What motivates me is my profound love of nature and the incredible bond I've developed with little birds, mostly white breasted nuthatches. They are amazing to watch and are quite the acrobats!
The thing that motivates me is that I want to get better and learn new things. Also just seeing beautiful wildlife that is around me. Learning new photography types
Best video yet! Every time I’m at the desolate park and all I see are squirrels I think of you! Make this the best squirrel shot yet! You shine in a dark world , we thank you
Wildlife photography is so much more than the capture. The journey of discovering is cathartic. After nine months of chemo I am convinced that my walks with my camera helped me become a better photographer and I hope, a better person. Thank You for sharing your craft.
The degree of personal and professional growth that is possible when consuming quality content related to one's craft is invaluable and this channel is the rule and not the exception to this. Consider all of your content liked and consumed.
Zig Ziglar, the motivational speaker, said something like: "If you want to get to the top, then help as many other people get to the top as you can." I think you do that. I always enjoy to presentations.
I don't subscribe to many RUclipsrs but you, Simon, are clear, concise and endowed with common sense. Thanks for the effort you put into making your videos.
Spot on about not worrying about competing. Instagram is a culprit here. From your stellar photos I see that your most important piece of kit is an alarm clock set to 4:00 AM!
Simon, I've been watching your videos for a while now and have marveled at both your artistry and technical skill as a photographer and as a teacher. There's something special about this one... it shows who you are as a person and why you are such a good teacher... There are many many skilled photographers that share their expertise (and I do watch their videos), but so few that do so with such an open generosity and encouragement. Thank you!
And you know what Simon I would have never invested into this Canon R50 if it weren't for your videos! You set the standard of what every picture I take should look like! 🙏
Take pictures and bring something home. Sage advice. I always carry a macro lens so if nothing else I can practice taking pictures of little things. Insects, flowers, lichens, mushrooms, door hinges, ironwork, whatever, it’s a way to bring different perspectives of the mundane things around us.
I just got into photography about 2 months ago to help with depression. Each step of the way so far, you've been the main teacher. I'm already seeing alot of improvement in my pictures! Took amazing pictures of some Mallards yesterday.
I can relate. My photography is not only a business for me but also an outlet that has helped my mental health tremendously. When I am out with the camera everything else just melts away.
The best photo advice video I've seen. Also re-enforces it's not the equipment, it's the person. My favorite part, just get out and enjoy yourself. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for all these great 'no nonsense' videos. I think the best thing about photography is that there is so much you can learn, no matter what your skill level. I really appreciate the way you approach everything in a positive manner. I look forward to watching more. Keep up the awesome work!
The more I can listen to what you have to sat, the more I like your videos. You march right through what you have to tell us. You are one of the few photographers I can listen to without feeling the need to see you working your camera or your computer. You have great gear but put that into perspective so that I understand that I don't need better gear, I need to work on what happens inside my head when I am out in the field. Great work!
Thank you Simon, i recently discovered you channel, i have been binging on your RUclips channel. I love your video because it has nothing to do with gear but only about photography. You are a great photographer and a great teacher. From GTA Canada.
Simon, I completely understand where you're coming from. Gear is just a tool - it's the photographer's vision and skill that really matters. When I first got my camera, video was my main focus. But after experimenting more with photography, I found a real passion for still images. Now I get just as much joy from capturing the perfect photo as I do from shooting video. It just goes to show that discovering what you love to create is a process of exploring all the possibilities with the equipment you have. The gear alone doesn't make your work - you do
I like your work very much. -- In every art there are few that make it to the top, and many who don't. What makes photography exciting? One of my neighbours is an organist. He has to exercise and hone his art every single day, and is playing the same pieces over and over again. Just to keep his skills. If he is making any progress, very few people would notice. But he loves his work. -- When I go out, I don't know what to expect. In the many years of photography there was not a single time when I wasn't surprised. For me photography is an adventure. I don't want (or need) to become a "better" photographer. It is a story that continues, but of course I very much love to be inspired by others like you to get new ideas and try out new things.
Great Points, especially on the point of photographing the common everyday subjects. I have found that they too have habits, quirks, attitudes, and squabbles just like humans and other animals.
"Come home with something", advise of gold sir✨👌💫 Sometimes life is so full of commitments and limitations. There's always a yearning to learn, to travel and take great captures like photographers you see around the world. But coming to terms with one's circumstances and making the best use of the beauty around - that mindset works wonders. Have some amazing captures from my favourite spot - the backyard. My wandering unpretentious cat, the flora, tree, fallen leaf, clouds, sky... It's endless.
This video is filled with really good general life analogies that apply to much more than photography. I really love your channel, both in content and presentation. It's hard to describe, but there's this chill altruistic quality to how you communicate your experience and mindset. Really amazing work all around, and cheers to you for creating.
I've watched a number of your videos and have found them very helpful. The two things that keep me coming back are; the simplicity of your explanations of how things work, and your honest encouragement to other photographers like myself, "I know you can do it!" Thanks for all you share. Keep up the good work. 🙂
Probably will be one of the more impactful photography videos. This is a healthy way of thinking and living by, obviously, not just in the world of photography.
One thing i figured out. If i am just standing there and going to take a Shot i stop. Bend down, lay down, Move then Take it.... Recomposing . Love your Videos.
one of the best videos I have seen. Well said. Not only about Photography but life in general. I am not big into wildlife, but I would love for you to make a class on Portrait Photography.........I would be the first purchaser.
100% ive competed , not in photography but another venture and winning was secondary it was the ride.. The the friendships and the helping others on their way up that ment the most and is where my best memories are 🌸
A most empowering video...................yes photography was the subject, but the advice pertains to whatever you do in life. Always move out of your comfort zone
Your lessons apply to anything, anyone may want to learn. I took up the Banjo 7 years ago when I turned 57. I knew I could never play like Earl Scruggs, but I learned what it would take for me to learn the Banjo. Now, I am a decent Banjo player because I didn't rush it. The first three years were the least productive for me. The key for me was that I had the drive, patience and learned everything I could about the Banjo, reading music, (I was a novice starting out) and playing with others. I took up photography a couple years ago and I am applying the same slow, methodical learning approach. Each video you produce, takes me much closer to becoming a better EOS engineer of light. You're the best Simon!
I have just spent a couple of hours over the last few days watching you empowering and thoughtful videos. They have made me feel very happy and take lots of new approaches to my own photography, thank you so much Kim Frewin-Clarke from the UK
Probably your best video, which is quite a compliment. When I run out of ideas or feel in a rut I go to my local zoo. Patience is the key to success there. My patience paid off a year ago when a photo I submitted made their 150th aniversary calendar. Now I volunteer to do their event photography. You never know when an opportunity will present itself. Looking foward to your next video.
My motivation to take photos (as a hobbyist) was summarised really nicely by a RUclipsr, who called it an EXCUSE to do what you like doing. Initially, I was hiking and realised it would be improved by carrying a camera. I love meeting strangers etc too. So my camera is like a magic key - it's opening doors and allowing more creativity to what I enjoy doing anyway.
Watching your videos has changed everything for me! I just never tried to learn about the tools to do better taking pics before recent years! I do have some natural gifts but tech isn't really one of them...its composition...I just see it and don't have to try. Hubby does think that is very cool but the tools were needed to back that up. I also have an eye for color and fast reflexes with handholding my cameras. The way I am improving is watching your videos and taking pictures every day!
I love your advice to get a better photo of a bird you have taken many photos is so true. I was getting bored with photographing Osprey, buy taking your philosophy, keep shooting for more unique pics. Now, I need to go back through all the photos I first started with and discard the plethora of “Osprey sitting in a tree” now that I have improved. As always, love your advice and teaching style.
That's really the secrete to photography. Most people try to take photos of great subjects, but a great photo is one where the photographer took a photo of a great scene, which has a great subject in it. ;)
This is why I like your channel so much, Thanks for the great Motivation , when I start photography I was watching street photographers like Dani and envy him because I am shy with people. But then I realized that I like nature like you. I found relaxing while taking photos for the nature.
This is a fantastic video and great for anyone learning a new skill. I have to remind myself when I go through 1000s of frames of birds after an outing that even if none of them are worth hanging up on the wall that I still put in the practice to get better.
Taking photos helps me to slow my mind down and "see" the world around me. Every capture (anyone's) of a laughing child, a magnificent animal, or pretty vista makes me a happy witness.
I love getting out in nature and try to be open to what each day will bring. I make a decision on what location I will go based on weather or opportunities, knowing that each day is unique. Some days I come back with a bonanza of photos, othertimes it seems to be a struggle to get just a few. I do find that the days I struggle often have yielded a few photos that are gems. The competition with myself keeps me going back for more. I found this video a perfect fit for my own philosophy.
You are a very generous gentleman. My inspiration is shooting landscapes in 'poor' weather whilst imagining how I can improve the image to something a bit special in the edit. I used to fret about photographers who call this 'cheating' and making photos that are not 'real' until I realised that all photos are unreal because they are 2D representations of 3D scenes. Thank you.
Personally, I gain much insight from all of your videos. I like your encouragement that you project along with ease of your communication to explain complex subject matter.
Part of what motivates me is exercise. I'm getting up there in age and it's important to keep moving. When I walk I often photography birds. But the birds are secondary. In other words, I'm trying to make a good picture, regardless of the bird. I've taken what I believe to be excellent photos of robins and cardinal, everyday birds. For me the goal is an excellent photo, regardless of the specific subject.
I agree that photography is not a competition. I know you believe it or you wouldn't make these videos. I'm not sure if you live in a rural place but I live in the middle of Hamilton Ontario. My feeder at this point provides my greatest opportunity. I have 20 common species of birds take pictures of every day and im trying to raise the bar every day to take better pics. As the weather improves I will venture out more as I have opportunity. This was a very challenging video and helps me see I am possibly on the right track. In 50 years I've taken a lot of poor shots but some days I get something I really like if no one else thinks so. Its me that has to be happening with my work. We all know we are hard on ourselves to do better.
Several years ago, my wife and I attended a Nikon training session. When we took a break, I saw groups with their cameras all taking photos of the same subject. The image of everyone surrounding a subject intent on taking the best photo of what ever has stuck in my mind since then. Unfortunately, I did not take a photo of the group. It was a great example of human behavior.
Beautiful photos and excellent advice. Most of the amazing moments in nature I've been privileged to see have been through the work of other photographers. My goal is to bring back a few "Wow!" moments of my own to share and maybe inspire others as the work of others has encouraged me.
Thank you for this humbling video. In this fast pace gear-centric world it’s not often someone will tell you the truth that the problem is you, not your gear. Everyone just wants to sell you something when all you really need is practice. Have a great day sir
Very very well said Simon😊 internal serenity = security... Furthermore competitive underpinnings rarely if ever does anything for either serenity or security. The best competition is with oneself. ⭐ Blessings and aloha
Thank you for a great video. I'm motivated by the enjoyment of just taking photos. Hopefully, sometime in the future, someone will enjoy looking at them.
One thing that I've found really helpful for myself is to do some post processing. All my shots, mostly landscapes, just never felt like they had anything. By doing a bit of post processing and cropping the images really sprang to life. They went from "Okay, well it is a nice picture, but it really lacks somthing" to "I can't believe I was the one who took that picture." The two sliders that made the difference was contrast and color balance.
I loved this. And I just watched your recent one to beginners, what they don’t tell you. Even though I’ve loved photography since my parents gave me a brownie Hawkeye when I was six, having shown an interest in their cameras, and am no beginner at almost 70, I found the tips just as encouraging and inspiring as at any time in my freelance work for the past few decades. My business sites often have the anonymous quote “the only photographer you should compare yourself with is the one you used to be.” Thanks for taking the time to make great video teaching moments. I very much appreciate both the fresh inspiration and the time honored wisdom I need to reconsider from time to time as I try to improve my work.
This video is spot-on Simon. Having taken up stills photography as a hobby recently, the gulls that live here are great for practising on. They can be a nuisance when I'm using a drone, but they're really beautiful creatures.
Breaking the rules, I remember back in my home country, about 13 years ago I was starting photography as a hobby and joined a group of amateur photographers, we had great time going outside and taking photos. At first I was following the rules then 1 year later I was feeling trapped to I decided to break them in my way and was very happy with the results. I was almost the only one very interested in wildlife in general especially birds. So started sharing my "new style" as I was getting better at it and mostly I was getting happier with it. The problem was I didn't know that most of this community was "snob", if you break the rules you suck without even trying so see if the picture was good or not. After a long time I stopped going out with them because of that and after sometime stopped photography all together, since they made lose appetite for It. Since 2013 I was taking out my DSLR only for some special occasions like my sister's wedding, birth of my nieces, and if some friends ask me to take some pics for them. Now it's 2023, I discovered this channel a few weeks ago and binge watched most your videos. Your way of explaining things sparked my passion again and this video made me remember what I loved in photography and why I stopped. So I'll be getting back again to photography in the 'next few weeks. What else to ask ? Especially i' m now living i' Nova Scotia and discovering what can be done here. I'm very excited. Thank you again Simon.
So happy for you! At times, I have let others ruin bird photography for me. The negativity, the secrecy and competition is awful. I just want to take my photos. I hope you find your passion again. Best wishes!
@@cathco9 thank you, I got my 60D back and got a 55-250 is stm to check if I'll be back again, and OMG, I'm chasing birds like 13 years ago and feel happy. Now I have to get a longer telephoto lens to get more serious
Regarding having the best equipment making someone an "Ansel Adams", here's a story from when I took a college photography class you might like. There was an up and coming oil painter who was becoming well known. He asked his friend, an accomplished photographer, to create a portfolio that he could show to galleries hoping they would feature his works. When he saw the proofs, he remarked, "That's exactly what I had in mind, you must have a good camera". "Yes, I do; I like your paintings, you must have really good brushes". I love that story because as you said, it's what you do with it that counts. Henrik Hansen, DDS
Hey Simon, thanks for all the great videos. I am very new to photography and have much to learn. I feel like it gives me something in life that I can develop and makes me happy. Your last tip in this video is very important. As soon as I started picking up on photography I also immediately had a sense of competition. Social media is great but it also fuels competition. It took away a great portion of the fun right of the bat. In the end we all go out there and enjoy nature, taking home fotos which capture a moment which is deer to us at the moment. Being able to share that with others is one of the greatest gifts. Therefor I support anyone being a photographer and try to learn from what I see instead if getting annoyed I didn't take that shot. Thanks again.
Your tips should be of great value to those who are going to get serious about Thier photographic journey to professionalism. I think what alot of beginners are expecting to do is snap by trial and error, get a few good photos and then consider themselves as professional photographers but if they were asked; how did you get that picture, they - 85% of the time, don't have an idea! Someone such as yourself Simon, could answer the question without a bat of ane eye! This is what happens when we practice, practice, practice and then practice again!! I guess what I'm saying is the more one presses the shutter button, the better he/she gets!
Thank you so much Simon for this outstanding lecture on how to get better images! You simply have become my favored teacher for photography - there are no more substantial videos available in the whole Internet than yours, and I know many of them. What motivates me? I am an eye-minded biologist, I am fascinated by all kind of patterns, shapes and colours in nature, and I am especially excited about forests and landscapes, including plants and flowers, and to a lesser extend also animals. Another field in my photography are events with people, for example migrants working in the family garden project of the protestant church of Switzerland. Another part of my motivation is the ambition to improve my photography at every shooting opportunity, technically and even more important: Aesthetically, what means trying new perspectives of a given motive, instead of repeating the way of displaying it. Kind regards from Bern country.
Simon, along the lines of sharing the wealth - I have found that sharing some of my recent pics with others helps build collaboration as well, including friends that may suggest shooting locations, a constructive comment, and new hardware/software to achieve improvements. I have a buddy that is afraid to share anything because he is a perfectionist - he struggles with getting anything out of his work-flow that he feels is less than perfect and spends too much time in post with paralysis in the analysis. One aspect of continuous improvement means re-visiting shooting locations/subjects, where conditions might change augmented by access to new hardware and software tools to give you the new prized photo of your collection.
Great leadership messages about valuing the differences and an abundance mentality. Life is more a cooperation than a competition. Many messages about win/win and the value of synergistic cooperation. Relevant in business or in photography.
Simon, the reason I subscribed to your channel is because you consistently offer good advice accompanied by inspiring photographs. This episode is right up there. One of your suggestions is to find photographers whose work inspires you, which left me wondering which photographers are on your list? And more broadly, are there painters or other visual artists who have influenced the way you see? I don't know the work of many wildlife photographers, but I find your work stunning. It's clear there's a lot of preparation and patience that goes into your work. It seems the photographers I'm most familiar with and whose work moves me most deeply are the familiar giants: Cartier-Bresson, Eugene Smith, Ansel Adams, Sebastiao Salgado. I'm sure there are many contemporary photographers that I'm missing out on. By the way, I also found the stock footage annoying. It drew my attention away from the points you were making. I would have preferred a photograph illustrating the point.
Simon! Great to see your channel flourishing. Been supporting your work for a good while now. You wouldn't of made it to this point if your videos weren't fantastically made and the content itself wasn't taught so amazingly. Take care and happy spring birding!
I love breaking the the rule of thirds. All “rules” for photography are more guidelines for me. However, if you can’t paint a straight line, it’s going to be hard to create a masterpiece. Thanks for another great video!
Taking photos for me is a stress release from everything life piles on you. Being out in nature by yourself or with family and friends and listening to the birds, insects, etc.. is so calming. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing.
What motivates you to go out every time you do and get photos? I'd love to know!
What motivates me is my profound love of nature and the incredible bond I've developed with little birds, mostly white breasted nuthatches. They are amazing to watch and are quite the acrobats!
I love wildlife and nature and taking photos as a whole, so the whole package really, I just love it
the pursuit or hunt for the next GREAT photo of any species is what motivates me to get out there to capture that moment in time to share with others
The thing that motivates me is that I want to get better and learn new things. Also just seeing beautiful wildlife that is around me. Learning new photography types
Improve
Someone once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Thank you for all that you do for us aspiring photographers.
Best video yet! Every time I’m at the desolate park and all I see are squirrels I think of you! Make this the best squirrel shot yet! You shine in a dark world , we thank you
Only competing with yourself goes way deeper than just photography. Thanks brother.
This is the best philosophy, video disguised as a photography video. Thank you!
You’re like a Jedi master of photography. Thank you for your insight
Wildlife photography is so much more than the capture. The journey of discovering is cathartic. After nine months of chemo I am convinced that my walks with my camera helped me become a better photographer and I hope, a better person. Thank You for sharing your craft.
Awesome! So true!
This is awesome….keep going my friend
9 months! I only endured 7 weeks, plus 20 days of radiation. It took a few years to get my strength back.
Presented as a true professional will always love your presitations !!!!!!!!!
Wow, thank you!
The degree of personal and professional growth that is possible when consuming quality content related to one's craft is invaluable and this channel is the rule and not the exception to this. Consider all of your content liked and consumed.
Zig Ziglar, the motivational speaker, said something like: "If you want to get to the top, then help as many other people get to the top as you can." I think you do that. I always enjoy to presentations.
I don't subscribe to many RUclipsrs but you, Simon, are clear, concise and endowed with common sense. Thanks for the effort you put into making your videos.
Spot on about not worrying about competing. Instagram is a culprit here. From your stellar photos I see that your most important piece of kit is an alarm clock set to 4:00 AM!
Right!
Simon, I've been watching your videos for a while now and have marveled at both your artistry and technical skill as a photographer and as a teacher. There's something special about this one... it shows who you are as a person and why you are such a good teacher... There are many many skilled photographers that share their expertise (and I do watch their videos), but so few that do so with such an open generosity and encouragement. Thank you!
👏👏 I shoot because that is what I love to do.
And you know what Simon I would have never invested into this Canon R50 if it weren't for your videos! You set the standard of what every picture I take should look like! 🙏
Great to hear!
Take pictures and bring something home. Sage advice. I always carry a macro lens so if nothing else I can practice taking pictures of little things. Insects, flowers, lichens, mushrooms, door hinges, ironwork, whatever, it’s a way to bring different perspectives of the mundane things around us.
I just got into photography about 2 months ago to help with depression. Each step of the way so far, you've been the main teacher. I'm already seeing alot of improvement in my pictures! Took amazing pictures of some Mallards yesterday.
Excellent!
I can relate. My photography is not only a business for me but also an outlet that has helped my mental health tremendously. When I am out with the camera everything else just melts away.
The best photo advice video I've seen. Also re-enforces it's not the equipment, it's the person. My favorite part, just get out and enjoy yourself. Thanks for sharing.
Right on!
More wisdom from this superb teacher.
Wow, thank you
Thanks for all these great 'no nonsense' videos. I think the best thing about photography is that there is so much you can learn, no matter what your skill level. I really appreciate the way you approach everything in a positive manner. I look forward to watching more. Keep up the awesome work!
The more I can listen to what you have to sat, the more I like your videos. You march right through what you have to tell us. You are one of the few photographers I can listen to without feeling the need to see you working your camera or your computer. You have great gear but put that into perspective so that I understand that I don't need better gear, I need to work on what happens inside my head when I am out in the field.
Great work!
Thank you Simon, i recently discovered you channel, i have been binging on your RUclips channel. I love your video because it has nothing to do with gear but only about photography. You are a great photographer and a great teacher. From GTA Canada.
Thanks T.O.!
Simon, I completely understand where you're coming from. Gear is just a tool - it's the photographer's vision and skill that really matters. When I first got my camera, video was my main focus. But after experimenting more with photography, I found a real passion for still images. Now I get just as much joy from capturing the perfect photo as I do from shooting video. It just goes to show that discovering what you love to create is a process of exploring all the possibilities with the equipment you have. The gear alone doesn't make your work - you do
I like your work very much. -- In every art there are few that make it to the top, and many who don't. What makes photography exciting? One of my neighbours is an organist. He has to exercise and hone his art every single day, and is playing the same pieces over and over again. Just to keep his skills. If he is making any progress, very few people would notice. But he loves his work. -- When I go out, I don't know what to expect. In the many years of photography there was not a single time when I wasn't surprised. For me photography is an adventure. I don't want (or need) to become a "better" photographer. It is a story that continues, but of course I very much love to be inspired by others like you to get new ideas and try out new things.
Great Points, especially on the point of photographing the common everyday subjects. I have found that they too have habits, quirks, attitudes, and squabbles just like humans and other animals.
Thanks!
"Come home with something", advise of gold sir✨👌💫 Sometimes life is so full of commitments and limitations. There's always a yearning to learn, to travel and take great captures like photographers you see around the world. But coming to terms with one's circumstances and making the best use of the beauty around - that mindset works wonders. Have some amazing captures from my favourite spot - the backyard. My wandering unpretentious cat, the flora, tree, fallen leaf, clouds, sky... It's endless.
My 7D is a beast. Loving it. I just shoot everything now again like i was new all over again.
This video is filled with really good general life analogies that apply to much more than photography.
I really love your channel, both in content and presentation. It's hard to describe, but there's this chill altruistic quality to how you communicate your experience and mindset.
Really amazing work all around, and cheers to you for creating.
Wow, thank you!
Not only are your perspectives informative, you do a great job finding appropriate video/still clips! Greetings from the Left Coast.
“Come home with something” yet another great collection of thoughts. Well done. I once heard a photographer say just photograph the light.
So true!
I've watched a number of your videos and have found them very helpful. The two things that keep me coming back are; the simplicity of your explanations of how things work, and your honest encouragement to other photographers like myself, "I know you can do it!" Thanks for all you share. Keep up the good work. 🙂
Probably will be one of the more impactful photography videos. This is a healthy way of thinking and living by, obviously, not just in the world of photography.
One thing i figured out. If i am just standing there and going to take a Shot i stop. Bend down, lay down, Move then Take it.... Recomposing . Love your Videos.
Top tips, not just for photography, but whatever line of work you’re in… and life.
In your videos I've found not just knowledge but also pure wisdom. Thanks Simon.
My pleasure!
one of the best videos I have seen. Well said. Not only about Photography but life in general. I am not big into wildlife, but I would love for you to make a class on Portrait Photography.........I would be the first purchaser.
Why am I crying while listening to this ❤️❤️❤️❤️
100% ive competed , not in photography but another venture and winning was secondary it was the ride.. The the friendships and the helping others on their way up that ment the most and is where my best memories are 🌸
A most empowering video...................yes photography was the subject, but the advice pertains to whatever you do in life. Always move out of your comfort zone
Well said!
I've heard Coach Holtz in person and don't remember that exact story, but he told one with a similar fable. He's a tremendous motivational speaker.
Your lessons apply to anything, anyone may want to learn. I took up the Banjo 7 years ago when I turned 57. I knew I could never play like Earl Scruggs, but I learned what it would take for me to learn the Banjo. Now, I am a decent Banjo player because I didn't rush it. The first three years were the least productive for me.
The key for me was that I had the drive, patience and learned everything I could about the Banjo, reading music, (I was a novice starting out) and playing with others.
I took up photography a couple years ago and I am applying the same slow, methodical learning approach. Each video you produce, takes me much closer to becoming a better EOS engineer of light.
You're the best Simon!
Thanks so much!
I have just spent a couple of hours over the last few days watching you empowering and thoughtful videos. They have made me feel very happy and take lots of new approaches to my own photography, thank you so much Kim Frewin-Clarke from the UK
Wonderful!
The trick to becoming proficient at anything (!) is the same… Practice, practice, practice… and self-evaluate, being realistic! There’s no free lunch!
Probably your best video, which is quite a compliment. When I run out of ideas or feel in a rut I go to my local zoo. Patience is the key to success there. My patience paid off a year ago when a photo I submitted made their 150th aniversary calendar. Now I volunteer to do their event photography. You never know when an opportunity will present itself. Looking foward to your next video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Simon you are Truly Wise. Thanks for the encouragement and breathing new life into this photographer.
My motivation to take photos (as a hobbyist) was summarised really nicely by a RUclipsr, who called it an EXCUSE to do what you like doing. Initially, I was hiking and realised it would be improved by carrying a camera. I love meeting strangers etc too. So my camera is like a magic key - it's opening doors and allowing more creativity to what I enjoy doing anyway.
Watching your videos has changed everything for me! I just never tried to learn about the tools to do better taking pics before recent years! I do have some natural gifts but tech isn't really one of them...its composition...I just see it and don't have to try. Hubby does think that is very cool but the tools were needed to back that up. I also have an eye for color and fast reflexes with handholding my cameras. The way I am improving is watching your videos and taking pictures every day!
I love your advice to get a better photo of a bird you have taken many photos is so true. I was getting bored with photographing Osprey, buy taking your philosophy, keep shooting for more unique pics. Now, I need to go back through all the photos I first started with and discard the plethora of “Osprey sitting in a tree” now that I have improved. As always, love your advice and teaching style.
That's really the secrete to photography. Most people try to take photos of great subjects, but a great photo is one where the photographer took a photo of a great scene, which has a great subject in it. ;)
You really are so encouraging! I love watching your videos and I look forward to seeing them every week! Thank you! 🙏🏻💕
Thank you so much!
This is why I like your channel so much, Thanks for the great Motivation , when I start photography I was watching street photographers like Dani and envy him because I am shy with people. But then I realized that I like nature like you. I found relaxing while taking photos for the nature.
This is a fantastic video and great for anyone learning a new skill. I have to remind myself when I go through 1000s of frames of birds after an outing that even if none of them are worth hanging up on the wall that I still put in the practice to get better.
Thank you Simon, it's not a competition.
Thank you
Your channel is truly a gift to the YT and photography community
Wow, thank you!
Simon I love you man. If I ever bump into you in public I will unashamed bow to you my photography sensei
Taking photos helps me to slow my mind down and "see" the world around me. Every capture (anyone's) of a laughing child, a magnificent animal, or pretty vista makes me a happy witness.
So true!
I love getting out in nature and try to be open to what each day will bring. I make a decision on what location I will go based on weather or opportunities, knowing that each day is unique. Some days I come back with a bonanza of photos, othertimes it seems to be a struggle to get just a few. I do find that the days I struggle often have yielded a few photos that are gems. The competition with myself keeps me going back for more. I found this video a perfect fit for my own philosophy.
You are a very generous gentleman.
My inspiration is shooting landscapes in 'poor' weather whilst imagining how I can improve the image to something a bit special in the edit. I used to fret about photographers who call this 'cheating' and making photos that are not 'real' until I realised that all photos are unreal because they are 2D representations of 3D scenes.
Thank you.
Personally, I gain much insight from all of your videos. I like your encouragement that you project along with ease of your communication to explain complex subject matter.
Part of what motivates me is exercise. I'm getting up there in age and it's important to keep moving. When I walk I often photography birds. But the birds are secondary. In other words, I'm trying to make a good picture, regardless of the bird. I've taken what I believe to be excellent photos of robins and cardinal, everyday birds. For me the goal is an excellent photo, regardless of the specific subject.
I agree that photography is not a competition. I know you believe it or you wouldn't make these videos. I'm not sure if you live in a rural place but I live in the middle of Hamilton Ontario. My feeder at this point provides my greatest opportunity. I have 20 common species of birds take pictures of every day and im trying to raise the bar every day to take better pics. As the weather improves I will venture out more as I have opportunity. This was a very challenging video and helps me see I am possibly on the right track. In 50 years I've taken a lot of poor shots but some days I get something I really like if no one else thinks so. Its me that has to be happening with my work. We all know we are hard on ourselves to do better.
Several years ago, my wife and I attended a Nikon training session. When we took a break, I saw groups with their cameras all taking photos of the same subject. The image of everyone surrounding a subject intent on taking the best photo of what ever has stuck in my mind since then.
Unfortunately, I did not take a photo of the group. It was a great example of human behavior.
I come to see this this video once in a while to stay motivated and try new things..
Beautiful photos and excellent advice. Most of the amazing moments in nature I've been privileged to see have been through the work of other photographers. My goal is to bring back a few "Wow!" moments of my own to share and maybe inspire others as the work of others has encouraged me.
Thank you for this humbling video. In this fast pace gear-centric world it’s not often someone will tell you the truth that the problem is you, not your gear. Everyone just wants to sell you something when all you really need is practice. Have a great day sir
Thank you so much Sir !
Went to field and took some bad photos, came back watched this and took brilliant photos. All credit goes to you, my Guru.
Excellent!
Very very well said Simon😊
internal serenity = security...
Furthermore competitive underpinnings rarely if ever does anything for either serenity or security.
The best competition is with oneself. ⭐
Blessings and aloha
Thank you for a great video. I'm motivated by the enjoyment of just taking photos. Hopefully, sometime in the future, someone will enjoy looking at them.
One thing that I've found really helpful for myself is to do some post processing. All my shots, mostly landscapes, just never felt like they had anything. By doing a bit of post processing and cropping the images really sprang to life. They went from "Okay, well it is a nice picture, but it really lacks somthing" to "I can't believe I was the one who took that picture." The two sliders that made the difference was contrast and color balance.
I loved this. And I just watched your recent one to beginners, what they don’t tell you. Even though I’ve loved photography since my parents gave me a brownie Hawkeye when I was six, having shown an interest in their cameras, and am no beginner at almost 70, I found the tips just as encouraging and inspiring as at any time in my freelance work for the past few decades. My business sites often have the anonymous quote “the only photographer you should compare yourself with is the one you used to be.” Thanks for taking the time to make great video teaching moments. I very much appreciate both the fresh inspiration and the time honored wisdom I need to reconsider from time to time as I try to improve my work.
Thank you, Simon.
Personal interest is a properly understood public interest..
This video is spot-on Simon.
Having taken up stills photography as a hobby recently, the gulls that live here are great for practising on.
They can be a nuisance when I'm using a drone, but they're really beautiful creatures.
Well said!
Ive watched a bunch of these photo tutorials. Yours are unsurpassed.
congratulations one of the most beautiful and sincere videos especially in the advice!
Glad you think so!
This video made me respect you both as a professional as well as a wise person. Good message delivered in perfect words!
Ive listened to the intro song so often in your videos, I realise, hmmm…..that song could be about me! 😂😂😂😂. I love it.
Breaking the rules, I remember back in my home country, about 13 years ago I was starting photography as a hobby and joined a group of amateur photographers, we had great time going outside and taking photos.
At first I was following the rules then 1 year later I was feeling trapped to I decided to break them in my way and was very happy with the results.
I was almost the only one very interested in wildlife in general especially birds. So started sharing my "new style" as I was getting better at it and mostly I was getting happier with it. The problem was I didn't know that most of this community was "snob", if you break the rules you suck without even trying so see if the picture was good or not. After a long time I stopped going out with them because of that and after sometime stopped photography all together, since they made lose appetite for It.
Since 2013 I was taking out my DSLR only for some special occasions like my sister's wedding, birth of my nieces, and if some friends ask me to take some pics for them.
Now it's 2023, I discovered this channel a few weeks ago and binge watched most your videos. Your way of explaining things sparked my passion again and this video made me remember what I loved in photography and why I stopped. So I'll be getting back again to photography in the 'next few weeks. What else to ask ? Especially i' m now living i' Nova Scotia and discovering what can be done here. I'm very excited.
Thank you again Simon.
Thanks for sharing, neighbor!
So happy for you! At times, I have let others ruin bird photography for me. The negativity, the secrecy and competition is awful. I just want to take my photos. I hope you find your passion again. Best wishes!
@@cathco9 thank you, I got my 60D back and got a 55-250 is stm to check if I'll be back again, and OMG, I'm chasing birds like 13 years ago and feel happy.
Now I have to get a longer telephoto lens to get more serious
...encouraging words....your so worth my time....thank you Simon...
Thank you for your generous attitude. I appreciate your videos.
Regarding having the best equipment making someone an "Ansel Adams", here's a story from when I took a college photography class you might like. There was an up and coming oil painter who was becoming well known. He asked his friend, an accomplished photographer, to create a portfolio that he could show to galleries hoping they would feature his works. When he saw the proofs, he remarked, "That's exactly what I had in mind, you must have a good camera". "Yes, I do; I like your paintings, you must have really good brushes". I love that story because as you said, it's what you do with it that counts.
Henrik Hansen, DDS
And Tiger Woods must have good golf clubs.
Wow this video gives more advice than just photography but just life in general. Thanks
Best philosophy of photography video I have seen.
This is what I needed to hear, especially the last half of the video!
Hey Simon, thanks for all the great videos. I am very new to photography and have much to learn. I feel like it gives me something in life that I can develop and makes me happy. Your last tip in this video is very important. As soon as I started picking up on photography I also immediately had a sense of competition. Social media is great but it also fuels competition. It took away a great portion of the fun right of the bat. In the end we all go out there and enjoy nature, taking home fotos which capture a moment which is deer to us at the moment. Being able to share that with others is one of the greatest gifts. Therefor I support anyone being a photographer and try to learn from what I see instead if getting annoyed I didn't take that shot.
Thanks again.
Your tips should be of great value to those who are going to get serious about Thier photographic journey to professionalism.
I think what alot of beginners are expecting to do is snap by trial and error, get a few good photos and then consider themselves as professional photographers but if they were asked; how did you get that picture, they - 85% of the time, don't have an idea!
Someone such as yourself Simon, could answer the question without a bat of ane eye!
This is what happens when we practice, practice, practice and then practice again!!
I guess what I'm saying is the more one presses the shutter button, the better he/she gets!
Thank you so much Simon for this outstanding lecture on how to get better images! You simply have become my favored teacher for photography - there are no more substantial videos available in the whole Internet than yours, and I know many of them.
What motivates me? I am an eye-minded biologist, I am fascinated by all kind of patterns, shapes and colours in nature, and I am especially excited about forests and landscapes, including plants and flowers, and to a lesser extend also animals. Another field in my photography are events with people, for example migrants working in the family garden project of the protestant church of Switzerland.
Another part of my motivation is the ambition to improve my photography at every shooting opportunity, technically and even more important: Aesthetically, what means trying new perspectives of a given motive, instead of repeating the way of displaying it.
Kind regards from Bern country.
Excellent!
Simon, along the lines of sharing the wealth - I have found that sharing some of my recent pics with others helps build collaboration as well, including friends that may suggest shooting locations, a constructive comment, and new hardware/software to achieve improvements. I have a buddy that is afraid to share anything because he is a perfectionist - he struggles with getting anything out of his work-flow that he feels is less than perfect and spends too much time in post with paralysis in the analysis. One aspect of continuous improvement means re-visiting shooting locations/subjects, where conditions might change augmented by access to new hardware and software tools to give you the new prized photo of your collection.
Actually Simon's "most valuable" lesson. Thank you very much!
Glad you think so!
Great leadership messages about valuing the differences and an abundance mentality. Life is more a cooperation than a competition. Many messages about win/win and the value of synergistic cooperation. Relevant in business or in photography.
Simon, the reason I subscribed to your channel is because you consistently offer good advice accompanied by inspiring photographs. This episode is right up there. One of your suggestions is to find photographers whose work inspires you, which left me wondering which photographers are on your list? And more broadly, are there painters or other visual artists who have influenced the way you see?
I don't know the work of many wildlife photographers, but I find your work stunning. It's clear there's a lot of preparation and patience that goes into your work. It seems the photographers I'm most familiar with and whose work moves me most deeply are the familiar giants: Cartier-Bresson, Eugene Smith, Ansel Adams, Sebastiao Salgado. I'm sure there are many contemporary photographers that I'm missing out on.
By the way, I also found the stock footage annoying. It drew my attention away from the points you were making. I would have preferred a photograph illustrating the point.
Simon! Great to see your channel flourishing. Been supporting your work for a good while now. You wouldn't of made it to this point if your videos weren't fantastically made and the content itself wasn't taught so amazingly. Take care and happy spring birding!
Much appreciated!
You are a wise man Simon. Thank you.
i’m glad to have found your channel recently as an amateur photographer , some of what you say makes me even more motivated to go harder at it
That was wonderful advice and it applies to any career. My teenage granddaughter is an aspiring photographer. I'll show this to her.
I love breaking the the rule of thirds. All “rules” for photography are more guidelines for me. However, if you can’t paint a straight line, it’s going to be hard to create a masterpiece.
Thanks for another great video!
Thank you so much! My life is about competition it seems. I so appreciate your perspective !
You are so welcome!
4:20 Perhaps better than a majestic eagle! I just love it ❤
Such basic info and yet so profound. I really appreciate your channel.
You are so welcome!
That Rose Bowl story made me cry. I discovered your channel yesterday. It’s amazing. Thank you 🙏
So glad!
Taking photos for me is a stress release from everything life piles on you. Being out in nature by yourself or with family and friends and listening to the birds, insects, etc.. is so calming. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks to you!