SUCCINCT: Others would take many episodes to convey these tips for better bird photography. Your calm manner of presentation conveys important ideas and your sample photos subtly reinforce the expertise underlying your message. BRAVO for a well conceived, informative presentation!👍
I have been shooting for 60 years (about 10 professionally and another decade part-time) and frequently watch teaching videos. As of today, this has been the MOST informative video for me. After the first minute or so I was saying to myself, ok, ok, ok, I use those ideas. Whoa that's new, or that's a new way to do the same thing, Hey he really knows his business! What else can I learn? Answer, A LOT! Thanks your video was very useful!!!
Nice teaching style without endless drone shots or life vlogging. Very knowledgeable without talking down to viewers and that is a very nice addition to RUclips! Keep up the good work.
So glad I found your channel - not only amazing content with great advice but your presentation and communication is second to none! I’m in the process of watching every video on the channel and they’re all awesome! Thank you and please keep up the great work!!!
That’s ridiculously impressive that you’re able to manually shoot at 1/50th. Amazing video! Keep up the awesome work and thank you for providing this expert advice!
Really great tutorial, you pointed out lots of micro details that I believe many including me have missed, supplemented with the perfect example. Glad I bumped into this video before going to the field with my 150-600mm lens!
You got one more follower. I am a hobby photographer since 30 years and made hundreds of thousands of photos already from which I also sold some to magazines, etc. Most of the tips I work with as well but some inspired me still to try slightly different than I do actually. You explained nice and slow and well understandable. It was joy to listen you. Many thanks for your efforts to produce so useful content.
Hands down the best advice video I've come across especially for someone like me who's only just getting into photography. Not only technique but basics such as getting the camera set up to give the best chance of good results, several of which I had no idea of up until you brought them to light (also using a Canon so transferring them over was easy). Really appreciate the benefit of your insight & experience Simon, thank you for taking the time to do this
Only 4 minutes in and I have already learned more than I have on many other photography videos I've watched. I'm going to have to watch this a few times to take it all in
For slow shutter speed hand-held, I use a phrase we used for shooting weapons in the Army. "BRAS" Breath, Relax, Aim, and Squeeze. Breath control half way through a breath "stop" breathing not stop and HOLD your breath. Holding for too long will shake the camera. Relax, don't be in a hurry. As said, 100 photos and 1 is fantastic is a good shooting so don't worry about if you got the shot, just keep shooting. Aim, not simply towards the shot but preparing the focus, or zoom cropping. Squeeze, the 2nd most important other than Breath (stop not hold breath) because if you push the button down quick to get the shot, you will find you didn't get the shot. You should squeeze slowly so much that when the shutter goes off, you're surprised by it. P.S. Fantastic instructions Simon d'Entremont ! Thank You !
Hi Simon, Thanks for those awesome tips. One thing to add is the use of filters. For long lenses try not to use any filters, because those will act as distorted lenses due imperfect flatness, mechanical tension of the glass against the filter ring. Below 150mm this is not a big issue. Above that value the impact is a square dependency of the focal length!
I stumbled (metaphorically) across your channel, specifically your auto ISO hack, then this video. I'm not a bird photographer, but you presented a plethora of great techniques that easily apply to any kind of photography. Clearly, you are a very good professional and your photos are far beyond being the standard cliché shots. The way you present is very organized, clear, and smooth. Unlike ever so many who make RUclips videos, you don't do what I call "face dances," with eyebrows lips, and other facial parts flying all over, and you don't fidget and thrash, waving your arms maniacally like a madman/madperson, which is painfully amateurish and distracting. Your content and presentation earns an A+ from me, a university medical school professor. Your videos are content-rich, such that I have a lot of notes to take, along taking photos. I have subscribed. Thank you!
Truly masterfully made photographs! The reflection in the eyes of your avian subjects is testimony to the quality of your work. From my limited study, you touch on so many folks I've read and whose works I've seen. There is a whole lot of wisdom and expertise in this well-edited video that, in my view, can be watched over and over again until it begins to become second nature. Thank you for sharing! Best wishes.
I would like you to thank you for sharing all your knowledge and experience with us! I like your style of explaining things. Easy to listen and understand.
79 yr. old hobby photographer. Fell in love with wildlife photography 1980's. Always something to learn from your well put together video's. Thank you for all your expertise & time.
Birds are the most interesting and toughest subjects. They are small, quick, and timid, all at the same time. I think that is why they keep us on our toes and trying. A good image is so satisfying because it is a rare thing... at least for me! This video is the best tips and advise I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Thank you . I'm ready to give it another "shot".
I really appreciate you taking the time to teach us your "secrets". Your videos are very professional and the content is excellent. Looking forward to the next video in the series!
Simon, you are an exceptional wildlife photographer and your RUclips videos are as impressive as any of the other highly-subscribed bird photographers. Please continue to share your images and your mastery through RUclips. I know that your audience will grow quickly - your content is just that good. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Most appreciated! Can’t wait for new episodes.
Wow. I have the 100-400, and that aperture tip worked. I was shooting shutter priority, but switching to manual and setting the aperture to 6.3 is a little sharper, nice!
Excellent presentation Simon. I am just starting out with nature photography and my primary interest is bird photography. It's been very helpful to have so much insight and advice from somebody who had been doing this for many years. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to educate others. I learned tons.
Thanks for this. I plan to use the tips this weekend. I tried bird photography for the first time last weekend and hard a hard time with moving subjects. This video is exactly what I needed.
Great tip on the panning practice using cars. I mainly shoot drift racing, and while shooting Formula Drift at the end of one of the practice/qualifying sessions a few of us had a little competition on who could shoot the slowest freehand and still sharply catch the cars. We had all worked down to around 1/10-1/20th sec, terrible hit rate regardless of the kit (I mention this because a lot of people get discouraged when they try themselves and fail after a few hundred blurry shots, don't give up people!), but the ones we managed to nab were just incredible. Highly recommend trying it for those of you out there looking to push yourselves (and not with just cars lol). I've also shot birds over the years, but nowhere near your level and never tried panning, but this video has definitely inspired to give it a go. Thanks for all the great tips and advice!
thanks for the way you explain things. Calme and well explained for a non english native speaking. I was really nice to follow your videos while other i stop them because of the speed of speaking
First I have to thank Gavin for vertually introducing your channel to me, Simon I have learned more and improved more in the last three days of watching your videos than I have in years of fumbling around wondering why I could not get the resilts I wanted,, Shutter, F stop, ISO of course it just works!! Thanks Simon looking forward to more videos :)
Simon, you are indeed a great teacher as people say in the comments, I saved few of your videos into my browser's favorites because I know I will need to remind to myself your precious wisdom again because I may forget some. Many thanks from Italy!
Thank you for taking the time to make this very helpful video!! The tips about holding the camera tightly were especially helpful!! Can't wait to try those techniques!!
Im taking photo's for a hobby. And I will be finally upgrading my kit this year. I have been using a Nikon D5200 + Tamron 70-300 since 2016 now so I am hyped to finally upgrade this year. I am thinking about getting the Nikon D780 + a 200-500 Nikon Lens. I use that lens for Zoo Photografie and use the kit lens from my D5200 to take photo's from our farm and pets. Its funny to me that I discovered all those techniques while I was learning to shoot better photo's and it shows in my photos too. In 2 weeks I will shoot wild life for the first time while we go out on a horse car. So that will defiantly be an experience!
Great video, Simon. I'm glad you mentioned turning the heat off in your car in the winter. I also keep the windows open to really make sure there's no temperature differential between inside the car and the outside world. I sure do get some funny looks when folks see me drive past with the windows open in the middle of winter. :)
I *REALLY* appreciate your videos. I’ve been an amateur photographer for 45 years, and I always learn something, often multiple things. I knew about heat shimmer, but never considered the car heat / engine heat issues. Thank you.
Thanks for these tips, there is some really useful information that I hadn’t personally seen before, even though I am an avid consumer of animal photography videos.
This is an amazing video. I’m brand new to the photography world and mainly want to do this as a hobby, and there was so many points in here that I wouldn’t have thought of. Heat rising and the shimmer caused from it was something I knew about but without this video I wouldn’t have thought it affected photos, but makes perfect sense. I just wish I had someone as knowledgeable and clear and precise that I could go out in the field and shoot with. But for the time being I will take your tips and practice out in the field
All great tips that I have been using for years. The Canon 100-400mm Mk II is one crazy sharp lens, even with the 1.4 extender. I have moved to micro 4/3 system as I can no longer carry the weight or hold for long. The Sigma 150-600mm lens was also a really good lens. I had the Canon 300mm f/2.8, had to give it up because of the weight and using a tripod was not an option. Never tire of the Wood Duck.
I want to thank you for your tips. I just got the 200 to 600 for Sony and none of my shots would I consider sharp. Within minutes after watching your video I took some cityscapes handheld that were my first sharp photos with this lens. The joy that provided me I needed to come back here and thank you. Keep on the good. work sir.
Great video!! You're the first photographer I've seen who actually defines "sharpness". That was super helpful since if you don't quite know what it is, then it's much harder to actually achieve it in photos!!
Great Video, thank you 👍🏻 May I add another tipps? 1. Some Zoom lenses (such as one of mine) are getting significantly softer at the long end. Reducing the range e.g. from 600mm to 550mm can help to improve. 2. Control filters: One of my protection filters was obviously of minor optical quality. Shooting without brought better results. 3. Monopod as a stabilizer: Sometimes (if I got enough space to move) I use the monopod even to shoot moving birds: It's weight reduces my shaking Best regards 🤗
When shooting from a vehicle, turn the engine off (and if you have passengers ask them to stay still). It's amazing how much motion gets picked up from micro-vibrations. Thanks Simon, great video, great channel.
Great videos and great tips! I keep looking for your videos for bird photography. I used to have bad photos using a monopod. Now I know why. In calculating the minimal shutter speed, one should also know that the crop factor needs compensation as well. They say that, when using a tripod, one should not use Optical Stabilisation.
Simon Great channel, with excellent advice. Your ability to convey your thoughts and stay on point is absolutely perfect. Others drift and ramble at times, and become difficult to watch. I find myself coming back and viewing yours several times due to the shear amount of information. Never boring. Thx for taking the time to do these videos. Best I've seen Stephen
Great video Simon, with good techniques for everyone! I'm not a bird or nature photographer - but I can see adapting some of these anti-vibration techniques in my landscape photography when I'm shooting hand-held. Keep up the great shots!
both modes can work, but my favorite is actually manual with auto-iso. of the two, I’d prefer shutter priority, so that you ensure you have enough shutter speed for the movement if the birds, and can adjust it based on flying vs static birds, which needs different shutter speeds.
I cannot stress enough how helpful this video is! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Also, thank you for your calm and poised voice, so much easier to pay attention to the content. I just got (today) A Sony A7R IV and thanks to you, I hope to put it to good use. Subscribed+thumbs up and I am going to watch this video a second time. Thank you again.
Thanks for the Awesome tips. I know they will help me a lot. Something else that helps me is having a camera body with IBIS. I have Nikon lenses, but I picked up an Olympus E-M10II. Now all my lenses have stabilized shooting - but manual focus. I can now get much sharper shots in lower light, because of the awesome 5 axis stabilization, and shooting at lower shutter speeds with lower ISO settings. Thanks again for the pro tips!
Also considering the shaddow recovery of modern camera's one can shoot with 3-4 stops of underexposure, alowing for either lower ISO, or higher shutter speed, or both, to get as sharp a photo as possible. But, this means there needs to be bright light for clear photos from underexposed shaddow recovery.
Just like your amazing photographs….your tips were quite, quite Brilliant !! I will reference the video numerous times in order to improve my technique. Truly grateful for the clarity and simplicity of your delivery.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise! I had no idea about shimmer heat! I just retired and finally have time to really focus on what I love, on photographing birds! You’ve helped so much with your teaching! Thank you!
Hi Simon, absolutely Brilliant video you have made so clear and easy to understand for a keen Bird photograper. Any advice on which is the best focus method on Canon 5dmkiii , there are a few spot focus modes but not sure which is the best one and what the difference is, any help greatly appreciated, looking forward to your next video, many thanks Peter
I’d recommend using center point for static birds, and for flying birds, I’d use several points around the center. I wouldn’t use all the points…in my experience it’s too slow, and likely to grab something other than the target.
Thanks Simon, I thought I knew pretty much all I needed to know on this (overconfident arrogance). But I was mistaken. I never considered heat shimmer, or shooting above a hot engine cover. One (perhaps obvious) thing I didn't see was advice to avoid any cheap filters, like UV etc, whenever possible. Granted in dirty/dusty places or on a beach with wind (salt laden air or sand etc) it might still be prudent to protect the front element. Although with fast sports primes the front element is too big for a filter (often an internal rear filter).
The tips you have for stabilizing and controlling the camera is the same as using a firearm! When I think of my camera as a rifle, mentally it makes it easier to control and handle!
I recently got a Nikon Z6ii, first camera, and mainly use it for macro on small bugs etc. Absolutely feels like hunting and shooting. Many of the principles are the same.
Hi, thank you for your practical advice! It is very helpfull. I'm a starter and have a zoomlens fujiflm xt4 70-300mm crop, i find it hard to get focus on a flying bird when it is flying over. Most of the time the bird is to small for my focus to detect the bird. When i have the bird in my view i lose it easily because its flying very quick and it get easy out of my view. Do you have tips for it. Now i start with less zoom en while following the bird i keep zooming, but then my camera always have to refocus, and i lose the bird again. Any tips for me?
I've recently found myself taking pictures of birds with my phone whenever I can and finding zooming on my phone has less than desirable results. I am thinking of takign the plunge and gettinga dedicated camera. I've stumbled across your channel and it has been a blessing with a wealth of information. As someone on budget of say 500 dollars for now, is getting good pictured of birds or even other animals in motion realistic for me?
@@simon_dentremont Thanks for the insight. Suppose I'll just have save up and work my way to a good quality lens. Plan to get a camera in a few months to begin my photography journey.
Sure your photos wont look exactly like those from massive primes, but with the right techniques and some more luck you can get most of the way to some good results. At around $500 you can get started with something like a used Nikon D7000 and 300 f4 or Canon 7D and 70-300 IS ii. Either of those combos will be vastly better than your phone once you learn a bit about how to use them (follow Simon's tips here!) and you'll be able to upgrade to a better lens in the future if you find you enjoy this hobby and want more! The best gear helps you capitalize on a wider variety of conditions, but when conditions are right you would be surprised what you can get out of older, less expensive kit.
Those are pretty much every single tip I give to people when it comes to shooting wildlife. As I've learned those things, my photography has gotten better and better. Absolutely perfect advice.
Great video Simon, lots of good practical tips! I’ve been a fan of your work on IG for a long time - really inspirational as someone who just started birding and pans BiF with their elbows out 😀🤦♂️
Thank You Simon, this is one of the best videos I have seen on this subject. It was in detailed, practical, and concise with excellent examples. Looking forward to seeing more!
By the way, I use a Canon 5Dmk4 with an old '98 500mm F4. It is a heavy system hand held for birds and I use a lot of the same techniques you described. It is still a workout though. I always shut the engine off when shooting from the car to reduce vibration and use a bean bag, which turns off the heater also. I will try some of the things you mentioned next time I am out. Thank you.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
100,000 views! Thanks to all who watched and thanks for all your generous comments!
Great video and advice!
You deserve
soon there will be 200,000! ;)
Great video!
Happy New 2023 Year Simon!
Thank you very much! Great Tips!
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🎈🍾🎉👍📷 😊
SUCCINCT: Others would take many episodes to convey these tips for better bird photography. Your calm manner of presentation conveys important ideas and your sample photos subtly reinforce the expertise underlying your message. BRAVO for a well conceived, informative presentation!👍
thanks so much! appreciate the feedback.
Lumo, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont By all means! Feel free to use my comments if they help with your excellent work.
I have been shooting for 60 years (about 10 professionally and another decade part-time) and frequently watch teaching videos. As of today, this has been the MOST informative video for me. After the first minute or so I was saying to myself, ok, ok, ok, I use those ideas. Whoa that's new, or that's a new way to do the same thing, Hey he really knows his business! What else can I learn? Answer, A LOT! Thanks your video was very useful!!!
That was toooooo kind! Thanks!
The whole internet only needs you on these subjects. Thank you for making these videos. You're the best.
Wow, thank you!
The amount of useful info you pack into every video is a goldmine for the amateur.
Nice teaching style without endless drone shots or life vlogging. Very knowledgeable without talking down to viewers and that is a very nice addition to RUclips! Keep up the good work.
Glad you liked it!
You are a master at teaching. Every point was spot on and easy to follow! Well done Simon I am very encouraged.
So glad I found your channel - not only amazing content with great advice but your presentation and communication is second to none! I’m in the process of watching every video on the channel and they’re all awesome! Thank you and please keep up the great work!!!
I don't care how long a person has been a photographer, you bring some great ideas to working with birds in the environment. Nice Video.
Thank you very much!
You talk so clearly and slowly, even I understood. Thank you it helped a lot
Simon, that right there is a masterclass in bird photography! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
My pleasure!
That’s ridiculously impressive that you’re able to manually shoot at 1/50th. Amazing video! Keep up the awesome work and thank you for providing this expert advice!
Will do!
Really great tutorial, you pointed out lots of micro details that I believe many including me have missed, supplemented with the perfect example. Glad I bumped into this video before going to the field with my 150-600mm lens!
Glad you enjoyed it!
You are officially my new photography instructor. Thank you for the great tips, and also, impressive job on this channel!
Wow, thanks!
no fluff, all hits. What a great video. Thanks for your clear and helpful explanations!
Glad it was helpful!
You got one more follower. I am a hobby photographer since 30 years and made hundreds of thousands of photos already from which I also sold some to magazines, etc. Most of the tips I work with as well but some inspired me still to try slightly different than I do actually. You explained nice and slow and well understandable. It was joy to listen you. Many thanks for your efforts to produce so useful content.
Welcome aboard!
@@simon_dentremont thanks a lot 🤗
Hands down the best advice video I've come across especially for someone like me who's only just getting into photography. Not only technique but basics such as getting the camera set up to give the best chance of good results, several of which I had no idea of up until you brought them to light (also using a Canon so transferring them over was easy). Really appreciate the benefit of your insight & experience Simon, thank you for taking the time to do this
Glad it was helpful!
Only 4 minutes in and I have already learned more than I have on many other photography videos I've watched. I'm going to have to watch this a few times to take it all in
Thanks!
For slow shutter speed hand-held, I use a phrase we used for shooting weapons in the Army. "BRAS" Breath, Relax, Aim, and Squeeze. Breath control half way through a breath "stop" breathing not stop and HOLD your breath. Holding for too long will shake the camera. Relax, don't be in a hurry. As said, 100 photos and 1 is fantastic is a good shooting so don't worry about if you got the shot, just keep shooting. Aim, not simply towards the shot but preparing the focus, or zoom cropping. Squeeze, the 2nd most important other than Breath (stop not hold breath) because if you push the button down quick to get the shot, you will find you didn't get the shot. You should squeeze slowly so much that when the shutter goes off, you're surprised by it. P.S. Fantastic instructions Simon d'Entremont ! Thank You !
Agree on all! Works in archery too! Thanks for sharing!
The best photography course on youtube! No nonsense or trendiness, just quality and calm. Love it!
Hi Simon, Thanks for those awesome tips. One thing to add is the use of filters. For long lenses try not to use any filters, because those will act as distorted lenses due imperfect flatness, mechanical tension of the glass against the filter ring. Below 150mm this is not a big issue. Above that value the impact is a square dependency of the focal length!
Great tip!
I stumbled (metaphorically) across your channel, specifically your auto ISO hack, then this video. I'm not a bird photographer, but you presented a plethora of great techniques that easily apply to any kind of photography. Clearly, you are a very good professional and your photos are far beyond being the standard cliché shots. The way you present is very organized, clear, and smooth. Unlike ever so many who make RUclips videos, you don't do what I call "face dances," with eyebrows lips, and other facial parts flying all over, and you don't fidget and thrash, waving your arms maniacally like a madman/madperson, which is painfully amateurish and distracting. Your content and presentation earns an A+ from me, a university medical school professor. Your videos are content-rich, such that I have a lot of notes to take, along taking photos. I have subscribed. Thank you!
Soooo kind of you to take the time to say so. I really appreciate it!
Truly masterfully made photographs! The reflection in the eyes of your avian subjects is testimony to the quality of your work. From my limited study, you touch on so many folks I've read and whose works I've seen. There is a whole lot of wisdom and expertise in this well-edited video that, in my view, can be watched over and over again until it begins to become second nature. Thank you for sharing! Best wishes.
Thanks very much!
@@simon_dentremont You're welcome. Now if I can just remember to do all you suggest! 🙂
I would like you to thank you for sharing all your knowledge and experience with us! I like your style of explaining things. Easy to listen and understand.
wow this video is pure gold. Simple explanations to a complicated topic, keep up the awesome content!
79 yr. old hobby photographer. Fell in love with wildlife photography 1980's. Always something to learn from your well put together video's. Thank you for all your expertise & time.
Thank you Simon for great explanations and suggestions. Getting this level of free tuition is a gift to amateurs like me. Thanks again.
Birds are the most interesting and toughest subjects. They are small, quick, and timid, all at the same time. I think that is why they keep us on our toes and trying. A good image is so satisfying because it is a rare thing... at least for me! This video is the best tips and advise I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Thank you . I'm ready to give it another "shot".
Thanks very much! good luck!
This is one of the best videos on photography that I have seen on RUclips.
Wow, thanks!
I really appreciate you taking the time to teach us your "secrets". Your videos are very professional and the content is excellent. Looking forward to the next video in the series!
I appreciate that! thanks Hugh
Simon, you are an exceptional wildlife photographer and your RUclips videos are as impressive as any of the other highly-subscribed bird photographers. Please continue to share your images and your mastery through RUclips. I know that your audience will grow quickly - your content is just that good. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Most appreciated! Can’t wait for new episodes.
that’s so kind Robert. thanks for taking the time to say so.
All I can say is listen to Simon...........all his advise is good. Thanks Simon!!!
excellent!
Wow. I have the 100-400, and that aperture tip worked. I was shooting shutter priority, but switching to manual and setting the aperture to 6.3 is a little sharper, nice!
I am a relatively new photographer, and I watch a lot of RUclips videos. This is by far one of the most helpful videos I've come across. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Absolutely gorgeous shots! Thanks for sharing your craft, it really helps.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The bird with the berry in its mouth!! Gorgeous. Thank you for such a detailed and concise video. Excellent content!
So nice of you! thanks Jill!
This is probably the best photography video I have seen. Very well done and highly informative.
Wow, thanks!
Excellent presentation Simon. I am just starting out with nature photography and my primary interest is bird photography. It's been very helpful to have so much insight and advice from somebody who had been doing this for many years. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to educate others. I learned tons.
Welcome!
Thanks for this. I plan to use the tips this weekend. I tried bird photography for the first time last weekend and hard a hard time with moving subjects. This video is exactly what I needed.
Glad it was helpful!
Great tip on the panning practice using cars. I mainly shoot drift racing, and while shooting Formula Drift at the end of one of the practice/qualifying sessions a few of us had a little competition on who could shoot the slowest freehand and still sharply catch the cars. We had all worked down to around 1/10-1/20th sec, terrible hit rate regardless of the kit (I mention this because a lot of people get discouraged when they try themselves and fail after a few hundred blurry shots, don't give up people!), but the ones we managed to nab were just incredible. Highly recommend trying it for those of you out there looking to push yourselves (and not with just cars lol). I've also shot birds over the years, but nowhere near your level and never tried panning, but this video has definitely inspired to give it a go. Thanks for all the great tips and advice!
thanks for the way you explain things. Calme and well explained for a non english native speaking. I was really nice to follow your videos while other i stop them because of the speed of speaking
Thanks very much!
First I have to thank Gavin for vertually introducing your channel to me, Simon I have learned more and improved more in the last three days of watching your videos than I have in years of fumbling around wondering why I could not get the resilts I wanted,, Shutter, F stop, ISO of course it just works!!
Thanks Simon looking forward to more videos :)
Thanks Ian! Oh dear, more chocolate for Gavin.
Wow, that bird’s breath shot is amazing!
Simon, you are indeed a great teacher as people say in the comments, I saved few of your videos into my browser's favorites because I know I will need to remind to myself your precious wisdom again because I may forget some. Many thanks from Italy!
Wow, thanks!
Welcome to my world Sir 😂
Excellent video Simon. Lots of things that are easy to forget, especially when excited about a rare or new bird, of a particularly good photo op.
Thanks Richard!
Thank jou Richard. Very useful!
I'm a novice photographer and this is the best explanation about sharpness i have ever watched. Thank you from New Zealand.
Welcome!
Thank you for taking the time to make this very helpful video!! The tips about holding the camera tightly were especially helpful!! Can't wait to try those techniques!!
You are so welcome!
Love how your videos are consice and without a bunch of video fluff. Always very informative info.
I appreciate that!
Im taking photo's for a hobby. And I will be finally upgrading my kit this year. I have been using a Nikon D5200 + Tamron 70-300 since 2016 now so I am hyped to finally upgrade this year. I am thinking about getting the Nikon D780 + a 200-500 Nikon Lens. I use that lens for Zoo Photografie and use the kit lens from my D5200 to take photo's from our farm and pets.
Its funny to me that I discovered all those techniques while I was learning to shoot better photo's and it shows in my photos too. In 2 weeks I will shoot wild life for the first time while we go out on a horse car. So that will defiantly be an experience!
Go for the Nikon 500, it's the perfect one for the 200-500mm. I own them myself and they are great together.
The best of the best tutorial for sharp bird photography! Thanks a lot Simon!
Great video, Simon. I'm glad you mentioned turning the heat off in your car in the winter. I also keep the windows open to really make sure there's no temperature differential between inside the car and the outside world. I sure do get some funny looks when folks see me drive past with the windows open in the middle of winter. :)
haha same here! dressed for winter in the car!
Wow! You have an excellent and straight to the point teaching approach. Excellent channel, Simon!
Really informative - can't believe that's only your second RUclips video. I'm inspired - but please keep them coming!
Thanks, will do!
I *REALLY* appreciate your videos. I’ve been an amateur photographer for 45 years, and I always learn something, often multiple things. I knew about heat shimmer, but never considered the car heat / engine heat issues. Thank you.
Thanks for these tips, there is some really useful information that I hadn’t personally seen before, even though I am an avid consumer of animal photography videos.
Thanks! So glad you found it helpful.
This is an amazing video. I’m brand new to the photography world and mainly want to do this as a hobby, and there was so many points in here that I wouldn’t have thought of. Heat rising and the shimmer caused from it was something I knew about but without this video I wouldn’t have thought it affected photos, but makes perfect sense. I just wish I had someone as knowledgeable and clear and precise that I could go out in the field and shoot with. But for the time being I will take your tips and practice out in the field
All great tips that I have been using for years. The Canon 100-400mm Mk II is one crazy sharp lens, even with the 1.4 extender. I have moved to micro 4/3 system as I can no longer carry the weight or hold for long. The Sigma 150-600mm lens was also a really good lens. I had the Canon 300mm f/2.8, had to give it up because of the weight and using a tripod was not an option. Never tire of the Wood Duck.
Weight is indeed an issue. I’m waiting for a lighter RF mount version of the 509mm f4 to show up!
I want to thank you for your tips. I just got the 200 to 600 for Sony and none of my shots would I consider sharp. Within minutes after watching your video I took some cityscapes handheld that were my first sharp photos with this lens. The joy that provided me I needed to come back here and thank you. Keep on the good. work sir.
Great to hear! so glad you took the time to leave us that message.
very detailed, informative and helpful video, I love this! Thanks.
Great video!! You're the first photographer I've seen who actually defines "sharpness". That was super helpful since if you don't quite know what it is, then it's much harder to actually achieve it in photos!!
Glad it was helpful!
Wow! so glad i came across your channel. I've only seen 2 of your videos....... and they have helped soooo much. Awesome job Simon!!!!
Youre welcome!
I’ve learnt so much from your videos, it’s like a crash course in photography.
Great Video, thank you 👍🏻
May I add another tipps?
1. Some Zoom lenses (such as one of mine) are getting significantly softer at the long end. Reducing the range e.g. from 600mm to 550mm can help to improve.
2. Control filters: One of my protection filters was obviously of minor optical quality. Shooting without brought better results.
3. Monopod as a stabilizer: Sometimes (if I got enough space to move) I use the monopod even to shoot moving birds: It's weight reduces my shaking
Best regards 🤗
When shooting from a vehicle, turn the engine off (and if you have passengers ask them to stay still). It's amazing how much motion gets picked up from micro-vibrations.
Thanks Simon, great video, great channel.
I’ve shot from cars and boats alot, so I agree!
Simon I love your photos, thanks for inspiring my photography journey.
Glad you like them!
Great videos and great tips! I keep looking for your videos for bird photography. I used to have bad photos using a monopod. Now I know why. In calculating the minimal shutter speed, one should also know that the crop factor needs compensation as well. They say that, when using a tripod, one should not use Optical Stabilisation.
This video was extremely helpful, excited to go out and try these techniques! Thanks!
Have fun!
The heat mirage effect blew my mind🤯 I’ve been shooting for 6 years and never thought about that until now. Thank you!!
Super helpful, very concise, clear information. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Still on point 2 years later, fantastic tips, thanks Simon
These are some wonderful tips for beginning photographers like me. I'm looking forward to using some of these soon.
Great to hear!
Simon
Great channel, with excellent advice. Your ability to convey your thoughts and stay on point is absolutely perfect. Others drift and ramble at times, and become difficult to watch. I find myself coming back and viewing yours several times due to the shear amount of information. Never boring.
Thx for taking the time to do these videos.
Best I've seen
Stephen
shear amount?
Great video Simon, with good techniques for everyone! I'm not a bird or nature photographer - but I can see adapting some of these anti-vibration techniques in my landscape photography when I'm shooting hand-held. Keep up the great shots!
They’ll work for sure!
Realy a great presentation. Love the way you explain everything. Your photos are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing with such generousity
Fantastic tips, outstanding video. Thank you for sharing your expertise! -Jody
My pleasure! thanks Jody!
Your videos and advice are fantastic! I wish more people had your approach to sharing information. Keep up the good work!
Welcome!
Thanks very much ! Very clear explanation!.
Could you speak about advantages of aperture priority vs Shutter Priority in bird photography ?
both modes can work, but my favorite is actually manual with auto-iso. of the two, I’d prefer shutter priority, so that you ensure you have enough shutter speed for the movement if the birds, and can adjust it based on flying vs static birds, which needs different shutter speeds.
Excellent video. All tips are explained in an understandable way with examples in a no-nonsense way.
Lots of knowledge. Thank you!
So nice of you
These are great tips. I never thought about the heat shimmer before.
Glad it was helpful!
I cannot stress enough how helpful this video is! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Also, thank you for your calm and poised voice, so much easier to pay attention to the content. I just got (today) A Sony A7R IV and thanks to you, I hope to put it to good use. Subscribed+thumbs up and I am going to watch this video a second time. Thank you again.
You are so welcome!
Beautiful photos. Very well explained. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for the Awesome tips. I know they will help me a lot. Something else that helps me is having a camera body with IBIS. I have Nikon lenses, but I picked up an Olympus E-M10II. Now all my lenses have stabilized shooting - but manual focus. I can now get much sharper shots in lower light, because of the awesome 5 axis stabilization, and shooting at lower shutter speeds with lower ISO settings.
Thanks again for the pro tips!
I love IBIS too!
Also considering the shaddow recovery of modern camera's one can shoot with 3-4 stops of underexposure, alowing for either lower ISO, or higher shutter speed, or both, to get as sharp a photo as possible. But, this means there needs to be bright light for clear photos from underexposed shaddow recovery.
Thanks for sharing. For some brands you can, but in my Canon cameras, they’re not quite ISO invariant, and underexposing leads to more noise.
Just like your amazing photographs….your tips were quite, quite Brilliant !!
I will reference the video numerous times in order to improve my technique.
Truly grateful for the clarity and simplicity of your delivery.
Glad it was helpful!
I like the setting of your latest videos; it is much more direct and engaging. But, I am also digging the "Papa d'Entremont' vibes of this video :)
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise! I had no idea about shimmer heat! I just retired and finally have time to really focus on what I love, on photographing birds! You’ve helped so much with your teaching! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Simon, absolutely Brilliant video you have made so clear and easy to understand for a keen Bird photograper. Any advice on which is the best focus method on Canon 5dmkiii , there are a few spot focus modes but not sure which is the best one and what the difference is, any help greatly appreciated, looking forward to your next video, many thanks Peter
I’d recommend using center point for static birds, and for flying birds, I’d use several points around the center. I wouldn’t use all the points…in my experience it’s too slow, and likely to grab something other than the target.
Thanks Simon, I thought I knew pretty much all I needed to know on this (overconfident arrogance). But I was mistaken. I never considered heat shimmer, or shooting above a hot engine cover.
One (perhaps obvious) thing I didn't see was advice to avoid any cheap filters, like UV etc, whenever possible. Granted in dirty/dusty places or on a beach with wind (salt laden air or sand etc) it might still be prudent to protect the front element. Although with fast sports primes the front element is too big for a filter (often an internal rear filter).
i never thought about the car releasing heat and it being visible in photos. thank you for that tip!
Happy to help!
Tucking in my elbows is the one I haven’t really thought about. Thanks man. Super helpful.
The tips you have for stabilizing and controlling the camera is the same as using a firearm! When I think of my camera as a rifle, mentally it makes it easier to control and handle!
Same! I shot both guns and archery when younger.
you could say he is a 'sharpshooter'
I recently got a Nikon Z6ii, first camera, and mainly use it for macro on small bugs etc. Absolutely feels like hunting and shooting. Many of the principles are the same.
Very nice teaching video. Not overly complicated, yet covers all the basics. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi, thank you for your practical advice! It is very helpfull. I'm a starter and have a zoomlens fujiflm xt4 70-300mm crop, i find it hard to get focus on a flying bird when it is flying over. Most of the time the bird is to small for my focus to detect the bird. When i have the bird in my view i lose it easily because its flying very quick and it get easy out of my view. Do you have tips for it. Now i start with less zoom en while following the bird i keep zooming, but then my camera always have to refocus, and i lose the bird again. Any tips for me?
Right here ruclips.net/video/X_v4TOLk_H8/видео.htmlsi=9LRyIBp18kQ-3miF
Excellent no-nonsense tips - thank you! Looking forward to the coming videos.
More to come! thanks!
I've recently found myself taking pictures of birds with my phone whenever I can and finding zooming on my phone has less than desirable results. I am thinking of takign the plunge and gettinga dedicated camera. I've stumbled across your channel and it has been a blessing with a wealth of information. As someone on budget of say 500 dollars for now, is getting good pictured of birds or even other animals in motion realistic for me?
You can document what you’ve seen, but it will be difficult to get “pretty” photos, so to speak. Long, sharp lenses are unfortunately expensive.
@@simon_dentremont Thanks for the insight. Suppose I'll just have save up and work my way to a good quality lens. Plan to get a camera in a few months to begin my photography journey.
Sure your photos wont look exactly like those from massive primes, but with the right techniques and some more luck you can get most of the way to some good results. At around $500 you can get started with something like a used Nikon D7000 and 300 f4 or Canon 7D and 70-300 IS ii. Either of those combos will be vastly better than your phone once you learn a bit about how to use them (follow Simon's tips here!) and you'll be able to upgrade to a better lens in the future if you find you enjoy this hobby and want more!
The best gear helps you capitalize on a wider variety of conditions, but when conditions are right you would be surprised what you can get out of older, less expensive kit.
@@rev_dude Thanks for this !!
Those are pretty much every single tip I give to people when it comes to shooting wildlife. As I've learned those things, my photography has gotten better and better. Absolutely perfect advice.
This is great - thank you so much.
By far one of the best videos I’ve seen about bird photography. Great job! Thanks
Great video Simon, lots of good practical tips! I’ve been a fan of your work on IG for a long time - really inspirational as someone who just started birding and pans BiF with their elbows out 😀🤦♂️
Hahaha (elbows out). Thanks!
Same with me. Lol
Thank You Simon, this is one of the best videos I have seen on this subject. It was in detailed, practical, and concise with excellent examples. Looking forward to seeing more!
By the way, I use a Canon 5Dmk4 with an old '98 500mm F4. It is a heavy system hand held for birds and I use a lot of the same techniques you described. It is still a workout though. I always shut the engine off when shooting from the car to reduce vibration and use a bean bag, which turns off the heater also. I will try some of the things you mentioned next time I am out. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!