Wildlife Photography Presentation - Best Techniques

[@backcountrygallery]

Have nature and wildlife photography questions? Check out the BCG Forums! Ask and answer gear and technique questions questions, post photos and more. Check it out and sign up today! bcgforums.com/index.php Bonus - I also post exclusive tips, tricks, and techniques to the forum you can't get anywhere else! Check it out!

[@oBradda]

Around 1:35:00 you mention again good reasons for using Manual Mode with auto ISO, I don't understand why you wouldn't use Shutter Priority with auto ISO (on a user profile if possible), they're functionally the same until you bottom out your ISO and then you have the automatic aperture headroom (for when you happen to be running a lower shutter in low light and forgot to change it when the light increases) Nikon defaults to the lowest ISO before it closes the aperture so unless you're regularly wanting less than fully open aperture it's not worth fiddling with? Thanks for the wealth of information on this video and your many others!

[@backcountrygallery]

@@oBradda The problem with shutter priority is that if my shutter speed isn't high enough, I end up with shots at F/8 or F/11 (or worse) if I'm not paying attention - or when tracking an animal and it gets into brighter light. On the other side of it, I don't always want the lens wide open - which is what happens when the camera is dipping into ISO - even if it's only ISO 200. M + Auto ISO allows me 100% control over F/stop and shutter speed at all times. The camera can't touch them and I can set exactly what I want. :)

[@oBradda]

@@backcountrygallery Thanks for the insight. I definitely see the need when you want a select aperture! In the situation where the camera would have over-exposed (slow shutter setting and minimum ISO) would you rely on 'blinkies' to remind you to up your shutter speed as light changes? Or is that just poor planning and you've missed the shot? I think personally I don't run into these problems often as I don't have fast enough glass to be worried about running out of low end ISO! Though if I did it's probably similar to the highest ISO setting decision. I'd rather have an f11 shot of a unicorn than over an over-exposed, washed out one, but that's just my preference.

[@backcountrygallery]

@@oBradda The reality, at least for me, is that I usually don't run into that scenario. Most of the time, I'm using long glass and I'm always trying to bump my shutter speed when possible. The real trick is the other way - running out of ISO. That's where you have to keep an eye on things to make sure you're not hitting whatever you have set as the maximum ISO.

[@oBradda]

@@backcountrygallery Running out of ISO is definitely the more common problem! Thanks again for the replies, every bit of reasoning from people like you who have been doing this for years helps those of us who are beginners!

[@n1k1george]

Only Steve Perry can keep me glued to the screen for 2.5 hours watching a KZbin video!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@kennypringle4580]

I follow quite a few photogs, Steve in amongst the top. I think that myself being brand new to his forum he should fly me out to his place and take me on a 4 day wildlife shoot. After all we’re kinda like friends now, ...... kinda🥴🤷🏻‍♂️

[@krpiotr]

Great and very inspiring presentation. Thank you :)

[@arupdutta7821]

Totally agree

[@hermansurkis9229]

Getting down to eye level is easy. Getting back up is a whole other discussion.

[@backcountrygallery]

LOL, I've heard that a time or two (and experienced once or twice)!

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Just take a nap then try again !!👍

[@TomReichner]

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying. Most of the time I see an animal I want to photograph, I find the right position and plop down in a prone position (provided the vegetation is low enough to allow for a clean los-angle image). When it is time to move, getting back up is easy. So easy that I don't even think about it. If you have a difficult time getting up off the ground, then you may have some physical maladies that you should probably get checked out. For a normal, healthy person, getting up from a prone position is not difficult at all.

[@alanwood5590]

Herman Surkis it's where a tripod comes in really handy - you can use it to climb back up again!

[@TomReichner]

Real wildlife photographers hike miles each day in steep terrain, wade across fast moving creeks and swamps that want to suck your boots off, push their way through impossibly thick vegetation, and do all of this carrying 20 to 30 pounds of gear. How could someone who does all of that on a daily basis have trouble getting up from a prone position? Seriously?

[@generaltso9402]

This is the best and most comprehensive bird/wildlife photography video I've found on youtube.

[@nealeblackburn6019]

Consistently one of the most watchable and relatable and accessible experts in his field. Not only does he know his stuff but he communicates it brilliantly.

[@Marco_Wildlife]

2.5hours of Steve Perry being Steve Perry, feels like Christmas day. Awsome

[@dr.normanklack9111]

I have watched this video a few times and make a point to come back to it at least twice a year as a reminder of the fundamentals of wildlife photography since I'm only able to get out once or twice a week. Thank you Steve for posting this and all the work you put into your videos and books from your website.

[@doderiolarkisso4038]

This man is an international treasure. I learned so much about my D750 that i never even heard of before, and can now use it to my advantage. Thanks Steve!

[@ethanboggio3314]

Im watching this over and over again while I'm in the woodshop. Steve is not one of the best. HE is the best!

[@robwasnj]

At the time of watching I see there are 49,877 more enlightened photographers. This is a good watch even for those with experience and even though I was aware of 90% of what was covered it doesn't hurt to have it reinforced, sometimes I think we all forget. I will mention for anyone that reads my comment the focus portion of the video was specific to Nikon cameras and while most of it holds true across brand some of the things are definitely different when using Sony mirrorless systems. A big one is how on a DSLR the lens opens up for focus on each exposure whereas depending on your settings and focus mode (AFS vs AFC) it will open to varying degrees on mirrorless. Another biggie is animal eye AF which is way more viable than I would have ever imagined. Anyways, excellent presentation, those that are lucky enough to find it will take the fast lane to learning many things I found out from trial and error in the field. One of the best tips in here is get out to your local park and shoot all the time, practice practice practice! Gulls and common birds can really be your friend when you're learning so when the rare star of the show comes along you don't blow the shot.

[@dychui]

I watch this multiple times a year - thank you so much for sharing these invaluable tips !

[@Wklambert]

Oh man.... A fair amount of these photos were taken, within an hour of where I live. Some are literally in my back yard! I shoot at these exact same locations, over and over again. Talk about inspiration... Thank you for this material!!!

[@nopnop5920]

Wow. This video was EPIC. Thank you! I’m a non-photographer who is going on a safari in South Africa. So I purchased a DSLR and started learning how to make the most of the trip photo-wise. This was by far the best video. Before watching this, I went out for a walk with my cat and practiced taking pictures of him. Most were blurry. Now that I watched the video, I understand why and how to fix. I’ll go out now and see if I can do better with all this knowledge. Thank you! I’ll definitely buy one of your books.

[@Chilton3D]

I’m the process of watching this and I think it’s absolutely fantastic that you’ve put all of this video on KZbin! Many youtubers show the first 10mins then lock the rest on there website for a payment. Fantastic! Keep this up!!! 👍🏼

[@leroy5007]

Out of all the videos I've watched in 2019 this has by far been the best. Outstanding presentation and information, you're awesome.

[@marcusslade9804]

Thanks for making this available, Steve. Set the laptop up on the kitchen counter, got some Christmas baking done and thoroughly enjoyed this...and my wife says I can’t multi-task 😜

[@truckingpix]

thank you, I will definitely be watching this video several times!!!

[@nethbt]

His principles apply to all genre of photography as well! Especially in sports and candid/ photojournalistic style. But I guess with these newer mirrorless bodies, you could discard some of his lessons lol...Very good video

[@wildlifesnapper1]

Comprehensive and produced by someone who knows his wildlife and how to capture it :-)

[@joakimolsson1024]

Best, most complete guide i have seen to date. I just hope not too many other folks sees this guide making my shots look more average ;)

[@TaiwanisMoving]

I think loving your subjects also is the driving force that gets you out of the house and capturing them. It's what gives you the willpower and patience to wait for that perfect shot, by sitting in the dirt or the rain or jumping trekking through the forest or jungle.

[@tammyfoular3073]

After watching this video I tried a lot of your tips. It has helped me so much. It completely changed my whole approach. Thank you. I will not only be following you from now on but I will also recommend you to my brother who is also a photographer and anyone else who will listen. Thanks again.

[@glennmiller2103]

So glad I watched that! I now have no excuse for not getting at least 1 good keeper but probably more on a more regular basis.

[@brianminkc]

Just wanted to tell you your my favorite wild life photog. Learned back button focus from you too. Your up there in my list of talented shooters. In the top 5. Jerry Ghionis is my fav, but your up there

[@drewherbi]

easily the best wildlife shooting tip video i have ever seen

[@tonyhidalgo3939]

Love your presentation, I'm from 🇨🇷, living in 🇧🇷. Congratulations 👏.

[@phototaker121]

Steve, I have tried to watch many other's presentations...got bored. Not with this one! I had to pause it several times, go teach a class or two then come back watch more. You really kept my attention. I'm on my third time watching it!! So much great information.

[@backcountrygallery]

Wow - thanks so much for the kind words! I was worried it was a little boring and your comment really made my day - thank you!

[@slowfinger2]

This is gold. Thanks Steve. Like you I had a Pentax ME Super and a Pentax MX. Great compact cameras. I had a Vivitar 200mm lens. Used that from 1979 to 2001, at which time I got divorced. Never took another picture until 2007 when a friend asked if I wanted his Nikon D50, so he could get the D3. That was my foray into digital. Now shooting with D500.

[@captandy34449]

Great video Steve. I did not think I would watch the whole video in one sitting but once I started I could not put it down. Outstanding as always. Thank you.

[@davewomack2216]

I made myself watch the presentation in one sitting. Yes it's long, but I'm retired and stayed up late to do it so I could try some of his techniques the next day. fun stuff that works.

[@martinjn2920]

Well it's now January 2023 and I've just sat through this video, and after watching all that I can say is that what was said then is so so relevant today, it was brilliant. In reality nothing has really changed in the intervening years since this video was first broadcast , sure Technology has come on a bit but the images that were shown were created with what are now yesterday's cameras and for many of us yesterday's camera is the one we will use today and most probably tomorrow. This has been one of the most enlightening videos I've watched, so much great information to take in and absorb, I have been using auto ISO for a few months and not really understanding it but now I get it, BBF in AFC, focus on subject take thumb off, recompose then hit the shutter without hitting the AF-On button, logical, simple and straightforward so why didn't I think of it? This video has been a bit of a dot to dot process, yes I knew a lot of what was said but somehow Mr Perry managed to show me how these dots can be joined up to create a process that really works and will give results if you practice. Thanks Steve for this, I learnt loads, much appreciated.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you so much!

[@CultureAgent]

Thanks Steve and all who cleared it for us to see. This is a bit of a festive prezzie.

[@melbies]

I just started watching..... was there a dress code for your presentation? No hair allowed? :)

[@JDLVHIGHROLLER]

LMAO

[@deadtothewxrld]

🤣🤣🤣

[@robwasnj]

HAHA, before even seeing this I took a screen cap and sent it to a friend as a joke saying " I have too much hair to be a professional wildlife photographer".

[@melbies]

@@robwasnj haha nice one!

[@thethreeislands]

Well retired people have the most time, so a lot of people take up wildlife photography around retirement age

[@ilovephotography1254]

Steve, thanks for the countless hours of knowledge that you have shared. I feel that your photography is an inspiration not only to those who are photographers, but those who appreciate nature and wildlife. One comment I wish to add, you had mentioned early in you presentation that you had received a bit of criticism for you auto mods. You truly are an Artist. Art is a form of expression. An artist should pic the tools that he/she they are comfortable using. I don't care if the choices are to finger paint or fine art brushes. It's the expression that counts. Additionally, those who are critical most likely haven't journeyed to the back country in the pre dawn hours, threw the snow in minus freezing conditions. Best Regards

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks for the kind words :) And I agree with what you say about using the tools to get the job done. It's important to know how it all works / thinks, but there are times auto gets you there faster :)

[@boatman222345]

Excellent video! Having purchased all of Steve's incredibly useful eBooks and having watched all his videos I'd been exposed to all of the material covered already but I found having it all together in one video really helped. Anyone out there who hasn't already tried back button focus should give it a try! It has literally revolutionized my wildlife photography and greatly increased my keep rate.

[@kacpermichno]

Mr Perry. Your photographs are beautiful and the fact that you shared all this experience and knowledge so selflessly is something truly wonderful. Thank you so much.

[@805atnorafertsera6]

The number one reason I subscribe to you is that you're not a babbler or arm chair photographer, great 150 minutes. And BTW - like your friend I get constantly sharp shots at 1/30 handholding my 500 pf 😉🎀🙏

[@juliawintermoyer8418]

Tons of great information, the longer I watched the better it got. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@seemyworld1]

Great job. Loved the split screens to show us a good version of the photos. Thanks for putting this on youtube for free.

[@DrSarahS]

Thank you for your generosity in sharing this. Incredibly helpful!

[@antonoat]

Great video Steve. I've been shooting wildlife with Nikon for 30+years and I absolutely concur with the advice you've given here. A great free gift for those wanting to shoot wildlife!

[@SenJacob]

Thanks for sharing the best comprehensive tips presentation!

[@frankstark3036]

The second half is awesome chock full of actual useful info

[@bobstringer9809]

Excellent video ! 👍 I learned quite a bit by watching this two hour long video -- thank you, Steve Perry ! I like wildlife photography as a hobby. I've watched many great wildlife photographers (like Steve) here on KZbin. I live in the city so, my wildlife selection is limited. I enjoy photographing people and animals As a new stills-photographer, I purchased a camera that forces one to quickly become a fairly good photographer because this camera has a small one inch sensor which means that you are limited to very low ISO setting's due to image noise. Many professional photographers love this camera for it's versatility and it's amazing capabilities. Make no mistake, this camera can't capture images as nice as a full frame camera but, none the less, it can capture images with amazing sharpness and with amazing bokeh with its built-in 24-600mm F2.8-F4 T-Star lens. I'm talking about the $1800 Sony RX10 Mark IV (RX10M04) bridge camera. It's essentially a baby Sony A9 with a one inch sensor. ISO 64-25600 (usable 64-6400). At time of release, it had the world's fastest autofocus system and it has an incredible 24 frames per second at 20.1 megapixels. www.kenrockwell.com/sony/rx10-iv.htm

[@GPNed]

We enjoyed it. "We" because I linked my laptop to the TV and watched it in the living room. My teenage sons put their cellphones away and watched your master class! ..... Unfotunally there are now bears to take a photograph of in NW Europe .....

[@backcountrygallery]

Wow - that's awesome! My teenager won't sit through anything I do - I suppose he hears too much from me as it is LOL!

[@EdwardKilner]

Well worth the time to watch this video. Excellent tips with very enjoyable example images.

[@arnebischoff6732]

Thank you for sharing, Steve! I couldn't agree more with your No. 1.

[@photoinshot1355]

Wow and thanks, a master class in photography and for free! I used to enjoy getting out and the experience of photography but now with a little practice based on your teaching I might enjoy reviewing the results just as much. Thanks again.

[@MrShiffard]

Tons of really clear and concise information Steve. Thank you.

[@randybocksnick3750]

STEVE- I've heard a lot of this before- But I stuck it out for 2:27 mins! Your the Best STEVE. Randy B.

[@chriscorbin9565]

Totally agree with manual +auto iso. Just about the only way i shoot. Glad you told people it's not a 'set & forget' mode 👍

[@devinray]

Excellent work Mr Steve Perry!!!! I learned so much more. A pleasure from start to finish. Keep up the amazing work. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@DHAGMANN2]

One of the best presentations on wildlife photography! Many thanks Steve for sharing your experiences with us.

[@DHAGMANN2]

I bought all of your e-books and enjoy reading your experiences. Great work!!!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you so much!!

[@michaelingledew]

I’ve watch loads of videos trying to find the best approach for sharp, quality wildlife shots. This is the best presentation I have seen and backed up by solid examples by someone who knows what he’s talking about. Going to give your suggestions a whirl this weekend!! Thanks for sharing and I’m only a little jealous about some of the amazing images you have captured.

[@EricHarmon67]

Cool! For those of us who don't care to brave the horrible Chicago weather :-) Thank you so much, Steve - something for me to sit back and watch tomorrow with a big ol' bowl of popcorn :-)

[@uaebifvideo5472]

You've put a lot of work in this lecture, one of the best ,if not the best ever seen !!thank you,Steve !!👍👍👍🌷🌷🌷

[@ridealongwithrandy]

I know this is an old vid, and I'm making a comment ... I let this run while charging batteries for many cams and prepping other stuff, and I listened to sort of get my head in the game for tomorrow's shoot in the mountains. Cheers!

[@chrishayes5186]

After reading your three books and almost all of your content over the past couple of years i was wondering if i could make it through 2 1/2 hours of video. Well i made it, and i enjoyed it as much as i did the books. I don't know anyone who could have made me do that. You are not a classic lecturer, but that's why i enjoy your products so much. It's all that "Steve Perryness" that makes it work for me. I take pictures differently than i did before i found your work, i think so much about what i am about to do, rather than just taking the shot. A small donation is on its way to your site. Thanks again for all the sharing of your knowledge.

[@joanneabramson2645]

This is an excellent video. I have all three of the Steve Perry books mentioned. It was great to see a long presentation with his techniques and photos. I wish the auditorium camera had been set up higher. I did not need to see the audience, rather his photos.

[@patyeaman]

A wonderful presentation, thank you. But I want to add that so much of what you said about photographing wildlife is absolutely applicable to making photos of children. So helpful.

[@odarrien]

Excellent presentation. Will be coming back to this a few times.

[@johnfuqua1143]

Thank you Mr. Perry enjoyed the presentation very much , needed every minute of it. John

[@eesuuorundide]

great comparison! thank you for sharing this information with us.

[@JDLVHIGHROLLER]

I can hear you and Rose “Watch your BACKGROUND” every time I am out shooting!!

[@wibraindoc]

This was amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I had to giggle--it seemed like every person in the audience was a bald man. I guess I'm in good company.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Excellent, excellent, video!! Thank you for putting this up.

[@randyyaple7534]

Thanks for such a great Presentation Enjoyed it very much Happy shooting

[@VioAdri83]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful seminar. A ton of useful info, very enjoyable to listen to. Very well done and thanks for sharing! Greetings from Hamburg.

[@maestroecarlate1888]

This completely changed my understanding of how camera settings work. In college, while I had a photography class during my 3D animation and image synthesis program, we were told strict rules about camera settings like the one to never use the AF mode. My 3 year-confusion is clearer now thanks to your teaching ! The knowledge you have on this subject is unbelievably easy to understand, concise and fun to watch 😁 The idea of having a higher shutter speed really surprised me, I can’t wait to try it next time I go out ! 😉

[@fjzingo]

Great lecture with tips and tricks.

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

Great video Steve. I really liked the comment about spending time with the subject. I see many photographers who come, get a few shots and leave. Some are doing it because they're afraid to disturb the bird or animal and some do it to checkmark off their lifer list. I'm not judging either way. I personally simply love the outdoors and enjoy watching all sorts of animals and birds. You never know what they're going to do. For example, I once watched a whitetail fawn dodge, deke and run around 2 hen turkeys who simply stood there wondering what the wee one was doing. No photographs as it was just a little too far and I didn't want to move closer, but a very cool moment I've not forgotten.

[@jonerikrolf2029]

A very excellent and thorough presentation! Your illustrative image examples are very beautiful too. I have been using most all of your recommended techniques in my wildlife photography. As an Olympus OMD M1 II user, I was very pleased that their latest firmware update enabled exposure compensation with auto ISO in full manual mode. It was a game changer to be able to tweak the EV+/- with floating ISO. Given the Olympus electronic viewfinder, center-weighted exposure works well for me as I see what I will get (including the blinkies) before taking the shot. Another benefit to single point AF with Olympus is that all 151 focus points are cross-type. Finally, I also don’t worry much about putting the focus point exactly on the eye given the 2x DOF advantage of m43 lenses. There is satisfaction in knowing that most of the bird/critter will be in sharp focus while still getting good separation from the background at 600, 840 and even 1200mm.

[@TheDeanoSupremo]

Great job, Steve! I already own both of your ebooks, but this video provides a great overview of the subject matter. To those who enjoyed this video you will be engrossed by the in-depth information presented in Steve's book. Highly recommended!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks!!

[@grlemond]

Brilliant presentation - thanks!

[@benomatography]

This is pure gold! Very nice presentation and great addition to your Ebook!

[@chrisangel625]

Loved the black and white picture

[@intelligentcomputing]

You're the best, Steve! Thank you for sharing this free of charge!

[@antonoat]

I like how you talk to people Steve, your explanations are precise and clear too. Fabulous presentation, I have to admit I knew most of the stuff you covered because I've been following you for some time and I've put your theories into practice and they just plain and simple work!

[@mickmckean7378]

Awesome presentation Steve, great tips and I really like how well you get your message across.

[@davewomack2216]

Great presentation Steve. Learned a lot from it.

[@johnsamuelmcelroy]

A most excellent video! It took me 3 days to get through it but it was well worth it. I shared the link to it with a friend and hope she gets as much out of it as I did.

[@rachelg7371]

That was amazing! Felt like I was in the audience, and I didn’t even have to travel. Thank you so much for this ! Going to look for your Instagram and podcast.

[@ZedExGaming]

You must be bald too

[@Bringisen]

Thank you. One of the greatest video of wildlife Photography I ever see. So many Great tips.

[@bryanlong4920]

Nigel, I have absolutely loved this series. It's been amazing watching uou go through so many different stages of emotions and relating them to my own photography. I'm now trying to work out a place in New Zealand to do a much shorter concept! I am guilty of rushing through locations. Thanks for the effort you put in!

[@longrider9551]

V releases like this are all proof of life at Nikon, it shows they aren't sitting back and relying on one big splash like the Z9.

[@snetyven]

Here I am just trying to get the subject sharp. I'll be back in 3-4 years to get the most of these tips! :)

[@merkin22]

Your content, Steve, is so great. I watched this after reading a few of your books, and then hearing what I learned from you (in your engaging and clarity rich style) just cemented so much of what I'd already been taught in your writing and reinforced my in field attempts to put it into practice. And it was free! Thanks. Love your work -- photos AND teaching!

[@abinregy229]

This taught me whole new thing ❤❤.. Thanku so much

[@aussie8114]

Thanks for sharing this Steve.

[@turnerx5]

New Podcast is terrific!

[@jibsj2100]

I saw the whole video in one stretch. Lot of very useful tips and trick. As usual you are the best to learn from. I also watch other famous photography channels and those are just for pure entertainment purposes, but your channel is very genuine and educational. Keep up all the good work.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you!

[@nigammachchhar7494]

Thanks Steve, as always good THE GOOD ONE!!!

[@hassanscottodierno9284]

Thanks for putting this online, it is very helpful. I am just starting out, and it is really just a hobby for me. The wildest things I have taken pictures of so far are my cats hehehe, though I do go on business trips to Kenya and look forward to putting your ideas to practice there. It's interesting how different photographers have such different passions - wildlife, landscape, portraits... What I find interesting is that you are much less worried about higher ISO than other types of photographers.

[@stevewidney627]

Excellent presentation, Steve! I'm a new fan!

[@ThisIsDavesGarage]

Thank you for uploading this. Great, free help! However, I disagree in being against crop sensor cameras. APSC are great because the crop factor allows you to get closer to the subject given the “same” lens. The D500 is a great camera because of this, combined with an excellent AF for sports and wildlife. Buck for buck $$ crop sensor gets you the reach. Of course, if you’re going pro and want to make big prints you need FF and higher MP.

[@gregorypeebles6527]

Excellent video! Thanks again for all that you do!

[@johnhouse787]

I love watching this guy out of a lot of the others that are also good. I'm into the Wildlife part of photography and love it, mostly birds of prey.

[@carleckhardt4701]

Very informative and helpful, thank you much.

[@Valfunction]

My first reaction is to at least crouch when I want to photograph an animal. Don't know why but it's just automatic. Even with tall animals I'll find myself crouching and then have to make the conscious decision to stand up. Great video. Watched it through once, now watching again and taking some written notes.

[@chrisroot7182]

Wow! Great presentation, learned something even though I have already watched your tutorials and read your e-books.! That 2.5 hours zipped by! Thanks Steve!

[@mikeroberts1281]

Fantastic video and presentation Steve. Had me glued to the screen for the entire time. Hmmmmm. I wonder what I can sell to upgrade to a D850 and an F4 lens? Oh well - still lots of techniques to get outside and practice.

[@thomas_tam]

Great great video for wildlife photography lesson. Many thanks!