Sometimes I have the impression that the protection of the equipment against the weather gives us almost more work than the photographic aspects themselves. How good the filming of the badger and the fox! A very inspiring video, as usual. The same thing happened to me on one occasion when I wanted to get close-ups from the front, and the animals were wary of the set. Finally the photographs of the badgers are very beautiful. By the way, if I worked in a place like this I would get full of ticks hahaha. Regards, John.
Thanks very much. With the amount of rainfall we get here in Wales, its important to have your gear well waterproofed. Thankfully there are no ticks in this area to worry about. 😂
Great video and appreciate your effort showing how to set-up the camera traps. You have inspired me in this fun hobby and I've captured some good images of mountain lion, bobcat, fox, skunks and deer where I live in California!
Thanks Eric, I'm glad you have got some inspiration to give it a go. I must say i am pretty jealous that you have such a diverse mix of species where you are, We are quite limited here in the UK. Thanks for taking the time to comment, its much appreciated. Good luck with your camera trapping. 👍
Nicely done John..only been following you for a few weeks,but have learned a lot in that time..Have just received my Camtarption stuff, so will be having a go myself in the near future,,Wish me luck, an keep up the good work..cheers Den
Thanks Dennis, i'm so glad you are enjoying the videos. Good luck with your new gear. I will warn you that camera trapping can be very addictive once you start getting your first images. Have fun. 👍
Another great video John, I've been camera trapping for about three years now and have caught a number of images of both red and gray fox. I found the fox become somewhat used to the flashes going off especially if they're in an area frequented by them
Thanks Bill. The foxes I have nearer to home are a little less wary, but the ones in this video are in a much more remote location and are extremely wary.
Hi Stephen, The housing I use is a Pelicase 1300 which you can get here: www.waterproof-cases.co.uk/product/peli-1300-case A cheaper alternative with the same dimensions can be found here: cpc.farnell.com/max-waterproof-cases/max235h155s-079/waterproof-case-235x180x156-foam/dp/SG33455 Hope this helps.
Hi Tommaso. Thanks for the kind words. This is where I got my containers : www.rinkit.com/collections/plastic-food-storage/products/1-8l-plastic-food-storage-container-by-argon-tableware?variant=42558404198587 Hope this helps. 👍
Great vid John! You've got a great setup. I've watched a couple of your video's but may have missed one. Have you ever tried using the built-in flash of a camera? Maybe with a diffuser to prevent it from getting from reflective eyes? Would love your thoughts on this. Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the kind words. The built in flash will never give you very nice lighting no matter how much you diffuse it, off camera flash is the best way to get attractive lighting in your images.
Any flash that comes straight from the direction of the camera will never give you flattering light. So using the built in flash is not something i would consider. The best way to see what works and what does not is to set up some lighting scenarios and try experimenting with different flash positions, it will soon give you an idea of what works best. Hope this helps.
Hi John, great video as always. Can I ask what camo sleeves/covers you use for the flashes and housing? I'm building my first camera trap and I think its a great idea. Your knowledge is very appreciated.
Hi Otto, I use the sleeves and legs, cut off cheap 3d leaf ghillie suits, i use what is left over to cover my camera trap housing. You can pick them up pretty cheaply on Ebay. Hope this helps. 👍
Hi Derrick. I dont remember the particular brand of paint, but any general purpose spray paint would do the job. If you do an internet search for "camouflage paint" you should find plenty of options. Hope this helps. 👍
Nice video, very interesting! The foto of the badger turn out very good. Can I ask you where did you bought the camo tape that you used on the pelican case and the flashes housing? Thanks
Hi, The tape on the camera housing is "Allen Vanish camo tape" and the tape on the flash housings is "Gorilla Camo tape". I got both of them on Ebay. Hope this helps. 😊
Hi, Thanks for the kind words, Its not something I,ve considered before I,m afraid, as I have a pretty busy work life running my small business which takes up a lot of my time. However, there is no need to have any great DIY skills as they can be used as you buy them, without the need to fit a mounting plate underneath. You can simply attach them with straps or tape to a nearby tree or push a stake in the ground and strap them to that. You could if you wish spray them up with a bit of paint or wrap them in a bit of camo tape to help conceal them. Here is a link where they can be purchased : www.bmstores.co.uk/products/airtight-clip-lock-food-container-1800ml-394512 Alternatively, in reasonable weather you can simply use a clear plastic food bag over your flashes, I used this method for a the first couple of years of my camera trapping and it served me well. I hope this helps. ATB John.
John - great photos, a couple of questions. You obviously use black electrical tape on lens, is this to stop zoom/focus being knocked? Also noticed you have two Peli case now, the full frame you have in a different orientation, which have you found best in use and in the field?
Thanks Nick. You are correct about the tape and even with this on I still sometimes manage to knock it. The vertical case is the first one I made. Its a Pelicase 1200 and is a little bit tight for my full frame camera but it is easier to see the screen when setting up as my Nikon D610 doesn't have a tilt screen. The other is a Pelicase 1300, which is a little deeper, however, I made it with the lens on the side in order to have the ability of getting it closer to the ground and be able to use longer lenses if needed. Again in this orientation its a bit tight for my full frame camera and difficult to see the screen, so I can see a mark III on the horizon. They both work well with my Nikon D5200 as it is a little smaller and also a tilt screen. If I had to choose one it would be the 1300.😊
@@JohnFormstone Thanks for the comprehensive reply, really appreciated. I also have the D5200, so think I'll go with lens in side option. My case is a Peli copy, now spray camouflaged but no holes as yet! Getting close to ground for small mammals appeals as an option. Good luck and look forward to your Mk 3 trials!
Fantastic again what camera are you using. I've purchased the camtraptions equipment and wanto try for some badger photos I've 5 badger sets and over 20 fox dens to try out over the winter and next year
Hi John, really enjoying your videos, I've just recently started camera trapping, and have had some success with our allotment fox. I'm up early 5am this morning waiting for first light as I'm excited about the potential for some Badger action. (I've left it out in some woods that look like they have a lot of activity.) So far I seem to be having problems with fogging and dew on the outside of my pelican case filter. Any tips? Do use lens heaters or hand warmers, or is it just a case of something we have to put up with on this damp island?
Hi Grant, I understand your excitement. every time i check up on my camera trap, I feel like a kid at christmas. I too have fogging of the outer element of my camera housing, but its mostly around dawn when the temperature starts to rise. I havn't found a solution for it i'm afraid but maybe as you suggest hand warmers may be worth a try. I would be interested to know if you find the answer. 👍
Hi Tommaso. Thanks for the kind words. This is where I got my containers : www.rinkit.com/collections/plastic-food-storage/products/1-8l-plastic-food-storage-container-by-argon-tableware?variant=42558404198587 Hope this helps. 👍
Sometimes I have the impression that the protection of the equipment against the weather gives us almost more work than the photographic aspects themselves. How good the filming of the badger and the fox! A very inspiring video, as usual. The same thing happened to me on one occasion when I wanted to get close-ups from the front, and the animals were wary of the set. Finally the photographs of the badgers are very beautiful. By the way, if I worked in a place like this I would get full of ticks hahaha. Regards, John.
Thanks very much. With the amount of rainfall we get here in Wales, its important to have your gear well waterproofed. Thankfully there are no ticks in this area to worry about. 😂
Thanks for explaining the setup. I’m just going to have a go.
Thanks Stephen, give it a go, but be aware, it can be very addictive when you start getting results. 😁
badgers are beautiful, you showed it well, Great job👍
Thank you, much appreciated. 😊
Great video and appreciate your effort showing how to set-up the camera traps. You have inspired me in this fun hobby and I've captured some good images of mountain lion, bobcat, fox, skunks and deer where I live in California!
Thanks Eric, I'm glad you have got some inspiration to give it a go. I must say i am pretty jealous that you have such a diverse mix of species where you are, We are quite limited here in the UK. Thanks for taking the time to comment, its much appreciated. Good luck with your camera trapping. 👍
Thanks for putting so much effort into making these amazing videos!! Good job!! 😊
Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad you enjoy them. 😊
Always enjoy your videos John and ,again in this one, perseverance pays.
Thanks, as always for your comments Rik, much appreciated. perseverance is always needed when it comes to photographing wildlife. 😊
An aside John, you mentioned Tee nuts, have you found a supplier for ¼” UNC or have you used a near metric equivalent?
Hi Rik, They are 1/4-20 UNC. Here is where i got them: www.modelfixings.co.uk/captive_nuts.htm
Hope this helps. 👍
Brilliant John, thanks very much. Happy trapping🤞
Great job John!!! 👏👏👏
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Great video and the photos where worth the wait...
Thank you John, glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Nicely done John..only been following you for a few weeks,but have learned a lot in that time..Have just received my Camtarption stuff, so will be having a go myself in the near future,,Wish me luck, an keep up the good work..cheers Den
Thanks Dennis, i'm so glad you are enjoying the videos. Good luck with your new gear. I will warn you that camera trapping can be very addictive once you start getting your first images. Have fun. 👍
great pictures and great video
Thank you for your kind words Wolfgang. Glad you enjoyed it.
Great vid John..! Good start to the autumn/winter season..! all the best.. g
Thanks George, much appreciated. Hope you are keeping well and finding time to get out with your camera. 👍
Very good John!!!!
Thank you Elizabeth. I hope your keeping well. 😊
Amazingly simple location great subject with perfect lighting. Apologises accepted for grunting's😄
Thanks, as always Barry. Hope your keeping well. 😊
Another good video John. Thanks for taking the time to produce and share them.
Thanks Jeff, glad you enjoyed it. Hope your keeping well. 😊
excellent video I learn a lot with you and I made the modification in front of the trap sensor, thank you
Thank you for the kind words, i'm glad the video is of some help to you. 😊
Happy New year
Thanks Stephen, Happy new year to you too. 👍
Another great video John, I've been camera trapping for about three years now and have caught a number of images of both red and gray fox. I found the fox become somewhat used to the flashes going off especially if they're in an area frequented by them
Thanks Bill. The foxes I have nearer to home are a little less wary, but the ones in this video are in a much more remote location and are extremely wary.
good evening your cameras are in standby mode or not how to manage the batteries, thank you for your help and again respect for your work
Hi Labat, You are right, my camera is in standby mode and will last for a few weeks before it needs replacing.
merci beaucoup
What camer case box are you using and we're did you buy it from please many thanks
Hi Stephen, The housing I use is a Pelicase 1300 which you can get here: www.waterproof-cases.co.uk/product/peli-1300-case
A cheaper alternative with the same dimensions can be found here: cpc.farnell.com/max-waterproof-cases/max235h155s-079/waterproof-case-235x180x156-foam/dp/SG33455
Hope this helps.
Great video as always, congratulations John !!! an information, where can I find those flash boxes? Thank you
Hi Tommaso. Thanks for the kind words. This is where I got my containers : www.rinkit.com/collections/plastic-food-storage/products/1-8l-plastic-food-storage-container-by-argon-tableware?variant=42558404198587
Hope this helps. 👍
Great vid John! You've got a great setup. I've watched a couple of your video's but may have missed one. Have you ever tried using the built-in flash of a camera? Maybe with a diffuser to prevent it from getting from reflective eyes? Would love your thoughts on this. Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the kind words. The built in flash will never give you very nice lighting no matter how much you diffuse it, off camera flash is the best way to get attractive lighting in your images.
@@JohnFormstone Thanks for your reply, are your thoughts the same if it's in addition to an external flash?
Any flash that comes straight from the direction of the camera will never give you flattering light. So using the built in flash is not something i would consider.
The best way to see what works and what does not is to set up some lighting scenarios and try experimenting with different flash positions, it will soon give you an idea of what works best. Hope this helps.
Hi John, great video as always. Can I ask what camo sleeves/covers you use for the flashes and housing? I'm building my first camera trap and I think its a great idea. Your knowledge is very appreciated.
Hi Otto, I use the sleeves and legs, cut off cheap 3d leaf ghillie suits, i use what is left over to cover my camera trap housing. You can pick them up pretty cheaply on Ebay.
Hope this helps. 👍
@@JohnFormstone That’s a great idea! Looks like you can also get ghillie style balaclavas, which I may try out. Thank you!
Great video John been watching you vids got me interested in camera trapping can i ask what pant you use on those plasic containers
Hi Derrick. I dont remember the particular brand of paint, but any general purpose spray paint would do the job. If you do an internet search for "camouflage paint" you should find plenty of options. Hope this helps. 👍
Nice video, very interesting! The foto of the badger turn out very good. Can I ask you where did you bought the camo tape that you used on the pelican case and the flashes housing? Thanks
Hi, The tape on the camera housing is "Allen Vanish camo tape" and the tape on the flash housings is "Gorilla Camo tape". I got both of them on Ebay. Hope this helps. 😊
@@JohnFormstone Thanks!!
Very informative again John , I am useless at DIY would you consider making a couple of those flash housings and sending them to my home address ?
Hi, Thanks for the kind words, Its not something I,ve considered before I,m afraid, as I have a pretty busy work life running my small business which takes up a lot of my time. However, there is no need to have any great DIY skills as they can be used as you buy them, without the need to fit a mounting plate underneath. You can simply attach them with straps or tape to a nearby tree or push a stake in the ground and strap them to that. You could if you wish spray them up with a bit of paint or wrap them in a bit of camo tape to help conceal them. Here is a link where they can be purchased : www.bmstores.co.uk/products/airtight-clip-lock-food-container-1800ml-394512
Alternatively, in reasonable weather you can simply use a clear plastic food bag over your flashes, I used this method for a the first couple of years of my camera trapping and it served me well.
I hope this helps. ATB John.
John - great photos, a couple of questions. You obviously use black electrical tape on lens, is this to stop zoom/focus being knocked? Also noticed you have two Peli case now, the full frame you have in a different orientation, which have you found best in use and in the field?
Thanks Nick. You are correct about the tape and even with this on I still sometimes manage to knock it.
The vertical case is the first one I made. Its a Pelicase 1200 and is a little bit tight for my full frame camera but it is easier to see the screen when setting up as my Nikon D610 doesn't have a tilt screen.
The other is a Pelicase 1300, which is a little deeper, however, I made it with the lens on the side in order to have the ability of getting it closer to the ground and be able to use longer lenses if needed. Again in this orientation its a bit tight for my full frame camera and difficult to see the screen, so I can see a mark III on the horizon. They both work well with my Nikon D5200 as it is a little smaller and also a tilt screen. If I had to choose one it would be the 1300.😊
@@JohnFormstone Thanks for the comprehensive reply, really appreciated. I also have the D5200, so think I'll go with lens in side option. My case is a Peli copy, now spray camouflaged but no holes as yet! Getting close to ground for small mammals appeals as an option. Good luck and look forward to your Mk 3 trials!
Fantastic again what camera are you using. I've purchased the camtraptions equipment and wanto try for some badger photos I've 5 badger sets and over 20 fox dens to try out over the winter and next year
Hi Stephen, I use a Nikon D5200. Good luck with your new camera trap gear, sounds like you have lots of opportunities. 👍
@John Formstone many thanks also otters so fingers crossed have a fantastic Christmas and look forward to seeing more of your wonderful work
Thanks Stephen, I hope you have a great Christmas too.
Hi John, really enjoying your videos, I've just recently started camera trapping, and have had some success with our allotment fox. I'm up early 5am this morning waiting for first light as I'm excited about the potential for some Badger action. (I've left it out in some woods that look like they have a lot of activity.) So far I seem to be having problems with fogging and dew on the outside of my pelican case filter. Any tips? Do use lens heaters or hand warmers, or is it just a case of something we have to put up with on this damp island?
Hi Grant, I understand your excitement. every time i check up on my camera trap, I feel like a kid at christmas.
I too have fogging of the outer element of my camera housing, but its mostly around dawn when the temperature starts to rise. I havn't found a solution for it i'm afraid but maybe as you suggest hand warmers may be worth a try. I would be interested to know if you find the answer. 👍
Great video as always, congratulations John !!! an information, where can I find those flash boxes? Thank you
Hi Tommaso. Thanks for the kind words. This is where I got my containers : www.rinkit.com/collections/plastic-food-storage/products/1-8l-plastic-food-storage-container-by-argon-tableware?variant=42558404198587
Hope this helps. 👍