Little bit off-topic, but it's very sweet to see you get more and more comfortable in front of the camera. Not saying you were shy or anything in the first videos and up to here, but you seem much more relaxed and open if that makes sense, I love it! Great video as usual, Simon :)
I agree with you. If you compare his first year to now, the change is very different. Simon smiles more, is very relaxed, and makes you feel at ease just watching his videos. Thank you Simon for just being you and giving us such great advice.
Growing up whenever we got home from fishing my dad made us clean out the boat and put everything up before we went to sleep even if we got home at 2am. This lesson/habit has never left me and has served me well in photography. All batteries are put on chargers, all cards are backed up and imported into Lightroom etc right when I get in, this way I never wonder about it when going on another shoot. I sure miss my dad.
The BEST advice I ever got about photography was simple and has served me well ever since: "Push the button... at exactly the right time." At the time, I laughed it off but, to this day, I am always setting myself and my camera up for "the exact right time".
You are a lifesaver! I was in a total rut, not having touched my camera for months. I usually work for AID programs abroad, so very different field. Right now I am stuck in Germany (for reasons), really frustrated with the few shots I took here and there without being able to work. I started feeding the birds in my garden, googled videos on bird photography... and now I shoot with Auto ISO, have a button for emergency settings, and am much better with Lightroom. I do not know any other channel where I repeated stop the video, play around with my camera and settings, and go outside to try out a few tips. Amazing content that pulled me out of my rut, changed the way I shoot, and now I can't wait to get out into the field again. Thank you so so much!
Simon I have learned more from you than from any book or RUclips video series. Even though I shoot architecture in big cities and you take amazing wildlife photos, your thoughts and recommendations are very useful. Thank you for what you do, you are very generous with your time and talents!
One reason I love your channel is, your videos have gotten me out of my comfort zone. I never thought I would do these things until I started watching your channel: Use my histogram, use auto ISO, use back button focusing, gotten away from using 64 ISO for everything in daylight, take more than one shot of the same instance. I'm using more potential of my D850 than ever before. After watching this video, I'm anxious to use the custom settings option, and looking to see if I can set up an "emergency" button. I've always done things the "safe" way, and my shots were good but not better. All because I was afraid I'd miss "that" shot. Now they're getting better every time I go out and shoot. Thanks.
been using cameras for 2½ yrs and havent yet landed with zero power and no more room on sd-card. but im just a amateur photographer so i dont think i will ever have a full card :P side note: love your way to explain the different things
One other thing…I always check over my equipment before the next shoot. This includes changing my camera settings to what I anticipate will be close to what I need on location, and having some kind of a strategy for the day (timing, potential subjects, lens requirements, weather, lighting, additional gear, snack/water, my wardrobe). Planning in advance has increased my success considerably.
It also reducess stress levels considerably. Just like athletes and fighters mentally train, the same principle can be applied for everything. The only time where it can have a counter effect, and even lead to the so called analysis paralysis is in social settings. Trying to come up with entire conversations and predict what someone will say can lead to friction when reality differs. But I digress :)
I am not a wildlife photographer but I cannot thank you enough for so many great tips and photo tutorials. The emergency button setting has now been set on my cameras. I have a spare memory card in my wallet, but I generally always carry a spare glasses case with extra batteries, a memory card, and an Allen key. This is for the 2 or 3 times I forgot these items. Thanks.
Simon, there is no way to describe your content. It is simply amazing, man! This goes from very useful tips, deep dive instructions to going back to basics even to those who have experience. Thanks a lot for this channel!
Simon, your in front of the lens presentation is SO MUCH BETTER than when you began posting! We would dare say your 'performance' now is more professional and engaging.
My photography hobby developed out of a passion for the outdoors, hiking and travelling. I once was at sunrise at a well known viewpoint in Graaff-Reinet (South Africa). It was end of winter, snow on the mountain tops in the distance, but not cold anymore and a warm breeze blowing in. As I was making my way at the top of the cliffs to the viewpoint, a black eagle (which was probably roosting on the cliffs below the path) suddenly came hovering into view a short distance from me, hovered there for a few seconds and took off into the distance. I didn't even think of taking a photo, but the memory is mine forever :)
Im trying to be a photographer. Im trying to be a wildlife, nature and portrait photographer. These videos honestly help me with every type of photography i do and helps me build the skills i need
Force of habit after every photo session, come home download the camera via wifi (easy with the R5) then recharge the batteries if required. 5 shots or 500, the proses is the same. Great tips Simon thanks. Stay safe 🇦🇺
I have a habit of changing and charging the battery when I get home, even if I have only taken photos for half an hour, I have 2 spares, so they take turns in my camera. Never had an empty battery, I have 2 cards in my camera, but never an extra card. I always check my settings when I leave, because indeed, I regularly take landscape or portrait photos and so I have to make sure that when I go wildlife, that my settings are correct. My emergency button is always set to 2000 shutter, auto ISO (learned from you) and F stop 6.3. Only I forget that, and I still shoot with my fixed setting and sometimes miss the action :)
One more tip I recommend for readiness, always remember to format your cards after you have uploaded and backed up your photos. There's nothing worse than shooting some good stuff right away and realizing you have 3000 exposures from the last session still on your card, and you don't have immediate access to another card.
I've had my Fuji X-T3 for 2 years now, and have been procrastinating setting up the Q-menu shortcuts. This video reminded me that I really really need to set those up.
I used tip 1 for years, but I stopped using it. I love take pictures of flowers in the Swiss mountains, but whenever wildlife crossed my path, I always wanted to be well prepared with my telephoto lens, fast shutter speed, etc. So every time I took a picture of a flower, I was forced to swap my 90 mm macro lens with my telephoto lens. Since there are many more flowers than wild animals, you can imagine what my walks look like: Constantly changing lenses and paying attention to where I walk on the rocky paths. Changing lenses every time felt like 'work' with a high risk of a dirt on the sensor. So I now leave the macro lens on my camera and only switch it with the telephoto lens when I encounter wild animals. Then I hope I have enough time to change my lens. So, I would recommend this tip as long as you only shoot wildlife. A second camera could be an option....
Always charge batteries and download immediately after a shoot … so have never been caught …. Yet!!! Great videos and great photographer … not my subject but really love your work 😊
"Luck favors the prepared!" I always go set up for only the shots I want, but the idea of the setup being ready for action makes a lot more sense. Thank you1
A very early photographer by the name of Seneca is generally credited with the saying "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity." Or perhaps he was a philosopher? 🤔 It was a long time ago...
Great tips, Simon! I have a couple of small velco-flapped pouches on my camera strap for extra memory cards: right-side empties, left-side full and I have a separate charger in my car console that runs off my car's USB outlet, so in a pinch, I can (at least partially) charge when driving between shooting sites. Spare batteries go in an inside pocket of my parka (I live in Iceland). I've even squeezed a few images out of dead batteries after putting them in my armpit for 20 minutes or so. Warm temps can revive a battery for a few shots in desperate cases.
Simon, there is no way to describe your content. It is simply amazing, man! This goes from very useful tips, deep dive instructions to going back to basics even to those who have experience. Thanks a lot for this channel!
Great tip. I’m a Sony shooter and my A7iv has three custom memory settings, I use the first one for video settings always the same in my studio, second is the main photography settings (aperture priority, with a minimum shutter speed setting and a reasonable cap on the auto iso, white balance etc) then I use the third setting exactly as you have described for the emergency on. Particularly useful as I have a small child who usually needs a shutter speed as quick as any bird of prey.
Emergency button is now set up. What a great tip. I travel a lot, and sometimes I shoot some cool looking people. And now I have set up my people settings on the emergency button. I usually have my travel/city setup on c1 and my people on c2, so I can switch with a small turn between both. But the emergency button is quicker - love that feature and didn’t know it. .....Greetz from 🇩🇪
Regarding spare batteries and memory cards: I went to US Open and forgot my CF Express card in the reader at home. Thankfully I had an SD card in my R5 'just in case, will never really use it because it is slow'. I switched from RAW to CRAW and managed to fit 7,000 photos on that 256gb SD card I then went to NYC marathon and forgot all spare batteries. Only had one 80% charged in camera. Shot 1,800 photos until it went dead and then went home.
Preparing our cameras for the next great opportunity makes a lot of sense. Very real life. The work of sharpening our craft is really about the art of increasing our odds. Your owl-over-the-hood-shot is truly remarkable. I have another idea along this theme of capturing the lost shots: Go back three years and look through your photo library again. You tastes have matured and you may discover a good picture by seeing an old one in a new way. You may also stumble across that picture which you always thought was kind of good and realize that it actually has something special. Good video.
I learned the hard way with white balance. I was playing around with some settings inside and had the white balance set for incandescent, but forgot to change it before shooting some geese in a pond down our street the next day. It was very bright out so I didn't notice until later when I reviewed and saw everything was blue. Thankfully the shots were in a RAW format and I could fix the white balance through Lightroom, but it was a reminder to check everything in anticipation.
I had two batteries and ran out of juice so I purchased a USB charger and powerbank so when my battery dies I just insert my second battery and put the other on charge. Some very interesting tips here, many thanks for sharing
I dunno why, but I chuckled when you said you're "walking around duck ponds" but always set-up "ready for action". Rock 'n roll! :) Great video as always. One minor extra thing that helped me was getting rid of the silly screw-in 'soft shutter' button that so many of us have added to our cameras. If my camera is accidentally left on in my bag, the sticking-out soft shutter button would bump the inside of the bag and start filling up my memory card with shots. (I removed that button after advice from someone in the London Fuji shop, who alerted me to damage some cameras had sustained because of it).
I now have 3 batteries, always on full charge, and a big enough memory card to outlast the batteries when shooting action scenes. I learned my lesson after going out with only 20 photos remaining in the memory card. And on another occasion with the battery literally flat, a couple photos and head back home... And not having walk-around settings, also guilty. Emergency button I never thought about that, I'll look in my camera settings if it is possible. As always, great video and thanks for sharing your knowledge.
When I get back from a shoot I put the battery on the charger and if I haven't used my backup I install it. If I have used both I leave the battery door open until I install a freshly charged battery. I do the same with memory cards I leave the door open until a card or cards are installed.
Whereas I have missed shots and therefore agree with all your tips I can say I have NEVER forgot batteries or cards. My kit is simple, and it is all in a sling bag, in truth two sling bags, a complete kit for each camera.
Oh wow I walked into a waterfalls location two weeks ago and found my battery was almost drained. Of course I left 4 batteries back in the car. So it actually turned out well. I took more time to compose the shots and the turned the camera on and adjusted the settings. I took more thoughtful shots that were much better composed. Also, when my battery would go completely drained I would turn the camera off and in a few minutes there would be enough power to take one or two images. Also, if you find yourself in this situation keep yourive view off and limit your time checking you exposed shots.
I use the R5's multifunction button to toggle from the mode I'm in to C1, C2, C3 and back. Much faster than using the mode dial to get to pre-planned settings for normal, emergency,etc.
Seriously, I dwell on how happy i am with my 8 year old camera. I look at these mirrorless, I look at these smaller, faster things and I get enjoyment from not wanting to upgrade. Then you mention the 'emergency button' and now I want an upgrade!
Thanks for the video; great information. I remember when we were celebrating a grandkid’s birthday. I took out my camera to check out light settings in the house and found out that my memory card was not in the camera. It was in my computer back home where I had downloaded photos. I had to drive several miles to buy another memory card. Now, I always double check that the card is in the camera. Thanks again.
Re spare batteries, i have a battery pouch on my Peak camera strap and always have a spare full battery, SD cards well the R6 takes two SD cards so no problem there, love the emergency button, than you Simon 👍🏼
I love your videos so much and I am a wedding photographer!!!! I always come to your videos first when I am searching for an answer. Truly I respect and appreciate your knowledge! I have learned so much from you Simon.. thank you I am so happy to have found your videos!!!! 🎉❤
Great video. My t7 does not have the setting options. Walk around settings is good and I usually do that the time I forget is when I had an opportunity then forget to reset for the next opportunity. That happens. My best opportunity was getting a red tailed hawk in flight. Here' was on a power line and I got ahead of him and when he took off he few right across in front of me. Memory cards and batteries so far haven't been a problem for me. Always carry an extra and so far have never had to use them. Always charge out when I get home. I like your videos that are good for what ever gear we use.
Great tips for sure! To add winter tips that I learned, when shooting from a car window, turn off the car, the radiator tends to blow hot air out from under the wheel well causing my images to be distorted. I also keep my batteries in my pants pocket to keep them warm as the Li-Ion batteries die quickly when very cold.
I never ran out of batteries or memory cards in the field, but then again, I use huge memory cards and always carry spare batteries and cards. I came close to filling the cards once.
My chargers are right on my desk by my computer. It gives me a visual reminder to charge the spent batteries. Forgot once and had a studio shoot the next day 🤦♂️ the good news is I still had one fully charged and charged the rest in my car and during setup. I also clean it especially if I’m out in the field. Don’t clean as much with studio of course but if I’m out in the woods yeah it gets cleaned especially with lens changes. Fanny packs are also good I hate digging in my bag for something small like a new battery or a lens cloth
Setting a custom recall function is a good way to have alternative shooting settings on tap. But also consider that our cameras have custom program modes which are specifically designed to, at the turn of the wheel, recall your preferred settings. If you have never used them, you are wasting your money and time. You can load/save them to your memory card, thus you can have differnt banks of them for different shooting scenarios (street, wedding, sports whaterver....) Or in the case of high end bodies, you actually have multiple banks of custom settings to do this. When out and about casually photographing; I set C1 for rapid capture - C2 for my preferred settings for current conditions - C3 for something specific (maybe I'm looking for shadow or highlight priority shooting for a particular aesthetic) -- The point is that I'm already prepared for the day before I've stepped out. And I can override or restore these base settings at my convenience. Chnage in conditions or something unexpected happens - I turn the weel and I'm ready. It takes as long as it takes to put my eye to the viewfinder.
I have tried the c1 2 and 3 on my R5 but didn't like it. Maybe you could have a tip for me? Lets say I set c1 up with 250th second, f4 and auto iso as an example. I then change the aperture to f2.8 leaving everything else the same for a few shots. I then rearrange my subject. When I pick up the camera again (without shutting it off) and take a few shots, I notice the aperture has changed back to f4 all by itself. But f4 wasn't what I wanted. I wanted f2.8 which is where I left off. Why would it do that? If I can't rely on the settings staying where I left them I just won't use the c1 setting anymore. Can you explain what I did wrong so I can understand please?
@@rcarder2093 Maybe read your cameras manual? Each manufacturer has slight differences in the way C functions are stored. Some revert back to the saved setting when you leave that C function (as in you move to another C setting) Some are persistant until you power off the camera, or it auto powers off. It then reverts to the stored settings. Some have customisable C functions, so you can choose the behaivour. TLDR for me to go look for your specific camera.
I always keep a lens on my camera when I'm home. You never know what might happen! I got some amazing pictures and video of the neighborhood hawk, who perched on my tree, with a mourning dove in its talons!
Initially, when I knew nothing about dialing in the right values, I would put it in P mode (auto without auto flash, max iso of 3600)on Canon and just control the exposure compensation to make it slightly darker until I got a good enough shutter speed to take a handheld shot 1/250 a minimum at 500mm. This did get me pretty good shots with a high success rate.
Totally nailed it again! "Chimping" controversial? I'd give this advice: How do you know your settings were correct or not? Not by trusting the (automatic) settings of your camera, but by "chimping". (I know the rendition is not perfect, but not using it is worse in any situation). If in doubt: Check out what Gavin Hoey has to say about this when doing studio photography.
Excellent tips, Simon. While I do not have an emergency button set up, I do have my 3 user controlled buttons set to Astro settings, Landscape settings, and Action settings. Now all I need to do is to remember to use them instead of fumbling with trying to change settings in a hurry.
I leave my home with two cameras, extra batteries and memory cards. I have settings that work for emergency shots and always look around while taking pics. I also check for clarity and clearness in the shots. My one thing I so work on is getting it as crisp as possible. I have found different lenses create much different settings at times.
You know what they say about common sense.....not too common. Great tips from one with that priceless commodity, "experience". Thank you Simon. I personally put those "what if" missed shots on a sticky note by the door, as you advised. Took me some time to develop the discipline to do it as I come in after an outing, not the next day. Appreciate all you share with us.
never have experienced full memory card and flat battery, I always make sure that my memory cards are empty and the battery is fully charged, it's just how I roll, great video.
Not at all off topic. This video was filled with gentle reminders for this amateur. Just in time for fall through spring bird photography in my yard. Excellent.
I can see you've changed how you talk and present yourself which made this a very pleasant video to watch. I found other videos informative but not 'enjoyable' for a lack of better words, but I really did enjoy watching this today.
In 25+ years, not a single time have I been left without enough batteries or memory cards/space. I've also never lost a single photo that I took (208,940 and counting). I'm an Eagle Scout and took that 'Be Prepared' motto seriously. At 44 years of age, I still do.
incredible video! during it, I immediately went after my camera to see what it has to offer. never had thought some of these tips before, so really really thank you!!!
I didn’t know about the emergency button. I need to check that out. With the C1-C3 settings, I still haven’t learned how to use them really. It’s not a technical problem. I just can’t decide what I want and then remember what I set. I wish Canon allowed you to name them then I’d be more likely to remember what they are for and use them more often. Maybe I should tape a cheat sheet to the bottom of my camera. 🤔
Small tip from doing some race track shots, if you have a mirrorless and want to check your photos, you can also use the EVF for an easier experience if you're out in the open sun and can't see anything off the back screen. Only downside is people walking by will think you're taking pictures of your shoes or the ground.
A great reminder in this video... I use to take 2 spare batteries with me .. Just to be sure... Great advice on pre setting and quick access... Thank you
Great video as usual. I learned the hard way to check everything on the camera every time I went out. I was taking phots at night in Quebec city and I had my ISO set at 1000. The next day I forgot to check it and assumed that it was on Auto ISO; big mistake! It was a sunny day with no clouds and I was taking photos in a park around noon. Well I cursed myself so much after and promised to check all the settings every time I went out. That is my routine now to check all the settings.
Again, great tips in an easy to watch format to switch ! Applying your “LUCK” has been of the greatest help to me. I reserve one of my C spots on the R6ii for my ready to go settings. And as I walk around an occasional click between C settings and back, always lets me know I’m on that ready to go setting. As I’ve been know to accidentally move a wheel or two just in rambling around. Thanks again.
Never had a dead battery or filled memory card. It's all because I learned photography in the film days with only 36 shots on a roll. When I got my first DSLR in '03 it was hard to change the film mindset. Even today when I go shooting with friends, I come home with maybe a few hundred shots compared to their thousands.
Ha! Just started playing around with photography for a few weeks and never had empty battery or full cards. Always emptied my cards and recharge right after going home. 😎
I shoot Sony FF , and my camera (A7RV) allows me to save 3 Settings for photo and 3 for video, a great feature , not familiar with Canon, but, this is a game changer for me, I have one setting for Portrait, another one for action and the last one for landscape/stills.......there is a dial with the 3 settings to change it ......
Nice tips! I can't remember how many times I missed a photo due to wrong settings. Last week I did a short trip with my wife to a castle garden. I assumed there would not be many photo opportunities there (since it was a garden), but I was so wrong! Many beautiful architecture, wildlife and portrait photos. Needless to say I only had 1 battery charged (and 2 completely empty) and had to manage it all day
This video motivated me to figure out how to get some of these things set up on my camera -- an old Rebel XTi I was gifted -- and I learned that you can add a custom firmware called 400plus that enables this stuff!! Super cool, and so glad I did that -- finally having auto-ISO is so nice
I love your videos. They are so clear and demonstrate your indepth knowledge. More than that they show how honest you are largehearted too to share your hard earned knowledge. Warm regards
My style of photography and interests are very different than yours, but I always learn something of value, that proves good photography is transcendent across all genres. Well done.
Once again, such excellent advice! My biggest challenges of photography is being ready to capture those unexpected moments, especially ones that involve fast movement, such as birds and other animals. You’ve convinced me that using the custom buttons is going to be a great tool, in particular, for our trip to Africa this summer.
One thing I used to get really bogged down with was trying to shoot at too low an ISO. I got fixed on it being as low as possible, which meant I missed a number of good opportunities because the shutter speed was just a hair too slow. A reality check from a photographer friend cured me of that (plus a new camera where outrageously high ISOs have great quality didn't do any harm).
Guilty as charged. I now carry 4 spare cards and 3 fully charged batteries in my bag. Not to mention checking my shots in camera before leaving. Unfortunately sometimes I still miss something like getting rain on the front of the lens or dropping focus but I'm getting better. Sure would love to have seen that owl. That's a BLESSING! N I w I'm off to see if I can set up some custom profiles on my D850. Awesome video!
Absolutely 'de rigueur' for me in woodlands is switch to program 1 (active birds) with minimum 6 metre focus, while opportunity capturing wildflowers at millimetres. I love my OM-1
i am huge fan of your work simon especially your tips and tricks ..you have been inspiring many enthusiastic photographers like me ..thank you for this video
I will definitely add a custom setting on my R5 for unexpected action pictures. But I prefer to use Fv instead of M, took me a while to really appreciate it, but now it's my most used setting. Thank you for the reminder.
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Little bit off-topic, but it's very sweet to see you get more and more comfortable in front of the camera. Not saying you were shy or anything in the first videos and up to here, but you seem much more relaxed and open if that makes sense, I love it! Great video as usual, Simon :)
His style is perfection and always with a deft light humour :) A great teacher.
Always learning! Thanks!
I agree with you. If you compare his first year to now, the change is very different. Simon smiles more, is very relaxed, and makes you feel at ease just watching his videos. Thank you Simon for just being you and giving us such great advice.
@@youritguy1 yes! he is an incredible teacher!
Noticed the same thing!
Growing up whenever we got home from fishing my dad made us clean out the boat and put everything up before we went to sleep even if we got home at 2am. This lesson/habit has never left me and has served me well in photography. All batteries are put on chargers, all cards are backed up and imported into Lightroom etc right when I get in, this way I never wonder about it when going on another shoot. I sure miss my dad.
He taught you organization & responsibility. My dad never cared about me. You are lucky.
The BEST advice I ever got about photography was simple and has served me well ever since: "Push the button... at exactly the right time." At the time, I laughed it off but, to this day, I am always setting myself and my camera up for "the exact right time".
Great tip!
Well, that's like saying "If you arrange letters of the alphabet in exactly the right way, you will end up with a doctoral dissertation."
'.. at exactly the right time' : Hat tip to Cartier-Bresson: Couldn't be more right.
The photo with the owl, heading towards you in flight, is amazing!
You are a lifesaver! I was in a total rut, not having touched my camera for months. I usually work for AID programs abroad, so very different field. Right now I am stuck in Germany (for reasons), really frustrated with the few shots I took here and there without being able to work. I started feeding the birds in my garden, googled videos on bird photography... and now I shoot with Auto ISO, have a button for emergency settings, and am much better with Lightroom. I do not know any other channel where I repeated stop the video, play around with my camera and settings, and go outside to try out a few tips. Amazing content that pulled me out of my rut, changed the way I shoot, and now I can't wait to get out into the field again. Thank you so so much!
Simon I have learned more from you than from any book or RUclips video series. Even though I shoot architecture in big cities and you take amazing wildlife photos, your thoughts and recommendations are very useful. Thank you for what you do, you are very generous with your time and talents!
One reason I love your channel is, your videos have gotten me out of my comfort zone. I never thought I would do these things until I started watching your channel: Use my histogram, use auto ISO, use back button focusing, gotten away from using 64 ISO for everything in daylight, take more than one shot of the same instance. I'm using more potential of my D850 than ever before. After watching this video, I'm anxious to use the custom settings option, and looking to see if I can set up an "emergency" button. I've always done things the "safe" way, and my shots were good but not better. All because I was afraid I'd miss "that" shot. Now they're getting better every time I go out and shoot. Thanks.
The emergency button, so many of your tips are simple but a game changer. Thanks for sharing all your experience.
Finally, a video that isn`t about the Sony A9III. Btw also more interesting.
The emergency button for bird settings is a life saver! This solves one of the biggest issues i had while photographing nature.
been using cameras for 2½ yrs and havent yet landed with zero power and no more room on sd-card. but im just a amateur photographer so i dont think i will ever have a full card :P
side note: love your way to explain the different things
Still producing the best tutorials on YT! Thank you.
Wow, thanks!
One other thing…I always check over my equipment before the next shoot. This includes changing my camera settings to what I anticipate will be close to what I need on location, and having some kind of a strategy for the day (timing, potential subjects, lens requirements, weather, lighting, additional gear, snack/water, my wardrobe). Planning in advance has increased my success considerably.
It also reducess stress levels considerably. Just like athletes and fighters mentally train, the same principle can be applied for everything. The only time where it can have a counter effect, and even lead to the so called analysis paralysis is in social settings. Trying to come up with entire conversations and predict what someone will say can lead to friction when reality differs. But I digress :)
I am not a wildlife photographer but I cannot thank you enough for so many great tips and photo tutorials. The emergency button setting has now been set on my cameras. I have a spare memory card in my wallet, but I generally always carry a spare glasses case with extra batteries, a memory card, and an Allen key. This is for the 2 or 3 times I forgot these items. Thanks.
Agree on allen key!!!!
I love the idea of a spare glasses case for storage. Thanks!
What’s the Allen key for?
@@99seaweed L-brackets and tripod screws that tend to come loose
What about screwdriver for the tripod head that needs one? What size allen key do you need anyways? @@simon_dentremont
Simon, there is no way to describe your content. It is simply amazing, man! This goes from very useful tips, deep dive instructions to going back to basics even to those who have experience. Thanks a lot for this channel!
Great to hear!
Simon, your in front of the lens presentation is SO MUCH BETTER than when you began posting! We would dare say your 'performance' now is more professional and engaging.
I’m learning!
My photography hobby developed out of a passion for the outdoors, hiking and travelling. I once was at sunrise at a well known viewpoint in Graaff-Reinet (South Africa). It was end of winter, snow on the mountain tops in the distance, but not cold anymore and a warm breeze blowing in. As I was making my way at the top of the cliffs to the viewpoint, a black eagle (which was probably roosting on the cliffs below the path) suddenly came hovering into view a short distance from me, hovered there for a few seconds and took off into the distance. I didn't even think of taking a photo, but the memory is mine forever :)
Im trying to be a photographer. Im trying to be a wildlife, nature and portrait photographer. These videos honestly help me with every type of photography i do and helps me build the skills i need
Force of habit after every photo session, come home download the camera via wifi (easy with the R5) then recharge the batteries if required. 5 shots or 500, the proses is the same.
Great tips Simon thanks.
Stay safe 🇦🇺
Thanks for that!
I have a habit of changing and charging the battery when I get home, even if I have only taken photos for half an hour, I have 2 spares, so they take turns in my camera.
Never had an empty battery, I have 2 cards in my camera, but never an extra card.
I always check my settings when I leave, because indeed, I regularly take landscape or portrait photos and so I have to make sure that when I go wildlife, that my settings are correct. My emergency button is always set to 2000 shutter, auto ISO (learned from you) and F stop 6.3.
Only I forget that, and I still shoot with my fixed setting and sometimes miss the action :)
Most practical tips I ever get online is from Simon :)
One more tip I recommend for readiness, always remember to format your cards after you have uploaded and backed up your photos. There's nothing worse than shooting some good stuff right away and realizing you have 3000 exposures from the last session still on your card, and you don't have immediate access to another card.
I've had my Fuji X-T3 for 2 years now, and have been procrastinating setting up the Q-menu shortcuts. This video reminded me that I really really need to set those up.
I used tip 1 for years, but I stopped using it. I love take pictures of flowers in the Swiss mountains, but whenever wildlife crossed my path, I always wanted to be well prepared with my telephoto lens, fast shutter speed, etc. So every time I took a picture of a flower, I was forced to swap my 90 mm macro lens with my telephoto lens. Since there are many more flowers than wild animals, you can imagine what my walks look like: Constantly changing lenses and paying attention to where I walk on the rocky paths. Changing lenses every time felt like 'work' with a high risk of a dirt on the sensor. So I now leave the macro lens on my camera and only switch it with the telephoto lens when I encounter wild animals. Then I hope I have enough time to change my lens. So, I would recommend this tip as long as you only shoot wildlife. A second camera could be an option....
Always charge batteries and download immediately after a shoot … so have never been caught …. Yet!!! Great videos and great photographer … not my subject but really love your work 😊
"Luck favors the prepared!" I always go set up for only the shots I want, but the idea of the setup being ready for action makes a lot more sense. Thank you1
Exactly!
A very early photographer by the name of Seneca is generally credited with the saying "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity." Or perhaps he was a philosopher? 🤔 It was a long time ago...
Great tips, Simon! I have a couple of small velco-flapped pouches on my camera strap for extra memory cards: right-side empties, left-side full and I have a separate charger in my car console that runs off my car's USB outlet, so in a pinch, I can (at least partially) charge when driving between shooting sites. Spare batteries go in an inside pocket of my parka (I live in Iceland). I've even squeezed a few images out of dead batteries after putting them in my armpit for 20 minutes or so. Warm temps can revive a battery for a few shots in desperate cases.
I've been getting back into photography after a 15~ year hiatus and man I just love your videos
Simon, there is no way to describe your content. It is simply amazing, man! This goes from very useful tips, deep dive instructions to going back to basics even to those who have experience. Thanks a lot for this channel!
Wow, thanks!
Great tip. I’m a Sony shooter and my A7iv has three custom memory settings, I use the first one for video settings always the same in my studio, second is the main photography settings (aperture priority, with a minimum shutter speed setting and a reasonable cap on the auto iso, white balance etc) then I use the third setting exactly as you have described for the emergency on. Particularly useful as I have a small child who usually needs a shutter speed as quick as any bird of prey.
You are a born teacher, better than any other photography youtuber I follow
Emergency button is now set up.
What a great tip.
I travel a lot, and sometimes I shoot some cool looking people. And now I have set up my people settings on the emergency button.
I usually have my travel/city setup on c1 and my people on c2, so I can switch with a small turn between both.
But the emergency button is quicker - love that feature and didn’t know it.
.....Greetz from 🇩🇪
As always, another great video. The consummate instructor. Your easy, to the point guidance makes your videos a pleasure to watch.
Thank you very much!
You know how often I bring my camera to work to take photos after work, but I always forget my memory card. It's frustrating! Love the video.
The emergency button idea is a new tip for me and love it!!! I will definitely set that up.
Glad it was helpful!
Regarding spare batteries and memory cards:
I went to US Open and forgot my CF Express card in the reader at home. Thankfully I had an SD card in my R5 'just in case, will never really use it because it is slow'. I switched from RAW to CRAW and managed to fit 7,000 photos on that 256gb SD card
I then went to NYC marathon and forgot all spare batteries. Only had one 80% charged in camera. Shot 1,800 photos until it went dead and then went home.
Preparing our cameras for the next great opportunity makes a lot of sense. Very real life. The work of sharpening our craft is really about the art of increasing our odds. Your owl-over-the-hood-shot is truly remarkable.
I have another idea along this theme of capturing the lost shots: Go back three years and look through your photo library again. You tastes have matured and you may discover a good picture by seeing an old one in a new way. You may also stumble across that picture which you always thought was kind of good and realize that it actually has something special. Good video.
I learned the hard way with white balance. I was playing around with some settings inside and had the white balance set for incandescent, but forgot to change it before shooting some geese in a pond down our street the next day. It was very bright out so I didn't notice until later when I reviewed and saw everything was blue. Thankfully the shots were in a RAW format and I could fix the white balance through Lightroom, but it was a reminder to check everything in anticipation.
I had two batteries and ran out of juice so I purchased a USB charger and powerbank so when my battery dies I just insert my second battery and put the other on charge. Some very interesting tips here, many thanks for sharing
I dunno why, but I chuckled when you said you're "walking around duck ponds" but always set-up "ready for action". Rock 'n roll! :) Great video as always.
One minor extra thing that helped me was getting rid of the silly screw-in 'soft shutter' button that so many of us have added to our cameras. If my camera is accidentally left on in my bag, the sticking-out soft shutter button would bump the inside of the bag and start filling up my memory card with shots. (I removed that button after advice from someone in the London Fuji shop, who alerted me to damage some cameras had sustained because of it).
I now have 3 batteries, always on full charge, and a big enough memory card to outlast the batteries when shooting action scenes. I learned my lesson after going out with only 20 photos remaining in the memory card. And on another occasion with the battery literally flat, a couple photos and head back home... And not having walk-around settings, also guilty. Emergency button I never thought about that, I'll look in my camera settings if it is possible. As always, great video and thanks for sharing your knowledge.
All great tips - every one of them. And the best tip of all: The best captures are *about* something, rather than of.
When I get back from a shoot I put the battery on the charger and if I haven't used my backup I install it. If I have used both I leave the battery door open until I install a freshly charged battery. I do the same with memory cards I leave the door open until a card or cards are installed.
Whereas I have missed shots and therefore agree with all your tips I can say I have NEVER forgot batteries or cards. My kit is simple, and it is all in a sling bag, in truth two sling bags, a complete kit for each camera.
nice!
Oh wow I walked into a waterfalls location two weeks ago and found my battery was almost drained. Of course I left 4 batteries back in the car. So it actually turned out well. I took more time to compose the shots and the turned the camera on and adjusted the settings. I took more thoughtful shots that were much better composed. Also, when my battery would go completely drained I would turn the camera off and in a few minutes there would be enough power to take one or two images. Also, if you find yourself in this situation keep yourive view off and limit your time checking you exposed shots.
I use the R5's multifunction button to toggle from the mode I'm in to C1, C2, C3 and back. Much faster than using the mode dial to get to pre-planned settings for normal, emergency,etc.
Nice! I use mine to switch from photo to video mode.
Seriously, I dwell on how happy i am with my 8 year old camera. I look at these mirrorless, I look at these smaller, faster things and I get enjoyment from not wanting to upgrade. Then you mention the 'emergency button' and now I want an upgrade!
Thanks for the video; great information. I remember when we were celebrating a grandkid’s birthday. I took out my camera to check out light settings in the house and found out that my memory card was not in the camera. It was in my computer back home where I had downloaded photos. I had to drive several miles to buy another memory card. Now, I always double check that the card is in the camera. Thanks again.
Re spare batteries, i have a battery pouch on my Peak camera strap and always have a spare full battery, SD cards well the R6 takes two SD cards so no problem there, love the emergency button, than you Simon 👍🏼
I love your videos so much and I am a wedding photographer!!!! I always come to your videos first when I am searching for an answer. Truly I respect and appreciate your knowledge! I have learned so much from you Simon.. thank you I am so happy to have found your videos!!!! 🎉❤
I'm so glad!
Great video. My t7 does not have the setting options. Walk around settings is good and I usually do that the time I forget is when I had an opportunity then forget to reset for the next opportunity. That happens. My best opportunity was getting a red tailed hawk in flight. Here' was on a power line and I got ahead of him and when he took off he few right across in front of me. Memory cards and batteries so far haven't been a problem for me. Always carry an extra and so far have never had to use them. Always charge out when I get home. I like your videos that are good for what ever gear we use.
Great tips for sure! To add winter tips that I learned, when shooting from a car window, turn off the car, the radiator tends to blow hot air out from under the wheel well causing my images to be distorted. I also keep my batteries in my pants pocket to keep them warm as the Li-Ion batteries die quickly when very cold.
I never ran out of batteries or memory cards in the field, but then again, I use huge memory cards and always carry spare batteries and cards. I came close to filling the cards once.
My chargers are right on my desk by my computer. It gives me a visual reminder to charge the spent batteries. Forgot once and had a studio shoot the next day 🤦♂️ the good news is I still had one fully charged and charged the rest in my car and during setup. I also clean it especially if I’m out in the field. Don’t clean as much with studio of course but if I’m out in the woods yeah it gets cleaned especially with lens changes. Fanny packs are also good I hate digging in my bag for something small like a new battery or a lens cloth
Setting a custom recall function is a good way to have alternative shooting settings on tap.
But also consider that our cameras have custom program modes which are specifically designed to, at the turn of the wheel, recall your preferred settings.
If you have never used them, you are wasting your money and time.
You can load/save them to your memory card, thus you can have differnt banks of them for different shooting scenarios (street, wedding, sports whaterver....)
Or in the case of high end bodies, you actually have multiple banks of custom settings to do this.
When out and about casually photographing; I set C1 for rapid capture - C2 for my preferred settings for current conditions - C3 for something specific (maybe I'm looking for shadow or highlight priority shooting for a particular aesthetic) -- The point is that I'm already prepared for the day before I've stepped out. And I can override or restore these base settings at my convenience.
Chnage in conditions or something unexpected happens - I turn the weel and I'm ready. It takes as long as it takes to put my eye to the viewfinder.
Yes, I cover there is the video. Thanks for sharing.
I have tried the c1 2 and 3 on my R5 but didn't like it. Maybe you could have a tip for me?
Lets say I set c1 up with 250th second, f4 and auto iso as an example.
I then change the aperture to f2.8 leaving everything else the same for a few shots.
I then rearrange my subject.
When I pick up the camera again (without shutting it off) and take a few shots, I notice the aperture has changed back to f4 all by itself. But f4 wasn't what I wanted. I wanted f2.8 which is where I left off.
Why would it do that? If I can't rely on the settings staying where I left them I just won't use the c1 setting anymore.
Can you explain what I did wrong so I can understand please?
@@rcarder2093 There’s a setting in-camera that when you change custom settings, it will stick with your changes.
@@rcarder2093 Maybe read your cameras manual? Each manufacturer has slight differences in the way C functions are stored. Some revert back to the saved setting when you leave that C function (as in you move to another C setting)
Some are persistant until you power off the camera, or it auto powers off. It then reverts to the stored settings.
Some have customisable C functions, so you can choose the behaivour.
TLDR for me to go look for your specific camera.
I always keep a lens on my camera when I'm home. You never know what might happen! I got some amazing pictures and video of the neighborhood hawk, who perched on my tree, with a mourning dove in its talons!
Initially, when I knew nothing about dialing in the right values, I would put it in P mode (auto without auto flash, max iso of 3600)on Canon and just control the exposure compensation to make it slightly darker until I got a good enough shutter speed to take a handheld shot 1/250 a minimum at 500mm. This did get me pretty good shots with a high success rate.
Totally nailed it again! "Chimping" controversial? I'd give this advice: How do you know your settings were correct or not? Not by trusting the (automatic) settings of your camera, but by "chimping". (I know the rendition is not perfect, but not using it is worse in any situation). If in doubt: Check out what Gavin Hoey has to say about this when doing studio photography.
Excellent tips, Simon. While I do not have an emergency button set up, I do have my 3 user controlled buttons set to Astro settings, Landscape settings, and Action settings. Now all I need to do is to remember to use them instead of fumbling with trying to change settings in a hurry.
The ROI of this channel is amazing. Really the best time value on this platform. Thank you Simon d’Entremont.
Glad you enjoy it!
I leave my home with two cameras, extra batteries and memory cards. I have settings that work for emergency shots and always look around while taking pics. I also check for clarity and clearness in the shots. My one thing I so work on is getting it as crisp as possible. I have found different lenses create much different settings at times.
Thank you Simon, the guy that says this isn't a vital video is fun of u know what. Thanks again for the refresher.
You know what they say about common sense.....not too common. Great tips from one with that priceless commodity, "experience". Thank you Simon. I personally put those
"what if" missed shots on a sticky note by the door, as you advised. Took me some time to develop the discipline to do it as I come in after an outing, not the next day. Appreciate all you share with us.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, as usual. Sometimes the best pics are behind you rather than ahead. It pays to keep your head on a swivel when photo scouting.
Absolutely
Simon, you're a legend with amateur photographers like me. You're videos are fantastic
never have experienced full memory card and flat battery, I always make sure that my memory cards are empty and the battery is fully charged, it's just how I roll, great video.
Not at all off topic. This video was filled with gentle reminders for this amateur. Just in time for fall through spring bird photography in my yard. Excellent.
Glad it was helpful!
I can see you've changed how you talk and present yourself which made this a very pleasant video to watch. I found other videos informative but not 'enjoyable' for a lack of better words, but I really did enjoy watching this today.
Great tips, thank you! Wish I had this video when I was beginning photography.
Great suggestions, I've got my pentax. Set up for 5 different shooting types.
In 25+ years, not a single time have I been left without enough batteries or memory cards/space. I've also never lost a single photo that I took (208,940 and counting). I'm an Eagle Scout and took that 'Be Prepared' motto seriously. At 44 years of age, I still do.
incredible video! during it, I immediately went after my camera to see what it has to offer. never had thought some of these tips before, so really really thank you!!!
Glad I could help!
I didn’t know about the emergency button. I need to check that out. With the C1-C3 settings, I still haven’t learned how to use them really. It’s not a technical problem. I just can’t decide what I want and then remember what I set. I wish Canon allowed you to name them then I’d be more likely to remember what they are for and use them more often. Maybe I should tape a cheat sheet to the bottom of my camera. 🤔
Post it notes?
Small tip from doing some race track shots, if you have a mirrorless and want to check your photos, you can also use the EVF for an easier experience if you're out in the open sun and can't see anything off the back screen. Only downside is people walking by will think you're taking pictures of your shoes or the ground.
Great added tip!
Excellent video and suggestions for a novice such as myself, thank you.🍷
I've run into that 'empty memory cards/batteries' problem, except once I forgot to put in my memory card at all. Great video, Simon!
I just found your videos. Every single one has an important piece of information for me. Thank you for putting good stuff out.
A great reminder in this video... I use to take 2 spare batteries with me .. Just to be sure... Great advice on pre setting and quick access... Thank you
I just got a new camera that allows me to create those custom buttons, and I will definitely be setting an "emergency" quick action button! Thank you!
Great video as usual. I learned the hard way to check everything on the camera every time I went out. I was taking phots at night in Quebec city and I had my ISO set at 1000. The next day I forgot to check it and assumed that it was on Auto ISO; big mistake! It was a sunny day with no clouds and I was taking photos in a park around noon. Well I cursed myself so much after and promised to check all the settings every time I went out. That is my routine now to check all the settings.
Again, great tips in an easy to watch format to switch ! Applying your “LUCK” has been of the greatest help to me. I reserve one of my C spots on the R6ii for my ready to go settings. And as I walk around an occasional click between C settings and back, always lets me know I’m on that ready to go setting. As I’ve been know to accidentally move a wheel or two just in rambling around. Thanks again.
Never had a dead battery or filled memory card. It's all because I learned photography in the film days with only 36 shots on a roll. When I got my first DSLR in '03 it was hard to change the film mindset. Even today when I go shooting with friends, I come home with maybe a few hundred shots compared to their thousands.
Ha! Just started playing around with photography for a few weeks and never had empty battery or full cards. Always emptied my cards and recharge right after going home. 😎
Loving your videos, got me from complete amature to half a pro in like 2 weeks, grew into my camera crazy fast and already playing with a mirrorless 🫡
I shoot Sony FF , and my camera (A7RV) allows me to save 3 Settings for photo and 3 for video, a great feature , not familiar with Canon, but, this is a game changer for me, I have one setting for Portrait, another one for action and the last one for landscape/stills.......there is a dial with the 3 settings to change it ......
This channel is incredible. I've learned so much from you.
I appreciate that!
Nice tips! I can't remember how many times I missed a photo due to wrong settings. Last week I did a short trip with my wife to a castle garden. I assumed there would not be many photo opportunities there (since it was a garden), but I was so wrong! Many beautiful architecture, wildlife and portrait photos. Needless to say I only had 1 battery charged (and 2 completely empty) and had to manage it all day
Glad I watched this as I’ve got 2 flat batteries in my bag I need to charge. In Too much of a rush when I got home!
Great tips. I have yet to use the custom settings. I will now. Many, many thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
This video motivated me to figure out how to get some of these things set up on my camera -- an old Rebel XTi I was gifted -- and I learned that you can add a custom firmware called 400plus that enables this stuff!! Super cool, and so glad I did that -- finally having auto-ISO is so nice
I love your videos. They are so clear and demonstrate your indepth knowledge. More than that they show how honest you are largehearted too to share your hard earned knowledge.
Warm regards
So nice of you
My style of photography and interests are very different than yours, but I always learn something of value, that proves good photography is transcendent across all genres. Well done.
Great to hear!
Once again, such excellent advice! My biggest challenges of photography is being ready to capture those unexpected moments, especially ones that involve fast movement, such as birds and other animals. You’ve convinced me that using the custom buttons is going to be a great tool, in particular, for our trip to Africa this summer.
"Luck rewards the prepared mind."
One thing I used to get really bogged down with was trying to shoot at too low an ISO. I got fixed on it being as low as possible, which meant I missed a number of good opportunities because the shutter speed was just a hair too slow. A reality check from a photographer friend cured me of that (plus a new camera where outrageously high ISOs have great quality didn't do any harm).
Ive done this in many games but never realized it applies to my photagraphy aswel haha Cool tip!
Ooh. I like the tip of setting the Manual option to a setting for snap wildlife. That’s a must do for my outing tomorrow.
Have fun!
Guilty as charged. I now carry 4 spare cards and 3 fully charged batteries in my bag. Not to mention checking my shots in camera before leaving. Unfortunately sometimes I still miss something like getting rain on the front of the lens or dropping focus but I'm getting better. Sure would love to have seen that owl. That's a BLESSING! N I w I'm off to see if I can set up some custom profiles on my D850. Awesome video!
Absolutely 'de rigueur' for me in woodlands is switch to program 1 (active birds) with minimum 6 metre focus, while opportunity capturing wildflowers at millimetres. I love my OM-1
i am huge fan of your work simon especially your tips and tricks ..you have been inspiring many enthusiastic photographers like me ..thank you for this video
My pleasure!
I will definitely add a custom setting on my R5 for unexpected action pictures. But I prefer to use Fv instead of M, took me a while to really appreciate it, but now it's my most used setting.
Thank you for the reminder.
yes, FV and Manual with auto iso are essentially the same. Great mode.