Pleased to be a part of this forum

[Matthew Millan]

I am an amateur adventure photographer and filmmaker trying to become professional in either field. In truth, both fields are just an excuse for me to go on another suicidal adventure. Currently, I am trying to get funding together to go on an expedition across the Bering Strait.

I am always searching for tips on how to be better in both fields. You can see a samples of my filmmaking at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVJxupw-2m4&feature=channel_page

This snow leopard footage was taken while climbing Stok Kangri glacier in Ladakh, India. At the time (May 2004), it was the only footage ever taken of snow leopards hunting in the wild. My buddy Russ got a few lovelyphotographs of the leopard on the dzo's back, which can be seen at http://www.lightstalkers.org/nomadruss.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Asher Kelman]

I am an amateur adventure photographer and filmmaker trying to become professional in either field. In truth, both fields are just an excuse for me to go on another suicidal adventure. Currently, I am trying to get funding together to go on an expedition across the Bering Strait.

I am always searching for tips on how to be better in both fields. You can see a samples of my filmmaking at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVJxupw-2m4&feature=channel_page

This snow leopard footage was taken while climbing Stok Kangri glacier in Ladakh, India. At the time (May 2004), it was the only footage ever taken of snow leopards hunting in the wild. My buddy Russ got a few lovelyphotographs of the leopard on the dzo's back, which can be seen at http://www.lightstalkers.org/nomadruss.
.

I haven't found Russ' pictures yet. Maybe get Russ to post them here!

Mathew,

Your movie is outstanding and you can pat yourself heartily on the back for a job so well done! what camera did you use? We have a great interest in photography putting light on the beauty, successes and tragedy in this fragile planet. You work is exemplary and I hope you do more.

Might you both consider using Russ's still photos to add some shots you could zoom into and pan accros to add more detail to the story?

Asher

 

[Matthew Millan]

Yeah, noticed his snow leopard photos are down. I'll get a hold of him and see if I can post them here. Using his shots is a great idea. Don't know why I didn't think of it. Would give everyone a welcome break from the shaky camera work.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to set my tripod up. It was either get this footage, or get nothing. In retrospect, we should have walked to the snowfield 10 minutes earlier.

 

[Matthew Millan]

And thanks for the wonderful comments, Asher. Means a lot.

 

[Matthew Millan]

I used a Canon GL2. Amazingly durable camera that had no problem surviving the horrendous weather.

 

[Jeff Donovan]

Yeah, noticed his snow leopard photos are down. I'll get a hold of him and see if I can post them here. Using his shots is a great idea. Don't know why I didn't think of it. Would give everyone a welcome break from the shaky camera work.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to set my tripod up. It was either get this footage, or get nothing. In retrospect, we should have walked to the snowfield 10 minutes earlier.

Still some amazing footage, thanks for sharing it. That must be one of those situations where you a pinching yourself to make sure you're really seeing what you're filming.

I remember watching Planet Earth on Discovery last year and seeing their footage of snow leopards hunting a mountain goat (I believe.) After the show they let on that they had been going to the mountains for four or five years to get the footage and near the end of their stay they were so depressed they called for an evac a few days before they were scheduled to leave. The producer convinced them to stay those few days and they got a great shot of a leopard chasing the goat.

When the cameraman reviewed it and realized that he'd gotten it all and had it in focus he started sobbing it was such an emotional experience for them.