Bird Photography Tips. Everything you need to know in one video. (sort of)
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- I look back on my first year of RUclips Bird Photography and realize there was one video that I posted that I needed to see again.
#NikonZ6II #Nikon600mm #birdphotography
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Here is a list of the equipment I use.
Nikon 500mm PF amzn.to/3GwTfys
Nikon z mount 105mm 2.8 MC amzn.to/3ye0M2b
F-Stop Backpack amzn.to/2Wykvuv
Drone DJI Air 2S amzn.to/3jnSwXJ
Nikon Z6II amzn.to/2SntkFK
Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3wy1IgC
K&F Concept Variable ND amzn.to/3gXMmf6
Wimberley gimbal amzn.to/3s2ABqE
Tripod Benro Mach 3 amzn.to/3uobYWE
Memory cards xqd amzn.to/3uygzG7
Rode video video Mic NTG. amzn.to/31R2bzm
Nikon 20mm 1.8. amzn.to/3h1bSjG
Zoom H4N amzn.to/3kX0TJh
Tape wrap for tripod amzn.to/2Vobzb8
Thanks for stopping by. Visit me on Instagram:
/ bayou_josh
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
All Aerial Photography and video was captured by me. I am a Part 107 UAV Pilot. Feel free to email with inquiries.
What I've taken from this video is that given all the seemingly overlapping and conflicting advice from a plethora of "experts" online, one can get lost and forget the primary point of photography, which to me is to enjoy yourself and be creative. Please yourself first in what you've accomplished, been able to capture, learned, experienced. Chasing after strangers approval is a never ending quest. It's your hobby, whoever you are... Your experience enjoying photography is yours alone. Get what you can afford, enjoy it, push that gear to its limits, if and when you can afford new gear, learn its intricacies and hopefully your photography will get better because of all the time you've put in learning and honing your skills not just because of the gear. The camera gear is just a collection of tools, the person uses tools to build / create. Don't forget that photography is supposed to be about enjoying you personal creative process and journey capturing moments of reality and making something out of those moments, whether its just for yourself or for others to enjoy.
Well said my friend.
I couldn’t agree with you more! It’s what I find myself mentioning in most of my own videos. We have to please the person in the mirror! 👍😄
❤️
I love this comment so much, because it reminds me of why I started, before social media, before the internet, I just took photographs for me and maybe to show to my friends & family. Thank you for reminding me why this is my hobby, my passion ❤
On point, Josh. I like the distinction too between diligence and patience. It strikes me also that unless you’re a paid professional in this endeavour (therefore, not most photographers), one had better derive a lot of intrinsic pleasure from constantly going out, shooting, trying to get better, editing, figuring out your gear and, yes, looking at your own pictures. Failing that, your interest will wane. Balancing all the other criteria is part of the process, as it is with so many pursuits in this life. Nicely done, as usual.
Well said Marcus.
The only channel I Thumb Up before watching, just so I don't forget. It'll be good enough anyway!
Thank you so much Mark. I appreciate it my friend.
So right. I went out only last week saying I would limit myself to 100 shots, ye right!!! I just can't help myself. For years now I have taken tens of thousands of wildlife and bird images and when I get home my wife say "well" did you get some nice shots? Every time I say "yes but not the one" and my daughter just laughs and says. "Why don't you just google the shot your looking for, its easy! Sometimes I even think I will just jack it in, but theres still that desire to keep going. Kingfisher coming out of the water with wings open and a fish in its mouth is my target for 2022, ye its a common shot, but I want to challenge myself to get better and at maybe 600mm I would need at least 1/4000 or even higher to freeze that movement and lots of "good" light not managed it so far. Stay safe and keep these videos coming, your approach is unique and refreshing and you deserve 5 times the subs. Ian (UK)
Good luck on that Kingfisher shot. epic goal. thanks as always David I sincerely appreciate it.
Loved this , there are times when I feel like all the pictures are just a waste , then there is that one picture that gets me all excited again and that’s why I do it , I’m always looking for that one picture that gets me excited , plus just the enjoyment of being out in nature …. Great video 👍
Nice comment!
Well Said Steve. that pretty much sums it up for most of us. 🙂
@@BayouJosh Thanks Josh , I just recently found your channel and I am really enjoying , Keep up the good work 😃👍
Nice Josh,, To answer your question about tommorow??? Do it all over again!!! Because that’s what we do as nature/ wildlife photographers.. Hope you had a wonderful holidays and look forward to seeing more of your art in the upcoming year.
Thank you Jamie. I hope you and Your family had a wonderful holiday season as well. I am excited about the coming year.
Bird photography, like most things in life, requires, you to show up everyday (or every chance) with the right tools, a relentless attitude, and passion for the work.
Thanks Josh, happy holidays.
Exactly Chris. Well Said. Happy holidays my friend.
In my yard, I have a water garden, three feeders as sunflower seed, millet and corn mixed with peanuts and one for meal worms. Then I set up my dorama where the birds will land. I have blinds set with the sun at its back. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not but I enjoy it and it brings in wildlife. On week ends I venture out for overnight trips etc. life is good and I am older than most of you!
Came to youtube to recommend a tutorial for a beginner, but stumbled on this video. And I can't believe I was hooked enough to watch till the end. Great audio and message. Thanks for the TedTalk ❤️
Thank you so much my friend. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
OMG Josh... haven't we all felt this way? So much info... so much this... so much that... do this... no do that... buy this... no don't buy gear... I don't generally comment on anyone's videos but I just have to let you know how awesome your content is! As we approach 2022 I look forward to a great year of content from my favorite photographer and awesome RUclips content creator. and yes Josh that's you! So what are we going to do tomorrow Josh? Happy New Year!
Donna!!! oh my goodness. you just made my day. thank you so much. Lots of plans for this coming year. 😉
@@BayouJosh Can't wait! Happy New Year to you and your wife!
Great video to cap off the year. I’ve followed you on this RUclips journey and gotta say the videos, the pictures have been amazing. Cannot wait to see what you do next year.
Glad you like them! Thank you so much.
As I watch this Video again, my main takeaway is I Miss You. You are the everyday Joe who loves what he is doing, and makes us feel that we can do it also, AND HAVE FUN!
And with you, I have a friend in this hobby.
Like other commenters, I can relate to everything in this video. In particular the: "Delete, delete, delete... Did I have to take 80 shots of the same bird?" I got my first slr when I was 14 years old in 1974. Every shot cost money. I got to where I was very choosey about when I squeezed the shutter button. I learned to wait for just the right moment. Then came digital. I could shoot hundreds of images and it didn't cost me a dime. I would also have to annoy my wife by asking her to help me choose which ones to keep. There would be so many I couldn't decide. Digital does allow me to be creative for free, and attempt shots I might not have tried in my film days, but I try not to go too crazy to the point of dreading the culling and editing process.
It sure is a wonderful thing to have all that freedom. 😃 however, You are right. Culling through images can be a pain in the butt.
Hey Josh, Great video. I love how do you make a narration, is organic and true, an I can Identify with you the 99% of the time.
I appreciate that! It looks like I need to get that last 1% out of you. 😄
@@BayouJosh Maybe some day will meet and reach that 1% 😅 until there I keep enjoying your videos, I hope some day we can go take pictures together 😀
Wow….that’s deep. I can relate to this, totally! Maybe I’m too worried about what to post on Instagram and forgot about the joy of photography. Maybe the best tip ever!
Sometimes we just forget to have fun.
Honestly you have a great grasp on life and it’s perspective for mostly all the people around you 👏
Excellent video Josh, You are so right, who needs 100 photos of the same bird, It is all about being outside and becoming part of their world and environment, then get a shot of them doing something you don't normally see, something with some character that shows who they are!! Awesome stuff!
Amen James. 😊
Its all about having or knowing makes money and having something on your brain .... it you have this you can/know opening to opportunities ..... this is all about ....
Love your videos Josh. I do think you need to come to South Africa if you can .. Some great wildlife photography to be had here. Also you can self drive the reserves.. Cheaper and rewarding. Thanks for the videos! Hope the year ahead is great for you and your family.
Maybe one day my friend. thank you so much for watching. 🙂
Makes excellent shots, should do a tutorial on image processing in ligtroom. What beautiful images.
Thank you, I have a playlist of Lightroom tutorials you can check out.
All the rules and “expert” advice would frustrate me and make me want to toss my damn gear into the nearest body of water-I ignore the experts, and break as many rules as possible and just take my gear and go out the the field/woods/parks and make mistakes that I learn from and enjoy myself mucking about and if I get a photo that’s nice, and if I don’t then maybe next time? I enjoyed your video-your channel is one of the few that isn’t gear review based, and I appreciate that very much-your perspective is unique; keep up the great work you’re doing.
Well said. I'm with you. I try and block out the noise.
Thanks Josh, I love this video. Get out there shoot. My new motto
it's a good motto. 😃
I am subscribing because of this video. This resonates so much with me. I can be disheartened by it all. I stopped making videos because I don't want to make the same pish as everyone else.... So i'll only make videos when I really feel it. But i have been thinking a video similar to this, So i just utterly loved it! " Do this, unless you need the opposite, then do that" The voice over was so chilled, just wanted to sit and have a drink with you!
Well you just made my day friend. I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you,
@@BayouJosh I like honesty, It's what I try to show as well. I have given myself time limits on instagram as i just find it demotivates me and pisses me off as its just the same locations, the same images, the same comments and same hashtags. I want to go out and have fun and not really give a crap. I sometimes find being out and taking photos is the fun part, then I don't even empty the memory card for a week as I don't actually care about the image or showing it off, I just had a good day and that is what it is all about!
Thanks for your great videos! I have subscribed to you for two reasons:
1. I am a hobby photographer (Nikon)
2. because you have such a good pronunciation to improve my English. (I am German but live in China).
I wish you and your family a great new year and good light!
thank you so much my friend and happy new year to you and your family. 😀
@@BayouJosh 😃😀😀
Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always
So nice of you. thank you Miguel.
Hello Bayou
I really love your way of express your thought's about what your doing, and not doing. Some very good reflection's there. We all struggle with what we do, or not do, but the point is to do what your like. And what you do and the way you tell it to us is appealing.
I always watch your videos, even as a Canon user. It's not about the gear, it's all the oter stuff.
And your photos are, yes some of them are stunning good.
Torbjørn
Thank you so much 🙂
Damn this was good! And boy oh boy, this video would have taken HOURS to produce! Loved it!
Thank you Peter. They definitely take some time.
Maybe your best video EVER... I can relate to everything you said, thought, and showed!
You have a gift in communicating, Josh. Your honesty, humility, and soothing voice really connects with us viewers, and it makes us feel like we're all together in this pursuit and passion. I also like that you never talk down to us like you're the expert and we really need to see how it all should be done.
Keep it up. You're making a difference. God bless.
Wow, thank you Jonah. I really appreciate it my friend.
Lol..good video and im sure you will be shooting birds tomorrow!!! Because we love it!!! I loved that you said that gear matters, way too many people try to say it doesn't and im like ok, once you learn to shoot well and what all the different settings do I will give you an entry level DSLR and a cheap 55-300 f6.3 lens and we will go shoot Kingfishers in flight..( If the aforementioned is all your budget allows thats perfectly fine, I did it for a couple of years with a D3300 and a 55-300 f5.6-F6.3....) But the next trip I will put a D500 with a 600f4 in your hands and then I would like the person to tell me gear doesn't matter! As far as shooting the same birds go, I shoot primarily at a Wildlife Refuge and I have done it so many times that although its 40,000+ acres I often shoot the same Eagles, Harriers, Ducks, Heron's and this one huge RedTail Hawk that must be on steroids because its 1.5× the size it should be...lol...We do it because we love it and even though I have 100's of Bald Eagle " keepers " I will be back out there asap trying to top myself and to just get out and enjoy God's beautiful creation!!!!
Well said My friend. 😀
I like your stile of video, thanks for sharing your struggles, I and probably all of us go through the same thing.
Thanks for watching! I think the struggles are universal. 😃
huge thanks, spot on video! God bless
I know the feeling. Very realistic video. Like it!
Love it Josh. Another great Christmas - the antidote to the plethora of "experts" telling me I have the wrong gear and am using it wrong anyway!!! Hope you had a great Christmas and have a very Happy New Year (with a Z9 on its way!!!).
Happy holidays! I hope to get that camera soon. we will see how shipping goes.
It was somewhat psychedelic experience, partly because of the music.
Good one, thank you.
Nailed it!!
I'm glad you put out this video and these are so many of the dilemmas that we all face! Lately I've been getting inspired by walking in a field or woods with just a macro lens and a small speed light and a diffuser that I made myself. Walking around in the city shooting black-and-white is also a great source of inspiration. It's all about the experience while we're out there as you know well. Best of luck to you!
indeed. thank you Forrest
"The way is the goal"
just love this video
Thanks again, you are right. Most weeks I spend more time watching videos than birds, how messed up is that? And I take dozens of shots of the same bird. Thanks again.
Nothing wrong with that as long as you’re watching my videos. 🤣 get out there and take some pictures!
Not much to say but THANK you!
Thank you!
i just found your video. i go to this bougie birder park and there's a lot of serious photographers there and i have this cheap set up (i spent like $100), and generally speaking i'm happy with the shots i get because i have what i have. would i like to have the $1500 lens? sure, but at the same time, i'm thankful i don't have to lug around a tripod too. it's a mindfulness thing i have keep that all in mind when i'm comparing myself all the time
Waiting for you to get that z9. I don't know why I'm excited to see you get it lol 😂
We will see. I was quick to pay but it doesn't look like that matters. I'll likely get bumped for all the NPS guys.
I typed a bunch. Deleted it..
Josh.. Thank you, man 🙏🏻
You’re fuckin’ awesome.
😆 thank you!
Hi Josh.. i have the same 600mm lens like the one you have, do you happen to know if the new Z9 with the FTZ will work on that 600 yo have? and also? how's the Z6II IBIS working on your 600? thanks man!
The z6II works great so I can only imagine the Z9 will do well.
@@BayouJosh im sure that it'll work, i am wondering about the IBIS.. does it work well with your lens?
@@Banjmedina I turn ibis off when I am on the tripod and I certainly don't hand hold that big 600. I am not really sure how it works.
@@BayouJosh i appreciate your honest answer josh.. thanks!
I miss you Josh!
The best ending for the video would have been if, after all that work, she said "Yeah, I don't think I really like this one...".
😄 that would have been classic.
You know what makes Josh’s videos great?? What he shows in his videos is raw and something most of us photographers can very closely relate to, you know the usual things. His videos are not just ornamented ones to grab everyone’s attention but to make the viewer immerse in it. Great job Josh! Hope you keep making these videos and happy new year 2022 to you and every one of your subscribers.
You are too kind. thank you so much.
its simple, go out, learn from your mistakes, repeat and enjoy the outdoor experience.
Well said!
That pretty much sums it up.
Every other RUclips video on bird and wildlife photography is about the technique, the gear, the lighting. Then there is Mr. Josh's videos. They are the inner monologue I have every weekend when I go to the regular place for my photography. Sense of calm and focus and just improvement. It is like golf. You are competing with yourself in getting the best photo. Till today. Tomorrow I will get an even better photo.
And..... when I get THAT photo... that effect... anyways I am meandering now. See you all 45 million people out there.
😀I am happy to see the stories are received well. You’re too kind! Thank you
as a bird photographer and golfer, I really resonate with this comment
Your videos always resonate with me, because they're so much more philosophical than worrying about the technical aspects of photography. You're like a wildlife photography version of Sean Tucker. Anyway, I'm primarily a landscape photographer, but I do enjoy shooting wildlife. Lately instead of chasing the birds and just coming away frustrated and not enjoying it, I gave myself permission to be OK with that low-hanging fruit and put my feeders out and, yeah, I'm spending a ton on seed every month, but man, I feel so much more stress-free and it's a lot more relaxing and enjoyable for me. Besides, I don't see it as any more reaching for low-hanging fruit than the couple hundred photographers a day who line the parking lot at Conowingo dam not far from me to shoot the eagles. I mean, it's pretty much fish in a barrel either way, so I don't feel bad about shooting the birds from my front porch in a lawn chair with a glass of ice tea haha.
Sean Tucker is a hella good artist who is also willing to share both his work and his mindsets and struggles. That man knows how to photograph a city! I would love to see him challenge himself to a weekend in the woods. 😝
No judment from me John. I do the same thing. I just spent $50 on seed today. the squirrels are killing me. I sure do appreciate you brother. thanks for tagging along. I'll go check out Sean Tucker.
I watch a lot of videos. Mostly to improve mine and also to see/learn new. Yours are an above all. I consider them real. Thank you,
Glad you like them! thank you.
I started my wildlife journey five years ago with a canon rebel and an EFs lens. I've been a part time resident of Jackson, WY for twenty years so when I wanted photography advice, I gravitated toward photogs from that area. I found your channel through Steve Mathias. I live most of the time near the CA delta in the bay area and the majority of my photography experience has been in the wetlands. In five years, I've been through five bodies and now shoot an R5 w/ 100-500L glass and it does make a difference. Also have the 800mm F11. I think birds can be so incredibly challenging in comparison to large game and landscape of the Tetons bc all the same rules apply but you have to be faster. I tend to only shoot hand held in the delta and the skills I learn and practice here, carry over and help me take better photos everywhere. Good images are a culmination of so many factors but the main ingredient is love for the animals and wanting to honor them in the best possible way through our craft. Thanks for another thoughtful video.
👍
Well said my friend.
I've come to a few conclusions about wildlife photography over the years(40+). 1. I'll never be great photographer. Maybe not even a good photographer. 2. New gear cost lots of money. No surprise there, it's just a fact. Companies make it we buy it. It's a vicious cycle. 3. The fastest cameras with finest glass will still guarantee more bad images than good. 4. People who don't do it will never understand those of us that do. 5. For us that have spouses, we know they tolerate our illness, whoops, I mean hobby. 6. We will travel to places to try to photograph a certain bird and it will have left the area a day or two before we arrived. But that's ok we'll find something to photograph. After all we have to justify all the new gear. 7. We'll come home wet, dirty, exhausted, and frustrated with 100's or 1000's of images to go though in order to find a few we think are acceptable, process, post or print it and feel like Ansel Adams when someone says its beautiful or even nice. And last but not least, 8. We'll do it all again the very next chance we get. From one photographer to another. May the coming year be filled with rewarding outings and beautiful or even nice images. Only we truly know the love of what we do.
Nailed it guy. You just gave me a new video idea too. People who don’t do it will never understand
Excellent video. Captures some of my thoughts. Always comparing my images to others. Mine are never as good as those I’ve seen. So why bother. Time to get out and shoot just for the enjoyment of it all. Thanks my brother for posting this video.
It's a beautiful hobby. that's what I keep reminding myself. Oh, that and just need 4 or 5 nice images a year 🙂
"Nature rewards Diligence". Great advice, Josh.
I wish it was that simple. Thanks as always Victor.
This video got me in the exact same situation having a Nikon z6I + 400/2.8 still thinking about purchasing the new Z9 flagship. Nevertheless, since I have my new prime tele lens nothing has changed though. My equipment got more heavy, but my pictures not better. Wildlife is about persistence. If you have an idea, you still gotta spend days to years until you can capture it while the others are flooding Instagram with their just incredibly outstanding pictures...but it's the one picture from time to time of full commitment that brings the longed for satisfaction. The higher my commitment and time spent, the higher the happiness that comes with my success.
And certainly don't forget about the personal nature experience as well as the exchange with other photographers. Cheers
that pretty much sums it up. so true.
Your video made me feel the same way. Throughout 2021, I carried tripods and bulky cameras and lenses for countless mornings. For this love in my heart, I will keep shooting until I can't move.I live in a beach city in Southern California, I hope you can come and take pictures together!
That would be fantastic.
Another poetic video Josh. With some wonderful footage and photography. It's ISO in one go as it comes from ISOS (Greek for 'equals to' in this case ASA). It's NOT an acronym for International Standardisation Organisation, as reported on their website where it's even specified. So, in one go and the super accurate pronunciation should actually be eeso with an E sound and not an I sound.
Well dang. that is the best explanation I've ever heard. thank you
@@BayouJosh You're welcome!
Yes. Was great to see it again. Fazit: if it doesn’t work out today, try again tomorrow. And don’t let yourself be fooled by all the „ experts“.
I remember seeing that video when you made it. it made me laugh so hard hearing your thoughts about the myriad of variables, I'm sure we all do exactly the same but you know what none of that matters when your buzzing behind the camera because something magic is happening. now I just need a formula for disstiling the magic. I always enjoy your thoughts just as much as your visuals. happy holidays Josh and all who watch
Yeah man, if you could bottle that feeling....I'd buy it. Thanks as always Peter. Happy Holidays.
Nice video - almost a bit sarcastic :-). Gear for sure matters to a certain level, but it's time (so patience) and a great bit of luck. And going to the same spots, seeing the same birds doesn't matter - because there will be mostly something new - a new pose, behavior, maybe a new species passing by. And that's what matters to me - be outside and see what happens. Sometimes nothing - but you can't win in the lottery every week. So keep trying...
Well said Peter.
Man I got to say you got some awesome content here I really enjoy taking pictures of birds myself and yes I can definitely get overwhelming sometimes with people trying to tell you how to do your job and taking pictures
Thank you so much. I’ve really been enjoying myself.
Great video Josh ! I've really been struggling as of late, I feel my images are never as good as I feel they could be, I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels that way! Some of my best photos happened when I first started out, and finally realized was because I went out wherever I could, 4-5 days a week, and now I find myself going out once a week and expect portfolio shots! We really need to put in the time and enjoy our surroundings, the opportunities will come. Thanks again !
Time is the most valuable asset in this hobby. Thanks so much my friend.
" why are there so many articles and videos on how to make your photography better?"
Because society says YOUR and MY work is not good enough.
My new philosophy is try to care less what others think about my images, and what society thinks. To go back to the basics with a child like passion we all can lose so easily.
You are absolutely right about going back to your old content for reminders.
Gear takes us down a road of comparison. It matters....but not as much as we think. It's a tough road we all go down at some point. Myself included.
Honestly if people wouldn't tell me what gear they use, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between an image taken on an r5 or a rebel t7i, on social media anyways. Print is different. The lens matters most. The rest is really lighting, angle, and patience.
I honestly just want to encourage and inspire people in nature photography at this point. I'm a horrible teacher and it seems there's a never ending sea of people on youtube telling me and others how we are all doing it all wrong. For the algorithm sake, its what's trending and everyone wants to jump on the trend.
Going forward im doing it all wrong on purpose..well, most..lol.. Its about the experience. The photography is just a treat.
Take care josh. Great reminder. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and here's to a great 2022 out taking photos.
Well said Kevin. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
Superb works ! How I love this presentation....it's simply excellent. Images are amazing, the way you speak, calming, soundtrack...everything is there. Tanks to share this and congratulation ! Sorry for my english....BRAVO TO YOU !
A quote from Art Wolfe helped streamline my editing of sixty images with a bad background. "The difference between a pro and amateur photographer is that a pro knows when not to shoot." Coming from the film days I've never been a fat shooter, but that helped me.
Well Said.
Its a passion....nature drives you to come back every day to enjoy " the moment "...I live in Barbados , not many birds but i watch your videos and i try to search and shoot hummingbirds...thanks!
Definitely a passion hobby.
A great quality video, right from the start of your channel and with great humour. I think the last tip is the best… show your wife the best photo to justify the photography gear!
I did not think about it that way but you are exactly right. 😃
Wow, one of the greatest videos I´ve seen this year. Thank you
Wow! thank you David.
It’s definitely a never ending battle of conscience and doubt…. Happy New Year 🥳
Indeed. Happy New Year my friend.
You forgot “turn off your image stabilization”… really though this almost made me cry 😭
So much advice right? 😌
ISO !Lol. In the scientific imagining community it’s just referred to as gain.
I think I’ll just call it gain from here on out. 😂
Was going to contribute but after reading " spiders 12" earlier comment I think it's all been said brilliantly. 👍
Great video as always and last picture is a beauty ! Looking forward to your 2022 year with photos and video
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones
Ronny
Happy New year to you and your family as well Ronny. thanks as always.
Merry Christmas both of you and a Happy New year.... :)
Yup, you nailed it! My motivational challenge is a little different, throughout my career I loved exploring new photography genres; photojournalism, editorial, light painting, star trails, product photography, portraiture, sports, architecture, travel, macro, jewelry, museum artifacts, insects, etc. I've enjoyed it all except for wedding photography, one wedding was one too many for me. Once I feel like I've gotten pretty good in any photography genre I get bored and look for a new challenge. My most recent pursuit is birds, over the past year I've made a few photos I'm pleased (nothing at your level to be sure) with and I've sold a few prints, but already I can feel my enthusiasm for bird photography dwindling. Thanks for posting this video, it had motivated me to stick with bird photography a bit longer.
I think bird photography will keep you entertained for years. I've gone through a lot of hobbies over the years and this is the one that keeps me coming back.
Man I would really love to learn some photo editing techniques from you.
Check out my Lightroom tutorial playlist.
I'm not interested in bird photography, but your voice is soothing and your storytelling is great. Thanks for all the great work and photos
Wow, thank you!
I have told him I watch his videos when I need to relax. The music and his voice soothe me.
When i see Your videos I'm sad about my free time. When I start my job it's night and when I'm coming back it's night aswell. There are pros and cons of living in Poland. In summer I can do some wildlife sure. In winter it's difficult. Thx for Your content
Time is a valuable asset! It Comes in seasons. As long as you’re taking advantage of the time you are afforded, there’s nothing to be sad about. 😊
It’s tough here in the winter too. We get off work around 5pm-ish and the sun is going down at the same time. We have to get out on the weekends if we want to see birds. I hope you get days off to enjoy!
Congratulations for 100K subs.
Oops, posted a little earlier.
Anyways congratulations again.
😆 maybe one day.
@@BayouJosh One day Definitely.
get back to basics and you will love the hobby more
well said.
Boy, this is a great video, better than most will understand. Applies to so much more in life than just photography. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you my friend. I always hope the little nuggets of unsolicited life advice land on a few people. Glad to know I'm not speaking into the void. 🙂
I figure it will take months to delete all the images that need deleted that I have stored on my hard drives. I’ll be lucky to keep 20-30 images from 2021 that are worthy for printing.
I'd be lucky to have 5. sounds like you had a great year. 😉
A trip to the Tetons will do that!
I always say a bad day of photography is better than a good day at work. I just love being outdoors, the fresh air , being focused on what's all around me and taking it all in. Whether I hit hit the jackpot and get a handful of images I like or just one, the process is enjoyable and relaxing to me and is therapeutic. Like you I frequent many of the same areas over and over again, my wife says well don't you always see the same thing and get bored.....never, even if the subjects can be repeatable at times you always get a unique background, special look or action from the subject and of course lighting that at times just blows you away. Luv your video's, hope you had a Merry Xmas and wishing you Happy Birding and great videos for the upcoming year.
It is such a beautiful hobby even if you're going to the same park 3 times a week. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🙂
Wow, what a great video! I always really enjoy watching your videos. They are very inspiring and I get many, new video ideas from them. Keep up the good work 👍🏼💪🏼 Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎁
Merry Christmas to you and your family Max. thank you so much my friend.
I think your expressing something we all feel. It's nice to not be alone.
It was comforting to know I wasn't alone. thank you Jack.
Hey Josh, I hope you,Katie and your family had a great Christmas. Ah,I remember this video! All of what I can relate to and hear in my head constantly. I noticed you using the mono pod, how do you feel about it? Dude! You are so close to 10k subscribers! So awesome.... Greg
Happy holidays Greg.
Glad you asked about the monopod. If I were just taking pictures, the monopod would be great. the problem is I am also carrying that other Z6 around on a tripod. so, I have to lay down the monopod with the lens on it to go set up the other camera. Going back to the tripod next time I use the 600.
Josh, Yeah I figured since you have both cameras during your video recording I figured you would use both on tripods. When you mentioned it in a past video. I thought you were thinking it might help with weight and easier moving around then a tripod during video recording. I still found it shaky myself. I guess tripods always win out for stability. Are watching your videos I have so many questions! Greg
Holy crap. I'm both inspired and want to quit. Not for real though. That was so true it was hilarious!
Just throwing my thoughts out into the world. surprising how many feel this way...just a little.
Thank you for this Josh. I have been photographing birds on the Nikon P900 and as much as I complain that I have found the limitations of the camera. In reality, I was only limited in thought because I would watch thousands of videos of professionals capturing excellent images of birds and have tried everything from Manual to auto to shutter priority to aperture priority to composition and following the rules of light and its limitations. In the end, All I will be taking away with me into ripe old age and beyond are only the memories, experience, and the eternal gratefulness to nature for having shown me such a wonderful, colorful side of Life
"Eternal gratefulness to nature" Yes...well said.
Interesting video. Wildlife photography is a hobby for me. I'm currently using a cheap set of gear, but will eventually upgrade to something better in the future. Wildlife photography is difficult compared to other types. I learn that it's quite rewarding when I get great shots. Editing is super important. I went on a birding trip with other local birders. To their surprise my photos are better than theirs even thought we took similar shots of the same birds at the same spot, and their gear is better than mine. I'm not a better photographer. I just spend more time editing. They probably just crop and use a preset or filter with minor adjustments. I remove twigs, leaves, smooth out the background, exaggerate light source, etc. I don't over do it, and the bird is still the same. The environment is the same, I just make it look better. Topaz DeNoise AI and Sharpen tools make my photos look like I have 600mm f/4 lens.
Great video Josh! Loved the intro too 🙌🏻 excited to see your amazing upcoming year of videos as well
You too Jeremy Hopefully we will both be at it for a long time. 😉
Bayou Josh amen to that!
I only 'discovered' your channel recently and really glad I did. This is a great thinking video.
A very Merry Christmas to you and your family and all the best in 2022.
Well thank you for tagging along Peter. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🙂
I just started with this wonderful hobby. My gear is a Nikon D5600 and besides the kit lenses and a 35 mm, my best lense is a Tamron 100-400. It is so easy to fall into the trap of all the amazing new gear, but to me “A fool with a tool is still a fool. I will stick to my entry level gear, and only gear up, when i can’t improve my skills with it. Thx for a great video 👍
Well said. Sometimes I still feel like a fool with a tool. 😅
Happy new year to you both and keep up the good work
Happy new year to you John. thank you so much.
While watching this video something happened that never have happened before at least not to me, I acctually started to cry a bit because I realised that I was stuck in that wheel of pleasing others and had lost track on why I acctually started out with photography in the first place. After this video I really felt like snap out of it dude get back to that magical feeling of enjoying your photography for you and yourself first, thank you so much for making me realise that I need to start photograph again for me myself and I... THANKS! (Sorry for my bad English, I'm from Sweden)
😊 I completely understand your feelings. Thank you for sharing that with me.
What a refreshing video. Really loved this. "Did you really need 60 photos of a bird on a stick?" 🙂. And yes, I found this video at the perfect time, it really helped me re-frame and inspire this aspiring bird photographer. Thank you, Josh.
so glad to hear I'm not alone. Thank you,
It doesn't matter really what you have. Your an artist. Camera is the canvas that you paint with. The lens are your brushes. Every great artist searches for that idea. We think ahead. Planning is first. What we can lug with us. And if we are lucky have a wife or girl friend who can carry some of it. lololo Next waiting.. Does the bird show up. Am I in the right place. My wife being so cool. As she thinks come on birds. Really. The gear is a big help. But who does it? We could go to the zoo . But it would not be the same. I love it. Going out . And if you're at the right place at the right time. You got it. Until next time. Merry Christmas to you and your family. It is ok to hug your camera too.
So true Don. Merry Christmas to you my friend.
We feel your pain buddy. Great video.
I'd say it's 10% gear. My D7200 can take some great images as long as the idiot behind it is doing his job. The lens matters most IMO.
Very True John. My first 3 years of bird photography were with that D7200.
My grandfather loved driving up to Bass Lake to get his hair cut. From Fresno, it was just over an hour drive. He'd visit my uncle Bob, his brother, on the way up or back. Loved the drive. Did it many times. Each time was the best. Cheers, Josh!