Extreme HIGH ISO photography tricks. Whatever you do, don't do THIS!
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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 show you my pro tips on shooting in extreme low light situations.
Music in intro: "Nicer", by Houses on the Hill. Find that, and other sound effects at Epidemic Sounds
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What’s your favorite crazy-low-light technique? Let us know!
Hi Simon. I was thinking of getting Topaz and just wondering if you have used it for noise reduction in your astro photography? Great video, as always. Cheers 👌👏
The s-curve adjustment has served me well
I'm thinking ETTR is probably going to be my go-to for low light. I think it's going to work far better for where I live.
I was lucky enough to live a few years in Mwanza (Tanzania). This is less than 2 hours from the western gate of the Serengeti. I would do day trips, leaving at around 4 in the morning (tricky, because driving at night is not allowed and there are roadblocks, but if you explain where you're heading they normally would let you through). If the gate staff was quick enough I could sometimes enter the park before sunrise and position myself at some trees with baboons in them and wait for the morning red to appear in the sky. This gave the opportunity for some fantastic silhouette photos.
Ditch the telephoto for a smaller lens with a bigger aperture and get as close as I can. I don't photograph lions though 😂.
Best tip for low light shooting is to watch Simon d'Entremont 😊
Honesty is the best policy
No creepy background music, no useless jokes, and no more frequent scene changes. That's Simon for us, bringing the knowledge in most optimal and clean way. Keep up your good spirit! Best wishes from India ❤️
My tip: I incorporate rifle shooting concepts for added stability in low light. 1) use my sling for support. Look up what a hasty sling is and use that with your camera strap. 2) Breath hold for stability. Exhale half the air in your lungs and hold before you press the shutter. Hyperventilate ahead of time to oxygenate your blood to lengthen your hold. 3) The rifle shooting positions for standing, kneeling, seated or prone can be easily adapted to photography. I frequently use a squatting position with my elbows resting on my knees. 4) Using paper clips, I made a set of ghost ring sights that I taped to my camera and lens. For birds in flight, I often use these instead of my EVF for fast acquisition and tracking.
Same! Used to shoot guns and archery.
Great advice. One needs to get the shot!
Photo shooting techniques also let me win 35 straight rounds of buckhunter with no practice, so they’re transferable and rewarding in many ways!
I'm calling the cops
It's very true, do what you would for a rifle. I exhale when I need low shutter speeds and don't have a tripod
Your advice on overexposing (without clipping) in low light is an absolute game-changer for me. I was always under the impression that ISO = noise. It's very liberating knowing that ISO is your friend and that it's not a matter of less is automatically better.
I really like when You share not only perfect shots, but the bad-ones also. It shows realistically how work in the field looks like. Im more a landscape photographer but I watch Your videos for fun& educational purposes. There is always something to learn and just enjoy how you present informations . Cheers!
Glad you like them!
Spray and pray is my absolute go to. And if I’m not happy with my photos, at least there’s usually someone around to go “oooh that’s a fancy camera!” and be impressed with my shutter sounds to make me feel a little better 😂 I also like ignoring that I need to breathe, and holding awkward positions so tightly that I pull muscles. Worth it for the shot!
I think I've been subscribed to you for a few months now, you have a really great way of explaining things. Also big respect for showing examples of your own "poor" photos to help others learn. I think a lot of KZhead photographers are reluctant to make themselves look "bad" and only really show the good shots. The problem is it looks unattainable when someone is seemingly always taking perfect shots and it isn't very helpful to people learning not to see what a given mistake looks like. With your examples I find the "mistakes" very relatable and it also helps me identify when I am making the same error because you have shown me what to look for. And then showing what to do to improve and the incredibly good photos of your own at the end makes me feel I have a much better chance of achieving some good shots of my own. Keep up the good work, thank you!
At last, someone talking common sense and giving some real tips. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
ETTR for life! I learnt this from you first. Thanks for educating us, Simon! Waiting for part 2.
More to come!
The bird photos are marvelous. Thanks for an enjoyable session. At 82 I still photograph an annual K-8 school theater event that is quite extraordinary. Like wildlife and birds, theater requires a utility photographer's tool bag. What has completely transformed my theater photography is Adobe Denoise AI. Never before could I shoot at up to ISO 20,000 and deliver amazingly clean photos. After this year's shoot I culled 3,660 photos to 155, applied Denoise AI, then corrected the DNG from Denoise as normal. The parents, students, and teachers were very pleased.
Spray and pray is my JAM 😅 I've gone as low as 1/30 s. Your videos are the most useful to me, THANK YOU.
Simon, that is great info to assist me on my Safari trip!! I thank you!! I will not stay in bed. I have never shot wildlife at such a slow speed!! Nothing to lose.
Living in Thailand I experience the struggle of rapidly rising and setting sun every day. The golden hour in Thailand is about 10 minutes long haha. Thanks for a great video!
Spot on! The signal to noise issue is important. I shootvatvup to ISO 12,800 without noise being an issue provided I shove the histogram to the right. If you have enough dynamic range in the actual view, you get a usable image. You can actually "clean up" noise by introducing noise in processing. I figured this out by realizing that how an image looks depends largely upon how it is perceived in final form. This is done in audio recording by introducing "floor noise" that covers up artifacts in the process.
if you shove the histogram to the right, isn't it the same as shoving it 1 stop lower and setting ISO to 1 stop lower, effectively same shutter speed?
The camera's ISO process is usually far better than editing in software after. more light data = more signal. The bigger downside of high ISO is reduced dynamic range
Or just add film grain to cover up the noise haha
Okay the practicality advice level in this video is off that chart.
I do mostly concert photography where the light is always very dark, and I find that the motion blur that comes with using slow shutter speeds can actually lead to some pretty unique shots that are properly exposed without having to raise your iso to crazy heights.
Unsolicited suggestion - Adobe Denoise AI might be worth a test. It has transformed my theater photography. We've come so far from Tri-X.
A trick I've learned for dawn light and dusk where we have a dim but full spectrum and a decent amount of contrast is to let the ISO go up. If that spectrum and contrast is not there then it will look grainy. With wildlife we cannot use the slowest of shutters even with crazy stabilisation because they insist on moving, and no lens is fully sharp wide-open and will want shutting down by a stop, maybe only 2/3 or 1/3. I consider ISO 3200 to be normal, no noise , where ISO 6400 is onset and ISO 12800 may need a touch of de-noise, much depends on the read noise of your sensor. This allows a faster shutter and a sharper aperture.
When shooting in bad light I use pixel peeking . Auto foucs does not always work. Also you can work out what is in foucs . But my biggest tip is don’t wait till you’re on holiday to try to learn your equipment. I have the 180/600z for the last 8 weeks when I have time I have spent time trying to work out how it preforms in low light how it performs best for me .I shoot on manual so I get to know what works for me. The last tip is to release the camera is a machine, it does not have moods that bits tells you more about you than your equipment. ISO need not always have to be so high has you think . Light room gives a lot of light power if you know how to use it correctly. So really practice makes perfect. Kind off trade off. I live 15 mins away from a local park . It’s as a pound and wild life there. I have loads of photos of geese ducks gulls and dogs. I plan to expand my collection of course however for now a fast moving duck or geese in flight allow me to work out what works for me gives me hands on practical experience of my gear. Horses or the local deer seagull or Golden eagle same skill factor for capture for all So be a Boy Scout and learn your equipment . It pays you practice
There are several people blessed in KZhead content creators, Unmesh Dinda (Piximperfect ) for photoshop tricks, Simon d'Entremont for photography techniques... Again, thank you sir.
Thanks for that!
Those bee eater shots are insane! You are like a never ending fountain of photography knowledge, my friend haha excellent work!👌🏼
Thanks a ton!
10:25 great lesson about learning about species behavior as a good foundation for increasing predictability of getting a good capture, and that sometimes it's a team effort
THIS is one of my most challenging issues. THANK YOU Simon!!!
I love your enthusiasm, Simon
Your channel is such a great asset to wildlife & nature photographers!!
I've only been into photography for about 3 years and I actually am more of a lifestyle family/newborn photographer. BUT you are one of my favourite youtube pros. I love the outdoors and wildlife so of course I love your content but honestly, your guidance and tips have helped me so much in my development, even though our subject matter is different. Thank you for another great video!
Wow, thank you!
We need more of your positive and chill energy down here in the states. Keep em coming! 😎
You’re a great teacher. I learn something new with every video.
Thanks Simon first time I learned about ETTR. I am grateful for the value you give away with these videos. Learned a lot in such a short period of time!
You completely eliminated all the issues I was having with my x-h2 that I wasn't having with a panasonic point and shoot. Fuji should honestly pay you because you made me realize how good this camera actually is, where reviewers just dismissed it. Macro without a flash because I'm shooting at 1/2000 in sunlight with an ISO of 12800 and f/8? Best shots I've taken. You're incredible.
I am so glad I found your channel several months ago. You have helped me so much and you’re a great teacher! Thank you!
You never disappoint! I always learn from your videos and they are fun to watch. Thanks for taking me along!
your channel is great, straight to the point, clean, without any shouting and boom transition. you do it in your own way, not these days social media concepts and thats great. Ive leaned a lot from you, Just wanna say thank you❤
Hi Simon! I recently started bird photography with my old Canon SX40. I got a Canon T7 a few days ago. There has not been anyone who has explained photography tips more clearly and thoroughly than you. Thank you for taking me from having super grainy photos to getting photos I’m actually proud of! Amazing tips, keep up the good work!
Once again, a very useful video. You gave some very helpful tips on dealing with low-flat lighting conditions. Thanks!
Thanks Mr. Simon for the tip to move histogram to the right rather than go for shutter adjustment. Your bee eater is awesome!
Great tips as always, I'm excited for part 2. I really like the panning image of the flamingos that are about to take flight!
08:39 and 09:36 - love the incidental capture of the dragon fly among the flamingos - then the reference to a helicopter
The bonus tip only applies to Canon cameras. The others (using Sony sensors) are ISO invariant and underexposing + raising in post will look the same as ETTR. And with the NR tools available today, you can shoot at much higher ISO than you mentioned - I have some ISO 12800 photos shot on MFT that look pretty damn amazing.
Great images Simon, I’m not even a wildlife photographer but I’m addicted to your videos. Thanks for being so free with your knowledge 👏👏👏
You have the clearest tutorials I have ever seen. Even when it comes to video. Thank you for your videos. So helpful
Thank you Simon, I am going to watch this a few more times to commit to memory! Leaving for Botswana in 10 days, so excited!
Hi Simon, very good video! I tend to expose to the right (ETTR) and noise is rarely an issue for me. You are absolutely right shooting to the left and increasing highlights introduce noise. When possible, shooting to the right is a very good technique. Can't wait to see part 2.
Lessons learned: think positive
Thanks again for another informative lesson! As a newer photographer, I find myself shooting in low light more frequently than I anticipated. Your bonus tip about using the histogram and exposing to the right at higher ISOs was exactly what I was looking for and worth watching all the way to the end of the video. My adventure continues.
Hello Simon, I love your practical instructional videos. I almost always have my auto ISO set +2/3 stop and rarely clip the highlights on the subject. I have been using 1.4x on RF100-500, so almost always dealing with high ISO when shooting in early or late situations. I find that denoise in Lightroom and then bringing up exposure with the highlight slider instead of the exposure slider really makes a difference with noise.
You always have such impeccable timing Simon. I was just shooting a eastern screech owl yesterday in low light. I was practicing ETTR and shooting slower shutter speed while watching my ISO.
Fantastic coverage of some really advanced techniques, Simon! The bird shot is just beautiful! Merci beaucoup!
ETTR is the best thing I have ever learnt along with so many other things. Thanks Simon
Thank you so much Simon! I'm actually facing some difficulties with low light noisy images so i'm trying to learn the best from you man and i'm going to keep trying up you best techniques 👍🏻 to keep the image well exposed👏🏻
Apart from the tips, the biggest thing I took from this video is seeing the pro having the same struggles as I do 😊 Thanks for the confidence boost Simon!! As always, great video!
Thanks for these videos, Simon. I just got my first real camera and they are tremendously helpful guides while I'm still figuring out basics.
Great info about ISO and noise. I rarely shoot wildlife, mainly landscape and architecture, and tend to make as few exposures as possible. Having the opportunity to check results in camera is a luxury in this type of photography. As the video shows, this thinking must go when photographing activity in wildlife. Thanks for the video.
Remarkable tips. Well done Simon. Your videos always contain information that is accurate and useful.
One of my favorite people .. thanks Simon!
One of your best ever. I'm sharing with all my friends. Common sense technique with logical purpose statement. Shoot with a purpose and have a reason for your settings.
You are the first person to mention prefocusing for flying birds. I have been doing this for a while. It is especially helpful when a bird comes back to a particular spot or flies through an area frequently.
sounds like an amazing photo safari! 🌟💚
Gorgeous shots! Great tips as always @
Thank you so much for the lesson. As a beginner photographer the lesson about exposing to the right is super helpful. I was in the camp that low iso is better but it makes sense that allowing more light can is more beneficial.
Brilliant!!! Thanks Simon! Time to get out and learn to master these techniques!
Thanks for the great advice as always. Looking forward to part 2 just as I am practicing taking photos in difficult lighting.
Coming soon!
I shoot Micro Four Thirds, so these situations will be all the more challenging. But advanced tools like Topaz Photo AI often help save the day. Thanks for showing how "overexposing" a dark image gives better results than boosting a lower ISO image.
Stellar. This is my favorite channel.
Thanks for the great advice. I have just started doing some wildlife photography and this is very helpful.
Thank you, Simon. Great advice and instruction, as always. It seems that while technology keeps changing the camera’s ability, most photography instruction stays traditional. I appreciate how you encourage people to push past these older ideas and that you have the results to back up the techniques.
This guy is brilliant, I always take loads of pictures on rapid shot then pick the best ones, and i'm not too worried about ISO as I have an excellent camera in low light.
simply amazing Simon.
Your videos are so informative and easy to understand, it's a pure joy to watch. :)
Thanks Simon! Very helpful tips as usual. I recently started shooting some peacocks in my area with a 70-200mm 2.8 lens and your videos have really help me out. Really glad I found you!
That last iso technique is a killer tip, sir 🫶
Nice one Simon! Now eagerly awaitng part 2 🙂
So (oversimplified) it's generally better to shoot at higher ISO and reduce it in post rather than the opposite. Great to know as most other hobbyists told me otherwise
Terrific video! Thanks for your expert advice!
Hi Simon!! Excellent video and techniques for low light situations. Thank you for sharing this wealth of information. Hats off.
Again a great video Simon!
Great tips Simon! Thanks again
love love the tip of your hand at the end of the lens and your brow at the eyepiece. I do this all the time with my 600mm. I'm usually in the forest and high ISO is required. I feel comfy shooting at 8,000 or even 10,000 if I must get the shot. Lowering my shutter and opening up to allow all the light in. I also agree that it doesn't matter what others say, as it's important that you get the shot, especially when we spend thousands of dollars on our trips not to get the shot. Keep on shooting and spreading the love of photography Simon!
Chacune de vos vidéos est vraiment une pépite, Simon. Merci pour tous ces conseils précieux !
If there's anything I've learned binging your videos is the camera body doesn't matter too much. However, your lense, position, lighting, and knowledge are what can make an incredible photo 😉👌 Getting my Canon 850D next Friday and I'm incredibly excited!
I have watched your presentations for a good while now. You have loosened up and improved your "on camera" performance. There is a twinkle in your eye! Your videos are informative and fun to watch! Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge.
Thank you so much for the ettr tip, I had never heard of this before.
Amazing tips.. Watch many video from this channel, but still learn something even understand more from each one of the video... Thumbs up👍👍
I recently found your channel and I'm loving it , i don't own a camera but i love fiddling around in pro mode in my Phone camera and i am shocked by how much technical stuff I discovered myself just on my phone, like the high ISO thing
Again amazing tips, thank you so much! Can't wait to try them out :)
Fantastic insights, Simon. Navigating the nuanced lighting of early mornings and the golden hues of late afternoons can indeed pose a challenge. However, it's precisely these moments that offer unparalleled photographic opportunities, especially in Africa. Your suggestions are invaluable for mastering these critical shooting times.
I love that your videos are incredibly practical and snob-free! The reality is most of us hobbyist photographers might not have the luxury of arriving at any given spot with optimal lighting and simply have to make do with the situation. Realistic, helpful advice is so welcome! Can't wait for the next part because I generally find myself shooting in daylight hours (ie: harsh lighting). Most of my trips to explore the southwest US mean I'm driving around to neat points at 11 AM and just have to deal with whatever harsh light is going on.
Great video Simon, some good tips in there, thank you!
All your advice about ISO has been soooo helpful for me!! I always heard the advice of shooting at 100 ISO but that wasn’t going to work for me taking low light images! I recently did a shoot at night in the downtown area of a city and could not have pulled it off if it wasn’t for your advice about using higher ISO!
People like Simon are the only ones allowed to shoot animals ☝️😎because he doesn't kill them and his trophies show what we need to preserve ❤ Thanks for your work here on KZhead
This video and training technique is awesome. Thank you so much.
Great tips as always, Simon. I'm very firmly in the "spray and pray" category - with the emphasis on prayer! I also use Topaz and, although purists will no doubt argue that I should get it right in-camera, it really is an amazing aid. I've been using it on some old scanned family-and-friends photos from the 80s (taken on a Hanimex point-and-shoot) with remarkable results. Thanks!
Thanks, always love the advice you give us :).
Love this tips Simon! I was at the Easter Show in Sydney, Australia and it was tough taking photos of the action at night. I’ll definitely use these tips in the future and also for wildlife photography 🤙
Amazing Photography Simon
Thank you. I really enjoyed the bird photo's.
I came to photography while being an automotive journalist. On my first day at the magazine, they gave me a 250k+ exposure Canon EOS 700D with a kinda working 18-135 kit lens and no instructions. It took me years to get ok at photography, even if I was doing it every day. Now, years later it's not even a debate, that I am the best photographer working at the same magazine, and all I needed was to find out most of the techniques you show in your videos on my own, trial and error style. I found your channel some weeks ago, and I still learn a lot here. I've seen enough to confirm, that this content is golden. I can't even imagine where I'd be right now if I had found your channel when I started. 100% recommend, amazing work.
Too kind!
My favourite photography channel! My low light photography trick is-set radial filter on object and decrease exposure slightly outside filter. That can make object "more lighter" and in more contrast to the backoround. Decrease clarity outside filter (object) at the same time also reduces noisy background.
Great tip!
I always learn something new every time I watch your videos.
Glad to hear it!
Great tips! I just love your videos.