PRO SECRETS FOR TACK SHARP BIRD IN FLIGHT PHOTOS: Top tips and settings to get the shots!

[@Zabarotropitili]

Birds shooting is an extremely decent hobby! It is about hunting techniques without killing, love for nature and overall good and memorable times.

[@K03021817]

These are good tips for shooting airplanes, and motorsports too. Bigger objects require being more stopped down but a lot of overlap

[@adrikrotten880]

This has been by far my favorite and most helpful wildlife photography youtube channel! Thank you so much for these great tutorials!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@kennetht66]

I couldn't agree more!

[@kjn903]

I just found this channel and I totally agree. Thank you for the great videos!!

[@Doggo.Studio1]

Il totally agree! Good content, well explained. Thanks for your generosity!

[@jpmv6647]

Agree!

[@cguerrieri4866]

A special congratulations on the Black Bird video that was selected as a top 15 National Audubon video. Well deserved recognition for all that you give back to us

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@buddha417]

This gentleman has a FANTASTIC talent ! He is a wonderful educator and has an uncanny ability to anticipate and answer clearly all the questions that the viewer might have. Thank you very much Simon . You are helping SO MANY PEOPLE to improve and enjoy their photography.

[@simon_dentremont]

David I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?

[@ChrisRenePlaylist]

You are my favorite teacher for bird photography. thank you for taking your time to create these videos and share all this amazing knowledge with us.

[@funknick]

Once again, Simon delivers everything you wanted and needed to know. No flitting about, just a super dense and extremely organized explanation of how, why, and when to use all these settings, techniques, and tips. Every time I watch one of your videos, I feel more confident to get back out there and take more amazing shots. The biggest factor for me is that you explain why you're using these techniques and how they help you. Even for someone with budget gear, this gives me the theory for why you're doing what you do and it has helped my photography immensely even though I only have a Panasonic G85 with an adapted Sigma 150-600 lens. Also, as usual, you thoroughly delivered at the end with your shots. Clearly, your techniques work and the results speak for themselves. Listen to Simon folks, if you do, your photography will improve no matter what you're shooting on!

[@simon_dentremont]

This is so kind Nick! Thanks very much!

[@simon_dentremont]

Nick I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?

[@funknick]

@@simon_dentremont Yup, sounds alright by me!

[@brightpage1020]

We live in MI, just below the Upoer Peninsula, on the lake. The farm land we moved to has a pond that attracts herons, ducks, occasional geese, and frogs galore! An owl or 3, tons of deer herds, coyotes... So far. There are chickens, laying hens. We are from the desert of southern CA so you can imagine the delight and inspiration with all the growth available to capture here! My 9 y/o took the most beautiful picture this spring of the sun beaming down on a hiking path in our backyard by the playground. She's a real artist and has an eye for design already. I'm so thrilled to be here and be learning about how to maximize the potential value of pics of this amazing ecosystem. Loving your informative, clear, focused video tutorials. The shots you got are the best part! This one - the shutter speeds, though! Blew my mind! My old Pentax never did anything that fancy. Impressive!

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

Puffins are the ultimate challenge. I'm glad I perfected my technique on them.

[@YO3A007]

I have been struggling and trying to reinvent the wheel. This is a gold mine of information!

[@__-bk6mm]

I had no idea puffins were that fast! Thank you for your videos Simon I’m learning a lot and your calm and instructional tone is really nice to listen to.

[@rifaathanver1221]

Best contribution to birds phorographers.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@SelkiiDphotography]

Have been photographing birds for quite a few years. Yours are the best instructional videos I've ever come across. When a new birder asks me questions, I refer them to your channel.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you! That’s so kind of you.

[@simon_dentremont]

Selkii I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?

[@SelkiiDphotography]

@@simon_dentremont Absolutely! My husband and I are far from beginner bird photogs, but continue to learn… or re-learn… from you.

[@rkoe5430]

I found your videos a few months ago and they have improved my images tremendously. Your ability to convey the techniques required are on point and easy to follow. Thanks again for sharing your expertise.

[@SuperMacGyver1]

Cool that you hang out with Gavin. I absolutely love him. He is so funny. I follow him since 3 years now. Many thanks for your really useful hints in this video.

[@ArcanePath360]

I've seen many a great photo of wildlife, but your photos really inspire me to want to travel to better places and up my game.

[@Halavidge]

As someone who got into photography last year Simon these videos have been fantastic, thank you for providing such helpful resources!

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@therigobertodelgado1275]

I normally don’t shoot landscape, but after watching your videos, I picked a 200-600g than traded my 85 for a 70-200 2.8. Since I live in Florida, I tend to drive to the Everglades and patiently wait for something to happen with the wild life. It’s actually pretty therapeutic.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent! Many bird species are pretty tame in Florida, so you have plenty of focal length with those lenses.

[@Shashidharms999]

Excellent narration without any deviation from the topic. Kudos.

[@OwenEDell]

As always, thank you for making a fully useful, no-filler video with plenty of solid information. I prefer it when a presenter gets to the point and doesn't waste time with silly intros or irrelevant material. You are a master at that and it's what keeps me coming back for more. And of course your beautiful images show that you really know your stuff. Keep the great work coming our way!

[@csabapapp8481]

From my experience, you don't need a knob to target the bird. If it's moving with a speed you can track, you just simply follow the bird with your eyes and put the camera between your eye and the bird. It needs some practice, but this way you'll always have the bird in the frame. However swallows and swifts are a lot harder to keep in the frame for they quickly and often change directions. In that case looking over the center of the lens can be beneficial. Sometimes even with manual focus and spray and pray shooting.

[@Dartheomus]

Your videos are so comprehensive. I've had my R5 and 100-500 for about a year now. I think I've learned a lot since I started, but I always get a few extra tips from these videos. Also, I very much appreciate your thought process. It's extremely logical. I don't find many people who can dissect and optimize literally every step of the photography process.

[@busyflyin]

More and more I am concentrating my time watch a select few cont creators on these subjects. Simon is near 13:43 the top of my list for reliable and helpful information that coaches me to become a better photographer.

[@CarstenBruhn]

Best bird photography guide video i have seen in here. Congrats Simon.

[@stumpbumpers]

I hope you make millions on the this priceless information. You have saved me so much time and frustration. I finally feel like I have a good grasp of this animal. You’ve tamed it from the likes of a wild hyena to a German Shepherd puppy...which can be a very difficult puppy😂

[@simon_dentremont]

Haha Thanks!

[@juandonis2706]

I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and practical expertise. Thank you!!

[@janyemans]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Soo much extremely useful information. Just meat and potatoes, little fluff...to the point...and beyond informative. I am shooting with a Canon Rebel T7i and the lenses that came in the kit. I have found that I can get some incredible bird photos if I pay attention to the settings. I am limited in many circumstances, but that only makes me work harder to understand the camera and the birds' behavior. I had a music teacher who once told me, "you don't need a Stradivarius to play great violin; you need to know HOW to play the violin." I feel that is the message you are sending out with your videos. Again, thank you so much! Your videos are the best on KZbin....hands down!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks soooo much Jayne! keep shooting!

[@convictbulliesnewgen6751]

I am an amateur wildlife photographer. I've been taking pictures for about 8 years. Just started getting into wildlife photography I am in Cincinnati Ohio, I like your work. And I am just now starting to understand everything you're telling me. I just started watching your KZbin videos, you have taught me more in a few minutes then I have learned in a few years. I just wanted to thank you keep up the good work brother. Dan Walker convict bullies kennel

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@jennaralissima]

Hi Simon, I'm really enjoying your videos, and this one in particular, as shooting birds is something I particularly enjoy. I just noticed something: at 7:05, I see that you appear to have the tripod ring attachment on your 100-400 at 90 degrees on the left hand side. I've been in the habit of having the attachment (I use the Nikon 200-500) in the underneath position for carrying. I'm guessing that the position you use is deliberately chosen to improve the stability of the grip. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on your technique and whether you recommend it; I'll give it a try. Thank you.

[@simon_dentremont]

There’s no science behind it. When up it’s in my view, and down impedes my grip. So side is best for me.

[@jennaralissima]

@@simon_dentremont Thank you. I tried it and it's just much better. I guess it never occurred to me that it didn't have to be where you put it when using a tripod!! And then I would have wondered if it was only truly secure in the down position.

[@paulharding1621]

My Cannon EOS 700D does not have the range of adjustment for the focal points that you have covered. However I will try the centre point focus for small stationary birds using AV. I particularly trying to get good pictures of Kingfisher’s near my home in Worcester UK. For moving subjects I have had some reasonable results using the Sport mode or Tv and high shutter speed. Thanks for all your very helpful videos.

[@desconrad]

Great seeing you connect with Fototripper (Gavin). I have coincidentally just recently started watching both of your channels independently of one another. Great channels!

[@augusti1]

Again, many good tips, explained in such an understandable way, that it is very clear to me. English is not my native language and yet everything is very easy to follow, (I life in Belgium, Europe). It is not only a very good video and tips, but also understandable for non-English people. Thanks again for this top video

[@simon_dentremont]

You're very welcome!

[@Mawlifestyle]

I hope i will get a decent in flight bird photo after watching this! i'm just a month of birding and I enjoy it! Thank you for your Tips sir!

[@simon_dentremont]

I hope so too!

[@johnbeavin9170]

I like your informative videos Simon, only problem I have is you are instructing us with the latest gear, which most of us don't have.

[@thedailyartisan2336]

Today I stumbled on your KZbin videos and just had to say they are exceptional. You are an outstanding teacher. Thank you! Susan/The Daily Artisan

[@naguib2000]

What I like about your videos is that you make it simple in short, but accurate and so useful tips all the time

[@travishenry6764]

I’m visiting a spot in Arizona to photograph waterfowl. Your tutorial was perfect for zeroing in on the best settings. Thanks for the video.

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@alanballew9218]

Excellent video. Lots of useful knowledge for someone who is trying to expand my photo skills into wildlife.

[@biotheif1]

Simon i have just started wildlife photography and especially birds in flight. I have a 100-400l series v2 lens as its all i can afford atm, however that said i have some very pleasing pictures, including some great shots of leucistic kites, i have never really known what settings to use but i have set up pretty much h ow you have said in the video thanks again for an amazing video and some great explanations why

[@nickglenn7702]

Every time I watch a new video you seem to answer a question I been longing to ask like your in my head. Thank you

[@simon_dentremont]

I have spies everywhere

[@ConcealedWeapon]

Glad you are on an excellent photography location. In many countries being out with a camera is asking for trouble.

[@johnbrunedigital1]

I have watched many of your videos now and find them extremely helpful. Several of your tips have really helped me become more comfortable with my camera and Sigma 150-600 zoom. Thank you for the settings tips and for repeating a lot of what you say so I can take notes or have it reinforced into my brain. Can't wait to get out there and shoot some more!

[@realpain84]

amazing content, every video is packed with tons of useful information! i finished movie school 20 years ago but then switched to IT and now coming slowly back to the "roots". your channel is helping me to learn new things and update this what, kind of, inside my head already :) greetings from Europe

[@PremaRam-s5c]

Thanks for all the information shared. I'm sure it will help me to improve my photography skills. Thanks sir. You are my unannounced teacher.

[@R0swell5104]

Brilliant video, thank you. I find the most challenging and often frustrating is taking photos of whales, dolphins and birds from small boats. You have the subject lined up nicely in the frame, you are waiting for perfect time to push that shutter button and then when it happens you get hit by the swell and a you end up with a shot of sea or sky. Ahhh! Great fun though.

[@simon_dentremont]

Been there!

[@keithdraycott]

Hey Simon. A good technique that I use to capture moving targets is to keep my eye fully on the subject as I bring the camera up to my face. Never focusing on the camera, even as it passes in front of my eye. This results in the subject being in the center of the viewfinder and ready to shoot straight away. I use this all the time for aviation and bird photography, it's easy to practice and seems to work well. Hope this is useful.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for sharing!

[@johnsousa6708]

I don’t care what anyone said you’re The Man

[@simon_dentremont]

haha Thanks!

[@edselharrison]

What a fantastic video with practical, hands on advice from a *working* photographer. Your tutorials truly are the best. I like to go back and view these older videos. The only thing that I see has changed is the production quality of your later videos. But same great content. Kudos for continuing to improve your video productions. The evolution is inspiring.

[@simon_dentremont]

Still learning! Thanks!

[@simmo303]

A Sports Viewfinder is a great help.

[@cguerrieri4866]

Thanks for continuing the great educational programming. You have made me a better photographer

[@paulmarbach6447]

Cette vidéo m'a été d'une aide très précieuse ! Merci beaucoup !!

[@jlozano281]

Great video Simon. I've been shooting wildlife for 4 years and find your advice very helpful. Thank you.

[@boatman222345]

Excellent presentation, clear, detailed and to the point. One tip I'll mention relates to exposure, particularly when photographing birds with a lot of white or bright areas: bald eagles, osprey, gulls, etc. Many of the people I encounter in the field seem to rely upon the camera's built in exposure capabilities to get things properly exposed. I prefer using pre-shot tests. For instance when photographing bald eagles I'll find a herring or black-backed gull nearby in the same light and take a few tests shots. I then look at the histogram and choose the exposure furthest to the right without blowing out the whites.

[@Aviator168]

For panning, a neck strap can help. I aim the camera like aiming a rifle.

[@garrydelday5816]

Brilliant tips Simon and stunning images, just getting into wildlife photography and love the challenge of birds in flight. Having done a lot of clay pigeon shooting in my time it certainly helps pick up subjects and track them. The tip regarding looking along the top of your lens really does help pick up the subject quickly and give your auto focus a head start so to speak. Treated myself to a Sigma 150-600mm recently and will be holidaying on Orkney in a couple of weeks time, hoping for Gannets, Razorbills, Guillemot etc, too late for Puffins but have been lucky enough to get them in Iceland on a couple of occasions. Nice to see you out with Mr Hardcastle, love his humour 😂👍

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

EXCELLENT! I live in Montana in winter, Alaska in summer and just starting this amazing hobby.

[@returntoharmony2727]

Thank you so much. So easy to follow. You are a great teacher. Cannot wait for your classes. What I love about your channel is that you genuinely love being in nature, observing and photographing the beauty of the birds, and you love teaching others to become their best photographers. I appreciate your time and all the knowledge you are sharing.

[@CassioHungria85]

Very very very good tips from whom knows a lot of he is talking about

[@simon_dentremont]

Many many thanks

[@cliffordbernard7663]

Absorbing presentation as always.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for watching!

[@4vedas]

I love all your videos! Learn something new every single time. Thanks, now I have to go out and practice what I just learnt.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wonderful! Go get ‘em!

[@laura_in_arizona]

Glad you showed up in my algorithm! I've watched so many other videos and yours are the best suited for me. I shoot the R5 with 100-500 and have recently gotten into birds in flight. I've been watching your videos and putting your suggestions into practice with great results. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@susancharlton9368]

holy hannah how can you so easily lift that lens with one hand ?!! This is such a joy to watch and hear your tips and tricks

[@simon_dentremont]

haha thx! it’s an 8lb lens, but I’ve leaned how to balance it after 5 years of use.

[@edithst-martin5626]

one of my best viewing so far! excellent advice thanks a bunch!

[@leoluzfotografia2789]

Thanks a lot for the lesson, I'm from Brazil, sending my regards and kindness. Keep teaching us! God bless you.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you! 😃

[@davidnoseworthy4540]

Sharing your experience and knowledge is very much appreciated! I started photographing birds to develop my skills for aviation photography, after discovering your channel - It didn't take me long to subscribe. I also like landscape photography, and hasn't wildlife just slipped in there as well. Thank you Simon, always looking forward to your next video.

[@reinhard8053]

While photographing birds once in a while, some of my main subjects are model airplanes. These tips are very valid for that, too. But you mostly don't have a free choice of stand (at meetings) which can be bad for the light direction if you even have sun at that fixed date. And half of the time the planes are too far away for a useful picture.

[@fresnoboy]

Just subscribed this week, your cadence and information download are on point for me. Was able the next day got the best shot of an Osprey in flight. Not on your sharpness level, but trophy for me to date. Please keep on with what you are doing it makes a difference

[@johannestan6878]

Thanks for sharing your experience and expertise!

[@eastbaystreet1242]

Love your work. Just purchased one of your wildlife prints for my wife. Just beautiful.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@QVL75]

Excellent video with great tips. Watched the second time from beginning to the end but still found it very interesting.

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ArcanePath360]

Mode 3 IS works best on DSLRs because of the focus method. Mirrorless benefit from mode 1 better, otherwise they have a hard time focusing, since they focus on what is on the screen with contrast based focusing. If it's all jittery I think it has a hard time. I had lots of trouble when switching to mirrorless before switching the IS to mode 1. Never thought about using mode 2 though, I will give it a try.

[@p382742937423y4]

You have the best shots of all the wildlife photographers i have foundation on KZbin

[@tomaswilde5481]

Congratulations!! And thank you so much!! I have learned a lot.

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@rpurdum]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to provide such excellent guidance.

[@emiliehuysman6410]

Thanks a lot your video's and explanation are amazing and yours pictures too ! Very good and helpful work , thanks a lot, Emilie from Belgium

[@jayrobertson232]

Thank you Sir! Wonderful insights and advice.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are very welcome

[@bernym4047]

You cram so much info into every video. The tip for using the lens hood retaining screw as a 'rifle sight' is my favourite. I feel a right numpty not thinking of that for myself 😀 .Thanks for another great tutorial.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@themoodyphotographer59]

Great video Simon! You're right about Gavin, he's a very good landscape photographer and him and Amanda both crack me up!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it! More adventures with Gavin soon!

[@jeffolson4731]

Great advise. Bird in flight is a real challenge but I think your tips will help me. For one thing, I also forget about changing the lens stabilization mode. For us hobbyists, there is a lot to remember.

[@simon_dentremont]

Good point! I too forget to switch it.

[@hughchisholm-ns]

It's always a treat when a new Simon d'Entremont video comes out! You're a great teacher.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks Hugh!

[@sstokoe2301]

You are absolutely awesome….so happy to have found your KZbin channel!!

[@Morgan_In_Motion]

Simon thank you so much for all of your content. You are my favorite for these educational videos! You have some beautiful animals and scenery over there on the east coast. I need to make it out there one day.

[@PeterBeck-b7t]

Thanks so much Simon for giving me (a beginner in waterfowl shooting) some very helpful suggestions to abbreviate time invested in DIY training. Peter Garrard Beck Minneapolis

[@mardyseanofficial9502]

This is the great channel for whom want to be a bird photographer. Thank you for the great, Tips.

[@simon_dentremont]

I appreciate that!

[@howardeurovine127]

Really appreciate all the hard work you put in to making outstanding KZbin wildlife content, you truly are a very inspirational professional and greatly appreciated by all of us amature photographs trying to up our game. Eddie

[@lawoman4602]

I only have one question, Simon...where have you been all my life??? 😁 You are so precise and yet simplified that anyone can understand. I very much appreciate all the great info. When I go to Bombay Hook Refuge in Delaware in 3 weeks I feel like I will be better prepared and if I don't do better then at least you did your best, Simon! 😁

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@luisferreira8939]

Trying to find all your videos that I previously missed, and enjoying every single one!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@JeffreyHauser]

I always enjoy your teaching style & informative videos, Simon. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the photographic community! Best wishes. 😊🙏

[@geo1733]

Another great video. Having recently done a puffin cruise in New Harbor, ME, I'm in awe of your puffin and razor beak photos. Simply stunning. I found it incredibly difficult to focus on our rocky boat.

[@simon_dentremont]

it sure was hard! Especially with an 8 lb lens!

[@JeremyHearne-ez1qb]

I use a Canon R6 Mark II and the RF100-500mm lens. Should I change the stabilizer mode on the lens to the panning mode when shooting birds in flight? I usually have it on Mode 1 but I wondered if I should change it?

[@thomasriera2030]

Nicely explained and comprehensive. I particularly appreciate you going beyond the technical aspects and talking about bird behavior and artistic considerations. Most other videos would have stopped after the technical explanations. Understanding wildlife subjects is so important to getting good shots of them.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thomas I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?

[@thomasriera2030]

@@simon_dentremont Hi Simon! Sure, you are welcome to use the comment. Good luck with the video!

[@nickglenn7702]

Hi just want you to know I was out today taking pictures of owls and your setting really work. Thank you so much

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@BURTBROWN]

The best series of birding tips!!!! e\Extremely complete and those shots at the end are just killers!!!! Many thanks!!!

[@86oldcold]

Great video! I'm planning on photographing eagles inba couple of weeks.

[@JeffStudley]

Love how Gavin supports f64! Great info in here, appreciate your efforts.

[@simon_dentremont]

Much appreciated!

[@Mimiclobster]

All very useful tips and specially so as I use a Canon camera and lens i.e. 100-400mm like yours. Your explanations resonate with me more than many other videos I've viewed. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@spunkydiva]

Thank you for your videos. So helpful, and have helped me improve my photography skills.

[@szehenry]

Just wanna to say big thanks for the great teaching in yr video.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jpprovost64]

Wow you are the best ! Thanks a lot M Simon ! if Simon Said ! its right !

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

[@jeffgordon8346]

Thank you for the tips. I will try to use these the next time I am out. Next month I'll be going to a NHRA event, and the time trials for the Indy 500. I'm hoping that some of these tips will cross over to the field of motorsports.

[@dakangwu762]

Very happy to hear you talking about stabilizer. I have a question. When shooting birds with tripod, do I suppose to turn off the stabilizer? Some of my friends said that you should turn off stabilizer whenever you set it on tripod no matter you tightened it or leave it loose. I don't know which is right. Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

The answer is that it’s brand dependent. My Canon lenses have always worked well with it on (It auto-detects a tripod and adjusts automatically). But my Nikon friends say it’s best to turn it off over 1/2000 sec. Experiment with both and compare the results.

[@dakangwu762]

@@simon_dentremont Thank you for your response. When taking photo of birds I usually use Canon RF 100-500 lens on Canon R5 camera. Based on your experience, it should be ok (or helpful) to leave the stabilizer on. I will do that to improve my bird photography skill. I am keeping watching your other videos. They are all so good! Thanks!

[@MrLuridan]

What a great teacher, Thank you kindly. Subbed