How Anyone Can Make Compelling Wildlife Images

[@simon_dentremont]

A year from now, Thomas will be in a pub, have a few drinks, and the story will start with « this one time, Simon and I were in a sauna, and we started talking about ti… ». Had a great time with you in Svalbard my friend!

[@r.s.i8753]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RealHouseMouse2]

No way, if going to a pub would guarantee perfect pictures (no matter if your talking about wildlife or landscapes), I would be the worlds number 1 photographer this side of the multiverse

[@rowlandspear4061]

Hilarious!!

[@davidpearson3304]

That sounds more like how a Gavin Hardcastle story would begin. 😂

[@pedroagonzalezfoto]

@@RealHouseMouse2 🤣

[@rcarder2093]

"Make uncommon photos of common things." That's my mantra, thanks to Simon. That also works for other types of photography. Not just wildlife. Simon's advice is cross genre advice!

[@ClaiCesar]

I agree. I live in Jamaica. Every morning, a hummingbird visits the flowering shrub outside my kids room. We often see them from the window. I recently ordered a used Nikon D5300, I plan to take photos of those hummingbirds as soon as it reached 😊. I have recently added more flowering plants to attract them. I have 3 different species of Hibiscus and they are blooming like crazy. The hummingbirds visits them too. Unfortunately due to the hurrican last Tuesday, I had to cut them down cause the branches were broken. They will soon spring back with more blooms. ❤

[@AtaBoraBasar]

They are a great duo, I follow both photographers with pleasure.

[@mlevesque33]

Same. Both channels are awesome and Thomas is responsible for me getting into landscape photography. 😃

[@patrickyott]

Lets lock Thomas and Simon in a box every week!

[@jayway310]

I second this motion!

[@bhikhta]

Damn! I'm up for it.

[@AlergicToSnow]

Count me in

[@jerryalt6486]

I used to teach people how to be instructors for a major U.S. corporation. Simon is one of the best I have seen. Thomas is one of the best entertaining photographers on KZbin. What a combination!

[@pedroagonzalezfoto]

A masterclass in less than 16 minutes! Great!

[@johnbethell8666]

I do think Simon is the best photography teacher on KZbin. Excellent conversation!

[@simonevans876]

Simon has probably forgotten more than I will ever know about wildlife photography! Fountain of knowledge. Great video both, enjoyed this! 😃👏

[@Shannon-q2n]

It was lovely to see Simon out of his basement! Fabulous series😂

[@scotty4418]

That polar bear image looking straight on to the camera is an absolute keeper Thomas. Good tips from Simon too

[@pattymattes7124]

I love Simon. He's a great teacher. The techniques he uses carry over very well to pet photography. Thomas, I still love that dog shot you got!!!

[@27photogger]

exactly, 100%, Simon really educates you so well, explaining everything as he goes along like Thomas did in the beginning too

[@timschaefer86]

Simon’s a superb teacher. I could listen to him for hours.

[@daa8286]

The nugget - "ISO is the setting that doesn't impact the creative look of the photo". Boom! Don't be obsessed with noise - deal with it in post process to the degree that you can, but nobody (that matters) cares, if the image is creative and impactful.

[@sagaloo1]

That was a fantastic conversation fuelled by your enthusiasm and Simon knowledge and clarity, I particularly loved the bit where you couldn't wait to talk about the image of the Guillemot you took, pure joy and energy.

[@DKPhotoArt]

Wow the two coolest KZbinr together 😁 😁 😁 🎉

[@duncanwallace7760]

"Sense of Place" is why I started watching landscape videos. I was finding my favourite wildlife shots had great backgrounds or what I called "animal in the environment", and so I thought getting better at landscape photography would help me make good decisions quickly of what landscape to include in my wildlife shots.

[@AnnaVahtera]

I've been following Thomas for like ages and just found Simon a few months ago. Both are spectacular photographers and awesome persons. So them doing content together is like extra great.

[@isotechimages.9130]

Have followed you both for many years now & glad Thomas has discovered wildlife photography simply because l can now see his talent applied to both landscape & wildlife.

[@charliejg]

Your first point is near and dear to me. First, I can't really afford a big lens right now. I'm shooting with the XF90mm f2 on my X-T3. But, because I agree with you that the context needs to be there too. I see many birders who constantly crop in really, really, tight. And, while it nice to see that beautiful detail sometimes, it's so much better to me to show the bigger picture. This was such a great instructional video. Thanks so much to both of you!!

[@joerichard171]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. You and Simon are a joy to listen to, both experts in your genres, together, masters of instruction and story telling 👏

[@PMCN53]

That was a fantastic VLOG with Simon.....A new addition to the Thomas Heaton skill mix.

[@fredintheshead]

Can't beat this, my two favourite photographers talking about my two favourite subjects. Great video 💯

[@loke4801]

Tits and wildlife photography? 😂

[@malcolmgibbs5826]

What a brilliant insight into wildlife photography. I have always preferred landscape stuff but this has really inspired me to do more wildlife photography in future. Thanks guys!!

[@philpetrie]

It should be us thanking you Thomas , a super segment , enjoyed every minute of it , and took notes as well , look-out wildlife , here we come 😄

[@touavlogs]

A sense of place Definitely gold

[@AlergicToSnow]

I am very excited at the prospect of Thomas expanding his horizons into other genres. A great landscape image is a special thing but a great wildlife image in a great landscape backdrop won’t be very special indeed.

[@LangDzu]

I have been always thinking to myself when Thomas Heaton will be photographing wildlife/birds 🤔😂 That day has come!!!

[@AlergicToSnow]

I just got reminded of the same advice from a wedding photographer. A great wedding photograph is often a great landscape image, with people in it!

[@petergrove5132]

You’ve picked the best photographer you could have to learn about wildlife photography. He is both a great photographer and a great teacher.

[@gearoidosullivan356]

This was a fantastic video guys. Loads of great advice and presented in an easy manner. For good places to practice, I agree that wildlife parks are good, but to add in the getting "uncommon shots of common species", then urban ponds or lakes are great. The animals there are still wild, but habituated to people so you don't have to worry quite as much about disturbance. And I am especially happy to hear ye highlight a sense of place as the first point. It can be very hard to overcome the tendency to want to get the "bird on a stick" shot that we're all familiar with. But for me the best shots are practically landscape shots with the animal with the frame (preferably illustrating some behaviour). But to show how difficult that habit is to overcome, I have a friend who is a superb wildlife photographer and has won many awards. He decided he wanted to try something a bit different, and managed to get a beautiful shot of a bird nesting in a dried river bed with the mountains in the background (using a radio trigger to not disturb the birds). When he put that into his next national competition, it didn't even get selected. And yet it is one of his most treasured shots. So, note to others, try not to let external validation inhibit your creativity.

[@nerrelloader4226]

Make uncommon photos of common things. I try my best, but I am not always successful. lol. Great video Thomas & Simon. Thank you for sharing your experience/talent with us. Cheers!

[@timelliston]

Really enjoyed this recent series you've done with Simon. Learnt a lot of good tips and tricks and loved the way your personalities bounce off each other.

[@alanjabs6935]

Great video Thomas, I have also followed Simon for a while and love his work too. Now for my challenge to you. The next few videos to also include wildlife. Up for it????

[@AndyBurton]

I love this partnership. Watching recent videos from the two of you, it looks like you really got on well.

[@michaelhall2709]

1:18. Especially awesome. Edit: photography has its new great comedy duo.

[@susanbray6817]

I’ve been following you for 4 years as a landscape photographer and about a year ago I began to move over to wildlife photography, mainly birds, so I am super excited to see how your journey progresses. Loved this video and the tips you and Simon were giving. I’m unlikely to visit anywhere outside the UK so will be restricted to local wildlife but this week I got my first Cuckoo and that was a real thrill. I’m looking forward to further compilations, maybe Rachel Bigsby? Thanks again for a great video 😀

[@susanfirth2279]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video/vlog - great conversation and good advice. Simon's channel is excellent as well.

[@MLodge]

The "hotel lounge jazz" soundtrack is hilarious

[@thomaspedersen4912]

And the dinner jazz in the background in a sauna 😀

[@AlergicToSnow]

Two of my favorite KZbin channels!

[@brianbracherphotography]

I have done the same thing this year, as I lost my motivation for landscape photography. Whilst it would be great to go to exotic places, there is so much fascinating wildlife within a short distance to most people in the UK. I have been amazed at what I wasn’t seeing before I started on this journey. And a 100-400 has, in the main be enough distance. The best bit of advice I can give others is subscribe to Simon!s channel. I have learnt so much from watching his videos - simply one of the best

[@namboozleUK]

A lot of useful tips in a short video.

[@johnlindseyphotography1704]

Absolutely loved this video. 2 photographers I admire. As I wildlife photographers myself it was a fantastic watch. Well done

[@trevorridgers2923]

Nice video Thomas, looking forward to see how you combine landscape and wildlife........A sense of place, great tip, I love it 👌

[@davidxx1]

great to see you enjoying yourself.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Tom and Simon are two peas in a pod. I totally agree with Simon's approach of including the environment in wildlife photos. Next, Tom, try sports photography. I just took some really impressive (to me) images of skateboarders at a half-pipe competition. I took both of your approaches and included enough of the surroundings to make them stand out. Not bad for a first attempt!

[@WalkingEng]

Outstanding chat between two incredible photographers. I’ve learnt so much from both of you over the years, this one was just fantastic with great tips. I just need to go out and back away from 500mm when I can.

[@kiwikea2002]

This kind of video - talking shop with someone who know what they are doing - brings so much info and education into the mix. Great! Did you notice? One "every time tip" (eye level) gets mitigated when the situation merits it (tall elephant). Situational awareness plus variable toolbox trumps.

[@masterhall1685]

You said a great thing, Thomas, about the cold sweat when the ISO increases.

[@burrdaddy]

Great pairing of minds. Loaded with great info.

[@wildlife_phtography_Crete]

im from GREECE and Simon show me what is wild life photography. and im very happy that he had answer some of my questions. thank you Simon!

[@dccd673]

I didn’t know about the wind direction, that’s a good one to remember. Wherever I try to take photos of geese, they always walk away from me then take off.

[@colinjoyceart]

My two favourite photographers on KZbin. What a treat to have watched these latest videos in Svalbard of you both. So much advice too.

[@RiccardoPareschi]

Two masters conversation! Awesome moment. Thanks Thomas !

[@aniketshrestha6311]

I watched both of your video , i mean the respect you give each other , it is essential to learn the experience from you sir .

[@vivlund]

Auto ISO all the way home! Love Thomas and Simon!

[@charlenenagel7962]

What a joy to watch! Two of my favourite photographers and a great conversation. Thanks!

[@JohnTucker]

Great 15 minutes! Being a bird and wildlife photog myself, I let the ISO float without sweating it. Today's NR software takes care of noise when necessary, and I definitely do not want to miss the shot due to ISO restrictions.

[@jimbruton9482]

Wonderful video. It's obvious to see the friendship between these two great photographers, sharing their thoughts on their work. I hope to see these two broadcast similar videos from time to time as it is really a treasure for us to see them talking "shop".

[@cescvalcarcel361]

Really an interesting, I'm sure this conversation will improve my wildlife pictures, and of course, a revision to not selected pictures that I'm sure I can rescue cause I was focusing in isolate the subjects from the environment, and a revision to my pictures I think is really necessary. Thanks!!!

[@randyschwager84]

Excellent video! Variety is the spice of life! I’m looking forward to seeing more wildlife from you! You have the best teacher on the planet! Thanks for taking me along!

[@peterorr999]

You both did very well getting through that chat with your base and mid layers on in the ship’s sauna!

[@MrDaveB123]

I love my landscape work but there is something about wildlife that's just another level of satisfaction.

[@madanavc]

As always it's a pleasure to see your videos, and especially this one, that without any constrictions, you guys share what you do to take a picture!!!

[@diletantwithcamera]

Thank you Thomas! You and Simon are the most motivating photographers for me.

[@drrajstravelphotography]

Tom Dr Raj Here from Leicester. I truly enjoyed this interview of two best experts and teachers in the field.

[@johannaknowles8569]

So stoked that you’re getting into wildlife photography! Looking forward to seeing what happens next. The UK animals aren’t common for us in Australia, so we’ll find it interesting.

[@richardmerritt5600]

What a great partnership and interview. Have really enjoyed this series thanks to both

[@suzannevandoren2888]

Love this conversation with my two favorites!!

[@iscoguy]

Haha. I knew Tom had the wildlife bug when he got excited by the red feet of the guillemot. Exactly Tom, exactly.

[@GeorgetownThunder]

With Wildlife, I like the P.I.E. method. When shooting the scene…portrait, interaction, and environment.

[@ceciliamorningofmylife1137]

Great video with two of my favourite KZbinr photographers!

[@ianjefferson694]

Love the look of excitement in your eyes. You've discovered something new and exciting.

[@ungerwhere.]

Great stuff! I took my new 70-200 out a few weeks ago to photograph birds and saw some new gear that I didn't know existed. Enjoy the process!

[@matthanson4810]

This was fun, helpful and inspiring. It was great seeing you two together! Great video!!

[@joelmspencer]

Great video Thomas and Simon, enjoyed listening to this. Interesting to hear from both of you. You can never stop learning in photography!

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Video Simon & Thomas, great discussion on wildife in the landscape, thanks for sharing

[@ilona__willemsen]

Can't wait for all the wildlife photos and videos you are going to make! Your channel keeps getting better. 👌🏻

[@IslamicTalksPodcast]

Love to see Thomas so excited

[@mikephelpswildlifephotography]

Awesome video Tom all really good points for wildlife photography, the one really important one that wasn’t spoken about is going out early morning or late evening to get that golden light which can make even common subjects look incredible. Give me a shout if you fancy getting out to do some owl photography 👍🏻

[@tjsinva]

I guess the sauna is the quietest room on the ship or the most private. 😜That's a great list for starters. Simon appears to be a natural when it comes to breaking down different aspects of photography. Perhaps whatever he did in his past life prepared him for it. Surely accounts for his channel gathering almost a half million subs in only 2 years. Carry on. 👍🥂

[@stevebanks484]

I started out doing landscape photography but quickly found a passion for wildlife, birds especially. You can spend a fortune on gear but as long as you have one or two decent lenses you can get great results, but Simon’s tips are invaluable and I use most of them from hisKZbin channel. It can be frustrating but, like most photography, when you get a great shot it really inspires you. Enjoy Thomas and I look forward to seeing you results. 👍

[@denisesavage2382]

Great conversation - I love dropping into Simon's channel from time to time. And picking the videos where I haven't learnt something. I always learn something from Simon's work.

[@jremi]

Quite funny, Before this video, I watched Simon's video on landscape photography with Thomas. Thomas suggested a 100-400mm lens for landscape and now their talking about the advantage of using a shorter lens for wildlife photography to show the animal in its environment. It is contrary to general belief, but it makes a lot of sense.

[@PaulReinstein]

I started with landscapes when I was a kid really, but in my old age, I find that wildlife (especially birds) keeps me more on my toes. More gear to haul around is a workout. Remembering species names and attributes, is good for the brain as is the additional technical aspects of wildlife photography. Of course both put me out in nature, and that's always a good thing too. overall, a great combination. Welcome to my world!

[@BruceMoore-w5x]

Priceless information! Thank You. I can see the both of you are enjoying life to the fullest! I Follow both your channels and always learn something new from the both of you every time a video is released. Don’t completely abandon your landscape photography Thomas I am learning so much from your adventures! Thanks Again

[@michelle_pw]

I wish I could give this two thumbs up. 👍🏽 👍🏽

[@hvargas1442]

The two GOATs 🐐🐐

[@manuelrodil1641]

Love the two of you in this video. Huge fan of both. Great video.

[@Chulagial]

Been following both of you for quite a while!! ❤️❤️

[@anandailham3018]

Wow.. I've learned a lot just by this 16 mins video. Thanks!

[@SteveZodiac777]

Great video packed full of really useful practical tips - thanks for sharing!

[@davidkissman9179]

Excellent Great tips. Thank you Simon

[@albert25hoo]

Hello Thomas, this conversation offers me deep insights in another genre, wildlife photography. I can imagine you learned a lot in a very personal way. Aslking a professinal questions is a very good way to learn and a natural way to teach. As a former teaching scientist I really enjoyed it. Thanks Thomas and also Simon, Bert.

[@Junglist360]

Eagles are the reason I got into photography. But I quickly learned that getting "the shot" was a neverending endeavor. I wouldn't have it any other way! Great to see you giving something else a hot crack, Thomas.

[@gladysperrier4270]

Great post and lovely images to demonstrate the points. I totally agree that there is a tendency to go for a tight crop when actually it is great to see the context. Looking forward to seeing you continue to grow as a wildlife photographer.

[@julieholland9639]

I've been photographing wildlife for many years and when I started out, I used to crop in a lot but over time I've noticed that showing the environment is much more interesting and as every man and his dog is taking close ups these days, I'm moving away from it. I used to have a canon full frame with a big Tamron but have moved to a fuji (crop) with their wonderful 100-400. Apparently, many don't think Fuji are wildlife cameras but my XT5 is the bomb. Also love landscapes but I'm not that good at that so I can learn a lot from this. I love Morten Hilmers style which is very much the environmental wildlife as Simon mentions, gives so much more to see where the animals live. I'm looking forward to your wildlife videos

[@angelawilkins3624]

I have the Nikon Z 400 2.8. I chose this lens over the 600 for the reasons you discussed. It’s great for capturing the environment and in low light. Need more reach, engage the built in tc for 560mm f4. Good light and need to get closer, throw on the external 2x. I love close ups but the photos I print and hang on my wall end up being the environmental photos❤. I follow and love both your channels!

[@johngdinesen1]

Great teaching😊Thank you very much.👍

[@donnakeeley4531]

This was an awesome tutorial and the images were great from both of you too. Thanks from NZ