How to diagnose sharpness issues. What causes the problem in the first place?

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My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada. In this video I'll show you how to diagnose why your photos aren't sharp, and how to fix them!
I use Topaz Labs software for noise reduction, sharpening and upscaling:
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[@simon_dentremont]

What was your sharpness problem and what did you do to solve it?

[@andychandler3992]

Focal to shutter tends to be something that persists. Solution is two-fold: I'm an IS/Ibis/ois snob now. Under 4 stops? No. Take a fuji 16-80 with 5ish stops and an xh1 with around 4-5 yeah... that's a ton. Also I increase iso after setting aperture and shutter speed. I tend to shoot shutter priority when shooting birds and wildlife. Then just fix in lr (coloringbooks for adults)

[@simon_dentremont]

@Steffank014 likely, depending on how your camera is set up. At a minimum, you need to raise your iso when in low light. Check out my video on “iso 100”.

[@PianoTopia]

It seems that my lenses are fine but camera isn't performing well I have a 5d Mark 2 and because it has a lot of noise I can't get anything as sharp as I want after iso 800 should I change my camera?

[@andychandler3992]

@Steffank014 well technically that's a no-go for the most part, a last resort when AF or fully manual isn't cutting and a lot of shutter priority is predicated on your focus game. In a lot of cases I went manual focus just because I'd hit something and think "wait... that's not what I want!!!" Then I'd get mad... then sad.

[@KOUGA108]

My problem is that my name is not Simon Dentremont 😏, haha i think my biggest problems is with the depths of field, focus and shaky hands. I find that i tend to get a sharper image with manual focus so i have been doing that more. I think the most difficult part for me atm is to find the perfect balance between iso shutter speed and aperture.

[@remasteredbymess9491]

"I know you can do it" just makes me feel so happy☺️

[@doverghostcore8523]

It even made me cry 2 days ago, i was low as the Earth's core. And those words made me feel like things will get better. Ill never forget that moment. Ty so much Simon, as always spreading wisdom and hope disguised as a photography channel. Your content goes way beyond that. Brilliant.

[@YouthEnergy]

​@@doverghostcore8523 Hope you're doing better! ❤

[@red149]

Yeah like the “don’t hang up, you are the next to be served” messages 😂

[@alanrussell4488]

I follow a lot of photographers, but as a beginner, I learn far more from your videos than any other’s. Thank you for simplifying things so that anyone can understand.

[@WanderingQs]

I agree!

[@mattltech]

My photos aren't sharp because the guy behind the camera isn't either.

[@DoorTechnicianRick]

Relatable

[@TheHamsterMaster]

@@DoorTechnicianRick lol I know how you feel. Sometimes I get so frustrated with my inexperience that I just want to throw my camera away 🤣🤣

[@bhaaratjoshi]

😂😂😂😂

[@jargleson5589]

😭😭

[@vntrgirl]

"I am Simon d'Entremont", this is our families favorite intro! Never change it!!!! ❤

[@Aceimus1066]

The GOAT! I'm an experienced photographer and videographer and there's still always something I learn from Simon.

[@SirRommy]

Although I understand the concept of depth-of-field, this was without a doubt the best explanation of this that I have ever seen. It should really help newer photographers.

[@baggerrider8073]

I’m blown away. I just did the sharpness test you recommended with my Fujifilm 100-400 zoom that I purchased a few weeks ago. It’s a red badge Fujifilm lens so I expected great things but I was disappointed in the results for my landscape work. I had been using f14-f22 because I thought I needed more depth of field to get sharper focus at the 400mm setting. I’m blown away because my test at 400mm shows that the lens is sharpest at f7.1. And it’s no contest. It’s dramatically sharper. Thank you for your videos which are very informative and helpful!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Great!

[@craigsmith1948]

Being a photojournalist for 15 years I use a simple method to reduce camera movement when not having a tripod. Turn the camera upside down and place the back of the camera against your forehead. I didn't alway have a tripod with me when shooting news photos. Didn't always have the best lighting of the subject either. The reproduction in the newspaper was not that good so getting the picture was more important. I'm an old dog learning new tricks. Great videos so thank you.

[@simon_dentremont]

cool!

[@MichiMallu]

You are a wonderful teacher, with proper explanations and real life examples, your videos are a treat to watch and learn photo/videography!

I love the challenge of making the longest handheld exposures, it's so satisfying when you make it

[@katleman]

Love love your intros, directly into the topic, then your tag music/montage. Perfect

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@bradlaplante]

I can't believe this info is free. Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

You bet!

[@iangibson5996]

Just love all of your videos probably the best tutorials for any level of photographer. Many thanks from Queensland Australia.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@andychandler3992]

I tend to be a believer that technology will not save me, good composition will. But point 2 in your post: See that's why I went with the fuji xh1. Because of the ibis. I won't even look at a telephoto unless its got OIS or IS. But I'm 1) getting too old. 2) love my coffee too much to keep a still lens like I use to. Eventually you sort of have to surrender to life and just work with the tech that's been given.

[@amandiosilva2828]

I enjoy your program very much and I just want to wish you and your family happy new year and all the best Manny

[@CoreyAllgood]

Can I just compliment the absolutely amazing serendipity of your AF messing up during you saying "The subject was moving while the shutter was open"? That was really funny.

[@simon_dentremont]

Oh I noticed!!!

[@peterjackson2632]

I have been a keen photographer for 40 years and really enjoy watching your videos because they are extremely informative and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@robinbregman7540]

As always, your videos are so helpful and well designed. Your balance of verbal explanations, analogies and visuals to support the concept are all so well done! As a special education teacher, I pay attention to these aspects as they are key features to effective teaching. I learned a lot from your video today. As I prepare for my trip to Africa this summer, I take copious notes to add to my cheat sheet that will come with me on the trip. I’ve been an amateur photographer for many years now and there is always something new to learn and improve.

[@rustdesk09]

I learn something new and useful EVERY time I watch one of your videos. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad to hear it!

[@TapiwaMunyanyi]

Hi Simon, I just became a new photographer this past Monday, your video tutorials have helped me immensely and I feel confident in taking on big events. I'm also based in Nova Scotia.

[@simon_dentremont]

Fantastic neighbor!

[@Mobius1_]

Simon, you have the most clear and concise photography videos, and they are the perfect length. Everything you need to know and nothing you dont with zero fluff. Its no wonder you are blowing up. 335K at the time of posting this comment. Cheers to the incoming 1 million sir.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@RMCProductions]

Always learning something new from you Simon. I knew that stepping down your lens is better a lot of times but noone was ever able to tell me why.

[@timd4524]

I've moved to a sling bag over the last two years. It makes a really good elbow rest when slung to the front, which I don't think was intended, but it works great. I highly recommend that type of bag for those who carry minimal gear. I've got my camera, plus 3 lenses and assorted other gear, filters, into mine. The Mallard at 6:01 is gorgeous.

[@hagnag]

I love how the shot came out of focus when talking about moving subjects, as you leaned slightly forward 😂 perfect

[@germeysmith5589]

This the best photography video I've seen so far. Very easy to understand

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jaspervanberkel766]

Simon, being new to your channel, I find your explanations extremely substantial, transparent and to the point. Subscribed!

[@11jandro11]

I'm so glad I found your content. This whole series on taking pictures and improving has been a great resource for me. The way you get straight to the point and explain everything clearly makes the whole learning process fun and enjoyable. Keep up the great work!

[@TheLongRanger]

I visited the Nature Conservancy in Boulder the other week and was delighted to see some of the photos you use for examples being shown near the front desk!

[@laurensiemens1436]

Thank-you for all your fine tuning information. I bumped up my iso instead of staying at 100. Experiments is what I am doing and I am experiencing good results

[@GamifyBI]

Simon, you are the best. I truly appreciate how you explain and demo things.

[@darlacarper8919]

Love watching your videos, packed with useful information.

[@simon_dentremont]

So glad!

[@whispofwild]

Simon, you are the best on KZbin. A friend wanted to get back into photography and asked me for help. I pointed him to your channel. Happy Holidays to you.

[@simon_dentremont]

Fantastic!

[@A4152-p8l]

Simon, you show and explain photography so Well! Thank you for being out there!! I''m learning......Alex

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@amymitchell3274]

Love your videos great teacher. I understand more clearly about things. Hats off to you.

[@simon_dentremont]

I appreciate that!

[@reverton77]

I bought my camera yesterday but didn't arrive yet, but I believe your channel will help me a lot. Thank you so much 😊

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to hear that!

[@richardpalmer4471]

Trying to learn shooting my aquarium fish with old (10 years) and very inexperienced gear. It's too easy to blame the tool and I find your instruction and theory very helpful. If my pockets were deeper I'd do more than say thank you. So a heartfelt thank you Sir.

[@benpix]

Simon , the master of wild photography

[@IgnazKevenaar]

Great teaching style and presentation. Love that you encourage people to test their gear themselves; makes you really get to know your gear properly. Always happy to hear the encouragement at the end.

[@simon_dentremont]

I appreciate that!

[@anthonyireland6108]

Thanks Simon , I love all your videos, so educational, your style of presentation so relaxed. I've already put some of your tips into practice, and I've seen a definite improvement in my photos.

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@MA-no8tz]

This was an excellent refresher for me. Many thanks Simon.

[@dakles]

Another thing to consider is lens calibration if you find your focus is always before or behind your target.

[@hari_fyi]

Hi Simon, thank you so much. You're helping us beginners learn so much in a clear precise explained way.

[@chadmullins7553]

Another great video! Although I understand these things very well, I still watch everything all of the way through to make sure I am mastering the basics and still finding a way to learn more from you. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@IMadnss]

Always learning something new in from your videos, thank you very much, Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@kurtisca]

Always looking forward to your new videos - thanks for sharing!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@barrelofdoom383]

I have had a hard time understanding why a low f-stop produces shallower DOF than a high f-stop, but one innocuous graphic in this video made it clear to me. Thanks!

[@AnilNeupane-bs4vj]

Thank you so much for your every video. I get a chance to learn new things from you. You are truly the best teacher

[@simon_dentremont]

You are very welcome

[@glenmitchell4868]

Another great video. Thanks for all the work you do to put these out every week.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@sararuhswurmova4025]

Your videos are simply the best, love your channel! You have helped me many times with my photography and I can see the results now. Thanks for that!

[@jesss7930]

Another phenomenal video!! This is incredibly helpful - I had a frustrating practice day today and no idea what was making my images blurry. Now I can instantly think of the problems behind a bunch of my “would be” shots. Definitely going to test out the sweet spots for my lenses tomorrow. You truly have a gift for explaining complicated concepts, and also for giving us great practical ways to test and improve ourselves. Thank you, Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it helped!

[@ahmedaiham9614]

I’ve been around French photojournalist Mathias Depardon take handheld tack sharp 28mm wides at 1/13th and me being blown away Good technique/skill with todays IBIS and VR technology goes a loooong way

[@adihege12]

I am not wildlife photographer, but I learn many photography things from your videos. Thank you !!

[@tonynicolaci3244]

Always a great description with detail and summary in your explanations. Even if the viewer is knowledgeable on the subject your videos are fantastic as a refresher. I always learn something new.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you very much!

[@bcnubynby4056]

You are a gifted educator; subjects always presented with clarity of content and organization! A very Merry Christmas to you and yours and all the best in 2024! I look forward to many more of your shows.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you! You too!

[@tehseen]

Very precise and to the point narration. Thanks

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cguerrieri4866]

Great explanation to huge and diagnose problems. Thanks and keep it coming please

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks, will do!

[@cathco9]

Fantastic! I wish I had seen this yesterday before I went out to photograph a mega rare bird here in NJ. I'll definitely be putting these tips into play next time. Thanks, Simon!

[@hotflashfoto]

Love your videos. You always have something intelligent and important to share.

[@simon_dentremont]

I appreciate that!

[@JohnGallagher-e4u]

Hi Simon I watched this video and you helped with my photos sharpness. I have a EOS Rp and the lens I’m using is the RF 100-400. 2 things that helped was to bring my aperture down f9 and learning to follow my subjects. I went out this morning at sunrise and took a bunch photos of flying swans, Canadian geese, mallard ducks and blue herons. The photo were so sharp my daughter commented you should sell your photos to a magazine. Thanks a lot your tips helped me.

[@snapwildphotoscom4334]

Thank you for all the helpful tips. Really great information.

[@goldenfrog6EsCoSes]

An excellent explanation, as usual, from M. d'Entremont.

[@eoKingNoodle]

I am so grateful for you, you make it all seem so possible

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you

[@bonnieleefowler3206]

Thank you for another excellent video. Enjoyed your graphics. Helpful.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@ayianapariders5986]

There is a lot of information here. Very very useful. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LoneWolfimagesCanada]

Simon, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

[@simon_dentremont]

You too!

[@Code_Bits]

I'm traveling through China in about 4 months and I have always liked taking photos. So I finally found a good excuse to buy me a camera to take some great pictures while traveling. After doing some research I decided to buy a Canon R6 MII, that was about 2 months ago. During this time I also found your videos online and thanks to them I've already managed to take many great pictures, I'm even at the point that I'm taking most of my pictures in manual mode! I'm still learning, however I came far with all the free information you provide to us! And of course I practiced a lot... I'm hoping to take even better photos by the time I'm in China ;) I'm really thankful Simon, please keep going with these videos, thanks! Cheers from the Netherlands.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@Spankedchicken]

Many thanks again for your expertise. Joyful Christmas to you.

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy holidays!

[@tsdelaney]

Once again, right on the money, Simon! Thank you for the video and your easy-to-understand style! I’m still on the learning curve, but I now run every one of my lenses through its aperture range - partially to determine the sweet spot and partially to determine depth of field I require at a given distance to the subject.

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help!

[@anthonyocarroll5630]

Always learning from you Simon.Wishing you and your Family a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024

[@simon_dentremont]

Same to you!

[@PentaxLife]

Thanks, Simon, great tips again, Merry Christmas.

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy holidays!

[@tall_photography]

Another great video, very direct and straight to the points👏

[@training7574]

Very clear analysis of a common problem and the possible solutions, thanks. Although you discuss photos after being shot, it can be applied to planning a photo walk, considering light and possible scenes. A problem with my camera is that so many factors are interdependant. If I increase aperture but keep shutter speed constant, something will happen to the ISO-setting and - perhaps - to the choice of scenic setting.

[@kvedwards1971]

Love your videos and advice. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos and share with us

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for watching!

[@lindastevenson9030]

Wow! I learned so much! Thank you so much. Every word added to my understanding...no fluff. Also, very easy to follow .. problem statement, solution, followed by the explanation. Going to Manitobah in Nov to photograph polar bears. Thank you so much!

[@RoderichStudio]

Great tips Simon. Learning soooo much from you. Thanks again

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jwinfaith]

What and how you teach is extraordinary. Thanks

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

[@capt.unohana]

Thank u, Sir! Im a neophyte sports photographer and this helps a lot!

[@SOPELESTIKTiiBi]

This is my biggest problem while take a photo.. thanks Simon, This Video very2 Help me as Beginner.. Thanks A lot

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help!

[@richardpesce5325]

Great advice Simone, thanks!

[@LynneH-ej6rx]

Another wonderful and informative video. Thank you for all you do.

[@3lliexir]

What a high-yield video, thanks for this Simon! I have been having problems with sharpness, and what I learned based off of this video is that I was erroneously shooting at F2 which was wrong in 2 ways: it is very thin depth of field for what I need, and it isn't my lens's sweet spot. I will be practicing on shooting with F4 and hope to see improvements =))

[@carolemartin6892]

I think I learned something about dof that I hadn't understood before. Thank you.

[@joeg679]

Another great video, thankyou for sharing your knowledge.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@thegadgetmann1]

Thanks for another great video. Your tips have really helped me improve my overall level of photography. Much appreciated.

[@ralitsamladenova]

Another awesome learning session! Thank you, sir! 📸

[@juliette-mansour]

Hi Simon, I have been shooting for many years but new to wildlife. I was using a monopod, all the stillness I can muster and bird detection (but relying more on my own manual efforts for focus). I think I'm doing it right but... with a Tamron 150-500 for Fuji XH2S. At 1/640 and F/8 in early morning light, the camera is choosing 12800 for ISO. Therefore, lots of noise! At about 100 meters away with all those settings, there just wasn't enough available light. I waited an hour, went back outside and the sun shifted. It was a whole new world and I started getting sharper shots! I should have known - LIGHT is everything! Thank you for these videos.

[@dennismurray703]

Juliette I am no pro but as Simon has explained in another video in such low light conditions you could benefit from setting an ISO limit of say 800. Then if you operate in Shutter Speed mode the aperture will open up accordingly to keep the shot exposed at a max ISO of 800. Might be worth a try.

[@dianebouchard5691]

When using a slow shutter speed with a tripod, turning off image stabilizing will keep your image sharp. Assuming everything else you mentioned is done as well. Thanks for this video!

[@johnscott9869]

Not all tripods are good though, I've had bluury s 11:28 hots using a 40D and EF100-400mm on a tripod, as I think the lens was too heavy

[@bernadinecabanas331]

I am struggling to take sharp photo, i just purchased a second hand an r6 . Great caméra. 😊 Thank you for the great tips, so helpful.

[@kimberlyfoxdemeza6662]

Excellent explanations! Thank you.

[@robertleem5643]

Another excellent video, many thanks for sharing. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks, you too!

[@jocooper725]

Love your vlogs. You explain things so well.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like them!

[@paulhammond9037]

Great Simon the breakdown explanation of depth of field made it so clear to like never before thank you 🙏

[@simon_dentremont]

Very welcome

[@MysticKnight38]

After I found out about back button focus.... It was love at first sight. When I am shooting something moving I track it and ride the focus button. On time I was trying to get a photo of a Gold eagle in flight.... I was tracking with the camera focusing on a rather fast moving bird. Forgot about the tree that was going to come into frame ... It was a nice picture of the tree. I have also tried to some success to photograph Cliff Swallows in flight...... Because bashing my head against a brick was is fun. I totally agree about buying used glass. I picked up a 18x70mm F1.35 used lens for a song. It is my go-to lens for landscape and night shots. It is mid grade glass, but compared to the 55x200 mm kit lens.

[@dr.nilampatel4543]

Very Nice the way you Explained... Thank you so much

[@prakashjokhe6654]

Very useful information you have told

[@vijeeshmenon1982]

Recently subbed to your channel. I am new to photography and finding this helpful.

[@edgleason8918]

Very helpful for a beginner. Thank you.

[@jorgesantos1774]

Great tips! Easy understanding!! Thank you!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WillBill2857]

Good info again Simon, I've learned a lot from your channel. Another factor could be the lens itself, I struggled for months getting blurry images with a new Canon 100-400mm lens. The "experts" were telling me it was operator error, I was moving, shutter speed too low, wrong f stop etc, when I got one of the experts to try my lens on his camera he had the same problem. Returned the lens to canon for calibration and it now takes sharp images. A couple of years on and now with more experience I could have figured that out much quicker but the fact is that sometimes it is the arrow and not the Indian 😁....