Got BLURRY Photos? Find Out WHY and How to REDUCE Them!
Ever wonder why your shots aren't sharp? I explain the main reasons for blurry photos and give tips on how to reduce them. Wildlife photography is hard and soft shots are normal, but we can increase our keepers by using a few key techniques and strategies.
Topaz Denoise
👍topazlabs.com/denoise-ai-2/re...
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Gear Used In Video - Amazon Affiliate Links
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Cameras
🛒Canon R6 geni.us/gtBKMos
🛒Canon 5DMarkIV geni.us/EP0OP
🛒DJI Pocket 2 geni.us/rtt2Jbn
Lenses
🛒Sigma 50mm 1.4art geni.us/B9KqtC
🛒Canon 500 f4 IS II geni.us/vAsr
🛒Canon 1.4ext geni.us/Vplo6
🛒Canon RF35 1.8 geni.us/1JDKPL
Tripod
🛒Benro CF Tripod (C373T) geni.us/c0RMABZ
🛒Induro GHB2 Gimbal Head geni.us/qvydGBt
Bag
🛒Think Tank Photo Airport Commuter Backpack geni.us/5cu7NQ
Audio
🛒Rode VideoMicro geni.us/HTJXi9L
🛒BOYA BY-M1 Lav Mic geni.us/UUxCBS1
Accessories
🛒Lexar Professional 1066x 128GB CF Card geni.us/eT0dAO
🛒SMALLRIG Articulating Rosette Arm Max 11" geni.us/hGl2DLa
Mobile Phone
🛒Oppo A9 2020 geni.us/qresQBq
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Website: www.duadepaton.com
Gallery of my photos: photos.duadepaton.com
Instagram: / duadepaton
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Music
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Track: Lazy Walk - Cheel [Audio Library Release]
Track: Sunday Rain - Cheel [Audio Library Release]
Track: Anywhen You Say - Cheel [Audio Library Release]
Track: Blue Dream - Cheel [Audio Library Release]
Track: Soft Feeling - Cheel [Audio Library Release]
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Soft Shot Explained
1:19 - Causes of Soft Shots
1:33 - Motion Blur
3:23 - Camera Shake
7:05 - Autofocus
11:18 - Lens Calibration
12:58 - Light
13:36 - Cropping
14:23 - Lens
15:46 - Heat Haze
16:33 - Post Processing
17:26 - Sharpness Test
18:26 - Conclusion
Mate this is knowledge that comes with hours and hours of photography and reflecting on mistakes. It’s great to see you roll it all into a straightforward 20-minute video and share it so generously. Many thanks 🙏
Mansour, my pleasure, yes, I have neem making these mistakes for more hours than I could count, I'm glad they are helpful. Cheers, Duade
this has to be the most down to earth photographer out there. Thank you for sharing so much knowledge.
Daniel, thank you for you kind comment, Cheers, Duade
I agree.
Thank you for not speaking at 1000mph dictated by a YT algorithm, great you didn't put any distracting and unnecessary animations in your video, good on you for not crow-baring in some pointless comedy skit or using over exaggerated excitable language and thank you for restoring my lost faith in content makers as you have proven that sharing your knowledge and experience can be performed without a massive ego by simply being authentic :D
Simon, thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it, I just try to think I am talking to a mate about photography which helps make me relax. Cheers, Duade
Oh yes! And you're _outside_ - not in some dull boring inside room. And _Oh_ - the so-called 'expert' who showed us all her photos _from the screen on her camera!_
hi from the US. i just came across this .. thank you for normalizing soft shots. i was getting so frustrated wondering if it was just me. i loved your tips! i'll be out in the field trying them and keeping my chin up knowing that it happens to all of us.
Thanks Deb, great to hear, good luck with your photography. Cheers, Duade
I do a lot of hand-holding - so my soft shots are user error - taking bursts helps me get some keepers even when hand-holding - thanks for another great video
When you're going through your shots before edit to pick out the good ones to work on, you'll notice the second or third are particularly sharp vs the first in a burst sometimes, so pay attention when you're culling. Short bursts over long burst for best results. :)
Great to hear John, higher SS and bursts will help for sure. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for the tip, Cheers, Duade
Excellent video! It's nice to know that most everybody has the same struggles, you're just the only one admitting it. Thank you for being honest on your "keeper rate" so the rest of us don't feel so inadequate. LOL. Keep up the great work!
Glad it was helpful!
I often wonder why some shots are soft. Thanks for the detailed description. Very helpful.
my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
so helpful, such a good communicator (for an "expert") and so modest - "a low keeper rate" and "it's a lucky dip" - I'm a fan!
Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. Cheers, Duade
Excellent video and full of information. More importantly your methodology is very simple and easy to grasp. Definitely I picked a few tips from this video. Thank you very much Duade. Keep them coming.
Easily the best video I haveever viewed on this subject! Rates a 10 out of 10! Not only is the subject covered in great deal from every possible angle the comments are totally honest anddevoid of the usual BS designed to encourage the purchase of more expensive gear. We all get soft shots on a regular basis for the reasons covered. But in my experience one of the most common causes is that today's photo gear is so complex that many photogrphers have all the wrong settings set. You MUST read the camera manuals if you ever hope to use your gear to its maximum capacity!
Thanks for the kind words and feedback, I am glad you enjoyed the video. Yes I am happy to share that we all get soft shots and it is normal. Practice, practice and more practice and understanding your gear and settings will help. Cheers, Duade
Mate, I just discovered you yesterday - thanks, KZhead! OMG… Your content is second to none! Thanks for helping me to be better at what I shoot!
Scott, glad to hear KZhead suggested the channel, welcome and I hope you enjoy the content. Cheers, Duade
Thank you so much for these videos. They're full of useful information. And that last outtake was really funny and, at the same time, made me sympathize with you. Flustered and frustrated. I know the feeling well.
This was very helpful!
I know it's a journey, but man... Duade's 'soft' shots are way better than any of my keepers Great explanation btw Duade. After watching your video, I am going to try to rely less on my camera's AF (Canon M50 / EF-S 55-250mm) and go more with single point AF. Also, for me, I get excited when I see a bird I want to photograph, so I often forget everything but the basics. I like the idea of a formula based on your subject: Perch birds 1/500, Water birds 1/1000, birds in flight 1/2000 (double the shutter speed each time)
Thank you, it is a challenge but with time and experience it gets easier. Good luck, Cheers, Duade 👍
Excellent information thank you so much
Your tutorials are so easy to follow and you explain experiences in the way we can all relate! Thank you for that 😃
Andy, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
I'm a beginner, and though I have some decent equipment, I'm realizing the fault isn't the equipment, the fault is me. And yet you are so encouraging, reminding us that "We all get soft shots." You obviously have forgotten more about photography than I'll ever know, so I subscribed to your channel, and just thank you for your humility, easy-going way of communicating, and thanks for taking the time to produce this. Soooooo helpful!
Hugh, thanks for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it, great to hear you have an interest in photography and good luck. Cheers, Duade
Stopping down is a great tip and something I keep forgetting to do. Noted for my next outing!
Good luck Mike, it does help if you have the light, in saying that modern lenses are pretty good wide open. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade lots of great tips!
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade
Yes, great video, Duade, as you always do !!
Thanks Ray, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade
You are doing great favour to many photographers all over the world, thank you for all the knowledge you are sharing!!👍
"It's a real lucky dip"...another classic Australian idiom I never hear in the US. Great content as always, Duade. Thank you!
Trav, made me laugh, it never occurred to me others may never have experienced a lucky dip :-)
Nothing but love and respect for what you do. Thank you!
Thanks Ruuben, I appreciate all my lovely subscribers :-) Cheers, Duade
One of the best summaries I’ve seen on this topic. Thank you.
Sandra, thank you for your kind words, Cheers, Duade
Really enjoyed the video. It is hard work trying to remember it all and not getting so excited seeing a new bird that I forget to get the camera settings right
G'day Paul, don't worry I get excited too and often stuff up the settings, it's all part of the fun😀🤔 Cheers, Duade 👍
I learned so much from this video! Thank you for the tips, I can’t wait to try them.
Have fun, Cheers, Duade
Great video and very detailed - thank you 👍
G'day, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade 👍
Shutter speed and aperture are soooooo important!
In addition to having to crop too much when taking pictures at too great a distance, I think it's easy to have unrealistic expectations of even the best autofocus systems when trying to focus on a subject that is very small in the frame. I am guilty of this over and over. I think it will be reassuring to new photographers that experienced and skilled photographers like you still get soft shots. Thanks for another great video, Duade.
Woody, thanks for your comment and I totally agree with you, it can be a real challenge seeing shots on social media and then wondering why your own shots don't look the same. Hopefully my videos will help people understand what is required to get those types of shots. Cheers, Duade
Thanks! Well covered! Clearly delivered.
Thomas, thank you, Cheers, Duade
Thanks for the great info Duade!
My pleasure, good luck with your photography, Cheers, Duade
Really appreciate the advice 🙏
Lucian, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
I think I enjoy the outtakes as much as the videos themselves.
Thanks Jim, yes, they a worth a laugh as it's a wonder I get through a video at all. Cheers, Duade
Brilliant lessons as always, thanks! More takeaways to go put in practice on the way to much better shots!
Ricky, great to hear, good luck with the photos. Cheers, Duade
Thank you again for a great lesson. You are a superb teacher and photographer. I like it best when you look straight into the camera rather than the two-view setup in this video. Your smiling face is easy to look at. Thank you again,
Really nicely done, Duade - simple language, well articulated. Top work 👍
Thanks Craig, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade
Excellent Duane! Thank you for your thorough preparation and educational videos! 🙏
Danny, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
,As usual Duade another crystal clear tutorial always look forward to viewing - keep them coming ! 👍
Thanks Glenn, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade
Great information. Thanks!
Robert, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Good and honest information without pretensions.
Thanks Jacques, I am glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Duade
Great info.. love the outtakes :)
Thanks Karyn, yes, it is always fun to include those. Cheers, Duade
thanks a lot for this video. really needed it. cheers!
Elliott, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Great video with lots of information and good tips to get sharp images
Thanks Siva, Cheers, Duade
Great video filled with helpful information.
Thanks Trish, Cheers, Duade
Amazing video, thanks for all those good advices
Luis, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Great video Duade thank you. Clear, concise and enough useful info for a newbie like myself to take on board without my head exploding. I'm just starting my journey with bird and wildlife photography and this video is the most important one I've watched by far.
Marcus, it is my pleasure and welcome to the wonderful addiction that is wildlife photography :-)
Excellent review thanks
Rob, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Thank you - this has been a difficult issue to understand and your comments have been very helpful. Encouraging and inspiring video.
that is great to hear, I'm glad it helped, Cheers, Duade
Thanks for sharing all this great and useful information! I've always been into photography since I was a kid but so much has changed. This was a perfect jumping point to start trying new things (possibly new equipment too - LOL).
That is great to hear, I hope you enjoy your photography, Cheers, Duade
I’m a Nikon shooter but your video is great. Getting my D850 Friday. Can’t wait to use it with my 500mm f/4 shooting Bald Eagles at Conowingo Dam in Darlington, Maryland.
Freddy, congratulations, the D850 is so good and I have been jealous of that camera for a long time. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge; it’s just lovely listening to you. And you’re such a dude!
Thanks Malini, you are too kind. Cheers, Duade
Thank you for making this, it is very helpful.
It is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Excellent video!
Thank you for the great information!
My pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Good no nonsense, no gimmicky, down to earth content. Thanks
Thanks again for the comment. Cheers, Duade
Great video! I struggle with most of the reasons you mentioned ;-) Lot to learn for sure...
Thanks Sverre, I think we all have. Cheers, Duade 👍
Thanks for this helpful and comforting video.
Aron, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Duade I have watched several of your videos, I’m continually impressed on the information that you share and how valuable it is. Keep up the good work it’s appreciated.
It is my pleasure, I am glad to hear it was helpful, Cheers, Duade
Fantastic topic. Thanks for sharing your techniques.
Taylor, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Thanks for this video. Super helpful.
Mahtab, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
A truly outstanding presentation. Thank you for your excellent command and delivery of a tough problem difficult to fully grasp. Excellent!
David, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Great video and tips! Thank you for sharing
My pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Fabulouse Duade. This is so informative as I wait for my R6 to arrive. And entertaining as well. Great job!
that is great to hear, good luck with the R6, Cheers, Duade
Very professional presentation!! Love it!
Bo, thank you, Cheers, Duade
Thank you very much! That was helpful! 😃👍
That is great to hear, Cheers, Duade
very informative thank you !!
My pleasure, Cheers, Duade 👍
im always inspired in all your work you do in taking photos of birds ,keep up the good work
Thanks for the feedback David, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade
Great video, very informative, thank you
Vladimiros, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
So many great ideas. Definitely going to try the focus defocus idea. I use a Canon 80d with a Sigma 120-400. I was certain there was a problem with the lens focus. I determined it was more likely my skill or lack thereof, since one day last fall I shot a moose and the image was unbelievably sharp. It was very sunny, moose was not moving, no need to crop..essentially the best conditions. So I realized then that it was user error causing my soft shots. One other fix I did recently was buy a Canon 300mm f4 so that if light was low or I was in darker settings my odds of getting a sharp image might increase. Anyway love your channel and your photography is stunning. Wish we had some of those beautiful bird species here in Eastern Ontario (Canada)!!
Peter, thanks for sharing your experience, good luck with the 300 f4. I am jealous of the ducks and warblers you get over there, hopefully one day I will visit. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade If you do consider coming to Canada (turtle island) you have a guide and I will be happy to take you to some locations in my traditional territory (the lands and waters of the Kichi Sipi) the Ottawa and Gatineau valleys...Moose, Bear, White tailed deer, ducks...ok maybe not as cute as kangaroos and koala bears but we can make it fun for you anyway!!
@@PeterLariviere1 Thanks for the warm offer Peter, sounds like a nice place to visit and great to hear you have a strong connection to the land. Good luck with your photography. Cheers, Duade
excellent video. half the tips i found out the long hard way, the other half i found out just now by watching this video. thanks for the advice.
Bob, my pleasure, I'm glad the video was helpful. Cheers, Duade
Really good and honest presentation of basic photographic technique that I am sure will help people and yes i get plenty of soft shots as well...!
Thanks Alec, great to hear I am not the only one. Cheers, Duade
Easy to follow video thanks for sharing 👍🏻
Sue, my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
My first time in this channel and I'm overwhelmed (in the positive sense, of course) The subject is so important and the video is so informative and comprehensive. Thanks.
and welcome to the channel, thank you for the feedback and I am happy you found it useful. Cheers, Duade
Excellent presentation, thank you. Full of useful information.
G'day, it is my pleasure. Cheers, Duade 👍
Love your presentation method and the simple way you explain!
Thanks Tyler, I am glad it is helpful, Cheers, Duade
Grande Duade, super video 👍👍👍
Thanks Marco, Cheers, Duade
I’ve watched this so many times. Great teacher and photographer. Thank you
Richard, great to hear that it is helping, Cheers, Duade
Great overview of issues photographing birds. It is certainly a challenge and takes great patience. I find auto-iso and manual SS and AP works for me. SS edpends on if the subject is stationary or flying. AP between 5.6 and 11 on my 100-400 w/o TC. Thanks again fr sharing your knowledge.
Great content Duade
Thanks Dean, hope you are well. Cheers, Duade
FIRST CLASS VIDEO MANY THANKS DUADE
John, thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade
Great video! Love the outtakes. I thought for sure there would be a soft shots sharp shots one. ;)
Thanks Lori, that is a tongue twister that is for sure. Cheers, Duade
A very helpful video… Thank you 🙏🏻
It is my pleasure Charalmpos, Cheers, Duade
thank you for the amazing videos!
G'day, it's my pleasure, Cheers, Duade 👍
Great video, very helpful 👍🏻
My pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Very informative, thank you 👍
Girish, I'm glad it was helpful, Cheers, Duade
@@Duade yes it is helpful, sometime we don't practice what we knew, your video is an honest one, rest practice makes man perfect.. :-)
I'd like to thank you for learning a lot from your videos.
I am happy to hear you are learning, Cheers, Duade
What you said about the Sigma telephoto is correct. I shoot at F8-F11 whenever possible, and the difference is noticeable.
Thanks Theo, I suspected as much, thanks for confirming it. Cheers, Duade
Great video for a wide spectrum of photographers.
Thanks Kerry, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade
This is great great advice and has taken my images to the next level!
Kaleb, that is great to hear, I'm glad it has helped, Cheers, Duade
Thank you for this great video! I get a lot of blurry pictures but usually it doesn’t matter because I’ve always taken pictures in bursts so usually there is one or two sharp pictures too. I’ve also used other methods that you told about in this video. Problem is that I tend to forget how to get those sharp pictures so it’s really usefull to watch videos like this over and over again.
thanks for your comment, I am glad the video is helping, Cheers, Duade
wonderful video, this is exactly my experience and the way to take sharp shots, but you have a charisma and talent to address these points to photographers and people, you have a talent for teaching!
Thanks Alexander, you are too kind, thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade
Excellent analysis. Very elaborate with justification 👍💐
Thank you, I'm glad it was helpful, Cheers, Duade
Thank you I almost got rid of my 7d mark II before switching to back button focus and using the burst method, turned out to be 100 percent user error and not understanding how shallow depth of field can be!
Nickolas, great to hear you have overcome your issues, it can be a real challenge that is for sure. Cheers, Duade
Thanks I now understand my 45 auto focus points on my DSLR. You are the best. I think I will go get my 40 D and clean it up.😊
Hey, great job, very informative, and your outtakes are funny. :-)
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy them, Cheers, Duade
Thanks for this very clear and informative video! It helps beginners to get much better shots.
Thanks Rob, I am happy to hear it has helped, good luck with your photography. Cheers, Duade 👍
Finally, I believe I found a video that covers it all and it was so easy to follow! I've been having some soft images of birds so surely one or two of these will fix my problem. Thanks, great video. You have a new subscriber.
Dennis, that is great to hear, welcome, I'm glad the video helped, Cheers, Duade
Thank you Duade, it is comfort to know that you get soft shots, I am plagued with soft shot!! I have changed to mirrorless now hope to apply your techniques and see how images go and practice taking better pictures. I learnt a lot from your video. cheers.
Varna, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the video, good luck with the mirrorless body. Cheers, Duade
I learn so much watching your videos. Thanks so much. 🇩🇰
Kristian, that is great to hear, Cheers, Duade
Great video! Thanks