Creator Highlight Vaidas Uselis of Black Fly Eyes Media | Tips for Outdoor Filmmakers

Vaidas Uselis, the creative force behind Black Fly Eyes Media, has seamlessly blended his passion for the outdoors with his talent for filmmaking. With a deep-rooted love for nature, Vaidas has spent years honing his craft, capturing the raw beauty of fly fishing and hunting in some of the most remote corners of the world. His journey from a nature-obsessed child to a renowned videographer is both inspiring and fascinating. In this interview, we dive into Vaidas' background, his creative process, and the challenges and rewards of filming in the wild.

1. How did you first get into fly fishing and hunting? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked your passion for these outdoor pursuits?

"I feel like my connection with nature has always been a part of who I am, almost as if it’s in my DNA. From a young age, I was drawn to the outdoors—my shelves were always filled with books and magazines about nature, hunting, and fishing. My first real introduction to these activities came when I was about 4 or 5, during a fishing trip with my father. That experience sparked something inside me.

After my parents divorced when I was seven, my stepfather, a dedicated hunter and fisherman, continued cultivating that passion in me. He took me on my first hunting trip when I was eight, and after that, I became the one eager to wake him up before dawn for our adventures—sometimes as early as 4 a.m., lol.

When we moved to a place near a beautiful trout stream, I found myself spending nearly all my free time with a spinning rod in hand. I remember counting down the days until I turned 18, so I could finally get my hunting license. From then on, my love for hunting deepened, but for me, it has always been about more than the hunt. I’ve always felt a strong passion for animals and a deep appreciation for being in nature.

For years, spin fishing was my preferred method. But when I turned 25, I started looking for something more refined. Once I tried fly fishing, everything changed. I sold off all of my previous gear and dove headfirst into the world of fly fishing.

Now, I see my 13-year-old son following in my footsteps, just as I did with my stepfather all those years ago. Watching him develop the same passion for the outdoors is an incredible feeling—it’s like I’m reliving my own journey through him."

2. Your work captures the essence of both fly fishing and hunting beautifully. What inspired you to start filming these activities, and how has your approach evolved over the years?

"Like many passionate outdoorsmen—whether hunters, fishermen, or hikers—I’ve always wanted to share my experiences and tell the stories behind my adventures. Video became the easiest and most impactful way to do that. I started by taking a GoPro or DSLR with me on every trip, capturing moments along the way. In my free time, I taught myself how to edit, slowly learning how to weave these experiences into compelling stories.

Later on, I met my friend Nero, who shared the same passion for outdoor activities and videography. We decided to team up, and that’s how 'Black Fly Eyes' was born. Over the years, as our skills grew, so did our gear—we gradually moved from amateur equipment to more professional setups. As a result, our films started gaining recognition, even winning a few awards. We've also attracted sponsorships from outdoor companies and have begun working on paid film projects.

Now, I’m transitioning into a full-time filmmaking career, using my lens to help others tell their stories. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to combine my love for the outdoors with my passion for filmmaking."

3. Fly fishing and hunting can be challenging to film. What’s the most difficult aspect of capturing these moments on camera, and how do you overcome it?

"You're right, some species are already challenging to catch or hunt, and capturing those moments on camera adds a whole new level of difficulty. It's definitely 'double trouble.' Fortunately, my experience in fishing and hunting helps a lot. I can often predict what’s likely to happen in certain situations, allowing me to be ready with my camera gear.

That said, nature is unpredictable, and I don’t always get it right. There have been crucial moments where I’ve missed the shot—whether it’s the fish striking or the hunter taking a shot. This is where editing skills and creativity become essential. Sometimes, you have to work with what you’ve captured and find ways to tell the story in post-production.

Another key challenge is capturing the beauty of a new location. When I arrive somewhere new, I make a point to remember the details that impress me on that first day and ensure I film them as soon as I can. Our eyes tend to adapt quickly to new environments, and what seems stunning on day one can start to feel ordinary later on. I’ve missed many beautiful shots simply because I didn’t film them when they first caught my eye. That’s a lesson I’ve had to learn over time."

4. You’ve traveled to some incredible locations to film. Is there a particular destination or adventure that stands out as your favorite, and why?

"That’s a tough question because each location has its own unique appeal. I’m drawn to remote, wild places far from civilization, where you can truly disconnect from the material concerns of daily life. Whether it's the deep Amazon jungle, the vast expanses of Greenland, the Russian tundra, or the wilds of Africa, every destination offers something different.

However, in many of these remote places, you end up staying in luxury lodges with guides—almost like having a babysitter—so even in dangerous locations, you sometimes feel a bit too safe.

One of the wildest adventures we’ve had was our expedition to the far east of Russia for taimen fishing. This trip was essentially a 'do-it-yourself' adventure. We had a couple of Russian friends who helped us get into remote areas, provided basic camping gear and food, but beyond that, we were on our own. We had to figure out how to catch fish on the fly, and the experience was as raw and authentic as it gets. We used chainsaws to clear paths to wild rivers, hunted, fished, shot AK-47s, and, of course, drank buckets of vodka. I’m not even sure if everything we did was entirely legal, but as they say—welcome to Russia! lol"

5. What’s the most unexpected or surprising thing you’ve captured on film while out in the field? Any moments that took you completely by surprise?

"Nature is full of surprises, and that’s one of the reasons I love shooting outdoor content. Every day brings a sense of excitement because you never know what’s going to happen. It’s not like filming a wedding, where you have a clear script and know exactly how the day will unfold.

For example, once while filming in the Amazon, I was focused on a fisherman casting a fly for pacu fish when suddenly, a huge tapir burst out of the water right in front of him. Another time, I was flying my drone over an island in the Indian Ocean, aiming to capture a fisherman against a scenic backdrop. Just as I started filming, a school of giant trevally (GTs) appeared, and I was able to capture the entire fishing action. That clip ended up going viral, with over 4 million views on Instagram.

So honestly, I can’t narrow it down to just one specific moment—I’ve had so many incredible experiences while filming outdoors. Every trip seems to deliver something unexpected and memorable."

6. How do you balance the need to stay focused on the shot while also immersing yourself in the fly fishing or hunting experience?

"Whether I’m hunting or fishing myself or filming someone else doing it, I feel the same level of excitement as the person catching the fish or harvesting the animal. There's something about the shared experience that makes me just as invested in the moment. Even when I’m behind the camera, I’m fully immersed in the action—it’s like I’m right there with them, feeling that same rush of adrenaline.

On some projects, when I'm out with my buddy Nero, we’ll switch between roles—one of us will fish while the other is behind the camera, and then we’ll trade off. That way, we both get to be fully involved in the experience, whether it’s fishing or filming."

7. Your work often highlights the connection between people and nature. How important is it for you to convey that relationship in your films, and how do you go about doing it?

"Fishermen, and especially hunters, face increasing challenges in many parts of the world. More people seem to be forgetting that we are still an integral part of nature. The younger generation, in particular, often has little connection to where their food actually comes from. Many consider themselves nature lovers, but their understanding of wildlife is shaped mostly by TV screens or visits to city parks.

In my films, I try to incorporate conservation messages whenever possible—explaining why hunting and fishing are necessary for maintaining ecological balance. I don’t shy away from showing sensitive scenes either, because it’s important for people to see the realities of nature, not just the sanitized version shown on TV. Nature isn’t a fairy tale; it’s raw and real, and we are still a part of its food chain. I believe it’s crucial for people to understand this and to reconnect with the natural world in a more meaningful way."

8. What gear do you rely on the most when filming in the wild? Any favorite tools or equipment that you never leave home without?

Right now, it’s a golden age for content creators when it comes to camera gear. Almost any modern camera can get the job done, so the story has become the most important part of the process. I remember just a few years ago, we were hauling around massive cases for the DJI Inspire drone, the bulky Sony FS700, sliders, underwater domes, and so on. Now, I can fit most of my gear into a single backpack.

I always aim to be as compact as possible, especially when heading to remote locations where I can only take what fits in my backpack. These days, I primarily use the Sony FX3 and DJI Mavic Cine, along with a few lenses and some small essential gear. Since I’m often a one-man crew, my approach is very much 'run-and-gun.'

As for the one tool I never leave behind? My phone! Lol.  There have been times when I couldn’t reach for my camera, and my phone saved the day. It might not be ideal, but it’s better than missing the shot altogether.

9. Looking ahead, what are your goals for Black Fly Eyes Media? Are there any upcoming projects or aspirations you're excited about?

"I’m excited about transitioning into a full-time filmmaking career with Black Fly Eyes Media. We have a couple of ambitious projects in the pipeline, including a documentary series that explores the cultural and environmental aspects of fly fishing and hunting around the world. It’s a huge undertaking, but it aligns perfectly with our mission to tell meaningful stories about our connection to nature.

We’re also working on expanding our reach by collaborating with more outdoor brands and conservation organizations. I’m particularly interested in creating content that highlights conservation efforts and promotes sustainable practices in the outdoors. My goal is to use our platform to raise awareness about important environmental issues and inspire others to take action.

Ultimately, I want Black Fly Eyes Media to be recognized not just for its stunning visuals but also for its commitment to telling impactful stories. Whether it’s through documentaries, short films, or educational content, I hope to make a positive difference in how people perceive and interact with the natural world."

10. Finally, do you have any advice for aspiring outdoor filmmakers or those looking to capture their own adventures on camera?

"Absolutely! My main piece of advice is to focus on storytelling. The gear is important, but it’s the story you’re telling that will truly resonate with viewers. Spend time learning how to frame your shots, use natural light, and capture genuine moments.

Another tip is to be patient and prepared. Outdoor filming often requires a lot of waiting for the right moment, so be ready to adapt and seize opportunities when they arise. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles to find what works best for you.

Lastly, always respect nature and the people you’re filming. Building strong relationships with your subjects and treating nature with care will not only enhance your work but also enrich your own experiences. Keep pushing yourself to learn and grow, and most importantly, have fun with it!"

Connect with Vaidas Uselis

For more stunning outdoor films and insights into Vaidas’ adventures, follow Black Fly Eyes Media on their social media channels or visit their website. With every project, Vaidas continues to showcase the profound connection between people and nature, inspiring us all to appreciate and protect our wild places.