THE TRICK TO BECOMING A BETTER PHOTOGRAPHER. The REAL way it’s done.

[@simon_dentremont]

What motivates you to go out every time you do and get photos? I'd love to know!

[@clairehachey2189]

What motivates me is my profound love of nature and the incredible bond I've developed with little birds, mostly white breasted nuthatches. They are amazing to watch and are quite the acrobats!

[@FlowElectron]

I love wildlife and nature and taking photos as a whole, so the whole package really, I just love it

[@TheWildlifeGallery388]

the pursuit or hunt for the next GREAT photo of any species is what motivates me to get out there to capture that moment in time to share with others

[@ryanmunginnaturephotogragh352]

The thing that motivates me is that I want to get better and learn new things. Also just seeing beautiful wildlife that is around me. Learning new photography types

[@lynnekrueger9056]

Improve

[@louisburley1597]

This channel needs 5 billion subs. It’s the healthiest take on photography and we need more of this. The only advice I could offer beginners is be in competition with no one. I’ve gone as far as not being in competition with myself. I frame it now as “ I did the best that I could given the conditions and timing of events that I was given “ I beat myself up less for missing a shot and I just go back out! Cheers Simon. I love this channel.

[@scotty2553]

Someone once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Thank you for all that you do for us aspiring photographers.

[@joshualandry3160]

One thing that I've found really helpful for myself is to do some post processing. All my shots, mostly landscapes, just never felt like they had anything. By doing a bit of post processing and cropping the images really sprang to life. They went from "Okay, well it is a nice picture, but it really lacks somthing" to "I can't believe I was the one who took that picture." The two sliders that made the difference was contrast and color balance.

[@GullyBinga]

That’s a good tip. I’ve often seen dull, boring images on the screen of my camera at night, then turning that exposure wheel and darkening it brings it to life. So I see what you mean.

[@sbimages5408]

“Come home with something” yet another great collection of thoughts. Well done. I once heard a photographer say just photograph the light.

[@simon_dentremont]

So true!

[@barbaralyons1365]

I don't subscribe to many KZbinrs but you, Simon, are clear, concise and endowed with common sense. Thanks for the effort you put into making your videos.

[@Timber81]

Wildlife photography is so much more than the capture. The journey of discovering is cathartic. After nine months of chemo I am convinced that my walks with my camera helped me become a better photographer and I hope, a better person. Thank You for sharing your craft.

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome! So true!

[@gman5375]

This is awesome….keep going my friend

[@4CardsMan]

9 months! I only endured 7 weeks, plus 20 days of radiation. It took a few years to get my strength back.

[@eze3572]

Best video yet! Every time I’m at the desolate park and all I see are squirrels I think of you! Make this the best squirrel shot yet! You shine in a dark world , we thank you

[@jamesterrance]

Zig Ziglar, the motivational speaker, said something like: "If you want to get to the top, then help as many other people get to the top as you can." I think you do that. I always enjoy to presentations.

[@ilyasovich]

Breaking the rules, I remember back in my home country, about 13 years ago I was starting photography as a hobby and joined a group of amateur photographers, we had great time going outside and taking photos. At first I was following the rules then 1 year later I was feeling trapped to I decided to break them in my way and was very happy with the results. I was almost the only one very interested in wildlife in general especially birds. So started sharing my "new style" as I was getting better at it and mostly I was getting happier with it. The problem was I didn't know that most of this community was "snob", if you break the rules you suck without even trying so see if the picture was good or not. After a long time I stopped going out with them because of that and after sometime stopped photography all together, since they made lose appetite for It. Since 2013 I was taking out my DSLR only for some special occasions like my sister's wedding, birth of my nieces, and if some friends ask me to take some pics for them. Now it's 2023, I discovered this channel a few weeks ago and binge watched most your videos. Your way of explaining things sparked my passion again and this video made me remember what I loved in photography and why I stopped. So I'll be getting back again to photography in the 'next few weeks. What else to ask ? Especially i' m now living i' Nova Scotia and discovering what can be done here. I'm very excited. Thank you again Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks for sharing, neighbor!

[@cathco9]

So happy for you! At times, I have let others ruin bird photography for me. The negativity, the secrecy and competition is awful. I just want to take my photos. I hope you find your passion again. Best wishes!

[@ilyasovich]

@@cathco9 thank you, I got my 60D back and got a 55-250 is stm to check if I'll be back again, and OMG, I'm chasing birds like 13 years ago and feel happy. Now I have to get a longer telephoto lens to get more serious

[@chronosemagram]

This video is filled with really good general life analogies that apply to much more than photography. I really love your channel, both in content and presentation. It's hard to describe, but there's this chill altruistic quality to how you communicate your experience and mindset. Really amazing work all around, and cheers to you for creating.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@Aikisbest]

It might sound very silly, but I almost teared up a little watching this, it was THAT inspirational!

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome!

[@CarnivoreKipp]

Only competing with yourself goes way deeper than just photography. Thanks brother.

[@sneakyfox1876]

I just got into photography about 2 months ago to help with depression. Each step of the way so far, you've been the main teacher. I'm already seeing alot of improvement in my pictures! Took amazing pictures of some Mallards yesterday.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@CalTek]

I can relate. My photography is not only a business for me but also an outlet that has helped my mental health tremendously. When I am out with the camera everything else just melts away.

[@bernym4047]

You are a very generous gentleman. My inspiration is shooting landscapes in 'poor' weather whilst imagining how I can improve the image to something a bit special in the edit. I used to fret about photographers who call this 'cheating' and making photos that are not 'real' until I realised that all photos are unreal because they are 2D representations of 3D scenes. Thank you.

[@nickfury431]

When I started taking pictures, I had a friend who was starting wedding photography and he asked me what I like to take pictures of and I said trees and things like that. He said, I’ve never been paid by a tree don’t waste your time. That was a real setback for me.

[@FullofCrapp]

And you know what Simon I would have never invested into this Canon R50 if it weren't for your videos! You set the standard of what every picture I take should look like! 🙏

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@lidge1994]

As a newbie, I can confirm that most photographers would rather build you up than gatekeep and tear you down, if you think otherwise, get out of that group, they're keeping you from getting better..unless you specifically ask for critique and are offended by what they say, then that might be on you.

[@youritguy1]

Simon, I completely understand where you're coming from. Gear is just a tool - it's the photographer's vision and skill that really matters. When I first got my camera, video was my main focus. But after experimenting more with photography, I found a real passion for still images. Now I get just as much joy from capturing the perfect photo as I do from shooting video. It just goes to show that discovering what you love to create is a process of exploring all the possibilities with the equipment you have. The gear alone doesn't make your work - you do

[@Living_Through_Me]

The degree of personal and professional growth that is possible when consuming quality content related to one's craft is invaluable and this channel is the rule and not the exception to this. Consider all of your content liked and consumed.

[@firefeethok_tui2355]

Ive listened to the intro song so often in your videos, I realise, hmmm…..that song could be about me! 😂😂😂😂. I love it.

[@e-mastercorporation6995]

one of the best videos I have seen. Well said. Not only about Photography but life in general. I am not big into wildlife, but I would love for you to make a class on Portrait Photography.........I would be the first purchaser.

[@davidshort2922]

Spot on about not worrying about competing. Instagram is a culprit here. From your stellar photos I see that your most important piece of kit is an alarm clock set to 4:00 AM!

[@simon_dentremont]

Right!

[@womenhealers]

Simon, I've been watching your videos for a while now and have marveled at both your artistry and technical skill as a photographer and as a teacher. There's something special about this one... it shows who you are as a person and why you are such a good teacher... There are many many skilled photographers that share their expertise (and I do watch their videos), but so few that do so with such an open generosity and encouragement. Thank you!

[@relaxbuddy77]

Thanks for all these great 'no nonsense' videos. I think the best thing about photography is that there is so much you can learn, no matter what your skill level. I really appreciate the way you approach everything in a positive manner. I look forward to watching more. Keep up the awesome work!

[@thomas7johns]

Your lessons apply to anything, anyone may want to learn. I took up the Banjo 7 years ago when I turned 57. I knew I could never play like Earl Scruggs, but I learned what it would take for me to learn the Banjo. Now, I am a decent Banjo player because I didn't rush it. The first three years were the least productive for me. The key for me was that I had the drive, patience and learned everything I could about the Banjo, reading music, (I was a novice starting out) and playing with others. I took up photography a couple years ago and I am applying the same slow, methodical learning approach. Each video you produce, takes me much closer to becoming a better EOS engineer of light. You're the best Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks so much!

[@leto_len]

👏👏 I shoot because that is what I love to do.

[@jepomer]

Several years ago, my wife and I attended a Nikon training session. When we took a break, I saw groups with their cameras all taking photos of the same subject. The image of everyone surrounding a subject intent on taking the best photo of what ever has stuck in my mind since then. Unfortunately, I did not take a photo of the group. It was a great example of human behavior.

[@jimrinaldi8357]

The more I can listen to what you have to sat, the more I like your videos. You march right through what you have to tell us. You are one of the few photographers I can listen to without feeling the need to see you working your camera or your computer. You have great gear but put that into perspective so that I understand that I don't need better gear, I need to work on what happens inside my head when I am out in the field. Great work!

[@francescafiore7385]

Thank you Simon, i recently discovered you channel, i have been binging on your KZbin channel. I love your video because it has nothing to do with gear but only about photography. You are a great photographer and a great teacher. From GTA Canada.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks T.O.!

[@joanneabramson2645]

I love getting out in nature and try to be open to what each day will bring. I make a decision on what location I will go based on weather or opportunities, knowing that each day is unique. Some days I come back with a bonanza of photos, othertimes it seems to be a struggle to get just a few. I do find that the days I struggle often have yielded a few photos that are gems. The competition with myself keeps me going back for more. I found this video a perfect fit for my own philosophy.

[@bferori5555]

"Come home with something", advise of gold sir✨👌💫 Sometimes life is so full of commitments and limitations. There's always a yearning to learn, to travel and take great captures like photographers you see around the world. But coming to terms with one's circumstances and making the best use of the beauty around - that mindset works wonders. Have some amazing captures from my favourite spot - the backyard. My wandering unpretentious cat, the flora, tree, fallen leaf, clouds, sky... It's endless.

[@romy4593]

Watching your videos has changed everything for me! I just never tried to learn about the tools to do better taking pics before recent years! I do have some natural gifts but tech isn't really one of them...its composition...I just see it and don't have to try. Hubby does think that is very cool but the tools were needed to back that up. I also have an eye for color and fast reflexes with handholding my cameras. The way I am improving is watching your videos and taking pictures every day!

[@bentleydawg8573]

I've watched a number of your videos and have found them very helpful. The two things that keep me coming back are; the simplicity of your explanations of how things work, and your honest encouragement to other photographers like myself, "I know you can do it!" Thanks for all you share. Keep up the good work. 🙂

[@michelhupe4740]

Very inspiring, thank you. Through photography I realized how much I love nature and its amazing wildlife. When I go out and don't find anything interesting to shoot, I tell myself " Stay a little longer, something will show up" and most of the time something does show up!

[@gapcreekonline948]

100% ive competed , not in photography but another venture and winning was secondary it was the ride.. The the friendships and the helping others on their way up that ment the most and is where my best memories are 🌸

[@mikefoster6018]

My motivation to take photos (as a hobbyist) was summarised really nicely by a KZbinr, who called it an EXCUSE to do what you like doing. Initially, I was hiking and realised it would be improved by carrying a camera. I love meeting strangers etc too. So my camera is like a magic key - it's opening doors and allowing more creativity to what I enjoy doing anyway.

[@brianlemke6017]

I really agree with your points. I think the most critical key to growing skills and success is …. simply - show up and be there. As often as I can. I started photography as a retirement hobby two years ago. When I review my progression, mostly through my photo library(ies), it’s so easy to see the initial enthusiasm and inexperience progress to more skilled shots and compositions. There are shots from two years ago that I considered “keepers” that I quickly discard today, either for technical flaws or simply poor comps. As long as I keep showing up and being there, I keep improving. And more often have those “happy accidents” the late Bob Ross always talked about - in photography it’s going out looking for one thing; but finding another. In fact, these days that’s probably my main goal, look for the light and keep an open mind. The 10,000 hour rule in action. I’m about 1,000 hours in.

[@JosephelLeon]

In your videos I've found not just knowledge but also pure wisdom. Thanks Simon.

[@simon_dentremont]

My pleasure!

[@JustLearning]

Simon you are Truly Wise. Thanks for the encouragement and breathing new life into this photographer.

[@MatthewRoche]

This is the best philosophy, video disguised as a photography video. Thank you!

[@johnmajors1449]

Simon, along the lines of sharing the wealth - I have found that sharing some of my recent pics with others helps build collaboration as well, including friends that may suggest shooting locations, a constructive comment, and new hardware/software to achieve improvements. I have a buddy that is afraid to share anything because he is a perfectionist - he struggles with getting anything out of his work-flow that he feels is less than perfect and spends too much time in post with paralysis in the analysis. One aspect of continuous improvement means re-visiting shooting locations/subjects, where conditions might change augmented by access to new hardware and software tools to give you the new prized photo of your collection.

[@terricarpenter1798]

Taking photos for me is a stress release from everything life piles on you. Being out in nature by yourself or with family and friends and listening to the birds, insects, etc.. is so calming. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks to you!

[@HatemEngab]

This is why I like your channel so much, Thanks for the great Motivation , when I start photography I was watching street photographers like Dani and envy him because I am shy with people. But then I realized that I like nature like you. I found relaxing while taking photos for the nature.

[@michellewesson4409]

I love your advice to get a better photo of a bird you have taken many photos is so true. I was getting bored with photographing Osprey, buy taking your philosophy, keep shooting for more unique pics. Now, I need to go back through all the photos I first started with and discard the plethora of “Osprey sitting in a tree” now that I have improved. As always, love your advice and teaching style.

[@brucegraner5901]

Beautiful photos and excellent advice. Most of the amazing moments in nature I've been privileged to see have been through the work of other photographers. My goal is to bring back a few "Wow!" moments of my own to share and maybe inspire others as the work of others has encouraged me.

[@yrakutko1]

This video made me respect you both as a professional as well as a wise person. Good message delivered in perfect words!

[@stevebot]

Take pictures and bring something home. Sage advice. I always carry a macro lens so if nothing else I can practice taking pictures of little things. Insects, flowers, lichens, mushrooms, door hinges, ironwork, whatever, it’s a way to bring different perspectives of the mundane things around us.

[@pauldanesi3299]

Probably your best video, which is quite a compliment. When I run out of ideas or feel in a rut I go to my local zoo. Patience is the key to success there. My patience paid off a year ago when a photo I submitted made their 150th aniversary calendar. Now I volunteer to do their event photography. You never know when an opportunity will present itself. Looking foward to your next video.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@borisbosnjak4812]

As a budding amateur, what motivates me is spotting something "striking" in my environment, whether it's home, yard, street, town, park, or anything else. In that sense, I'm not simply documenting what I see around me but rather capturing those "wow, that's neat" moments and scenes, and I believe that's what makes art "art." Over time, by considering what the pro photographers produce, I've learned to better spot the exceptional and striking. And as I build up my small lens kit, I'm now also learning what sort of photo you get with what focal length and aperture. This lets me take a noteworthy composition and pump it up a few notches by applying effects emphasizing one or more aspects. I'm currently considering a 20mm lens after seeing KZbin videos on what kind of photos you can get with this focal length - to me, this focal length does some really neat things that a mid-length or telephoto can't. So, learning composition and learning the tools are hand-in-glove to capture a given moment in the best way possible for that "wow" shot. And KZbinrs, and very much yourself, are instrumental in pointing out the "tricks of the trade," the "this is how you get this type of shot."

[@sailslikeagirl3154]

I have just spent a couple of hours over the last few days watching you empowering and thoughtful videos. They have made me feel very happy and take lots of new approaches to my own photography, thank you so much Kim Frewin-Clarke from the UK

[@simon_dentremont]

Wonderful!

[@tedbrown7908]

Great Points, especially on the point of photographing the common everyday subjects. I have found that they too have habits, quirks, attitudes, and squabbles just like humans and other animals.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@Mike-126]

Personally, I gain much insight from all of your videos. I like your encouragement that you project along with ease of your communication to explain complex subject matter.

[@richardpalmer4471]

4:20 Perhaps better than a majestic eagle! I just love it ❤

[@danderth]

Thanks for your encouragement and coaching, I appreciate it. I've been getting out there this spring with new gear trying to capture wildlife. It's been fun, but not easy, and sometimes frustrating. When I'm out there, I hear your voice, "I know you can do it," which always puts a smile on my face.

[@simon_dentremont]

You can do it!

[@carlmcneill1139]

I saw something on another video one time that goes along with what you said about comparing yourself to other photographers. I can't recite it word for word. Basically he said that everybody is on their own journey. Everyone learns at their own pace. Some people are more intelligent than others and pick up things faster. You may have one person that's been doing this for 10 years and still isn't that knowledgeable and maybe struggling to grasp things. Another person may have only been taking pictures for 2 years and is already an advanced photographer. A lot of it is in how much time you put into learning and then applying what you've learned. Having the technician knowledge means nothing if you don't put it into practice. Proof is in the pudding as they say. He said don't become discouraged if your photos doing lol as good as someone else's because their part is different and they're not in the same place that you are. Yesterday I went out to take pictures of a waterfall. I forgot to change the ISO back to the base ISO. It was still on 1000 from the time before. I should know by now to check these things but I didn't. Luckily, my camera performs well even at ish 1000. But I did retake the shots at a different ISO. This is why we need to practice regularly. That's a mistake I shouldn't have made. I can't really see the noise in the pictures and that's software can clean that up easily.

[@SBinVancouver]

Not only are your perspectives informative, you do a great job finding appropriate video/still clips! Greetings from the Left Coast.

[@buyaport]

I like your work very much. -- In every art there are few that make it to the top, and many who don't. What makes photography exciting? One of my neighbours is an organist. He has to exercise and hone his art every single day, and is playing the same pieces over and over again. Just to keep his skills. If he is making any progress, very few people would notice. But he loves his work. -- When I go out, I don't know what to expect. In the many years of photography there was not a single time when I wasn't surprised. For me photography is an adventure. I don't want (or need) to become a "better" photographer. It is a story that continues, but of course I very much love to be inspired by others like you to get new ideas and try out new things.

[@krustysurfer]

Very very well said Simon😊 internal serenity = security... Furthermore competitive underpinnings rarely if ever does anything for either serenity or security. The best competition is with oneself. ⭐ Blessings and aloha

[@JC-vq4gz]

I volunteered to take team photos at a team swimming competition. Although i was feeling cautious and shy at the beginning, I took some risk and go in the crowds. I came away with some incredible photos and glad I acted boldly. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@getoutdoors7837]

This was an amazing video! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into making these, we really appreciate it. I have a whole folder on my computer devoted to displaying the best photo I have of every mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian species I've photographed! Continually beating my former best shots by even better ones and watching my wildlife gallery slowly become progressively better and better quality is a joy for me and one of the things that inspires me and keeps me going.

[@valpayne2963]

Your advice is so true and clear. It reminds me years ago I was doing a photography course and our group were out by a river. The instructor told us all to get down on our stomachs to shoot the wildlife, which was great advice but I knew if I got down I’d never get up so I kept standing. They got great shots of swans on the river but I got the shots of one flying low up the river, which I was thrilled with. I learnt never to be afraid to not follow the crowd.

[@asmey145]

The best photo advice video I've seen. Also re-enforces it's not the equipment, it's the person. My favorite part, just get out and enjoy yourself. Thanks for sharing.

[@simon_dentremont]

Right on!

[@FuriousLortext]

This is a fantastic video and great for anyone learning a new skill. I have to remind myself when I go through 1000s of frames of birds after an outing that even if none of them are worth hanging up on the wall that I still put in the practice to get better.

[@DanielPetukhin]

Probably will be one of the more impactful photography videos. This is a healthy way of thinking and living by, obviously, not just in the world of photography.

[@glamtrashmua]

You really are so encouraging! I love watching your videos and I look forward to seeing them every week! Thank you! 🙏🏻💕

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you so much!

[@grahamniven]

This video is spot-on Simon. Having taken up stills photography as a hobby recently, the gulls that live here are great for practising on. They can be a nuisance when I'm using a drone, but they're really beautiful creatures.

[@simon_dentremont]

Well said!

[@SidharthMohapatra]

Thank you so much Sir ! Went to field and took some bad photos, came back watched this and took brilliant photos. All credit goes to you, my Guru.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@MurrayVader-xp8iv]

I agree that photography is not a competition. I know you believe it or you wouldn't make these videos. I'm not sure if you live in a rural place but I live in the middle of Hamilton Ontario. My feeder at this point provides my greatest opportunity. I have 20 common species of birds take pictures of every day and im trying to raise the bar every day to take better pics. As the weather improves I will venture out more as I have opportunity. This was a very challenging video and helps me see I am possibly on the right track. In 50 years I've taken a lot of poor shots but some days I get something I really like if no one else thinks so. Its me that has to be happening with my work. We all know we are hard on ourselves to do better.

[@enzocannizzo156]

Presented as a true professional will always love your presitations !!!!!!!!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@thejosher1510]

Thank you for this humbling video. In this fast pace gear-centric world it’s not often someone will tell you the truth that the problem is you, not your gear. Everyone just wants to sell you something when all you really need is practice. Have a great day sir

[@JeffreyMcPheeters]

I loved this. And I just watched your recent one to beginners, what they don’t tell you. Even though I’ve loved photography since my parents gave me a brownie Hawkeye when I was six, having shown an interest in their cameras, and am no beginner at almost 70, I found the tips just as encouraging and inspiring as at any time in my freelance work for the past few decades. My business sites often have the anonymous quote “the only photographer you should compare yourself with is the one you used to be.” Thanks for taking the time to make great video teaching moments. I very much appreciate both the fresh inspiration and the time honored wisdom I need to reconsider from time to time as I try to improve my work.

[@_Creaux]

Simon! Great to see your channel flourishing. Been supporting your work for a good while now. You wouldn't of made it to this point if your videos weren't fantastically made and the content itself wasn't taught so amazingly. Take care and happy spring birding!

[@simon_dentremont]

Much appreciated!

[@pattiwilson844]

Taking photos helps me to slow my mind down and "see" the world around me. Every capture (anyone's) of a laughing child, a magnificent animal, or pretty vista makes me a happy witness.

[@simon_dentremont]

So true!

[@kylemeck1715]

Thanks for putting the work in to make these. I'm a somewhat recent camera-haver bordering on photographer. You've got an effective way of communicating with beginners. It's been a big help.

[@vzshadow1]

Part of what motivates me is exercise. I'm getting up there in age and it's important to keep moving. When I walk I often photography birds. But the birds are secondary. In other words, I'm trying to make a good picture, regardless of the bird. I've taken what I believe to be excellent photos of robins and cardinal, everyday birds. For me the goal is an excellent photo, regardless of the specific subject.

[@timdeen2911]

Hey Simon, thanks for all the great videos. I am very new to photography and have much to learn. I feel like it gives me something in life that I can develop and makes me happy. Your last tip in this video is very important. As soon as I started picking up on photography I also immediately had a sense of competition. Social media is great but it also fuels competition. It took away a great portion of the fun right of the bat. In the end we all go out there and enjoy nature, taking home fotos which capture a moment which is deer to us at the moment. Being able to share that with others is one of the greatest gifts. Therefor I support anyone being a photographer and try to learn from what I see instead if getting annoyed I didn't take that shot. Thanks again.

[@fizzymonAska]

Well said 🎉🎉🎉 , I always enjoy to watch your photos and tutorial. Thanks for showing the door to Bird photography😊

[@srlkngl]

...encouraging words....your so worth my time....thank you Simon...

[@markusbolliger1527]

Thank you so much Simon for this outstanding lecture on how to get better images! You simply have become my favored teacher for photography - there are no more substantial videos available in the whole Internet than yours, and I know many of them. What motivates me? I am an eye-minded biologist, I am fascinated by all kind of patterns, shapes and colours in nature, and I am especially excited about forests and landscapes, including plants and flowers, and to a lesser extend also animals. Another field in my photography are events with people, for example migrants working in the family garden project of the protestant church of Switzerland. Another part of my motivation is the ambition to improve my photography at every shooting opportunity, technically and even more important: Aesthetically, what means trying new perspectives of a given motive, instead of repeating the way of displaying it. Kind regards from Bern country.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@fabve5488]

i’m glad to have found your channel recently as an amateur photographer , some of what you say makes me even more motivated to go harder at it

[@petebergren2402]

Wow! Thank you so much for making this video! You have spoken into exactly what I've been strugllling with as a bird photographer! Not comparing ourselves to other photographers really sets us free to become who we truly are and to enjoy the process of learning how to take great photos even more. Thank you! I truly appreciate you and your work!

[@Bruce-sk7tu]

Simon, the reason I subscribed to your channel is because you consistently offer good advice accompanied by inspiring photographs. This episode is right up there. One of your suggestions is to find photographers whose work inspires you, which left me wondering which photographers are on your list? And more broadly, are there painters or other visual artists who have influenced the way you see? I don't know the work of many wildlife photographers, but I find your work stunning. It's clear there's a lot of preparation and patience that goes into your work. It seems the photographers I'm most familiar with and whose work moves me most deeply are the familiar giants: Cartier-Bresson, Eugene Smith, Ansel Adams, Sebastiao Salgado. I'm sure there are many contemporary photographers that I'm missing out on. By the way, I also found the stock footage annoying. It drew my attention away from the points you were making. I would have preferred a photograph illustrating the point.

[@ardscorner]

A most empowering video...................yes photography was the subject, but the advice pertains to whatever you do in life. Always move out of your comfort zone

[@simon_dentremont]

Well said!

[@jackq279]

I really clicked with your idea of trying to take a new “best of species” every time you go out. What a great way to consciously work on improving, regardless of your luck on finding exotic birds or locations . Thank you for this! I believe it will really help me.

[@angelbustos9766]

This is what I needed to hear, especially the last half of the video!

[@chrishuff823]

This video applies to life, not just photography! As far as the photography aspect, I primarily shoot wildlife but wherever I go to shoot, I have my backpack with a couple lens, a few filters, and my tripod. Maybe the birds aren’t coming out but I turn and see something equally amazing. Maybe I take it in black and white. Or I’m at a stream and see a rock in the middle so I pull out my tripod and filters for an 8-minute exposure so the water turns into clouds with a lone rock in the middle. And one of my favorite photos is of a small squirrel on a dark branch chewing away at a walnut. Below it, on the branch, are hundreds of light-tan bits of walnut shell that look like sawdust. Finally, thank you for this video. I learned a few things. Oh, I will add one other piece I’ve learned. It’s not about having the gear but being creative with how you use it. Sometimes I’ll only take my 50mm to force me to get creative. Maybe a shot would be better with a telephoto but what if I framed the shot from a different angle? :) thanks again

[@simon_dentremont]

Awesome!

[@yvonnerichard6099]

Once again, great tips Simon! I totally agree with your advice. On a side note, if I may offer a small piece of feedback, I personally get very distracted by music behind a voice. I’m sure many don’t mind but for sound sensitive people like me it’s unpleasant.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks. It was my first time trying it and I need the feedback.

[@Photogal]

I am same Yvonne

[@MarkAGroh]

excellent advice, especially @ 12:30, that's how I feel, as I don't sell photos, just enjoy playing with photography, thanks Simon.

[@yanasitta]

Your channel is truly a gift to the YT and photography community

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@JanetBurt-w2w]

Thank you so much! My life is about competition it seems. I so appreciate your perspective !

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@robertmccutchan5450]

This is one of your best videos! So much great advice. Thanks for posting it.

[@SRay-or3nc]

Thank you for your generous attitude. I appreciate your videos.

[@32BitSean]

Great video Simon. I use the same mindset in my painting and illustration. I view myself as the bar to beat and never, NEVER make it a competition with others! I love seeing other peoples work and always encourage and compliment. After many years of leaving my camera to build dust on its surface, I had gotten back into amateur photography, which in turn has aided my painting and illustration. Thank you so much for your videos, you will never know how much they mean to me (and many others). Looking forward to the next one! Take care!

[@aprilbolden7995]

I really enjoy watching your channel! I learn a lot! I am a soccer Mom and I am learning how to take better photos of my sons and their teammates. ☺️

[@simon_dentremont]

I'm so glad!

[@mr_peder]

I've set a personal goal to become a better (amateur) photographer. Spent the weekend on KZbin University and when I found your channel I stopped looking. Wow, your way of explaining all aspects of photography is simply outstanding. You make me feel that I can actually learn this and maybe be able to get some good photos out of my upcoming summer adventure in the mountains of the Alps and Balkans. Thank you! Subscribed instantly.

[@simon_dentremont]

That is awesome!

[@dr.abyscharles]

Dear Mr. Simon d'entremont, This was the boost I needed. I have been planning a trip next month for some landscape photos and was quite stressed because of all the unknown variables in the this new location. Your video reminded me about my roots and why I started shooting in the first place. Thank you!!

[@GullyBinga]

What an impactful quote to remember: “Competing against others is undermining an amazing opportunity to grow together, learn together and to be stronger as a collective than we are individually.” - Simon d’Entremont

[@giorgioincani2950]

congratulations one of the most beautiful and sincere videos especially in the advice!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

[@johndias6614]

Thank you for taking your valuable time to share your wisdom with the world. I've shot 35mm film for years and recently switched to a DSLR. You just earned a new subscriber. I share a lot of your thoughts about being noncompetitve. I love to see what others are doing. What works, what doesn't and what I can do to improve. Again, thank you.