How Anyone Can Make Compelling Wildlife Images

Simon d'Entremont and I discuss the best tips for wildlife photography and how anybody can make compelling images, regardless of gear.
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#wildlifephotography #Simond'entremont

[@simon_dentremont]

A year from now, Thomas will be in a pub, have a few drinks, and the story will start with « this one time, Simon and I were in a sauna, and we started talking about ti… ». Had a great time with you in Svalbard my friend!

[@r.s.i8753]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RealHouseMouse2]

No way, if going to a pub would guarantee perfect pictures (no matter if your talking about wildlife or landscapes), I would be the worlds number 1 photographer this side of the multiverse

[@rowlandspear4061]

Hilarious!!

[@davidpearson3304]

That sounds more like how a Gavin Hardcastle story would begin. 😂

[@pedroagonzalezfoto]

@@RealHouseMouse2 🤣

[@AtaBoraBasar]

They are a great duo, I follow both photographers with pleasure.

[@mlevesque33]

Same. Both channels are awesome and Thomas is responsible for me getting into landscape photography. 😃

[@rcarder2093]

"Make uncommon photos of common things." That's my mantra, thanks to Simon. That also works for other types of photography. Not just wildlife. Simon's advice is cross genre advice!

[@ClaiCesar]

I agree. I live in Jamaica. Every morning, a hummingbird visits the flowering shrub outside my kids room. We often see them from the window. I recently ordered a used Nikon D5300, I plan to take photos of those hummingbirds as soon as it reached 😊. I have recently added more flowering plants to attract them. I have 3 different species of Hibiscus and they are blooming like crazy. The hummingbirds visits them too. Unfortunately due to the hurrican last Tuesday, I had to cut them down cause the branches were broken. They will soon spring back with more blooms. ❤

[@jerryalt6486]

I used to teach people how to be instructors for a major U.S. corporation. Simon is one of the best I have seen. Thomas is one of the best entertaining photographers on KZbin. What a combination!

[@johnbethell8666]

I do think Simon is the best photography teacher on KZbin. Excellent conversation!

[@patrickyott]

Lets lock Thomas and Simon in a box every week!

[@jayway310]

I second this motion!

[@bhikhta]

Damn! I'm up for it.

[@AlergicToSnow]

Count me in

[@sagaloo1]

That was a fantastic conversation fuelled by your enthusiasm and Simon knowledge and clarity, I particularly loved the bit where you couldn't wait to talk about the image of the Guillemot you took, pure joy and energy.

[@simonevans876]

Simon has probably forgotten more than I will ever know about wildlife photography! Fountain of knowledge. Great video both, enjoyed this! 😃👏

[@joerichard171]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. You and Simon are a joy to listen to, both experts in your genres, together, masters of instruction and story telling 👏

[@pedroagonzalezfoto]

A masterclass in less than 16 minutes! Great!

[@AnnaVahtera]

I've been following Thomas for like ages and just found Simon a few months ago. Both are spectacular photographers and awesome persons. So them doing content together is like extra great.

[@timschaefer86]

Simon’s a superb teacher. I could listen to him for hours.

[@pattymattes7124]

I love Simon. He's a great teacher. The techniques he uses carry over very well to pet photography. Thomas, I still love that dog shot you got!!!

[@27photogger]

exactly, 100%, Simon really educates you so well, explaining everything as he goes along like Thomas did in the beginning too

[@scotty4418]

That polar bear image looking straight on to the camera is an absolute keeper Thomas. Good tips from Simon too

[@isotechimages.9130]

Have followed you both for many years now & glad Thomas has discovered wildlife photography simply because l can now see his talent applied to both landscape & wildlife.

[@Shannon-q2n]

It was lovely to see Simon out of his basement! Fabulous series😂

[@timelliston]

Really enjoyed this recent series you've done with Simon. Learnt a lot of good tips and tricks and loved the way your personalities bounce off each other.

[@johnlindseyphotography1704]

Absolutely loved this video. 2 photographers I admire. As I wildlife photographers myself it was a fantastic watch. Well done

[@brianbracherphotography]

I have done the same thing this year, as I lost my motivation for landscape photography. Whilst it would be great to go to exotic places, there is so much fascinating wildlife within a short distance to most people in the UK. I have been amazed at what I wasn’t seeing before I started on this journey. And a 100-400 has, in the main be enough distance. The best bit of advice I can give others is subscribe to Simon!s channel. I have learnt so much from watching his videos - simply one of the best

[@touavlogs]

A sense of place Definitely gold

[@malcolmgibbs5826]

What a brilliant insight into wildlife photography. I have always preferred landscape stuff but this has really inspired me to do more wildlife photography in future. Thanks guys!!

[@alanjabs6935]

Great video Thomas, I have also followed Simon for a while and love his work too. Now for my challenge to you. The next few videos to also include wildlife. Up for it????

[@fredintheshead]

Can't beat this, my two favourite photographers talking about my two favourite subjects. Great video 💯

[@loke4801]

Tits and wildlife photography? 😂

[@petergrove5132]

You’ve picked the best photographer you could have to learn about wildlife photography. He is both a great photographer and a great teacher.

[@kiwikea2002]

This kind of video - talking shop with someone who know what they are doing - brings so much info and education into the mix. Great! Did you notice? One "every time tip" (eye level) gets mitigated when the situation merits it (tall elephant). Situational awareness plus variable toolbox trumps.

[@PMCN53]

That was a fantastic VLOG with Simon.....A new addition to the Thomas Heaton skill mix.

[@philpetrie]

It should be us thanking you Thomas , a super segment , enjoyed every minute of it , and took notes as well , look-out wildlife , here we come 😄

[@susanfirth2279]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video/vlog - great conversation and good advice. Simon's channel is excellent as well.

[@duncanwallace7760]

"Sense of Place" is why I started watching landscape videos. I was finding my favourite wildlife shots had great backgrounds or what I called "animal in the environment", and so I thought getting better at landscape photography would help me make good decisions quickly of what landscape to include in my wildlife shots.

[@dccd673]

I didn’t know about the wind direction, that’s a good one to remember. Wherever I try to take photos of geese, they always walk away from me then take off.

[@charliejg]

Your first point is near and dear to me. First, I can't really afford a big lens right now. I'm shooting with the XF90mm f2 on my X-T3. But, because I agree with you that the context needs to be there too. I see many birders who constantly crop in really, really, tight. And, while it nice to see that beautiful detail sometimes, it's so much better to me to show the bigger picture. This was such a great instructional video. Thanks so much to both of you!!

[@daa8286]

The nugget - "ISO is the setting that doesn't impact the creative look of the photo". Boom! Don't be obsessed with noise - deal with it in post process to the degree that you can, but nobody (that matters) cares, if the image is creative and impactful.

[@trevorridgers2923]

Nice video Thomas, looking forward to see how you combine landscape and wildlife........A sense of place, great tip, I love it 👌

[@aniketshrestha6311]

I watched both of your video , i mean the respect you give each other , it is essential to learn the experience from you sir .

[@AlergicToSnow]

I just got reminded of the same advice from a wedding photographer. A great wedding photograph is often a great landscape image, with people in it!

[@BruceMoore-w5x]

Priceless information! Thank You. I can see the both of you are enjoying life to the fullest! I Follow both your channels and always learn something new from the both of you every time a video is released. Don’t completely abandon your landscape photography Thomas I am learning so much from your adventures! Thanks Again

[@wildlife_phtography_Crete]

im from GREECE and Simon show me what is wild life photography. and im very happy that he had answer some of my questions. thank you Simon!

[@denisesavage2382]

Great conversation - I love dropping into Simon's channel from time to time. And picking the videos where I haven't learnt something. I always learn something from Simon's work.

[@ĐộcCôNhiếp]

I have been always thinking to myself when Thomas Heaton will be photographing wildlife/birds 🤔😂 That day has come!!!

[@nerrelloader4226]

Make uncommon photos of common things. I try my best, but I am not always successful. lol. Great video Thomas & Simon. Thank you for sharing your experience/talent with us. Cheers!

[@donnakeeley4531]

This was an awesome tutorial and the images were great from both of you too. Thanks from NZ

[@susanbray6817]

I’ve been following you for 4 years as a landscape photographer and about a year ago I began to move over to wildlife photography, mainly birds, so I am super excited to see how your journey progresses. Loved this video and the tips you and Simon were giving. I’m unlikely to visit anywhere outside the UK so will be restricted to local wildlife but this week I got my first Cuckoo and that was a real thrill. I’m looking forward to further compilations, maybe Rachel Bigsby? Thanks again for a great video 😀

[@JohnTucker]

Great 15 minutes! Being a bird and wildlife photog myself, I let the ISO float without sweating it. Today's NR software takes care of noise when necessary, and I definitely do not want to miss the shot due to ISO restrictions.

[@stevebanks484]

I started out doing landscape photography but quickly found a passion for wildlife, birds especially. You can spend a fortune on gear but as long as you have one or two decent lenses you can get great results, but Simon’s tips are invaluable and I use most of them from hisKZbin channel. It can be frustrating but, like most photography, when you get a great shot it really inspires you. Enjoy Thomas and I look forward to seeing you results. 👍

[@WalkingEng]

Outstanding chat between two incredible photographers. I’ve learnt so much from both of you over the years, this one was just fantastic with great tips. I just need to go out and back away from 500mm when I can.

[@randyschwager84]

Excellent video! Variety is the spice of life! I’m looking forward to seeing more wildlife from you! You have the best teacher on the planet! Thanks for taking me along!

[@ianjefferson694]

Love the look of excitement in your eyes. You've discovered something new and exciting.

[@jimbruton9482]

Wonderful video. It's obvious to see the friendship between these two great photographers, sharing their thoughts on their work. I hope to see these two broadcast similar videos from time to time as it is really a treasure for us to see them talking "shop".

[@MLodge]

The "hotel lounge jazz" soundtrack is hilarious

[@AndyBurton]

I love this partnership. Watching recent videos from the two of you, it looks like you really got on well.

[@Jazzbeau]

Are you two sitting in a sauna? Seems like a missed opportunity! Great content, really helpful!

[@jeremyhendersonphotography]

Trying to get that image out of my head :-) :-)

[@burrdaddy]

Great pairing of minds. Loaded with great info.

[@madanavc]

As always it's a pleasure to see your videos, and especially this one, that without any constrictions, you guys share what you do to take a picture!!!

[@charlenenagel7962]

What a joy to watch! Two of my favourite photographers and a great conversation. Thanks!

[@АлександрГалкин-г6ф]

Thank you Thomas! You and Simon are the most motivating photographers for me.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Tom and Simon are two peas in a pod. I totally agree with Simon's approach of including the environment in wildlife photos. Next, Tom, try sports photography. I just took some really impressive (to me) images of skateboarders at a half-pipe competition. I took both of your approaches and included enough of the surroundings to make them stand out. Not bad for a first attempt!

[@colinjoyceart]

My two favourite photographers on KZbin. What a treat to have watched these latest videos in Svalbard of you both. So much advice too.

[@peterorr999]

You both did very well getting through that chat with your base and mid layers on in the ship’s sauna!

[@ungerwhere.]

Great stuff! I took my new 70-200 out a few weeks ago to photograph birds and saw some new gear that I didn't know existed. Enjoy the process!

[@cescvalcarcel361]

Really an interesting, I'm sure this conversation will improve my wildlife pictures, and of course, a revision to not selected pictures that I'm sure I can rescue cause I was focusing in isolate the subjects from the environment, and a revision to my pictures I think is really necessary. Thanks!!!

[@tjsinva]

I guess the sauna is the quietest room on the ship or the most private. 😜That's a great list for starters. Simon appears to be a natural when it comes to breaking down different aspects of photography. Perhaps whatever he did in his past life prepared him for it. Surely accounts for his channel gathering almost a half million subs in only 2 years. Carry on. 👍🥂

[@gladysperrier4270]

Great post and lovely images to demonstrate the points. I totally agree that there is a tendency to go for a tight crop when actually it is great to see the context. Looking forward to seeing you continue to grow as a wildlife photographer.

[@ilona__willemsen]

Can't wait for all the wildlife photos and videos you are going to make! Your channel keeps getting better. 👌🏻

[@IslamicTalksPodcast]

Love to see Thomas so excited

[@DasEmily]

This video was so helpful to me! I'm heading to Alaska in a few weeks and plan to photograph wildlife and landscapes. I'm already making a mental checklist of ways to improve my pictures. Thank you for this!

[@albert25hoo]

Hello Thomas, this conversation offers me deep insights in another genre, wildlife photography. I can imagine you learned a lot in a very personal way. Aslking a professinal questions is a very good way to learn and a natural way to teach. As a former teaching scientist I really enjoyed it. Thanks Thomas and also Simon, Bert.

[@PaulReinstein]

I started with landscapes when I was a kid really, but in my old age, I find that wildlife (especially birds) keeps me more on my toes. More gear to haul around is a workout. Remembering species names and attributes, is good for the brain as is the additional technical aspects of wildlife photography. Of course both put me out in nature, and that's always a good thing too. overall, a great combination. Welcome to my world!

[@Knot-orious]

Excellent video! I've always done what Simon suggested, where I have my ISO on auto, autofocus on, and everything else set for manual! Great video! Learned a lot! =-D

[@AlergicToSnow]

I am very excited at the prospect of Thomas expanding his horizons into other genres. A great landscape image is a special thing but a great wildlife image in a great landscape backdrop won’t be very special indeed.

[@angelawilkins3624]

I have the Nikon Z 400 2.8. I chose this lens over the 600 for the reasons you discussed. It’s great for capturing the environment and in low light. Need more reach, engage the built in tc for 560mm f4. Good light and need to get closer, throw on the external 2x. I love close ups but the photos I print and hang on my wall end up being the environmental photos❤. I follow and love both your channels!

[@julieholland9639]

I've been photographing wildlife for many years and when I started out, I used to crop in a lot but over time I've noticed that showing the environment is much more interesting and as every man and his dog is taking close ups these days, I'm moving away from it. I used to have a canon full frame with a big Tamron but have moved to a fuji (crop) with their wonderful 100-400. Apparently, many don't think Fuji are wildlife cameras but my XT5 is the bomb. Also love landscapes but I'm not that good at that so I can learn a lot from this. I love Morten Hilmers style which is very much the environmental wildlife as Simon mentions, gives so much more to see where the animals live. I'm looking forward to your wildlife videos

[@johannelaporte8057]

I photograph landscape and wildlife . So true, must not forget the environment...i did in the past used huge lens and close up but with the wildlife in their environment sure tells a better story!

[@PeterLariviere]

I consider myself a wildlife photographer first..especially birds. On recent trips to Portugal in 2022 and Spain in 2023, my long lens was the canon ef 70-300 l on my full frame canon R. Now 300 for birds isn't easy but definitely doable. Love hearing Simon praise wider lenses for wildlife....and i just have to do this..sorry...Simon is 🇨🇦 and does amazing work in his home province of Nova Scotia. Love this collaboration between one of the best landscape photographers, Thomas Heaton, with one of the best wildlife photographers, Simon D'Entramont...hmmmmmm anyone else thinking a remake of the R4 project with wildlife??????

[@trugate]

Love the landscape work you've done, looking forward to seeing your wildlife work, but even more I'd love to see how you end up combining the two genres with your unique take.

[@richardmerritt5600]

What a great partnership and interview. Have really enjoyed this series thanks to both

[@TrueLweek]

I think wildlife and landscape goes well together. Both require to be outside on beautiful spots. With 200-600, 70-200 and 16-35 you can cover most of it and still. Or if you don't mind to carry a bit extra then maybe replace 16-35 with 12-24 and 24-70 ... and maybe later replace 200-600 with 300/2.8 + extenders (will save you about 0.7kg of weight).

[@georgescott7213]

I loved every minute of this video. Great information and help as well. I loved the interaction between two top photo professionals.

[@matthanson4810]

This was fun, helpful and inspiring. It was great seeing you two together! Great video!!

[@SteveZodiac777]

Great video packed full of really useful practical tips - thanks for sharing!

[@Wklambert]

We are all children, Thomas. Whoever named birds, definitely had something on their minds, and I snicker every time. Every, single time. 😂😂

[@johannaknowles8569]

So stoked that you’re getting into wildlife photography! Looking forward to seeing what happens next. The UK animals aren’t common for us in Australia, so we’ll find it interesting.

[@grant3830]

Thomas, you should check out Australian landscape photographer Ken Duncan. He released a book Walking in the Wild which gives some great examples of “sense of place”.

[@masterhall1685]

You said a great thing, Thomas, about the cold sweat when the ISO increases.

[@thomaspedersen4912]

And the dinner jazz in the background in a sauna 😀

[@mawavoy]

Really enjoyed this video. I have followed both of you independently for some time. Thomas 4-5 years and Simon for about 2 years. Have learned a lot from both of you.

[@abs0lutelyn0t]

what a wonderfully fresh perspective. will take this to heart, when I'll be visiting Svalbard in August. thank you!

[@MrWiseinheart]

Man those wildlife shots are really good you've been missing out...

[@keoni37]

I have subscribed to both of you for quite a while as I shoot both wildlife and landscape and you two are the best of both. Having never owned a lens over 400mm most of my wildlife images are "a sense of place" which I prefer anyway. Thank you for the great video.

[@kencawley3121]

Love the simple Q&A you and Simon are doing. Find them very informative. Made the same comment on Simon's channel this week.

[@andyandhelenlouch1910]

Excellent! See you at St Mary's!!

[@iscoguy]

Haha. I knew Tom had the wildlife bug when he got excited by the red feet of the guillemot. Exactly Tom, exactly.

[@davidxx1]

great to see you enjoying yourself.

[@davidkissman9179]

Excellent Great tips. Thank you Simon

[@stephensmith9236]

Great video. Was in Svalbard at the same time as you - wished I’d seen Simon’s channel before going!

[@jonnyanderson2271]

Hi Thomas, it’s nice to see you’re getting in to wildlife photography. My suggestion is light. Knowing where and when the light hits in your area and have the sun to your back. As well as, know your subject and its habitat, get to know the area and where the light hits it. I’m also learning, after it rains, is your best bet of finding birds as they’re out looking for food. Looking forward to these wildlife videos, good luck!

[@eiremic]

Tom, you have the Sensei of wildlife instructors. Simon’s teaching style is easy going and gives us mere mortals a sense we CAN accomplish shots. Undoubtedly your learning curve will be much shorter than the average photographer. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.

[@joelmspencer]

Great video Thomas and Simon, enjoyed listening to this. Interesting to hear from both of you. You can never stop learning in photography!

[@manuelrodil1641]

Love the two of you in this video. Huge fan of both. Great video.

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Video Simon & Thomas, great discussion on wildife in the landscape, thanks for sharing

[@anandailham3018]

Wow.. I've learned a lot just by this 16 mins video. Thanks!