Here’s what THEY DON’T TELL YOU about getting into PHOTOGRAPHY.

[@stevenaturner]

All YT photographers should do a regular "check out these crappy pics I took this week" feature. thanks Simon

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Some of them take crappy photos anyway but adding some LoFi glitchy backing track makes them better!

[@dengueberries]

There was a trend a while back for scientists to share their "CV of failures" It was really helpful

[@remconavarro5946]

I also drum in a band. Saw Chad Smith drop his sticks 4 times. Now I don’t feel so bad anymore. So I agree, show bad pics so we won’t feel discouraged about our own ‘stick dropping’!

[@colintraveller]

Damn right ...

[@NotAnotherChannel_Channel]

Like the last name. Any time I feel the urge to critique photography, I remind myself with a quote “Pride goeth before destruction.” We all take crappy photos, but still get one or two bangers that feed our desire to keep creating. We’ve all been there. I would rather encourage learning instead of scoring troll points.

[@terrynoske2629]

This is the best photographic advice on the internet

[@christopherandrews2899]

Absolutely!

[@63RAP]

Agreed!

[@rehardusriccopantecostoma6848]

I agree dude.. he is so honest.

[@cjmack-fn5sd]

Thank you…

[@digital-nature-uk]

I think I am paraphrasing Mark Twain who said "small people want you to be small, the great ones make you believe that you can be great as well". Simon is a great photographer 😊

[@rodmarshall6417]

Ok, I didn’t subscribe until 10 sec ago, but have watched many of Simon’s KZbin’s before. Recently ( 10 days ago) I’m in Botswana staying at Pangolin in Kasane, with the family (4) and the divine Ms P tells me we have a visitor on our boat this afternoon. It’s Simon. I know him (from KZbin) the rest of the family have no idea, i’m amateur, and they are less. This is the REAL DEAL. He is fantastic, just like on KZbin only better. No BS, he’s likeable, not showy, polite, considerate, happy to share, absolutely no hogging of the opportunities. We take same great shots (he’s one day in advance of a few groups he’s taking around in Africa.) Those elephant silhouettes with the water in the foreground on his Insta. Great shots I’m sure you will all agree ( promise Simon , I won’t tell the insurance company how close that camera was to the water.) BUT that’s not the great part. After dinner I enjoy a great drink with this bloke that is exactly as he appears on KZbin, except we don’t talk photography AT ALL. He is very knowledgeable, and I’m not just talking photos, well rounded, educated, considerate, willing to share. As we would say in Aus - A Good Bloke. Listen to what he has to say, there are gems in every sentence. You may not agree all the time; he’s doesn’t expect you to, but listen for you will learn, and that’s the greatest gift anyone can give you.

[@DreamCatcher101-6]

This is the best comment. Simon through his words, shows us how great of person he's.

[@gscottfuller]

I’ve been an amateur photographer for 60 years and have never heard better advice than this! Well articulated.

[@richierich9759]

What I love about Simon is not only that he is a great photographer but he is willing to share and explain in detail how to take better pictures. He's an awesome photographer and mentor.

[@nathanielnicholson559]

A true leader's m.o.

[@simon_dentremont]

Too kind!

[@arkaefortt8]

"Take uncommon photos of common things". That's one hell of an advice. Thanks as always Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@bearcb]

It is, but also takes talent, or at least a lot of training to do that. I have a friend who has that talent, I'm amazed on how she can take great photos out of things I'd never imagine! I try, but don't even come close

[@worldofzap]

I am not a beginner but I have fallen into the trap of having to come home with something rather than just enjoying the experience. I want to thank you for pointing this out. I guess I needed to hear, it’s ok to come home empty handed.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

We never come home empty handed. We have memories to last a lifetime. When we stay home, that's when we have nothing to show for it. It's always ok to bring home no keepers, so long as we enjoyed the journey. We gain experience and wisdom, each and every time.

[@Marios_WX]

Kinda have always thought about photography as a way to help share my experiences with others, come home with less, tell the story better. Going on 3 hour long nature hikes in the early morning and coming home with maybe a video, and 2 good photos is an alright thing. Going storm chasing and maybe not getting anything of note, that's okay but hey look at the billowing cumulus video. It has kept me happy in recent months where I wasn't getting much before.

[@petebateman143]

My Sensei used to say, "If you want to be good at it, you have to be bad at it first". This is such an important concept to understand when learning anything.

[@radinnasir8933]

I really hope budding phographers, enthusiast find your channel very soon. They need to hear this.

[@PedroMSOliveira]

There are a lot of good youtubers that focus on photography, but you are in another league. The communication is excelent and the content is much more than just the technicalities.

[@michaelcoleman4426]

Simon, you restore my faith in photography as a hobby to enjoy, not to stress over while trying to be a 'perfect photographer'. KZbin is full of 'gatekeeper' photographers, spouting rules and decrying anything that isn't to their liking. Your videos are the exception. Thank you.

[@mikede2464]

Wow...hearing that someone at your level can take hundreds of bad photos in a morning gives me hope, inspires, and motivates me to keep going. Thank you for sharing that. 🙏

[@gpdoyon]

Agreed!

[@kifley19]

He's just trying to make us feel good. Most of his pics are 🔥

[@theWZZA]

If you shoot wildlife, 99% are not keepers.

[@michaelhall2709]

@@kifley19He specifically said the opposite. Why do you insist on using his space to undermine the point he’s trying to make?

[@r.s.i8753]

Every time I watch you make me go out and take photos!

[@richardfink7666]

It`s so!🤣

[@zachbaker8990]

Seriously. The guy is an absolute inspiration. I'm so happy he decided to get on the KZbin

[@michelterral5907]

me too BUT every time i hate my pictures i shoot with SIMON's advices so unique ....I will keep shooting like he say !...never give up ! who say photography was easy ?

[@ChristieBass1979]

Same

[@donaldmorgan1773]

Bravo. You describe in this video what took me 5 years to figure out on my own. Sometimes you can be your own worst critic and take the fun out of it. Now if I go out and take a hundred bad pics I take it as a challenge to figure out what went wrong and go back and get it right. Great way to learn. We all need a pep talk now and then, thank you.

[@tedbrown7908]

1st tip is an absolute truth. Tip #4 is gold, look around you, enjoy the day, you never know what scene will come forward and tell you "Hey, photograph me !"

[@mickscott4702]

Simon thank you for saying what all beginners need to hear but rarely do. Probably the best advice ever given. Inspirational for all artistic genres 👍👍👍👏👏

[@pavelbalazki5423]

The "I know you can do it" at the end of the video elevates your content to a next level.

[@j.b.6448]

Of all the photography sites I have read, listened to, or watched, NO ONE has shared this type of information. Thank you for taking the time to put it together. Bravo!

[@woodywoodverchecker]

You are one of the most wholesome youtubers out there. The opposite of a gatekeeper. I love this channel.

[@dusty3913]

Simon, I really needed this tonight. I have felt so discouraged lately. Sharing your “less than stellar” images lets me know that I’ve created an unreasonably high bar for myself. I’ve been doing this for a while now, but I am struggling with getting to know my R5, and have been feeling uninspired because of it. But, your terrific pep talks really keep me hanging on. Thanks.

[@hazard3020]

hey don't give up. keep going and trying different things. you will find that everything works out OK in the end. that's a great camera you have, honestly. keep things simple and just work slowly from there. good luck and please DONT be so hard on yourself or too critical 👍

[@lengt001]

so true this.

[@stefanschneider3681]

One of the best tips I am now applying with my Canon D90 (it's not a R5, but a fine camera anyway): Put in on manual mode, but put the ISO on "Auto" on the very left. This way you can just shoot, try out different shutter speeds, different f-stops and rarely get an image that's totally useless. Part of it is his other great advice "Don't be afraid of high ISO" 😅.

[@donperegrine922]

You can get this reminder continually: Notice that Simon repeats usage of the same duck flapping its wings, plus the elephant, plus just a couple others. He has about five pictures which are the highlight of his career, the PINNACLE of a moment of luck, plus the PINNACLE of one or two (at most) technical aspects which mattered in that moment.... And he does that because so many other pictures are downhill of that. A career portfolio is nothing more than "The best I have ever taken, so far". These amazing images are something to strive towards. Not something you should imagine you will capture once a year, or once a day, or every trip. So, yes, don't compare Simons lifetime achievements to your first year, or your own fortieth year.

[@hazard3020]

@stefanschneider3681 Topaz AI will sort out noise on your Canon 90d and others 7d2 etc..

[@nealeblackburn6019]

Excellent, down to earth, relatable and welcome advice as ever from a genuinely gifted photographer, editor and communicator.

[@pepper6253]

The best advice for all photographers . 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@sandeeptanjore1253]

Priceless tips Simon. Beauty in everyday and little things around us!

[@davidmcculloch8490]

This is simply the best advice I've heard on photography and the mindset of artists. Having suffered a mixture of constructive and inane comments from photo judges, I moved away from club competition because it often suppresses creativity. Instead I tend to work more instinctively and listen to the views of others after looking at their work. As Picasso said: "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist".

[@andrewfessler7203]

You're the best when it comes to teaching others about photography. Very passionate yet humble and realistic. Keep up the great work!

[@simon_dentremont]

I appreciate that!

[@ultimategolfshredder]

I'm as beginner as beginner gets. But, I did this very thing last week. I took a photo in my backyard of my portable badminton net, rackets, and shuttlecocks. It was an ordinary photo and not horizontally lined up well. I straightened the horizon line (fence to grass line), cropped it to the rule of thirds, used a Vivid Cool pre-set, adjusted some contrast and saturation, and the final image was really nice to look at.

[@leolundgren3989]

As a beginner myself I quickly realized that some of my best photos were completely unplanned. I had a particular subject and composition in mind but I ended up shooting all sorts of other stuff during the same day. So I would recommend any beginner to just be curious and go with your intuition. Taking photos is a lot of experimentation and this is half the fun in my opinion. Also, if you like to take photos of wildlife like myself, try to be in the moment and really observe the subject. It’s not only about getting a great picture but also to be able to see nature up close through your lens and hopefully grow a relationship with your subject. There are plenty of great photographers who become so friendly with their subjects that they almost start posing for them. Such a thrill to be able to reach that level!

[@donperegrine922]

Sean Penn is a photographer in the movie "Secret Life of Walter Mitty" Walter Mitty : When are you going to take it? Sean O'Connell : Sometimes I don't. If I like a moment, for me, personally, I don't like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it.

[@donperegrine922]

And in that moment, he is 'missing' a mountain cat which he hiked through Afghanistan to capture. So he really is sacrificing photographic moments, to be in the moment.

[@leolundgren3989]

@@donperegrine922 Sounds like a great scene! Might see it some day. :)

[@donperegrine922]

@@leolundgren3989 please do! The entire movie is about embracing adventure, and it centres around an elusive photographer and the darkroom guy trying to produce his greatest ever image for the final print of TIME magazine. It is a movie about photography!

[@ronmortimer252]

This little talk has brought back to memory something I've known from early on, as have others of course: If you have a passion for photography, if it 'lights your fire', then you already have the raw material for becoming an excellent photographer. The converse is also true.

[@stephanparnow4566]

My high school photography teacher, passed along this same wisdom. You may get one good shot out of a photo shoot. It is about being out there with your camera having fun creating art.

[@LutherLao]

Dude ignites my creativity every time he expresses his love for photography. All the best mate! 🇵🇭 🇬🇧

[@marcomarcon5802]

This is the only photographic channel I still watch regularly. Simon is a born teacher. As for the topic in question, I put all my gear in storage months ago, and now I only use my Pixel 8 Pro. I now focus on images, not equipment, it's so much more rewarding!

[@mdabdulquader9943]

100% agreed.

[@galileuk]

Omg, I love the porcupines photo. Thank you for the constructive and pedagogical tone.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@manajorymanajory7751]

What a great pep talk..... Thank You Simon!

[@gord_tomlin]

Pep talk of the year. Great advice to get out of a slump. Bookmarked. Thanks, Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrOz8472]

Simon d'Entremont is a treasure and needs to be protected at all cost.

[@chelsk3689]

I'm not even through the whole video, and you made me tear up with relief. Ignore the gatekeepers and enjoy the process... you were spot on. Thank you, thank you, thaaaank you! I absolutely have looooved getting back into photography, but some aspects were discoraging, not stopping me, but discouraging. Your words keep me more motivated to stay in this photography journey. You are a treasure. Thank you so much for being you and giving back to the photography community!

[@gezgriffiths3793]

Totally honest explanation that I’ve seen no other photographer that I have watched on KZbin do before. Most just make us all look inferior to what they are doing. Well done and thanks. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kkms82]

I'm a complete beginner and will be shooting for the first time tomorrow. This message is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you so much, Simon. You're so authentic and genuine.🌷

[@marknewman2157]

More people need to understand this concept. I always had a hard time when I was using film because I had a limited budget. Now with digital that limitation is gone, and my photos have become much better. I met a National Geographic photographer and he said he took over 2000 pictures for a three shot article

[@SkylarkFields]

This is the best advice I have ever heard, and I feel lots better about my photography now. Thank you, Simon, for all these great tips!

[@howardeurovine127]

As always, super genuine advice, from the best on KZbin, thanks again Simon, your generosity knows no limits.

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@keithwilson7358]

Simon fantastic advise not only for beginners but a great reminder for those that have been taking pictures for a while I was once told you don't take a picture you capture a story

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent

[@JohnPepp]

I enjoy going out in nature and just enjoying wildlife. I like wildlife and I love when I see something unexpected. Photography is taking tons of photos, trying to get that composition that looks great and you can get wildlife even in your backyard.

[@gregfeeler6910]

This is an amazing video, full of so many truths which so many need to hear. But, your last tip is probably the single best advice I've ever heard. Brilliant. Just brilliant.

[@mdabdulquader9943]

The most encouraging video on photography. Thanks a lot.

[@marys.9764]

I wish I had been able to see this video 40+ years ago, but luckily "enjoying the process" has always carried me through.

[@Rodatrodat]

Simon, you are not only a great photographer but a great teacher.

[@stevesharkey3312]

Making everyday things look beautiful becomes a habit that will lift your spirit as you start seeing the world in a more positive way. Then you just need to not let the nay sayers drag you down into their negativity. Great video.

[@lee-annecarpenter6844]

Wise, wise, wise words! As usual, you never fail to deliver. A timely reminder for me in my photographic journey!

[@simon_dentremont]

Absolutely!l

[@chrisaugustin9181]

this is why I follow you. Best Photography channel on the tube

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@lionheart4424]

This is one of the finest and most empathic videos, Simon. Thank you!

[@tonysutton6559]

Tip number 4 is probably the best one. I used to walk and travel to take pics. Now I take pictures as I walk and travel and on some days I might not take any pictures at all if I don't see anything that interests me or might interest others.

[@tothespace2122]

This channel is so full of knowledge and wisdom. You're a true professional.

[@Macmannus82]

Take uncommon photos of common things... This is the best advice you can even hear...

[@jremi]

What an inspirational advice! I just came back from what I was considering an unsuccessful day of photography until I watched this video. Great timing! Thanks!

[@eze3572]

Simon!! You are just the note of positivity I needed to end a blue monday! Bless your heart 😊

[@hayleyhowat3295]

I just love your message to see beauty wherever you are. Make the seemingly mundane something exciting! Help others see something new and interesting through photography that perhaps they didn’t see before. Love this! Thank you for your videos; You have been a huge help to me!

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@_NoDrinkTheBleach]

Tip 5 is a great one, especially when mother nature is involved. A lot of my trips have been hampered by bad weather, but I've taken some unconventional shots that are still portfolio favorites from those trips.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bryan1917vc1]

That video has made me feel a whole lot better Simon and the will to carry on.

[@pcs9518]

One of my mistakes in high school photography class is now one of my tricks in my bag to create an effect I find interesting as do others

[@susanmendelson4396]

I’ve been taking photos for over 40 years, but I still found this inspiring. Thanks.

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@fupston824]

Me too, and I agree 100%. It's a short video that all photographers should watch, especially hobbyists/amateurs/beginners.

[@tsdelaney]

Excellent, Simon! I must say, I’m on Facebook’s Nikon D700 group and I find this group is really positive and supportive. It’s refreshing as are your videos!

[@laurenmartin644]

The best photography educator on the internet. Thank you for sharing.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@hussaina.1973]

My favorite photography channel!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@garrydelday5816]

Brilliant advice Simon, make the mundane look beautiful. Three years into my journey and I’m 100% happy if I get ONE keeper out of 1000. Wildlife photography is very difficult so getting that “keeper” is so much more satisfying when it happens. I follow quite a few professional wildlife photographers on YT and never expect to get close to some of the images they produce but when I do get close it puts a massive smile on my face. Wildlife photography = homework, patience, effort and most often luck 😉

[@jyoungtricks]

For your bonus tip, I think it's good to remember that one persons common might be anothers wonder. There are birds that are here in south east Queensland that you likely havent seen in canada and although the people around me likely wont care about a photo of a blue-faced honey eater that doesnt mean someone across the pond won't

[@BenjaminJames-mw1wt]

You've done it again Simon. I love your completely honest view. .and the fact you're images are stunning makes it all the more poignant.

[@SteveRoss-h2m]

Thank you Simon for the boost of motivation and another great Video. As always, thank you for inspiring the average photographer.

[@nolanstrebel9405]

I'd love to see a video on various physics phenomena, like chromatic aberration and diffraction and similar; what they are, why they happen, and how to combat them. Why does stopping down the lens help? How does that magically get rid of the purple and green edges? Why does it appear purple and green in the first place? Could get into a huge rabbit hole there!

[@davegoldberg1874]

Check out Marc Levoy lectures on digital photography. He covers all that and a lot more. youtube.com/@marclevoy?si=4w9Pvtkr2CNwluoT

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Another great video! And SOOO many gatekeepers and discouraging folks in photography groups. I was shooting astro recently and a younger guy came up nearby and set up his camera about 20 feet away. We were at a pullout/vista point right next to the outside of a curve on a road, so we were both trying to shoot in-between passing headlights. At one point, several cars all pulled up at once, shining headlights on us. I could see his chagrin was as strong as mine, and we both started joking around about the light. We ended up chatting for awhile and he moved his camera closer to mine after asking if it was okay. He was like, "You're so nice! So many photographers are so territorial and mean." It's sad that this community can be that way and has a reputation for it. Thank you for bringing a more positive light in every single video!

[@simon_dentremont]

Astro is actually the friendliest genre from my experience.

[@mgourley1234]

Indeed. This is advice to take to heart. As with many things in life, I don't really give a F what other people think....If I'm happy with the results, or can learn from the experience, that's all that really matters.

[@Tee.M23]

Really needed to hear this, 95% of the time I'm not happy with the work I produce but other would compliment my work. Everytime I'd go out for a shoot I would compare my work with the photographers that I know that have been in the industry for years now, I think a mistake I made was to expose myself too much to professionals.

[@eyeofthediver]

With underwater photography becoming so easy to achieve with today’s phones, a friend and I conversed over our terribly complex equipment. You are right Simon, we decided that for us it’s about the chase, the outing itself is rewarding. Choosing the right focus, positioning our lights, maintaining buoyancy, that stuff is a nice kick :)

[@Riverrockphotos]

This is the best advice I've ever heard from a photographer. There really are no truer statements don't let other people discourage you. Most of the people making those comments have probably never even really taken a photograph.

[@YouthEnergy]

Your bonus tip is actually something I've done since day one of my photography journey! When I got my first camera, the first thing I did was start taking photos of random things in my apartment and in my yard, trying to figure out all possible settings the camera had to offer. That's something I've been doing ever since. It's an invaluable piece of advice for anyone who hasn't been doing it, since it makes the world around us suddenly look more beautiful than we initially realized. Another amazing video, Simon!

[@tommymorgan2019]

I love your encouragement. You keep photography fun, which is what it should always be. Love your videos all the way from San Antonio, TX

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks so much!

[@Morgan-o2q]

Simon thank you so much. I am getting back into photography after a 24 hiatus due to an illness. It’s been a mighty struggle for me. So much has changed. As in the camera gear. And I have seem to have lost my spark. But your videos are helping me take those steps in finding my passion again. Thank you again for all these videos. What a treasure you are. Tamara

[@roywennekes8548]

This whole video and especially the bonus tip really hit home for me! Today I shot a photo of a stinging nettle in front of an appartment complex. The most mundane subjects, but because I liked the composition, the colors and the fact the shot was sharp, bright and had a nice bokeh I really appreciated it :)

[@PottsiePhoto]

I think this is one of my favourite videos! Understanding that even the best out there have frustrations and that enjoying the process is as important as great results is something I need to keep in view. Thanks for this!

[@elizabethray8880]

"Allow photography time to be therapeutic"! Love it.

[@jamesstewart553]

Simon, this is one of your best videos and you never mentioned a shooting mode or an F number what you say about "the going out" is correct, being there and enjoying it is" the drug". I get many average and a few "keepers", some days the "photography brain" works better than others, not everything works out perfectly, and sometimes things work out unexpectedly. Enjoyment is the main thing, not fighting a technical battle or seeking a technical solution for every frame, as for negative "expert" attitudes and "gatekeeping" - good luck to them, their comments are usually more about themselves and massaging their ego,- making themselves feel good. Thank you for a reminder of what is important both In photography and in life.

[@MaceFXE]

I was just having a conversation about this today. I struggle with confidence in my work because I keep comparing to other people. I am working on being happy with my own photos and not worrying about what others think. Though, I do love to share photos with friends and family.

[@lauritzpetemolderup3556]

By far the most sound and real guy on photography

[@iangibson5996]

You are not only a great photographer Simon but truly a sage in this space. Always offering excellent and common sense advice and without doubt the best KZbin channel for photographers.

[@lesdanser489]

This is a great message! I find some of my best days are what I call "Making something out of nothing"

[@StevenBamford]

Hi Simon, I just wanted to say I have only recently discovered your channel, but it has been a breath of fresh air. Finally, there is someone cheery and positive, loves his subject, and is genuinely interested in creating content that is really informative and beneficial to the watcher. I really enjoy your videos, they inspire me to go grab my camera more and try your suggestions out. Thank you, and please keep them coming.

[@aprilbolden7995]

Wonderful advice! Thank you! I have been so overwhelmed with trying to learn, apply, practice, practice, repeat! I have to remember to go at my own pace and master each skill one step at a time! ❤

[@omarliew1164]

Bought my first camera a year ago. First day i made a photo of an random pole on the side of the road near my house to see what depth of field i could get with the kitlens. 1 year and thousands of photo's later and it's still my favourite pic. I'm addicted now. Thanks for this great channel!

[@aussietheo483]

Thank you for these videos. Sometimes I fight with myself and tell myself that I am not good enough. That I don't always get what I want… but I can see now that I am not alone.

[@simon_dentremont]

You got this!

[@fiercefreewhole]

I'm so grateful to have found your channel as I've begun my photography journey, Simon! You'll probably never know how much you've already helped me.

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Such a cool video! Go out and take pics doing the things you enjoy is so right! No need for unnecessary pressure

[@simon_dentremont]

So true!

[@ardscorner]

Sage advice Simon. Eveeyday objects that most consider ordinary can become extrordinary from a certain point of view. That point of view is something I like to try and exploit by taking photos from different angles.

[@jtnovaten]

Thank you so much! I'm so hard on myself and I've hit the wall and always think to myself, "Will I ever get out of this rut?" Your inspiration has kept me out in the field!

[@WIHRC]

I am definitely very appreciative of all of these tips. At some point, I stopped worrying about a lot of stuff when it comes to photography, especially still being in the beginner to intermediate stages of things. Sharpness was the first thing to go, and then the expectation of not getting something every single time I go out. Now I just enjoy the process more than anything even if I don't get photos I like it bothers me a little bit but just exploring the same place and finding something different or even exploring a new place is enough for me. I think that's also why I've started to keep photos that I don't necessarily like all the way to because it tells a story that I'll be able to look back on in the future.

[@MariglenMusko]

i love the fact that you inclode a photo of yours in every video. great pictures

[@eskay2250]

Sage advice Simon! I loved your porcupine photos because from my end of the World, they are unique in their own right

[@remischommers]

I've been following you since the beginning Simon. And I have to say that this video is the most meaningful you've ever made. Over the practical advices you have this ability to teach us the spiritual process that we can apply for photography and I'd even say, in life. Thanks again for everything. Merci beaucoup.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

I recommend people go light, small, cheap for the starter kit. Buy something you'll want to bring with you everywhere and if it breaks or is stollen, etc., it will not be the end of the world. However, if you manage not to lose/break it, after you have progressed to a higher level this gear is still useful. Once you feel like its time to up your game and you know you will be doing this for many years if not decades, you should mostly skip the budget stuff. Budget gear ends up costing you more in the long run. The most important thing is that you enjoy what you are doing and that is where the focus should be. The reality is that basically no one but you/your family wants your photos/videos, so its not like there is a monetary benefit to spending more and more on gear. If you can afford it, then by all means buy it if it helps you enjoy this more. The more forward looking advice is this is all about the lenses; camera bodies come and go. So don't buy into a system that is all camera body hype and yet has almost no good or great lenses available for the system/genre.

[@elvinlawcc]

I like to take photos and videos of the people and things happening in my community. It is a fun thing to do sharing memorable moments with people in my community. I make people feel happy myself feel happy too. I have been doing this for years and everyone appreciates my effort and they all love me!😂

[@snapchick]

I have learned so much from you Simon. I did join a camera club who advertised that all were welcome, especially beginners and I hoped to learn how to take better images. Well, every other week there was a competition and I got to feel the pressure of entering a great image so as to not be so harshly critisised and made to look foolish by the judge. Pretty soon I forgot to enjoy taking photos. I needed and wanted positive critisism so enable me to improve, not to feel completely demoralised. Even other members of the club were no help. I even thought of giving up photography and selling my camera. Anyway, I have now left the club and have started to really enjoy the process of creating images that please me and when comparing them with earlier ones, I can see how I am improving. Thank you for this video.

[@FutureChaosTV]

Such groups in any field of life or profession/hobby are frequently led by narcissist's or mobbing type people. You did the right thing to leave. Maybe you can find an open, easy going photography group that doesn't have a leader or committee but rather is just a group of people that go out on one day of the week to take photos for a simple, specific theme. You know, more like a motivation and inspiration for oneself as oppossed to a beauty contest for others.