PRO VS AMATEUR: TOP TIPS THAT DIFFERENTIATE THE PROS
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My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada.
In this video, I'll show you the top 5 techniques and habits that pros use to get pics that stand out from the crowd and differentiate them from amateur photographers. These techniques will yield you better and more original pics.
My equipment:
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FLM Tripod (CP 34 L4 II) and Levelling Head (HB 75) www.flmcanada.com?aff=sdentrem
Sigma Art 50mm f1.4 lens amzn.to/3fkRjAC
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B&W 2 stop ND Filter amzn.to/3URyIN6
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16 TB hard drives for NAS amzn.to/3LTdrOW
2023 Calendar is ready!
www.simondentremont.com/2023-...
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Website www.simondentremont.com/
Without a doubt Simon, you flat out give the best photography advice on the internet! Factual and easy to understand.
Thanks very much!
I agree with this comment. My photos have been getting better and better. I’m ingesting most of ur content Simon. Thank u so much for ur time. 😁
I appreciate your positivity my guy!
It’s true. I have gone through different people explaining things. Simon is the best Samaritan.
Totally agree. The best on the net by far. Very informative and excellent teaching & communication skills. I learn a lot on every view.
One angle that has worked well for me over the years: Turn and look behind you to see if your subject is reflecting off something like a window, mirror, or shinny stainless steel. This gives a different perspective than what everyone else is shooting.
Without a doubt the best and most crucial tip you mentioned in this GREAT video was the perspective tip. I always keep suggesting to my friends to try any other angle than the "eye-level" angle. Even when a random tourist asks me to take him a photo. You must play with the perspective and with foregrounds, play not only with the perspective but also with your surrounds. If you don't look like Spiderman making some weird poses while you're taking photos then you're not doing a good job.
Not just your photos, but your videos have a recognizable style also: superior content, good production values without a lot of fluff and overfill, straightforward and accurate and honest advice, excellent examples - one of my favorite photography sites.
By far the best photography advice available online. Thanks Simon! You make everything related to photography very digestible!
I thought everybody was a pro now. Buy a DSLR, take one class (or not), hang out a sign, and call yourself a pro. Charge too much for lousy work. Be sure to center heads and cut off feet. Seriously, though, I always learn so much from Simon. He's one of the few that does my type of photography, and he excels at teaching.
One of my favorite angles is crouching in the middle of the road. I generally shoot everyday urban subjects at 28mm focal length (closeish to human field of view for those who may not know) and the low angle plus being in a place most people avoid gives a familiar but off feeling to the photos
LOL! “Bird on a stick”, so true! Solid video, Simon. Thanks.
Many thanks!
Simon, I’ve been taking snapshots for over 7 years. It wasn’t until I found your channel and followed your advise that I got enough confidence to take my camera off of auto mode. Thank you so much for creating the best photography information on KZhead.
Great to hear!
I've only recently discovered your channel and man, I have to say, the way you talk about tried and true photography norms, and then discuss the correct way to deviate from them is truly inspiring. You are saying, "Understand why the rules are important, then break them with decisive and artistic intention." I love it. Thank you for your content.
Many thanks without video clips like these, and we beginners would really struggle. I watch a few video this guys speak most sense.👍
I loved to shoot photos of my kids from below when they were really small. Pictures of toddlers with trees or sky behind them from ground level are really unique. It makes them look big while they’re exploring the world and it’s a fresh perspective since, as adults, we usually see them from above.
Simon, you the man. To the point, no added agenda, "technically colloquial", and great material. Even when talking about specific subject matter that may not pertain to someone's style there is always still information given that is useful. I never find myself straying and just having your content on in the background. It always gets my attention. Extremely rare on this platform! Perfect mix of professionalism and familiarity. "Buy nice or buy twice :)"
I've basically rejected irritatingly lazy street photography tropes and it's left me with an uphill challenge to do good compositions of actually interesting subjects! But I love it. It'll take a while to get better, but it's a good imagination workout. Composition seems to be where it's at, even moreso at wider apertures.
This is the only first time that i did not fast forward the video, every minute has a substantial tips. Kudos
Great to hear!
@@simon_dentremont i know you're a full frame user, i hope you can content an APSC camera to shoot :)
Simon, I find coming back to your videos very helpful over time. It's like a refresher or a good reminder. Since I often like to shoot water reflections, perspective is critical. This was a great early lesson in orienting my shots. Fantastic video. Thank you.
A tip I was given which I've never forgotten - before you press the shutter, run your eye round the edge of the frame for stuff you didn't notice, don't just concentrate on your subject.
Yes, I've learned that what you see on the lcd screen isn't necessarily how the image is really exposed. I've turned on the histogram and it's helped a lot. Great video thanks Simon.
This is what I love about photography: there’s always something new to learn or get better at. You do a great job succinctly teaching your points and being encouraging. Thank you!
I appreciate that!
Enjoyed your lesson. I like the way you get right to the point; yet easy to follow.
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So many photograpers on youtube talks about gear without mentioning that one should differentiate purchase strategy for different sorts of gear. Right on the target Simon!
I feel the need to watch this video every time before I go out to practice!
Great advice. I'd add one more important tip, based on the experience of living within walking distance of Peggy's Cove for five years. Get to your location before the tourists descend. I was fortunate enough to explore Peggy's Cove repeatedly for five years...day and night, sunrise and sunset. Then, recently, I visited as part of an ocean cruise package tour. Five buses of tourists in midday light...virtually impossible to take anything other than a snapshot that says "there's me and the lighthouse." Get there early, get there late, or get there off-season.
Agree!
I second the last comment. This educator is sharing information that would be hard to get in years of shooting. This dude is absolutely special in soooooo many ways!
Didn't had this "this evening I'm getting comfortable and watch videos I can relax and getting valuable information at the same time" feeling like watching your videos right now. Thx for sharing🙏
Its not the camera that you use, its the talent and expertise of the photographer!
I can't express how happy I am i found your channel here in the last two weeks, your video's are top notch content with some of the best knowledge around , Thank you my friend
Histogram explanation was great. First time I've really understood it. What a blessing this guy is helping others get better. Thank you sooo much!
I have been really enjoying your videos. Brand new to photography. I bought a camera at a yard sale and I am hooked. I like to shoot similar to your style. My daughters been shooting weddings for 10 years. So she gave me a few lessons, but really enjoy learning from your videos. Because I only shoot animals critters and trees here on the farm. I got the camera to try and capture the destruction. Chemical farming is doing to my home and everything around the County. The Camera does a great job at that. Right now I’m trying to get pictures of the gray owls. I got a few with him in the barn window. But still learning my camera. Thank you.
As a visual artist, I used to think style was important. Then I was lucky to have learned that process was more important. I relearned how to draw. People around me could recognize my work, but what they were seeing was the product of process, trying to achieve something that went beyond me.
Mr. d'Entremont .. thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion with us all. Truly inspiring words and images.
Who needs photography classes when we have Simon? This guy is good!
haha too kind!
Thanks Simon for one of the best photography channels on KZhead.
Even if I did not like photography or outdoors I would watch to just hear him say his name. I just love his name
Great video. Lots of practical tips with great examples. Head and shoulders above other photography videos.
Awesome, thank you!
I really enjoy wide angle (~16-24mm) vertical shots where the horizon is well into the top 1/3, with the camera pointed down about 45 degrees and held around knee height (or a pano would work too). I think it offers a really cool perspective! Simon, as always, we really appreciate your insight and the opportunity to learn from someone of your caliber. Thanks again!
Thanks for sharing!
1: Perspective is more important than settings, move around to add interesting angles and emphasis 2: Use the histogram, always expose purposefully 3: Invest in lenses more than cameras, they keep their value for longer and provide flexibility 4: Excel at composition, be mindful of where you put your subject and keep exploring new compositions 5: Develop a look to your photos, it can help to develop a brand as a photographer Bonus: Less is more, when in doubt, simplify your photos
Thanks so much!
@@simon_dentremont Just trying to help other people out. :) One question though, when you say settings do you refer to camera settings or the time and location of the photo? I'm guessing the latter and, implicitly, that you shouldn't give up just because "there's nothing interesting to take photos of".
Another great video -- succinct, easy to understand, and things that I'll consider when out shooting. Well done.
You are one of the few whose video provides value
Too kind!
I just want to say thank you for making photography videos easier to understand. You tips are awesome.
Best photography videos out there! No fluff and to the point. Very factual and actually helpful!
A terrific educator - every video packed with detailed, useful information.
Talking so much about each individuals style and perspective reminds me a lot of skateboarding. Like in photography, each skater has a unique style that you can tell apart from the next guy even if you couldn't see the persons upper-half. I find that a lot of skateboarders I've met are incredibly artistic and creative humans and I think any artistically influenced hobby could benefit the mind of a photographer. It really teaches you to try every single thing in a number of different ways to see what works best for you and to pay a lot of attention to detail when watching others or when watching video of yourself.
I'm hooked... Couldn't sleep so I decided to educate myself with these videos. Love the way Simon just brings it straight forward with the knowledge of lenses, camera settings and style adjustments... Just subscribed!! Thank you bro 💯💯💯
Great work Simon. I watched your video again and again to take in all the tips and embed them in my style and workflow. Ive subscribed, so please continue to share your pearls of wisdom. They're valued . Thanks again.
Thanks for the sub Amod!
It’s kind of a common comment at this point but your videos are start to finish gold mine of sensational information! Thank you!
Welcome!
Straight to point, just what I want find on KZhead and very information high quality. Thank you 🙏
Always learning from your videos. I especially like the straight to the point style of your tutorials.
Thanks Tony!
I really enjoy the plain language explanations, thank you.
Every video is packed full of good material superbly explained. I’ve been an enthusiastic photographer for decades before digital but I always find something new in your videos. Thanks. P.S. I love the music in the intro. Now listen to a lot of their songs. So thanks again.
Simon, your tips, instruction and encouragement are much appreciated. For me, yours are the best photography youtube "clips" out there, hands down. I like your straight forward, no bs approach. I just purchased an R6 and after a lot of years of the love of photography, I an excited about it again. the capabilities of mirrorless cameras are mind blowing. I know I am all that can make my photography better however the new mirrorless is making many situations much easier and I am willing to let the camera do some of the heavy lifting - as long as I have it set up for the task. Learning how to do that currently. On another note, I hope all is well with you up there with all the smoke & fire. We are getting a lot of the smoke down here along the east coast. Makes for some strange and eerie sun and moon photos. Thank you.
I for one am delighted that you and Gavin met and worked together. I thoroughly enjoy his videos but Wildlife, especially bird, photography is what I enjoy and am trying to improve so your videos are proving invaluable.
Many thanks!
You are an inspirational teacher. Thank you for your advice.
Thank you Simon, your explanation is clear and worth its weight in gold.
Thanks Simon! Great tips and your great at explaining the how and the why. Keep up the good work. Love your channel & the images you share. Your info is some of the best on the internet.
Awesome, thank you!
Once again, great advice! You have a knack for simple explanations of complex information....the histogram. I finally understand it! Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Perfectly explained as usual! Knowing how to properly read the histogram is one of the keys to great photography results. Thank you Simon!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Simon, this is a great teaching video. The most important thing is to get through your head practice makes perfect. Again thank you.
I spent 12 years as a TV news photog. Early in my career an older colleague told me. "If you want to make something to look interesting shoot wide and low". Obviously this does not apply to close up wildlife photography but in other situations I suggest folks try it. It's a suggestion that often pays off. Great videos Simon. I always learn something. Andy in Victoria.
great tip!
Simon, thank you for sharing. I've subscribed, because I like your presentation and communication skills. I imagine that I will be replaying your videos as part of a solid set of references to supplement photography courses that I am taking. Photography is a passion that I have adopted in retirement. People like you enhance that experience. Thanks, again.
Thanks for the sub! Go get em Daryl!
Merci Simon. Best channel on KZhead ... Straight to the point, really clear, concise and practical advices
Thanks very much!
I just found your channel tonight and I have already learned new things to try. For me photography is a hobby and I am always open to learning. When ever I shoot a building I never shoot it straight on, I always try to shoot at an angle. I love shooting waterfalls and of course I do put motion into the water. I have found my best photo's are the ones where I shoot through trees or bushes. I set my F Stop so foreground and background in focus.
That extra tip is good. Sometimes I will shoot with the intention of cropping it later.
Cropping is awesome in my opinion. Love your work. Great job
Awesome, thank you!
Fabulous advice, encouragement & inspiration! 👍
Thank you very much Simon, great lesson with lots of useful ideas. Even from here you can see the difference between a great photographer and those who say they are by responding incorrectly even just about the lens he used! 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Each are allowed$ their views I guess!
I’m teaching a six-week workshop right now and have sent some of your videos to the students. Will be sending this one as well. I’m sure hoping that all of my students subscribe to your page!! I agree with the above, your videos are the best teaching videos I’ve seen. Thank you so much!!
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you so much for all your instructions. Clear, understandable, and informative!
Honestly, that one video about back focus not only taught me a valuable skill I'll be using, it also showed me a style you have that I love and will attempt to mimic as a beginner. That style being shallow focus, subject in the left or right line between thirds (Not fully sure of the vocabulary yet). It looks beautiful and now I know how to achieve that photo without the camera then focusing on the water/ground behind the subject. Thanks for all the great lessons, I will be adding views to your videos a lot over the next few months and years! Once I'm satisfied with my photos, I may even ask your opinion...be sure not to destroy me though.
@simon, just ran into your channel the other day and I am glad I did. I took a ten year sabbatical and I recently resumed this great hobby. Your content is helping me dust off my knowledge in addition to learning new. Thank you!
What great tips! Thank you so much Simon! I really appreciate your videos.
Thank you so much Simon..! You help my photography improve everytime I go out. You are helping me enjoy my retirement more and more.
Great to hear!
You are a true professional. Very clear and concise. Great stuff. Keep it up.
Glad you think so!
Thanks Simon for your guidance in photography continue teaching us more
Welcome!
Thank you for sharing this, for all these tips and for the beautiful photos!
You are so welcome!
Thank you for another top notch video, full of very helpful advice and very logically explained by you. Very interesting as always :)
Amazing quality photos with densely packed pro tips. This video is worth the weight of an entire photography course for sure! R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
I love your video's and the way you pass the information. Very informative. I learned a lot from you today.
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I have learned so much in such a short time since discovering your channel and have learned to love photography again.
You are so welcome!
I was told that the subject cannot move so you need to. Great video thank you Ben
So glad I found your content. I’m a beginner, but I really want to do this more often. Your videos really help to clarify many of the things I need to know. Thanks!
I'm so glad!
Wealth of information. His photographs support a keen knowledge of the subject.
Thanks!
Epic lesson! Brilliant teacher, so direct and so easy to understand! Thanks
Glad it helped!
When in the early years of photography I realized that my dream of wildlife photography at that time was out of reach for me. Then o focused on peoples faces and macro. People have interesting faces and macro o plants is great. I still do that. My granddaughter has great expressions. Now I'm learning wildlife
I
Fat fingers . Wildlife isn't as big of a reach anymore
I have been watching many photographic advice videos on youtube for a long time. This is the best of all. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Aside from the great advice you give, I like the no-nonsense, no-wasted-time approach. You put the photography first rather than your ego. I appreciate the work you put in to these videos.
I appreciate that!
Here's how you know Simon is a clear, quality presenter: I like watching all my KZhead videos sped up, and when Simon talks at 1.25x speed, every word is still articulate and crystal-clear. I can't say that for many other KZheadrs Also, your pheasant photo at 8:23 was stunning! Can't tell you why it jumped out to me, but I had to go back and pause it just to enjoy it some more
haha Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing all of those important tips in a very clear and detailed manner
You are so welcome!
I do a lot of portraiture and even tho eye level is great for them, perspective can make for more interesting photos. It is something I have to remember to do more of.
I've watched many tips and techniques videos and I like yours the most.
Glad you like them!
I am going to incorporate highlights, and the histogram into my photography sessions after watching your video. I am ashamed to admit that I have largely ignored the use of the histogram up till now. There is always room for improvement in my photographic skills. There is a lot of measured and thoughtful advice in your videos.
Go for it!
Once again, you show us your talents as a great photographer. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure!
Your videos are awesome Simon, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Great video, Simon! Very helpful! I especially appreciated the teaching regarding the histogram. I am constantly over and under exposing images (which sometimes works out okay, but I would prefer to have my exposures be intentional). I will try using the histogram on my camera, instead of using the preview on the screen, thank you for making that so clear to understand!! 😊
You're very welcome!
Wonderful advice presented in a pleasant and concise manner as well as lovely photos. Thanks
Great video showcasing your amazing photos. Looking forward to getting my calendar.
I’m shipping more tomorrow! Thanks Jason.
While browsing for the latest videos from the four or five photographers I follow regularly I came across this one by you. I'm glad I did. I'm going to save the address and share it with some of the people I see posting on some enthusiasts sites. You condense the common sense and fundamentals of good pictures and enhance your points with beautiful examples. I'll watch for more of your episodes.
Thanks Larry!
Thanks for all the great tips lots of help for us beginner's!
You are so welcome!
Very much appreciate your wisdom and your willingness to share it with us. Hatzlacha!
I appreciate that!
Thanks! The hardest parts are Compostition and Look, followed by Perspective. And those are not strictly technical.
Welcome!
I used all your techniques and they have helped me a lot. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, God bless you.
You are very welcome