5 TOP MISTAKES IN BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY I WISH I KNEW ABOUT WHEN I STARTED! Tips for better pics

[@simon_dentremont]

What’s your greatest challenge in getting good bird pics? Let me know! I’m looking for video ideas!

[@brett_s_photography]

Finding good locations is the biggest challenge for me. Ebird is helpful but oftentimes the best locations (around me, at least) don't even get that early morning/late evening light because of obstructions (Trees mostly). How do you scout areas not so close by to determine whether they're capable of getting the light you need without making an unnecessarily long trip?

[@brett_s_photography]

Love your videos, by the way! I look forward to every one of them.

[@simon_dentremont]

@@brett_s_photography I have a circle of friends that can help out.

[@simon_dentremont]

@@brett_s_photography Thanks!

[@terilapetino6337]

Most of us don't have the budget for long, fast lenses. How can we get good shots when the light is not the best and we don't have fast lenses? My lowest aperture is 5.6. The camera in auto ISO often picks one that is too high! Argh...BTW, love your videos!

[@realthoprivate]

For the extremely introvert, nature photography is the best hobby. Best way to avoid interaction with other people.

[@simon_dentremont]

True! Time to think too.

[@goldenfrog6EsCoSes]

In introvert, maybe, but a rich one for sure. Those supertelephoto lenses cost a pretty penny.

[@Jimpix57]

Yes!

[@Dhuxul9]

What is wrong with interacting with people!

[@slkknifelover]

Exactly! Why I'm getting into it. Just being out in nature is so calming and food for the soul.

[@buzzy87]

This man is my hero. I got into photography December 2021 but thanks to your first video and your excitement for birds I immediately went out and bought a 150-600 for my Sony a7rii. I’ve been able to track birds and plan/take the photos I’ve wanted with your help, since then I’ve also gotten into car/superbike race photography and use many of the methods you’ve taught for that as well. Thank you for the great content, been watching every video since the start.

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome! I’ve been wanting to shoot motor sports myself as I have the gear and as you say the technique is the same. Super!

[@buzzy87]

@@simon_dentremont It’s a lot of fun. I’m sure you would enjoy it! Catching a tack sharp image of a speeding car at 1/10 shutter is an awesome feeling! Thank you sir

[@amerphoto1]

Without a doubt, Simon, you flat out give the best photography advice on the internet! Factual and easy to understand.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@andychapman9687]

Couldn’t agree more

[@simon_dentremont]

Daniel, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?

[@amerphoto1]

@@simon_dentremont Yes, absolutely! You may use my comment! I am honored you asked! Every word is true!

[@jayjackman100]

Tried some new stuff yesterday on getting better photos thank you much better

[@ghostifyedmc]

All these factors are really important for bird photography! For example, I had the luck of finding kingfishers in my local area, but when we went to the same place again, the tide was too high and it was very windy. So when I go to look for them next time, I’ll make sure to check the water level and wind beforehand :)

[@willherondale6367]

It's impossible to overstate how essential nice light is, almost to the point of it being the only thing that matters. Photography - drawing with light... I spent way too much of my time obsessed with learning the technical aspect, how to get sharp shots, and completely ignoring the light in my images.

[@simon_dentremont]

Great point!

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

I love these older videos, we want to see you out in the field more.

[@simon_dentremont]

soon!

[@bobroberts5820]

Wow, this is explained incredibly well. I love how straightforward this is

[@douglashill4567]

I love coming home with a beautiful bird photo, but it's not my primary goal. Mostly I'm helping my wife identify birds, so some of your excellent suggestions are less critical to me. Auto iso, setting up the camera so I don't have to fiddle, knowing where to look for the time of year and time of day are just as important for me. It's also good to practice how to aim your long lens quickly and accurately at the spot you've just seen with your naked eye. And helpful for you and your partner to agree on how to describe a bird's location efficiently. And if anyone can tell me how to decide whether to keep waiting or move on I'd be happy to hear it! (note: talking birds here, not marriage)

[@valmaivorster4826]

Simon your tip on AUTO ISO in MANUEL MODE is a winner, thank you. Getting down to eye level position for your foto's is another winner and so important. You are the best teacher in photography and give valuable tips. Thank you so much.

[@FlyNAA]

The one about being familiar with your settings really clicked with me. I have all my buttons and dials meticulously set to all the things I need to do the fastest. It's to the point where an innocent bystander might think I'm being gimmicky with it and screwing around with customization just for the sake of screwing around, but it really works for me giving me instant access to what I need to do in quick situations without taking the camera off the subject. Then I see the guy next to me doing everything by tapping on the touchscreen on the back, and I'm like "oh, dude..."

[@LyneisFilm]

I also use the Weather Channel, Windy and Ocean Watch to pick times and places. I should get up earlier to catch the good light though!

[@markstevens6682]

I call it the 3 P’s… Planning-Preparation-and Patients. It serves well with any kind of photography!

[@GilWebster]

Using auto iso with manual setting of speed and aperure is the best ever hint. All you need to do then is set your exposure as you can set and forget the aperure setting. You may need noise reducing software at post in some circumstances. Next best hint is to re-assign most-use button settings to where your fingers can find them easily. Great video!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@jarrett2213]

Action shots with crashing waves at low level is awesome!!

[@QVL75]

Excellent tips, Simon. I couldn’t sleep tonight, so instead I’m sitting here watching your video instead of Netflix. 😊

[@azmiupnorth2220]

I just got what i think is my best duck picture to date.

[@colliescameraaction8944]

the best 10 minutes of my 2023 so far! you explain everything so quickly and to the point with no showboating. Subscribed!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for the sub!

[@leenewton2931]

I just want to say I've been really enjoying your content. It's surprisingly rare for youtube photography material to be genuinely valuable and not transparent attempts to add a revenue stream by retreading basic tutorial ground already well paved. You seem to be genuinely sharing your hard earned wisdom and experience and I truly appreciate it! I've been dabbling with some bird photography but your videos have me champing at the bit for my next chance to get out before a sunrise. My photography tends to be opportunistic and tacked on to walking the dog or getting out on a weekend, so my bird photos definitely suffer from midday lighting conditions. It's doing to be painful, but I need to stop being such a night owl.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for the kind comments Lee. Yes, getting up early is one of the hard parts!

[@christopherberry8519]

Simon, you're so right about photographers missing the best light. We're always in full sun here except early morning and late evening in summer (and summer is 10 months of the year!) - so I'm thinking of taking my own clouds with me and going for Macro (umbrellas!). We don't have much tree cover, some shade obviously... but I need ideas for the interminable days to teach my girls...

[@dr.abyscharles]

Planning my first birding outing for tomorrow. I knew which video to watch. Thanks Simon

[@venkatalgramam4461]

Simon - you are one of the best Gurus on Wildlife Photography - really learnt a lot from your videos .

[@r.c8756]

I really like bird photography which I started only recently but I’m playing on hardest difficulty : as a young father, since I don’t have much time I just sneak my camera on walks with my baby girl. One of the hard parts is get her to remain quiet ! So my photos really aren’t that great but on the bright side I can see I’m getting her to be more mindful of the quietness of nature and the soothing sounds of the wilderness, birds chirping, wind blowing in trees etc.

[@PeterMiller-jm3tu]

The comment about getting to eye level seems so obvious but I never really thought about it. Thanks Simon.

[@randyschwager84]

All good reminders! My biggest challenge is having access to good bird opportunities. I had great Eagle opportunities in winter and early spring. I usually can see a lot of water foul this time of year, but they don’t seem to be around! Our rivers are very high and fast moving right now, which seems to be a detriment. Thanks for taking me along!

[@simon_dentremont]

Sounds great!

[@dalloiselle7274]

I particularly liked the point about setting the aperture to your lens sweet spot and just adjusting shutter speed based on subject movement. If makes it simpler.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@goldenfrog6EsCoSes]

Hi Simon, I'm not a birder myself, but I really enjoy watching your videos. Your expertise really stands out, your explanations are clear and to the point, and I'm sure your tips serve for other photography genres as well.

[@castex2439]

Gracias, buenos consejos ….saludos desde Bilbao….50 años y aprendo a sacar fotos con tu trabajo

[@khookhuc2004able]

Good Thanks

[@majin_duke]

Auto iso has been a lifesaver for sure! That and shooting on court days.

[@johndias6614]

I've shot film since the 70s. Recently got a Canon DSLR and went out early this morning. Your video proved to be invaluable in helping me catch some great waterfowl photos. Learning the habits of these ducks and geese allowed me to anticipate the shots and get some good photos. Wish we could share photos in the comments.

[@The_Coloring_Nook]

My wife and I are just getting into the hobby, and it's harder than it looks. We're using a Canon T7 with the 75-300mm lens for now, but it seems like everything but the bird is sharp and in focus. Manual focus might help if I can be quick enough, but my eyesight is bad and I second guess myself. We're still having fun being outside together, and thats what counts. Thank you for these tips. I'm sure our next trip will yield better results. Love from Eastern Washington State ❤

[@simon_dentremont]

I have a couple of videos on focus. Check them out.

[@helloianzakharov]

I would add some food for small birds in description. One more thing, if the bird sits on the current branch ones, it’s likely it will come back again. And the king tip - use the shortest distance as you can 3,3 - 5 meters give true details and resolution. Sorry for my English folks. Like for video Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

That's a great idea!

[@syedhussain3857]

You are just awesome!! I have been a wildlife enthusiast and photographer for 30 years now. I learn something new in every video of your. Keep going. Thank You for such videos

[@freddieshermanpuff]

I love the info on getting eye level with the birds. Even though I have a hard time getting back up when I get down, I will be more conscious of this as I see how much more intimate it makes shot appear.

[@peterzwik1128]

Thank you, your tips are very helpfull. A viewer from the Netherlands. 🇳🇱

[@Twobarpsi]

Cloudy days are the best!!

[@simon_dentremont]

It’s certainly easier when nit worrying abiut the direction of light.

[@mattjurcak9028]

Great advice! I was shooting mostly landscape, but I like the challenge of photographing birds.

[@jeffandtammyharris7988]

Great tips, we appreciate the time it takes for creating this. Your awesome

[@simon_dentremont]

I appreciate that, cause it does indeed take time! I’m new to this video thing…

[@joshhart4931]

Sounds like taking my metal detector would be a good way to kill time throughout mid day when the sun is too bright. Thanks for the tips! I'm just getting into photography at 37yo so have a lot to learn.

[@BrettOssman]

I also leave my camera on AI Servo (continuous focus). I use back button focus. Shooting a still subject, focus and release. For moving subjects, hold the back button for continuous focus. One less setting to ever worry about.

[@simon_dentremont]

Agree!

[@stephanherbertantrobus3574]

I love your videos, if I ever take on my photography journey, I will remember to give you a shout out. I am really learning something here. Thank you sir.

[@raygiemza3690]

For someone just getting started in bird photography, your videos are invaluable. I'm fortunate to be able to spend some time at eastern coastal areas from time to time. And yes, I really enjoy the shorebirds. On my next outing, I'll be sure to check the tide tables in addition to watching my shooting time. Thanks so much for shring your experience and excellent advice.

[@NeoDon1]

Great Tips I will try to employ them on my next bird outting, thank you.

[@DonalMcDonnell]

Great tutorial, thanks.

[@OldForestBushcraft]

Thank you so so much for your fantastic content! Has been so helpful, for me as an novice in nature photography! Cheers from the village of Fiskars, Finland!

[@saxongames895]

Thank you for this, the tips in the first 10 minutes alone on behaviour from all your experience are incredible.

[@gunnarmalmstrom59]

I Just love the tips from you Simon! Your explenasjon just slitsomt me perfekt. Talking clear an slow. Tanks a lot 😊

[@noam054]

Thank you very much.....❤From Israel

[@marutialtolxi]

Timing you advised we have to follow in India.And thank you always for your inputs

[@ErwinChung]

Thanks for another great video, Simon! I enjoyed the first part about having a game plan. I would love to watch a video or more on how you use your different apps to achieve this goal, please 🙏

[@simon_dentremont]

Noted!

[@ErwinChung]

❤️

[@lindenwatson846]

Eagles are very difficult to photo, their eyesight is incredible! In Australia they like ride the thermals when it is hot! In Australia you take precaution in summer to protect yourself from snakes, if you are stomping acr paddocks or around streams or waterways and swampy places wear heavy boot thick socks long pants and gaiters. So early morning before it warms up too much is good. Some folks like snakes I din't lol!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow. Glad I dont need to deal with that!

[@farrukhahmed1984]

Thanks Simon. You are a natural teacher. Your videos are straight to the point and so fluent that we keep on listening. Learning a lot from you.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@junyoo4796]

Thank you for such a great educational video. I have learned a lot as always.

[@simon_dentremont]

So glad!

[@ksnmurthy4476]

A stunning information Simon.you are a great and gifted teacher.

[@DanRiegler]

Excellent and invaluable advice. Thank you!!

[@1marcelfilms]

If the photo is sharp, then im happy already

[@deedariussams1381]

Very well done, Simon! I'm just learning to take bird photos and all of your videos have been extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@thegreeklife2854]

Unbelievable incredible information on shooting wildlife, 10 mins watching you learned more than a year of other videos well done Simon well done

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@simon_dentremont]

Hey greek, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?

[@thegreeklife2854]

@@simon_dentremont 100% use it , it’s the truth

[@verken1studios]

Thanks Simon, as always your videos are great and very helpful!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@yo4695]

Muy buenos consejos, gracias 😊

[@echoauxgen]

Great info and Share! People should notice his lens has camo skins, white will scare the birds in flight! Very important also to wear Camo clothing but if out doing big critters Blaze orange is fine due to deer, moose, elk etc. are color blind and have yellow vision where orange is invisible, besides to get great horns it will be hunting times, I have found with desert camo even elk will walk right by you and people will not see you also I will use blaze orange ghillie suit, and remember people are color blind also so some bright green and blues the reason also for police blue lights not red. And wash all clothing with hunter no glow detergent without brighteners. I use a heavy duty binocular harness and attach the lens and leave the foot free to attach to tripod, if on a walkabout the camera is on your chest and you become the tripod but remember to turn on and off OSS/IS/IBIS when on the tripod

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for sharing.

[@jimmybarry6254]

Some very good information spoken very well. Nice to see and hear a video done with some class.

[@Mickoelele-nm9yj]

I love your bird photos!

[@drsvk1004]

Excellent Teacher with great clarity.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@robinbregman7540]

As always, love your videos! For me, the best tip in this video is to shoot on cloudy days, early morning, or later in the day. I always thought that shooting on a sunny day would allow for the most colors to come through. Now I know differently.

[@sheltersteve]

Great video as always. Thanks for mentioning eBird, one of the best birding sites whether you're a photographer or just out for birding. It can help you plan but looking at the sightings of others can also help you identify what you've seen. You can even set alerts so the site will notify you when rare birds are spotted in your area.

[@simon_dentremont]

Couldn't agree more!

[@stephensang2588]

Thank you for the tips

[@TheZGALa]

Great tips. Thanks, SImon. I appreciate your pacing. I always learn a lot in your videos. I am excited to keep learning, though I am starting with much less impressive equipment.

[@a.j.m8736]

Thanks Simon!

[@shaolin1derpalm]

I'm still in the "record shot" stage of my hobby lol. I am not quite ready to care about background. I'm sure I will, but I never picked up a camera until I started watching birds.

[@SolamenteVees]

Great stuff, Simon. None of these have to do with buying better gear, which is a trap a lot of us easily fall into. (I've been shooting with the same lens for three years)

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@kristalchin1943]

This video is the best of the best of wildlife photography tips out there. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and knowledges.

[@simon_dentremont]

Kristal I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?

[@kristalchin1943]

@@simon_dentremont Yes, please.

[@jasonjmp]

Just found your channel and this is some of the best photo content I’ve found in a long time! Great tips, thank you so much for the care you have taken in presenting it.

[@markkutyni3337]

Thank you. Your videos must be enjoyable to watch.😀 Greetings from Finland

[@simon_dentremont]

So nice of you

[@jorriejordaan9954]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

You are welcome!

[@unclejoe3397]

Your explanation and examples of the importance of eye level position suddenly clicked with me like never before. I looked through my memory chip and saw the difference between looking down vs eye level. That tip will help me in the future. As a beginner I am still working on keeping my aim steady, especially after climbing up and down hills in the woods. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome! As for steady, check out my video on sharper bird pics. a few tips in there.

[@bradkerr2798]

Simon's other video he directed you to is great. For the woods hiking, if possible before taking the photo, give yourself a few moments of calm deep breathing, this will relax your body and bring your heart-rate down. Also key is timing the shutter with your breath, heartrate and natural body tremors; get to know yourself and how you move, learn to predict it. There's a lot of detail and techniques available about this topic focused on biathlon (ski and rifle) athletes, and competition gun target shooters.

[@garyloveless3562]

Thank you Simon, your videos are so very helpful with quick to the point information that I know will help me to be a better photographer.

[@bigmartin]

I pretty much do the same with all my running events

[@edselharrison]

Excellent training video. Thank you so much, Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Very welcome

[@bienveqe]

Oh man ! Pienso he conetido uno que otro error de los que indica, y creo de manera inconsciente, estaré mucho más atento a esos detalles para mejorar la calidad de mis imagenes, nuevamente gracias por compartir sus conocimientos, envío un gran abrazo y saludos, desde mi bella Panamá en Latinoamérica.

[@dgirard1066]

Merci Simon pour cet excellent vidéo, l'un des plus complet et des mieux réalisé sur ce sujet.

[@simon_dentremont]

De rien!

[@BuildingByFaith]

Great tips. I look forward to trying them out.

[@Kellysher]

Simon, I watch all your videos. I love that this one is in the field. I learn more by seeing you in action. I love to shoot early morning, but my RF 100-500 7.1 struggles in lowlight. Forget about adding the 1.4 tc. I’ve learned so much from your content. How about a birds in flight video for those of us without the big primes? Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

Noted!

[@generallee5609]

Thank you!! All your tips and help is greatly appreciated. I do know better and have been a lazy bird photographer. I need to step up my game and not settle for pictures that have a blow out because the rest of the picture is great. The overall picture with the white blown out makes it mediocre. Or. I need to quit standing and get lower. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@Chris-Brown-]

I take wildlife pictures secondary to hiking in a group so I can't plan much and cant avoid hard light I got the settings worked out Background and positioning I have noticed makes a difference which I can work a bit on

[@simon_dentremont]

Righto! Getting them in the shade will help.

[@Chris-Brown-]

@@simon_dentremont I spend more time and get left behind when I find something in more favorable conditions

[@karlakennedy8855]

love your informative videos! Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@Santamike212]

Thank you

[@rustystuff]

Great video as usual, thank you. Also love the music you use, it’s extremely calming 😊

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you! 😊

[@debrapeasley2606]

Thanks for the excellent tips. I see how helpful shooting at eye level can be and will try that more often.

[@simon_dentremont]

Great!

[@catherinetremerryn]

Tremendous tips - will do. Thx

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbarac9369]

Love your passion.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@pierrelaviolette670]

Very useful, I have 30 hours in the field and this taught me a bunch of things I didn’t know, so thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

Great!

[@MeandmyShadow333]

Another Great and Informative video! I love that you are willing to share your knowledge. Not all great photographers are so generous. This video helped me know not only what I might be doing wrong, but also what I am doing correctly. Thank you.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent, and Welcome!

[@simon_dentremont]

Diana, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?

[@MeandmyShadow333]

@@simon_dentremont Yes, you certainly may!

[@tarjeijensen7237]

I prefer to use Aperture priority, so I am setting the ISO so that I get the best shutter speed to freeze action. I would prefere to change the Auto ISO lowest ISO to around ISO2000. The advice from Simon can be used "straight out of the box".

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for sharing!

[@davidhorning3692]

Love your videos, I have been watching them all day. I just purchased a 150-600 mm lens to replace my 400 mm and I am trying to shoot more birds and your information hes been inspiring. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, it is very much appreciated.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@davidhorning3692]

@@simon_dentremont Wow! My wife and I (Hobbyist Photographers) have been shooting deer daily for over a month and I used some of your High ISO tips and I have cleaner images than ever before! Shooting an old 6D and shot some at 12,500 ISO tonight and they look better than the ISO 6400 I had been shooting. You have a dedicated follower.

[@jeffolson4731]

I have only 2 dials. I use one for shutter speed and the other for exposure compensation. Like you, I don’t change my aperture while shooting and I found that it was faster for me to keep auto ISO but have quick access to exposure compensation when the camera picked the wrong exposure do to either a light or dark background. Great video and tips.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent. thats thé setup I used for a long time.

[@davearchbell9921]

Great ideas. Of late I have been chasing birds for an ebird target and not focused on photography that will change soon. My biggest challenge is trying to focus on small birds in the leaves and branches.

[@simon_dentremont]

That san indeed be a challenge. Using a Single focus point is important, and the new eye-detect on some cameras is very helpful there v

[@LiamGandelsman]

Phenomenal tips, thank you!

[@_Creaux]

thanks again for a great video, Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Elliot!