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

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journalofwildlifephotography....
Join me as I take you through my top tips, settings and techniques to get tack-sharp fast action and bird in flight shots. As a professional wildlife photographer, I've learned many lessons along the way and will share them with you: how to set up your camera and lenses, tricks to use in the field, and how to track fast action and birds accurately. I'm joined late in the video by Gavin Hardcastle, a professional landscape photography KZbinr who goes by the name @Fototripper as we go looking to photograph Puffins in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Here's Gavin's Channel:
/ fototripper
And excuse the white wristband…I recently had eye surgery and that’s to advise doctors that I have a gas bubble in my eye!
The equipment I use: www.simondentremont.com/my-eq...
Follow me on:
Facebook / sdentrem
Instagram / simon.dentremont
Website Simondentremont.com

[@Zabarotropitili]

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

[@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?

[@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!

[@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!

[@__-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.

[@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!

[@selkiid8258]

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?

[@selkiid8258]

@@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@YO3A007]

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

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

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

[@K03021817]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@john2000l]

I need to get a new passport. After getting them for the last 50+ years, I never thought I would want to travel outside the US. Nova Scotia looks absolutely dynamic for wildlife photography. Thanks for the tips, thanks for the view of the local wildlife, and thanks for the guidance you offered recently. Travel safely and give Gavin a hearty handshake. He helped me with a problem with a company making and distributing very poorly made CPL and IR Filters. I am using Breakthrough Photography Filters out of San Francisco now, and everything is absolutely perfect.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@naguib2000]

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

[@JeffreyHauser]

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

[@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!

[@CarstenBruhn]

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

[@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.

[@migflowers]

Excellent tips, Simon! Thank you for producing such a useful tutorial.

[@juandonis2706]

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

[@ErwinChung]

I love all your videos, Simon! Very helpful! The new collaboration with Fototripper was fun to watch!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it! He’s a hoot!

[@BURTBROWN]

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

[@shapshot1]

So enjoy you KZbin videos...Simon you are a wealth of information and make the material covered easy to understand. You are knowledable and kind to help us trying to get "some" images in focus!

[@simon_dentremont]

You are very welcome!

[@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!

[@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.

[@alanfurtado4487]

Loved this Vid Simon. Keep posting.

[@edithst-martin5626]

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

[@SameerOza]

Thank you for your efforts Simon! It helps beginners like me

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@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!

[@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!

[@jlozano281]

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

[@johannestan6878]

Thanks for sharing your experience and expertise!

[@rpurdum]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@brendaasby9776]

Simon, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. I find your videos to be among the best.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you

[@Shashidharms999]

Excellent narration without any deviation from the topic. Kudos.

[@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!

[@paulmarbach6447]

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

[@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

[@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

[@brendanforward7322]

This video is fantastic

[@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

[@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.

[@cguerrieri4866]

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

[@rifaathanver1221]

Best contribution to birds phorographers.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@ksnmurthy4476]

Full of content Simon. Amazing video. Totally mind blowing and illuminating 😍👍

[@alanballew9218]

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

[@sstokoe2301]

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

[@cguerrieri4866]

As always, excellent content explained simply. Thanks

[@Aviator168]

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

[@irisotte83]

Great video Simon. Thank you for sharing all the very nice tips and tricks.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@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!

[@dieseldavey]

Another excellent video. Thank you 😊

[@RogerTorres-lp7fp]

Bro! You're my hero.

[@LynActon-iw2nq]

Inspirational, love the videos.

[@captain_barnacles]

Came here after seeing you on Gavin's channel, fantastic tips for shooting birds - and to some extent many other moving targets! Recently been playing with af settings to see what works best, beyond selecting the zones available(number of active points) there's also the scenarios the af works to ie. not switching points if an obstacle gets in the way...! Having a good starting point is very helpful. Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent! good luck!

[@p382742937423y4]

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

[@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

[@tomaswilde5481]

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

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@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.

[@zr2jake]

Simon, you have an excellent channel. You clearly illuminate the subjects wildlife photographers crave! Keep on going. Thanks from Wisconsin!

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@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!

[@spunkydiva]

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

[@philipkoenig9197]

Excellent video thanks so much!

[@datamandy8975]

I loved watching your video! Thank you sharing deeper insights!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@colmranger]

Absolutely love your videos, so clear and easy to understand

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@cynthiaisenhoff8777]

Thank you for the great detailed tips...you share the most helpful content I've encountered!

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@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.

[@jayrobertson232]

Thank you Sir! Wonderful insights and advice.

[@simon_dentremont]

You are very welcome

[@zbigniewspuczka5815]

Love it!

[@peakadventures_]

The best and most helpful photographer ever! Thank you simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

[@peakadventures_]

@@simon_dentremont you certainly are bud, if I could leave multiple like per video I would my friend

[@sarajitsil]

Awesome content! I thank you for taking out your precious time and share your in depth knowledge in BIF photography. Truly inspiring for amateurs like me. Will keep your tips in mind in my next birding outing. The photographs shown in the video were just awesome!!

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@EllenTramleySeymour1960]

Excellent again...I have learned so much about photography from your information on your videos

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@_Creaux]

Merci, Simon! Great content as always. I learned a lot.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@yvainbenoit1010]

Bravo Simon, jamais vu des videos aussi claires et riches. Ca me donne de la lumière pour les prochaines images - ) Thanks a lot!

[@simon_dentremont]

De rien!

[@TIvesmusic]

Excellent video, thank you 😊

[@StrangeTu]

Educational, inspiring, and to the point. Thank you from a beginner.

[@simon_dentremont]

You're very welcome!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

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

[@monikamonika5691]

Thank you so much for the video , every detail was most needed❤

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you liked it!!

[@nds-rw7ur]

Awesome tips!

[@wawanbalik]

Thanks a lot Simon for a a very helpful video. Looking at all the beautiful birds you saw makes me wish I could go on an outing with you. Take care!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's mostly getting bitten by flies, getting cold, and coming home wet! lol

[@andrevankoningsbruggen7421]

Thank you Simon for this great video (and all the other great videos !)

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@user-sr5jj4rn3c]

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.

[@peterb.7437]

Thank you for all the helpful tips. More power to your channel.

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help! Thanks Peter.

[@verken1studios]

Another great video! Thank you so much, so informative!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@philyoung4804]

Brilliant video and fantastic tips. Thank you. Phil

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful Phil!