COMPOSITION MISTAKES that photographers make and how to avoid them
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My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada. This video will reveal many of the "Rules" of photography, and when you should break them!
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Done good sir and thank you
I tried, but all I got was "Captcha validation failed. Please try again." without seeing any captcha challenge on the screen… Which makes it kinda hard to do what the invisible Captcha wants me to do… Great videos!
I watch a number of channels on photography. This one consistently delivers useful advice in a concise and pleasing manner. You give polished and efficient presentations that are easy on the ear. Some photographers stumble over their words, some have annoying affectations, others fill the time with unnecessary verbiage. Not you. Keep up the great work!
I agree! You know Simon isn’t going to waste your time with “fluff”.
Wow, thank you!
Ditto!
Yeah he's good haha
This gentleman also always answers questions and isn't afraid to say when he doesn't have the answer or isn't certain. Sign of a truly intelligent and helpful person!
8 tips in 8 minutes, instead of half hour, you are the real MVP.
That tiny clip if the bird in the cold with the air coming out its beak is amazing
Man I like content like this. Straightforward, to the point, and every second of the video is loaded with good advice.
Thanks very much!
Better told than many professors, this is one of the top explanations and with examples explaining
Really useful tips. My beginner mistake was only seeing what my brain didn't "ignore" because it wasn't part of the subject. My brain saw one person, the camera saw everyone else as well
It seems too good to be true that you consistently give away such incredible and clear advice completely for free. Absolutely love your videos and always come away with something new to try. Thank you for everything!
Like so many others on here, I really appreciate your channel. I have been an amateur photographer for about 12 years but struggle mightily with good composition and a few other technical areas. This video, like all your other videos, cover areas I struggle with so it’s obvious you’ve walked the path I am currently on 😅. I do some landscapes, fireworks and birding and I’ve gained a wealth of information from you. Again, much obliged for you taking the time to do this. I hopefully can go on one of your tours in 2025! Keep up the good work. We appreciate it!
I primarily photograph small birds and my biggest mistake when I was a beginner was shooting too tight, my only goal was to fill the frame with the subject as much as possible. There is a middleground, if the subject is too small it feels like i'm photographing a tree rather than a bird, if the subject is too large it may as well been taken in an aviary. This is where small birds are difficult because it's basically telephoto marco photography, where larger subjects like raptors you can naturally shoot wider while still having a good subject size.
This is not "one of many" photography channels. This is THE BEST place to find everything you need to know about photography. Btw i think i'll have to creat a special placr on my yt account specifically for your movies.
My favorite photography teacher.
I'm shooting with a S23 ultra phone camera cuz that's what I have. Even so, applying this and your other tips to my approach has made a huge difference in the quality of my photos. Just moving through the day, I'm starting to become aware of my surroundings in a new wonderful way. Thanks for your content!
Hey, long time viewer here. Just got an idea, what if you found a platform for your subscribers to share their photos for others to look at and you would then maybe use some of those pictures as good and bad examples of what to do and what not to? There is a chance that people do mistakes you wouldn't think of so it could be beneficial. Thank you for your videos
Good idea!
I agree as well !! Simon you are one of a handful of photographers I would want to give me an opinion my work. If you follow through with this idea set it up for subscribers only. Most of us want constructive feedback and criticism with comments to help improve our art.
Maybe discord could work. Without the premium version (nitro) we'd have to convert the images to jpg though to make them under 25mb. I love the platform for chatting though and administration works well.
It’s a good idea. I just worry you won’t have any time to shoot with all the photos you will be asked to look at! 😮
I cannot stress enough how great this would be in my opinion. Such a marvelous idea!
I liken my travel photography to my golf game. "Every once and a while, I take a great shot." MY biggest composition problem is just like this comment."I want to fit everything in." I downloaded your article about back lighting, and that will definitely help me with harsh lighting situations. Great video.
Hi Simon, thank you for the video. Numerous so called popular 'KZhead photographers' fail to mention or fail miserably at presenting work that contains a scrap of compositional technique/s. I found your video instructive and to the point. Thank you
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for this Simon. I’ve seen a few ads and other creators saying they’ll teach these things in exchange for money but the fact that you do this for free and so concisely is incredible. I hope you feel appreciated by the community.
Glad it was helpful!
I'll let you know my biggest composition mistake in 6 years when I stop making them. ;) Thanks for the shooting backlit eBook!
I'm becoming a better photograper though I don't own a camera. Thanks for growing my passion for photography and i believe I'll become a better photographer
That "i know you can do it" is a guaranteed smile from me every time :D
One of the things I learned as doing landscape photography for a few years now, is sometimes you don't need a clear subject. The whole photo or "picture" as it were, creates the scene, especially with editing techniques that creates the feel you want. This is especially apparent in some street photography, where you want to convey a certain juxtaposition between two or more parts of the photo by using off angles, unique lighting and different placement of elements in the frame. I do agree, if the photo becomes to busy, then it's hard for the observer of the photo to know what the story is. It's a fairly fine line, but it's fun to cross that line and see what you can come up with.
👍 The lighthouse scene at 3:21 IMHO is the better of the two examples ... collectively all the parts together work better than trying to focus on one element
Foreground framing, even if just a few fronds or shadowed leaves, rocks, trail, etc around the edges adds enough depth so to place the scene so it doesn't look agoraphobic. Need something to relate the viewer to the scene. That's why Grand Canyon vistas often fall short of actual majesty.
Simon -- I am absolutely not interested in taking wildlife photography, but your videos are such a wonderful treat that get straight to the point and open one's mind to possibilities. Thank you!
I am a compositional photographer, so I do these things without having to think about it. I can make instant compositions out of almost anything. Even my grab-shots seem to naturally balance. My one downfall was my horizons...frequently they were off-kilter just a degree and always had to be corrected in the darkroom! I thank the universe for digital cameras! All these skill tips are great advice. Thank you!
I had a photo rejected from a model railroad magazine because it showed “too little train” 😅. The editor instead picked photos were the train filled the frame 😅. But then I got to print the photo of the train in its natural habitat, with a nice blurry bridge and empty track ahead in the foreground, and showcase it at a train show instead 😊
Challenge accepted.
I think it’s less laziness causing not to move to get a better background or removing distractions from your image. For me, more often than not it’s more about recognising it when on location. There are some many things to look for at the same time, from technical things like getting the right focus, a good exposure etc., and at the same time all the distractions around you.
100%. For me, my brain naturally filters out all the rubbish behind my subject and I don't notice it. Thankfully I'm getting better after consciously paying attention.
Never thought I'd ever be patient enough to watch any video completely until I found this channel.
too kind!
Another great video Simon, always learning from you! I'm backtracking to catch up with the ones I've missed!! Thank you for all you do! I just downloaded your guide to backlit shooting, looks like some more great info!
I only take screenshots in video games but this really helps a lot. Never understood when to center my subject or follow rule of thirds but now i know its based on symmetry of the scene!
Wow, your photography is incredible! The trick with photography isn't that each element is especially difficult on its own, but getting them all right at once requires a lot of practice. You are demonstrating a very high level of competence when it comes to getting them all right at once!
Love the shooting principles you delineated. Thank you so much.
Thank you Simon. Your content to me is always top quality and inspirational.
all spot on simon ive been at the error of these before great to refresh the page happy shooting guys n gals etc
Thanks for this video, Simon - very helpful. I'll attempt to take on board your tips on my next trip.
Very useful food for thought, thank you. It helps a lot comparing a decent photo with a great one, thus learning to spot the difference. You rightly emphasize that photos are meant to activate the viewer's interpretations or direct his gaze.
Thank you for sharing those tips with us. I remembered my photography teacher who told me those tips too.
Excellent guidelines as always......Enjoy your videos!
This video is great. You are literally practicing what you are preaching👏
I appreciate that!
Hi Simon, beautiful video as always, where all the tricks to get closer to a better composition are well explained, most of the time for me it's a hit and run and sometimes I can't even focus because the subject has already escaped .... however I will try to do better whenever possible. Thank you
Another great and helpful video Simon. Many thanks. 🙂
simply AWESOME, tips, explanation, very good language, thank you
I’ve ordered a few rite in the rain books and have been filling them with tips and basics from your videos So keep up the work Simon Your fueling my desire to be better
This is by far the most compact and valueable guide on composition I have ever seen. Thank you! I think other rules will apply when you have more then one and less then too much subjects, because they will relate to each other. Besides that, I really envy you of your shoot on the snow owl :) BR from Germany
Another very good video with helpful tips and examples. Thank you.
These are excellent tips which are much appreciated.
Thank Simon, great tip 😊
You're videos are the best photography videos on KZhead. You always have such great tips and deliver them in such a great way. Awesome explanations too!
Wow, thank you!
This is so inspiring. I've just bought my first "real" camera a few weeks ago. Thanks to your tips and tricks my photos have improved immensely. I've never even tried taking pictures of wildlife but now I can't stop taking pictures of birds all the time. I'm currently studying abroad in New Zealand, so there's a lot of wonderful nature to practice and take inspiration from. Thank you so much for the informative videos and tricks to improve my photography.
Your videos are so good, packed w/ quality tips and so well written and produced, great work
Glad you like them!
Great advice. Though I've been shooting awhile, backgrounds are something I really focus on now. It really does make a huge difference making sure there are no distractions, and often it's not all that much of a move. Shooting eye-level would come in a close second. Always love your videos. Thanks for helping us along our photographic journey!
This is a great video. I have been a hobbyist photographer for years and have the creativity of a sharp stick. It's something I've always struggled with. This was awesome info. Thanks Simon, I'll be trying your advice and try to keep avoiding these mistakes.
Simon, thank you.
Well Done!!
I LOVE IT. Thank you soooo muchhh !!!!!!
Thankyou sir for your valuable Information i watched all of your video , and i learned the best way to shoot the subjects and editing the photos. Your way of sharing helps me alot 🔥💫
Thank you very much Master.
Great video. Also, thank you for the e book.
Watching your videos is like taking a class on photography and actually being enthusiastic about the subject. Thank you so much for sharing your time and knowledge
My pleasure!
Great advice! Going out tomorrow morning and gonna try to get a good shot with a subject small in the frame!
Thanks Simon, it's always nice to get a little refresher here and there. Thank you.
Enjoy!
this video is gold
Always outstanding (and inspiring) suggestions.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your content is incredibly valuable to me and I love seeing your amazing work while learning about photography.
You are so welcome!
As always, you have given me more composition ideas that I need. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.
My pleasure!
Ive learn so much from you i used to photograph all the time but i stopped because i felt i couldnt bring it to life and shooting in manual was super hard on my canon rebel t6 was super hard to change my settings fast for that right picture but after watching a couple of vidoes i think its time to get back to it great video Simon
Great tips! Your photos are mind blowing!!
Great info. Thank you sir.
I was literally thinking of improving my composition, saying nothing out loud, and your video popped up! I've been watching you for like a year and you're great at teaching us new photographers! Thank you!
Wonderful!
M. d'Entremont, your videos are great, informative and entertaining. Winter will soon be upon us and I was wondering if you could create (or have created) a video on photographing in winter conditions? Snowy landscapes and wildlife in winter make for great photo opportunities. Your views and experience would be so helpful for novices as myself. Thank you for the excellent learning experience your videos provide.
Noted!
Thank you so much Simon for the backlit guide.
My pleasure!
A lesson learned from watching an old movie - 8mm - from my in-laws' wedding. The photographer captured people dancing but only centered their heads and shoulders in the frame. All we see is people bobbing up and down with ceiling above. The interesting footwork of the dance is lost forever. Seems the same could apply to still photography. Good composition is a gift to future viewers.
Your composition and edits are beautiful ❤
Always inspiring 🔥🔥🔥 Thanks Simon!
My pleasure!!
Another excellent video, I do try and put your suggestions to use, surprising though how many times I watch your content over and over again, so much to remember
Cool, thanks
We heard many of these tips on youtube videos. But the last one is different and not very often told. Thanks !
Watched the video on my TV and liked it immensely. I am into hiking photography, which is like street photography, except that I shoot landscapes, wildlife, flora, fellow hikers to show scale, an unusual natural phenomena as I hike. I may not be able to afford time to wait for the right moment to take a shot, but I am sure several techniques from here will be helpful.
Thanks for all the information you share! I’ve been making short videos on my iPhone for a couple years. Buying my first “real camera” in about a month. I’ve always used mostly point and shoot camera on full auto mode in the past. After watching alot of your videos over the past couple months I feel I am finally ready to purchase a canon R6 mark ii. I was planning on using it mostly for video but now, your videos are inspiring me to go out and take still pictures too! You explain everything in a way that someone without a ton of experience can understand
Last tuesday I was out photographying flocks of cranes. I kinda like to do all kinds of photography but mainly lifestyle (non-set snapshots), hence I do not have lenses larger than 80mm equivalent. After hours of suffering to actually see the cranes with my trusty 50mm I decided to use the clouds and the sunset as main subjects, with the birds being presented as tiny little silhouettes. I think that'd do it for the homework. At that point, I am very grateful for your videos, for the sake of leading me into wildlife and landscape photography. Live long and never stop! (pretty pleaseeee)
Thank you for showing comparisons and "mistakes" in your own work! It's so easy for someone to say "Here's what a good composition is" and leave it there. But for me, the comparison between a successful composition and a less successful composition, especially using the same photo/scenario, is where the connection is made. You have to see the mistakes too so you can recognize them in your own work! Thank you for putting so much thought into your videos. Cheers!
Beautiful, Simon. Thanks for the tips
Glad you enjoyed it
Great stuff. Thanks.
Thanks. Great advice 🙂👍
Fantastic video, everything is crystal clear and easy to understand. Thank you for the bonus tip!
Glad you enjoyed it!
So much great info packed into one video. Awesome. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliantly put together as always Simon. Thank you !!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great tips!...Having trouble in this exact area.
Love your style and passion that you use to give tips.
I appreciate that!
Your work is amazing. Thank you so much for your content. Love it!!!! Absolutely stunning images and priceless tips.
Glad you like them!
great tips.. thank you
Many thanks!
Thank you for a composition lesson that goes beyond the rule of thirds and provides reasons and how to’s for breaking the boundaries of the rule of thirds.
You're very welcome!
Composition issues aside, I rather like the image at 3:39. It grabs my attention, makes me want to study it. Captures the sheer power of those waves, the might of the sea. There's beauty in that chaos.
Thanks for the tips! 🔥🫡
Composition is my weakness. Thanks for the tips.
Great video. Love that you’re right into the “meat and potatoes” of your lessons. Well done.
I recently came back from an air show. I tried to use a lot of these tips here..I found not completely zooming in on the planes enabled the condesation trails and interesting sky to add a lot more to a lot of shots. The sky was fantastic that day, so I tried to include it as much as possible. I was extremely pleased with the results! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing!
Composition, especially with complementary subjects (e.g. green traffic with blurred car) makes you look differently to a lot of things. Devil is in the detail. Again great video that gets the mind rolling.
Thank you, I finally understand I don't have to use all the 500mm in my lens. 😅 Last week I decided to edit some bird photos I took in a trip to Colombia, I thought they where really bad, but once editing them I realized that the ones where the subject was not in the center of the frame or where not all the way in, looked really nice. This video gives me a clearer explanation of why is this: I need to work on my composition.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you sir for sharing, very helpful
I'm a beginner with photography I've been using my phone or a point and shoot but I just got a Sony a7ii to become a pet photographer and these tips are a lifeline. Thank you