"Pure Luck" happens when preparation meets opportunity. The beautiful and fortuitous shot of the Honeyeater resulted from your recognizing the potential of the combined elements. My favorite photos from this year were from the Everglades when I only had a 100-300 zoom; they contain ample habitat context, adding greater interest and color. Another very helpful video, thanks Duade!
Thanks for the feedback and I love what you have said, very true. Yes, I took a 70-200 out in the field and ended up getting some very interesting shots. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade, you couldn't make more happy then now as you've chosen my photo for #1- Uniqueness. That's a great pleasure to be part of your video and learn more from you. You spot on again with that content. I'll memorize the 8 points (I did it already learnt from previous content ;-)) One strange thing I'd like to highlight about portre-type shots vs wider habitat photos. As I experienced a "common" people like more the portre type shots, meanwhile the enthusiasts like more the habitat shots.
Thanks Dorax, totally agree, I think portrait up close shots do much better on social media as you can see the detail. I guess we have to understand that most people look at images on phones these days. Cheers, Duade
Some nice examples for what I call wildlife photography I follow Jan's channel as well and it is interesting to see the difference in the way you both do PP overall. I really like Jan's images as being technically fantastic, but dont always look at them as wildlife, more still life if the background is fully blurred out. Not a criticism, just a differentiator between image styles, and the way I view them For what I consider wildlife I need to see the context as shown in these examples There is a place for both styles and it is good that we have both otherwise we could made any distinctions between image PP styles
Great video, Duade. A lot of us and myself included get to caught up in getting the bird as large as possible in the frame for maximum detail. Yes, it looks great, but it's hard to beat the inclusions of habitat and behaviour/story. There are so many great members' photos, too.
Fantastic video and I love the challenge of keeping all these elements in mind! I love that image of the bison and I’d love to challenge myself to keep an eye out for similar compositions! Also thank you for featuring one of my photos at the end, I know I was quite delayed on submission.
This is something I have been struggling with Duade probably due to aiming to post shots on Social Media which offers such a small frame. I have cropped many a shot that meets those 8 key elements due to that social media need. This video has connvinced me not to base my composition for the needs of social media but to focus on the keeping the 8 key elements. Thank-you, Steven
Thanks Steven, nothing wrong with portraits and close ups, I just think we need to strike a balance between the two and ultimately just take shots that make us happy. Cheers, Duade
Love watching your videos. I enjoy getting out in the bush and sometimes my camera is just a great excuse to get me out there. The wider shots are just more interesting but actually really hard to do well - as you have to balance focus on the subject with distraction from the environment to get that perfect blend.
Great video Duade! It's great to see you encouraging photographers to think "outside the box" and challenge themselves with different techniques and visions. I believe image "B" of the Yellow-Tufted Honeyeater captures more of the story of what was going on around the grass tree. But it really boils down to personal preference, and the images you've shared from you and your subscribers are all superb!
Great photos and advice. It's easier like this, when you're commenting directly on photos, specially when they are someone else's. Also thank you for showing off my Blue Tit, I was really surprised and happy to see it making the cut ❤
Inspiring to see your thought process on images. I especially liked that you used images form other photographers to demonstrate your points. I prefer Image B because it tells the story of the birds launching off
I loved this video. So good see so many beautiful images from you and your members. I miss the time to send a photo, but next time I'll be ready. Currently I'm always looking more for composition than super close up images. I found much more interesting the photos. Some days ago I went to a beautiful waterfall with my girlfriend and Iwas carring only my R7 and a 50mm f/1.8 lens. I saw several white-collared swifts on the rocks near the waterfall. I took some shots and I love it. I got a shot with one bird flying and the others perched, waterfall beautiful at the site. I can't believe after processing the photo that was taken with a 50 mm lens.
Thanks for sharing mate, funny you mention that, I had a 70-200 only and was surprised to come away with some lovely photos. I guess sometimes challenging ourselves with different lenses can have positive outcomes. Cheers, Duade
All beautiful images, by your friends and members! I prefer image B, of the 3 choices. I don’t mind having the tree cropped out, but having the 2nd bird I feel, gives a bit more of a story to the photo! Well done! ❤
If you are reading the comments section, then you are already likely to appreciate Duade's enthusiasm for bird photography -- and for life! And, like me, you probably appreciate his valuable guidance on equipment. And certainly his suggestions for create better images. As he noted, it's all about what you like. If you are seeking social media "likes," then the encyclopedia-ready portraits will work best. For me, I love a story, which doesn't always allow me to get the great light, proximity, and focus for a National Geographic cover. Still, a distant Blue Jay landing on a Red-tailed Hawk's back looks pretty cool. My next mission? Printing lovely images for wedding gifts. Wish me luck, and remind me to stay inspired with Duade's channel!
Thankd for your comment and insightful thoughts, you are right, the key is to do what makes us happy as the photographer. Have fun out there, CHeers, Duade
Thank you for your encouragement Duade! Wonderful 8 helpful elements to keep in mind and incredible images from your members! ... another practical and down to earth video for aspiring bird photographers! Bravo!
This is one of the most instructive, useful wildlife photography videos I have ever watched (and I watch lots of them 😂) One gets so caught up with getting the subject with as much detail as possible, filling as much of the frame as possible (usually with heavy cropping) but I will now take a different approach, taking on board the other factors which make a photo engaging. Generally I find shots of static birds uninteresting and much prefer the drama of catching them in flight, wings extended but with the right framing and interesting context/habitat (and lighting) I’m rethinking how I might shoot going forward. Absolutely brilliant video…thank you!
Thanks Andrew, I really appreciate the feedback and glad to hear you will try to incorporate some of the elements in your own photography. Like anything it is a balance between the two. Nothing wrong with Portraits and close up shots but always good to try to get more habitat type shots also. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for another great video, always so educational and inspiring. Your passion for your craft comes across like a brilliant flashing light. Of everything you said, I can only disagree with one thing, that you were "lucky" to get that image. You envisioned the shot ahead of time, you put yourself out there in the the conditions you imagined and you captured a stunning image. I'd say more skill, education and talent then "luck"! Thanks again for all you do and keep up the great work and warm greetings from Canada.
Another great video Duade. As you point out, composition is so important and often a big challenge to get right in the field. Thanks for showing one of my photos as well. Keep up the great work. Can't wait for your next video.
Duade, C. For me, the most interesting story is not about the interaction of the two birds or the random environmental element. If you had had the opportunity, I imagine you would have cropped the branch out with your camera-- if it doesn't add to the story then it subtracts and it's got to go. What you showed us in your first reveal of the bird was the strong essentials: the tree, the sun-circle, the clean open canvas of the sky, and the amazing fire-rimmed silhouette of a glass-feathered phoenix. None of those could be removed without removing a sentence from a perfect haiku. Impressively done.
As usual, a great video Duade. For me, the main benefit is that it has made me review my nature shots to see how I might add to the range of shots I look for.
2nd photo was cool for me , because it describes the scene like bird is chasing each other in the beautiful sunrise .And as you mentioned there is no distraction in the side (branches of the tree) .😊
Some really great inspiration to move on from the traditional bird on a stick type of photography Duade. Some fabulous images from your members as well. Thank you. John
Another great video. I’m still at the stage of my photography where I love the bird on a stick portrait, but I understand where you’re coming from. Your 8 features of a good photo still apply, mostly. What another mentor told me, and I love this advice, is sure, take your normal portrait, but strive to get in very tight and get some shots, and to pull back and get the context/environment. Settling on only one style can get boring after a while. Once again, thank you for another inspiring video!
For me, it is image B. I think the second bird adds to the photo... amazing video as usual, Duade. Hope that you are getting better to hold up the camera again. Best, Jose
Your positivity is infectious. It's easy to knock a photo down, but so much more informative to see positive examples. Thanks At 16:00, I prefer image B.
Picture C is my choice. In this case, less in more. I like the simplicity and I think it is more powerful than the other two. I love your channel, great inspiration!!
Thank you so much for doing this type of tutorial. While gear reviews are good to stay in touch with new developments, I much prefer this type of content! It helps me think about my photography as a creative art. It really helps me to grow as a photographer and be able to define why I like a shot. I absolutely love that you show your photos as well as other people’s to illustrate your points..I shoot with the 100-500, so I’ve often got some habitat in the shot. But, I actually like the context most of the time. I’m still amazed at RUclips and that I’m learning from a generous guy in Australia who is taking the time to teach us all! Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback, I apprecaite the comment, great to hear you enjoyed the video and I agree Photography is very creative and we need to try lots of different things to find what brings us joy. Cheers, Duade
Great content. Looking forward to getting out more and try to take those shots. Feel like the normal start for wildlife is to get close and test out the tele capabilities of the lens but these show that the habitat and the action of those animals can shine more in a view that zooms out a bit.
Thanks for breaking down the higher level aspects of great wildlife photos so well! It's complementing nicely your "6 fundamental steps" video which helped me a lot to focus when trying to get better bird photographs in the past. I also find it interesting that more and more wildlife youtubers I'm following are turning to more environmental images, I like! Image C is beautiful and postcardy, but eventually "just" showing a flying bird without context of where and why, while Image B is showing him chasing another bird, which I find much more interesting in terms of story and behavior. (In contrast, the branches from image A wouldn't have added to but distracted from this story, so in my humble opinion removing them did enhance the image.)
I. prefer version B. Like many others I started with close ups. Since I do most photography while walking around with a RF 100-500, I started to include more environment into the shots. Most complex is often to get free backgrounds for the bird.
Thanks Duade for this very enlightening video. I actually saw Jan's images you shared on his video but I was not able to identify the key characteristics that made it work, until you explained it so well in this video. Once again, thank you.
All your vids are great but this is probably the best yet. So spot on. We all tend to be over croppers due to small screen viewing but it’s not attractive.
Great video. This has given ideas and food for thought. I have recently implemented more habit before seeing the video dpmr fantastic images. I'm sorry I missed your call to members to supply images.
Some beautiful shots presented here plus a thought provoking discussion. I agree with all that you mentioned. As for the best image "C" is certainly cleaner and I much prefer minimalist images. There might be a "D" version though. If you to clone out the lighter shade background hill so the bottom bird was framed against just the sky, that might work. An implied triangle with the grass tree and a line through the sun and two birds and bottom of frame, if I've explained myself properly.
I preferred the uncropped version because it gives a lot more context of the habitat for me who lives on the other side of the world and isn't used to grass trees or Australian landscapes
Thank you Duade for this amazing and wonderful video. I prefer the the picture A where no element was removed. Also vertical crop was exzellent. Best wishes Roland
wonderful video. I have found myself looking more for behavior focused images. they are more interestingand as you said tell a story. I shoot at higher speeds and get surprised at what the camera captures vs what I only anticipated. I like your emphasis on luck. as others have said one needs to be prepared and incorporate your 8 elements, but nothing beats luck.
my favorite is the grass tree image #2 with two birds and no foliage on the right side. I think having the two birds tells more of a story. birds sit on branches most of the time, and they fly a lot of the time, but chasing one another is a much more unique behavior. great shot. good planning, and yeah, just plain luck, but also the result of technology (pre-capture). you could have taken the same shot without that feature, but you're odds go down of doing so.
Thanks for a thought provoking video Duade. The combo of landscape and bird photography is a challenge. I hope to do more of in 2025! PS I'm a member, What is best way to get pics to you?
I like the "cropped C" the best; I don't like to remove things in Photoshop, so if it's possible to avoid, I'd take that alternative. "C" (uncropped, but with Photoshop deletions) is the best one, as you have more space to the right, but I stick will "cropped C" anyway. Thanks for all your inspiring videos; I'm learning a lot. Greetings from Israel.
Image A. I see a picture as a moment in time, I don't mind cropping for composition or adjusting lighting because you are enhancing what was there at that moment. To me, once you remove things, it's no longer the moment. It's an AI cartoon. That's just me, and my feelings about photography and what it should be all about. Some fantastic images in the video and a very enjoyable vlog as always mate. ATB MMMD
Hi Duade, thanks for the video. It was interesting that in all the photos ( if I recall correctly) you started tight on the subject and zoomed out. To me this gives a short focus on the subject before creating the overall scene which I felt went against the point you were trying to make. I wonder what it would have been like to just have the full picture only. I would bet that people would then zoom in on the subject after all that was the attraction of the photo in the first place. I have never been a great fan of “a bird on a stick“ but for viewing on a small screen, eg a smartphone, people invariably zoom in on the subject. I guess it is getting the balance right that is the skill. Like you said either by luck, skill and perseverance you still only get a few of these magical photos. I’m pleased at your number 8 choice. I have some shockers on that score but great on the number one point of uniqueness.
Great to hear Tony, yes, social media has caused a tight crop for sure and I guess that is the medium most people are consuming images on now. Cheers, Duade
G'day Duade, what an awesome collection birds once more 👌 When you have something in mind you're after, and you return several days to get the kind of shot you're dreaming off, then I'd rather call it perseverance instead of pure luck 😛 And your newest gear did play a role in enabling that shot. Regarding your 3 edits: let's say first I have no objection to removing detracting things, but in this specific case I do prefer edit A, because this provides a more complete view on both behavior and habitat. With Jan's bowerbird, I was also pretty stunned he first only had his 600/4 which didn't allow him to take the habitat shot including the impressive bird's apartment .. He therefore wanted to take some shots with the 100-500, but understandably resented hiking up and down with his heavy 600. So while hiking, his most expensive glass was hidden in the bushes 🙈
Duade, maybe as a follow up to this video could be where you don’t have the whole bird. Head or half body shots can also invoke a story. Just a thought.
Several commenters have said it to some degree. There's no reason we can't have both worlds in sharing our photos. Edit our images as portraits and post those to the "phone" sites and edit the same image for habitat for websites and other places we know the enthusiasts will be visiting.
The first image is more of a landscape photography. The more you include with the birds, the less bird photography it becomes. Seems you’re loving more nature shots with animals in them.
I do think that #3 is the best. I also think that making it vertical would be better. The flowering tree ( or plant) is unique for most people. I don't mind having more of that with your bird.
Really nice lesson! Showing well how much time can be put in to a unique picture and still luck is playing big part in it. Actually liking the branch is the picture, but the second bird is a bit distracting.
Hi duade I noticed on your 500mm f/4 (EF I think) zoom lens you have a custom tripod collar that has two screws can you do a video on that as I need to try to find out more about having 2 screws because I only have one that fits my tripods and the lens but the issue is that it moves and that is far from ideal
Hi Duade, great photo with the grass tree. Did you pre focus on the grass tree or did you allow the camera to find focus on the moving bird. Also what aperture did you use to ensure good depth of field?
Great video, for me it’s the difference between the Science shot and the Artistic shot and I try to shoot both but obviously you can’t beat the science shot for studying the subject. Not sure if I should ask on this video, I am still shooting with a Canon 5D4 which i am really happy with the results I’m getting. I have a Canon R5 Mk11 on pre-order ( still waiting for it to arrive ) I am thinking I might cancel the order as so far the reviews have not been very encouraging and I can’t afford to get it wrong. I’m hoping you will give your as always honest full review of this Camera soon. Regards Chris ( UK )
I prefer the second image, without the branch but with the second bird because it gives more context for why the first bird swoops down. It gives more action, a reason for the behaviour.
I prefer the grass tree shot with both birds and branch removed. Having both birds shows behaviour and adds to the story. We know honeyeaters are defensive about their resources and the image shows that. Nice either way though. Well done.
I have a canon R7 with amongst others a 100-400 lens and yet whilst taking lunch on the patio at work a robin hopped down onto the table, i slowly put my cutlery down and gently slipped out the only camera available to me, my IPhone, he watched all this not moving as i took his portrait at a distance of I meter, the background blurred out somewhat and his feathers are nicely focused but i still wish i could have had the canon, lens’s and tripod to get a more creative shot.
Good morning Duade, it’s 8am here in Alliston Ontario Canada and I like the photo of the bird flying down in front of the sun by it’s self. Very unique picture and I’m sure it was hard to get. I have a photo of a hawk eating a field mouse but I’m trying to figure out how to include the picture in this reply. The hawk was in amongst a lot of branches and leaves and it was hard to get as the leaves were flickering back and forth in the wind. Maybe I’ll send too your email and you can tell me what you think of the picture when you have time. Glad your doing well and wish you and the family Happy Thanksgiving. Brian
Please review NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6 Is it a good buy? I really need you professional decision here. is Tamron 150-600mm g2 or NIKKOR 200-500 f/5.6 better?
Love what you do, thats why i am a member ; but vast landscapes with a small image simply dont work on a small screen. The images ( mostly of birds) that i share with friends and bird groups is seen on phones and even on a large phone a tiny bird in vast space is not that interesting. My issure is i love detail, i love seeing individual feather detail; colour of the birds eyes; expressive detail on the face. Love your videos; i do think what this video is on the art of photography rather than the love of wildlife. Love your vids and definitely will keep supporting.
Thanks Mark, you raise very valid and good points and you are right about the medium people are viewing images on and seeing lovely detail is great. Cheers, Duade
Image B for me as it is a mix of photographing wild behaviour in a great image whereas Image C is just, if I can say this, a great image but without that wild element. If that makes sense.
Image B as to me that tells the story of one bird chasing another. Removing the branch actually for me adds to the frame. Image C appears to leave the image flat - like a bird on a branch - no real story.
'Element 9' could be 'lack of distractions' in any image - anything taking attention that are working against the image instead of for it. In the first image here, my eye was drawn immediately to the buffalo - all else being the same, that would have happened no matter where the buffalo was. But, being in the lower left moved my attention to the rest of the image, even though there was nothing to draw it away from the buffalo. As I considered what was happening with this, it occured that the buffalo is not facing to our left, out of frame - that would never have worked, at least not for me. So, the buffalo's orientation is critical, yet it does not appear intended to be the subject - it is playing a key role in the sum of the image. The lighting is very flat and cool, and the landscape colors are muted and similar in tone. The image overall is flat in look - there are no distractions of color or shape within it. Taken together, what really makes this image is the single buffalo placement in the scale of apparent isolation surrounding it. With all of this, it's still a beautiful and captivating image. Some images have have a lot of room to present in different versions, all of them very good - I liked 'B' and 'C', but favor 'B' with two birds. 'Element 9' is one area that seems to fit with the other things we do to eventually arrive at the image we want. This really includes whatever we do to get the original shot, and evolves to post-processing, where we can do so much more. I have no hesitations about making adjustments in basics. When it comes to altering the content, there are a number of things I do without hesitation. I don't hesitate to remove, if I can, anything that meets 'Element 9'. Altering content that will be seen in the final image is ok too - that should be up to each of us in any case. I don't usually add anything that was not in the original image. Small tweaks, like rotating a bird's head can make the image, as would making that buffalo face in the direction we need it to. Such changes might be not just to 'make' the image we want, but 'save' an image that otherwise has potential that would otherwise never be realized or seen for simply facing the wrong way. Sorry, but I write as I talk. :)
Hey Kris, you can use an EF to RF mount adapter on lenses to fit into R series bodies, Simga makes a Canon EF mount for their lenses and hopefully we get RF mount in the future from them. There are however some AF pulsing issues when using the two together, you can see more about that in some previous videos by Duade.
Hey Duade. Awesome video, love the shots!! You should really check out a mate of mine, Richard Flack. I think you will really love his work!! Would also like to send you one of mine if I could? Blessings!!
a bird in it's environment - easier with bigger birds; so many of our birds are small and furthermore secretive or rarely emerging from cluttered backgrounds 😔
For me, I prefer your second image that you've shown of your photo. If something is distracting you from the main subject I remove it. And what I think you're trying to say sometimes less is more..
"Pure Luck" happens when preparation meets opportunity. The beautiful and fortuitous shot of the Honeyeater resulted from your recognizing the potential of the combined elements. My favorite photos from this year were from the Everglades when I only had a 100-300 zoom; they contain ample habitat context, adding greater interest and color. Another very helpful video, thanks Duade!
Thanks for the feedback and I love what you have said, very true. Yes, I took a 70-200 out in the field and ended up getting some very interesting shots. Cheers, Duade
Can‘t believe this is all available for free. Thanks Duade!
It needn’t be. 😊
Thanks Benjamin, glad it was helpful, Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade, you couldn't make more happy then now as you've chosen my photo for #1- Uniqueness. That's a great pleasure to be part of your video and learn more from you.
You spot on again with that content. I'll memorize the 8 points (I did it already learnt from previous content ;-))
One strange thing I'd like to highlight about portre-type shots vs wider habitat photos. As I experienced a "common" people like more the portre type shots, meanwhile the enthusiasts like more the habitat shots.
Thanks Dorax, totally agree, I think portrait up close shots do much better on social media as you can see the detail. I guess we have to understand that most people look at images on phones these days. Cheers, Duade
I love image B the most, but C is also marvellous. Thank you for your work Duade
We really enjoyed your video - so thoughtful and photos represented your discussion. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Some nice examples for what I call wildlife photography
I follow Jan's channel as well and it is interesting to see the difference in the way you both do PP overall.
I really like Jan's images as being technically fantastic, but dont always look at them as wildlife, more still life if the background is fully blurred out.
Not a criticism, just a differentiator between image styles, and the way I view them
For what I consider wildlife I need to see the context as shown in these examples
There is a place for both styles and it is good that we have both otherwise we could made any distinctions between image PP styles
Great video, Duade. A lot of us and myself included get to caught up in getting the bird as large as possible in the frame for maximum detail. Yes, it looks great, but it's hard to beat the inclusions of habitat and behaviour/story. There are so many great members' photos, too.
Thanks Michael, I think up close works well for social media as people love that detail and colour, I guess its good to get both. Cheers ,Duade
Fantastic video and I love the challenge of keeping all these elements in mind! I love that image of the bison and I’d love to challenge myself to keep an eye out for similar compositions! Also thank you for featuring one of my photos at the end, I know I was quite delayed on submission.
Thanks Matt, great to hear you enjoyed the video and thanks for submitting the image. Cheers, Duade
This is something I have been struggling with Duade probably due to aiming to post shots on Social Media which offers such a small frame. I have cropped many a shot that meets those 8 key elements due to that social media need. This video has connvinced me not to base my composition for the needs of social media but to focus on the keeping the 8 key elements. Thank-you, Steven
Thanks Steven, nothing wrong with portraits and close ups, I just think we need to strike a balance between the two and ultimately just take shots that make us happy. Cheers, Duade
Love watching your videos. I enjoy getting out in the bush and sometimes my camera is just a great excuse to get me out there. The wider shots are just more interesting but actually really hard to do well - as you have to balance focus on the subject with distraction from the environment to get that perfect blend.
Great video Duade! It's great to see you encouraging photographers to think "outside the box" and challenge themselves with different techniques and visions.
I believe image "B" of the Yellow-Tufted Honeyeater captures more of the story of what was going on around the grass tree. But it really boils down to personal preference, and the images you've shared from you and your subscribers are all superb!
Thanks for your comment and yes, I think it is important to look wider and consider the opportunities. Cheers, Duade
Great photos and advice. It's easier like this, when you're commenting directly on photos, specially when they are someone else's.
Also thank you for showing off my Blue Tit, I was really surprised and happy to see it making the cut ❤
Fantastic shot of the Blue Tit!
My pleasure, it was a lovely shot, Cheers, Duade
Inspiring to see your thought process on images. I especially liked that you used images form other photographers to demonstrate your points. I prefer Image B because it tells the story of the birds launching off
I loved this video. So good see so many beautiful images from you and your members. I miss the time to send a photo, but next time I'll be ready. Currently I'm always looking more for composition than super close up images. I found much more interesting the photos. Some days ago I went to a beautiful waterfall with my girlfriend and Iwas carring only my R7 and a 50mm f/1.8 lens. I saw several white-collared swifts on the rocks near the waterfall. I took some shots and I love it. I got a shot with one bird flying and the others perched, waterfall beautiful at the site. I can't believe after processing the photo that was taken with a 50 mm lens.
Thanks for sharing mate, funny you mention that, I had a 70-200 only and was surprised to come away with some lovely photos. I guess sometimes challenging ourselves with different lenses can have positive outcomes. Cheers, Duade
All beautiful images, by your friends and members!
I prefer image B, of the 3 choices. I don’t mind having the tree cropped out, but having the 2nd bird I feel, gives a bit more of a story to the photo! Well done! ❤
If you are reading the comments section, then you are already likely to appreciate Duade's enthusiasm for bird photography -- and for life! And, like me, you probably appreciate his valuable guidance on equipment. And certainly his suggestions for create better images. As he noted, it's all about what you like. If you are seeking social media "likes," then the encyclopedia-ready portraits will work best. For me, I love a story, which doesn't always allow me to get the great light, proximity, and focus for a National Geographic cover. Still, a distant Blue Jay landing on a Red-tailed Hawk's back looks pretty cool. My next mission? Printing lovely images for wedding gifts. Wish me luck, and remind me to stay inspired with Duade's channel!
Thankd for your comment and insightful thoughts, you are right, the key is to do what makes us happy as the photographer. Have fun out there, CHeers, Duade
Thank you for your encouragement Duade! Wonderful 8 helpful elements to keep in mind and incredible images from your members! ... another practical and down to earth video for aspiring bird photographers! Bravo!
Thanks mate and thanks for submitting the images, Cheers ,Duade
This is one of the most instructive, useful wildlife photography videos I have ever watched (and I watch lots of them 😂) One gets so caught up with getting the subject with as much detail as possible, filling as much of the frame as possible (usually with heavy cropping) but I will now take a different approach, taking on board the other factors which make a photo engaging. Generally I find shots of static birds uninteresting and much prefer the drama of catching them in flight, wings extended but with the right framing and interesting context/habitat (and lighting) I’m rethinking how I might shoot going forward. Absolutely brilliant video…thank you!
Thanks Andrew, I really appreciate the feedback and glad to hear you will try to incorporate some of the elements in your own photography. Like anything it is a balance between the two. Nothing wrong with Portraits and close up shots but always good to try to get more habitat type shots also. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for another great video, always so educational and inspiring. Your passion for your craft comes across like a brilliant flashing light. Of everything you said, I can only disagree with one thing, that you were "lucky" to get that image. You envisioned the shot ahead of time, you put yourself out there in the the conditions you imagined and you captured a stunning image. I'd say more skill, education and talent then "luck"! Thanks again for all you do and keep up the great work and warm greetings from Canada.
Another great video Duade. As you point out, composition is so important and often a big challenge to get right in the field. Thanks for showing one of my photos as well. Keep up the great work. Can't wait for your next video.
Thanks Graeme, my pleasure, great to hear you enjoyed the video! Cheers, Duade
Duade, C. For me, the most interesting story is not about the interaction of the two birds or the random environmental element. If you had had the opportunity, I imagine you would have cropped the branch out with your camera-- if it doesn't add to the story then it subtracts and it's got to go.
What you showed us in your first reveal of the bird was the strong essentials: the tree, the sun-circle, the clean open canvas of the sky, and the amazing fire-rimmed silhouette of a glass-feathered phoenix. None of those could be removed without removing a sentence from a perfect haiku. Impressively done.
As usual, a great video Duade. For me, the main benefit is that it has made me review my nature shots to see how I might add to the range of shots I look for.
Great to hear mate, that is what I was hoping for, Cheers, Duade
Great video! I love all the pictures that were submitted. What a wonderful community!
Thanks Matt, totally agree, they really are inspiring, Cheers, Duade
2nd photo was cool for me , because it describes the scene like bird is chasing each other in the beautiful sunrise .And as you mentioned there is no distraction in the side (branches of the tree) .😊
Some really great inspiration to move on from the traditional bird on a stick type of photography Duade. Some fabulous images from your members as well. Thank you. John
Thanks John, glad to hear you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade
Another great video. I’m still at the stage of my photography where I love the bird on a stick portrait, but I understand where you’re coming from. Your 8 features of a good photo still apply, mostly. What another mentor told me, and I love this advice, is sure, take your normal portrait, but strive to get in very tight and get some shots, and to pull back and get the context/environment. Settling on only one style can get boring after a while. Once again, thank you for another inspiring video!
Totally agree mate and that is the power of a zoom and the ability to create a range of images. Cheers, Duade
I preferred the edit that retained 2 birds (showed a nice interaction between them) but got rid of the branch on the right side. Beautiful!
Thanks Barabara, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade
Great, great advice Duade! Some great examples of wildlife photography!
Thanks Bruce, I apprecaite it, Cheers, DUade
I liked image A. I see the story of one bird chasing another into the tree. The foliage isn't distracting for me. It adds to the story I see
For me, it is image B. I think the second bird adds to the photo... amazing video as usual, Duade. Hope that you are getting better to hold up the camera again. Best, Jose
Absolutely agree with you about the topical perfect brunch shots. There's no price for a unique habitat shot 👌🏻
Your positivity is infectious. It's easy to knock a photo down, but so much more informative to see positive examples. Thanks
At 16:00, I prefer image B.
Picture C is my choice. In this case, less in more. I like the simplicity and I think it is more powerful than the other two. I love your channel, great inspiration!!
Great video Duade. Image B for me too. I like the action of the bird chase with the distracting foliage on the right cropped out.
Thanks for the feedback, B seems to be the winner. Cheers, Duade
I like B. The action between the two birds make a more interesting story.
Thank you so much for doing this type of tutorial. While gear reviews are good to stay in touch with new developments, I much prefer this type of content! It helps me think about my photography as a creative art. It really helps me to grow as a photographer and be able to define why I like a shot. I absolutely love that you show your photos as well as other people’s to illustrate your points..I shoot with the 100-500, so I’ve often got some habitat in the shot. But, I actually like the context most of the time. I’m still amazed at RUclips and that I’m learning from a generous guy in Australia who is taking the time to teach us all! Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback, I apprecaite the comment, great to hear you enjoyed the video and I agree Photography is very creative and we need to try lots of different things to find what brings us joy. Cheers, Duade
Great content. Looking forward to getting out more and try to take those shots. Feel like the normal start for wildlife is to get close and test out the tele capabilities of the lens but these show that the habitat and the action of those animals can shine more in a view that zooms out a bit.
Thanks for the feedback, I think a mix of both is key, nice to shoot portraits but getting more habitat is always great as well. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for breaking down the higher level aspects of great wildlife photos so well! It's complementing nicely your "6 fundamental steps" video which helped me a lot to focus when trying to get better bird photographs in the past. I also find it interesting that more and more wildlife youtubers I'm following are turning to more environmental images, I like!
Image C is beautiful and postcardy, but eventually "just" showing a flying bird without context of where and why, while Image B is showing him chasing another bird, which I find much more interesting in terms of story and behavior. (In contrast, the branches from image A wouldn't have added to but distracted from this story, so in my humble opinion removing them did enhance the image.)
I. prefer version B. Like many others I started with close ups. Since I do most photography while walking around with a RF 100-500, I started to include more environment into the shots. Most complex is often to get free backgrounds for the bird.
Fantastic video and great tips. A vote for Image C, I think 3 is a good number of elements, tree, sun, bird. Perfect! Appreciate all that you do. :)
Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade
always good to show action / behavior. It helps the story-telling in the image.
I like the original shot. Part of the story is the bird chasing off the second bird, and I think the background tree brings the whole habitat context.
Thanks Duade for this very enlightening video. I actually saw Jan's images you shared on his video but I was not able to identify the key characteristics that made it work, until you explained it so well in this video. Once again, thank you.
All your vids are great but this is probably the best yet. So spot on. We all tend to be over croppers due to small screen viewing but it’s not attractive.
Great video. I like branch removed with 2 birds. Single bird is also a compelling image.
Great video. This has given ideas and food for thought. I have recently implemented more habit before seeing the video dpmr fantastic images. I'm sorry I missed your call to members to supply images.
Thanks Ian, yes, always good to get a variety of shots and not just close portraits. Cheers, Duade
Some beautiful shots presented here plus a thought provoking discussion. I agree with all that you mentioned. As for the best image "C" is certainly cleaner and I much prefer minimalist images. There might be a "D" version though. If you to clone out the lighter shade background hill so the bottom bird was framed against just the sky, that might work. An implied triangle with the grass tree and a line through the sun and two birds and bottom of frame, if I've explained myself properly.
Great video as always very useful tips!
Thanks mate and thanks for the photos, Cheers, Duade
I preferred the uncropped version because it gives a lot more context of the habitat for me who lives on the other side of the world and isn't used to grass trees or Australian landscapes
Thank you Duade for this amazing and wonderful video. I prefer the the picture A where no element was removed. Also vertical crop was exzellent. Best wishes Roland
Cheers for another fantastic video 📸👍
they are all verry good images , 👍
wonderful video. I have found myself looking more for behavior focused images. they are more interestingand as you said tell a story. I shoot at higher speeds and get surprised at what the camera captures vs what I only anticipated. I like your emphasis on luck. as others have said one needs to be prepared and incorporate your 8 elements, but nothing beats luck.
I like image C!! Great advice too Duade.
my favorite is the grass tree image #2 with two birds and no foliage on the right side. I think having the two birds tells more of a story. birds sit on branches most of the time, and they fly a lot of the time, but chasing one another is a much more unique behavior. great shot. good planning, and yeah, just plain luck, but also the result of technology (pre-capture). you could have taken the same shot without that feature, but you're odds go down of doing so.
Thanks for a thought provoking video Duade. The combo of landscape and bird photography is a challenge. I hope to do more of in 2025! PS I'm a member, What is best way to get pics to you?
Image C but all 3 tells a story. Thanks for sharing your unique video. /. Per Christensen, Denmark
You have done it again! A lovely video that teaches us something! How have you been managing whitw balance? Do you always use auto WB?
I like the "cropped C" the best; I don't like to remove things in Photoshop, so if it's possible to avoid, I'd take that alternative. "C" (uncropped, but with Photoshop deletions) is the best one, as you have more space to the right, but I stick will "cropped C" anyway. Thanks for all your inspiring videos; I'm learning a lot. Greetings from Israel.
Crop "C" is a terrific but I prefer "B" (two birds) since it enhances context.
Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade
Image A. I see a picture as a moment in time, I don't mind cropping for composition or adjusting lighting because you are enhancing what was there at that moment. To me, once you remove things, it's no longer the moment. It's an AI cartoon. That's just me, and my feelings about photography and what it should be all about. Some fantastic images in the video and a very enjoyable vlog as always mate. ATB MMMD
Hi Duade, thanks for the video. It was interesting that in all the photos ( if I recall correctly) you started tight on the subject and zoomed out. To me this gives a short focus on the subject before creating the overall scene which I felt went against the point you were trying to make. I wonder what it would have been like to just have the full picture only. I would bet that people would then zoom in on the subject after all that was the attraction of the photo in the first place. I have never been a great fan of “a bird on a stick“ but for viewing on a small screen, eg a smartphone, people invariably zoom in on the subject. I guess it is getting the balance right that is the skill. Like you said either by luck, skill and perseverance you still only get a few of these magical photos. I’m pleased at your number 8 choice. I have some shockers on that score but great on the number one point of uniqueness.
Great to hear Tony, yes, social media has caused a tight crop for sure and I guess that is the medium most people are consuming images on now. Cheers, Duade
G'day Duade, what an awesome collection birds once more 👌
When you have something in mind you're after, and you return several days to get the kind of shot you're dreaming off, then I'd rather call it perseverance instead of pure luck 😛 And your newest gear did play a role in enabling that shot.
Regarding your 3 edits: let's say first I have no objection to removing detracting things, but in this specific case I do prefer edit A, because this provides a more complete view on both behavior and habitat.
With Jan's bowerbird, I was also pretty stunned he first only had his 600/4 which didn't allow him to take the habitat shot including the impressive bird's apartment .. He therefore wanted to take some shots with the 100-500, but understandably resented hiking up and down with his heavy 600. So while hiking, his most expensive glass was hidden in the bushes 🙈
Duade, maybe as a follow up to this video could be where you don’t have the whole bird. Head or half body shots can also invoke a story. Just a thought.
Totally agree Tony, I probably should have addressed that in the video as well. Head shots can be great or even up close plumage. Cheers, Duade
Several commenters have said it to some degree. There's no reason we can't have both worlds in sharing our photos. Edit our images as portraits and post those to the "phone" sites and edit the same image for habitat for websites and other places we know the enthusiasts will be visiting.
Thanks for your wonderful lesson video.
The first image is more of a landscape photography. The more you include with the birds, the less bird photography it becomes. Seems you’re loving more nature shots with animals in them.
I do think that #3 is the best. I also think that making it vertical would be better. The flowering tree ( or plant) is unique for most people. I don't mind having more of that with your bird.
Really nice lesson! Showing well how much time can be put in to a unique picture and still luck is playing big part in it. Actually liking the branch is the picture, but the second bird is a bit distracting.
Hi duade I noticed on your 500mm f/4 (EF I think) zoom lens you have a custom tripod collar that has two screws can you do a video on that as I need to try to find out more about having 2 screws because I only have one that fits my tripods and the lens but the issue is that it moves and that is far from ideal
Hi Duade, great photo with the grass tree. Did you pre focus on the grass tree or did you allow the camera to find focus on the moving bird. Also what aperture did you use to ensure good depth of field?
Great video, for me it’s the difference between the Science shot and the Artistic shot and I try to shoot both but obviously you can’t beat the science shot for studying the subject. Not sure if I should ask on this video, I am still shooting with a Canon 5D4 which i am really happy with the results I’m getting. I have a Canon R5 Mk11 on pre-order ( still waiting for it to arrive ) I am thinking I might cancel the order as so far the reviews have not been very encouraging and I can’t afford to get it wrong. I’m hoping you will give your as always honest full review of this Camera soon. Regards Chris ( UK )
You imagine that there’s no other wildlife in the whole of the area except the Bison although there probably is.
Great video. I much prefer the images with more context.
C, best….. great video
I prefer the second image, without the branch but with the second bird because it gives more context for why the first bird swoops down. It gives more action, a reason for the behaviour.
what about cropping the photo with the tree trunk as the left border/frame of the picture and then leave the 2nd bird and the tree on the right
I prefer the grass tree shot with both birds and branch removed. Having both birds shows behaviour and adds to the story. We know honeyeaters are defensive about their resources and the image shows that. Nice either way though. Well done.
I see my comment might be confusing. I mean retain both birds and remove the branch.
Hey there Paton I just bought a 150 to 600 c is that good for beginner
I have a canon R7 with amongst others a 100-400 lens and yet whilst taking lunch on the patio at work a robin hopped down onto the table, i slowly put my cutlery down and gently slipped out the only camera available to me, my IPhone, he watched all this not moving as i took his portrait at a distance of I meter, the background blurred out somewhat and his feathers are nicely focused but i still wish i could have had the canon, lens’s and tripod to get a more creative shot.
Good morning Duade, it’s 8am here in Alliston Ontario Canada and I like the photo of the bird flying down in front of the sun by it’s self. Very unique picture and I’m sure it was hard to get. I have a photo of a hawk eating a field mouse but I’m trying to figure out how to include the picture in this reply. The hawk was in amongst a lot of branches and leaves and it was hard to get as the leaves were
flickering back and forth in the wind. Maybe I’ll send too your email and you can tell me what you think of the picture when you have time. Glad your doing well and wish you and the family Happy Thanksgiving.
Brian
I would chose image D, which isn't an option but personally I would remove the bird but leave the tree on the side. 🙂
Please review NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6 Is it a good buy?
I really need you professional decision here.
is Tamron 150-600mm g2 or NIKKOR 200-500 f/5.6 better?
At 5:37 is the lens supposed to be the sigma150-600mm c? or is it the 100-400 with a 1.4 teleconverter?
I believe it is the 150-600.
Love what you do, thats why i am a member ; but vast landscapes with a small image simply dont work on a small screen. The images ( mostly of birds) that i share with friends and bird groups is seen on phones and even on a large phone a tiny bird in vast space is not that interesting. My issure is i love detail, i love seeing individual feather detail; colour of the birds eyes; expressive detail on the face. Love your videos; i do think what this video is on the art of photography rather than the love of wildlife. Love your vids and definitely will keep supporting.
Thanks Mark, you raise very valid and good points and you are right about the medium people are viewing images on and seeing lovely detail is great. Cheers, Duade
Image B for me as it is a mix of photographing wild behaviour in a great image whereas Image C is just, if I can say this, a great image but without that wild element. If that makes sense.
Image A for me.
Image B as to me that tells the story of one bird chasing another. Removing the branch actually for me adds to the frame. Image C appears to leave the image flat - like a bird on a branch - no real story.
First here! Thanks for the video!
I wish I could improve my image
To me the colour is like a water colour.
'Element 9' could be 'lack of distractions' in any image - anything taking attention that are working against the image instead of for it. In the first image here, my eye was drawn immediately to the buffalo - all else being the same, that would have happened no matter where the buffalo was. But, being in the lower left moved my attention to the rest of the image, even though there was nothing to draw it away from the buffalo. As I considered what was happening with this, it occured that the buffalo is not facing to our left, out of frame - that would never have worked, at least not for me. So, the buffalo's orientation is critical, yet it does not appear intended to be the subject - it is playing a key role in the sum of the image. The lighting is very flat and cool, and the landscape colors are muted and similar in tone. The image overall is flat in look - there are no distractions of color or shape within it. Taken together, what really makes this image is the single buffalo placement in the scale of apparent isolation surrounding it. With all of this, it's still a beautiful and captivating image. Some images have have a lot of room to present in different versions, all of them very good - I liked 'B' and 'C', but favor 'B' with two birds. 'Element 9' is one area that seems to fit with the other things we do to eventually arrive at the image we want. This really includes whatever we do to get the original shot, and evolves to post-processing, where we can do so much more. I have no hesitations about making adjustments in basics. When it comes to altering the content, there are a number of things I do without hesitation. I don't hesitate to remove, if I can, anything that meets 'Element 9'. Altering content that will be seen in the final image is ok too - that should be up to each of us in any case. I don't usually add anything that was not in the original image. Small tweaks, like rotating a bird's head can make the image, as would making that buffalo face in the direction we need it to. Such changes might be not just to 'make' the image we want, but 'save' an image that otherwise has potential that would otherwise never be realized or seen for simply facing the wrong way. Sorry, but I write as I talk. :)
Version 2 with both birds and removing the tree on the right. Both birds tell the story..
how did he mate a Sigma lens to an R6?? I thought there were no 3rd party R lenes?
Hey Kris, you can use an EF to RF mount adapter on lenses to fit into R series bodies, Simga makes a Canon EF mount for their lenses and hopefully we get RF mount in the future from them. There are however some AF pulsing issues when using the two together, you can see more about that in some previous videos by Duade.
Image B
The single bird grass tree :horizontal
Hey Duade. Awesome video, love the shots!! You should really check out a mate of mine, Richard Flack. I think you will really love his work!!
Would also like to send you one of mine if I could?
Blessings!!
Hope you are ok. Missing your videos.
a bird in it's environment - easier with bigger birds; so many of our birds are small and furthermore secretive or rarely emerging from cluttered backgrounds 😔
and we like to get close in to prove species ID
For me, I prefer your second image that you've shown of your photo. If something is distracting you from the main subject I remove it. And what I think you're trying to say sometimes less is more..