How to diagnose sharpness issues. What causes the problem in the first place?
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My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada. In this video I'll show you how to diagnose why your photos aren't sharp, and how to fix them!
I use Topaz Labs software for noise reduction, sharpening and upscaling:
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What was your sharpness problem and what did you do to solve it?
Focal to shutter tends to be something that persists. Solution is two-fold: I'm an IS/Ibis/ois snob now. Under 4 stops? No. Take a fuji 16-80 with 5ish stops and an xh1 with around 4-5 yeah... that's a ton. Also I increase iso after setting aperture and shutter speed. I tend to shoot shutter priority when shooting birds and wildlife. Then just fix in lr (coloringbooks for adults)
@Steffank014 likely, depending on how your camera is set up. At a minimum, you need to raise your iso when in low light. Check out my video on “iso 100”.
It seems that my lenses are fine but camera isn't performing well I have a 5d Mark 2 and because it has a lot of noise I can't get anything as sharp as I want after iso 800 should I change my camera?
@Steffank014 well technically that's a no-go for the most part, a last resort when AF or fully manual isn't cutting and a lot of shutter priority is predicated on your focus game. In a lot of cases I went manual focus just because I'd hit something and think "wait... that's not what I want!!!" Then I'd get mad... then sad.
My problem is that my name is not Simon Dentremont 😏, haha i think my biggest problems is with the depths of field, focus and shaky hands. I find that i tend to get a sharper image with manual focus so i have been doing that more. I think the most difficult part for me atm is to find the perfect balance between iso shutter speed and aperture.
My photos aren't sharp because the guy behind the camera isn't either.
Relatable
@@DoorTechnicianRick lol I know how you feel. Sometimes I get so frustrated with my inexperience that I just want to throw my camera away 🤣🤣
"I know you can do it" just makes me feel so happy☺️
I follow a lot of photographers, but as a beginner, I learn far more from your videos than any other’s. Thank you for simplifying things so that anyone can understand.
I agree!
"I am Simon d'Entremont", this is our families favorite intro! Never change it!!!! ❤
The GOAT! I'm an experienced photographer and videographer and there's still always something I learn from Simon.
Although I understand the concept of depth-of-field, this was without a doubt the best explanation of this that I have ever seen. It should really help newer photographers.
You are a wonderful teacher, with proper explanations and real life examples, your videos are a treat to watch and learn photo/videography!
I’m blown away. I just did the sharpness test you recommended with my Fujifilm 100-400 zoom that I purchased a few weeks ago. It’s a red badge Fujifilm lens so I expected great things but I was disappointed in the results for my landscape work. I had been using f14-f22 because I thought I needed more depth of field to get sharper focus at the 400mm setting. I’m blown away because my test at 400mm shows that the lens is sharpest at f7.1. And it’s no contest. It’s dramatically sharper. Thank you for your videos which are very informative and helpful!!
Great!
I love the challenge of making the longest handheld exposures, it's so satisfying when you make it
Always learning something new from you Simon. I knew that stepping down your lens is better a lot of times but noone was ever able to tell me why.
As always, your videos are so helpful and well designed. Your balance of verbal explanations, analogies and visuals to support the concept are all so well done! As a special education teacher, I pay attention to these aspects as they are key features to effective teaching. I learned a lot from your video today. As I prepare for my trip to Africa this summer, I take copious notes to add to my cheat sheet that will come with me on the trip. I’ve been an amateur photographer for many years now and there is always something new to learn and improve.
Love love your intros, directly into the topic, then your tag music/montage. Perfect
Glad you like them!
I'm so glad I found your content. This whole series on taking pictures and improving has been a great resource for me. The way you get straight to the point and explain everything clearly makes the whole learning process fun and enjoyable. Keep up the great work!
Simon, being new to your channel, I find your explanations extremely substantial, transparent and to the point. Subscribed!
I can't believe this info is free. Thanks!
You bet!
Hi Simon, I just became a new photographer this past Monday, your video tutorials have helped me immensely and I feel confident in taking on big events. I'm also based in Nova Scotia.
Fantastic neighbor!
Simon, you are the best. I truly appreciate how you explain and demo things.
Thank-you for all your fine tuning information. I bumped up my iso instead of staying at 100. Experiments is what I am doing and I am experiencing good results
Hi Simon, thank you so much. You're helping us beginners learn so much in a clear precise explained way.
Another great video! Although I understand these things very well, I still watch everything all of the way through to make sure I am mastering the basics and still finding a way to learn more from you. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have had a hard time understanding why a low f-stop produces shallower DOF than a high f-stop, but one innocuous graphic in this video made it clear to me. Thanks!
Great teaching style and presentation. Love that you encourage people to test their gear themselves; makes you really get to know your gear properly. Always happy to hear the encouragement at the end.
I appreciate that!
Thanks Simon , I love all your videos, so educational, your style of presentation so relaxed. I've already put some of your tips into practice, and I've seen a definite improvement in my photos.
Many thanks!
I bought my camera yesterday but didn't arrive yet, but I believe your channel will help me a lot. Thank you so much 😊
Happy to hear that!
Fantastic! I wish I had seen this yesterday before I went out to photograph a mega rare bird here in NJ. I'll definitely be putting these tips into play next time. Thanks, Simon!
Another thing to consider is lens calibration if you find your focus is always before or behind your target.
I visited the Nature Conservancy in Boulder the other week and was delighted to see some of the photos you use for examples being shown near the front desk!
Trying to learn shooting my aquarium fish with old (10 years) and very inexperienced gear. It's too easy to blame the tool and I find your instruction and theory very helpful. If my pockets were deeper I'd do more than say thank you. So a heartfelt thank you Sir.
This was an excellent refresher for me. Many thanks Simon.
Another great video. Thanks for all the work you do to put these out every week.
My pleasure!
Another awesome learning session! Thank you, sir! 📸
Once again, right on the money, Simon! Thank you for the video and your easy-to-understand style! I’m still on the learning curve, but I now run every one of my lenses through its aperture range - partially to determine the sweet spot and partially to determine depth of field I require at a given distance to the subject.
Happy to help!
I learn something new and useful EVERY time I watch one of your videos. Thank you!
Glad to hear it!
Just love all of your videos probably the best tutorials for any level of photographer. Many thanks from Queensland Australia.
Glad you like them!
Thank u, Sir! Im a neophyte sports photographer and this helps a lot!
Exactly what i needed. Great tips!
I am not wildlife photographer, but I learn many photography things from your videos. Thank you !!
I tend to be a believer that technology will not save me, good composition will. But point 2 in your post: See that's why I went with the fuji xh1. Because of the ibis. I won't even look at a telephoto unless its got OIS or IS. But I'm 1) getting too old. 2) love my coffee too much to keep a still lens like I use to. Eventually you sort of have to surrender to life and just work with the tech that's been given.
Thank you for all the helpful tips. Really great information.
Simon , the master of wild photography
Always a great description with detail and summary in your explanations. Even if the viewer is knowledgeable on the subject your videos are fantastic as a refresher. I always learn something new.
Thank you very much!
You are a gifted educator; subjects always presented with clarity of content and organization! A very Merry Christmas to you and yours and all the best in 2024! I look forward to many more of your shows.
Happy holidays!
Excellent, très clair et précis. Merci !
Excellent explanations! Thank you.
Another phenomenal video!! This is incredibly helpful - I had a frustrating practice day today and no idea what was making my images blurry. Now I can instantly think of the problems behind a bunch of my “would be” shots. Definitely going to test out the sweet spots for my lenses tomorrow. You truly have a gift for explaining complicated concepts, and also for giving us great practical ways to test and improve ourselves. Thank you, Simon!
Glad it helped!
Thanks for another great video. Your tips have really helped me improve my overall level of photography. Much appreciated.
Thank you so much for your every video. I get a chance to learn new things from you. You are truly the best teacher
You are very welcome
Another great video, very direct and straight to the points👏
Very helpful for a beginner. Thank you.
Very Nice the way you Explained... Thank you so much
Always looking forward to your new videos - thanks for sharing!
Glad you like them!
I enjoy your program very much and I just want to wish you and your family happy new year and all the best Manny
Simon, you have the most clear and concise photography videos, and they are the perfect length. Everything you need to know and nothing you dont with zero fluff. Its no wonder you are blowing up. 335K at the time of posting this comment. Cheers to the incoming 1 million sir.
Thanks very much!
Love your videos and advice. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos and share with us
Thanks for watching!
Fantastic explanations, thank you
Génial vos tutos. Merci!
Thank you Sir!
Another wonderful and informative video. Thank you for all you do.
omg! i cant wait to try this with my lense. I knew of all the other reasons but i forgot about the sharpness threshold! thank you for this video!❤
Hope you enjoy it!
Happy Christmas Simon, thanks for a great year of informative videos. All the best for the new year.🎉
Happy holidays!
Great advice Simone, thanks!
I am so grateful for you, you make it all seem so possible
Wow, thank you
Simon, you show and explain photography so Well! Thank you for being out there!! I''m learning......Alex
Great to hear!
Always learning something new in from your videos, thank you very much, Simon.
Glad you like them!
Great explanation to huge and diagnose problems. Thanks and keep it coming please
Thanks, will do!
Love watching your videos, packed with useful information.
So glad!
Love your videos. You always have something intelligent and important to share.
I appreciate that!
An excellent explanation, as usual, from M. d'Entremont.
I think I learned something about dof that I hadn't understood before. Thank you.
This the best photography video I've seen so far. Very easy to understand
Glad it was helpful!
After I found out about back button focus.... It was love at first sight. When I am shooting something moving I track it and ride the focus button. On time I was trying to get a photo of a Gold eagle in flight.... I was tracking with the camera focusing on a rather fast moving bird. Forgot about the tree that was going to come into frame ... It was a nice picture of the tree. I have also tried to some success to photograph Cliff Swallows in flight...... Because bashing my head against a brick was is fun. I totally agree about buying used glass. I picked up a 18x70mm F1.35 used lens for a song. It is my go-to lens for landscape and night shots. It is mid grade glass, but compared to the 55x200 mm kit lens.
Great Simon the breakdown explanation of depth of field made it so clear to like never before thank you 🙏
Very welcome
Great sound advice, thank you
Simon, you are the best on KZhead. A friend wanted to get back into photography and asked me for help. I pointed him to your channel. Happy Holidays to you.
Fantastic!
Awesome instruction Thank your Sir
Amazing explanation thanks you and glad to see again 😃
Welcome back!
Love your vlogs. You explain things so well.
Glad you like them!
Excellent video, as always! Thanks for the time and thought you put into these explanations, they're incredibly helpful :)
Glad you like them!
Hi Simon I watched this video and you helped with my photos sharpness. I have a EOS Rp and the lens I’m using is the RF 100-400. 2 things that helped was to bring my aperture down f9 and learning to follow my subjects. I went out this morning at sunrise and took a bunch photos of flying swans, Canadian geese, mallard ducks and blue herons. The photo were so sharp my daughter commented you should sell your photos to a magazine. Thanks a lot your tips helped me.
Great tips! Easy understanding!! Thank you!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great tips Simon. Learning soooo much from you. Thanks again
Glad you enjoyed it
Very useful information you have told
Very clear analysis of a common problem and the possible solutions, thanks. Although you discuss photos after being shot, it can be applied to planning a photo walk, considering light and possible scenes. A problem with my camera is that so many factors are interdependant. If I increase aperture but keep shutter speed constant, something will happen to the ISO-setting and - perhaps - to the choice of scenic setting.
I love how the shot came out of focus when talking about moving subjects, as you leaned slightly forward 😂 perfect
Always learning from you Simon.Wishing you and your Family a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024
Same to you!
Unrelated comment….I took 3 years of French way back in the ‘70’s, and I must say you have the coolest name and fun to say. Ok, so I had a couple cocktails, but your name is fun to say. And great Photography advice!! Love the video on “back button focusing”. Just started to really shoot digital after years of shooting manual focus film: Canon FD lenses, with an ftb in the beginning, then an A1, and finally a T90 which I still shoot with, cause I love shooting and showing chromes. Keep up the great videos!
Thank you for a great video, I learnt a lot
Recently subbed to your channel. I am new to photography and finding this helpful.
Another great video, thankyou for sharing your knowledge.
My pleasure!
What and how you teach is extraordinary. Thanks
Glad you think so!
Thank you, Simon. Your last words 'I know, you can do it!' are cut ;)
Thank you,🙏 thank you!
Simon, you are my favorite, really!
I love how you focused on the adverse health effects of Locktite whilst presenting how to test the sweet spot of our lenses. I thought it was clever - something I'd do. Great video, I always learn something whether I thought I knew the topic. Thanks, Simon! I also got those Heat Company supegloves you told me about. A+ on those. They should send you a check! 😁🎄
haha thanks
Thank you for another excellent video. Enjoyed your graphics. Helpful.
My pleasure!
Excellent job
Very precise and to the point narration. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, Simon, great tips again, Merry Christmas.
Happy holidays!
Thank you sir 😊