22 Comments
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B.A. Lampman's avatar

This is so great. I don't even know what to say except that this newsletter is a breath of fresh air. THANKS!

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Erik Winkowski's avatar

Thanks so much, I appreciate that.

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Suzana's avatar

Creature feature!

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Brandon Hayman's avatar

I grew up in south Louisiana and before I even read the rest of your newsletter the film alone had me guessing the footage came from there. I live in Texas now, but this little film took me back home in the best way.

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germaine lanaux's avatar

Your film knocked me sideways. I was raised down there and i was eerily transported

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Seema Tabassum's avatar

I love love love this newsletter, so glad that I subscribed. I've been fascinated by life on the Mississippi River ever since I read Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn in school, ages ago. This video gave my imagination something to dig up from. THANKS!

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Julie Adore's avatar

You live in a completely wild place, like you, I can't imagine meeting an alligator while out on a bike ride. It's nice to see places where people live that are truly different!

Thank you !

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Austin Kleon's avatar

Daamn look at that bike path.

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Marcos's avatar

Loving the video Erik! Very inspiring — feel like doing the same, capture the spring blooming in my neighbourhood.

If you don't mind me asking: do you shoot those with your phone or a camera? Equipment matters when capturing those shots? (I don't own any equipment besides an iPhone :) )

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Erik Winkowski's avatar

You totally should! iPhones are extremely capable cameras, and the newer models shoot Log footage, which gives you professional results when color-grading.

That said, I don’t think I would have been able to make this with my phone. I used a Fujifilm XT-4 camera with a 70-300mm telephoto lens for almost every shot.

Equipment does matter, but don’t let that stop you from making your work. I’d say go out and capture the spring blooms with your phone and edit something together with whatever software you have access to. Get it as close to your vision with your available tools. I made little films and animations with my phone for years before upgrading to an expensive camera. Best of luck!

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Coty Luzoro's avatar

Amazing footage, image & sound! The creatures of the wild coming closer 💚

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Erik Winkowski's avatar

Thank you Coty! ✌️

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Richard Pryn's avatar

Not only do I love your films and animations but I absolutely LOVE your music too - hat's off to you sir 🤘🏼

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Kika MacFarlane's avatar

Love it, Erik!

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Erik Winkowski's avatar

Thanks Kika!

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Shanna Bray's avatar

Beautiful capture. I have a horse at the stable there and just stood at that exact spot yesterday looking at the water level and keeping my eyes peeled for a gator. Hope he stays on “the right side” 😉

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Shanna Bray's avatar

I have a horse at the stable there and just stood at that exact spot yesterday looking at the water level and keeping my eyes peeled for a gator. Hope he stays on “the right side” 😉

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Erik Winkowski's avatar

That’s so cool! We live right down the road from the stable. Yeah, as long as the gators stay on the river-side of the levee, we’re good.

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atom's avatar

That beaver! & really nice shot tracking that gator 🐊

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Sophie Austin's avatar

Love your wild neighbours!

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Erik Winkowski's avatar

Thanks Sophie! Me too.

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hope amico's avatar

someone sent me this because I lived in New Orleans and Baton Rouge for years! On my last visit I walked on the levee near river bend to see the birds and to get a little river water to take home with me. Thank you for this! I will share your film with my students!

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