The Perfect Day Leads to a DISASTER!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Join me on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Findhorn Valley, where nature's beauty meets the thrill of photography. In this video, I wake up to a breathtaking scene, greeted by the most spectacular photography conditions imaginable - snow-covered mountains, crisp air, and the promise of adventure.
With my camera in hand, I embark on a quest to capture the elusive mountain hares that call these rugged mountains home. Braving the cold and the challenging terrain, I traverse through the snowy landscape, determined to get the ultimate shot of these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
As the day unfolds, I encounter moments of pure magic, as I witness the mountain hares gracefully navigating through the snow, their fur blending seamlessly with the wintry landscape. With each click of my camera shutter, I feel a sense of exhilaration, knowing that I am capturing something truly special.
But just when it seems like the day couldn't get any better, disaster strikes. Despite my careful planning and preparations, an unexpected turn of events puts me in a challenging situation, which questions the future of the channel!
Join me as I navigate through the highs and lows of this epic adventure, capturing the beauty of the Findhorn Valley and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
If you have enjoyed this video and wish to show your appreciation then please consider buying me a coffee at the link below, every little really helps the channel to grow.
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Links to Rich and Will are also below:
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Kit Used in this video:
Nikon Z9
NIkon Z400mm f2.8TC
Peak Design Slide Strap
DJI Pocket 3 Creator combo edition
GoPro Hero 11
Fantastic trip down the finding valley been there many times love your videos
Thanks very much Christine, really appreciate it 👍🏻
After over 15 years of photography, I was photographing an event last year, one camera with a 70-200 and the other with the 24-70. Then, I had an accident and broke the 24-70 and the camera. It was extremely frustrating. And It is an awful feeling.
I hope you are back in the field soon. Your videos and photos are great (and also those of pops).
Cheers!
I completely feel your pain, it’s a sickening feeling isn’t it?
Thanks very much for your comment and support.
All the best 👍🏻
When you first came on camera at the end I genuinely thought you had a corrupted memory card and had lost your images, and my heart was in my throat !! It’s just gear Dan, it does sometimes happen, but your shots are the most irreplaceable thing. So summon up the bulldog spirit and remember , “ Never give in”.
Thanks for this, you are 100% right and bulldog spirit is just what is called for.
All the very best 👍🏻
I feel your pain m8 😪.Hopefully you were insured.
No insurance unfortunately but the camera is completely repairable and the lens was undamaged so hopefully I should have everything back with me soon.
All the very best 👍🏻
Great pictures, Dan. I feel so incredibly sorry for you. This is my personal nightmare when I’m on tour with my gear. I hope your camera and lens can get fixed and it’s not too expensive.
Thanks very much mate, really appreciate it 👍🏻
Oh no! I've only just watched this video. I know exactly how you feel. I drove from Toowoomba in Queensland to Flat Rock in Ballina NSW early one morning quite recently (almost 300 kilometres). Flat Rock at low tide is a fantastic spot for all sorts of shore birds and if your lucky Osprey. I arrived and assembled my camera and tripod in the car park before walking down to the beach and on to the rock. When I turned my camera on (Canon 1DX MK2) it came up with a fault code (Error 20) which I haven't seen before and couldn't clear it. I turned it off and on half a dozen times, I even removed the battery. Nothing helped. Back to the car and a long drive home. $1100 later and a month without my camera it now has a new shutter mechanism.
I hope your camera is repaired and your firing on all cylinders again! 👍
Thanks John, sounds like a complete disaster from your experience. Thankfully I had managed 3 successful days before breaking my camera so wasn’t a complete failure.
All the very best mate 👍🏻
Very sorry regarding the wonderful Z9 you must immediately get a Z8 for backup, better than the Z9 for birding I.M.H.O. I have both.
Thanks, that’s really good to hear as Pops has just purchased a Z8 for a backup camera and it’s fast becoming his favourite body 👍🏻
I know that feeling and feel for you! - did it with a 300 f2.8 and d850 first night in canada. I'm sure Nikon will fix it quick - meanwhile can you borrow something from Pops?;)
Thanks very much, it sounds like you had an equally horrendous experience.
Pops has lent me his D500 and 500mmpf lens 👍🏻
Noooo..hope you're insured mate....Great video btw
No insurance cover but I have got it sorted out, thanks very much 👍🏻
Dan - I know that pain ! Early Jan, in the afternoon of my arrival in Sri Lanka, I dropped my Z9 + 600 TC before taking the first image! I could continue using the Z9 and I got a 400 with me, nevertheless, that was not how I have pictured that trip. Based in Taiwan, I had to fly to Japan, in order to get both fixed for a stunning amount of money, money which I would have used for another trip. What a lesson! In German we have a saying “shared pain, is half the pain”!
Thanks for sharing your experience Frank it sounds like you had a complete nightmare! I really liked the saying you shared and appreciate you doing so.
All the very best 👍🏻
Very sorry about your camera, hope it gets mended quickly. Very much enjoy your videos!
Thanks very much Hilary I really appreciate it.
Lovely video of the hares. Sad to hear about the camera issue. Hope it doesnt stop you making the videos for too long. As annoying as it may have been, (trying to work another camera), I think I would have gone with the camera loan; shame to be up there and miss out on the buzzards.
Thanks very much Stephen, must admit that I’m regretting that decision 🤦🏻♂️
All the very best 👍🏻
Dan, another great video. Sorry about your camera it happened to me 18 months ago.
Thanks very much Ian, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Great video Dan as always, Don the same my self 7 months ago iwas in a bird hide and my Nikon D750 and sigma 60 to 600 Lens fell off the Chair and broke camera ring came off and was still on the lens so in the end got another D750 and fixed the lens all good now. But bad day i feel your pain Dan hope your back soon .
Thanks very much David, sounds like you had an equally horrendous experience.
I’ll be back in no time 👍🏻
I had that happen to me when my house pet knocked my Nikon with lens attached to the floor. Broke the lens mount on the camera body and the lens had to be recalibrated due to the impact. Not a good feeling. My repair cost was 750 US dollars. Try to rent a camera/lens combo so your trip can continue. If nothing else just enjoy the time with your family. Love the videos.
Thanks very much James, I had a wonderful trip and really appreciated the time spent with my family in a beautiful part of the world.
All the very best 👍🏻
Another great video Dan, so sorry about the gear I’ve been there 😢 but I promise you one thing your camera will never travel “unprotected” ever again. It’s a mistake you only make once
Thanks Tony, I will definitely not be making that mistake again.
Appreciate your support 👍🏻
No luck, I hope it's eparable . You're not the first this has happened to, if that's any consolation.
Cheers, you are absolutely right and I won't be the last unfortunately!
All the best mate.
Another fantastic video, such a shame disaster struck.
Thanks very much Sheila, there’s always next time ☺️
Oh Dan. So sorry to hear about your disaster! I hope your insurance covers the loss. 😢
Thanks Julian, unfortunately the insurance didn't cover it so repairs have had to come from my own pocket ouch! I think that video about insurance is definitely on the cards in the future.
blummin fantastic video Dan i really need to get out there be a bit more adventurous
The Findhorn Valley is just a magical place Mike and well worth the effort of getting there.
Thanks again mate 👍🏻
I went to mull last year camera with 600mm lens on back seat braked fairly hard at one point the camera shot off the back seat hit the back of my seat then hit the floor no damage thank god put it back on the back seat went one mile and did exactly the same thing it now stays on the floor all the time when I’m driving Hard lesson to learn
Thanks for sharing your experience Andrew, my camera will definitely be living on the floor of any vehicle when I get it back 👍🏻
Oh you poor bastard! I hope the insurance pays out, and you can upgrade!
Thanks very much. Unfortunately it wasn’t insured!
The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
Sorry to hear Dan. Here is hoping to see your inspiring work in the not too distant future. Take care 🙏
Thanks very much Ezhil, I really appreciate it.
I’m sorry you broke your camera. I had the same thing happen twice. On my 70 to 200mm the foot came off and it broke my Nikon D810. Had my Nikon D500 roll out of my jeep and broke the lens off. Fortunately they were both my back up cameras. I enjoy your videos especially with your dad. My son and I both are photographers and my best trips were with him.
Thanks for your comment I really appreciate it and it’s great to read that you get to share your hobby with your son, I feel very blessed to share mine with Pops 👍🏻
Oh so sorry to hear of your disaster but at least you will have your photos on your memory card.
Thank you, I did have some fantastic images thankfully so all was not lost 👍🏻
😢😢😢
Absolutely gutted for you mate, I hope your not without a camera for too long. Another great watch though. One for the wish list 🏴🐇
Thanks very much I really appreciate it. Camera is well on its way to being fully restored 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography fantastic news
I feel your pain! Assume you will get it fixed ok , Ive never insured any of my gear but maybe I should......
Thanks very much. Unfortunately it wasn’t insured!
The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
Loved the hares and the beautiful scenery but really feel for you with the broken equipment. I do hope you are able to get it fixed or replaced before too long and look forward to your future videos. p.s. I was at Pulborough Brooks two days ago and put out a short video featuring the first adder I have seen this year as well as a Water Pipit which is something I had never seen before. Hope you like it.
Thanks very much Brian I will definitely check out your video. I’ve yet to photograph an adder, something that definitely evades me.
All the best 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Thanks Dan and good luck with getting your gear sorted
Hello Dan - is camera sorted yet?
Not yet unfortunately but it is on its way to being 🤞🏻
Fabulous photos of the hares
Thank you very much ☺️
It happens to us all, some time or other. Keep smiling!
Cheers John, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
So sorry about your camera.
Thanks very much I really appreciate that 👍🏻
A good excuse to return.
It most certainly is Sheila, all the best.
Another great video Dan, fabulous shots, I hope you got sorted with the camera
Thanks very much Derek. The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
You must be gutted Dan i hope you get your gear sorted and are back on the channel soon
Thanks very much John, I will be back in no time.
All the very best 👍🏻
Great video Dan, absolute pisser about your camera. We’ve all done it, yeah it will be fine on that seat then disaster. For some reason my z7ii at the time last year decided it wouldn’t recognise my 14-24 f2.8 lens so a whole week spent doing landscape photography with out wide angle. Got home and it suddenly decided to work🤷♂️. I always travel with 2 cameras now. Hope Nikon uk can sort it pretty quick.
Thanks very much Bob, totally agree with you that two cameras is the way to go moving forward. I'm definitely going to have to start saving my pennies.
All the best mate
Yep, it has either happened or it will happen. Hope you get sorted out soon. The mountain hare images are gorgeous. What a wonderful animal.
Thanks very much Nigel, you are absolutely spot on 👍🏻
All the best mate
Loved this video, Dan. Brilliant shots of the hare but so sorry to hear about your disaster with the camera. Hope you enjoyed the reindeer herd and look forward to seeing your next video when you are back in action.
Thanks very much Debbie, I really did enjoy the Reindeer herd it was a fabulous experience 👍🏻
Great hare pics....such a wonderful experience. Hopefully Nikon can get your camera and lens fixed quickly!!
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
I got a stunning picture of the hare you disturd as it run down towards me
I feel for you Dan hope you get something sorted soon and try to keep positive
Thanks very much Malcolm 👍🏻
Sympathies Dan - especially after the high of a glorious session with the hares. I speak from experience, as two years ago photographing little owls at Brine Pits Farm in Worcestershire I managed to get tangled up in camera straps and drag a Canon 5d Mk4 and 500mm f4 lens off the hide shelf and watch it smash on the floor. it cost me over £1000 to get both repaired. Fortunately I had a back up body with me [Canon 7D Mk2 ] so the session wasn't completely ruined. I apologise profusely for stating the bleeding obvious but after the physical, fiscal and emotional investment in your trip to Scotland you really should have had a 'B' camera with you. I like to have one as a back up anyway and also mix the sensor sizes i.e one full frame and one crop. Brilliant shots of the hare - at least your memory card stayed undamaged. Also, why turn down the loan of a camera ?
Thanks very much I really appreciate your comments. I am definitely looking into a backup camera following this experience. Your experience sounds horrendous, thankfully my lens has been undamaged so it’s just the body which needs sorting out.
As for turning down the loan of someone else’s camera I think I was just frustrated with my camera being damaged and didn’t want to take the risk with somebody else’s kit 🤷🏻♂️
Hope you've got good insurance Dan, it's not expensive, got all my gear covered for in AND out of the house but even good insurance can't rescue a photo trip on short notice. Lesson - always carry a spare even if it's your previous camera. My main camera Nikon D850, my backup Nikon D500.
Thanks very much. Unfortunately it wasn’t insured!
The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
Great video, gutted for you about the snap... hope insured and able to get it fixed quick. We have all done the same... NEVER leave you camera on a seat driving around... always on the floor with a coat/jumper wrapped round to stop bangs.
Thanks very much. Unfortunately it wasn’t insured!
The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
Loved this video Dan, well, up until the last two minutes ... No consolation, but spend enough time in the field photographing wildlife and invariably equipment breakages occur! Hope you can salvage the body / lens without too much cost.
Thanks very much, you are 100% right it’s a part of the experience I guess.
The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
Oh crikey....the ending was heart wrenching. I could see how dejected you were and really felt for you. Other than that, the main content was simply awesome...the sight of the sun begining to appear over the peaks, the images.. especially the jumping hare, like you said, just magical. I am pretty sure you will bounce back. Just make what you can out of the rest of your trip. Best wishes Dan.
Thanks very much mate, I really appreciate it.
All the very best 👍🏻
Superb video Dan, would loved to have witnessed those conditions regardless of how harsh it was. Was genuinely gutted for you over the camera. Look forward to seeing the next video whenever that is. Do also follow Richard, top bloke but will also check out will.
Thanks very much Ian, it truly was a magical morning with the best conditions I’ve ever experienced in the mountains 👍🏻
Another stunning video. What a disaster, breaking your camera and lens especially when away from home and with more photography planned on this trip. Last week my camera drop out of my hands and on to the rocks. A moment I felt terrible an though that would be the end of it, but luckily it survived with only a little scathe. I hit the ground first on the battery grip so that was my luck. So I felt with you when you told us the bad news, I could see how much it hurt you. Hopefully they can repair your kit and return I to you on short notice.
Thanks again for bringing us along with you, looking forward for the next video.
Thanks so very much I really appreciate your response and care.
The camera is well on its way to being repaired and the lens was undamaged.
All the best 👍🏻
Talk about a sting in the tale I could see it in your face how gutted you were. The saving grace I suppose Dan is that you got your images that you had been after for some time and what fantastic images they are. Hopefully you get it fixed pretty quickly, best of luck .
Thanks very much Kevin, it really was an epic morning with some fantastic opportunities and the shots I’d been hoping for.
The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
Sorry for your loss Dan. The exact same thing happened to me a few weeks back and broke my 24-105 mm F4 - not a cheap nor quick repair. Keep smiling though we can wait for your return - maybe you could just film Pops!
Thanks very much David, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Sorry to hear about the camera! My Z8 toppled in high winds once on my old rickety tripod but luckily tripod was at a very low height and nothing happened. I upgraded to a better tripod after that. I'm very paranoid about the camera falling off table/chairs when indoors. I usually put the camera in the backpack as soon as I get in after taking the memory card out.
Thanks very much I appreciate it, I think I too will be very paranoid about it falling off anything 😱
Great video Dan,lovely surroundings to be out in. Shame about the accident, hopefully you can get going again soon with it.
Thanks very much mate, camera is currently being repaired so not the end of the world but certainly an expensive accident 😂
All the best 😂
Another great video Dan. And I feel your pain. Something similar happened to myself. I bought a brand new monopod in December 22 and took it out with me for the bearded Tits. As we went down the path leading to the reed beds, I slipped on a patch of ice and broke the monopod. Thankfully, the company i got it from were understanding and I got a replacement.
That sounds like something that would happen to me, thankfully the company was really understanding and sorted you out.
The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
Hi Dan, we bumped into you on this day, and I’ve been waiting for something to come out!
Great to have met you, great images and nice narrative, shame about your camera!
Thanks very much Gary, was a pleasure chatting with you on the hillside. Hope you managed to get some great shots 👍🏻
OMG!!!!! so sorry about your camera and lens, disaster. hope its fixed soon
Thanks very much Philip really appreciate it 👍🏻
Lovely vid - sorry to hear about your camera - been there - done it - fortunately Nikon repair service was stellar - received my camera body and lens back - as good as new. Hope all works out the best for you!
Thanks very much, camera is well on its way to being restored back to like new. Appreciate the support 👍🏻
Loving the series Dan, great hare photos, dont think I could put up with the cold side of it all 🥶❄️. Sorry to see that the camera had a disaster, hope your up and running again soon. Loving the channel 😊
Thanks very much mate, always appreciated 👍🏻
Great that you had an amazing day with the hares - at least you'll have the images and the videos and the memories of a wonderful experience. Gutted to hear about the camera/lens incident - hope you can get back up and running with replacement kit soon..
Thanks very much I really appreciate it. Fingers crossed I will have my kit back soon and be out doing what I love best.
All the very best 👍🏻
So sorry for you Dan absolutely devastating, enjoyed the footage and images, I wouldn't of been able to talk to the camera if that had been my old p900 keep you chin up cheers Derek 👍
Thanks very much Derek, really appreciate it mate. It took a few attempts to do that final piece 😂
-The hare is exactly where he was yesterday… Have you checked it’s alive? Just a joke. 🤣😇
😂😂😂 that made me giggle 🤭
Hello, Just like to say how good it is to see some out there enjoying capturing images. Yes in the UK you have to but up with the wether some good and other not so good. great video nice edit to thank. ps Sorry to hear about your camera.
Thanks very much I really appreciate your comment and completely agree with your sentiment.
All the very best 👍🏻
Ouch!! I'm sure we all feel for you - good luck with a speedy repair.
Thanks very much Phil, appreciate it 👍🏻
Lovely video Dan as per usual
Absolutely gutted about your camera hopefully it gets repaired ok!
Cheers Andy, the lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
Stunning video Dan amazing photos . Sorry to hear about your gear , never nice to damage gear .
Thanks very much Rob, really appreciate it 👍🏻
The shots of the hare are exquisite, well done, sorry to hear about your camera, I know how it feels, hopefully you get sorted it soon, look forward to the next one on IPhone, that should be fun.
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Some great lights and cracking conditions what a great morning. Lessons learned onwards and upwards!
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great video and pics Dan, sad ending tho, hope you get camera and lens back soon.
Thanks very much Martin, really appreciate it 👍🏻
Wow, what stunning conditions! Amazing images and making me wish I’d had time to get up there this winter!
Jeez, what a disaster indeed - gives me a cold sweat just watching! Hope your insurance covers it and I guess next time your camera will be wearing its seatbelt too! Hope AJ and J have managed to sort it out. Did the lens basically rip the mount off the body?
Thanks very much. Unfortunately it wasn’t insured!
Yes the lens ripped the mounting bracket off the camera body.
The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best Geoff 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photographyglad to hear it's that way around - I would imagine that makes it more easily repairable than the opposite!! You're also not the only person I know of to have experienced exactly that failure. I worry about that point of 'weakness' in the setup quite a lot - because the lens is so light (for what it is) that it almost feels light enough to hold / move from the body and I have to conciously stop myself doing it...
@@GeoffCooper I completely agree with you, the size of the 4 tiny screws that hold it onto your lens is flimsy and definitely a point of weakness.
The biggest issue was that is the screws pulled out of the body it cracked the housing. Thankfully it is replaceable but that also suggests that this is a point of weakness they have considered! I can’t for the life of me understand why the body isn’t a more solid solution considering its intending purpose? I definitely have to remind myself not to hold it by the body with a telephoto lens 👍🏻
Amazing footage of the hares - gutted for you watching this 😢
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Love the mountain hare photos. So sorry about your camera.
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Stunnings Images mate and footage, hope Santa is not sleeping yet and the Reindeer bring you a camera all fixed... and working...😊😊😊😊👊👍
Thanks very much mate, really appreciate it.
Santa must’ve been listening as the lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography That will seem like months for you. Glad to hear it's all working out ok...👊😁
Superb video as always Dan. Fantastic scenery coupled by amazing photography. Really sorry about the unfortunate accident with the camera, hope it's a quick fix and you can get back out there doing what you do best. All the best mate 👍
Thanks very much Owen, the camera is completely repairable and the lens thankfully was undamaged. The only problem is the 6-9 week wait for the parts 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ anyhow on the plus side it is fixable!
All the best mate 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography that's good news mate and kind of Pops to loan you his Z9. Thoughts are with you all mate, keep strong and positive and please send my best wishes to Pops 👍
@@owenparker4120 thanks very much Owen, I will pass on your regards to Pops 👍🏻
Absolutely gutted. Appreciate the piece to camera at the end, Must have been hard for you to do. Any update on if its repairable.
Thanks very much. The lens is undamaged and the camera is completely repairable and should be back with me in a couple of weeks.
All the very best 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography That's great news out of an awful situation.
So wonderful! Thanks for bringing us along!
Thanks very much 👍🏻
Great video sorry to hear about your camera.
Thanks very much Graham really appreciate it 👍🏻
Gutted for you mate - what can I say. Your hare photography was wonderful though. (On another topic - did you suffer from midges at Gigrin Farm) I was there last Tuesday in the Tower Hide and plagued by the buggers - I discovered quite a few of my shots had been taken through the swarm giving me tiny white specs over the photos and a lot of work in PS).
Thanks very much Clive. I can honestly say that I’ve not experienced midges at Gigrin before and I’ve been a few times but have heard other people have had similarly frustrating experiences.
@@danwillis_photography thanks Dan - just glad it wasn’t only me! Is your camera fixed yet?
@@cliveingram9840 it’s still being sorted but the good news is the lens is completely fine with no damage. Body is fixable 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography great news - hope you are up and running again soon. On another topic did you get my tips for extending your Svalbard tip (any use)?
@@cliveingram9840 I did, unfortunately the Svalbard trip has fallen through so maybe something that will happen in the future 👍🏻
Firstly you need an award for getting your motorhome down that road ;-) The scenery is truly spectacular especially when you get a smothering of snow. I hope you can get your camera repaired, pot holed roads don't help gear storage, but accidents happen, don't worry you'll have the gear back soon enough
Thanks very much James, thankfully I didn’t meet much traffic on that road 😂😂
Appreciate your support, all the best 👍🏻
amazing
Thank you! Cheers!