Why doing THIS is more important than settings for great photos.

[@grahamhiggins1]

Hey Simon, I really support what you’ve said here. And your choice to purchase an M50 to carry around makes so much sense, I feel like doing the same. I’ve got R5’s, R6’s, various 5D’s and too many lenses but portability and spontaneity it’s important. This big bodies don’t give you that all of the time.

[@Cervin_Suisse]

So refreshing to see experienced professional be honest and humble. Bravo !

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brendalastra3138]

I received my first camera as an early Christmas present, and I felt really stressed out to learn as quickly as possible how to use it, and I realized that this learning process shouldn't be like that. Finding your channel was a game changer to my learning process, and I am really grateful that you dedicate your time to share your tips and experience.

[@alef3356]

Same!

[@glycerine3065]

You have come to the right place to learn from a fantastic teacher!

[@Apledore]

Welcome to the community!

[@billmartin1663]

Perfect timing! This is where I am in my journey. I photographed over 300 bird species a couple years in a row, then came to the realization that it was becoming more about travel than photography. I'm restricting my travel now. And I'm (mostly) restricting myself to a single camera and prime lens. Looking forward to getting back to where the primary challenge is photography. Thank you for this encouragement in the direction I resolved to go.

[@jerrydean648]

I am still enjoying photography at age 81, started in my early teens. I am down to one camera, the Fuji X100V and the TCL assessory lens. I totally resonate with the ideas in this video. One of my favorite activities is photographing doors and windows in the barrio district here in Tucson, AZ. I also enjoy photographing structures and other items left behind, weathered with interesting textures. Enjoying your videos with a coffee is one of my favorite times.

[@simon_dentremont]

Love the sound of your photography!

[@stefannilsson5907]

Jerry! I totally agree with you although much younger, only 79.

[@Gero141]

Sometimes you just have to go out and the opportunities automatically present themselves to you and you're just standing there in amazement.

[@simon_dentremont]

Exactly!

[@cowgirljane3316]

Just a million pictures? I'm 73 and my first picture was at 5 years old. 😂 People who can't find anything to take a picture of aren't looking. I have never, not found something to take a picture of. A leaf, a twig, a pattern on an old door, an acorn snuggled against a branch. People who say there is nothing to take pictures of is blind to the amazing diversity of what is around them. I love your channel. Thank you for all you do to help us see what's around us.

[@simon_dentremont]

So many great things to capture!

[@MVBirdphotos]

Simon, your perspective is always interesting. Taking a thoughtful break from finding wildlife subjects and crafting a "perfect" photo was a good refresh for you. I suppose that years of any kind of repetitive photography can get stale. However, you achieved an extraordinary level of expertise and artistic flair portraying our natural world during that time. I'm striving to get closer to that and enjoying the journey.

[@dokvald]

Couldn't agree with this more. When I go out to take photos, I'm never concerned with what other people think, Sure I'd like people to like my work. But for me It's always about the joy of photography itself. Going out and shooting what makes me happy, If other's like what I capture great, But for me, the joy is in the process.

[@shanarun7789]

One of the best topics on photography. Congratulations

[@carlomaule]

Hi Simon, personally living in the city I have learned to look around carefully, and I have found many species of birds that you think you can only find in uncontaminated nature and instead they are among us, owls, kestrels and more are now my favorite subjects and each season has its different colors.

[@Chulagial]

Thank you Simon for all your videos! I look forward to the next one all the time!! Have a safe and blessed Holiday Season!

[@simon_dentremont]

Much appreciated! You too!

[@bobair2]

I had a friend say to me that is nothing to photo where we live and for the last 33 years, I have have photoed a lot of "nothing ". I have lots of images of buildings that no longer exist and of the changes that have happened in all those years. An example of changes are how the cars do not look the same or people's eye glasses or even hair styles and all that from walk abouts on streets where I live. I find that I like to focus on little details more than just the larger picture for it helps me stay sharp and when go out to take wildlife images ,my level of focus helps me locate subjects more readily. I do like to get images but even if I do not , the being outdoors and taking it all in is wonderful nonetheless with the sights ,scents and sounds of the larger world. Simon thank you!

[@Sreutzi]

Such an important video and message. Recently the weather's been a bit meh around where I live, so I usually don't feel much initial inspiration. I still push myself to go out with my camera just as often as usual and instead of nature, I'll just take a stroll in the city. Go to places that make me curious, hop on a random bus and see where it takes me, just walking around and trying to see the interesting in the mundane. And I always come home with at least some photos I like and some new experiences. Not because the scenes are so great, but rather because I'm able to express what I've seen, how I've looked at things. I enjoy doing macro photography, and although mainly of invertebrates, I think if we're able to find interesting scenes within 50cm², there's just no way there's nothing interesting around our homebase, no matter where. It just takes time and sometimes effort to see it.

[@mikeadennis2]

This is a great perspective. I am engineer and find myself constantly trying to “engineer good photos” through meticulous planning (shooting wildlife and landscapes). Sometimes it works, but funny enough I have realized most of my favorite shots were unplanned and only happened because I was out trying to find something neat after something threw a wrench in my “perfect plan”. I am coming to realize that finding opportunities is the fun part.

[@RTJsims]

I found you maybe a year ago when I discovered my grandfathers old film camera gear. Your instructional videos helped start me, and now I’ve just gotten an R5 and some great lenses. Started shooting right in my back yard and around a local farm. Your expression “uncommon photos of common subjects” is already bearing fruit in my journey. Thank you, sincerely.

[@joei.507]

Really enjoyed this video! Last week was the 1st time I went out to take photos in 2 months. It was a foggy morning and I knew where I wanted to go. I got maybe 10 photos in and said out loud, "Wow... I really enjoy this. I need to be out more." Ended up with 350 photos and about 10 or so that I really liked. There was no real good reason as to why I hadn't done any photography in 2 months other than I just get down and comparison is the culprit. I enjoy the exploring, the finding and seeing what some simply walk past. Thank you again for the video!

[@andrewhannam.]

Photography is like fishing, you don't have to catch anything to truly enjoy the experience.

[@simon_dentremont]

I completely agree!

[@andrewhannam.]

I also know that location and it is a great spot for buildings/architecture.

[@skyriderlink]

Your tip about ISO totally changed how I take photos and I can't thank you enough. Please keep up the great work. Sry if I sound rude, English isn't my first language.

[@simon_dentremont]

You're very welcome.

[@brianneben4216]

I live in the Central Plains which many people dismiss as boring. That has as always irked me and much of my hobby photography is trying to capture the moments that make me love living in the area. So your advice really resonated with me.

[@simon_dentremont]

Keep at it, there's beauty to be found everywhere.

[@introvertswag6494]

Taking photos for myself really helps me keep enjoying photography. Not everyone enjoys what I shoot or how I shoot it, but that's fine as I enjoy my photos. And another thing is that it is perfectly fine keeping a hobby, as, well, a hobby. Contrary to what social media says, not every hobby needs to turn into your dream job. Take the photos you want when you want, and take the criticism in stride, whether you heed the critiques is up to you in your journey as a photographer.

[@Bloodrocutioner]

Thanks Simon! Our photography is far different and I often like to see different perspectives of photographers who photograph different things. You pretty much answered my question of "do successful photographers ever struggle with photos outside of what they usually shoot?" I do a lot of landscape and abandoned photography and I often find myself struggling with wildlife photography sometimes but it's good to know that it is a perfectly normal thing when switching things up. I always find myself trying to shoot the things I normally don't every now and then. This video was great, keep up the awesome work man.

[@madonna816]

I began my journey using Canon’s AE-1 Program. The fun was in learning how to use my camera, how to use light & color (even when shooting B&W), & training my eye, by slowing down to create the photo. I had about a two decade gap between using an SLR & then a DSLR (now mirrorless). I forgot a lot!, and now I had to learn about all this tech. I began shooting wildlife, but I still felt rusty. After entering a local photo contest, I began shooting fully manually, lens & all, which has been a breath of fresh air. I’m now using a TTAtrisan 35mm 1.4 on my Canon R50 & it will be the only lens I use for the foreseeable future. Previously, the camera did so much of the work, plus I got so good at post processing, I wasn’t worrying about getting everything right in camera, first. I mean I thought I was, but I was too hurried to truly commit to that. This new phase is reminding me why I fell in love in the first place. Like you, I’m also not concerned about having something I would post on social media. I’m learning something about the art every time I shoot, which is way more valuable than a fleeting hit of dopamine from the socials. Have fun! (& please ask Canon to give us a photography focused camera, with lovely retro dials. I’ve been begging & I’m not alone. …My old AE-1’s manual included tips about photography & how to take better photos. My R50 manual barely touched on the basic tech in my camera, never mind how to apply it, which bums me out.)

[@stefannilsson5907]

Thanks Simon! Enjoyed it and I agree that seeing is more important than finding. Still at my age (79) I find myself too often searching for good subjects instead of exploring what I already have to work with. Thanks again.

[@DAVE_WHITE]

Glad you are Doing a change of pace, we all need to do different things to keep things interesting..

[@Mathieu_Matheow_Benoit]

I started to get away from wildlife photography to do sports/event/day to day photography to occupy myself in the slow wildlife winter and elarging my experience... Oh boy, it is way harder than wildlife in so many ways. Shout out to the wedding photographers out there. Capturing a spontaneous moment is hard enough, but making it with style and/or unique vision; that's an art.

[@lisaanderson8984]

Thanks for sharing your experience of stepping out of your "usual lane." Timely for me, as my focus tends to be birds, birds, birds, and dramatic sky scapes. I'm still very new to photography and qualify as a beginner, but I've learned a lot from your videos (e.g., I have a not-so-fancy camera body but got a better lens in the past year--and I leave room in the photo for the bird/animal to look or move into). I recently joined my local camera club, so the guidance in this video is very relevant to my learning to leave those birds and animals alone sometimes!!

[@davidgommeren7283]

Thanks for your approach, it is true that there must be enjoyment in the process of taking photos, but it so incredibly satisfying to view your (new or old) photos on your big screen and find good things about them (even if, like me, you are the only one who ever gets to see them).

[@JonathanMorley]

One of the thrills I get as a photographer is when I show someone a photo and they ask. "How did you see that?" I've taken photos of buildings, awnings, and other items that people see everyday, so when they are amazed by my photos of ordinary, mundane objects it continues to fuel my passion.

[@Сергей-щ6ш7э]

Thanks, dear Simon! Merry Christmas!!!

[@philippelang.photographie]

"I hope I've helped you to think about your photography differently today." Sure Simon, you did! Looking forward to seeing how this will affect your future photographs! Have a great end of the year and thanks for all the inspiration and tips you gave us in 2024.

[@simon_dentremont]

You're very welcome, glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@alef3356]

I just needed this video, Simon. Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@manueldinisphotography]

Nice to see a change of pace🎉

[@brianmerrill7399]

Simon, your personal perspective on photography is as valuable as all of your tech tips. Thanks for your work, and fun!

[@DeliberateGeek]

Thanks for this! I've done photography on & off for decades. I have recently reengaged with it as a hobby and I'm trying to approach it as if for the first time. This is exactly what I needed to hear and see right now.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JulianBlackmore-v5p]

Another insightful video with plenty to think about - thanks once again, Simon!

[@edc5338]

This great video nailed it! Sometimes I just walk around with a vintage Nikon CCD camera, the D200, and the kit zoom and shoot "stuff." I';s surprising what i see!

[@simon_dentremont]

It's amazing what you can find when you're not stressing about settings!

[@richwoodham3296]

Nice video as usual Simon. This is indeed "food for thought" ....

[@joeg679]

Your advise reminds of the book Chased by the light by Jim Brandenburg where he took one picture a day for the summer soloist and published it. Its a Great book. Thanks Simon for the great photography advise. 😀

[@jannbautista4480]

Thank you Simon!

[@markuskjellbergolsson5994]

It is crazy just how useful your videos are. I wanted to start taking photos of cars and somehow your channel is by far the one I have learned the most from. Way more than the automotive photography dedicated ones. Thanks a lot!

[@markexploringnewstuff]

Great advice! Just “see” - that is the toughest part of photography. Learning to see what has always been there, but you never noticed. Thanks

[@NatPhoto56]

Perfect message. I too am a long time wildlife/nature photographer and it is SO easy to get caught in the rut of long lens / find it / shoot it..... Thanks for the reminder of why we do this.

[@ArleneBaverstock]

When ever I watch your video’s, I’m always learning new perspectives in photography and challenges. Whether it be wildlife or landscapes, I find total peace and joy when walking about looking for new opportunities. Thank you Simon for all that you have learned to pass on to other photographers. Brian

[@simon_dentremont]

That's what it's all about!

[@jeffadams6630]

Probably one of the best tips I've heard. Especially for brand new beginners like me. Thanks for sharing. Sometimes the journey turns out to be more important than the destination

[@neilbest7696]

As usual you have great insights and stressing the normal things we tend to forget in the moment as photographers. Thanks and enjoy the holiday season.

[@KeithBurton-e4g]

Exactly! Great video. Thanks.

[@lynsmith1096]

More great tips Simon

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davebenson1504]

Great common sense 🙂 for the joy of photography 🙂

[@7sonero7]

The joy and excitement of pausing life at that moment. And then being able to see it again at any time.

[@brucesmith9144]

From the point of ignition To the final drive The point of the journey Is not to arrive Anything can happen - Neil Peart, Rush, _Prime Mover_

[@simon_dentremont]

from a fellow Canadian!

[@borislilov]

I would like to see some airplane or planespotting pics from you if we are talking about you taking out of your comfort zone.

[@simon_dentremont]

noted!

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

hi Simon a good photo tells a story, it doesn't matter which story. perfect photos are very boring. you look at it, you say what a nice thing, and you keep walking. a less than perfect photo makes you think in a positive way, it stimulates your imagination.

[@simon_dentremont]

Well said

[@davidlawrence3230]

Funny this video popped up, been rambling like thoughts. Playing with alternate light photography, I've been worrying which gear to bring and settings to master While pretty decent footage happened right in front of me, then mad because I didn't want to bring a backpack full to work. Then watching this video made me think I need to stop this FOMO, and experiment with every day stuff I can actually control. I also like the, being restrictive on gear to just one lens and camera.. I remember limiting myself one day at an airshow, one aperture, and 300mm, and only tarmac statics. That got me some new ways and definitely a fun memory.

[@patrickmckeag3215]

This is why I love your videos which are always inspirational. It makes me want to go out with my camera right now!

[@nospam-hn7xm]

After listening to what you said for nine and a half minutes, I was right there with you until you said, "None may ever see my social media feed, but you what . . . ?" Then I was reminded of Abraham Lincoln's famous quote, ""You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time."

[@matthewhall6087]

Nice your adding minimumlest

[@gregelgie]

Taking a photography program at our local college took away some of the fun in my photography. I have to make an effort to go out and take bad shots, breaking all the rules just to have some fun and realize even those bad shots have artistic and educational value.

[@sjurgabriel]

I really like your attitude. A good photography day is when the camera goes for a walk with you, and you come home with a new pespective on something.

[@ME2K23]

Great tips once again Simon! 👍🤓👍 This is so true! We must not limit ourselves to only one genre of photography. I wish you'll share some of these "non wildlife" (street? Etc) photos. Along the years, I also gathered a lot of specialized gear (from 8mm to long f4 lens for wildlife, macro lenses with extenders, wide aperture for astrophotography, portraits etc). Yet, some of the best photos I took were from a Powershot A650is (my 1st digital camera). While this was a decent camera, I can certainly not say that these pictures were nice because I used fancy gear. It's just that I was at the right place and time, exploring what that new camera could do that brought me to take those photos that I still like today... (proving what you're saying in this video). From that experience, I made sure to (almost) always have a small "good enough" camera with me in case the occasion arises. Therefore, I also got the Powershot G5x shortly after it came out. It's quite small with a 1 inch sensor, 24mm (equivalent) f1.8 to 100mm f2.8, and a hotshoe (the G5X II no longer has one !?) . It allowed me to make nice pictures on unexpected occasions, where, of course, I was without my "fancier" gear. I keep that small camera in my car most of the time (or with me when I bike or go for a walk). And just as you said, when we are limited to using only one camera-lens setup, It forces us out of our confort zone, and often into a more conciensious, creative zone since we then need to rely more on our technique than on our gear. To me, photography is always fun, even when using simpler equipment. 🙂

[@vermis8344]

Simon does street. 🤯 Fantastic video. A real counterpoint to other youtubers (and commenters) panicing about the latest sensors, latest computational aids, latest _power sockets_ etc.

[@pyrodzn2823]

Way more balanced Video editing style. I commented last time. This is a huge improvement, the animations and soundeffects are not overused and the b-roll footage looks very intentional. VERY comftable to watch. Also love the Video. Just wanted to mention the improvement in my opinion

[@simon_dentremont]

Much appreciated!

[@lengt001]

Hi Simon, great item on this. I like your channel as always. Think I started making foto's at the age of 8 with the Agfa Clack. Now walking, now at the age of 70, around in nature and in my city is one of the greatest pleasures we have. Most of the time one stumbles on something you like and if not just enjoy the time for being out. Greatings Leo

[@simon_dentremont]

Well said!

[@wildbillgreen]

Best advice ever

[@djdanphotos]

Good insight, it's funny. Sometimes it takes you years to figure out that it really doesn't matter.Just enjoy what you're doing

[@RVNmedic]

This was great. I occasionaly just walk around but I'm not happy be cause of the "perfection" thing. Thanks for taking it down a notch. Particularly since I'm just finishing up your Essentials course. Which is great by the way.

[@simon_dentremont]

You're very welcome, glad you're enjoying the course!

[@tedbrown7908]

Did you capture a photo of those stairs ? I'm seeing a photo there.

[@dougharder6258]

Love your channel! Always great content. What is the highest shutter count you put an a camera and what camera?

[@simon_dentremont]

500k on a Canon 5div, with same shutter!

[@ceesnabuursfauna2115]

I completely agree.

[@washingtonradio]

To me photography is more about observing the world and looking for something interesting. Maybe doing something artistic while out, maybe just taking a photo to remember the scene. It's more about the process than did I get a keeper. Also, if I don't take any photos, that's fine as I got out and did something.

[@marckristensen946]

It's like you've read my mind! This is great to keep in mind when fussing like I do at the time.. How do you make your shadows stand out, Simon? I use clarity and contrasts.

[@simon_dentremont]

same, or play with shadows

[@carcajou7250]

Souvent on me demande si je prend la photo mais souvent aussi je répond: " je regarde". Excellent vidéo.

[@thedirtygot9570]

Looks cold up there😂

[@geir2rs1]

I've followed your channel for quite some time and learned a LOT, but this might be one of the best videos you have posted. Thank you 🙂

[@briancostantino302]

Nothing takes the joy out of photography like fussing with flashes and strobes and lighting. I so much prefer natural lighting which gives me more control of the photo. I know this sounds ridiculous... but using flashes and whatnot for potrait photos gives me anxiety. I would love to see your take on flash photography someday.

[@NancyJones-m9z]

Your channel is a source of joy and inspiration. Continue to delight us with your work.🥞🔮🦘

[@simon_dentremont]

Much appreciated!

[@salami99]

here's more challange. Use 1 fixed lens, and only 1 roll of film. you have only 36 shots and 2 settings to make it work (iso is fixed). That's why I loved learning with film.

[@brucewilliamsstudio4932]

As my wee granny always said: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

[@jdowney308]

Did you just put it in Auto, and go?

[@simon_dentremont]

not this time, but plan to do so in a future video

[@ВладимирВоронюк-ъ7ю]

It was not Kanfutsi who said this, but a Russian folk proverb.

[@relentless-io]

The new trendy thing to do in photography that everyone is doing “walking around street photography” … I wonder what nobody is doing.

[@Kodo91]

Hey Simon, I'd like to give some criticism. I understand why you're doing it, but you have started using clickbait titles, and it kind of destroys the respect that I had for the massively informative videos you provide. I never know what the video is about and if it's something I need because you use words like "do this", "do that", etc instead of specifying it in the title right away like you used to. I'd love if you brought that back. Best regards,

[@tedbrown7908]

Eyes wide shut never see anything!