DON'T QUIT ON YOURSELF. I WON'T.

[@simon_dentremont]

Apologies that I may not be able to answer questions right away! I’m off to Botswana to lead a photo safari. I’ll answer when I can! Check out my Instagram for pics! instagram.com/simon.dentremont?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&

[@FlatWaterFilms]

Journey of a lifetime.😊

[@chasegarman2151]

I really needed this. Thank you for the encouragement! Best of luck with the photo safari!

[@captainepoch]

Man... Simon talks to you like he's your father giving you proper advice to not stop doing this, and it's comforting. Thanks, Simon!

[@PS-oy9xr]

he actually resembles my father physically

[@AisleofHeaven]

He's our father in photography 😂

[@petermorgan197]

This isn't just a photography tutorial it a life lesson, thank you.

[@kristianvrum8979]

Yes, I agree, altough the lesson here is actually that it's perfectly OK to quit doing something when you don't like it anymore. Life's too short to keep trying to succeed in activities that you don't really enjoy anyway, and my advice is instead to move on and find something else that feels meaningful to YOU! PS: You can always sell your camera gear to someone who thinks he's going to become a professional wildlife photographer by watching KZbin 🙂

[@MichiMallu]

I won’t quit, taking photos for over two decades, still struggling, but I won’t quit, so long as masters like you are here to teach!

[@simon_dentremont]

Keep it up!

[@SERGI1974]

The most admirable thing about your channel is that not only we can learn a lot from your technical advices, but each of your videos makes those of us who don't have the same technical skills or professional photography equipment feel that these tips are for us and come from someone who values ​​and respects everyone's effort and passion for photography, regardless of their level.

[@simon_dentremont]

So nice of you

[@kaemootu7585]

@@simon_dentremont Honestly I also give you your flowers. Thank you.

[@kevinzhang6233]

Canon's been commenting on my posts recently and I've got to give a thank you to the man that started everything for me! Thank you so much Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@littleman787]

They are so much better than Nikon for that 🙄

[@kevinzhang6233]

@@littleman787 Yeah haha Canon is so awesome for that, I like to consider myself pretty lucky :)

[@adikaushik8222]

Civil servant, photographer, wildlife expert, traveller, classic watch wearer and now a guitarist ! Keep inspiring Simon...

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@infinitesky-59]

This happened to me 14 years ago and I stopped completely. Thankfully I came back a few months ago and thanks to you I am taking better photos and enjoying it more than ever. My only regret is the lost years that I can't get back and the career I wanted but never had the courage or confidence to make a reality. They flutter behind us, our possible pasts but I am going to make the most of the time ahead of me.

[@michaelyolch79]

Never look back. It’s done! Onward! Upward! 🚀

[@infinitesky-59]

@@michaelyolch79 Thanks, you are completely right. I have spent my whole life clinging to the past.

[@michaelyolch79]

@@infinitesky-59 Everyone does that to some degree…regrets, could have, should have, etc. It’s all a waste of time. Take what you LEARNED from the past and apply it to today and the future. But certainly, don’t LIVE in the past. Once we FULLY grasp the fact that we have no idea whether we have one day or 25 years left to live, we start to much more deeply appreciate the here and now. You are here for a REASON. Do whatever it is you’ve been called to do.

[@UltimateBowmanza]

This channel actually made me get up early and sit on my deck to take bird photos at the feeder. It was my first time taking "wildlife" photos that I never thought I would with my telephoto. I bought a wide angle lens and a 50mm for portraits after that and I'm just trying everything now. It doesn't take much to just get out and try something new.

[@nicedward7544]

The older I get the more I realize that getting better never ends. Some of my favorite photos I've taken are from 25+ years ago when I really didn't know what I was doing just trying weird stuff and exploring. As long as you know how to use your camera go out and shoot. It's therapy for me. Trying new stuff is always fun though. I've been using an empty fishtank lately to try weird stuff.

[@stevenrubin820]

I've been going through a three month rut in my Photography. Once I finished processing my Botswana images where I got one of my top five photos of my career I've just been in a terrible rut. Simone, thank you so much For this video is truly helping me. Here in the US the last six months has been rather rough and for some of us we're very concerned about the future. This affects our mental state and flows into everything we do, including our creative endeavors. Truly appreciate your very words of wisdom.

[@wildbillgreen]

Being bombarded on Instagram with stunning images can be discouraging. I think staying away from social media is a good thing. It’s funny, Mark Smith was a huge inspiration for me at first, then after a while I couldn’t follow him anymore because I felt trying to photograph the subjects that he was photographing was pointless. I had to give up trying to be as good as him and go out and just shoot for me. This is a great topic.

[@guhanandnimmagadda1608]

"Try to open up your mind sometimes, you'll be just fine" the intro itself has a lot of motivation to it. Thanks for this Simon, this was much needed for me currently. I've been following you for a long time now and you never fail to amaze me. Keep doing this good work. I would like to meet you when I visit Nova Scotia.

[@arnolttbromanskie9733]

Thanks for the encouragement and I must quote this: „We must strive to be more than we are. It does not matter that we will not reach our ultimate goal. The effort yields its own rewards“ - Commander Data, Star Trek TNG

[@reefwithmee]

Coming from decades of being a reef hobbyist, I think motivational downfall and being inspired once again is a commonality between all hobbies! Actually my Canon was me seeking inspiration for my hobby once again! Great video, sir! Done! ✅

[@linleyredford1354]

The glory of storage being so affordable in my camera is the freedom to be wrong enough times to be right. Hats off to the masters of film but I'm unfortunately not built that surgical. I'm determined to throw every lens I own into different situations as much as I can, it's merely making the space in my life to do so.

[@nateb9768]

I loved photography through high school. In 2019 I put the hobby on hold, life got in the way, I had to buckle down and earn a BA. Now I'm two months away from getting that degree. A few weeks ago I brought my 6D to an airshow. I pulled some beautiful photos. I was reminded how much I love airshows and photography.

[@labhusky3]

I 100% needed this video today. Been in a rut lately and not just for photography and this video will very likely get me off my butt to take some shots tomorrow. Thank you again Simon for an inspirational video that hits a little harder than expected!

[@aaronsmicrobes8992]

I haven't had as many chances for wildlife photography this year, but I've also built an astrophotography rig that has kept me busy. Its a lot easier to "get out" when I just have to set up in my backyard, and can do it whenever it's clear weather. My current goal is to capture images of every Messier object, and it is definitely something that has kept me motivated and excited.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Nice!

[@simon_dentremont]

I shoot astro too! Have an 8inch RASA. Good luck!

[@aaronsmicrobes8992]

@@simon_dentremont that's a pretty nice scope, I could really use it this weekend when I head to a multi night star party for the first time. I'm rocking a 4" refractor at 700mm and look forward to when I have both shorter and longer FL telescopes. Most galaxies are too small and many nebulae are too big with my fov, but I've been doing it for less than a year so I know I have a long time to acquire a collection.

[@Proximax9]

I had a long break in photographing, but getting a new camera really boosted my motivation. Now I aim to publish one photo each day on my instagram stories. It doesn't matter if they are always good... What matters is that I go out there and try. Today is day three... And all I have is a picture of our dog digging dirt... And that's okay.

[@LordWout]

Simon telling me to buy new gear is exactly the excuse I needed to hear.

[@araskoca8172]

The timing is insane, I just came into the house to edit the photos and as a beginner when I was out at a cloudy day (NL ' s usual weather) my goal was to take a picture of European Robin for the first time and my 40 minutes were just not being able to find the bird even tho I can hear it, then I was planning to return home but instead went to 5 street away and found a new spot that is more beautiful and took some crazy photos. So dont give up!

[@Antejolt]

10:00 I remember seeing a similar quote somewhere a few years ago that goes something like “People will still criticize you when you do nothing, so you might as well do whatever the f*** you want.” Can’t say that I’ve fully followed this mindset, but I really want to stop feeling so self-conscious when taking photos. I missed a bunch of potentially great shots due to that.

[@johnchedsey1306]

For me, my "crisis of confidence" is based on listening to a podcast featuring Nick Carver (who I think is just an outstanding photographer). He was talking about his early days of photography being all about landscapes and finding abandoned buildings...which is precisely what I've been doing for awhile. He called it "low hanging fruit" for photographers and he's not wrong. I mean, I visit a lot of national parks and scenic places and pass by abandoned buildings on my road trips, so I will always take those photos. But it really hit me I need to discover something new and more challenging. Just not 100% sure what it looks like yet.

[@pashow6486]

Motivation is a precious thing. Those who are consistently able to conjure it up from within should consider themselves fairly lucky, because sometimes mental health and disorders can cripple you into a state of catatonia that is simply impossible to break without professional help. I have ADHD and general anxiety. I got dragged along by life like an unmotivated tumbleweed for 20 years of my life before therapy/medication slowly, slowly started to set me on the right path (and there's still years of work left)

[@simon_dentremont]

You can do it!

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Oh man, I haven't hit a wall yet and sure hope I never do. I love photography, the more and more I practice. I've only been in the hobby for 7 years thus far and looking back, I swear the first 2-3 years didn't even count, I was so bad haha.

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Simon, thank you very much for your encouragement and advice, it makes a difference in my photography. Having a photo Buddy is a great idea, time will fly when someone's with you. An important point you made Simon that someone will always criticise your work. We put to much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. When I'm lacking in Motivation, i look at my old photos that i was proud of and then i say it's not my skills that need work, its my mood. Thanks Simon 😊

[@seaeagles6025]

Thanks Simon ☺️

[@h.bonetti]

I totally relate with the bonus tip. Whenever I leave home with my camera, it's a win. May not come back with any decent photo, but it's waaay better than the feeling of regret having stayed home and not even tried anything. Bravo, Simon!

[@Kongrisser]

Simon ordering us all to buy some new gear is exactly what I needed to hear today! 😅

[@simon_dentremont]

oops!

[@robertmccutchan5450]

".......you haven't earned the right for me to care about what you think." Exactly! Love it!

[@RedmilesShark]

A point to add to people criticizing your work: If they do not give any supportive critique what to do different/better or what you exactly did wrong. It's not worth to take into consideration regardless who it comes from.

[@grahamstretch6863]

I think that “👍” or “that’s nice” are as worthless as non constructive criticism, however most will get offended if you offer unsolicited constructive criticism! I have a small group of friends / photo buddies and we sit down once a week and discuss what we took on our last outing, offering constructive critique of various shots. As the organiser / leader of our little group I always start with my shots on screen and get them to critique me first.

[@RedmilesShark]

@@grahamstretch6863 I agree there 100%. "Nice" says nothing. And trying to make content to appeal to people and get more "Nice" in response is detrimental to your own development. Keep in mind that most users on social media that are (overly) active are beginners. Full professionals have little to no time to engage constantly with many other creators and their content.

[@Ed_Robson_1970]

The older I get, the less I know, or as per the Rod Stewart song, 'I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger' both spring to mind when you talk about Dunning Kruger.

[@LoriMuirhead]

I’m currently in that valley of despair, but thank to you and your videos I won’t give up on my goal to improve my photography skills in retirement. Thank you.

[@elainejerauld4044]

S-When we went on lockdown on March 12, 2020, I started to post a photo of a different plant from my garden daily for 365 days in a row. Major goal!! It helped my friends know that there would be a new photo the next day. Since then I have cut down on my posts and my time with my camera, but my gardening time has increased back to normal... So that return to normal is healthy. I may not post daily anymore, but I still have not missed a single Friday post since I started in 2020. That smaller goal keeps a camera in my hand, my eyes open in the garden, and the creative editing juices flowing. ❤E

[@cliveabbey5786]

What an amazing ambassador to photography you are, and in helping beginners to hopefully grow and become confident,well done Simon 👏 😊

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks so much!

[@sk1793]

Thanks simon that was great, i wanna say "Go do what you love! make sure it doesn't hurt others..."

[@DanaPushie]

Don't Quit! I'm in England for 10 days, moving location every two days, shooting subjects I've never tried before and most are crap. LOL. I'll take shots of my usual genre as well, but in new places. So much to learn. Thanks Simon you're always so encouraging. Cheers and safe journey.

[@dasaen]

My biggest demotivator was low light. Something that helped me was getting a good tripod, a good geared head, and just going out with one lens and one body. With this approach there is always something to frame, not too much to carry, and no problem with lighting. Being able to reliably do long exposures helped me a lot. Edit: When someone says high ISO doesn’t work, you know they don’t know how to properly expose a picture, meter their light, or use the right lens.

[@davidgommeren7283]

I often get that "Nah, too much effort to go out" feeling, luckily winter is approaching and that gives good light almost the entire (short) day, and you don't even have to get up early :) Going on a trip also helps. Visiting a new place, tasting new food, seeing new sights and experience a new culture. Just back from a 3 week visit of Eastern Canada - what a place! I managed to shoot thinks in a way I've never been able to before thanks to new insights, a new (more professional) camera and of course everything I learned from your videos and course. I'm not there yet but I have taken a significant leap this year.

[@S3mj0n]

My biggest motivation is going outside. I enjoy it way too much when im hiking and taking photos, even when I'm not good at it. Fun is a great motivator imo.

[@simon_dentremont]

Love that!

[@FlatWaterFilms]

Myself, I keep going back to the same locations. It's always different. Mostly It's about exploring, getting tons of exercise, experiencing the sounds, sights and smells of nature and going to some really cool locations. Recording my experience makes it so much more rewarding. I get edgy if not out doing this. I've hit the wall so to speak, as I've run out of 'cool spots'. After a good shoot, stopping for a coffee on the way home, my life feels complete and I'm at peace. I'm 71 now and the places I go, most people would look at me like I'm crazy. Yesterday and the day before were brilliant, the main issue for me is energy. I want to go all day. About 3hrs hiking with the R5 + battery pack and I'm toast. The weather has been stellar, so I'm out everyday possible. Life is grand. Planning on doing this for another 20 years. If I could only afford a RV, I'd hit the road. Also enjoy your videos Simon.

[@jetplane1989]

Thanks, man. This is solid advice for a noob like me. Barely a year into wildlife photography. I do the waking up early, hiking for hours, and bought expensive gear, but I am still struggling to find or get close enough to the critters i want to photograph. I do enjoy being in the outdoors and was the reason i got into photography.

[@simon_dentremont]

You can do it!

[@washingtonradio]

I find even an open ended project helps as it gives me something to fall back on for photo trip. Another I find helpful is to go out with others and shoot something I normally don't shoot.

[@living_wildlife]

Those are actually fantastic tips! I had a little project last week were I was focusing on getting my first kingfisher photos. It took a few days to find a good location that actually had kingfishers and then it took a few more days to get a picture of one. But that was the most fun I had photographing in a while! I gotta say, the pictures are whether sharp nor do they have any form of composition, but when I took a few photos I said to myself to just go home. I didn't go there to take perfect shots, I just wanted to photograph a kingfisher for the first time and that's what I did! If I were always as motivated as back then, I'd probably forget to eat and sleep!

[@Kellysher]

I absolutely love being out in the field to “see what there is to see” and photograph wildlife. What demotivates me is culling and processing the photos! My day job keeps me in front of the computer for 8 hrs, so adding sitting time drives me nuts. Can’t wait to retire in 2 years so the computer time doesn’t feel so demotivating! To me, there is nothing better than getting up in the dark to get to a good location, watch the sun come up and shoot. To quote Duade, Paton“ where else would you want to be”!

[@grahamstretch6863]

I thought that was Bruce from Drain Cleaning Australia! 🤔

[@skyannabanana]

simon , this is so helpful. i recently got into photography because i love capturing beautiful moments. about a month in , i felt hopeless & felt like i knew nothing & i felt like i can’t do it. but this video helps me so much. its everything i needed to hear. thank you so much.

[@Wildflowersandbackroads]

Been taking photos off and on my whole life with various cameras and phones. Now on my 3rd “good” camera and at 52 it has finally clicked (no pun intended) how to use all the bells and whistles. Thank you @Simon d’Entremont for putting these videos out in a way I finally understand. 😊

[@JasonLorette]

While I wish I got more attention on my work sometimes…and yes, I certainly have those lazy days…I’ll never quit shooting. Always learning and always growing. Enjoy Africa! 📸😎

[@brentthibault3467]

I often feel the ‘need’ to buy new gear much to my wife’s chagrin. One more thing to add to the list is watching your videos! Thanks for the motivation!

[@simon_dentremont]

Please do!

[@BrentODell]

I shoot almost entirely for the enjoyment of getting out and seeing things. I'm always hoping to see something new, but I don't mind that most of my pictures are of the same, few species because I still get shots that I haven't gotten before. Also, shooting with a friend has been a HUGE boost to me. I have a friend who loves abandonded buildings, old industrial areas, and things that are a lifetime away from wildlife and woods.

[@kidmohair8151]

don't quit. slow down if you need to. or stop for a while too, if the creative juices have stopped flowing. my creative life seems to have been happening in decades, more or less. from drawing, to music, to photos, to writing, to...who knows what's next? i have always come back to all of the above in time. and then moved onto the next when the muses moved me... and enjoyed each new iteration.

[@juanmm9297]

Whenever I lose motivation I watch one of your videos for wisdom

[@ScottMclaughlinJ]

You are fantastic! Ty for your teachings and motivation

[@Coempi73]

Yes! New camera is on the way!

[@Spacecow-q3e]

I bought a 300mm telephoto lens because i always thought that having one would be super useful for wildlife, as well as a unique perspective on subjects and whatnot. I realized quickly that i wasnt very good at it, and while my pictures where sharp and in focus, my composition and subject selection just never really hit the spot to myself. I tried astro photography because a friend said that this lens would be a great lens for it, and i absolutely love it. Sometimes, i've noticed, its not the lack of motivation or habit we have, that leads us to feeling stuck in a rot, it is the lack of something new and challenging to make use push yourselves in new directions we've never thought of before. If you where to ask me about half of the beginner/entry level techniques and photo composition and image capture methods in astro, i would have said a single long exposure and some lightroom curves should give you everything you need, but boy way i wrong!

[@JayShackleton-dv9tm]

I was thinking just yesterday that I was happier when I first started my photography journey, when I was naive about what I was doing, happier with the results even though they were technically not up to standard. I mainly photograph open events here in the UK. Steampunk, Whitby Goth. Years ago it was easier approaching people who seemed more approachable. I also became stuck at events shooting the same angles, same places and same people in some instances. This is perfect for me as I’ve definitely hit that wall you speak of.

[@DevanGoodwin]

Nova Scotian here who needed this video right now, so thanks. :)

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help neighbor

[@JoeMaranophotography]

The motivator for me was to decide to make money from the images. Wildlife is notoriously difficult for someone to do, master and make money from, the connections are where it's at! I've noticed however how much easier it is to make money from other areas of photography and that's what I have started doing. It helps fund the main hobby and makes me a better all round photographer.

[@yomismo1945]

My photography skills have been significantly improved, requiring minimal effort to process. So much so that on many occasions, I just need to resize. Thanks to tutorials from you and a few others.

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@rickneff_]

I shoot because I enjoy it, freezing those moments in time forever. Finding something interesting or not interesting to shoot. Whenever I have my camera in my hands, I just feel compelled to capture. I shoot for me. No one else, really. If I find it pleasing or interesting or beautiful, then that's all that matters to me. Focus on what you like, get excited to hold that camera. I appreciate your videos and your time. Thank you.

[@MurrayVader-xp8iv]

I don't have much problem with motivation anymore. God always shows me something special everyday. I don't always get a photo but just seeing it is exciting. I did get a new piece of gear in the spring which has given me more flexibility. I got a sigma 150-600 c. I have been having great fun with that. As far people liking my work is nice but more importantly I have to like it. My peoples choice picture is my strutting Robin. I like some of my other work better but that ok. My son thought I should show my work so I started Murray Vader Photography on KZbin. Great video Simon. Thank you.

[@martyd5819]

Coping with my EOL issues. But autumn is upon us,my favorite time of year. So there's still hope I will get outside and make some images.

[@razgrizXreborn]

Somewhere over the last year or so I started to think of your videos as "photography Dad" videos. Teaching me a bunch of concepts I knew of, but couldn't fully understand and putting them into a visual reference that started to make sense. Since then, I've gone back to school, invested in better lenses, picked up a sparkly new camera, and started to develop my own style. It's always going to be a learning process, but so long as there are people like you and content like your videos, I don't think I'll have nearly as much issues as I would have had on my own.

[@BHBrake]

Thank you Simon - you are true pro and always helpful. I've been a a bit discouraged lately and had to pull the plug on a photo trip halfway though the week and head home due to multiple factors. Doing the early morning hikes with a family and managing everything else is a true challenge, and sometimes what I come back home with is a letdown.

[@simon_dentremont]

You can do it!

[@johnpftd]

This kind of speech would propel a team to the Super Bowl. Thanks Simon for pushing us farther ! I knew you could do it…..

[@simon_dentremont]

Absolutely

[@namman03]

This video is perfect! Last weekend, I had just gotten to my location to shoot for the day, and I questioned myself on why I was I even there. I stuck with it for the day and got some photos from it.

[@Clownface1337]

I really enjoyed this hobby, taking pictures of birds and other animals, the "hunt" to take pictures without spooking them. I saved money to get a nice DSLR and a nice Sigma Zoom lens. I had it since the 15 of September and having a real good time, 2 days ago I fell into a creek because of little ditch in the ground (I wasn't hurt seriously) but my camera and lens fell into the water for around seconds. Both of them are now broken and I have to save money for another year or two (if possible i got my equipment when i was financially more stable)to get new equipment that good. Since then iam really unmotivated even consider to reinvest into new gear but I really had fun

[@simon_dentremont]

Oh dear!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I hope your trip has been amazing! I've been enjoying capturing the Milky Way and the bioluminescence along the northern California coastline, but now with both of those coming to their annual ends, I am enjoying other seasonal changes, like foliage, the comet, etc. Plus, landscapes lit by the moon, with the stars visible, have such a uniqueness to them! But I definitely have my favorite lens, my favorite body, my favorite setup, and I always go back to it! Thanks for all you do, Simon!

[@peteg330]

Some great tips there to inspire you to go out shooting. For the last 3 years I've been talking a photo, once per month, of a tree or old mill and if towards the end of the month I've not taken my camera out, this is a great excuse to get out there. Often my girlfriend will message, worried we've not got this months photo, and start planning a trip. Often while there, I see other photo opportunities like deer or autumn leaves etc. It's motivating.

[@ralphparish8760]

By far the best photography advice I have come across. Thank you Simon. First class presentations always on the button.

[@shanesheffer74]

This is the most personally impactful video you have made. It made me come up with a couple good ideas, and gave me so much inspiration and motivation I almost want to cry. You are truly a great mentor ❤️

[@simon_dentremont]

I'm so glad!

[@cinavik]

This is the way. Only way to get better is to get out and do it.

[@sophietucker1255]

One of the best pieces of advice/criticism I ever received was from an older lady that had no idea what I was trying to accomplish or maybe even doing but what she said for some reason rang true. So you can keep your shoes on but I now realize that just because you didn’t walk a mile in my shoes doesn’t mean you have no idea what I’m trying to do

[@DrPankajMalukar]

This time something different and important topic. One of the artists told me to remember 3 things, 1- don't compare your work with others rather learn something out of it, so no competition. 2- never afraid of the people, do what ever you like and pursue it. 3- you are unique on this earth, so stick to your own style! Many people don't have courage to appreciate your work! Thanks for the video.

[@disinvited]

I started photography as a new hobby about 1 years ago to the month and I feel like I just recently started hitting this wall. This video came out at the perfect time for me. Although I started the climb out the valley a couple weeks ago this provided further motivation and tips to continue digging out of the rut. Thanks again for relevant content that is extremely helpful!

[@zuckshot]

Thank you Simon for the content you provide all of us aspiring photobugs. New and experienced alike will certainly appreciate this video!

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@timothykieper]

I buy a new camera almost every month, mostly used budget and will post it for sale after a few weeks. Typically ( and currently) own 4 cameras and 2 are always for sale. Golden rule is to buy something that I can sell and at least break even on. Or, buy something that I would like to hold long term, if stuck with it. Interesting learning experience and works for me.

[@sandipkrgupta]

Hi Simon, you are not just an excellent photographer, you are a great motivator as well. Amateur photographers like me also feel that I can take good photos. Thank you!

[@redtheshed1454]

Thank you Simon. I had a really strong start when i first picked up a DSLR and got a number of photos that I love and have felt like I never hit that high point since, especially with how high my standards are for presentable photos. I've been hoping for a sign to hang on before I hang it all up and at the last moment here you are! I even just went and applied for a formal education in photography and editing that I had previously given up on trying so I can learn those things I don't even realize i don't know and continue to make steady improvement.

[@christopherbutcher1702]

Such a pleasure to go to KZbin for evening viewing and find this video! I need encouragement sometimes, like we all do and this video was exactly what I needed. I follow you on KZbin and Instagram and will be signing up for your newsletter too. I love your photos. They have a particular style and are simply beautiful!

[@robbieledwith8437]

Top Notch vlog, its just lifted my photographic spirits , Thanks.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@NateTheBrewer]

Love the last part about criticism brother... Helps me with a particular critic right now.

[@andyblessett1951]

I've been under a rock since Covid 2020!! Thanks for your inspiration...I really need a kick in the arse! Thanks

[@AlistairHig]

That's good advise for just everyday life. I've always had the mentality that when people criticize me for anything, if I don't respect their opinion, then it doesn't bother me no matter what. You have to first care about what people say to you before it can actually effect you.

[@rncommercial]

Wow. Thanks for a great pep talk! I lost my mojo about a year into the pandemic. Wasn't only photography (I was a neophyte but really enjoyed it) but just everything became a mountain I couldn't muster the energy to climb. Lately I've been finding the interest seeping back in. Planning a day hike at a favourite provincial park this weekend. My camera's coming along.Your video couldn't have come at a better time.

[@simon_dentremont]

You can do it!

[@stephanparnow4566]

Developing skill in any craft takes time. You will only get better if you get up, grab your gear, and make it happen. Visit places you would not normally go or have not been to in a long time. Don't be in a rush. Stop and take the picture which seems inconsequential as it might end up being one of your best. I did this recently and came away with an image which got attention from classmates and the instructor in one of my college photography classes.

[@zach.096]

Been in a rut for a couple months putting too much pressure on myself on what to get pictures of but after doing a trip to New Hampshire and Vermont this week I’ve found enjoyment in it again and have also got some phenomenal shots this trip that I really like.

[@elnacho_fpv]

Thanks for the motivation Simon! I put my cameras down a few years ago when things got too busy (and just used my phone). I miss the joy of getting a real photo that I’m proud of vs just capturing moments on my phone. I think I’ll try to use these tips to pick the camera back up and start shooting again.

[@MattH039]

This video came at the moment I needed it most. I'm only a few months into my wildlife photography journey, and I recently noticed that I have lost motivation because I am not progressing as fast as I did at the start. I also had a bad experience last time I went to shoot when I came back to my car to find it broken into and several hundred dollars worth of camera gear stolen. Although it's not related to me actually taking photos, it happened at a bad time when I'm trying to recapture that spark. I am definitely going to try setting a goal of finding specific species. I remember being very motivated when I first started because I wanted to capture a shot of a green heron!

[@robertleem5643]

Excellent video as usual with a lot of superb tips. I joined a club a couple of years ago and go out with several of them photographing things I'd not done before, also participate in competitions which helps excel your learning and technique. The different genres in competitions is also challenging and rewarding. Am visiting the Humber Bridge this weekend as I've always wanted to photograph it in the evening and at night, have even pointed a few of my colleagues at your youtube channel The thing with photography is that it makes you look at things in a different way, I recently visited my parents and took a walk with my dad, every now and then I would stop and photograph something, he'd ask now what you seen, when I showed him he said I didn't even see that Many thanks for your channel, the tips and videos really help

[@billsenior213]

I’ve had photographers block for about a year. I did do the ‘new gear’ by going from my Nikon D850 to Z8. Then I thought maybe I need to do something extraordinary to jump start my brain, so I tried to sign up for a photography workshop that you and Thomas Heaton did in Svalbard…but it filled up before I could confirm a spot. In the past I have organized educational workshops within two camera clubs and really enjoyed seeing others ‘get it’ and begin to blossom in the world of photography. I’ve got to work on getting out of this ‘funk’. Appreciate all your videos and often use them within the camera clubs.

[@TheWyldMedia]

I don't know if your background is in corporate or public speaking but you are great at speaking, even through a digital element such as a KZbin video. Thanks for this video, it's encouraging.

[@garrydelday5816]

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again 😉 I’m not one for quitting but recognise my limitations. If I’m not getting images that I’m pleased with I do more research to see where I’m going wrong and try to put it right 🤞 Photography is a huge learning curve and I learn something new on every outing, that’s what keeps me motivated, that and being in nature 👌

[@garrywatters1140]

Been doing photography since the late seventies. Still as enthusiastic as ever even if the weather is not good. It is currently cold, wet, dull and overcast in UK but I've just come in from a mornings photography at the local nature reserve.

[@scottb8201]

Thank you Simon, I look forward to your weekly videos, you've been a great help in me getting back into photography.

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

hi Simon I only discovered your channel a few weeks ago, and I enjoy your beautiful photos on your site and your good tips on your channel.❤

[@LonChera-1]

as the saying goes Haters gonna Hate. Those people are not your time!

[@LonChera-1]

worth*

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

Superb advice! We've all been there... I still must often force myself to get out and shoot here in western North Dakota/eastern Montana when "brown season" arrives (with only one growing season, "brown/white season" can seem like an eternity. But, it's truly a matter of opening one's eyes to find images, playing the cards one is dealt. Does every outing result in "keepers"? Nope... But I'm still out shooting and no matter how long one has been shooting, there's always something we're refining in our techniques or some new approach to try. At the very least, one is scouting future compositions that might be better shot during a different season or even a different time of day. I never formally joined in on the 365-day challenges I used to see on Flickr back during the 2000's but I did make it a personal challenge back in those days to have gear with me every day, to shoot anything that caught my eye (and even on the days with the worst conditions, when one must think outside the box). I shoot MFT and 4/3 before that, beginning with one of my dad's E-1's. He used to shoot models and landscapes both with Olympus, with the same naysayers present back in those days, even though he was a very accomplished professional. Value is always in the eye of the beholder and that extends to whomever likes/dislikes one's images. I simply shoot the best technical quality I can, always seek improvement, and am tickled to death when I realize there are people that enjoy my work (often better than even I do lol). When you find the elephants with wings and complete your compositions, send the subjects over here, please? Seriously, that is such an excellent point and I got a good chuckle out of that. Thanks! :)

[@thegreenfieldproject]

Simon, you’re one of my top inspirations for my personal photography and your videos have helped me a great deal. Thank you for making exceptional content and beautiful photos!

[@ScottRitchie-bw9ls]

Thanks so much Simon. Your videos have always been a source of inspiration for me in my photographic journey. You get into a rut at times. Then I got the new Canon R5-2 and fell for the pre-capture. I then started a project shooting rainbow bee-eaters launching from tombstones at a local cemetery. I sat on a small stool, had the camera on a monopod, and focused on the bird with pre-capture engaged. When he took off, I smashed the AF and shutter. I especially tried to get late afternoon backlit shots. Lot's of lovely images. This really got my mojo back!