WHAT YOU WON'T SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA!!

[@kevins8575]

I've often gotten my best shot of the day fifteen minutes after I said, "OK, five more minutes. "

[@Duade]

Great to hear I'm not the only one Kevin, Cheers, Duade 👍

[@scardoso95]

This is so true!

[@roi3366]

YESSSSS

[@chikofidel]

Exactly 😅

[@donjulioanejo]

Most of my best shots have been the last 1-2 snapshots on any given session after I decide to pack up for the day.

[@carlosenriquez2092]

If your budget doesn't allow for travel, you can buy a good bird feeder. Place it outside your home. The birds will appreciate it while providing you with plenty of opportunities to build your skills.

[@aaronm5149]

This definitely works I’ve gotten opportunities on multiple species including beautiful humming birds by doing this.

[@hanzkilian1806]

Hi from Orange. You spoke of persistence. I think I have that. I often get up at 4-30am have breakfast. Then into my X8. 4x4 electric wheelchair and off for a 40 min ride to get to location for a enjoyable 3hrs bird photography, then a 40min ride home. Doing this with the hope my chair has the power to get me home. I am limited not by the clock, but how much power my wheelchair has left. Thanks for this video. Very enjoyable and instructive. Cheers

[@Duade]

Thanks Hanz, great to hear you have the same passion and enjoy getting up and out there with the birds. Cheers, Duade

[@galesaunders4120]

The Bobcat...wow, I think my heart would have literally stopped, so much inspiration to get out and about more. Good luck everyone and another fantastic video

[@Duade]

Thanks Gale, I totally agree, such a great image as were all of them. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@Rickyleestjohn]

I want to say, "Thank you" for this video. It's really important to photographers like myself to understand that no one starts out as a pro. There is a process, and this is really important for professionals like you to share. Thank you for doing this, it really helps.

[@Duade]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

When I got serious about photography, I started with birds and flowers. But once I got into landscape photography, I realized the importance of composition in all genres, including wildlife. My bird and animal photos now are more like environmental portraits instead of just ID pictures. Capturing the setting and behavior are crucial for memorable images.

[@Duade]

Thanks John, and very true, I need to work on landscapes for sure, no doubt it will help my wildlife shots. Cheers, Duade

[@manabendragogoi]

In the video, I have noticed that most photographers (maybe not all) have also upgraded their gear where they got the better shot.

[@Duade]

Yes, I think it is a natural progression and the key is matching your improving skills to the gear. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@renewendt5455]

Proper planning prevents piss poor performance - a universal truth 👍

[@Duade]

Lol, thanks Rene, very true, Cheers, Duade

[@ryanreed6959]

If I reorganized the shots in my drive in the order of BD and AD (Before Duade and After Duade) the difference would be immense. You have accelerated my growth ten times over sir. Your videos are so helpful and I can’t believe they are out here for free on KZbin. Thanks Duade!

[@Duade]

Thanks so much Ryan, made me smile, great to hear my videos have been helpful, Cheers, Duade

[@johnclark9499]

Thanks for the video again Duade. Every time I see that you've put up a new video I can't wait to get home in front of a decent screen and watch it. Really inspirational and as others have said you've really contributed to my own progress over the last 2 or 3 years. Thanks also for your very kind words about my own images and improvements in the video, it's very much appreciated. Best wishes John

[@Duade]

My pleasure John, It gives me motivation watching others improve and love photography. Good luck expanding your species count and photos. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@briancooperwildlife]

In the first 10 seconds of the video ... I was like: he is human after all. :) ... but, you are still the God of the photography. :)

[@Duade]

Thanks Brian, you are too kind, Cheers, Duade

[@paulinefollett3099]

I can relate to lingering at a location in the hope of getting a special bird image. Often it really pays off. Once I walked into bushland where I had heard a few bird calls. I just stood motionless for 30 minutes. I was rewarded when gradually birds surrounded me and some were even hopping around my feet. They had gotten used to me and continued on with their lives like I wasn't there.

[@Lil-JensStudio]

Wholeheartedly agree with that last member's perspective. I cannot begin to express how grateful am for your videos and all that I have gleaned from them. Your passion combined with your expertise has no equal. Also really honored by the inclusion of my surprise visitor, Mr. Bobcat. Many, many thanks!

[@Duade]

Thanks Dean, I loved your story and image, it is what it is all about. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@denisesavage2382]

That was awesome to see the growth from everybody. A great reminder for us all to keep practicing and learning.

[@GazD500]

Going out to photograph birds without a guarantee of getting anything decent is what makes it so rewarding. You feel privileged when you see something great down the view finder. You know you're in an exclusive group. If you nail those settings and come away with capturing the beauty in a shot you're on cloud 9. I like watching football, I follow a team and the result of the match affects my mood but if my team was guaranteed to win every week I wouldn't bother watching. Thanks again for entertaining us Duade, influential and so knowledgeable!

[@DanBetty]

There simply is no better channel to learn and grow in this endeavor. Your sincerity and passion inspire us to try. Your experience and knowledge show us the way. Well done!

[@Duade]

Thanks Dan, I really appreciate it, I look forward to seeing your journey continue. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@KyleJones-kk8vw]

Thanks Duade. I love seeing not only the growth but obvious passion from this community. Personally, it's somewhat nerve-wracking for me to share photographs with anyone outside my family circle, as we're always our worst critics. Seeing others showing their own improvement is really inspiring.

[@Duade]

Thanks Kyle, we all go on a similar journey and all feel the same. Just look at your own progress and you can see the improvement which is fantastic. We also don't have to share online if we don't want too. I share mine to my gallery and if people want to look they can. Enjoying the process and taking for personal joy will maintain passion a lot longer than chasing likes on social media. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@PhotoGearFun]

Thanks for another great video. It's great to see the growth and hear the stories! Thanks for using my shots at the end! Cheers.

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, a great video for motivation. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@billmartin1663]

Duade, your "how to make a perch" video transformed my bird photography. Making great bird photographs is far less a game of chance for me now. Thank you!

[@Duade]

Great to hear Bill, glad it helped, Cheers, Duade 👍

[@TomazNMelo-tf9sc]

I'm so happy to see my manakin photo in this video!! Very nice see the other members photos from begining. Super cool video Duade.

[@Duade]

It was my pleasure Tomaz, great shots and nice improvement, Cheers, Duade

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

I’m a portrait photographer and this showed up in my feed. Fantastic content from you and your members! This was a great concept for a video.

[@Duade]

Thanks Lyndon, I am sure all photographers can relate to the key messages. If I wanted to shoot portraits I would have to start all over again, so many intangibles that go into learning a craft. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@hrisab]

Thanks Duade for the sheer joy you shared with all the fellow birders out there with this video !! Such a warm feeling !! Appreciate it very much !!

[@pixelpaddy98]

Well I've made the move to member. Thanks for posting videos Duade! And for doing things like including the camera settings and name of the photographer. It's something you wouldn't have to do but you do it anyway and I think it adds to the videos. Cheers

[@Duade]

Welcome and thank you so much for becoming a member, I really do appreciate it. Happy birding, Cheers, Duade

[@1bhowdy]

Duade .... I so enjoy your videos as well as the tips / insight. I agree that "we all start somewhere". One of my early bird photography mentors told me to save my early shots and go back and look at them on occasion. I do that, and it can be humbling indeed. When I got my first camera as an adult i soon discovered that I loved bird photography, because it was difficult. I enjoy being challenged. I have been fortunate to have had several of my images published in Audubon and All About Birds, as well a other publications. I am so glad that I stumbled across your You Tube channel and am now a "Member"

[@Duade]

Welcome and thank you so much for the support, great to hear your story and one I can relate too. I just somehow stumbled on it and now I could not imagine my life without it. Congrats on getting your images published, it is always a highlight. Cheers, Duade

[@Timber81]

Great Content! I got started as a young mountaineer. One day my mom gave me a Brownie Camera and asked me to bring back pictures of my expedition's. I got hooked when I saw her face when she first saw the Summit of a wintery mountain. My gear improved a bit over the years ! Thank You for your enthusiasm!!

[@KoloksPhotographyAU]

Thanks Duade another inspirational video, almost gave up but I think am back into it now! Will definitely share some of my shots, doing a fantastic job mate! Happy birding!👍🏼

[@davidjustice9036]

thanks Duade and everyone else for sharing those shot's. I would add my editing tools and skills have also played into improvement on results.

[@Methodical2]

Patience and Passion and the willingness to accept that you may leave with no image. I just enjoy being one with nature. I have always been a nature boy so it's a double win for me to be out in the woods and be able to photograph birds and other wildlife. I love it. I started photographing birds in 2008 when I was stuck at home with a kidney stone. I had a Panasonic point and shoot and my 1st bird image was the male Gold Finch at a feeder I put up in the back yard. My first DSLR was the 50D. The rest is history.

[@1961Duane314]

Passion is the number one thing to have or one may as well not get into photography. Many do not realize how much time and practice it takes to start getting results. There are no easy buttons and I think many give up when they come to this realization which means the passion was never there. We are a different breed and feel the need to create and share our images for others to enjoy. Passion is the fuel that drives photographers.

[@oldtimer5045]

Anticipation! Started taking pics as excuse to get out of house and explore during covid. Right now enjoying researching ebird for new birds and better spots for old birds. Anticipating spring migration and better weather! What's around the next bend in the trail. Photos have definitely improved watching you videos. 👍

[@Duade]

That is wonderful and what it is all about, Cheers, Duade

[@thewessexwanderer]

I've just become a member and wish that I had done it sooner! I would have loved to get the chance to send you some of my images and have you look at them, as I've gotten so much value out of your videos! I love how honest, consistent and direct they are and always look forward to your next upload. Thank you Duade!

[@Duade]

Brendan, thanks for joining and I really appreciate the support. Feel free to send me an email at [e-mail] Cheers, Duade

[@ladyethyme]

Loved the ‘photographer failures’ video. Hooked and binging today! Thank you.

[@Duade]

Welcome to the channel, great to hear you are enjoying the videos and thank you very much for the support, I appreciate it. Happy birding, Cheers, Duade

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

The bigger picture. You've beautifully put what we feel as photographers into words which I couldn't have done. You nailed it. I agree 💯 per cent. Cheers 😊

[@scooter5193]

Another great video Duade. Your passion and dedication is very inspiring. I’m sure you have helped , encouraged and entertained thousands of photographers as you have done for me. Thank you for this! All the best. Scott

[@benoutside7593]

Thanks for another video! Enjoyed seeing the progression of all the photographers. Great inspiration to keep working at it and enjoy the processes! If all our shots turned out each trip, we’d have no reason to go back. That’s one of the things that keeps me excited and interested. There is always the possibility of taking a better or more unique shot than my last. Birds and other wildlife can always surprise you.

[@jackbrumby1892]

The best thing about bird photography is the abundance of birds. One morning I walked out my back door in suburban Sydney & within 5 mins I heard the calls of 14 different species. Only yesterday, a Peregrine Falcon was circling our house. My camera is always out & switched on all day. All the "P's" you mentioned are correct. Luck has a lot to do with it for me. I like a challenge. Birds in flight - Rainbow Lorikeets & Welcome Swallows for starters. But one day at one of my favourite bird locations I spotted a wonderful red-bellied black snake. I only had my 300mm lens, so I got fairly close. I respect snakes - I don't fear or harm them. As a kid, I remember catching an Eastern Brown Snake. My mother wouldn't let me keep it! Getting back to luck - some of the photos that I have taken & loved were purely by happenstance. It's all about getting out there as often as you can. And it's also an Alan Sillitoe "Loneliness of the long distance runner" scenario - better done alone. At least as far as wildlife photos are concerned. I have developed a much greater appreciation of birds. I now have no idea why people keep them as pets in cages?? And don't get me started on bird feeders - it's like giving hot chips to gulls at the beach. Cheers from a 1968>> photographer.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing Jack, yes, luck plays a big part but as you say if we are sitting on the couch we will never get lucky. Cheers, Duade

[@MattS4]

Hi Duade, thank you for posting this. I recently picked up wildlife photography and it is so satisfying seeing the progression in my skills over the last few months. Your videos help alot. -Matt

[@Duade]

Thanks Matt, great to hear you are seeing improvement and enjoying yourself. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@celticken1968]

Hi Duade, I usually shoot studio portraiture and I am waiting for my Canon R3 to arrive so I can join my friends shooting birds in flight. I stumbled across your channel and I have never been so excited to begin my bird / wildlife adventure. Your videos have given me a sound basis to begin at a higher level. Thank you so much!

[@Gaztography]

Brilliant! Loved this video, some amazing shots. Thank you Duade for sharing these stories. Inspiration to the maximum!

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure Gary, glad you found it inspiring, Cheers, Duade

[@lachlangraham1062]

Hi Duade I reckon this is your most important video yet. Like those you mention I have also progressed over the last 12 years. There is no substitute for getting out there and applying your tips. If you put the time and thought in, you will get those shots. Much appreciated.

[@Duade]

Thanks Lachlan, I agree an important video I hope helps motivates people to keep going. It is very rewarding once you put in the time. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@shibampal6940]

This is the best guide to photography video on KZbin

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, glad it was helpful, Cheers, Duade

[@shibampal6940]

@@Duade Your videos have always been helpful

[@gacjack]

Excellent show today Duade , enjoyed the format and all the positive vibes.

[@Duade]

Thanks Greg, it was a fun video to put together, Cheers, Duade

[@harbindersinghbhogal5153]

Inspiring. As someone who has just started wildlife photography this June, lovely stories and glad I have started this journey.

[@aaronm5149]

Great Video Love this format and focus on story telling, patients and realistic expectations on experience, kit, and the reps/time required to improve the craft. Thanks for sharing

[@GeneLake001]

Watching your channel and seeing your enthusiasm has been a big inspiration for me to get out there and improve my photography. Your tips are priceless, particularly showing results and comparisons from cheaper equipment. Watching your processes from crawling in the mud all the way to editing has helped me to improve my end results too. Thank you for all the effort you put in to producing these videos.

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure Gene, I need more reptiles like your profile. Cheers, Duade

[@dianemiller7019]

I loved this video. I became obsessed with photographing hummingbirds this past summer and there was a learning curve! Lots of images in the recycle bin! But the patience and passion keeps me going! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@joshuasmith2107]

You have taught me so much about photography and I love watching your videos. I got one of the greatest shots of a red tailed hawk leaving his perch the other day. I stood there for 30 minutes, my entire lunch break waiting on him to fly bc that’s the picture I wanted. It turned out Beautiful, wish I could send you a pic of it. Thank you for your videos

[@davidgommeren7283]

These kind of videos motivate me to improve all aspects of my photography and go out there and enjoy my hobby (passion?). Thanks so much for your videos!

[@markevenson987]

Duane, wonderful video! The best part is that you have shown the images of your members to the rest of the KZbin community. Your suggestions for improvement are well thought out and appreciated. Being a bit older, I struggle with getting down to the level of shore birds. Well, I can get down, not gracefully, but getting up is another story! I have picked a few select wildlife photographers who seem honest in their approach and most willing to help, those of us who are coming along. I feel fortunate to have found you and Jan and a few others whom I subscribe to. I look forward to your new videos. I will look again for the member button but, it is hiding right now. Thank you again for all your hard work and enthusiasm. It shows!!!

[@Marleydia]

Mark, your comment made me smile. I still try to get low, but getting back up can be seriously comical for me! I’m doing PT just to accomplish this! The become a member link is in the notes under “ more”. I had to hunt for it too. Wishing you good health and good light!

[@chirpydebs]

It is so nice to watch your videos and be able to relate to other people online as I personally know no one who genuinely has a passion for getting out in the field and honing their skills. For a few years now my first passion is insect photography (doing what insects do in their natural environment), but I also had a fancy for getting into bird photography, so this year I managed to get hold of a good pre-loved Sigma 150 mm-600 mm and now I am excited to be back at the beginning of learning a new photography style (my family maybe not so much 😆). I love that you pointed out that even on days when we come home with no photographs, we never come home disappointed, just experiencing nature is special enough, coming home with decent photographs is a body-tingling, brain-buzzing bonus... Thank you for your videos and insights.

[@Duade]

Congrats on discovering birding and starting the journey, I would be the same if I started with insects. It is a lovely hobby and passion and great to have two options with insects and birds. Have fun, Cheers, Duade

[@chirpydebs]

@@Duade Thank you, Duade. With two options comes the big problem of which lens and as for time? I may just need to install a cardboard cutout of me so the family don't forget what I look like 😆

[@kaywayneflor89]

Wonderful video, it as very nice to see the dedication and growth; Jacob Ash photo of the Throated Fly Thatcher at 10:51 is so beautiful, I love the mood!

[@AvianImagery]

Great video Duade, very salient and relatable advice. That feeling when you get the shot - it's the reward for all the time and effort. Not much comes close!

[@Duade]

I totally agree and it is pretty special, probably what keeps us coming back. Cheers, Duade

[@gordonclark821]

Another awe inspiring video! Makes me want to grab my gear and get out there now, except it’s 1am, and am watching from my bed, though already have photography plans for the weekend! Thank you!

[@eskay2250]

Lovely Duade and love the way you neatly captured different people's journeys. My bird and insect photography didn't take off until late 2022 with an R7 & 100-400mm. As a bird watcher, it's hard to articulate the thrill of capturing my first sharp bird in flight shot just a week ago. Lots of messed up distant or half out of frame, blurry or soft ones to start with of course; but after experimenting between light, shutter speed and ISO I finally caught some hand held shots of crested and fairy terns, and red neck stints from a boat (which brings another layer of challenges). I haven't even properly sorted my processing work flow yet (getting there). I just wanted to get out, quietly watch birds and practice with my little kit. Thanks 😊

[@johnbyrne444]

Fantastic video, Duade. Really hits the spot for so many of us aspiring bird photographers.

[@woutervanempelen5591]

I started taking pictures two months ago knowing nothing about fotography , now I have the feeling that I learned already so much from you, thank you. Wouter from the Netherlands.

[@woutervanempelen5591]

Hé wow, I never thought that you would react to my little note, thank you for that you are an absolute inspiration.

[@narinthip3058]

Your 5 Ps are spot on Duade. Fantastic content as always. Cheers!!!

[@foto-spective]

Such an enjoyable video. Seeing growth in others and being reminded of your own is inspiring. Your channel was the first I watched when starting out two years ago. It's also the channel that helped me the most. Many Thanks Duade!

[@Duade]

That is great to hear, glad to hear you have gotten the bug also, happy birding, Cheers, Duade

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Excellent! I use a inexpensive used bridge camera for waterfowl swimming. As a birder, when I started I used the camera like binoculars and most of my photos were duck "mug shots". I learned that bird behavior and background can be as important as the wild duck in the photo. I think equipment, skill, and opportunity are important factors. Since we winter in Montana and summer in Alaska, we have great opportunities. Since I am a newbie, skill is my major limitation. I am learning with a cheap used bridge camera (Nikon P900) and plan on upgrading in a year or so after taking a few thousand photos and learning from my mistakes.

[@sethnielsen3325]

I like that you highlight that there is no secret settings for "good photos" on the Camera. I think a lot of other channels try to give this impression and offer simple solutions. In a sense, they are hampering new photographers progression, just to get views.

[@ericmah8137]

Great video as always Duade! I love that you put videos out like this. Anyone starting out in photography should have more motivational videos Luke yours to encourage them to keep at it. You cover so many topics that most people don't hear often enough! Keep up the great work. You truly are motivational for anyone starting out!

[@todspencer3797]

Great stuff, pretty much every story summed up my experiences so far! Certainly exciting when you get that shot!

[@Duade]

Thanks Tod, yes, it is all very true and relatable seeing the growth. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@adrian_div_photography]

Duade I watch and enjoy all of your videos bit I have to say that none have made me want to go out and take photos more than this one. You have outlined the journey of a bird photography to a tee. Love the fact that you don't shy away from the difficulties we all face along the way. I ha e defintiely been a passenger on this train. Ripper video! Well done mate!

[@iPig]

That bobcat story mirrors my experience exactly! Although I knew the bobcat had been coming around daily thanks to my trail cams. The birds and squirrels were gone, and suddenly a group of very angry Stellar's jays appeared. The bobcat snuck up right behind me and I got an amazing shot.

[@Duade]

Wonderful to hear Chris, sounds like you need to follow the Jays to find the Bobcat :-) Cheers, Duade

[@spencergiles72]

This is a fantastic breath of fresh air!

[@Duade]

Thanks Spencer, it was a lot of fun to put together. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@TheMickebostrom]

Happy birding as always with you!

[@Duade]

Thanks Micke, same to you, Cheers, Duade

[@sverreedin4229]

Fantastic video and so motivating to share the fun and sometimes struggle we all feeil on this journey!

[@Duade]

Thanks Sverre, I appreciate the ongoing support, congrats on the Regent Honeyeater level. Cheers, Duade

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always Duade 🐦👍🤗

[@hstein27]

Impressive results sometimes take many years of practice, but as some of these people have shown, putting in the effort can yield great results!

[@Duade]

Thanks, it sure can, I loved making this video, very motivating. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@leechild3204]

Thanks Duade. This was perfectly timed as I am in that zone where I feel like I am not improving. Needed your friendly support and solid advice to get me fired up again. Love your work.....

[@msyuan1124]

It’s always a better day for me when I’ve seen you’ve posted another video! This video, along with your “Mastering the Art of Wildlife Photography” are complementary and for me, capture the essence of photography. “What” I want to capture an Engaging photo, a photo that elicits an emotional response (because of the Mood, Light, Behavior, Story, IQ, Uniqueness and Composition). Patience, Planning, Practice, Persistence, Passion is the “How”. Well done, as always!

[@Duade]

Thanks Mark, very true and I agree, glad you are enjoying them. Thanks for the ongoing support. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@garyannettphotography]

Thanks Duade! Another helpful - and encouraging - video. I started watching your videos just over a year ago and have found them very helpful. If you ever make it up to the Kimberley we'd love to show you around.

[@Duade]

Thanks Gary, I would love to visit your area, hopefully one day I will be in touch. Cheers, Duade

[@solar-e-bike-touring-europe]

Watched several of your videos today, they are all so crisp, the same as your photo's, really inspirational.

[@Duade]

Thanks so much 😊

[@EvigPoesi]

Your passion is contagious!

[@UnforgivenFUPOS]

Going out with the camera is like going fishing , its about the time in nature , anything short of a catastrophic event is still a relaxing day even if you dont capture the amazing shots.

[@bruceholmes4006]

Duade, Thanks for another great video. Love the content as it was very Inspirational!

[@Duade]

Thanks Bruce, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

[@1oldman4u2]

Another 5 minutes paid off for me last spring, For more than two years I photographed a pair of Red Tailed Hawks. Then one evening as I looked up into the sky I saw the male carrying something. When I downloaded the photos it was clear he had a green snake in his talons. Thanks for this video and all of your work! Cheers!

[@gkb_wildlife]

I just found this video and I love this advice! I'm an amateur, but I just gave similar advice on my tiktok telling beginners that it's not so much about getting the fancy camera, but it's more about learning the techniques for capturing the best shots you can get on the camera you already have (or any lower budget camera). Great video!

[@Duade]

Thank you Grace, good luck with the TikTok channel. Cheers, Duade

[@pdel7007]

Yesterday I was waiting to photograph a kingfisher here in the UK. I'd seen it briefly as I arrived at the location. After a while I was doubting it would return. I was about to leave but then an Australian voice popped into my head saying "give it another 15 minutes mate". I got my best picture of a kingfisher so far. Room for improvement still but..... thanks Duade

[@Duade]

Thank you so much for sharing and I am so happy for you that you were rewarded for your patience. Feel free to send me the photo at [e-mail] Cheers, Duade

[@cgd1125]

I love these videos. I'm new to bird photography and can relate. The images I took last week are so much better than the images I took 2 years ago. I have a Sony A6000 with a Sony 70-350 mm lens so it can be a challenge. The biggest difference is lighting. I can't believe how much sharper the pictures are. I felt like giving up but kept going out with my son and I'm so happy I didn't quit. I'm looking to upgrade my equipment soon. Thank you for letting us know all photographers take soft shots. Hearing that really gave me hope that I could improve.

[@Mikey1421985]

Before watching the whole video I can say thanks for honesty and being real. I have my camera for 7years now and I have seen my pictures become better and better. Not that they are perfect all the time, but they have gotten better. When I look back at my old pictures where I shot in Auto Mode on the camera, some were good, some not, some were in focus, some not. But at first I was happy with all of them. I have gotten to be quite picky in choosing the pictures I keep now, but also have shot in Manual mode for 4 or 5 years and have learned to work with my camera. I have to shoot pictures at an event kind of party) tonight and I will use both of my cameras, a Canon Rebel T5 with a 24mm F2.8 and a Canon 5D classic with a 50mm f1.8.

[@DennisMoncla]

At the beginning there is probably a 100,000 to 1 ratio for that spectacular image. Now as I publish them there is still a 500 or 1,000 to one ratio of images hitting the recycling bin. Learning the birds and weather conditions just takes time as does the skill. Persistence is key and you can’t have that without the passion!

[@umashankararavallil]

Your videos are so true to heart and insightful. It's highly informative and I look forward to seeing new videos of yours.

[@RogSan1892]

Another brilliant vid Duade. Love seeing the progress of the members. Inspires me to keep on keeping on

[@SRKSEP3]

I subscribed you for few words you said not about photography but photographing a bird is the experience cannot be expressed no matter how you get the photograph It's all about joy walking in the nature 👏👏👏

[@WernerBirdNature]

Thanks for encouraging us all once more Duade! Such a beautiful collection 👍 Which shows in your modesty you forgot to mention the 6th P: "watching Paton videos" ;-) You and Jan turn out to be birding guru's helping us all grow and keep our passion burning ! Nice to Jan's growth in Germany .. but in Australia he still got so much better.

[@stevenrubin820]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@Duade]

Thanks Steven, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@malcrickman4999]

Another superb video. My problem is containing the excitement, I need to slow down and take a breath, instead of rushing and even missing the bird completely as on one occasion. Hopefully, in a few years, I can show before and after. Thanks, Duade.

[@Duade]

Best of luck!

[@sigurdrille9693]

Thank you for that inspirational video! Love your honesty about how much work it really is to capture a series of good shots. For me, it is just as much work to sort out the best images afterwards on the computer…. I have a really hard time to delete photos 😉

[@Duade]

Thanks Sigurd, yes, that is often a challenging part of the process for sure. But not a bad problem to have. Have fun, Cheers, Duade

[@27penmar]

Great video as always and I’m always looking back through my images to see progression but I’m starting to move away from “bird on a stick” as I’ve become accustomed to seeing so many. Yes, they have their merit in a guide book but there is nothing artistic about it. Keep up with the vids, always enjoy them and the insights they bring.

[@VG-kt6zs]

Great video as always, Duade. I have definitely got the bird photography bug from watching your videos and have never looked back. Initially I too was fixated on taking bird close-ups but since I started a year ago, I pay a lot more attention to take pictures of birds in their natural habitat. Thanks again for sharing your passion and learnings with us. Sincerely, Vikas

[@telkirton]

Excellent images everyone well done, thanks Duade for the video..

[@chrisahern21]

Loving the vids. Super helpful and inspirational but this one was fantastic on a whole new level. Said the things I needed to hear 👌

[@Duade]

Great to hear Chris, glad the video was helpful, and thanks for the support Cheers, Duade

[@laurelb8372]

Loved this video, so enjoyed all the stories. And images. Feeling enthused to get out and see what I can get. 👏

[@Duade]

Great to hear Laurel, have fun out there. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@chandanikirinde8745]

Very inspiring video. Thank you for sharing some great stories.

[@Brennerfly]

Liked and Subscribed! What a wonderful and encouraging video. Thank you for posting!

[@Duade]

Welcome and my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@mayhamilton6652]

Good catch on the comment about spending time with the wife 😂. Brilliant video Duade. Very encouraging for all beginners.

[@michaelladd3628]

I just recently discovered your channel. I was searching for reviews on the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens, which I ended up purchasing. You are an excellent and talented teacher of photography. I mostly appreciate your laidback, easy presentation style. This was a great video. I took up photography at age 70. Almost three years later, the enjoyment it brings me is still immensely rewarding. I would recommend that anyone who is looking for a meaningful pastime in their retirement take up photography. It is a wonderful learning opportunity, enhances awareness, offers exercise, and improves our very being through its virtue of creativity. Might be a KZbin video here somewhere. Lol. I'm always looking forward to your next video. Wishing you a great day and successful birding. God bless!

[@pcstayak_yt]

My biggest frustration is when you made that one perfect shot, where everything speaks to you and is exactly what you were hoping for, but then not a single person gets it, and they would rather appreciate other pictures that you take in hundreds, and you can't find anything special about them. I'm still not sure how to deal with it, unfortunately :) Thanks for the vid!

[@Duade]

A very good question Stanislav and I am sure many people feel the same way. I have taken many similar pictures where I like it but others don't. It really comes down to your motivation for taking the images, we all love positive feedback but the danger with that is when we like something and others don't it can be deflating. If we can try to make our joy the priority and enjoy photography for us first then it does not really matter what others think. This is of course easier said than done but when I changed my mindset away from likes and feedback I enjoyed my photography more. Good luck, Cheers, Duade

[@dougwelch5049]

Enjoyed the video, especially before and after shots.