Something new I decided to launch in 2020 is a video blog, commonly referred to as a vlog. The purpose of my new vlog is to bring you out in the field with me on my adventures and hopefully better show you some of the areas I visit and the wildlife I encounter while there.
I have to admit shooting video is pretty new to me, but I am going to do my best to put together something that is both entertaining and educational. It is my hope that in each episode I can share more information on how I go about finding subjects to photograph and the camera settings and techniques I use in each situation to capture the images. I plan on including plenty of video footage of the wildlife encountered while adding still photos captured into each vlog as well. For those of you loyal blog subscribers, I will still be doing my written blog as well.
Last week I visited Pinery Provincial Park for a day of birding and to shoot my first vlog episode. All in all, I was pretty satisfied with how it turned out considering my lack of video experience and learning how to use new software to piece the video and photo segments together. I realize I need to make a few tweaks for episode two. For instance, I left the still frames up too long which makes it appear the video is over. In the future, I plan on shortening this and adding voiceover explaining what camera settings I used and why given the situation.
I invite you to watch my first vlog episode below titled Winter Birding and Photography at Pinery Provincial Park. If you enjoy it, please subscribe on YouTube and be sure to click the bell to be notified when new episodes are published. Please feel free to leave a comment or suggestion of what you would like to see in future episodes.
Good birding,
Paul
Beautiful tones and textures in the black and white landscape shown on your vlog. Looking back at your piece on identifying Downy vs. Hairy woodpeckers was very helpful (the most helpful tips i have found for Downy vs. Hairy!) Identifying one hawk from another is also very tricky! Any tips for identifying hawks?
Thank you very much Jann for the kind words. I am very happy you found my post on the woodpeckers helpful and am very excited to hear my tips are the most helpful you have found. Hawks are a challenge to identify for sure but there are a few things to look for that will really help. First is size, is it bigger or smaller than a crow. Second is wing shape, are they rounded or pointed, short or long. Length of tail can be useful too for identification. Finally any recognizable color patters that stick out. These characteristics can help narrow it down then a positive identification obtained once referencing a field guide. I think this would be a good idea for a future blog post. Thanks!
Hi Paul. I really enjoyed your video of the Pinery. Ifind that my batteries use up faster in the cold. Do you have any suggestions on keeping them longer in the winter.
Hi Philip I am glad you enjoyed the video. I always make sure my battery is fully charged before going out in the cold and find this really helps. Limiting my use of the LCD screen to view images and not shooting in live mode really conserves power. I have my camera set to turn off automatically and re-power when any button is pressed which I find very useful year-round. Video on the other hand it tricky as this uses battery fast and in fact my battery did die on my camera I use for video at the Pinery. I just bought some really inexpensive aftermarket batteries for shooting video but have not had a chance to use them yet. One I test them, and if they are any good, I will share what brand they are but don’t want to recommend anything until I have had a chance to try it.
I loved this! What a great idea to create vlog in addition to your always interesting blogs👏👏
Thank you very much Debbie, I am very happy knowing you loved this.
Your first Vlog was an absolute treat! Thank you!
Thank you very much Eileen, I am really glad you enjoyed it!
I love this, Paul! What a great idea 🙂 Looking forward to more. Haven’t seen any tufted titmice (titmouses?) this winter in Brantford.
Thanks Anca, I am really glad you love my new vlog! Hopefully you will see some Tufted Titmice down your way soon.