the great story line. Thanks.
How do you only have 33k Subscribers? Your narration style & image quality is outstanding and I look forward to everything you put on CZcams. Keep up this excellent work and you never know I may fly over someday from the UK for one of your workshops & take a vacation at the same time!!
I too have a kayak and have taken my Nikon out with me on the Niagara river in New York. It is so much fun being at water level for the photography. Your right, the birds don't seem to mind the kayak being near them. Thanks for the great images and narration. All your videos are so well done!
Photography from a kayak open up so much more when you become part of the aquatic world...I am glad u enjoy your time in your kayak and didn’t get eaten by an alligator!
The large lily is a Lotus , rare to find in lakes, usually waterlilies.. big pads.. lovely closer pics all around.. be careful... alilgators.. whew... good snowy egrets, but love the snail hawk evolving.. that was new... thanks so much. !
I love taking photos from a kayak. I see so much more wildlife than I do on foot. Great job especially on the kingfisher photos; I have been trying to get shots like that here in VA for a long time.
As always Mark I enjoyed your video and look forward to your postings. Colorado has had a lot of snow, but it is starting to melt in the high country, and I was able to get up to 11000 feet the other day with no problems. The high-country ponds have been filled with many species of waterfowl and several other birds. The landscape is beautiful with all the wildflowers coming out. We haven’t had this much moisture for a long time, and it is great to see the lakes full. The kayak was a great idea and it sure makes it easier to get closer to those amazing birds. I have a little boat I bought a few years ago for the exact same reason and it works great. I’ve been thinking about getting one of those Twin Troller X10 that way you can control the boat with just your feet. I especially like the bee’s in this one but the snow egret is an awesome bird.
Yep, I also loved shooting from our kayaks. Wildlife reacts differently when your in a kayak and enables you to get closer. Love your work, greatly entertaining.
Mark, I think the late Tom Ulrich would take a bow to your work. Ulrich was as good as they come. You and the technology are beautifully wed. Thank you for sharing.
I enjoy your narration as much as the photography. Snowy Great and Miniature White Egrets are prevalent along the San Francisco bay mud flats and inlets. Masters of balletic grace. But I have never scene them dance across the water. What a treat. One day we will meet. ~ your neighbor
Waterfowl and seabirds are great to photograph, beautiful birds against interesting backdrops. That was a great idea to purchase a Kayak, getting closer to those birds really paid off. Great video as usual Mark.
Fantastic shots Mark, and the kayak is obviously a great tool for you. When I was stationed at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota years ago, I tried something similar with a fisherman's float tube, got the camo version and some waterproof waders, and built a blind over the top of it all. Very carefully waded out (I was scared of slipping, with my brand-new 300 f4 D and used F-4), but eventually made my way out to the middle of the "lake".... where I was STILL only calf-deep in water! I bet I looked pretty damn silly out there. Made my way back to the truck, and the skin on my arms, neck and head were more mosquito bite than clear skin. Quite the misadventure....
Yet another extremely enjoyable journey with Mark Smith. If you're ever looking for a short video idea I'd love to see how you set yourself up to shoot from the kayak, bags, supports, etc. I've always been a big leery of taking out expensive gear in small boats but I'm likely missing out on a lot of great chances to get closer to wildlife.
You would laugh if you saw how I set things up. I sit down, put the camera in my and paddle. When a photo opp arises, I pick up the camera and shoot. Pure and simple.
Another great video Mark, looks like your new equipment is going to be an excellent addition. I am looking forward to more on the water videos. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, this is one of the best bird photography videos I have seen. Such great shots, wonderfully explained. I have had a Native Watercraft Marvel 14.5 for years and love it. Looking forward to more of your videos. So inspiring. Thanks!
Great shots of the birds from an excellent low vantage point. I think my favorites were the Snowy Egrets "walking" on water but the best was the one with the dreamy reflection. The shots of the bees were also great, with amazing detail!
Love watching your video's. Your Passion for wildlife and where you go is very different to my stomping ground in Highlands of Scotland . Looking foreword to next one.
As an absolute bird lover and photography enthusiast, your videos resonate with me at a sub-atomic level!! Thank you very much for your work, from New Zealand (a country with unique bird life on its own, just in case...)
Yes, Mark I liked your A9 segment since I am headed in that direction. That explanation about the Snail Kite's adaptation is a-May-zing. I am wary about using my gear in a kayak because I flipped one in a very strong current and lost my camera (a Canon 7D) even though it was in a wet bag. I am happy to hear that yours is a very stable kayak, especially cruising among alligators!
I really enjoy your enthusiasm and the way you explain - I always check how you set your cam for certain picture. can't wait for the next one. Unfortunately, we don't have such areas in Switzerland ;-(
I didn't expect to see those honeybee shots, and they were gorgeous. I'm constantly amazed at the quality of photographs you are able to get. Around here our crows get harassed by filthy starlings, so I guess what goes around comes around. Loved the vultures, one of my favorite birds. Now that you have that nifty kayak, you need to look into acquiring an underwater drone. 🙂
I start to cry right now, looking at my Nikon D700 only with manual focus 300mm f4.5 (with the old, hard focus). I have some good photos, but yours are one of the best. Thank you for the videos, I enjoy them very much!
So interesting and WoW! I luv all your images and storytelling. What a great entertainer you always are! Kayak is such a great idea. I plan to try that for my bird photography this summer. Thank you so much 😊😘
Thanks for the Kayak ride. Once again your photos are unbelievable - sharp, brilliant color, and I love the reflections that you captured. I can hardly wait to see what comes next from your new kayak perspective. Your knowledge of wildlife and the way you share it in stories helps your videos stand out way ahead of any others. Keep your eye on those gators - they are the polar opposite to the "Bees Knees" (from a Canadian who knew what that meant :o)!
Thank you for the time spent on making these videos so informative and helpful for us aspiring bird photographers. They speak volumes about your love of nature, conservation, and sharing the joy.
Mark, you will get famous soon my brother. Wherever you shoot, or whatever you shoot, the results are just simply mesmerizing. From here on i need a shot of Mark Smith's photo & videoworks every day. Keep it coming!
The best part is how you bring us right into the story with your enthusiastic Narration. I chuckle when I'm out in Nature & I swear I can hear your voice in my head, narrating the scene I'm observing. I really liked the Snowy Egret shots & the Kingfisher action. The Snail Kite observation is incredible science as well, but that up close image of GBH was amazing. The close-up of the Ring while holding the Apple Snail was my favorite part;-/ Great work as always.
As always - amazing photos and fantastic story to go with them. I think the new 'gear' has greatly enhanced the photos as it changes the perspective and allows the viewer to feel much closer to the wildlife. Thanks for the great video.
Another great video, the Snail Kite evolution is fantastic and remind me of the finches and lizards on one of the Galapagos islands that during a severe draught managed to evolve in a blink of an eye (2-3 generations) to combat the effects of the weather. I also love the crows, they have no fear whatsoever, I remember seeing 2 of them go after the biggest Red Kite I'd ever seen, poor kite didn't know what to do as they chased it round the sky! Can't wait to see the next video, they are a constant source of inspiration and make me excited for getting the kti to photograph the birds around here!
Loved this video. I came across an anhinga in Gaithersburg, Maryland last summer. No one in Maryland birder could believe it! It had a fishing lure in its bill. But it could hunt ok. It stayed around for a couple of weeks and then probably flew south. I recently bought a canoe and am anxious to use it for photographing birds. I could send you a couple of images if I had your email.
Great work. Always loved our kayaks, each of us has 2. The Hobies with pedals were amazing. Hands free. If your near Aurora. Let me know. Hope to get to Steamboat next week to fly with our balloon friends but chemos been a little tough
Your videos are amazing. It was your videos that finally convinced me to buy my D850 and I love it but still have a lot to learn and improve using it. One thing that I wish that you would do is every once in a while let us know where you are when you are photographing.
Awesome video and photos I love the education with the bee and the pollen and how easy was to manual focus with that lens. Thanks for sharing Mark we appreciate your hard work to educate us with all your camera settings to take some outstanding photos.
Mark your amazing... love the quality of your work and you ability to tell these story's with such excitement tells us how much you love what you do! that said, how are you holding up with the virus situation? i think a lot of us photographers are struggling and depressed. Thanks
American David Attenborough anyone...👌...Hope you would branch out to wildlife as well...Your videos are quite relaxing..
Thanks so much. Just spent a few weeks shooting wildlife in the west. Videos from that soon!
@@MarkSmithphotography Awesome!
Yes to wildlife too! I have a question about the focus for bee shot... you said you went to manual focus but then when the baby came you released and went back to auto focus. Is this because you wanted auto focus in case the bee moved or does it not automatically switch back to auto focus? Why not keep in manual? Amazing shots and yes Attenborough like thoroughness in your descriptions too!!😉👍 makes the videos even more enjoyable with the great story line. Thanks.
How do you only have 33k Subscribers? Your narration style & image quality is outstanding and I look forward to everything you put on CZcams. Keep up this excellent work and you never know I may fly over someday from the UK for one of your workshops & take a vacation at the same time!!
Thanks so much. Some people say, I talk too much, lol. Florida is a great place and very wild!
Mark Smith I’m booking!!! Looking forward to meeting you this fall for 3 days of shooting these amazing birds 🦅
I started following him about an year ago when he just had 12k subs .
I too have a kayak and have taken my Nikon out with me on the Niagara river in New York. It is so much fun being at water level for the photography. Your right, the birds don't seem to mind the kayak being near them. Thanks for the great images and narration. All your videos are so well done!
Photography from a kayak open up so much more when you become part of the aquatic world...I am glad u enjoy your time in your kayak and didn’t get eaten by an alligator!
The large lily is a Lotus , rare to find in lakes, usually waterlilies.. big pads..
lovely closer pics all around.. be careful... alilgators.. whew...
good snowy egrets, but love the snail hawk evolving.. that was new... thanks so much. !
Wonderful story and very good descriptions include camera datas that also help me for the own photography. Thank you for the lessons.
Wow! This might be one of my top faves!! The detail in all the segments is fascinating !! Especially blinked the bees segment! ❤
Liked not blinked..lol
Another tool in your armoury for superb images, thanks for sharing Mark 👍
I love your appreciation for nature and your photographs are awesome!
I love taking photos from a kayak. I see so much more wildlife than I do on foot. Great job especially on the kingfisher photos; I have been trying to get shots like that here in VA for a long time.
As always Mark I enjoyed your video and look forward to your postings. Colorado has had a lot of snow, but it is starting to melt in the high country, and I was able to get up to 11000 feet the other day with no problems. The high-country ponds have been filled with many species of waterfowl and several other birds. The landscape is beautiful with all the wildflowers coming out. We haven’t had this much moisture for a long time, and it is great to see the lakes full. The kayak was a great idea and it sure makes it easier to get closer to those amazing birds. I have a little boat I bought a few years ago for the exact same reason and it works great. I’ve been thinking about getting one of those Twin Troller X10 that way you can control the boat with just your feet. I especially like the bee’s in this one but the snow egret is an awesome bird.
You are the Master…. Love the way you deliver the Photos with good and interesting naratives….
Thanks
Yep, I also loved shooting from our kayaks. Wildlife reacts differently when your in a kayak and enables you to get closer. Love your work, greatly entertaining.
Mark, I think the late Tom Ulrich would take a bow to your work. Ulrich was as good as they come. You and the technology are beautifully wed. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much. That is very nice of you to say.
I enjoy your narration as much as the photography. Snowy Great and Miniature White Egrets are prevalent along the San Francisco bay mud flats and inlets. Masters of balletic grace. But I have never scene them dance across the water. What a treat. One day we will meet. ~ your neighbor
Waterfowl and seabirds are great to photograph, beautiful birds against interesting backdrops. That was a great idea to purchase a Kayak, getting closer to those birds really paid off. Great video as usual Mark.
‘Gators like bass & birds for dinner, too! Cool how that lake ecosystem is so alive!
Fantastic shots Mark, and the kayak is obviously a great tool for you.
When I was stationed at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota years ago, I tried something similar with a fisherman's float tube, got the camo version and some waterproof waders, and built a blind over the top of it all. Very carefully waded out (I was scared of slipping, with my brand-new 300 f4 D and used F-4), but eventually made my way out to the middle of the "lake".... where I was STILL only calf-deep in water! I bet I looked pretty damn silly out there. Made my way back to the truck, and the skin on my arms, neck and head were more mosquito bite than clear skin. Quite the misadventure....
Always improving on your photography and narrative style . Great pics from the d850 / 500mm combo .
Yet another extremely enjoyable journey with Mark Smith. If you're ever looking for a short video idea I'd love to see how you set yourself up to shoot from the kayak, bags, supports, etc. I've always been a big leery of taking out expensive gear in small boats but I'm likely missing out on a lot of great chances to get closer to wildlife.
You would laugh if you saw how I set things up. I sit down, put the camera in my and paddle. When a photo opp arises, I pick up the camera and shoot. Pure and simple.
Outstanding image quality. Well done!!
Simply, Mark you're one of the best of the best wildlife photographers out there.
Thanks
I so admire your sharp and beautiful images. Your skill and enthusiasm are wonderful.
Man, I really wish you would upload in 4k!! These beautiful shots and footage deserve it.
Soon
Another great video Mark, looks like your new equipment is going to be an excellent addition. I am looking forward to more on the water videos. Thanks for sharing.
Another great video photography is wonderful just love your story telling it’s like we’re along side you on your amazing trips
Incredible commentary and incredible photos Marc!
Wow, this is one of the best bird photography videos I have seen. Such great shots, wonderfully explained. I have had a Native Watercraft Marvel 14.5 for years and love it. Looking forward to more of your videos. So inspiring. Thanks!
Great shots of the birds from an excellent low vantage point. I think my favorites were the Snowy Egrets "walking" on water but the best was the one with the dreamy reflection. The shots of the bees were also great, with amazing detail!
Thanks so much
I love these videos! Thank you mark!
Great Videos, Beautiful Photos, Many Thanks For sharing.
Another amazing and crazy and wow video. Thanks Mark
Love watching your video's. Your Passion for wildlife and where you go is very different to my stomping ground in Highlands of Scotland . Looking foreword to next one.
As an absolute bird lover and photography enthusiast, your videos resonate with me at a sub-atomic level!! Thank you very much for your work, from New Zealand (a country with unique bird life on its own, just in case...)
11:20 and 11:30 - stellar photos.
Loved the adventure in the kayak and the shots that resulted.. The splashdown shots as the birds go fishing are world class!!!
Yes, Mark I liked your A9 segment since I am headed in that direction. That explanation about the Snail Kite's adaptation is a-May-zing. I am wary about using my gear in a kayak because I flipped one in a very strong current and lost my camera (a Canon 7D) even though it was in a wet bag. I am happy to hear that yours is a very stable kayak, especially cruising among alligators!
Another excellent video Mark.
thanks
That Snowy Egret shot with the painterly reflection is my favorite!
Such wonderful and relaxing video. As always, outstanding work.
Great video, as always, Mark, I love the snowy egrets, those reflections and amazing poses are brilliant.
Mark, I have enjoyed two of your videos and your story telling. Amazing photography I am subscribing to a workshop.
Excellent photo story as always. Always looking forward to a new one. Thank you for all you share!
Thanks
Awesome. As always.
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing this Mark, another fantastic video.
Another awesome video Mark !
Thanks!
The whole video was awesome! You are brave being in the water with those gators!!!
I really enjoy your enthusiasm and the way you explain - I always check how you set your cam for certain picture. can't wait for the next one. Unfortunately, we don't have such areas in Switzerland ;-(
As always “ Fantastic “ just can’t get enough of your videos. Thanks Dave Isler
Thanks!
Amazing images! Each shot is superb!
Awesome video Mark. Inspiring video 👍👍👍
Birdlife in Florida is simply amazing! Thanks for sharing this Mark!
Love the detail on the great blue heron close-up! Gotta get the d850 one day.
Such a great photographer and storyteller! I am amazed by your work, thanks a lot for sharing it.
This guy is amazing wildlife photographer! You won't be disappointed
I didn't expect to see those honeybee shots, and they were gorgeous. I'm constantly amazed at the quality of photographs you are able to get. Around here our crows get harassed by filthy starlings, so I guess what goes around comes around. Loved the vultures, one of my favorite birds. Now that you have that nifty kayak, you need to look into acquiring an underwater drone. 🙂
Thanks so much. Underwater Drone? Uh-oh. My wife isn't going to like that!
I have a kayak too and love it for bird photography! Your egret images are beautiful!
Thank you!
Great selection of Photos Mark, a brilliant video as usual 👍🏻
Thanks!
Watching this video was very enjoyable and for the most part I liked the images you captured.
That focus peeking is the bomb!
Amazing photography, thanks for sharing!
Terrific video. Thanks Mark. Also got a kick out of seeing you and your son with Steve Mattheis.
I start to cry right now, looking at my Nikon D700 only with manual focus 300mm f4.5 (with the old, hard focus).
I have some good photos, but yours are one of the best. Thank you for the videos, I enjoy them very much!
So interesting and WoW! I luv all your images and storytelling. What a great entertainer you always are! Kayak is such a great idea. I plan to try that for my bird photography this summer.
Thank you so much 😊😘
Incredible series Mark! Great work.
Jim
Thanks!
Amazing stuff mark. You are back
Thanks and heading out again!
Thanks for the Kayak ride. Once again your photos are unbelievable - sharp, brilliant color, and I love the reflections that you captured. I can hardly wait to see what comes next from your new kayak perspective. Your knowledge of wildlife and the way you share it in stories helps your videos stand out way ahead of any others. Keep your eye on those gators - they are the polar opposite to the "Bees Knees" (from a Canadian who knew what that meant :o)!
Thanks for coming along. I always keep my eyes on the gators. They can't be trusted!
great video and photos! congratulations that you got the kayak. great perspective
thanks!
Wanted to live your kind of life as a career since I was 12 yrs. old but didn’t know how to get into it. Beautiful photography. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the time spent on making these videos so informative and helpful for us aspiring bird photographers. They speak volumes about your love of nature, conservation, and sharing the joy.
Thank you for another great video. You are going to love that Kayak!
Thanks you I already do!
Thanks foe another GREAT video Mark!
So, the big question. Which works best for BIF. The D850 and 200-500mm combo vs the a9 100-400mm with and without the 1.4x tele?
Mark, you will get famous soon my brother. Wherever you shoot, or whatever you shoot, the results are just simply mesmerizing. From here on i need a shot of Mark Smith's photo & videoworks every day. Keep it coming!
The best part is how you bring us right into the story with your enthusiastic Narration. I chuckle when I'm out in Nature & I swear I can hear your voice in my head, narrating the scene I'm observing. I really liked the Snowy Egret shots & the Kingfisher action. The Snail Kite observation is incredible science as well, but that up close image of GBH was amazing. The close-up of the Ring while holding the Apple Snail was my favorite part;-/ Great work as always.
Thanks for the kind words. You know the secret powers of that ring too 🤪
Nice work !!!
Great story to go with fantastic photos, wish I could get to 10% of your photo quality, brilliant
As always - amazing photos and fantastic story to go with them. I think the new 'gear' has greatly enhanced the photos as it changes the perspective and allows the viewer to feel much closer to the wildlife. Thanks for the great video.
Great series of shots,however the history of snail kite is amazing,nature at its finest.
Travel safe,looking forward to the Colorado adventure.
Thanks!
I too enjoy the information about the birds, just thinking the birding community would also totally enjoy these videos as well.
you always get amazing shots, WOW
You are a brave soul Mark! Those gators would scare me! But you really got some great shots, loved the snowy egrets!!
Thanks. I never once felt threatened but I kept a watchful eye on the gators.
Great video Mark....cheers
Thanks!
This is just what i was looking for! excellent shots btw!
Awesome, The pictures are amazing
Another great video, the Snail Kite evolution is fantastic and remind me of the finches and lizards on one of the Galapagos islands that during a severe draught managed to evolve in a blink of an eye (2-3 generations) to combat the effects of the weather. I also love the crows, they have no fear whatsoever, I remember seeing 2 of them go after the biggest Red Kite I'd ever seen, poor kite didn't know what to do as they chased it round the sky! Can't wait to see the next video, they are a constant source of inspiration and make me excited for getting the kti to photograph the birds around here!
Loved this video. I came across an anhinga in Gaithersburg, Maryland last summer. No one in Maryland birder could believe it! It had a fishing lure in its bill. But it could hunt ok. It stayed around for a couple of weeks and then probably flew south. I recently bought a canoe and am anxious to use it for photographing birds. I could send you a couple of images if I had your email.
Great work. Always loved our kayaks, each of us has 2. The Hobies with pedals were amazing. Hands free. If your near Aurora. Let me know. Hope to get to Steamboat next week to fly with our balloon friends but chemos been a little tough
Great photography and narration... Love from India..☺️
Thanks
Breathtaking footage and photographs, and as always, great commentary. 👏👏👏👍 What a pleasure to watch.🙏 Have a safe kayaking Mark.🛶
Thank you!
Fantastic video Mark! Awesome shots and great story telling as usual. Really love your work. That heron was amazing.
Thanks. It was nice spending time with the Heron.
Your videos are amazing. It was your videos that finally convinced me to buy my D850 and I love it but still have a lot to learn and improve using it. One thing that I wish that you would do is every once in a while let us know where you are when you are photographing.
Fantastic photos and fantastic storytelling. You are back on track - thanks a lot for sharing!
Amazing photography Mark
Thank you
Thanks!
Awesome video and photos I love the education with the bee and the pollen and how easy was to manual focus with that lens. Thanks for sharing Mark we appreciate your hard work to educate us with all your camera settings to take some outstanding photos.
Great as always! Thanks. Guessing that is a very sturdy kayak with all your equipment on board?😁
Wonderful video Mark !!!
The first thanks go of course to those Engineers of Nikon and Sony, and the second go to you for that great footage.
I like the dragonfly you caught at 15:32
Love your kayak, cant wait to see the close ups you end up getting now
Superb images once again. Thank you for giving me something I can aspire to.
Thanks!
Mark your amazing... love the quality of your work and you ability to tell these story's with such excitement tells us how much you love what you do! that said, how are you holding up with the virus situation? i think a lot of us photographers are struggling and depressed. Thanks
So far so good here. Thanks for asking.
@@MarkSmithphotographywelcome and take care!