I’ve met many wildlife photographers who have zero interest in photographing anything else, often over time their interest fades! I’ve been photographing wildlife for nearly forty years, but I’m always happy to photograph virtually any other genre or subject, in my opinion it teaches you so much more and means you can capture many subjects in a fresh and meaningful manner. So I’m in total agreement with you here Simon, a larger skill set can never be a bad thing. Really enjoying your films, looking forward to seeing more ! Have a fantastic 2023 👏👍😀 You shared many excellent images here, thank you ! 👍
you are a real photographer, and an artist, and that's why you find satisfaction in other subject matter. Making images is the main deal, and you are happy to do just that. I bet you have made some great pictures.
Your videos are so genuine, and pure intention of helping those amateur photographers who lost their focus in this ever confusing internet world. Thank you for sharing your learnings.
In the 80’s I shot slides with a Pentax LX and they looked great. Years later I decided to get back into photography and bought a Nikon D5300 but was disappointed with the bland photos it took. I decided to upgrade to a P950 and to learn about it I came across one of your videos. I realized my camera wasn’t taking bland photos, it was me. This summer I am moving to Switzerland and looking forward to testing the potential of both cameras. Thank you for unlocking the passion for photography that had been dormant in me for so long.
Simon, your instructional videos on photography are the absolute best! I’m so glad I found you here on TH-cam. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and insights with the rest of us. Your photographs are fantastic too! If I could only learn to shoot just a tiny bit like yourself, I would be in photographic heaven.
This is a great tip! My favourite place is the beach and surroundings...I think shooting some different object and different scenery would help improve my shots...like you said! Thanks, will definitely going to explore some other terrain.
@@simon_dentremont I greatly appreciate your acknowledgement but, believe me, the cause for gratitude is all mine. There's no greater teacher than quality and excellence, and your work is nailing it. Go well!
You really are the best at teaching. I have been on you tube for a LONG time everything from baking bread to sewing to crafts to photography and you are the first one I ever subscribed to! Look forward to more of your great videos!
Ik ben een 75 jarige beginnende hobby fotograaf dank je voor deze inspirerende film zijn altijd weer wijze items die uw geeft en wens uw een goed fotojaar 2023.
Simon, I just recently discovered your channel, and after watching just one video, I subscribed. You are not only an exceptional photographer, but a very talented instructor as well. Your presentations are innovative, concise, and clearly presented. Thank you for contributing to the enjoyment of my photography.
Simon, thank you for the video. Same here I just discovered your video this morning, I subscribed. It’s a game changer, I shot few photos in my back yard using your tips and technique, it was like 🎉 instant improvement. 🙏🏽🙏🏽 Your videos inspires me to shoot more, and enjoy them. ❤️❤️ Thank you Simon ❤❤
Your first point and your bonus point. I couldn't agree more. With your first point, a lot of people use their zoom lens as a crutch. I found myself doing this with my usual 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3. Going out a few times only carrying a 35mm f/1.8 got me past a lot of muscle memory. Later, I went out with an 85mm f/1.4 and it made me even more versatile. I've been meaning to rent an 800mm f/8 reflex just to see how to use it effectively. I've also picked up a 80-200mm f/2.8 and am going to take it out with a tilt-shift macro bellows just because it's so *different*. And your bonus point... I'm primarily interested in taking pictures of the engineering works of Man. I found inspiration from, of all things, close-up pictures of flowers.
Its a very very good advice that i hear from other photographer.Full of sobriety, wisdom and knowledge also understanding, i have not hear that to any wise and knowledgeable man in this world.You are different from other, thats why i admire you from being humble and wise. God bless you
A great BRAVO for your consulting and coaching videos from GREECE,i am an 56 years old landscape photographer for18 months ,i stuck on your theme birds for the last month ,i have a 70-300 tamron cause of lack of money ...but i find myself that your tips helped me to overcome somehow the absence of good lens
This is a great channel. I’m a huge fan of mastering the basics, and your content here is easily digestible and very helpful. I’m reminded of things that I’ve gotten a little complacent with over the years. 👍🏻
Brilliant suggestions, Simon. Your videos always seem to contain some challenging tidbits for viewers to stretch their capabilities. This video, however, was a macro dose of dares to improve our skills! Thanks so much!
We scattered seed along a few areas on our farm a couple of days ago. But I’ve been under the weather and haven’t had the energy to get out until this morning. It took all my energy, but it was worth it. Almost 70F here in Eastern NC. Lots of Tuted Titmouse, Red Cardinals, Red Robin’s, Crows, Wrens, sap suckers and woodpeckers. Along with grey squirrels.
As a non native speaker I had first to think about BOAS twice - but then, I had a ripping good time :D And as always, your fotos are insane. So sharp and well balanced. It's an awesome fund of inspiration - ty for that.
I’m def a fan of this channel. Just watched my 3rd video in a row. You say a lot of great things. I love this stuff. Very well articulated concepts. I’m sure many people will get some benefit from this.
I've recently started on photography and I've been watching and learning a lot from your videos. You've earned another subscriber. The simplicity and straight forwardness of your advice/tutorials makes it easier for us beginners to start getting some good results. And it motivates us, at least in my case it does. Kind regards and keep up the good work.
Excellent advice as usual Simon and illustrated with great examples. Different genres of photography all develop skill sets that are so easily transferable. I used to do lots of travel related stuff, landscapes, people, details, etc. and then I got asked to do some second shooting at weddings . The skills I had developed just fell into place to allow me to do that. The wedding photography developed the instinct to react quickly to changing scenarios, capture moments , and interact more with people. Those skills enhanced my travel photography . You never stop learning so trying something new is definitely a thumbs up.
Simon. I love these tips. I was a commercial ad studio photographer in the 1980's. I understand about composition, lighting, creativity. I have to say that your photo tips are above professional. Next level up. Thanks for putting it out here. sgn; Bruce
@@simon_dentremont Hi Simon. Yes. Go ahead and use it, or any comment. It's the least I can do to support you, after I've learned so much from your channel. Bruce K.
Everything you mentioned, I realized that's exactly what I have been doing. Switching from my 50 to the 35 to 17 to 70. Thanks for the great tips.. Birds, cars, bridges, landscape, flowers. You name it...
I started taking photos this last summer and i take photo's of everything, so i've noticed that i've kind of trained my eyes already to look for shapes/light/angles and so on. One of the best things i've done is to at least once a week only look down or shoulder height or up, that forced you to explore new things. It's like going on a adventure, you never know what you'll see.
I've just re-watched this video as I submitted 4 photos to a competition yesterday and received 15 out of 20 for all of them, I've been trying for some time to improve my marks over other club members, it's difficult when other members pay a fortune to sit in a hide all day to grab a stunning shot and then use these at competitions, makes my photos look inferior, I'm not one for giving up though I do tend to use the same settings and lenses, will start going out as you said to look at the scenes differently
I recently started B/W photography in addition to my nature photog and it really does force me to look at color contrasting and leading lines and such. Also, instead of my telephoto, I’m using a wide-angled 50mm for the BW. Now I’m really looking at everything differently. I’ll be at a music studio tonight and I’m grabbing the camera for some BW. Also, thanks for the tip about camera angles and the sun. I love the results of backlighting!
Simon, everything about this video resonated with me! I'm still very much a novice photographer. My interests are all over the map...street, landscape and wildlife/bird. Each genre has it's own set of challenges. This video helped bring alot together. Love your work and love your no nonsense approach to videos.
Lynn, happy to hear I'm not the only one interested in a several photo genres. IMO, all help each other in some way. We just need to be patient, go out and practice constantly to train our eyes/minds, and also practice on the editing (that's where I have harder time and need to improve ).
Lovely video as usual. I appreciate you summarizing what you expect to gain from each of these tips. Change lens - look for smaller compositions. B&W - identifying clear subject, different genre of photography- patterns, shapes etc. This is just what I picked, there are more details in the video!
Another great video! Being able to state your ideas so clearly and concisely is so appreciated, especially on TH-cam. I have a 200-600mm so I do try to experiment a bit with different focal lengths, but I sometimes feel like my eye/photography brain just can't see it at the focal lengths I don't usually shoot at. It is a bit discouraging sometimes, but I guess I just need more practice!
I am just starting photography for fun and leisure and your videos have been very helpful!! It motivates me to go out and experiment more with photography! Thank you! Please continue your content.
Great video. I don't think I ever noticed how my landscape background influenced my newer hobby of bird photos until you mentioned it. I've always been attracted to telephoto (odd for a landscape guy), and I've been trying to explore wide a lot more the over the last year. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love this video! You mentioned some things I have been thinking about in how to up my photography game. I do flowers photography too, but I like the b&w suggestion and landscape.
I got to your channel with TH-cam proposing me your work a few times. I passed on many occasions. Finally I decided to give you a shot. Should have done this before. I appreciate the generosity in the tips and tricks you give to your viewers and the simplicity of your explanations. Great work Simon!!
Its funny, I recently got bored of taking the same images all the time. So I decided to use my kit lens only for three weeks. I never use that lens. I do mostly street photography and usually use a telephoto or a mid range telephoto zoom. But using the kit lens gave me a whole new perspective of seeing photo opportunities differently. This has helped my photography incredibly. I think I will now try a few weeks of B&W photography to see what impact that makes. Thank-you for another practical video that I found very helpful.
Excellent advice as usual. I recently moved to a house in North Carolina along the ICW which has renewed my interest in shooting wildlife with my DSLR gear and have found the information on your channel very helpful. As a kid in the 50s and 60s my window on the world were the B&W photos in LIFE magazine and color photos of exotic locations in National Geographic. It got me interested in photojournalism and underwater photography. I learned to SCUBA dive in high school and bought a Nikonos II as my first camera. But when I went to college I sold the dive gear to buy a pair of Nikon Fs and lenses to do photojournalism. Three things I read back in the early 70s in a book on Photojournalism which I’ve used ever since are: 1 - Avoid using the “normal” focal length (e.g. 50mmm for 35mm film format) because it renders things with the same perspective seen by eye, why they came to be called normal lenses. I followed the advice by purchasing a pair of Nikon Fs with f/2 35mm and f/1.8 85mm, the fastest wide and long glass I could afford at the time. I still don’t own a “normal” prime lens 😂😮 2 - Don’t fall into the habit of taking all photos at eye level. Finding a higher or lower point of view adds interest by making the view see familiar subjects in a different way. When shooting people I always try to find a higher position for a practical reason - it forces them to look up at the camera which gets light past their brows and into the eye sockets. That’s a trick that works indoors and outdoors and anywhere the source of illumination is overhead. 3 - The third suggestion is borrowed from cinematography where the formula for changing scenes is to start with a wide shot of the environment, followed by a medium shot or shots to place the actor and action in the environment and then the close-ups of the actors and action. Also something I wouldn’t have ever thought to do but is common in films is the “cutaway” in which the POV changes to that of the actor to show what they are seeing. The first three - wide, ,medium, close-up - are all external points of view. The cutaways pull the viewer into the action from the POV of the subject in the scene. Most often it is the medium views which tell the story the best in a single photo, but as you mention the mental exercise of evaluating and photographing a subject with that mindset results in more interesting compositions one might not consider if focused on close-ups of the action. I suspect that is why 16-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm came to be known as the “Holy Trinity”. When making the switch to Canon DSLRs in 2004 with a 20D I also bought the 10-22mm EF-S, 24-70mm, 70-200mm and a pair of 580EX flashes. On vacations or for practice I will usually first capture wide and candid close-ups of a subject doing something of interest without them being aware, then walk up and introduce myself and express my interest in what they are doing and then ask them to pose for the medium shots and cutaways. Most are flattered by someone being interested in what they do and will cooperate. Monte Zucker, the top wedding photographer mentor I apprenticed with (starting at $50 per week) and assisted in the early 70s, used that approach shooting weddings. The only photo we took during the ceremony was an ambient light time exposure from the back of the church to set the scene. Then by pre-arrangement after the ceremony and walk down the aisle photo the wedding party and the officiant came back to the altar where we would recreate the key moments of the ceremony with carefully controlled dual flash lighting - fill on bracket over lens and off-camera flash on rolling stand - with careful attention to the facial angles and lighting patterns on the faces. The result were photos which had the same look of a Hollywood film. We also took all the “candid” photos at the reception with dual flash and careful attention to capturing flattering facial angles which set his work apart from his contemporaries and became his trademark style other pros paid to learn from him. The two takeaways from my experience working for a very a successful pro were that developing a distinctive style can result in getting “type cast” and into rut creatively because customers are attracted to that distinctive style and don’t want to deviate from it. My mentor was an extreme extrovert who enjoyed the interaction with the clients but as an introvert I got bored and burned out very quickly shooting the same photos with different heads, similar to the “bird on the branch” rut you mentioned. Working “behind the scenes” with a top pro made me realize the photographic skillset was only a small part of being a financially successful solo practitioner. Monte’s success was due largely to finding a niche using daylight for portraits and dual flash for candids which gave his images a distinctive style which won PPofA print competitions and being a intuitive genius at marketing and the best salesman I have ever experienced. In retrospect working for him for 18 months spared me the ten years I probably would have spent trying and failing to run my own photography business because I realized I couldn’t create a unique niche and didn’t enjoy sales. Fortunately at the point I got burned out and ready to move on to something else an opportunity on the reproduction side of photography crossed my path and I reverted to photography as a avocation. In the early 2000s I considered doing photography for hire as a post-retirement activity to offset the cost of my gear, and purchased a set of studio lights to “test the waters” only to be reminded why I got burned out thirty years previously. After getting my first iPad in 2012 and starting to shoot and post videos on TH-cam I discovered I got more views and much more positive feedback than I had from spending hours editing stills and posting them on my web site. I found myself using my DSLR gear for stills less and less, which is why I’m still using a 50D body and researching what to upgrade to shoot wildlife stills after moving to a house along the ICW in North Carolina where I can shoot a wide variety of birds off my back deck. Your videos convinced me to get a 2x extender for my 70-200 f2.8 and an upgrade to R7 may be next. 💸 😂
thank you so much ! i really feel lucky whenever i watch one of your videos, i'm learning so much from you, a rich content + always straight to the point ! you're the best
Back in photo school we created The Plastic Camera Club. The rules for shooting we're simple. Shoot anything but your camera had to cost no more than five dollars and have a plastic lens. Many amazing photographs were created just by getting away from our Nikon's. Of course these were 35mm film camera's. But it's a great experience to shoot with limitations. Thank You for your suggestions!
Simon, I need to thank you for your videos have been a fresh moment on my day. Your videos are very much well thought and we can feel no effort in doing it. Love it. And you are such a teacher...I just wish I could help people they way you do with me
I teach "fine art photography".Your additional lesson here is now on my required youtube list. It is a brilliant lesson on how to live. yosaif from Bezalel Art School. Thank you again..
The focal length change is a great idea! I'm always shooting between 28mm and 50mm prime lenses. Thinking of doing a photo walk with only my 135mm and shooting a whole roll with it. Thank you!
Thank you deconstructing the “mysteries of photography” so beginners have a basic point of reference. By watching (and rewatching 😄) your videos, I can process little building blocks of information to build my photography skillset house. Plus your photos are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing your skills and wisdom.
Thank you Simon, I've been stuck in the landscape mode and have recently taken to bird photography. Its totally taken me out of my comfort zone and the way I use my camera. It has certainly made me make better use of some of the feature on my camera. Bravo another great video.
I offer my sincere compliments, and I also offer my thanks. A very instructive, thoughtful, and useful video posted by someone who has walked the walk, thought about what needed changing, and then learned how to get the most out of the various changes. The final tip is the hidden gem for me. I used to do the usual 'hunting' and was doing okay, but it wasn't until I began to image my HO scale train layout that I learned the most about composition. It also taught me what was missing, or poorly done, about my scale scenery and trains. The camera doesn't lie.
Thanks for this week's tips. I always look forward to your videos. I like your style, simple approach and explanations. I learn something new from everyone of them.
Shooting wildlife and nature IS shooting a new genre. I tried portraits and events and absolutely hated it. When I'm allowed to shoot what I want I can't get enough!
This is first rate advice and what a breath of fresh air - many do get stuck within the (so called) boundaries or confines of one genre instead of merging or borrowing from various photography disciplines. I imagine your increasing following (very much deserved btw) would benefit considerably from paid for video tutorials should you decide to make a series. Also, I would like to mention that your no nonsense, articulate and enthusiastic narration is the icing on the cake. All things considered - sooooo much better than most of the other photocentric TH-camrs out there!!
Great Video, Simon & BEAUTIFUL images. Love your channel & teaching style. Straightforward & to the point, with examples to illustrate the point(s) that you are making. I also like your bonus tips, offered at the end of your videos. Thank you so much!😊😊👍👍
Wow! Some great tips, Simon! It's so interesting that trying new things and then applying them to bird photography just clicked for you. I would have never thought to shoot like that. What I really enjoy about your photos compared to some other photographers, is that you include more of the environment and every photo is different. Again, thank you for more tips and I gotta get out and try them!
There are scammers pretending to be me and offering prizes via telegram. Stay away and report them! Thanks!
Oh bummer... you are not giving away prices for free? 🤣
I’ve met many wildlife photographers who have zero interest in photographing anything else, often over time their interest fades! I’ve been photographing wildlife for nearly forty years, but I’m always happy to photograph virtually any other genre or subject, in my opinion it teaches you so much more and means you can capture many subjects in a fresh and meaningful manner. So I’m in total agreement with you here Simon, a larger skill set can never be a bad thing. Really enjoying your films, looking forward to seeing more ! Have a fantastic 2023 👏👍😀 You shared many excellent images here, thank you ! 👍
Thanks very much!
you are a real photographer, and an artist, and that's why you find satisfaction in other subject matter. Making images is the main deal, and you are happy to do just that. I bet you have made some great pictures.
Your videos are so genuine, and pure intention of helping those amateur photographers who lost their focus in this ever confusing internet world. Thank you for sharing your learnings.
Glad you like them!
In the 80’s I shot slides with a Pentax LX and they looked great. Years later I decided to get back into photography and bought a Nikon D5300 but was disappointed with the bland photos it took. I decided to upgrade to a P950 and to learn about it I came across one of your videos. I realized my camera wasn’t taking bland photos, it was me. This summer I am moving to Switzerland and looking forward to testing the potential of both cameras. Thank you for unlocking the passion for photography that had been dormant in me for so long.
Simon, your instructional videos on photography are the absolute best! I’m so glad I found you here on TH-cam. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and insights with the rest of us. Your photographs are fantastic too! If I could only learn to shoot just a tiny bit like yourself, I would be in photographic heaven.
This is a great tip! My favourite place is the beach and surroundings...I think shooting some different object and different scenery would help improve my shots...like you said! Thanks, will definitely going to explore some other terrain.
That final image of the wading bird - the colours and mood - it's absolutely beautiful....
Many thanks!
@@simon_dentremont I greatly appreciate your acknowledgement but, believe me, the cause for gratitude is all mine. There's no greater teacher than quality and excellence, and your work is nailing it. Go well!
Amazing how how you keep producing original, educational content week after week. Thank you.
I try
AMAZING!!!!!! You are a natural teacher and INCREDIBLE photographer!!!!!!
Wow, thank you!
You really are the best at teaching. I have been on you tube for a LONG time everything from baking bread to sewing to crafts to photography and you are the first one I ever subscribed to! Look forward to more of your great videos!
Wow, thank you!
I'm getting hooked with your tutorials! Simple to understand and not fall asleep at that.
Not only are the videos good but getting to see your work throughout is a highlight. Your photos are gorgeous
Ik ben een 75 jarige beginnende hobby fotograaf dank je voor deze inspirerende film zijn altijd weer wijze items die uw geeft en wens uw een goed fotojaar 2023.
Welcome!
Only recently discovered your channel and I’m loving your energy, experience, and clarity of communication. Thank you 🙏
Simon, I just recently discovered your channel, and after watching just one video, I subscribed. You are not only an exceptional photographer, but a very talented instructor as well. Your presentations are innovative, concise, and clearly presented. Thank you for contributing to the enjoyment of my photography.
Michael, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont Yes, you certainly may.
Simon, thank you for the video. Same here I just discovered your video this morning, I subscribed. It’s a game changer, I shot few photos in my back yard using your tips and technique, it was like 🎉 instant improvement. 🙏🏽🙏🏽 Your videos inspires me to shoot more, and enjoy them. ❤️❤️ Thank you Simon ❤❤
Not to mention very generous.
All excellent points Simon................THANK YOU.......when you hear hoof beats.............it's not always horses
haha
Your first point and your bonus point. I couldn't agree more.
With your first point, a lot of people use their zoom lens as a crutch. I found myself doing this with my usual 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3. Going out a few times only carrying a 35mm f/1.8 got me past a lot of muscle memory. Later, I went out with an 85mm f/1.4 and it made me even more versatile. I've been meaning to rent an 800mm f/8 reflex just to see how to use it effectively. I've also picked up a 80-200mm f/2.8 and am going to take it out with a tilt-shift macro bellows just because it's so *different*.
And your bonus point... I'm primarily interested in taking pictures of the engineering works of Man. I found inspiration from, of all things, close-up pictures of flowers.
Its a very very good advice that i hear from other photographer.Full of sobriety, wisdom and knowledge also understanding, i have not hear that to any wise and knowledgeable man in this world.You are different from other, thats why i admire you from being humble and wise. God bless you
I tried this advice and started taking landscapes and doing portrait photography and it really did up my nature photography game! Thanks Simon!
A great BRAVO for your consulting and coaching videos from GREECE,i am an 56 years old landscape photographer for18 months ,i stuck on your theme birds for the last month ,i have a 70-300 tamron cause of lack of money ...but i find myself that your tips helped me to overcome somehow the absence of good lens
Man, u are such a big Inspiration for me. Your Photos is killing everything i saw until today 👌👌👌👌
Thanks very much!
Extremely useful and very true. Thank you so much for sharing so much experience and awesome photos. Merci beaucoup.
Simon is a great talent with excellent communication skills.
I always get great take aways, when I watch your videos. Thankful I came across your channel!
Awesome! Thank you!
This is a great channel. I’m a huge fan of mastering the basics, and your content here is easily digestible and very helpful. I’m reminded of things that I’ve gotten a little complacent with over the years. 👍🏻
Great to hear!
Brilliant suggestions, Simon. Your videos always seem to contain some challenging tidbits for viewers to stretch their capabilities. This video, however, was a macro dose of dares to improve our skills! Thanks so much!
We scattered seed along a few areas on our farm a couple of days ago. But I’ve been under the weather and haven’t had the energy to get out until this morning. It took all my energy, but it was worth it. Almost 70F here in Eastern NC. Lots of Tuted Titmouse, Red Cardinals, Red Robin’s, Crows, Wrens, sap suckers and woodpeckers. Along with grey squirrels.
Nice!
As a non native speaker I had first to think about BOAS twice - but then, I had a ripping good time :D
And as always, your fotos are insane. So sharp and well balanced. It's an awesome fund of inspiration - ty for that.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Mr Simon is a great teacher and motivator to me. Thank you ! I really learn a lot from your videos. They are just awesome !
I love the tip of making art out of your birds. Great advice. So much appreciated. Can not wait for bird week !!!
I’m def a fan of this channel. Just watched my 3rd video in a row. You say a lot of great things. I love this stuff. Very well articulated concepts. I’m sure many people will get some benefit from this.
I appreciate that!
Saw your Owl shot in the 2022 Audubon photo contest.... Great shot! I Love your work. thanks for sharing!!
I've recently started on photography and I've been watching and learning a lot from your videos. You've earned another subscriber. The simplicity and straight forwardness of your advice/tutorials makes it easier for us beginners to start getting some good results. And it motivates us, at least in my case it does.
Kind regards and keep up the good work.
Thank you . I need to watch your video again and take notes. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.
Wow, that's pure feild knowledge can't find in any books. Thanks for sharing...
So nice of you
Excellent advice as usual Simon and illustrated with great examples. Different genres of photography all develop skill sets that are so easily transferable. I used to do lots of travel related stuff, landscapes, people, details, etc. and then I got asked to do some second shooting at weddings . The skills I had developed just fell into place to allow me to do that. The wedding photography developed the instinct to react quickly to changing scenarios, capture moments , and interact more with people. Those skills enhanced my travel photography . You never stop learning so trying something new is definitely a thumbs up.
Righto!
Simon. I love these tips. I was a commercial ad studio photographer in the 1980's. I understand about composition, lighting, creativity. I have to say that your photo tips are above professional. Next level up. Thanks for putting it out here. sgn; Bruce
Thanks for sharing! Praise from the praiseworthy is the best!
Bruce, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution? Thanks
@@simon_dentremont Hi Simon. Yes. Go ahead and use it, or any comment. It's the least I can do to support you, after I've learned so much from your channel. Bruce K.
Everything you mentioned, I realized that's exactly what I have been doing. Switching from my 50 to the 35 to 17 to 70. Thanks for the great tips.. Birds, cars, bridges, landscape, flowers. You name it...
Good stuff!
I am a new fan of your channel and the way you present your work speaks for itself 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Welcome aboard!
Wow your pictures are insane.
You're channel is a blessing. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
I appreciate that!
i love the last tip! i really opens up new ideas and ways on how to approach the composition!
Wonderful!
You are an amazing instructor. I will keep this video to my top favorite ❤️
I started taking photos this last summer and i take photo's of everything, so i've noticed that i've kind of trained my eyes already to look for shapes/light/angles and so on. One of the best things i've done is to at least once a week only look down or shoulder height or up, that forced you to explore new things. It's like going on a adventure, you never know what you'll see.
Great tip!
Every video of yours I watch I always learn so much and I love that your knowledge applies to all genres of photography. Subscribed!
Thank you for this tutorial and for all your videos, they are excellent. I absolutely love your photos. Kudos to you!
If I could like this twice I would. Inspiring and educational. Thanks again.
Wow, thank you!
I've just re-watched this video as I submitted 4 photos to a competition yesterday and received 15 out of 20 for all of them, I've been trying for some time to improve my marks over other club members, it's difficult when other members pay a fortune to sit in a hide all day to grab a stunning shot and then use these at competitions, makes my photos look inferior, I'm not one for giving up though
I do tend to use the same settings and lenses, will start going out as you said to look at the scenes differently
I recently started B/W photography in addition to my nature photog and it really does force me to look at color contrasting and leading lines and such. Also, instead of my telephoto, I’m using a wide-angled 50mm for the BW. Now I’m really looking at everything differently. I’ll be at a music studio tonight and I’m grabbing the camera for some BW. Also, thanks for the tip about camera angles and the sun. I love the results of backlighting!
Excellent!
Thanks for making me think more when shooting my wildlife photos! Great advice!
Simon, everything about this video resonated with me! I'm still very much a novice photographer. My interests are all over the map...street, landscape and wildlife/bird. Each genre has it's own set of challenges. This video helped bring alot together. Love your work and love your no nonsense approach to videos.
Go for it!
Lynn, happy to hear I'm not the only one interested in a several photo genres. IMO, all help each other in some way. We just need to be patient, go out and practice constantly to train our eyes/minds, and also practice on the editing (that's where I have harder time and need to improve ).
These are solid tips and I'll definitely be trying this. Thanks! Keep up the great work 👍🏻
Lovely video as usual. I appreciate you summarizing what you expect to gain from each of these tips. Change lens - look for smaller compositions. B&W - identifying clear subject, different genre of photography- patterns, shapes etc. This is just what I picked, there are more details in the video!
Thanks!
Fantastic video for stretching our wings and growing. You make some of the most informative and accessible videos. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much, Simon! Excellent, practical ideas!
Another great video! Being able to state your ideas so clearly and concisely is so appreciated, especially on TH-cam. I have a 200-600mm so I do try to experiment a bit with different focal lengths, but I sometimes feel like my eye/photography brain just can't see it at the focal lengths I don't usually shoot at. It is a bit discouraging sometimes, but I guess I just need more practice!
You can do it!
I am just starting photography for fun and leisure and your videos have been very helpful!! It motivates me to go out and experiment more with photography! Thank you! Please continue your content.
thank you, I have been struggling to get back into photography. This makes sense as a place to start
Great tips. Less is More is my guiding principle too. Love your photos. Thanks
Awesome! Thank you!
Always useful, interesting things in your videos. Thanks a lot, Simon.
Thanks Simon. You are by far my favorite TH-camr to inspire and enable my hobby!
Happy to hear that!
Great video. I don't think I ever noticed how my landscape background influenced my newer hobby of bird photos until you mentioned it. I've always been attracted to telephoto (odd for a landscape guy), and I've been trying to explore wide a lot more the over the last year. Thanks for the inspiration!
I really enjoy your videos...i learn a lot from each one..thank you for sharing!
Just love this approach. Going to grab my camera and go out right now.
Your way of photography is just amazing...
Love this video! You mentioned some things I have been thinking about in how to up my photography game. I do flowers photography too, but I like the b&w suggestion and landscape.
Hey Simon - i've caught a few of your youtube videos now - this is the one that made me subscribe. Good work ! Thanks - keep them coming.
Welcome aboard!
I got to your channel with TH-cam proposing me your work a few times. I passed on many occasions. Finally I decided to give you a shot. Should have done this before. I appreciate the generosity in the tips and tricks you give to your viewers and the simplicity of your explanations. Great work Simon!!
Raymond, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
Simon I love your work and your videos. Brief, direct and full of information as well as practical application. Keep them coming and thank you!
Thanks, will do!
Excellent top tips to start the new year. Gave me some inspiration! Thank you so much and Happy New Year.
You are so welcome!
I’m just getting into photography and as a colorblind man, looking for shapes and things like that will really help me in my photography journey!
Great combination!
I really like and appreciate that video!! You are an extremely talented photographer with loads of wisdom. Thanks for sharing it with us. 😃
Glad it was helpful!
Its funny, I recently got bored of taking the same images all the time. So I decided to use my kit lens only for three weeks. I never use that lens. I do mostly street photography and usually use a telephoto or a mid range telephoto zoom. But using the kit lens gave me a whole new perspective of seeing photo opportunities differently. This has helped my photography incredibly. I think I will now try a few weeks of B&W photography to see what impact that makes. Thank-you for another practical video that I found very helpful.
Excellent advice as usual. I recently moved to a house in North Carolina along the ICW which has renewed my interest in shooting wildlife with my DSLR gear and have found the information on your channel very helpful.
As a kid in the 50s and 60s my window on the world were the B&W photos in LIFE magazine and color photos of exotic locations in National Geographic. It got me interested in photojournalism and underwater photography. I learned to SCUBA dive in high school and bought a Nikonos II as my first camera. But when I went to college I sold the dive gear to buy a pair of Nikon Fs and lenses to do photojournalism.
Three things I read back in the early 70s in a book on Photojournalism which I’ve used ever since are:
1 - Avoid using the “normal” focal length (e.g. 50mmm for 35mm film format) because it renders things with the same perspective seen by eye, why they came to be called normal lenses. I followed the advice by purchasing a pair of Nikon Fs with f/2 35mm and f/1.8 85mm, the fastest wide and long glass I could afford at the time. I still don’t own a “normal” prime lens 😂😮
2 - Don’t fall into the habit of taking all photos at eye level. Finding a higher or lower point of view adds interest by making the view see familiar subjects in a different way. When shooting people I always try to find a higher position for a practical reason - it forces them to look up at the camera which gets light past their brows and into the eye sockets. That’s a trick that works indoors and outdoors and anywhere the source of illumination is overhead.
3 - The third suggestion is borrowed from cinematography where the formula for changing scenes is to start with a wide shot of the environment, followed by a medium shot or shots to place the actor and action in the environment and then the close-ups of the actors and action. Also something I wouldn’t have ever thought to do but is common in films is the “cutaway” in which the POV changes to that of the actor to show what they are seeing. The first three - wide, ,medium, close-up - are all external points of view. The cutaways pull the viewer into the action from the POV of the subject in the scene. Most often it is the medium views which tell the story the best in a single photo, but as you mention the mental exercise of evaluating and photographing a subject with that mindset results in more interesting compositions one might not consider if focused on close-ups of the action.
I suspect that is why 16-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm came to be known as the “Holy Trinity”. When making the switch to Canon DSLRs in 2004 with a 20D I also bought the 10-22mm EF-S, 24-70mm, 70-200mm and a pair of 580EX flashes.
On vacations or for practice I will usually first capture wide and candid close-ups of a subject doing something of interest without them being aware, then walk up and introduce myself and express my interest in what they are doing and then ask them to pose for the medium shots and cutaways. Most are flattered by someone being interested in what they do and will cooperate.
Monte Zucker, the top wedding photographer mentor I apprenticed with (starting at $50 per week) and assisted in the early 70s, used that approach shooting weddings. The only photo we took during the ceremony was an ambient light time exposure from the back of the church to set the scene. Then by pre-arrangement after the ceremony and walk down the aisle photo the wedding party and the officiant came back to the altar where we would recreate the key moments of the ceremony with carefully controlled dual flash lighting - fill on bracket over lens and off-camera flash on rolling stand - with careful attention to the facial angles and lighting patterns on the faces. The result were photos which had the same look of a Hollywood film. We also took all the “candid” photos at the reception with dual flash and careful attention to capturing flattering facial angles which set his work apart from his contemporaries and became his trademark style other pros paid to learn from him.
The two takeaways from my experience working for a very a successful pro were that developing a distinctive style can result in getting “type cast” and into rut creatively because customers are attracted to that distinctive style and don’t want to deviate from it. My mentor was an extreme extrovert who enjoyed the interaction with the clients but as an introvert I got bored and burned out very quickly shooting the same photos with different heads, similar to the “bird on the branch” rut you mentioned.
Working “behind the scenes” with a top pro made me realize the photographic skillset was only a small part of being a financially successful solo practitioner. Monte’s success was due largely to finding a niche using daylight for portraits and dual flash for candids which gave his images a distinctive style which won PPofA print competitions and being a intuitive genius at marketing and the best salesman I have ever experienced. In retrospect working for him for 18 months spared me the ten years I probably would have spent trying and failing to run my own photography business because I realized I couldn’t create a unique niche and didn’t enjoy sales. Fortunately at the point I got burned out and ready to move on to something else an opportunity on the reproduction side of photography crossed my path and I reverted to photography as a avocation.
In the early 2000s I considered doing photography for hire as a post-retirement activity to offset the cost of my gear, and purchased a set of studio lights to “test the waters” only to be reminded why I got burned out thirty years previously. After getting my first iPad in 2012 and starting to shoot and post videos on TH-cam I discovered I got more views and much more positive feedback than I had from spending hours editing stills and posting them on my web site. I found myself using my DSLR gear for stills less and less, which is why I’m still using a 50D body and researching what to upgrade to shoot wildlife stills after moving to a house along the ICW in North Carolina where I can shoot a wide variety of birds off my back deck.
Your videos convinced me to get a 2x extender for my 70-200 f2.8 and an upgrade to R7 may be next. 💸 😂
Thanks for sharing! Agree on all!
Getting into bnw now so appreciate your tips. Same old rings true so thank you for this video. Your photos are eye wateringly beautiful👍
Glad you like them!
thank you so much ! i really feel lucky whenever i watch one of your videos, i'm learning so much from you, a rich content + always straight to the point ! you're the best
love, love, LOVE your channel! And grateful for, literally, everything you offer, and for sharing your expansive knowledge with us.
Thank you so much!
Back in photo school we created The Plastic Camera Club. The rules for shooting we're simple. Shoot anything but your camera had to cost no more than five dollars and have a plastic lens. Many amazing photographs were created just by getting away from our Nikon's.
Of course these were 35mm film camera's. But it's a great experience to shoot with limitations.
Thank You for your suggestions!
Simon, I need to thank you for your videos have been a fresh moment on my day. Your videos are very much well thought and we can feel no effort in doing it. Love it. And you are such a teacher...I just wish I could help people they way you do with me
Wow, thank you
I teach "fine art photography".Your additional lesson here is now on my required youtube list. It is a brilliant lesson on how to live. yosaif from Bezalel Art School. Thank you again..
Great tips. Really enjoy your videos and the simple but powerful tips and information you provide.
I appreciate that!
WOW! Simon you are an amazing photographer! Great video, and great tips!
Wow, thanks!
Simon - you are amazing for sharing your knowledge....only thing I don't understand is how you do not have WAY MORE subscribers.
I’ve been at it less than a year! I’ll get there!
The focal length change is a great idea! I'm always shooting between 28mm and 50mm prime lenses. Thinking of doing a photo walk with only my 135mm and shooting a whole roll with it. Thank you!
Your videos are always a breath of fresh air... 🤝
So nice of you
Thank you deconstructing the “mysteries of photography” so beginners have a basic point of reference. By watching (and rewatching 😄) your videos, I can process little building blocks of information to build my photography skillset house. Plus your photos are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing your skills and wisdom.
Sherry, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
Thank you Simon, I've been stuck in the landscape mode and have recently taken to bird photography. Its totally taken me out of my comfort zone and the way I use my camera. It has certainly made me make better use of some of the feature on my camera. Bravo another great video.
You can do it!
I offer my sincere compliments, and I also offer my thanks. A very instructive, thoughtful, and useful video posted by someone who has walked the walk, thought about what needed changing, and then learned how to get the most out of the various changes. The final tip is the hidden gem for me. I used to do the usual 'hunting' and was doing okay, but it wasn't until I began to image my HO scale train layout that I learned the most about composition. It also taught me what was missing, or poorly done, about my scale scenery and trains. The camera doesn't lie.
Thanks very much!
Thank you very much for your tips, you helped me improve my skills a lot, and these tips can apply to other creative professions just as well
This video really made me think about how I am doing photography with every tip I can’t wait to go out and use these!
Go for it!
Your points regarding BnW are excellent, Simon! Thank you for an outstanding and beneficial video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for this week's tips. I always look forward to your videos. I like your style, simple approach and explanations.
I learn something new from everyone of them.
Awesome, thank you!
Shooting wildlife and nature IS shooting a new genre. I tried portraits and events and absolutely hated it. When I'm allowed to shoot what I want I can't get enough!
All good!
This is first rate advice and what a breath of fresh air - many do get stuck within the (so called) boundaries or confines of one genre instead of merging or borrowing from various photography disciplines. I imagine your increasing following (very much deserved btw) would benefit considerably from paid for video tutorials should you decide to make a series. Also, I would like to mention that your no nonsense, articulate and enthusiastic narration is the icing on the cake. All things considered - sooooo much better than most of the other photocentric TH-camrs out there!!
Thanks so much!
Great Video, Simon & BEAUTIFUL images. Love your channel & teaching style. Straightforward & to the point, with examples to illustrate the point(s) that you are making. I also like your bonus tips, offered at the end of your videos. Thank you so much!😊😊👍👍
Welcome!
Wow! Some great tips, Simon! It's so interesting that trying new things and then applying them to bird photography just clicked for you. I would have never thought to shoot like that. What I really enjoy about your photos compared to some other photographers, is that you include more of the environment and every photo is different. Again, thank you for more tips and I gotta get out and try them!
Great!
Pete, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont Definitey! I'd be glad that you did! Thanks so much!
That bird bum is awsome!!!!😍😍😍
haha
We love to transform,maybe no possible in minutes,but a good teaching.Thanks.
Masterful! As are all your images. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you like them!
What a fantastic video. Just what I needed for this lull