Nature and bird photography: SETTINGS, EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES TO GET THE SHOTS IN MY 2023 CALENDAR

Want to take amazing wildlife photos? Check out my new course with 20 modules and over 5 hours of content, no fluff! AND A CHANCE TO WIN A $13,000 600mm f4 LENS!
journalofwildlifephotography....
In this video, I'll walk you through all of my favorite shots that made their way into my 2023 calendar, including all the details on how I got the shots: settings, techniques, tips, equipment and winning conditions. I hope that I can shed some light on how I get these photos, and how you can do the same.
The equipment I use: www.simondentremont.com/my-eq...
Follow me on:
Facebook / sdentrem
Instagram / simon.dentremont
VERO vero.co/simondentremont
Website www.simondentremont.com/

[@simon_dentremont]

Which shot was your favorite?

[@breakaleg10]

The breathing bird. I really like how its breath is so easily seen

[@davearchbell9921]

The Wood Duck.

[@rowlandspear4061]

Snowy Owl, of course!

[@simon_dentremont]

@@rowlandspear4061 haha thx Rowland!

[@simon_dentremont]

@@davearchbell9921 He IS indeed pretty!

[@DrLoneyDal]

The calendar is an example of the diversity of vision and excellence in execution that Simon is known for. None of these photos look remotely the same, unlike some other wildlife/bird photographers. He is an exceptional talent right here at home in Nova Scotia! Wonderful collection, Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Robert!!

[@nesle1805]

how to tell the story of your adventure while teaching photography? Simon: "Hold my camera.."* 😂😂 its so fun to listen every story of the photos😁

[@drsameervaidya8608]

That image of powerful wave splash is so full of energy and power

[@amerphoto1]

I am glad Gavin Hardcastle moved to Nova Scotia and you appeared in a couple of his videos, or I may have never found out about you. I am happy I did. Your videos are full of useful tips, information and easy to learn from, making them a first to view when you post one. This video shows that you do not need to be a worldly traveler to capture great images. Most all of your birds are common to many photographers close to home, except maybe the Snowy Owl which we only get on an occasional irruption every few years in the southern Tier of New York state. But other birds are common to other areas and can be photographed the same as you have done. Keep up the quality videos!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks so much! Snowies are uncommon here too in Nova Scotia. An uncommon treat to see one. I’ll be hooking up with Gavin again soon.

[@tomp.7908]

breathing bird is my #1

[@simon_dentremont]

It’s hard not to like that one!

[@dennisharris144]

Updated comment. I just got my calendar in the mail today and I LOVE IT.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wonderful! I shipped out 50 more today!

[@va2xgm]

Really interresting with all the settings details. Photos are more than excellent !!

[@dennisharris144]

I am in!! Just bought the calendar. It is beautiful but the real reason I purchased it was to inspire me to be a better photographer. You sir are amazing

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Dennis!

[@kennetht66]

Loved the Eagle although they are all amazing. Plus all of the amazing tips I have learned so much from you Thanks again!

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@mikepierce6417]

Please print more copies! Ha! Brand new photographer loving the channel! Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@jamesterrance]

I'm just beginning bird photography and your videos are extremely helpful. I like that you give details of shutter speed, ISO, aperture--and why--and also where you positioned yourself and why. Also a comment. I think one other reason I like your videos so much is that you get right to it! No big introduction or other blah blah. I appreciate that.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shawnkwitecki5286]

I love your work and you teaching us your settings & technique is such a huge bonus … Thank You

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you so much!

[@janetelsworthy1710]

The owl is my favourite- the soft pastel lighting is magical. You must have been freezing waiting in the snow for the right moment.

[@simon_dentremont]

Yes it was, but worth it!

[@BGTuyau]

Loads of useful technical shooting information -and not "strictly for the birds." Thanks again ...

[@kramerje1]

Stunning work! Thank you for sharing!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@seabreezeof]

Wait till Gavin see's your storm shot, you may have to give him a few pointers :-) ....My pick is the Bohemian Wax Wing.... Lovely calendar set, there all winners.... How cold can it get up there with the wind chill factored in ?

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks! Minus 30c when it gets windy here.

[@lisawells8226]

Love the picture of the wood duck. The detail you are able to achieve in your photos is amazing.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you very much!

[@retroonhisbikes]

Glad i found your channel, a firm canon user. Ive learned so much from you. Been buying a few quality lenses (second hand), and set the camera to manual.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome aboard!

[@brianlevoguer2777]

The Northern Pintail is fantastic. The rich browns in the bird and background with just enough sharpness, a great pose with the wing feathers in the foreground. WOW WOW WOW!!!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MrTmiket0007]

Congratulations on your beautiful calendar, my favorite is the blue Jay picture, keep up with the awesome content and thanks for sharing another wonderful video 🐦❤️👍

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you Miguel!

[@migflowers]

Amazing work, Simon! Thank you for sharing your secrets! Your channel is full of solid tuts and advice... I can't believe you haven't blown up BIG! It'll happen!

[@KingLoopie1]

Nice stuff! Looking forward to the 2024 calendar!

[@Mike-126]

Beautiful work!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@FlyFishFairwx]

That was great !! Thanks sir.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you liked it!

[@davet3530]

Stunning images and great tips. Thanks Simon

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@six66red14]

A big thank you Simon for these photos and advice

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure Six!

[@jimmosca7843]

Great images and great info! Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Suhailkhan53]

Lovely pictures ❤

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@odarrien]

Such awesome images!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@ianjones3327]

always very informative with the tips and stuff, brilliant images, thanks Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Very welcome Ian!

[@Kevin_Yuda_]

Incredible images, Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Kevin!

[@craigmantle5362]

Beautiful calendar Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@instamauimatt]

awesome shots.... great video!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks a lot!

[@colmranger]

I’m always in awe your images are so inspiring, love your videos too regards from Ireland

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you very much! Great to see folks from Ireland here.

[@jeffmaronphotography]

As always your videos are educational and inspiring. Your photos are fantastic!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@danielz6436]

I'm just discovering photography and I've been watching some of your youtube videos. Out of everyone, I think I resonate with you the most. You really inspire me to do this thing. Aiming to get the SONY A7 IV as my first camera and start learning this craft. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting out these videos and continuing to share your tips and tricks and ultimately your craft. Best wishes from you fellow Canadian in Toronto.

[@louisswaim7024]

Thank you for naming the food “flipping” behavior. I’ve observed this with egrets, herons, and grebes. Loved all of your shots, especially the Northern Pintail. Your insights are always helpful.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@attiksystem]

Beautiful pictures and excellente explanations. Very instructive and inspiring. Thanks for sharing!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

Very nice imagery and wonderful explanations. Thank you for sharing! Take care and be safe out there….

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you, I will!

[@jasonchetwynd]

2023 calendar ordered. We loved the 2022. Great video explaining the photos.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Jason! Awesome!

[@RichardCookphotography]

Great video Simon. Nice calendar too!

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks Richard!

[@GregCoonrod]

I've really been enjoying your videos and I've already put some of your post-processing tips to good use in my own photos. Keep it up!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@quentinmallie]

Hello Simon! I really appreciate the fact that you share your tips and techniques, sincerely thank you for that.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure! De rien!

[@old4004]

Wonderful bird pictures making for a beautiful 2023 calendar.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you so much 😊

[@sandramcmillan-cato8646]

The Bald Eagle and Owl were my favorite but I loved all the pictures thank you for sharing with us. Your video was very helpful as I'm working on a 2023 Calendar.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@shanestewart4905]

"Met" you on that yorkshire chaps channel. Like it here too.

[@simon_dentremont]

Haha you’ll see more of him here soon.

[@lindakarlin2980]

Super images. You are an excellent instructor. Thank you for the tips. It’s a great guide.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks so much!

[@KnightsandWeekends]

Glad I found your channel. Your work is exquisite! I began a journey into wildlife photography less than a year ago (though am an experienced photographer in other genre) and I find it to be equal parts challenge, frustration, and reward. Appreciate your style very much. Cheers.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks, and welcome aboard!

[@KurtisPape]

The Snowy Owl is my favourite, 2nd would be the kingfisher for me. With the waxwing, days like those are amazing when you get many keepers, I have many months pass without any keepers, then in 1 morning I have got 6 months of keepers! You have to make those mornings count so you have be prepared to make the most out of the opportunity!

[@simon_dentremont]

Couldn't agree more!

[@tonnievanravestijn748]

Hoi Simon het zijn geweldige foto,s bedankt voor de uitleg . Groetjes uit Nederland

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@melodyphillips2388]

I'm glad you don't subscribe to the "settings are meaningless to another photographer" school! Another great video. Thanks--

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ScottBaker1]

Great photos! That Kingfisher! Its been my nemesis bird this summer! Such a great shot! Great video. Look forward to the next one :)

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Scott!

[@KevinNordstrom]

Good work Simon 👍

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@user-kp6im8lt4v]

dear Simon, please take a video of how you make up the calendar in the program and what settings you use when printing a good day to you!

[@simon_dentremont]

I just use a template online from my printing shop.

[@mikefarmer6838]

Great video and pics Simon. I also saw a photo of yours that won an award. Silhouette of a waxwing with a berry balancing on its tongue. Brilliant shot. 👏

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Mike! Maybe I’ll put that one in 2024!

[@davidgommeren7283]

I witnessed the pooping before taking of for the first time this week with a kestrel. Unfortunately it was in a tree high up and flying away from me (and I was on a dike so I cloud not reposition myself). Did manage to take some great pictures of it though while sitting.

[@simon_dentremont]

Great!

[@naturephotographychallenge]

That was really interesting and your photos are beautiful. I always like to know the "behind the scenes" when it comes to great shots.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@timrodriguez1]

🤘🤠

[@wrsamsify]

Enjoying your videos - they are a breath of fresh air compared to every Peter McKinnon clone out there.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Wes!

[@alexkistler5804]

The action and lighting make the snowy owl my favorite. They are beautiful birds. Thanks for sharing your techniques. Do you have any recommendations on who to use for calendar printing?

[@simon_dentremont]

I use Atlantic Photo in my home town of Halifax, Nova Scotia and they take good care of me and do solid work.

[@SteveComstockPhotography]

I'd like to say, "thank you" for sharing your techniques, equipment, and settings so freely. This really helps me prepare for my own photography missions. In that same vein, I'm wondering if you would be willing to share your thoughts on what a good mission to Nova Scotia might entail; subjects, places, times of year, etc. I like to travel with my RV and spend time shooting in beautiful places, and I'd like to make plans to visit Nova Scotia. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

that’s a lot to cover in a comment, but here goes. Spring and Fall migrations are best for birds. You can also do whales at Brier Island in summer. Puffins in summer at Bird Islands in Cape Breton. In August, the sandpiper migration at Grand Pré is amazing. See my video. Cape Sable Island is a hotspot for birds in Spring and Fall. bird migrations. Fall for Moose in Cape Breton. Hope that helps.

[@SteveComstockPhotography]

@@simon_dentremont Might be a great topic for one of your videos. Thank you!

[@davearchbell9921]

All amazing photos. I sell a calendar for my late wife's foundation and ironically I was choosing possible photos this morning. I hope my customers don't see your photos because they think I great 😅😅 I had comments from last year that they want more scenery with the bird. I notice yours are all close ups. Personally I like the close shots too I may need to rethink my selections.

[@simon_dentremont]

I’m actually trying to add more scenery myself, but portraits are my style.

[@philipculbertson55]

Enjoyable video and great calendar. I do a landscape calendar every year and this year, after doing a lot of birds, I've considered adding some bird photos. At that point it is no longer a landscape calendar, I guess it is an outdoor nature calendar. I noticed in yours, you had the one image of the wave. I was curious if you had any reservations about having one landscape type image and the rest wildlife? I keep telling myself it is my calendar and I can make it whatever I want but I'm still a bit conflicted. Did you have any reservations about mixing the subject matter?

[@simon_dentremont]

Not really. Last year, I had 3 or 4 landscapes and nightscapes. I’ve thought of doing one just if birds, and another of Milky Way shots, but I’ve decided to stick to one for this year.

[@kenbarnessalisheye546]

Great video with awesome tips! Thank you. I was wondering where you get your calendars printed? Cheers and happy shooting!

[@simon_dentremont]

Right here in Halifax at a local print lab.

[@kenbarnessalisheye546]

@@simon_dentremont Thanks. It looks great!

[@terilapetino6337]

Great shots, Simon! Would you share what company you used to make your calendars?

[@simon_dentremont]

Atlantic Photo in Halifax Canada.

[@explorerdebasis159]

Sir, watching from India regularly. The only thing I can suggest, plz show the settings on the camera whatever you are saying.

[@crbhagwat]

Sir can you guide me on how and which button you set for exposure compensation on em1 mkii for white colour bird against dark background or vice versa. Thank you.

[@simon_dentremont]

You’ll have to check your manual on how to map/set a dial to exposure compensation…each brand is different. Then, for a white bird against a dark background, add exposure. for the opposite scenario, reduce exposure.

[@anonymouspdg6121]

Beautiful images Simon. I'm only just starting out on my wildlife photography journey and would love some advice on camouflage skins for Canon lenses? Are there any specific makes or manufacturers you use? I don't want any that stick to the lenses if that makes sense. Keep up the videos and I look forward to new ones and if you join Mr Hastings again lol.

[@simon_dentremont]

Yes me and Garrin will be getting together soon. lol. I use LensCoat, and no, they don’t stick. They’re made of a stretchy material that you stretch over the lens.

[@mikerubin9278]

The info you present is great! Even after 40 years of shooting, I learn someting from you. A lot of KZbin presenters should be banned for presenting wrong information.

[@simon_dentremont]

haha Thanks!

[@nancyross2897]

Your bird photography is absolutely stunning. I use the canon r6 with 100-500mm , I cannot get my images as sharp as I want to. Do you use the eye tracking focus with your birds ?

[@simon_dentremont]

I do. Watch my video on getting sharp pics for pointers.

[@philiprugh3592]

Thank you so much for your video content Simon. Your photos are awesome and videos are so informative. Do you use the 1.4 converter with the 100-400 and if so, get good results?

[@simon_dentremont]

Yes I do from time to time, but when I want more reach, I usually take the 500 f4. The 100-400 II is solid with the 1.4x and a full frame camera, but I don’t recommend it with a crop camera like the 7D II…the autofocus slows down and the image quality suffers more than the benefit.

[@philiprugh3592]

Thank you for your input. It is probably the longest, most expensive lens I will ever own. It would be nice to get just a bit more length without breaking the bank. Used with 5D IV, I might give it a try.

[@rolandsahli2456]

@@philiprugh3592 I have the 100-400 II as well as both tc, 1.4 and 2x version 3. This lens is so sharp natively that both tc can be used (of course 1.4x for utmost quality), and it is the camera that makes the difference. Hence I rarely used the 100-400 II with the 1.4 x on my 7D II because, as Simon mentioned, it struggles at focusing. In contrast, on a mirrorless camera (R6 for me), the combo with the 1.4x at 560 mm eq/f9 is excellent and still good with the 2x (800 mm eq/f11-13). I guess that the lens with the 1.4 tc will be fine owing to the superior AF system of the 5D IV (in comparison to the 7D II). I have noticed also that the sharpness of my 100-400 vII was strongly affected by the use a protective UV filter, even from a renowned brand. If you have one on your lens, maybe compare the quality of your pictures with and without the filter, in particular if you use the tc.

[@philiprugh3592]

@@rolandsahli2456 Thank you for the added input Roland. Much appreciated.

[@troydemercado5788]

Beautiful pictures, I have the 7d mark 2 was looking at the 5d4 because because it handles iso better. How high do you go before you get a lot of noise.

[@simon_dentremont]

It’s a big improvement. I regularly shot it as high as 6400 and even got some keeper shots at 10000.

[@troydemercado5788]

@@simon_dentremont Thanks Simon.

[@DaveKingMusic]

Great! What company do you use print your calendars?

[@simon_dentremont]

Atlantic Photo in Halifax, Canada.

[@HawaiianVirtualTours]

Great work! You rattle off those shutter speeds and ISO pretty fast though.

[@simon_dentremont]

Sorry!

[@just_eirik]

Simon, does your current cameras have a mode where it shoots photos as soon as you half press the shutter and as soon as you fully press it, the camera will save the previous seconds of photos? Not sure I explained it, but I just tried it yesterday and it was a lot of fun. I did not even intend to do bird photography, so I only had a 75mm lens with me on my Fuji camera. It felt like I was able to react much faster with this mode/feature. Pressing the shutter button fast enough to get photos of a bird as it takes off is so hard, but this mode helps a lot. Just wondering if you’ve tried something like that and what you think of it?

[@simon_dentremont]

Yes my new R8 does that, but only in RAW burst mode which is cumbersome

[@cswatson4823]

Common loon with crab is a favorite. Could you add your teleconverter to your list of equipment on your website? I didn’t see it listed. That’s my next purchase for my Canon. (Aka Christmas present) 😉

[@simon_dentremont]

Ok will do! Make sure you use it in a sharp lens. If it isn’t sharp to start with it won’t help.

[@lorihutchinson9485]

Bohemian waxwing

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@ruchirsajwan]

Do you always shoot at auto iso or sometimes try to prioritize base iso too?

[@simon_dentremont]

I shoot landscapes in Manual, and if the light is perfectly constant in all directions and constant (like a cloudy day) , I’ll shoot Manual.

[@derkarhu5079]

A quick question /thought about the 1.4x converter: do *you* think that you're better with more noise at higher ISO, versus the loss of 'pixels' when you have to crop in by 30% (1/1.4)...i'm sure that you have a good idea about noise at 2x ISO. I suppose if it's ISO 5000 vs. 2500, it's quite different than 400 vs. 800!

[@simon_dentremont]

It is on a super sharp lens when the ISO isn’t superhigh. I have a whole video on teleconverters. Check that out before getting one.

[@drsameervaidya8608]

Sir Who are your favourite landscape image makers who are on you tube? It would be v nice to watch them as well to learn nature photography

[@simon_dentremont]

I like fototripper, James Popys, Mark Denney and Thomas Heaton. Tons of other great ones there.

[@mr.butter8730]

Hi simon could you review the canon 250D

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for the suggestion but I’m not likely to do so as that camera isn’t one I’m likely to use. I hear good things about it though.

[@derkarhu5079]

Do those Waxwings get drunk from the berries? We have a type of thrush that comes through, often a bit 'late', and the berries have started to ferment on the tree, and they can get pretty comical, flapping around, falling off branches, but, as per your comments, they are often moving very quickly, too...great shot (quelle surprise! )

[@simon_dentremont]

It does happen! American Robins too!

[@rogermaioli]

I love that you are now introducing yourself as a professional and also helping people pronounce your name (it must be tiring to hear "Saimon" all the time). Until a few videos ago you were still opting to speak of bird photography as a hobby. What motivated the shift, if I may ask?

[@simon_dentremont]

While I still do it for fun as much as work, doing my income taxes reminded me that it’s a business more than a hobby! lol.

[@rogermaioli]

@@simon_dentremont I'm just adding to your tax troubles by ordering a calendar!

[@ScottS5962]

I just stumbled across your channel while searching KZbin for instructional videos on photography. I am trying to convert from digiscoping to real photography, and your videos, so far, have been some of the most helpful. Thank you for your work on them, and breaking things down for the ignorant masses, a group in which I currently reside. Thank you. Regarding this specific video, could you give a ballpark distance from your subject for most of these? Did you crop much? I am finding that, losing the reach I had with my Swarovski spotter, I am not having results with a well-regarded camera and lens that I would have expected. I think I need to "just get closer", but how close is typical for good wildlife photogs? I liked digiscoping, and still do, due to the ability to get in tight, but maintain a distance that kept the target comfortable. Is 10 meters the goal? 5? I am sure it is a variable number, but a ballpark would be helpful. Thank you in advance!

[@simon_dentremont]

I’m as close as 5 or 10 meters for small birds like warblers, 40 meters for larger birds like large owls, herons or sensitive species. I crop most of the time, and my lens is super sharp so I can still have good detail. Technique matters too, see my video on taking sharper bird photos, in my playlists.

[@ScottS5962]

@@simon_dentremont I appreciate your response. Thank you!

[@nathanleinbach6601]

Hay Simon. where did you get your calendar printed? I'd like to see if it's a better company than the one I use.

[@simon_dentremont]

Atlantic Photo in Halifax, Canada.

[@nathanleinbach6601]

@@simon_dentremont Hay thanks!!

[@bluestarcesium]

How far away are the birds? What about the RF 600mm f4 L?

[@simon_dentremont]

That’s a great lens. Usually 10-30 meters

[@janlondre2664]

What percent do you shoot handheld 100-400? I feel like I do not have the freedom with a tripod and seldom take it anywhere except where I find the Milkyway:)

[@simon_dentremont]

100 pct handheld with that one.

[@janlondre2664]

@@simon_dentremont Do you always use the extender, is it the 1.4ll?

[@edwardfenwick1881]

Did you use auto ISO on these pics.

[@simon_dentremont]

Most of them yes, as that’s what I mainly use.

[@brandonhimmelreich2379]

12:07 if someone didn't know this part was about a camera lol.

[@simon_dentremont]

right!

[@KenToney]

I usually shoot eagles at 1/2000, will have to try 1/1000

[@simon_dentremont]

Large birds fly slowly. If they’re just gliding by, 1/1000 should be enough. If you have 2 eagles fighting or something, use 1/2000 for that.

[@sandramcmillan-cato8646]

I forgot to ask what size is your calendar?

[@simon_dentremont]

8.5 x 11 inches. I’d like to make a bigger one, but the price of shipping goes through the roof any larger than that.

[@derkarhu5079]

"LandsCape photography with a telephoto lens" So many people think of 'landscape' as being 'the big view', 17/20/24 mm lenses, when, as you show here, a big lens often lets you pick out some icon piece of the landscape, or a very different perspective, plus the isolation that's afforded, allowing you to eliminate uninteresting, or frankly ugly, bits of a scene.

[@simon_dentremont]

Righto!

[@iphone4duc]

Only works with Canon........😂🤣😂

[@simon_dentremont]

haha don’t start something! lol

[@allend6137]

Ok people.. This man is a fraud. All of his photos are AI generated. No human can take photos of this caliber… 😂😂😂 JUST JOKING… Just my way of saying WOW!!!! Great pics 👍🏾

[@simon_dentremont]

Haha you had me scared for a minute.