MONETIZE YOUR WILDLIFE AND NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: and, how to take photos that will sell!
Want to take amazing wildlife photos? Check out my new course with 20 modules and over 5 hours of content, no fluff!
journalofwildlifephotography....
Join me as I show you how to turn your favorite hobby into a business by selling your best wildlife and nature photos. I'll take you through the steps of getting a following and turning that into an income stream of future earnings and even turning your hobby into a new profession.
You can merge these steps and do some of them concurrently, but I don’t recommend going from step 1 to 5! Build up your base, then leverage it forward for best results!
The equipment I use: www.simondentremont.com/my-eq...
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I’m sorry to say that Hurricane Fiona took down the famous tree in this video! Such a loss. Shows how important it is to get pics of your icons while they’re here.
That’s so sad!! You’ve memorialized it well with your gorgeous photo!
Sorry to hear about loosing your tree. The first day of Fall I photographed the Flagler Beach Pier at sunrise, an iconic pier here in northeast central Florida. Sad to say hurricane Ian destroyed about 100 feet of the end of it and it will have to be taken down and a new build.
....happens sooo many times.i had a scenery on farmland with some very very old tractors...almost Like a graveyard...i completed the scouting,test shots,now the wait for the perfect conditions...and a few weeks later...All gone...the land the tractors were occupying had been levelled to increase the output of canola....i was shattered.
Time to plant a new oak tree, for new generations of photographers.
I hate seeing an old tree like that go down. They take so long to grow, and we know it'll be a few generations before it can be replaced.
Careful folks. A scammer pretending to be me is asking you to contact them on Telegram. It’s not me. Please report them, as am I. Thanks!
Hi i love taking photos of wildlife and Mountains and lakes can u help me out on selling them
So refreshing listening to someone who is doing something fantastic and wants others to have the same experience. Thanks for laying out your roadmap for us. It’s up to us to lay out ours, with your mentorship. Thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome!
Earlier this year CBC Manitoba asked for a picture I'd taken of a lynx within an hour of me sharing it to a local wildlife photography group, got my name and the picture run on the news the next evening. Being on my knees at roughly 7-8 feet had us at eye level with him looking directly at me.
I'm at a crucial milestone in Step 1. I've gotten good enough at photography to know how bad I am at photography. Beyond that, I have limited ambitions when it comes to monetizing my photos. (My retirement plan revolves around a blackberry and bamboo farm.) However, I'd like to make enough photography money to help pay for gear, so my plan this year is to start producing stock photos and videos and see where that might take me.
Hello J Bennett how are you doing today?
I'm definitely trying to take more of those "rare" wildlife photos. It takes more patience on my part and positioning is key for this. I look to capture photos that tell a story rather than look like a classic portrait. Wings open, interaction with food or other animals. Most of my "liked" photos tend to be bird in flight. I really enjoy your videos and thanks for much support!
Hello Derek how are you doing today?
This is a wonderful video and very helpful! So sorry that tree was taken down during a Hurricane! I took pictures of many things no longer here! Notre Dam was a beautiful cathedral and I took hundreds of photos of everything inside and every angle of the building outside a few years before the fire. I have them of the art inside and they are of many things that burned as well as the turret. I was out in Hawaii during that terrible eruption some years back. I have pictures of all kinds of things that are filled with Lava now. I take pictures everywhere I go and now...many things are gone.
Thanks a bundle Simon, damn sage advice. I am retired but have been a weekend photographer, now I want to build my craft. I have saved this video to watch it many more times.😊
I've been shooting seriously for a couple years now, and I've hit the point where I am really trying to focus on composition and positioning. Your tips are absolutely fantastic, and I thank you for sharing them. Your work is also some of the most inspiring that I've seen!
Thank you so much, from one Canadian to another, for taking the time to share your knowledge! I’m just beginning my photography journey and have a long way to go to take beautiful photos like yours, but I’m really enjoying your videos as part of my learning.
Hi, I've watched this a couple of times and am working toward starting a website. I'm definitely leaning toward creating a calendar of some kind and will be creating prints for a couple of upcoming art/craft fairs. Your other videos are INVALUABLE. Anyone who is subscribed should watch all of them. When I first started, your videos were very interesting and still ring true. I APPRECIATE IT!!!
I appreciate the information and the way in which you share it, Simon. Of all the videos I’ve watched on wildlife photography, yours are the best!
Many thanks!
Excellent video ! Last year I bought a Canon R7 and 500 mm Canon lens. My pictures were so so. After studying almost all your videos, you took my photography to a whole different level! Thank you you thank you thank you!
Great to hear!
Sir, no question, just a word of appreciation. The value you deliver in a video like this is astounding. Thanks for doing it.
So nice of you
Excellent video Simon. I know most of these things but you delivered the message so well that it really clicked for me. Well done!
I'm a landscape and travel photographer, not wildlife. Much of what you teach us translates very well into my preferred genre. Almost everything in this video applies equally to landscape. Your work is awesome. I love looking at it and listening to your presentations. Then I go about seeing how I can use your expertise in my chosen field.
I think that the tips at the end are great ideas to try to think about for taking more meaningful photographs in general. I especially like the sense of place tip - I had never thought about it in the terms of people like to be reminded of a place where they're from before.
Selling prints at local markets/art fairs has been a great help in the early stages of my photography career. Being in an area that attracts tourist type traffic is beneficial as is sticking with it to get an idea of consumer habits in that area. Those location specific images you mention have been extremely profitable at these markets. In my area of the southwestern US, the landscape and wildlife is so unique that if the picture isn’t from the area then it tends not to sell well. This has also been a great way to meet people, establish a reputation, network and promote other services I offer.
Agree! Excellent!
@@simon_dentremont or @ARshooter89 When starting out selling at markets is there a particular size of print that you find sells the best? Also would you recommend an acrylic print or some other style?
@@susanganphotography 8x10 or 11x14 is a good place to start. I’d save acrylic for later.
Great tip - thanks!
@@susanganphotography 8x10 and 11x14 although 8x10s outsell 11x14s quite heavily. It could be how I present them but I feel that an 8x10 matted to 11x14 is a size that is suitable for the majority of people in my area. Making them into cards, I use 4x6 for mine, is a great way to generate some sales from people that may love your work but only have $5 to spend. I added metal prints after 2-3 months. It helps to know what photos sell more when it comes to stocking higher priced items like that. The most beneficial thing is that your selling space attracts people and helps promote your best photos. I stocked quite a few “meh” photos when I was building a decent portfolio so that people would have something to look through and my 4 or 5 great photos really stood out as something special as opposed to being the only few things to look at when people stopped by.
You have earned my sub. Very professional and full of knowledge and willing to spread it. Thank you.
Wonderful gems of information gained through love of craft, hard work and experience. A long time ago, I decided to keep my photography as a hobby. I only have to please myself; I get to chose what, where and when to shoot that fits my mood and interests. I don't sell my images but do give them away to friends and to my church for fund raising (they sell them). Fifty years ago, I might have made a different decision. I'm not a "professional" but have a lot of life experience. This sounds like great advice to me for someone who wants to become one.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, experience and knowledge so professionally and willingly. I am slowly working my way through your comprehensive KZhead cannon and am thoroughly enjoying them. I am at the learning my craft stage and while it can sometimes feel seemingly overwhelming, your presentation style is mesmerizing and educational. It's powerful and positive reinforcement to keep going...
You can do it!
It's easy to tell when someone has arrived, they promote the facts and not themselves. Great presentation and love a sense of place. When I was selling, images I took in Florida sold on Cape Cod and New England photos sold in Florida. It reminded people of either their home or their vacation.
Much appreciated!
I really enjoy your videos and your work. I spent 25 years with Photography as my main income, but I did things like Hotel and Motels, interiors and exteriors for Post Cards and Brochures, and then moved into industrial and product work. I was lucky enough to have a post card company pay me to spend a week shooting at My Rushmore and the Badlands, but not at the level of your work. I had to get a lot of different shots in that week. Since I retired 15 years ago from the business, I am now getting back into it for personal enjoyment and some extra pocket money. By the way I am 77 years old and most of the work before was all shot on transparencies. My first thought for a product was Coffee Mugs and with the quality these days T-shorts. I like Calendars but they have a short selling window.
Loved the video. As a passionate wildlife/nature photographer with some experience and schooling behind (Art Institute of Pittsburgh) me. My goal for so many years of doing this has always been for the preservation of the incredible beauty of nature, and the wildlife that still inhabits these wild places. My profit has always been the opportunity to be there to find-&-capture that scene, as well as everything else around it. So, I could remember that feeling of being there over and over, as I look back over those photos. Now, as world is turning upside down; and the people all running amuck, trying to get rich; governments, declaring war on one another. "When will they ever learn". Worldly riches are not the answer to a successful life. Book learning, and lectures will never equal the value and education of the EXPERIENCE.
Thank you Simon. This is well explained and illustrated. The 'learning the craft' step is certainly the biggest step.
Welcome!
Another amazing video full of great information even for a 100% hobbyist like me ! Thank you for making this and sharing all this valuable experience 🙏 ! Greetings from Romania !
Outstanding "How To" video, Simon. I love your work as well. Thanks for sharing.
Many thanks!
I'm very good. I've been at it for over 35 years. I'm always improving my photography over the years. Getting work sold is not easy.
Great job and advice. I purchased a d5100 camera 2 yrs ago form an auction and placed it on my shelf gathering dust😅. I looked on it few days ago and decided that I’ll start practicing how to use it and I happened to ran into one of your video and it’s been a great help and I’ve been watching since. I just want to say thank you.
Welcome!
Thank you so much for your content, Mr. d'Entremont. I really appreciate it. I'm sure everyone does. I'm very new to photography but already found success using auto ISO with manual mode as you suggested. Shot my first bird in flight yesterday, a seagull flying over a bunch of sailboats. SO cool. I live off the coast of Western Canada so I have more to shoot than I could dream of. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom!
Welcome!
Thanks for the video Simon. I have taken the year off work to see what I can accomplish as a Landscape/Nature photographer. I have a very understanding wife! Thanks for your perspective on this. I have done well at craft shows and selling prints locally in my first 5 months but I appreciate your six steps and the time frame. I need to give myself time!
Fantastic!
I am so impressed on your content and wisdom I have featured you on my other channel Wild Icon Photography. It is not much now but I plan on building it up as I go! I am still in the early phases on my development and growth. I can always use some tips to point me in the right direction. My goal is to design and sell my first calendar for 2025. You are an inspiring man Simon. You and I are from the same province, and I miss the rolling hills, the ocean and the lighthouses! Thank you.
I'm grateful for finding your channel when I did. Your advice is honest and has helped a lot of people get started! I've begun looking into astrophotography as well, thank you! I'd love to see a segment shown on the Panasonic Lumix G7 mirrorless cameras if possible (what I use) like lenses/LED lights - not sure if filmography/gimbals are your thing, but understand any photographer needs to be versatile not just with one particular camera.
This information is very useful to me. I'm from the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. I live amongst the birds of paradise but I don't have the equipment like a good canon camera to do photographing. Its too expensive for us here, so I cannot afford it. I'm a volunteer in the protection of wildlife.
Awesome video information. You're the BEST!!! Thank you for sharing your real world experience and knowledge with us, it's meaningful.
Wow. You’re so precise practical and proficient photographer. Your an educator I m following from a long time. This particular video might change a whole lot dimension for my hobby photography. Thanks a ton. God bless you mr Simon
Wow, thank you!
Sachin, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont ofcourse it is my pleasure
Your videos are always very helpful and matter-of-fact. I really appreciate them, thank you.
Glad you like them!
I'm so glad I found this channel
GREAT channel. So nice to find someone who gives us "just the facts" without hours of muzak playing to endless loops of themselves walking through the woods.... PS I have the exact same Red Chair in my family room.
Much appreciated!
Thanks Simone, this is what I was looking for!
Simon, just came across this video, clicked on it as I'm trying to slowly find my way into monetising my work. I really appreciate the tips you have so generously to help beginners like me to carve their path. Thanks a lot - with this content you just made me subscribe to your channel and follow your content regularly 🙂
Welcome aboard!
@@simon_dentremont Thanks!🙂
I spent a wonderful amount time simply going all around my town, taking photos at every event i was aware of, and even those i happened upon. Both put on by the City and local events such as bike runs or concerts. And then I post and share that content via social media, and that started my journey with people noticing me and getting joy from what I'm able to capture. I just recently made a run of prints to test out selling. All the events I typically had my camera out at, i instead put up a table and prints and have had wonderful results so far. I've done all this just on instinct and guidance locally, but it's dope because it literally happens exactly as Simon states here. Selling first to family and friends and then it goes from there. Now I have connections and set up at local restaurants to do print sale events, I just finished day one of a two day event. I wouldn't trade this life for clocking in anywhere ever again. Lol I'm so fortunate and it's dope. YOU CAN DO IT!
Awesome!
Hi Simon, thanks so much for this very informative video. I would love to hear your process for selling prints of your work in more depth. What kind of paper you choose, what resolution you print at, how/if you sign your prints, how you ship them to customers, what sizes are most popular etc!
Great suggestion!
I would like to know this info to. Is there a video on this
Love the writing ✏️ aspect! I'm a writer terrified of AI taking over my copywriting biz so I'm branching out to explore imagery as a complementary skill.
Simon, this is exactly the advice I’ve been seeking in my three years of trying to find my way in the world of photography. I have acquired some good equipment, gained a small presence on a local photography page, and am known to a few outside my circle of friends. I’m struggling to develop a web site. I’ve done a Wordpress site that was active but lost initiative keeping it going because on the difficulty in keeping it going and developing a place to share my photos. I’ve moved to Squarespace and am working on a site, but I haven’t found my way yet. I have photos to share and brag about and have good comments from what I’ve posted on our local photo page. This video is the nudge i needed to keep going. Glad I’ve fount you and your channel. I’ve been watching for a few months and like what I see. I’m a fan and will look to your channel for inspiration now and into the future. Thank you!!!
Thanks Bud! Best of luck with your venture!
After seeing this video, and having known Adam Gibbs and Gavin Hardcastle for a long time, I came up with a theory: the best photographers in the world live in Canada !!! Kudos for the photos he shows in this video, some really left me speechless. So, I decided to follow his precious advice, from how he explains them they seem very easy to put into practice, and within a few decades I could be at your level too !!! Saluti dall'Italia, ciao !!!
Haha thanks. Gavin and I are getting together this weekend! Stay tuned!
Thanks a lot for all this valuable info. Just got myself a new good channel to follow. I am at the stage of developing wildlife photography for a couple of years now on and off. I intend to make it more constant, but I juggle between work and my domestic responsibilities. Cheers from South Florida, USA!
Welcome aboard!
You are just killen it with these pictures. They are out of this world sharp and beautiful.
Thanks
Another great video Simon, thank you for sharing your knowledge. Keep up the great work.
Welcome!
Thank You Sir, You're great and a very giving person to post these Videos, and to impart Your Business Knowledge to others.
It's my pleasure
Great video Simon. I've been quietly following your social media channels for a few years. I'm debating making the jump to KZhead myself possibly. One photo you took has me itching to head to cape Breton is your long exposure of the Cabot trail and the light trails at night, really inspiring stuff. A bit of a haul from Saint John so planning some day soon. Take care!
Go for it! Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing the roadmap, really appreciate your time and efforts 🙌
My pleasure!
Great video Simon! I just mentioned you in a post on Vero, I had put my camera down for quite a while before finding your work and having another go. It was a great inspiration and I can’t thank you enough!
Awesome, thank you!
Excellent!!! Well done! I am starting up after a few years of doing this. I am so thankful.
You can do it!
This video has given me the idea of doing a calendar of my state.
An excellent presentation. I have a newly discovered interest in landscape photography. I live in the Bahamas, so lots of seascapes, sunsets and sunrises. Want to perfect my skill in this area. I love your presentations
You're number one topic has been one of my greatest personal Joys
Very good point about writing articles. I write newspaper articles on the side, and once was asked if I could provide some photos as it was a fairly niche topic and they didn't have stock images. Now I'll include photos with my pitches at the outset, as that's an easy $200-500 per image on top of my writing commission
Excellent!
Thank you Simon for this video, I wish you good success in your projects.
Thanks Six!
Simon, I just checked out your website. Wow, you really know how to make beautiful photos! A joy to the eye and soul.
Wow, thank you David!
That sunflower milky way photo is phenomenal
Great tips Simon. People considering turning pro should also consider whether they want to take on the responsibility of running a business, with all that entails. Insurance premiums go up and the tax authorities need to be made aware. As a non professional (I.e. not earning money from photography) you also have to consider whether the business aspects could overshadow your passion for photography.
Agree!
@@simon_dentremont I gained so much information from this video! My son has been after me to start a website for a while now. That would be my next step as my work is getting known as well as the look. However, I am concerned about the though of whether the business aspects could overshadow the passion. My challenge is finding a way to balance it all I suppose since I have a 40-hour a week job I do love. Thanks for the great information!
@@ZumJane42 Welcome! I started part time while working 60-70 hrs a week. Just start small and take it slow. If you mess up on something, you want it to be on a small scale, not a big one. Putting a reasonable but attainable goal like buying a new lens or camera makes it real, but not impossible.
Thank you as someone new going into wildlife photography this helps alot
Great!
Great video and sound advice Simon. As a working wildlife and landscape photographer (I hate using the term 'pro') I've plenty to say on this but... what I will say is it's a very lonely place out there when things are not going well.
I can imagine. Thanks for sharing.
that is a lot of wisdom packed in 14 minutes. Thanks for sharing these insights!
Glad it was helpful!
This advice is good for any genre of outdoor or nature photographer. Thanks, Simon, for the inspiration.
Welcome!
@@simon_dentremont I'm thinking about doing a zine. The problem with calendars is that they literally become dated once the year is over. A zine or other publication is good to look at, at any time.
@@JohnDrummondPhoto Cool. I’ve seen a few lately and they look nice.
Great information, thank you so much 🙏
Thank you for all yours advice Simon. Our province is so beautiful for photography.
It really is!
Often wondered what kick starts the process of getting the works out into the open world.. just want to thank you for this useful content that helps unravel the mysteries.
Great to hear!
Another suggestion. Enter local state and county fairs photography contests. Critiques from judges to your photos are usually helpful. Enter free magazine and institution photography contests. Smithsonian does one and there are tons of birding, wildlife, and nature magazines that have them. It gives you some ideas as well to hone your craft. You also learn from those who win those contests you enter. See what the winning photographs made them the winner. Just another couple of options to get you into the craft and learn.
I had this in my notes and forgot to say it! Righto!
@@simon_dentremont prayers for you and Nova Scotia after all the Fiona aftermath damage.
@@cswatson4823 thanks. We’ve got our power back and we’re good!
Great info, I've been looking for some tips like this for quite awhile now - and I'm sending this to a friend who keeps wondering the same thing!!!! Many thank!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Amazing commitment to your craft. Love those pictures
Thanks so much 😊
Wow your photos are so gorgeous!!!
I enjoyed your work. Nice tips too :)
Thank you very much!
I send my best bird shots to Bird Watch Ireland to put in their mag....while i dont ask for money, and they don't offer, it at least gets my name out there.... the reward for me is just the buzz of seeing my name in print
Love your work. Thanks for sharing the wisdom.
Welcome!
Great video! What an inspiration, I will be creating my website this weekend! Thank you so much!
Best of luck!
I’m so glad I found your channel..great information..thanks for sharing
You are so welcome!
What a great video. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge. You put it all together so well. I have been loving photography forever. I have 35 years of experience in sales and marketing in advertising. Sort of retired with a pension. Your video really hit home. Now is the time, if ever there was a time, for me to move forward. If you see the need, I would love to hear more about post-processing. Your video on Lightroom was fabulous. I use Adobe Bridge and Photoshop, so all of it was useful to me. I recently loaded the free trial of Topaz Sharpen and was stunned that it could actually improve (not always) some of my photos that were processed with Photoshop. How do you manage 10,000 shots? How much space do you have on your computer? Do you use a laptop or desktop? What software or hardware do you use to backup your photos....etc??
I’ll put that on my list!
Thank you for sharing this useful information.
That was a really comprehensive and practical guide on the topic Simon. I'm just a happy hobbyist, but I'm sure it will help those who are wanting to take their photography and knowledge to educational or commercial levels.
Thanks very much!
Thank you for succinct and useful information. Your images are amazing!
Glad you like them!
Excellent video Simon. I shoot wildlife as a hobby. Like you I have been recognized for my style of photography. People seems to love my work but I have always refused to make a career out of it. Why ? Because if I make wildlife photography my work what will happen to my hobby ? Many years ago I made another hobby my career and I have been successful at it. Now that I am older, I need a hobby not a job. I think your video resumes very well the kind of personal investment needed to make it a living. Like you I want people to succeed and I congratulate you for your hard work !
Love your work 😊,great tips for all stages of photography.
Thanks so much!
Hahaha Its awesome you hooked up with Gavin, he truly is hilarious. Found your channel recently and really enjoy it. You definitely have something to offer in terms of knowlege and thanks for helping us improve our craft Cheers
welcome aboard! More Gavin adventures in the works!
Thank you for sharing this vidéo. You inspire me. I hope to follow your advises step by step. More power.
Please do!
Incredibly helpful video! Thank you so much for your insight.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hello from Montreal and thank you for sharing another awesome video and very useful information, thanks to your tips my bird photography is on point, I only use manual with auto iso 🐦👍🤗
Glad to help
Great advice and stunning work! Thanks a lot, subbed.
Thanks for the sub!
Amazing Video Simón Thanks a Lot 🎉
My pleasure!
Spot on. The Olympics example says it all. Couple this with your editing tutorials and you’ve got sussed.
I'm a big fan of your work. Love your work, your videos are so well made. Happy hobbyist here but would I like to make money? sure but I need to get better so your videos are really helpful. Thx so much for sharing for knowledge.
Go for it!
Amateur photographers everywhere - "But, but, but...gear doesn't matter.." lol great video and 100% accurate.
In some types of photography it matters much less, but in wildlife, it matters quite a bit.
Outstanding Video Simon! Very Informative.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for sharing your expertise!
Glad it was helpful!
the results are very stunning bro.. the photos are so cool, success always bro📸📸📸
Thank you 🙌
This inspires me. My dream is possible. Just getting started.
Extremely well presented Sir.Very helpful.
So nice of you
Regardless of what one takes an interest in, a boss I once had years ago, told me; You need to learn how to walk before you can run! This would be the best advice to give anyone who's getting into photography regardless of what the genre is they choose. If you think you know your camera and it's gear, think again... not saying one doesn't know, just take a few steps backwards and question what your camera is capable of doing.
Learning is a process, and helps to start at the beginning!
Dude. You are killing it. Wish I lived closer so we could connect up!
Thanks!