Taking Razor Sharp Photos (In Depth)

[@trisinogy]

I dare call this one a heartfelt lecture on photography. And an excellent one at that. Chapeau. The last few minutes are pure distilled wisdom. Thank you, sir!

[@WillGoodlet]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davids757]

Step 13 is by far the best step, you spoke to my soul! I am an auditor (accounting background) who’s contemplating more gear (and a $5,000 lens upgrade) ‘to get an answer.’ You just caused me to completely rethink my approach! I have decided of all my outdoor activities, wildlife photography is what makes me happiest. I have decided to pursue it. But I am such a beginner! Thank you for sharing!

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi David, Thanks for watching all the way through and leaving this comment - that’s the thing about wildlife photography, it’s not only about the image but also how it makes you feel, where it takes you and it’s/your ability to communicate that feeling to others. You’ve got a wonderful journey ahead!

[@MCYCCFL]

Wow! This was a class in wildlife photography in 28 minutes. The technical and philosophical is helping me take my passion to the next level . Thank you so much!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching all the way through:) glad you enjoyed it!

[@thefirstwolfman]

Finally a tutorial video that not only explains the reasons behind why we should use those settings on our cameras and lenses but also why we should consider the limitations of the technology and environment and also the personal motivations for taking that shot in the first place. I’ll come back to this again and again as I couldn’t possibly absorb it all in one go. Thank You!

[@evangelostsakiris1067]

I really enjoyed your philosophical take at the end, because with all the recent bombardment of technical specs of animal eye focus, low light performance etc, I began to brainwash myself that I need better gear to enjoy wildlife but in fact, I conclude that I need better approaching skills to enjoy wildlife. So I invested in camo gear and a big ball head. Sorry Canon I dodge your bullets for now ;)

[@ronh7763]

Exactly. Except I experimented with and without camo. It seems the bird is less troubled if it can see you clearly and you move slowly. I did this many times in central Australia and in dense undergrowth and so slow QUIETLY progressing has been the big winner in I haven’t identified light or dark is better. But definitely no bright colours

[@usernamemykel]

@@ronh7763 There's a book entitled "Good Birders Don't Wear White" , in which the author tells the story about a birding group who were concerned that they weren't seeing many birds - until they realized that a new birder was wearing glaring white clothing.

[@OlegG5654]

Golden words. Because photography is "I", my perception of a specific world, action or event at the real moment in time and our message to the future.

[@CrossworkQuartet]

I've been involved in Photography for over 40 years as an amateur and as a professional, and I'm pretty familiar with the basics. But, I just came across this video and I found it to be very informative and educational. I can't say any of this was new to me, but it really opened up my understanding of the process as a whole. I found it to be well worth my time, and will review it from time to time going forward. Well done! And thank you.

[@jimsweany1843]

Just purchased a huge upgrade for me. A Canon EOS 90D and a Tamron 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens. Having a blast with it. Really enjoyed your video, and especially liked your little sermon on sharpness in the end. That made a lot of sense. Thanks so much.

[@robgerety]

Great helpful and thoughtful video. Thanks.

[@joethrailkill1603]

I've saved the video. It's not only a good thing to remind me of techniques, but the philosophy at the end is unique.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching it Joe, so glad it proved useful enough to save :)

[@jackjeffery3617]

I "stumbled across" this video, and you captivated me for the full 30 minutes, with a great balance of specific and philosophical points. Thanks for doing this.

[@WillGoodlet]

Glad to hear it ticked some boxes Jack, thank you!

[@shotbythebeard]

The sermon at the end was absolutely brilliant. This helps me appreciate a lot of my older photos much more. I would criticize and look at them from technical standpoints. Great presentation.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thank you! Great to hear you enjoyed it and I'm sure there are a lot of brilliant shots amongst those older photos :)

[@rajatsharma-pv8jd]

One of the best videos i have come across for photography amongst the 20 different channels i binge watched. A takeaway I'll always remember!

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Rajat, just wanted to thank you for watching it! Take care :)

[@basmolhuizen8063]

never before i have managed to watch a complete video made by a person who shoots with Canon instead of Nikon, you can take that as a compliment!

[@WillGoodlet]

Haha Bas, well I will take that as a compliment - although I don't really care about brands. Canon has the largest second hand market in SA - makes it a fraction cheaper to get into the gear. Luckily, these days, they all beat my old Minolta SLR and 300mm lens :)

[@talesbehindtrails9310]

The last point was seriously the best one, and not many people will tell you... You might not having too many subscribers but you are the one who loves his work very much, and I can see that... You are one of the best

[@WillGoodlet]

Aahana ki Duniya I do love it! Thank you for watching and also for your kind comment - it means a lot to hear that. Take care!

[@uday1103]

Totally agree. Sharpness is not everything, the perception matters. An excellent video Will. Besides being a top photographer , you are a great orator too. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to many such informative videos from you. Take care and happy shooting.

[@uday1103]

Hey Will, I have a query. You mentioned about using fill-in flash. Doesn’t it startle the birds?

[@guffygolfer]

Will, You are by far the best teacher in wildlife photography. I see a lot of videos that stumble around the subject and never cover all the fine points of wildlife photography. Thank you for sharing your skills with us.

[@WillGoodlet]

Wow what a wonderful compliment Jim, really amazing. Thanks so much for watching and the encouragement, it really helps to keep me thinking about new things to share here!

[@usernamemykel]

You've created not just a very good tutorial, but a new subscriber. I have Canon cameras, including the 7D Mark II. Recently bought the mirrorless R10 and a Macro lens. I've been using the 7D with a Canon 400mm f5.6 to photograph birds (and a squirrel) in my patio who enjoy the food my lady puts out for them. I feel like a sniper, "shooting" from my second story bedroom window down to the patio. How fortunate we are these days when we aren't stuck with just a few ASA, don't have to breathe the fixer fumes, or don't have to wait for the film to be processed and returned. Now we need not having to buy only 24 or 36 image film, and we get to see our images immediately, so we can make corrections on the spot. Thank you for not having totally unnecessary, obnoxious, too loud music to interfere with your voice. I don't know who started that stupid trend - there's a time and place for everything. Thanks for the thoughtful, well explained video.

[@drudhay]

Although I had been doing wildlife and bird photography for nearly one and a half decades your video is a sincere one to refresh, Thank you Will.

[@mikefrith1590]

Came very close to not watching this video due to its length but so happy I did. Even happier I hung in for the ‘sermon’. I have struggled with sharpness in my bird photography. While getting better, sharpness is not yet where I want it. At the same time I have a photo taken a few years ago at ‘too slow’ a shutter speed that just works. The sermon sure put sharpness into perspective. Thank you

[@WillGoodlet]

Hey Mike, thanks for sticking with it and thanks also for the comments here. Great to hear that you liked it :) I'm sure there are a lot of older photos that deserve a second chance!

[@robertsaum5179]

This was a home run, I was blown away with you advice for both Technique and Philosophy of why we do this, and what it should mean to the photographer. This was the first video I've seen of yours, but won't be my last! Thank You for your perspective, and expertise!

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Robert, wow, thanks for such an encouraging comment! Hope to see you around for many more videos and thanks for watching!

[@jenniferrobingallery1]

I was going to write the same, but you stated it so well Robert. I agree!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Jennifer :)

[@tysonpruitt2252]

This is a comment

[@shelleygoodlaski]

This is the first time I watched one of your videos and I loved it. I especially liked that you gave information up front and we didn't have to wait 30 minutes to get anything important. I had a Snowy Owl in my yard this week. I've searched them out all over Michigan and she came right here. I'm so happy to have information like yours available.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Shelley, so glad you liked the video and especially jealous of your Snowy Owl! What a great bird to have in the yard!!! Did you ever see the movie The Big Year? They can't be that easy to find if that's anything to go by :)

[@shelleygoodlaski]

@@WillGoodlet I haven't seen the movie, but will look for it. I still can't believe my luck. I'd send you a picture, but it won't let me.

[@tomebertowski7975]

Really enjoyed the message in your video. While shooting flying eagles I started to get too fixed on having perfect focused eyes,instead I will continue to enjoy being outside with these great birds doing the best I can with the equipment I have while enjoying the whole process.

[@kajiphoenix3586]

I didn't know I was looking for this until I found it. Thank You.

[@danparis6479]

Absolutely one of the best photography videos I’ve seen in a long time. Loaded with important and helpful tips and techniques for all levels. Photography tutorials often only focus on how we take images but not how we receive images. Your ending comments touch on that and it’s good to hear the two being discussed together.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Dan, thanks so much for leaving this comment. Great to hear and wonderfully encouraging to me. Cheers!

[@fusion-music]

Presentation, teaching, sound, vision, illustratiins - Brilliant. This is not a small channel. "Perception!" Very respectable channel - one to be proud of.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thank you very much! Very kind indeed. :)

[@philipgowdy]

Its taken me about 10 years since my first long lenses to learn all you have just put here. The lucky young KZbin watchers, if they take all this into consideration, will certainly gain a lot from watching this, if their into serious wildlife shooting. Congrats on an excelent video. Regards.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Philip, thanks mate! So kind of you :)

[@Joe8211943]

I'm neither a bird nor wildlife photographer, but I gained immeasurably from watching this video, this zen of photography. It is inspiring as well as enlightening! I look forward to more.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Joe! I like that :)

[@kingvideo-]

Greetings from Virginia, USA. I recently purchased a Canon EOS 90D and have been looking for good educational videos to help me learn. Your speaking voice is very clear and relaxing. I have really enjoyed all the tips. This video was a little long but very informative. Thanks and God Speed.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Jack, thanks for the comment and sorry to reply so late. Congratulations on the new 90D! I'd also like to try that camera out too. Hope you have had a chance to take it out and put it through its paces - how do you like it?!

[@carlosdlfoto]

Love the last minutes of the video. Sharpness it’s not the ultimate photography goal. There are more, much more importante things. Congratulations

[@michaelchorches5203]

I also found this video by accident. I was not sure I wanted to listen to all 13 pointers since i have listened to so many videos of this nature. I must say that I am now quite happy to have watched it all because the final comments were so valuable and true to a point of painfulness. I can not tell you how many times I have struggled with sharpening - amounts, areas to focus on and avoidance of over sharpening for a print. Your discussion of sharpening to taste and personal perception makes so much sense and is really a revelation to me. One should be comfortable in their own skin and their own photographic experience! Bravo!!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks a lot for this Michael, great to hear that it was a useful thought. Glad you made it through to the end and also a great comfort and affirmation to me that you agree with it. Take care and Happy Shooting!

[@joelarrarte8486]

You value your photography as it is meant to be... an art form. Love your style of thinking and explanations. Keep it up - it truly inspires...

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much Joe! Great :)

[@charlescino4413]

Not Like IT? How could anyone not . . . best comprehensive one on the subject! Loved IT!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks a lot Charles! Glad you enjoyed it! But on YT there's nothing truer than the old 'you can't please all of the people all of the time' :)

[@samras6869]

One of the best tutorials I’ve stumbled across and you’ve done a great job in the edits to digest so many key points within 30 mins. The sermon in the end was all about art and the artist and how he/she is happy or satisfied with the result.

[@WillGoodlet]

Wow, thanks Sameer, so glad you liked it and thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@jackcoughlin9785]

Your comments regarding sharpness are pure gold. Thanks.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Jack :)

[@jackcoughlin9785]

@@WillGoodlet Will; Greetings from the coast of Maine; I especially enjoyed your comments in Section 13 of your video.

[@ryokiukiuz3920]

Stumbled upon your video when browsing randomly and I absolutely love it. Some of the shots you shared as part of the video are simply amazing!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks! So glad you liked it :)

[@TonyGinFL]

As with others, I too became obsessed with gear and technical specs that I completely lost sight of the artistry and joy from creativity and experimentation. Excellent presentation!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching Tony !

[@nicholasmerriman1028]

Excellent dissertation, which rendered a great deal of clarity, to an often hazy and futile photographic pursuit. It's not often, at my age, to have the patience and fortitude to listen and view a documentary on a timeless, and often misunderstood subject, but you held my attention from the beginning to the excellent closing, what you have displayed was both educational and enlightening, as well as rewarding. Well Done. Greetings from a Yorkshire man who's heart for 30 odd years resided in South Africa (where it still is), but now resides in Riga, Latvia.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much Nicholas! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and then to come here and comment so generously. I'm glad I can offer you a glimpse of SA in return. Where did you live while out here? Incidentally, my Grandfather was born not far from where you live now. St Petersberg. I have always wanted to see the Baltic.

[@nicholasmerriman1028]

@@WillGoodlet Initially on the reef, Johannesburg (Benoni and Sandton) and Pretoria (Moreletta Park) 80 through 95, initially came to SA in 78, worked in SA, flew home to UK every month, and like most people with any common sense, decided to settle in SA, pity the wife did not agree. Got Hijacked in 95 (shot twice, but returned fire and survived). Transferred to Europe, a request from my company, there was a concern for my safety. I only lasted 4 years before Africa called me back. I spent the 4 years business traveling globally for my employer. Got tired of never being home, so in 99 returned to my desired home, second wife didn't agree. Resided in Ballito for a further 10 years, but again ended up traveling globally again. In 2009 was headhunted for a company in Graz, Austria. I retired to Latvia in 1917, as my 3rd wife is Latvian, and after many years of traveling the world, I will never return to the UK, so I have settled in Latvia. I have been in St Petersberg several times, always stayed at the Nevsky palace hotel on Nevsky prospeckt, beautiful city, endless compositions and unique street and architectural opportunities, beautiful light during the summer white nights. The Baltics also have there scenic opportunities, and nature that is not violated by industry, erosion and pollution.

[@WillGoodlet]

What a story Nicholas, you've certainly been around the block! Having experienced the violence in SA myself (although luckily not shot) I have an idea what it must have been like to get past that event. Speaking of that, my grandfather was shot in the arm on the Nevsky prospeckt in 1917 (when 15) his friend was killed. Luckily for me he settled in the UK In the 1920s. I expect the Baltic light is fantastic, I can't imagine having such long periods with low hanging sun. I'm really jealous of the bird photographers over there and I'd guess that's why so many of the best are from Finland.

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

I thumbed this video up for a number of obvious reasons, great images, pleasant tempo, mood and personality, but primarily because you offer these advices from actual experience. All this in the same video is actually a rare phenomenon within the community on YT. Thank you.

[@WillGoodlet]

Wow thanks so much for this wonderful comment and thank you for watching Eigil, I'm glad you liked it :)

[@paulhastings288]

as a novice bird photographer, I found your video most informative, a real plus too, you made the subject understandable even to me. I shall subscribe to your channel. Thank you.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much for watching Paul. It's fantastic that you found it useful and I'm delighted that It was understandable too. Really appreciate your support :)

[@ashishkshahane]

I came across this video and started watching at 3 Am. Idea was to watch for few minutes and sleep. But couldn't stop watching it. Last part on Sharpness was awesome. Thank you for sharing valuable information. Learnt a lot in these 30 minutes. Will try to implement these techniques. Thank you once again!

[@WillGoodlet]

Sorry you missed out on sleep but glad you enjoyed the video!

[@nerforeos675]

Thanks for the video. It seems like wildlife photography (especially birds) is simultaneously the most frustrating and satisfying genre of photography. Can't count the number of times I've whispered curses to myself when I missed a shot lol. I love the little critters though.

[@WillGoodlet]

I know exactly what you mean. Haha, yes I think many of us don't whisper either :) Thanks for watching!

[@kathyteague829]

Best info I’ve ever heard! Thank you sooo much!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching Kathy!

[@RobinGlaze]

Thanks Will, this is an excellent summary and should be required viewing for all beginning wildlife photographers!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much Robin. It's great to hear that!

[@shriharirao8647]

After the entire briefing .. what I liked most was last 5 minutes of sermon about sharpness and what the photographer presents .. awesome

[@yoursureshotphotographypra8961]

This video is all about Sharpness, but anticlimax is so amazing at the very end. Wonderful education presentation. I wish I can give many thumbs up. Worth my time. As an engineer you are engrossed in the technicality. This Video reminded me that make sure I don’t throw out unsharp. As you may miss say, an animals interaction or a beautiful background composition or a unique behavior of a giraffe licking into its nose etc. cheers!

[@rightslot1]

I have watched your videos off and on for sometime. I was not sure why I continued to watch. Now I know. You--more than others--make the video about the subject. The video is not about you. I learned quite a bit, and I I am now subscribing. Thank you!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much for watching and the feedback - I'm glad you like the videos and hope to see you around for some others in future!

[@MrSpoiledrotten]

This was the best 30 minuets of my photography history. Can’t wait to apply the techniques.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much Thomas! Hope you get some great shots!

[@Catzeyz]

Thanks so much for your wonderful videos. So easy to follow, not excessively long intro, and keeping on topic instead of being distracted by anything and everything happening around you and wandering off onto other topics or tangents then returning to where you were and expecting people to keep track. Love you are able to share information in a way that anyone can understand and learn from. Have subscribed and will be happily watching in the future in the hope I can grow as a photographer and get the best out of my gear.

[@WillGoodlet]

Really happy that it was useful and enjoyable. Thanks so much for the sub!

[@escottpeterson]

Fantastic. And in the midst of Covid isolation and madness, I really needed both your practical tips and reminder of what is important about photography and why I love it so much. Thank you.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Erik! great to hear that - take care and Happy Shooting :)

[@Texray1]

The last part of the video made me feel good. I'm a relative newbie at this stuff and sometimes I'll have a picture that isn't perfect but it does something for me. I don't really care if it does something for anyone else.

[@philipculbertson55]

I'm recently into bird photography and a bit obsessed with sharpness so the quote at the end by Bresson was very striking for me as was your discussion. It made me consider my own efforts and while sharpness is important, going forward, I will consider what Bresson said and try to make the story and emotion of the scene and the experience more pressing than the simple technical detail. Thanks Will. Great video.

[@suzannemullaney3205]

I listened to this video twice because of what you said at the end. It was profound and worth hearing twice.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much Suzanne! I'm really glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the extra view ;) Sorry not to respond sooner!

[@ryokiukiuz3920]

I did that too🙂

[@getamazednow]

I too stumbled upon this video and I must say it was well worth watching, delivered nicely, with the right amount of passion for the craft, coupled with a good mix of technical, artistic and philosophical value. I am an amateur wildlife photographer on the cusp of making a decision to turn pro, but I do it for the simple fact of the artistic value of visual story telling of our planet and its inhabitants especially landscapes and wildlife. Your video content was not new to me, but you certainly drew out some nuances that I probably subconsciously new but was not applying in practice. Thanks once again.

[@TheTubularman]

Wonderfully!!! Thank you for that last one! Made me think of what i really want. Im more fan of mood in photos and sometimes i actually forget that.

[@arianecohen3124]

Stumbled on your video while struggling to find tips on how to sharpen my photos. I'm a newbie to wildlife/bird photography (7 months), and took the plunge with a mirrorless camera and a telephoto lens. I've been getting some beautiful, sharp shots (even BIF's, which was a real surprise!) but my results are inconsistent. Your video has brought up a few pointers that I will focus on. Your explanations are clear and concise and have motivated me to check out some of your other work. Thanks for a job well done! :)

[@edwardgreen4684]

This is 30 mins of pure gold - expertly presented, I am very grateful for this knowledge and presentation.

[@wildlifeofcumbriaandthelak8223]

Hi, I'm pretty new to photography and I've struggled as have we all, with sharp images. Ive watched hundreds of videos and read until my eyes ache. But when I saw your video, it all came together. Your explanations are free ish of all the gobbledygook that newbies don't understand and your explanations are easily understood. So a big thank you for finally getting me to understand what I need to do. Keep up the good work and happy shooting. Jim.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Jim, thanks so much for watching! I'm really glad you found this one helpful. Hope all's well over there and happy shooting!

[@margaretlewfatt8755]

…but you are very sharp and concise my friend. Photography is an art and it’s how one feels about the end result and not everyone will embrace it. It’s a very personal journey. Very much enjoyed your video and will take your tips on board. Thank you

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching and the kind comment here Margaret, so glad you enjoyed it.

[@horstschoninger1265]

Explained very well...... in a slow but healthy speed..... nice to follow...... perfect... thank you for doing this with the best you can do...I enjoy every minute.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks a million Horst. Glad to hear it was useful and that you enjoyed it!

[@ravigulasekharam862]

Thank you Will. One of the best videos I have ever seen for the best tips on widlife photography :). So, kudos to you & I'm grateful to you. I enjoy your informative videos. Keep up your great work & thanks again.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much for watching Ravi and for the wonderful comment. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidsass5913]

Respect. I learned a deep, nuanced appreciation for that term in Jamaica, where people living in the edge of poverty acknowledge one another’s dignity. Beyond technical tips your essential humanitarian qualities come through your videos, and I respect the man I see. I offer it here to you with utmost sincerity. Subscribed, will follow. BTW - If your flash or other gear is stolen again, you can have mine. Because your work leverages knowledge and experiences for many. Respect.

[@WillGoodlet]

Wow, David. What a wonderful compliment and comment. I am humbled and so grateful to you! Thank you for watching and thank you for the support.

[@wildlifeofcumbriaandthelak8223]

This comment is absolutely spot on! David has just , through his words made me realise why I liked Will's videos so much. There is a connection between Will and us, something that many many instructional videos just don't give you. He makes it as though he's talking to you! And not just preaching to the audience, because his knowledge is such, that you understand what he says and connect with it, instantly, rather than taking in some and then thinking what does that mean? Thanks again Will, respect. Great post David 👍

[@Distinctly.Average]

I’ve been shooting wildlife for most of my life. Got addicted as a child and never stopped. I still watch videos like this more for affirmation, and also to see if there is something I may like to do differently as we all can get stuck in the ways we are used to. However, it is not my favourite style of video, I prefer out in the field stuff, seeing exactly how you approach a subject and then the results whether they are award winning or straight in the bin. Being here in Blighty I would love to see more of the wildlife of Africa, the stuff you see every day. What you probably take fear granted, is something the rest of the world may never have seen. I would love to see you make more videos like that, and I also think that especially with the worlds current travel issues, something many would appreciate.

[@WillGoodlet]

Phill .Luckhurst Hi Phil thanks for watching and thanks for the helpful feedback. I’d hope many or most of my older videos fit that brief? Sadly we only had some restrictions lifted on reserves on 15th august - many are not fully open. Been locked up since March and we are still under curfew at night so travel is difficult.

[@Hari2897]

Completely loved this video ! Love how you are a calm person genuinely trying to make us understand what you are trying to convey. Thank you ,😌

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching and the great comment!

[@Hari2897]

@@WillGoodlet You are welcome 😌

[@colinjohnson3019]

I come across this video by accident, the content was very put in very a simple and easy to understand terminology. Best 30 mins of my time and looking forward to applying these techniques. Thanks

[@WillGoodlet]

Colin Johnson Thanks for watching Colin, glad you liked it. Thanks for letting me know:)

[@kennyr5521]

Thanks, Will. You have increased my understanding of sharpness considerably, and more importantly made me think about my photography with your piece at the end.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching Kenny, glad you found it useful. Happy shooting:)

[@cornishblue58]

Photography captures so much and your photo of the elephant is an example of how capturing a moment is more important than analysing the technicalities. That photo tells an amazing story and when it’s told you don’t even think about anything other than the welfare and the terrible struggle of the starving elephant. Thanks for sharing.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much for watching and coming here to comment. Really appreciated. That ellie shot was hard! I can remember the sweat dripping into the viewfinder :) A lot of animals starved that year but a lot of the issues are down to overpopulation in the reserve. All those poor trees were knocked down by elephants. They can no longer migrate to look for food - borders and fences so they are held in there artificially. When the rains fail they have no where to go.

[@cornishblue58]

Will Goodlet it’s very sad to hear that. Beautiful animals and deserve better

[@TofuTheVeganZombie]

I really enjoyed this video and have alot of take-aways. You're delivery is perfect.

[@WillGoodlet]

That's great, thank you so much William!

[@calokid]

I learned a thing or two AND the wrap-up was great. Thank you for this mind-opening video. I have to subscribe!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much for watching and letting me know. Glad it was helpful and welcome!

[@charlesatkinson8547]

Hello, Will. That was excellent! First, you are a great teacher. With that I thought how thorough. Why, because you covered areas I have not heard covered before. ie. Feel and "atmosphere" of the "enviroment" ( hope my expressions are understood in a photographic sense) You conveyed techie info clearly in an amateurs language. Very much appreciated. Regards, Charles.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Charles, thank you very much for watching this and also your very kind comment. I'm so glad you found the video helpful :)

[@99pups]

Thank you for sharing your experiences of bird photography esp. MFA.

[@WillGoodlet]

A great pleasure! I saw you had a comment on flash too but can no longer see it? You can extend flash with a Fresnel Lens (like on an old overhead projector) one of the most popular models is the Better Beamer.

[@pawpindilla]

Brilliant once again Will - really enjoyed the in depth tutorial. Very insightful and informative and quite deep!! haha . Photography is "deep" but I am an absolute sucker for a sharp shot.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for checking it out Tristan, really appreciate you taking the time!

[@ribbonwoodbarn]

One of the most down to earth and educational tutorials I have viewed. Thank you.

[@WillGoodlet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AnthonyNovak1]

I was real nervous about the video in the beginning. Lots of wild hand movements and a hard cadence of punctuating every other word. However, after it got started, it was great. I really liked the in-depth 13 points. That's where the video really shined. Great job!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for the feedback and for sticking with it Anthony. As a KZbinr you get all kinds of advice. Some people tell me I am not animated enough. Then you have the people who can't watch longer videos. I think what I get from your feedback is to try to be more myself (which is the less animated version). Cheers!

[@AnthonyNovak1]

You looked really comfortable when you were being yourself. You also came off confident and I really trusted what you were saying. I look forward to seeing more from you! Also, kuddos for being so open to feedback. It shows you care :)

[@WillGoodlet]

Anthony Novak thanks Anthony I appreciate your honesty and it’s always good to hear. :)

[@QVL75]

Wow, this is the most serious and deep video on bird photography that I've seen. I love the way you explained! Makes perfect sense. Thanks.

[@kimbrising3627]

Thank you so much for this excellent video! It gave me so many practical tips, which I can apply in my own photography. It was also so good to listen to the last part of your video, the section about sharpness, which gave me new insights. I am so glad that you brought up this issue and emphasized the importance of our perception: I am tired of the channels constantly bringing up which camera system is best, how many pixels you must have, etc., to get perfect photos. I have found that at least some of these claims are nonsense. Again: Thank you for this video!

[@michaelricco81]

I came across this video tutorial rather accidentally or perhaps it was due to the KZbin algorithms. In any event, I am so happy it popped up on my feed as i recently began photographing more wildlife and birds, mostly due to my recent purchase of the Sigma 60-600 lens. The information in this tutorial is just amazing. Will Goodlet thank you for creating and posting this video. I am now a subscriber.

[@WillGoodlet]

So happy it helped Michael, and I'm glad you dropped a comment here too. Thanks for subscribing and good to meet you :) Congratulations on the 60-600! I know very little about that lens. It sounds very intriguing. Once you use it a bit perhaps you could let me know what you think about it? I'd be interested to hear. Cheers and happy shooting.

[@michaelricco81]

@@WillGoodlet I can tell you that I love this lens. I bought it in early July and its been attached to my Canon 5D Mark IV ever since. It is a tad heavy for me to shoot with it hand held - but shooting at high shutter speeds compensates. I started out using the OS image stabilization but I have now stopped using it, given that my shutter is rarely below 800 and mostly at 1600. Having the 60 mm at the wide end is very very useful for a landscape or vertical shot. The focusing of this lens is very responsive, though I have not yet mastered the art of photographing birds in flight. Thank you again for your very quick replies. Much appreciated.

[@WillGoodlet]

@@michaelricco81 Great to hear a little about it. I used to shoot a 70-300 L canon and I replaced it with the 100-400 and I really miss the wide end.. 60 to 600 is an impressive focal range - not surprised it hasn't left the camera :)

[@VincentValentino]

Bravo! Thanks so much. Best advice I've ever heard :) And you're so charismatic!!!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Vincent! Really kind and thanks for watching :)

[@grahamstandley3574]

This is a great video; packed with important technical advice. However, the closing comments represent the most important concept. There are some things in life that you just can't buy and technical perfection doesn't make great art. I have learned a lot in the last few minutes.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for sticking with it to the end Graham, so glad you liked it :)

[@tyrondix4339]

Amazing video will, I feel like everyone of your video I watch I get into a zone where there is nothing else to worry about other than concentrating on the tip and tricks that you always share with us😁thank you

[@WillGoodlet]

Hey Tyron, I'm glad you enjoyed it and hope it sparked some ideas for you. Thanks for watching :)

[@robertYTB78g]

I loved the bit at the end, not to say that the in-depth explanation of how to get sharpness wasn't really good too. I finally afforded a more expensive camera today, and have been blown away by the increased clarity and low light performance. Now I get all that "good lens" stuff :). Looking around my room decorated with my earlier wildlife photos, my first reaction was to consider taking all but a couple of them down, but no, it is exactly as you described - they tell a story and provoke a response in me. What a good maxim - the only time sharpness is important is when it gets in the way of telling that story. In fact the whole question of what actually makes a good photograph is a pretty interesting one. If you intend to create Art, well the resolution of a Rembrandt is way less than 4K.... :)

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching all the way through and for your thoughts here - I wouldn't take those prints down, just head out with the new camera (congrats by the way!) and take/make some new stories :)

[@martinpettinger]

Great video Will... very well presented and I loved the 'Sermon' .... best regards Martin

[@WillGoodlet]

Haha thanks Martin! Greatly appreciate you watching it to the end and the kind comment too :)

[@francescopatane525]

I went to South Africa in 2015 and 2016. I fall in love to this amazing country. I would have to watched your lessons before my South African travelling. Now I can't wait for pandemic end to go back to Kruger park.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Francesco, you are right, it is a beautiful country but it will be here when you come back :)

[@roshanmore3862]

Well said Will ! Impressive and really the last but not the least point not only the best take away one but to remember for the entire journey through the photography. I will definitely spread the word among my students about this. 👍👍

[@WillGoodlet]

Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it and so appreciative for the support!

[@jockbrown5496]

Very good TEACHER!!!

[@WillGoodlet]

Cheers Jock!

[@loraszko]

It was an excellent presentation with clear and precise explanations, illustrated with breathtaking images, thank you very much!

[@WillGoodlet]

Wow! Thank you for watching and such a kind comment, I really appreciate the support Gabor!

[@marcinswiostek]

That's probably the best video explaining the concept I've seen ever. Thank you. Especially for the last tip!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching all the way through Marcin :) most ppl don’t

[@angelodsouza1669]

Absoboodylootely brilliant 💯 Thank you for an excellent tutorial!

[@andrzejszu2005]

I really like the way the subjects were put together. And the pointe about sharpness a bourgeois concept.. just love it! Motivational, too.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks a lot Andrej, great to get such nice and positive feedback - happy shooting in 2021!

[@drvineethkumar9625]

Amazing . Loved the presentation.. especially the message at the end

[@WillGoodlet]

Cheers thanks so much!

[@ripa-photo]

Thanks, perfect lecture to remind me.😊

[@WillGoodlet]

@@ripa-photo thanks so much, appreciate it!

[@dvpson]

This video reminds me of old Asian movies, where a sifu (master) is teaching his students how to cook well. You need to respect the food and cook from the heart with passion and humility. He would often say Listen to the sounds of your environment you are cooking in, the bubbling water, the hissing steam, the sizzling food, the roaring flames Feel the searing heat, the textures of your ingredients, the taste of spices Smell the aromas from the dish. Breathe it in. See and visualise the end product, the colors and shapes and the aura it represents. Then incorporate all of these into the presentation to your customer. Let them experience all these senses. You are the my current Sifu of photography. I have been researching the best technical equipment for beginners, the best technical, advice, the best tutorials, but your sermon sums it up, as a Master Chef of wildlife photography. I am inspired by your photographs and hope to be using what I have learnt here. Your ‘sermon’ is a philosophy of honest photography. Let your audience experience what you are feeling, seeing, hearing and sensing at the moment you take that one shot. Bravo.

[@WillGoodlet]

That is one amazing compliment David. Wow. And what a great analogy. Thank you sincerely.

[@francesbenson9326]

Vicióq

[@johngee9018]

I'm no "big game" photographer. Just an enthusiast who loves taking photos of my neighborhood flora and fauna. I think many of your wildlife tips apply to sports photography. With your tips in mind, I look forward to taking more memorable action shots during my kid's sport events. Thanks for this!

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi John thanks for watching and yes they do apply to sports. One thing that might be different for you is the light. If it’s a night or indoor game. You will need to take account of that. With wildlife it’s rare to have a floodlight (it does happen) but they introduce flicker and colour casts.

[@stans6582]

Will, I've been taking pictures for fifty years, your comments at the end of this video are the best description i've heard,.... to me, it's all about what I see what I feel, I shoot what I like, and want to please me.......if someone esle likes it that's fine but not my ultimate goal.Sometimes your best shot is just LUCK, right place right time. It's still a thrill to me.............THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks so much for watching Stan. It's great to get your thoughts on it too. If we are honest, there is a great deal of luck involved :) Take care and happy shooting!

[@andyloconte]

If I could have liked this video 10 times, I would have. Great information and very helpful!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Andy, I really appreciate that!

[@kevinlynch6123]

What can I saw excellent at last someone who explains things technically but in ways that are easy to understand 🤗🤗

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Kevin! Glad you liked this one :)

[@jerrybarton4528]

I wish I had found this video ages ago. This is the best video that I can spread around to other bird shooters.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Jerry! So glad it's helpful and you enjoyed it. Thanks for letting me know :)

[@andrewhepburn5271]

Thanks Will, really enjoyed this. Using an older 40d does seem to restrict some of the flexibility available on newer models but then sharpness isn’t everything 😬.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Andrew, nothing wrong with an older camera. Have you tried out Topaz software, it’s pretty amazing with older bodies!

[@adtots6884]

I came across this by accident - I rarely do wildlife photography. But I felt compelled to watch it through as it was so well presented and in terms I could understand. Absolutely brilliant!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thank you! So glad to hear that :) Appreciate you watching all the way through!

[@stayfitstaylong]

Excellent description. But, u didn't tell me that what body should I choose for , bird photography, 90D or 7D mark ii , at this certain year 2020.. pls help

[@WillGoodlet]

I would not presume to suggest which is best. I think you need to decide based on what you photograph and what lenses you have. If you can find a second hand 7D Mark ii - then it is likely to be good value for money. If you want to use video, then the 90D will be better.

[@stayfitstaylong]

@@WillGoodlet soryy, boss, I just wanted to know ur, opinion, already using 90D with 100-400mm L is ii, and i am extremely happy, in bird , and wildlife photography. It's the best, canon has made, 90D perfect for wildlife... 7D mark ii offcourse a good one, but, 90D is far better than it.. ok🙏

[@markrigg6623]

@@stayfitstaylong Yes the image quality of the 90D blows away the 7D mkii

[@stayfitstaylong]

@@markrigg6623 right

[@WillGoodlet]

mark rigg hey Mark I got a notification that you left a comment (not this one) but for the life of me I can’t find it to answer directly. First off, thanks for taking the time to offer your experience - it’s a certainly a plausible argument and I’m always happy to learn and examine different causes. I based my opinion of n the video on personal experience and anecdotal reports from wildlife togs I respect and also info published on the Nikon support site relating to the comparative performance of their high res sensors and how to shoot them. While the cause may well be as you say, I’m hopeful that the same solution applies - careful capture using appropriate settings.

[@e.kennedy1385]

30 minutes of clarification and applied skills. Thank you for doing this. I love the closing lines. “Sharpness is not everything “

[@WillGoodlet]

Kennedy Ernest Ethan, Oyifiije Thanks for watching to the end! Glad you liked this one :)

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Superb stuff buddy, great vlog top tips! 😎 the elephant pic is beautiful👌 your sermon was stuff of legend, “Sharpness isn’t everything“ I think I’ll have that on my gravestone lol 😂

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for taking a look!