The MOST IMPORTANT wildlife photography tip, BY FAR!
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
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My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada.
Join me as I teach you the secrets to taking amazing wildlife photos. In this video, I'll show you the critical tip of getting to eye level with your subject, and also how to implement it at your local duck pond close to home for professional-looking photos.
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I've noticed over the years that good advice from successful professionals always seems like common sense and not dark magic, but in most cases we never think of it ourselves! Great tips, thank you Simon.
Welcome!
Shane, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont You are more than welcome Simon. Good luck!
You pack amazing tips in such a short video. To the point and love after you describe a shot you show the result. Thank you
Once again thank you for a very informative video. All simple suggestions, that I am guilty of. By that, what I mean is getting down low for the shot. So, here is to a New Year, a change in how I take some photos on a limited budget. Once again thank you
Go get 'em!
Great tips, always makes me excited to go out and shoot. Thanks Simon!
Welcome!
So glad I stumbled onto your channel! It's a new daily routine to watch one of your videos and go out experimenting with your advice and tips in mind. Can I ask if you have any footage on the panning technique? That's still a very daunting and mysterious thing to me! Have a lovely day, Ingrid (Belgium)
For slow shutter speed panning, not yet. On my list to make a video on it some day.
Love watching your videos. You are straight to the point, with great detail advice. Thank you for putting these videos up.
Welcome!
Beautiful shots and great tips 👍 Merry christmas!
Thanks! You too!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Great video as ever. Final tip a new one to me!
Glad you liked it!
Learned something new regarding duck behavior. Always great stuff. Thanks, Simon!
My pleasure!
Excellent! Very useful information from a professional!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the tips Simon, I live in Florida so we do have to be a little careful getting down, low when close to the waters edge 🐊🐊🐊
Merry Christmas - Hope you're keeping warm up there in the frozen north.
Solid point! Not around the gators!
I always appreciate your tips; not to mention your talent Simon! Thanks yet again. ~Judy
My pleasure Judy!
Thank you for bonus tip :)
Happy to help!
More fantastic tips! Thanks for taking me along!
Thank you! I love your video! Any suggestions for those of us who cannot physically get into those positions due to physical limitations? BTW: I believe these are the most BEAUTIFUL photos of birds that I have ever viewed. Thank you!
Using bird seed to the birds up to you is an option.
@@simon_dentremont Thank you! Good idea! Works on the back patio. I just remembered that I would like to share that using bird songs & calls on the "Merlin" app from Cornell will also bring them into the greenbelt (2 acres?) and has provided wonderful photo ops! I can stay on the patio, standing with a prop or sitting in a chair. Really enjoyed your videos & will continue to watch & also review tips!
Merry Christmas from Pascagoula, MS. I always look forward to your new video's
Happy holidays!
Now I wish I had a flippy screen lol great advice
Great tips, and great video again!
Welcome!
Thank you for the tips! So helpful!!
Good tips Simon, we live in the same area but you have got some great shots of birds I rarely see. What are some good targets to go after in the winter time?
Find the local duck ponds and lakes that don’t freeze. They should have plenty of Mallards and Black Ducks. Some Gadwalls, Ring-Necked Ducks, Pintails and Scaups can also be found in the right places and with some luck. Sullivans’s Pond and Morash pond in Dartmouth are examples.
@@simon_dentremont thanks for Tip, I'll be checking out both those places.
I had to like and comment, whilst not a bird photographer I had never heard of these tips before even though I have been a keen hobbyist for 20years. With Covid I had started to take walks along a canal and had taken photos of the birds there and can’t wait to try these tips out. A very big thanks.
Welcome!
great video, but I'm 75 so getting down and up isn't an option any other suggestion?
Using the back LCD like in the video.
Thanks Simon. How do I get close to the ducks? I can never get close enough to the birds for a great photograph. I crop them and I use a 500mm lens. Thanks
At local city or town duck ponds, birds are often tamer, especially in winter. In the wild, camo, arriving before daybreak, and patience can help.
Fast glass
Helps alot!
@@simon_dentremont recently borrowed. 300 2.8. Incredible compared to my 70-300 4.5-5.6. Just bought 70-200Z 2.8, it’s magic. Just add good light and proper composition and bam.
How can I adjust exposure to the acceptable level if I reduce shutter speed that much? Is there anyone who is willing to help an actual beginner?
Fourthly, lying down can make your subject feel a little more at ease with you being there and will often mean your silhouette isn't breaking out above whatever the background is so you blend into the background better... I carry an old groundsheet (folds up to under 1ft square) and a bean bag (mine is about half filled with polystyrene balls, super light yet lifts the lens nicely about an inch above whatever it's placed on) with me as a do a lot of my wildlife photography lying or sitting down. I don't mind getting muddied up but spending a day in wet clothes isn't a great idea, hence the groundsheet. Great tips Simon and all the best.
Great tips!
Centrol england gives me shit for photography... rain cloud Nothing...... you are lucky.
Love your videos. Thank you. It would be great if you offered small group photo tours in Canada. It would be an easy trip for those of us in the U.S. and we could learn from you and see the beauty of Canada. Of course, people are a pain in the rear so that may not be something you would want to deal with. Lol. But if you ever do decide to do this, let me know!
Your videos are always a joy to watch.
I am not even a wildlife photography lover anyway subscribed because you not smiling :D
Haha I’m working on it! Concentrating too hard on what to say!
How close is close in wildlife photography for various size animals and birds?
20 meters for birds, 40 meters for mammals.
Merry Christmas from a new follower in Sweden, Simon! Sort of my first active year with the camera, so what better way to end it than trying this out? 10 year old camera and budget 70-300 lens but the challenge here is that our local duck ponds in the "city" have quite a bit of embankment - maybe a meter or so - so I guess I'll have a few people laughing at me getting down and dirty tomorrow morning
Haha great!
@@simon_dentremont Got a clear night sky to experiment with my wide angle and tripod so maybe I'll miss sunrise
Just found your channel. Binge-watched your videos! Like your style ...
You have a big fan from Germany now. 🙂
Welcome aboard! Danke!
My first video by Simon. Will be the first of many I will watch. Beautiful pics, clear advice. Inspiring!
Happy Holidays SImon , I wonder what backpack you use to carry your 500/600mm Lenses ? Thanks for another great video. Rick
A Lowpro 450 AW
Thank you for this excellent advice, especially the focus tips! I love your channel - so practical!
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful. Great advice. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Great info. I think I can down low but getting up could be an adventure.
Merry Christmas.
You can do it!
Hi Simon, you talk about tripod....is good around a lake or water. I work with heavy duty Manfrotto monopod because I go in the wood to and it's for me more easy to move. I have Manfrotto tripod to and work well in certain place like i said beach or around lake for sure. Work with Canon 7D mark II and 150-600mm. Sigma lens. So next video can you talk what you thing about monopod pls. Sorry for the writing in English which leaves something to be desired, I speak English well (speak French) but writing it is more difficult for me. Thank you for all the interesting clips ... I watch them all without fail. Normand from Québec province.
Merci Normand.
Simon, do you have a video about backlighting, I'm not sure I understand what that is. Thanks.
On my list of to-dos.
Hello simon wonderfull video watched it all the way through. I have a question i was thinking about the 7d+tamron 70-300 combo as its cheap (400~$) and pretty good then i found the lumix dmc fz82 a bridge camera for 350$ dollars the only down side is the sensor size. should i go with the more expensive older but bigger sensor option or the cheaper newer but much smaller sensor option?
My preference would be the interchangeable lens option…you can get more lenses for it.
Hey Simon, are you using two cameras for video and stills? Or are you switching from video to stills in the same session? I often get anxious choosing to be in either video or stills mode for fear of missing the moment.
I usually switch with one camer. I have my Canon R5 programmed for a one-button switch using the Multi-function button. It is indeed a challenge. Confucius once said « he who chases two rabbits catches neither »
Welp, after watching this video and viewing the photos I took today, at my local duck pond, i have a lot of work to do. I love my photos even though many of not sell quality, IOW, I will not make National Geographic. In my case, the duck pond is full of Geese. From what I've read, Canada Geese here in New York. I went out specifically to photograph the geese on the frozen pond, as it was -10 with the wind chill. I captured interesting images. Now, my homework.
You can do it!
Very interesting, thank you!
very much useful tips.. loved it.. thanks
Glad you liked it
I often fail while using LCD in my dslr since it tends to produce two sounds . I use Nikon d800 which has fixed LCD and find images tend to come out shaky and blurry. Is there any solution for this?
Maybe more shutter speed and a solid tripod
Simon...great video and covers birds down low....but what about the ones high up a tree?
Try to get to higher ground, or go where there are only low trees of brush.
As usual, great content. Are you sure you don’t offer workshops???
Maybe one day!
Merry Christmas I’ll go try these trips. Don’t tell hardcastle.
I won’t…
Fabulous tips to get great images. Thank you. (But I'll pass on getting down on the ground as I'd not be able to get up again!!)
haha I know what you mean!
I love getting low to photograph my subject! It's getting back up that is the hard part!
I keep saying that when I go missing, look for me on a beach where I got down for sandpipers, but couldn’t get back up.
you can also predict that behavior with swans, they start cleaning themselves, eventually they will rise their whole body and start flapping their wings.
I get so mad though because my camera are so old and bad that i can't get a good picture of that...🤣
Oh dear!
Great tips even for a, since 1999, pro photographer that started shooting wildlife not that long ago. :)
Great!
Great video as usual! Of course, the advice to get down to eye level applies more generally, especially for casual portrait photography. I try to tell new parents or anyone photographing children or pets to get down (if you can physically) to their level. Same applies for all those group photos you see taken in restaurants; it's a shame they're so often taken from above aiming down.
Absolutely!
As Keith said, lying down prone makes me a little nervous in certain state and national parks here in Texas, though it's less of a concern with ducks and shorebirds in winter when the gators aren't as prevalent. Your "boot technique" seems like a really effective compromise as long as you stay aware of your surroundings. Definitely using that in the future. Thanks for the excellent videos and tips.
Great points!
Not to worry chicks dig scars LOL
@@dennisharris144 lol
You just gave me an idea about the 'boot technique' and being in Texas. Connecting a spur to the boot toe like a monopod. Kickstarter here I come...!
Thx for the tips. What are your tricks for small birds in trees?
I have a whole video on it…Tips for small birds.
Thanks for the great advices and the informative video!
You bet!
when your 75 you can't get down on the ground easily I would love that, any suggestions
Using the back LCD works.
Nice work, Simon.
Thanks for listening
Love your content Simon! A true meat and potatoes kinda guy. 👌
I appreciate that!
from snowy Ontario, great as usual can you go back to your studio this one looks to dark .but great info thanks
Noted!
Great, Thanks. How to take a picture of coyote?
I wish I would see more myself.
Excellent advice and content! New sub.
Thanks four the sub!
Merry Christmas Simon. Great tips.
Happy holidays!
For a minute I thought you were going to tell us to climb up into the trees to get better shots of the birds. I guess a blind up in a tree with a ladder would help a lot.
It’s been done!
Simon, I reaalla love amd highly appreciate what you're doing and sharing with us all. But there's something small I wonder about: This video has the subtitle "wildlife phonography tip". I wonder. Phono means sound, and photo is something different. Do you agree? Please let us know. Thank you.
Right!
thank you - no big deal anyway ;-), and all the best
Great video. Thanks!
You're welcome!
Happy Christmas Simon, I hope you and yours have enjoyed a Lovely Holiday. Most excellent video once again....here it comes..(I swear I am not trolling you, just confused), Having Just watched PRO VS AMATEUR_ TOP 5 PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES, and heard you state that that wildlife photography at eye level is "boring" ... better suited to Portraiture. I was pretty taken back when watching this video that states, as I believe, being at eye level will more often than not result in a more pleasing image. I am boring or was your earlier comment out of context. Be Well, and Thank You for the great content you put out. Gary.
Haha my mistake in not specifying. In the other video, I meant eye-level of the photographer (ie standing height), not eye level with the subject.
@@simon_dentremont Sweet, Glad we are on the same page, Thanks Simon. 👍
Thanks....
You're welcome!
Гений
Cool video thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Excellent info! I watch youtube on my tv but always come here on my computer afterward to comment and like.
Thanks!
Great tips! Thank You.
You are so welcome!
Thoughts on the new canon 1200mm?
It’s probably an awesome lens, but a 600mm f4 with both teleconverters separately is much cheaper and more versatile.
The pro tip is having the Nikkor 600mm f4 😆 Jk, thanks for the valuable tips.
It’s a great lens. The new one with a built-in 1.4x is the bomb.
@@simon_dentremont Yeah. I'd be lucky to even have an opportunity to test it.
your movies are amazing,i realy learn a lot from you
Thanks very much!
Thank you very very much sir
Most welcome
More great advice, better than that English bloke you sometimes hang around with 😂
Oh dear! Shhhhh….
Just joking, we love Gavin & Amanda in this household.
Sir in my camera I don't have any birds or animal eye tracker, it's online support human eye tracking. Any idea or tricks, that how i can use that under my favor ❤
I’m not sure if you can use that successfully for birds.
@@simon_dentremont what if I use sports or center focus??
Guilty, I do need to get lower when taking shots at the lake! Great TIP Simon. Have a great Holiday!
Happy holidays!
Once again Im glued to the screen when Simon gives out tips. Thank you so much once again Simon. Really appreciated. Gives us amateurs the kick in the behind to get out and take more photos and improve
My pleasure!
Tom, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont yes of course. I'd honored 💪
That is some very good advice!
Thanks very much!
I currently use a 5DSR and I predominantly shoot landscapes and use FlexiZone AF, 1-Point AF, Evaluative Metering and One-Shot AF.
Can I assign settings for shooting wildlife (BIF) to let’s say one of the “C” modes so I can quickly switch over? If so would you recommend AI Servo, etc?
Wasn’t sure if this was possible and then when I switch back to manual if camera settings would return to what I normally shoot at.
Thank you.
Yes you can. I’d recommend Manual with auto iso, Servo AF, several focus points (not one), 1/2000 sec, your lens aperture wide open.
@@simon_dentremont Thank you.
@@simon_dentremont It won’t let me set to anything other than Spot AF or 1-Point AF, only toggles between the too. It also stays on One Shot with no option to choose AI Servo. Also I have to first back button focus then hold down the star button while I take the shot for this to take affect. Also won’t work in live view.
Any ideas?
Excellent tips, thanks a lot 👍
My pleasure!
Always enjoy your videos with great advice that has helped me quite a bit, thank you. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.
Same to you!
Very good tips ! Have a Happy Holiday
Thanks, you too!
So good !! Thanks you Simon !!
Glad you like it!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!
Dear Simon, your channel is fantastic and outstanding. Perfect done, and I am excited for all coming-up vlogs from you.
Thanks, you too!
I learn more from your videos than any course that I paid for. Thanks you and Merry Christmas.
Great to hear!
Merci Simon pour les tips
De rien!
Thank you!!! I'm so glad Gavin Hardcastle pointed me to you. Any tips for birds high up in the trees?
Best to let them come down, or get some high ground next to them, or stand farther back with a longer lens. Bird seed may bring some down too.
Got all those duck species here in south Florida to photograph.
Right now I’m using the R5 C and the canon 500mm f4 mark I
Such a beautiful combination to use but my god is heavy 😂 I’m 5'7" 145 pounds, that lens does some damage to carry around.
I can’t believe I’m still learning after 12 years doing photo and videos, thanks to your videos.
One of my favorite Channels... So inspiring... I have learned a lot... Keep it up.. Thank you so much.... Happy holidays to you and your family..... Cheers from McAllen Texas..
Happy holidays!
Excellent video!
Thank you very much!
I have a picture of a white stock unfortunately no pictures on RUclips comments section. But I took it against the blue sky with some white clouds and the sun against the background illuminating the bird's white wings. So some shots can be taken from low to high with great results. It's all about timing and composition.
One tip I do for all photography is bring a very short foldable stool. It is only 10" high, and makes getting lower perspective photos easier than trying to crouch down!
Awesome!
Your delivery and to-the-point videos are very well done. And your photos are really beautiful. Tvlog, Simon. Merry Christmas and be careful of Hardcastle's lurking around the corner. hanks for another great
Your lesnes have jackets for cold weather too. I love that. (Possibilities are endless for jackets) and, more great tips. Especially looking up at the birds and just getting the belly. Thanks.
🙏 thanks 👍👍👌👌🙏
Most welcome