The Unthinkable Happened and How Wildlife Photography is Good for the Soul
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ม.ค. 2024
- The unthinkable happened on our trip home from Homer, Alaska and how Wildlife Photography is good for the soul. We re-cap some of the highlights from our time in Homer, AK also photographing Eagles, Baby Otters, Finches, and more.
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Website & Shop: westakphoto.com/
WHO I AM.
My name is Scott West and I am a nature and wildlife photographer located in Alaska. I am very lucky to live in a place surrounded by amazing landscapes and even more amazing wildlife.
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Best Wishes
Scott
Man, Scott! What a story. I'm glad you're OK. Life is so precious! I almost drowned at age 9. Now I'm 70. I appreciate every day because it could be my last. Take it easy and we'll see you soon enough.
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You're a good man with a good heart, Scott.
As a 74-year old retired Pastor I can affirm your comment you made at 6:37, "Luckily, Somebody out there's looking out for me." That is so true. Thanks for making and sharing this wonderful, meaningful video. Take it easy and get healed up and rested. So glad you're OK.
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What you do is more important than most realize. You bring light in a world full of darkness. You bring joys of this Earth that people have forgotten. No wonder the Angels took notice of you that day. All Blessings and a quick recovery, continue what you do and make those Angel's proud my Friend!!!!!!!
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I am so glad you weren’t hurt worse. Life is so fragile.
Your video was very touching. We all need to let the people in our lives know how much we love them, not easy for all of us. My mom is in in-home hospice. I call everyday and drop in often, even for a few minutes. I always give her a big hug because it might be the last time I can.
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Thank you for the poignant reminder, and glad you're still in this world with us. The photograph you made of Mother (?) Sea Otter chewing on a sea star, is fantastic.
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Not the episode we expected or wanted but you are here telling us about it.👍👍
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Scott, Rick here from MooseMan Nature Photos, wow....shocking to watch this video, it's all over your face man. Glad you're okay for the most part. Life can change in an instant.
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Feel your pain, really! This year my wife is going through breast cancer treatment, and I had a near fatal accident on my bike, dealing with many broken parts and jaw wired shut, but like you, life and what matters is right there in front of you. I am taking more pictures of things I may have overlooked before. GET WELL and THANK YOU!!
thanks and you too
Wow, thankful for those three inches and that you weren’t seriously injured. An experience that definitely reminds you of the things that make you happy and are meaningful. Be safe and continue to find that joy in nature.
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Sorry about the accident, glad to hear that you are OK. Don't worry about putting out the videos, your subscribers will still be here.
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So thankful for God's protection over you. Being grateful and appreciating all of life's blessings, putting small stuff in perspective, enjoying the moment and life and our loved ones is so important. I'm so glad your ok and will be praying for you. Loved all that you shared, both your thoughts and experiences with wildlife and photography
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Oh my goodness! Hope you heal up soon! So glad you were not hurt more seriously! Take your time coming back....we'll be here for you!
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Amen brother. I loved your otter footage and narrations of your time with them. I look forward to that part of your videos and I can not get enough. The message of friends and family importance shows you have your priorities in order. Yes it is nice to take your eye off the viewfinder and enjoy. Even a bad snap of that day will bring you back to that day every time.
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Glad you are OK and good to know that you have a great support system. Rest up, the shutter can wait!👍
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Wow, Scott! So glad you're not seriously injured and here to tell the story. Episodes in life like this make you reflect on your blessings. Take care of yourself. I'm looking forward to future videos.
So glad you’re ok! I am a recent subscriber and have learned so much! Wishes for a speedy recovery!
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Some tips for driving in snow and driving in general,
1) Put the phone down, never have phone in hand when driving.
2) Never tailgate, never tailgate.
3) Keep 200feet of distance between cars especially in icy roads.
4) Turn on your lights, daytime running lights.
Hope this helps someone God bless try to replace your bad habits with these good habits.
I'd like to add an item: Slow down.
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Glad you're OK!!! Rest up man... you'll be back soon!!!
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So happy you are ok, keep running that shutter Scott!
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So glad you are ok, nature can be very healing so get back out there and create new memories so you don't dwell on that one. Love your videos !
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I am glad you made it through your life threatening accident. You are definitely right! about stopping to smell the roses or animals. Life is too short. Take your time recovering.
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Glad you're alive! Rest and take it easy for a while. Love your channel and all you do. Best of wishes in the days to come
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Glad you are doing OK after the accident and thanks for reminding us not to take things for granted. Someone out there was watching for you, because of the good work that you do and the excellent and very informative videos you shoot and share. Thank you! Take care!
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So glad you are OK!!. It was a good thing you were driving a big heavy truck that could take the hit of that very heavy wheel and tire. Thank you for your important message about what you took away from the experience! Enjoy life.
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Really happy to see you are safe and recovering fast. Take your time and keep the good spirit, thumbs up!!!!
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Hope you are recovering well with no major damage. Take Care of yourself. Love your videos.
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Wow! Happy to hear everything went well! Take care now. Looking forward for your future videos. Whenever you are ready.
Greetings from Stockholm.
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Not the video we were expecting but all so glad you're safe and more videos will come.
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I didn't get around to leaving a comment on how your R8 focus settings video was so helpful when I got a chance to shoot a sea eagle near my home in Seoul. Well, better late than never. I really appreciated your video. And I'm glad you made it back in one piece after being in such a scary accident. Be safe.
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Scott, I had the whole wheel assembly coming straight at my vehicle, thankfully it turned at the last second. We were so lucky. Still think about that the day often. Glad you're on the mend.
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Scott so glad you are ok, your video's bring a lot joy and happiness to a lot of people so please take as much time as you need to recover fully, we will still be here waiting for your next amazing video. many thanks Bazza
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Glad you’re ok, God bless you and keep on inspiring us. Hope you can get out soon and chase some critters.
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I'm so thankful that you and your family are OK. I lost two friends on that road.
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I’m so glad your are ok. Thanks for all the videos.
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Glad to hear that you are ok! Rest up and feel better
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Scott glad to see your OK yes it does bring it home I had a serious car crash in my early 20s and two small children and altered my out look on life heal well my friend and all the best
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Wow Scott, are you all ok ? Stay safe mate 🙏 trucks can be replaced you cant mate.
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Glad to hear that everyone was able to walk away. 🤕
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Very sorry this happened to you Scott but thank goodness you are still here. Take a little time to get over what happened to you, we’ll wait. Go spend a little time watching those otters,some of the best medicine!
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Glad to hear you are ok. Just give yourself license to not be "fine" for awhile. After the accident that nearly killed me, it took time and I was very hard on myself for letting it get to me mentally. Let it take its course and after awhile it will fade. You share so much joy with all of us and hopefully we can give a little bit of that joy back to you by saying thank you.
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So happy to hear that you’re okay after a serious accident. Big fan of your channel 👍take care 😊
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First off, I'm glad you are ok. When you look at the truck, you can see where it could have went way worse. Secondly, you are correct about wildlife photography being good for the soul. I often find myself staring at my monitor and thinking how lucky I am to see what I see. Others, so many others, are lucky if they see a photo of what I'm seeing with my eyes. That's why I love sharing my images. Most will never get to experience what I have !!
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We are praying that you continue to recover from the accident, get well our friend.
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Beautiful insightful video Scott! All the best, speedy recovery my friend! 👊🏻
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Glad to see you are ok and the truck safty systems did their job.
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So glad you're ok. Wishing you all the best.
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Hi Scott. What an incredible story. Very glad you’ll be ok and hoping you get back to normal soon. Cheers!
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As I get more into Wildlife photography I find that it’s like chicken soup for the soul. It’s a time to relax, reflect and to woo sah. I can easily spend hours doing it. I am truly humbled that you shared your experience and realize how precious life truly is.
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Wow, that was so hectic, thank God you survived, that looks incredibly serious. Thanks for sharing. Hope, praying you get well soon.
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Pffff... happy to see you are safe. Keep your head up coming time!! Good luck in the coming days!!
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Glad you and everyone are ok. You remind us all of the love of why we do wildlife photography. So true what you said here. I had 2 situations of slow times being out. But got rewarded seeing short ear owl and a Northern hask owl. Missed some flight shots of bring a fan too but got some perch shots.
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Glad you're okay man. Take your time to recover physically and mentally
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Praise God brother! So glad you're ok. Scary stuff for sure. Take care my friend.
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So happy that you are ok!🙏😀🙏
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DAM Buddy sure glad you are ok!!! Man that's a crazy story. You just never know you are very lucky!! Just because you wake up doesn't mean you are going to bed. It is very easy to get caught up in life's problems and forget how good we have it and take it for granted way to easy!! SURE GLAD YOU ARE OK MAN!!!!!!
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Glad you're okay and on the mend. Vehicles can be replaced, we can't.
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Glad you're ok and the good Lord was watching over you. Heal up and we'll be waiting for your next videos when you're ready to start posting again.
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Picked up your video late after your recent news it's all very sobbering, but you are still with us, and man, we need you to just take your time. You are the best at what you do by far and will be back being a survivor at the middle of the storm the emotion is high and almost drowning but as you recover you get stronger picking up a camera and being in the wild saved my mental well-being and recover which was long and painful, we are all here if there is anything the community can do let us know.
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So glad to hear you're OK, Scott. You're 100% right - being in nature and with wildlife is fabulous for the soul. Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
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Very happy that you are ok mate. Must have been a scary experience. A lot of important words from you in this video. Wishing you all the best.
Cheers, Bjoern. A Norwegian living in south Brazil
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Wise closing words. Take care of yourself.
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So glad you are okay. Vehicles can be replaced. Must have been crazy scary for you and for your friends behind you. Hope you feel better soon. Great video footage. Take care.
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Happy to hear you are ok.. but agree with you on how we should value everything we have already
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Really glad you’re okay Scott. Look after yourself and take it steady.
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Glad you are ok. I had a similar incident and was lucky only to have the tyre leave skid marks on my bonnet and roof as it brushed my car on the upward trajectory. I still have that experience fresh in my mind. You are extremely lucky to get out of that head on encounter!!
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Thanks for sharing, and glad you are fine. Thanks for the content you produce, I always enjoy it, but to not stress out if you don't produce videos as much for a while. Take care first and foremost.
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I hope you are ok after your heart attack we love your content and hope to see you back soon.. prayers for a speedy recovery❤
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Glad your ok...you're lucky all things considered♡♡♡
Thank you!
Bless you for sharing your experience so we can be the better for it. I felt your joy in the otter pups and their antics. Hold onto those precious moments when negative thoughts drag you down. We certainly are fortunate to love nature- it pays you back tenfold. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you so much!
Thanks!
thanks so much
Glad to hear all are safe.
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Glad you're ok! I've been there (2 cars totaled). It's incredibly scary and you definitely look at life differently after something like that.
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I've only seen a handful of your videos so far but subbed after the first one! I'm glad to hear you walked away with only some bruising so to speak as that definitely could have been much worse. It's a dream/goal of mine to get out there to Alaska one day to hopefully get some shots of all the wildlife! Down here (North Texas) it's hard to find much wildlife in habitat aside from the occasional red tail hawk perched on a telephone pole! Thankfully I enjoy photography as a whole so there's other stuff to shoot but it's those nat geo style wildlife shots that really got me into photography some 20+ years ago! Hope you heal up well and are able to get back to shooting asap!
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Glad you are okay 😎
Rest up get better and I look forward to when you do another video…
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So glad your ok love your vlogs🤗
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Life is so incredibly precious and such a gift. And you share your gift with us and have touched so many of us with your stories. Perspective of our own fragility and what it means to you and to us. You've been told this - take care of yourself. You're a gifted loving soul. God Bless you Scott.
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An Angel was watching over your shoulder Scott. That was bloody close. Stay safe and take care 🙏🙏
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Take care of your self Scott. Pascal from Canada
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Hey Scott glad you didn’t get seriously injured. That could have easily turned out a hell of a lot worse. That’s going to shake you up for a bit but sounds like you’ve got a good support group with friends and family. All the rest is just material stuff which will get sorted out. Take care and hope you’re back at it soon.
All the best,
Scott . E
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Listening to you talk about your shock of a near miss, your message of not taking things for granted and your reflections on the positive and fun moments all within that same trip was perhaps a wake up call for a lot of us. Hug for you Scott. Take all the time you need to recover
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Wow. Very glad you're still with us.
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Great to see that you're fine.
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Glad your ok Scott!!
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Scott- so glad to hear you are OK. These brushes with mortality really bring what is important into focus. Your reminiscences about your days in Homer leading up to the accident show your love of the nature around you and your positive attitude. Hang in there - you are appreciated at people out here care about you!
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So glad you're safe! The thumbs up is for that. You're right, the truck is just a thing. Easy to replace. Be well stay safe. Take care and we'll wait for you're next video. Love the otters!
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Scott good to know you are ok. I do know what you mean. Few years ago had a frontal accident and fortunuly my friend and I where not wounden and only the car was total lost. At that time you know life can be short. So as you already said lfe by the day and love the things and people you encouncer. All the best. Leo from The Netherlands
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Glad you are ok, Scott!
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glad you ok brother, that is scary!!! live life to its fullest!!!
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A good lesson from a bad experience. I'm sure I'm just one of many who are glad you are OK. Looking forward to move of your content whenever you're able to get back out there.
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Heal Well !!!
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Speedy recovery mate ❤
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Hope you are OK Scott? I saw you’ve had more serious problems! This is a great video, hope you can get back to do what you love soon! God bless!
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Very good to hear that you OK. Scary !
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So glad you are OK. My brother lived in Homer, AK for 20 + and drove to Anchorage many a time. Things can change in a hurry on that road. A good reminder to tell loved ones how much you love them. Love your content.
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I hope you're doing well. I saw your post about having a heart attack. Seems like you've had a lot of big health issues come up at once. Wish you a speedy recovery, and hope you get back to 100%.
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So glad your ok.. Look forward to seeing you soon..
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Scott I’m glad you walked away from that accident. Hopefully you will heal quickly and be back doing what you love. You nailed it when you said taking life for granted. I’m a 16 years Cancer survivor and two years ago I had a bad bike accident at my old age broke my ankle in three places doing what I love taking photos of wildlife. Yes it makes us think and we will always look at life differently. Get well soon thanks for sharing your story.
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Really sorry to hear this happened to you. Glad you’re ok and reflection is nice! You’ll be back to doing what you love in no time 👍🏻 stay safe
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Good video, Scott. I love watching all of the wildlife and bird photography youtubers and I love all the lens reviews and techy stuff. But it's nice to throw a little philosophy into the mix. Wildlife photography is good for the soul. In the end, we're all out there to to observe and connect with nature, not to have the latest/greatest gear.
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Oh man, thank heavens you rode a big truck, it definitely saved your life! Glad you are ok!
And thank for the great message!
Hope you recover fully as soon as possible.
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My goodness 🤯! Glad things didn’t turn out worse! Thank you for sharing this.
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