UWOL #7 "Huntin The Hard Way" at DVinfo.net

Dale Guthormsen · February 23rd, 2008, 07:55 AM

Here is my thread for commentary if anyone is so disposed.

It was fun to shoot and was a bit of a pain in the editing suite, particularly the compression issues with quicktime.

Everyday out with the falcons is an adventure as you never know what is going to happen, and it is always packed full of action!!

That of course makes the filming particularly challenging, an adventure in itself.

Hope you enjoy.

Meryem Ersoz · February 24th, 2008, 02:22 PM

cool concept...falcons are a treat!

more close-ups of these magnificent birds would have strengthened this...is this your normal camera, dale? seems a little short on the telephoto compared to what i've seen from you before...

great soundtrack! is this original music? i loved it, it fit the subject and the barren, minimalist sense of place well.

Bob Thieda · February 24th, 2008, 04:46 PM

Trackin' those birds looks pretty tricky....they move fast!

Very, very interesting....

I also would have like to see more close ups of the birds....on your arm, in the truck...
I'd be very interested in seeing how you care for them and call them back...

Kevin Railsback · February 24th, 2008, 04:58 PM

Dale,

Very cool to see a falconry film.

I used to be licensed years ago. That first time they fly to your fist is an experience words can't describe.

Tracking them as they go into a stoop is a tough job for sure.

Couldn't have asked for any better music that.

That sure was enjoyable and brought back a lot of memories.

I liked the slow motion shots of the falconer walking through the snow with his breath steaming from him.

Nice hit on the pheasant as you were panning towards the sun.

Per Johan Naesje · February 25th, 2008, 04:34 AM

Dale, liked your film. Filming those birds is not an easy task! I would, like others have mention, liked to view some nice close-ups of those birds, when they was sitting at the falconer.
Overall a nice and good piece from you Dale.

Rob Evans · February 25th, 2008, 04:55 AM

Yes more close up's here too please ;-)
The action you captured was superb - the strikes were amazing. Are these harris hawks? Beautiful birds + fantastic scenery......

Markus Nord · February 25th, 2008, 07:05 AM

I feel I don’t need to say more, close-ups…
You made a nice film, I liked the concept.

Markus

Vidar Vedaa · February 25th, 2008, 09:25 AM

Hi Dale

Her you make a realy greit enter,from my taste this is on
of the best film this round.Fantastic to see the falcon working.

Many nice clip!!!

Greait-work!!!!

VJV.

_________________________

Dale Guthormsen · February 25th, 2008, 09:50 AM

Thank you all for the comments.

The Camera was my gl2, not my xl2.

I could not tell the whole Falconry story in 3 minutes, so I opted to make it a straight action video. Of course you can't use older footage which ruled out perhaps 150 hours of other video I have on hand.

the Music is an improvisation of "riders in the sky" played by a friend of mine whom I inspired when he was a 13 year old lad, so for me to use his music has more meaning to it.

Filming Falcons that stoop 100 to 280 miles an hour is more than difficult.

This falcon was often 1000 feet up. You can not zoom in close when they are up there because when they go into a stoop you can not keep up with them. You can not use auto focus ever, and often your lighting changes in one stoop. You will note that most of the time I try to keep the falcon high in the frame until the stoop starts, that way you can stay with the falcon, otherwise it is gone out of the frame and you will never catch up!!

The falcon is a domestic bred falcon and is a specticle to see fly.
The only other bird is the wild Male golden eagle that comes in to try and get a free meal.

Kevin, I have been a falconer for 46 years and have spent my life studying raptors of all kinds. While I love all wildlife, the raptors are in my very soul.

I am glad some of you enjoyed it, that is the whole point of sharing it.

Trond Saetre · February 25th, 2008, 12:44 PM

Dale, you always deliver spectacular bird footage, and this was no excemption.
I use the same camera (XM2), so I know what people mean when asking for more close ups. Sometimes the built in 20x just isn't enough.
But still, I enjoyed every single second of your film.
Those falcons are fantastic birds.
Sometimes, I had trouble keeping the dog in the frame for my film, so I believe keeping up with the falcon must have been even more difficult.

Keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing.
The music was a perfect choice.

Catherine Russell · February 25th, 2008, 06:43 PM

Hi Dale:

Way to go on this one! What magnificent birds! Like Markus' film, I can't imagine the scale of difficulty filming it. Beautiful scenery, awesome music, wonderful subject. It's all here Dale! Nice job! Oh yea, and the close ups... how cool would that be too! We like to ask for everything here in UWOL land!

Cat

David Gemmell · February 26th, 2008, 07:59 AM

Hi Dale,

Given my falconry background whilst living in Scotland, this was an absolute surprise and delight to say the least!

To actually get the strike you got (the backlight shot) was absolutely amazing, given the speeds at which these birds are moving. I just loved watching your footage - which brought back so many memories.

The peregrine (although I thought it was a Saker with that reddish tinge on the head) is such an impressive bird to look at, so I understand others comments about the close ups - you know the ones where the screen is filled with only the head of the bird, the cut to the talons and jesses, tying the hood on with your teeth, etc. Regardless, I still loved watching the action take place.

I think you should use a tripod as often as you can and also watch your horizons in some of the shots.

Thanks for sharing such wonderful scenes with us Dale (I would love to see all that other footage you have).

John Dennis Robertson · February 27th, 2008, 03:54 AM

One thing I enjoy about most of vour video's are the miles of open spaces.After watching your video I went back to mine and i notice how confinded it looks even though I am shooting in open spaces...Nice action adventure Dale...

Geir Inge · February 27th, 2008, 08:10 AM

Hi Dale.
"Ghost riders of the sky", great choice of music to this exciting and action filled falconer adventure.
One thing that amaze me more and more is the different approaches to the uwol themes. You can not put everything into 3 min, but maybe I miss some explonation about being a falconer.
I think it's forbidden to train and keep falcons captured in Norway, but I mean no offend though :)

Loved you film and thank you for sharing.

All the best
Geir Inge

Dale Guthormsen · February 28th, 2008, 07:42 PM

Geir,

Norway has a history of being a supplier of raptors in the 1500 to 1800's. Falconry did not take place there for a number of reasons, but it was a great place to set up trapping stations and such which allowed locals to capitalize on some of the native wildlife in that era.

Falconry practiced properly is perhaps the greatest hunting sport with the least impact on the wildlife, both falcons and falconer benifit, hence the symbiotic relationship. Every flight is like a piece of art, always exciting, unique in its own individual way and highly dramatic. I have never known an outdoors person that has seen it done properly that was not emotionally moved. That is what I was trying to portray. I probably failed in a couple regards, as video is good but it isn't like being there!!! Gives me motivation to keep working at it!!!

I tried to portray the non stop action and the specticle of watching a predator do what is natural.

I am in no way offended!!!

Vikings were known for trained raptors too, shame to have lost that heritage!!!

February 23rd, 2008, 07:55 AM	#1
Dale Guthormsen Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,048	UWOL #7 "Huntin The Hard Way" Here is my thread for commentary if anyone is so disposed. It was fun to shoot and was a bit of a pain in the editing suite, particularly the compression issues with quicktime. Everyday out with the falcons is an adventure as you never know what is going to happen, and it is always packed full of action!! That of course makes the filming particularly challenging, an adventure in itself. Hope you enjoy. __________________ DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen

February 24th, 2008, 04:46 PM	#3
Bob Thieda Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 541	Trackin' those birds looks pretty tricky....they move fast! Very, very interesting.... I also would have like to see more close ups of the birds....on your arm, in the truck... I'd be very interested in seeing how you care for them and call them back... __________________ Bob T.

February 24th, 2008, 04:58 PM	#4
Kevin Railsback Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posts: 1,544	Dale, Very cool to see a falconry film. I used to be licensed years ago. That first time they fly to your fist is an experience words can't describe. Tracking them as they go into a stoop is a tough job for sure. Couldn't have asked for any better music that. That sure was enjoyable and brought back a lot of memories. I liked the slow motion shots of the falconer walking through the snow with his breath steaming from him. Nice hit on the pheasant as you were panning towards the sun. __________________ --==Kevin==-- http:naturephotostudios.com.com

February 25th, 2008, 04:34 AM	#5
Per Johan Naesje Trustee Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Akershus, Norway Posts: 1,413	Dale, liked your film. Filming those birds is not an easy task! I would, like others have mention, liked to view some nice close-ups of those birds, when they was sitting at the falconer. Overall a nice and good piece from you Dale. __________________ - Per Johan

February 25th, 2008, 09:50 AM	#9
Dale Guthormsen Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,048	Thank you all for the comments. The Camera was my gl2, not my xl2. I could not tell the whole Falconry story in 3 minutes, so I opted to make it a straight action video. Of course you can't use older footage which ruled out perhaps 150 hours of other video I have on hand. the Music is an improvisation of "riders in the sky" played by a friend of mine whom I inspired when he was a 13 year old lad, so for me to use his music has more meaning to it. Filming Falcons that stoop 100 to 280 miles an hour is more than difficult. This falcon was often 1000 feet up. You can not zoom in close when they are up there because when they go into a stoop you can not keep up with them. You can not use auto focus ever, and often your lighting changes in one stoop. You will note that most of the time I try to keep the falcon high in the frame until the stoop starts, that way you can stay with the falcon, otherwise it is gone out of the frame and you will never catch up!! The falcon is a domestic bred falcon and is a specticle to see fly. The only other bird is the wild Male golden eagle that comes in to try and get a free meal. Kevin, I have been a falconer for 46 years and have spent my life studying raptors of all kinds. While I love all wildlife, the raptors are in my very soul. I am glad some of you enjoyed it, that is the whole point of sharing it. __________________ DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen

February 24th, 2008, 02:22 PM	#2
Meryem Ersoz Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 3,015	cool concept...falcons are a treat! more close-ups of these magnificent birds would have strengthened this...is this your normal camera, dale? seems a little short on the telephoto compared to what i've seen from you before... great soundtrack! is this original music? i loved it, it fit the subject and the barren, minimalist sense of place well.

February 25th, 2008, 04:55 AM	#6
Rob Evans Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Berkshire, UK Posts: 390	Yes more close up's here too please ;-) The action you captured was superb - the strikes were amazing. Are these harris hawks? Beautiful birds + fantastic scenery......

February 25th, 2008, 07:05 AM	#7
Markus Nord Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vastervik ,Sweden Posts: 639	I feel I don’t need to say more, close-ups… You made a nice film, I liked the concept. Markus __________________ www.nordproduktion.se https://vimeo.com/nordproduktion

February 25th, 2008, 09:25 AM	#8
Vidar Vedaa Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: bergen norway Posts: 235	Hi Dale Her you make a realy greit enter,from my taste this is on of the best film this round.Fantastic to see the falcon working. Many nice clip!!! Greait-work!!!! VJV. _________________________

February 25th, 2008, 12:44 PM	#10
Trond Saetre Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bergen, Norway Posts: 3,375	Dale, you always deliver spectacular bird footage, and this was no excemption. I use the same camera (XM2), so I know what people mean when asking for more close ups. Sometimes the built in 20x just isn't enough. But still, I enjoyed every single second of your film. Those falcons are fantastic birds. Sometimes, I had trouble keeping the dog in the frame for my film, so I believe keeping up with the falcon must have been even more difficult. Keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing. The music was a perfect choice.

February 25th, 2008, 06:43 PM	#11
Catherine Russell Trustee Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lyons, Colorado Posts: 1,224	Hi Dale: Way to go on this one! What magnificent birds! Like Markus' film, I can't imagine the scale of difficulty filming it. Beautiful scenery, awesome music, wonderful subject. It's all here Dale! Nice job! Oh yea, and the close ups... how cool would that be too! We like to ask for everything here in UWOL land! Cat

February 26th, 2008, 07:59 AM	#12
David Gemmell Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bendigo, Australia Posts: 234	Hi Dale, Given my falconry background whilst living in Scotland, this was an absolute surprise and delight to say the least! To actually get the strike you got (the backlight shot) was absolutely amazing, given the speeds at which these birds are moving. I just loved watching your footage - which brought back so many memories. The peregrine (although I thought it was a Saker with that reddish tinge on the head) is such an impressive bird to look at, so I understand others comments about the close ups - you know the ones where the screen is filled with only the head of the bird, the cut to the talons and jesses, tying the hood on with your teeth, etc. Regardless, I still loved watching the action take place. I think you should use a tripod as often as you can and also watch your horizons in some of the shots. Thanks for sharing such wonderful scenes with us Dale (I would love to see all that other footage you have).

February 27th, 2008, 03:54 AM	#13
John Dennis Robertson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Johanesburg South Africa Posts: 217	One thing I enjoy about most of vour video's are the miles of open spaces.After watching your video I went back to mine and i notice how confinded it looks even though I am shooting in open spaces...Nice action adventure Dale...

February 27th, 2008, 08:10 AM	#14
Geir Inge Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Larsnes, Norway Posts: 1,342	Hi Dale. "Ghost riders of the sky", great choice of music to this exciting and action filled falconer adventure. One thing that amaze me more and more is the different approaches to the uwol themes. You can not put everything into 3 min, but maybe I miss some explonation about being a falconer. I think it's forbidden to train and keep falcons captured in Norway, but I mean no offend though :) Loved you film and thank you for sharing. All the best Geir Inge __________________ Geir Inge B. Brekke Visit me at: https://vimeo.com/gibbfilm

February 28th, 2008, 07:42 PM	#15
Dale Guthormsen Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 3,048	Geir, Norway has a history of being a supplier of raptors in the 1500 to 1800's. Falconry did not take place there for a number of reasons, but it was a great place to set up trapping stations and such which allowed locals to capitalize on some of the native wildlife in that era. Falconry practiced properly is perhaps the greatest hunting sport with the least impact on the wildlife, both falcons and falconer benifit, hence the symbiotic relationship. Every flight is like a piece of art, always exciting, unique in its own individual way and highly dramatic. I have never known an outdoors person that has seen it done properly that was not emotionally moved. That is what I was trying to portray. I probably failed in a couple regards, as video is good but it isn't like being there!!! Gives me motivation to keep working at it!!! I tried to portray the non stop action and the specticle of watching a predator do what is natural. I am in no way offended!!! Vikings were known for trained raptors too, shame to have lost that heritage!!! __________________ DATS ALL FOLKS Dale W. Guthormsen