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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 walk you through starting out in wildlife photography.

I use Topaz Labs software for noise reduction, sharpening and upscaling:

My equipment:

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[ReadIcculus]

I know it was just and ad, but buying/selling used gear is how photography flourishes. It gives a nice price point for beginners, and a good used lens is every bit as good as a brand new one.

I'm a beginner and I have been shooting on a nikon D7000 with a 300mm f4 AF lens. Its not a perfect set up by modern standards, but It gets me out taking wildlife photos. That has been invaluable to me. I appreciate those people willing to keep their stuff in good shape and reselling them as they upgrade their gear.

[Silvahero]

I watched a video the other day where you talked about waiting for a duck to pose a certain way, and you learned it's behaviour to get a better shot. I went straight down the park, studied the ducks, and noticed they bobbed 3 or 4 times, before flapping their wings to dry off. Same every time. Before now I thought it was just by chance. You've helped me pay more attention to the little things to get better photos (and enjoy nature). Thanks, Simon.

[switchhc]

making these kind of videos for free is a service for the community we learn so much about you keep creting this contect forever.

[Fernwald]

Simon, you have one of the premier photography instruction channels on YouTube. Every one of your videos is a gem--packed with fine, useful content, delivered and produced professionally. You deserve a million subscribers. Merci beaucoup.

[ardscorner]

There are not many people who would give a Master Class in photography for free. This is one of those videos. Every tip will lead to getting better photos. A lot of these tips are borne from years of experience. You have a very unique style Simon. Somehow you are able to impart vasts amount of knowledge in a relatively short video, but in a way that is very easy to understand whilst not feeling rushed. I have been taking photographs for many years but your advice on back button game changer for AI Servo on moving subjects. It does not matter what skill level you are....this channel will and does make you a better photographer.

[DrLoneyDal]

Fantastic video. Your fans agree. But there’s something else about you that is amazing. You do it again, week after week. Other channels sputter out after a while. The blogger gets tired and stops making new content or becomes repetitive. You’ve given us so much - excellent, concise tips and inspiration without a break. Your videos have amazing production values - we really appreciate all the time you put in to sharing your knowledge with us. Thanks so much. Again!

[KellySedinger]

When I was thinking "Hey, maybe I'd like to take up photography beyond point-and-shoot with my phone", I ended up with a bridge camera on precisely the logic of getting my feet wet in the practice without going all-in, budget-wise. I really wasn't comfortable at the time spending more than $1000 on a new hobby, and I honestly have not regretted that decision at all; I'm learning a ton and I figure I've still got at least a few years' worth of learning with the camera I bought before I start really wanting to level up into a nice new camera body with interchangeable lenses. I don't claim that a bridge camera is the way to go for every beginner, but it certainly is working for me, as I'm having the time of my life with it! (When I can shoot, that is. This year is not off to a great start, as far as that goes, but things pass.)

One suggestion: for a setting in which to practice pure technique of shooting animals in action, you can't do better than a dog park, especially a fenced-in one with lots of room. I've done a LOT of practice with auto-focus and shutter-speed at a local dog park that's several acres large!

[MattH]

I just had an amazing trip to the mountains of Montana and realized how much I enjoyed waking up early and hiking while looking for wildlife. I am an amateur with a decent bridge camera, but realized that I could be getting much better shots.

Thank you for this video, it is exactly what I needed to continue my journey into wildlife photography!

[photobeast]

Another Great video Simon. I went from being a professional portrait photographer and putting that aside to becoming an award-winning wildlife photographer. I have to say through the years of watching YouTube that yours not only has been the most valuable channel to watch. Also enjoyable as I love your personality. But also, inspired me to help people. I have a teacher background and as hard as it is at times working 2 jobs. Im trying to get out at least one video a week to help new photographers. This is a beautiful and seldom overlooked field. But I must say Wildlife photography has been one of the greatest things to come into my life. Just being out in nature again. I won't hold you up I just want to say thank you for all the great videos

[DJRobSunset]

I am currently trying to pick up photography as hobby and your videos take a lot of worries out of the way. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge

[syllycatface]

Love this, especially the fact you recommend newer people getting APS-C or micro 4/3, so many professional wildlife people forget how expensive photography is! personally I started with a second hand canon rebel t7/2000d/1500d(depending on country) and 75-300mm mkiii (the cheap non IS version) for about AU$600/US$400, within a year I was hooked on wildlife and upgraded to an r7+18-150 and 100-400mm while it was on sale for about AU$3300/US$2200, which is an amazing rig for newer people, sure theres a few autofocus issues because they jammed the r3/r5 autofocus system in a (probably) untested APS-C body but I have gotten some amazing shots and the crop factor saves so much money on longer lenses. Though I cant wait to get the 200-800 and have effectively 320-1240mm range, its going to be tough to ever swap to full frame when its near impossible to have the same reach unless your camera lives with a 1.4x converter stuck to it, or you're willing to pay 30k for the 1200mm f5.6 😅

[Shakey-fgxy]

I’ve just ordered a Nikon d500 and the Nikon 200-500, upgrading from a d5300 and a 55-200 lens. Had the opportunity to spend some money and figured this would be the next big step to upgrade my photography game. After watching this video I’m even more excited!

[SkylarkFields]

I'm not really a beginner but I am an amateur/hobbyist and this video was so interesting and informative, and even though I knew some of it, there is always more to learn or to refresh your knowledge. I have already used MPB in the UK a few times and in fact I had a lens collected by their courier this very day, for them to assess and maybe buy. They are great to deal with and they make the whole process so easy. Pricing is on a level with other places I have used that deal in used photography items, and if MPB think you have 'under'graded your item they will tell you and pay you a bit more than the original quote!

[mSchwippy]

I appreciate this video. I know nothing about cameras aside from "aim at object, press button." I borrowed a Rebel xsi from a friend with a 270mm lens, and just after this video im using the Tv mode, changing the lighting sources, angles, and other basic stuff. Already got a great series of pictures going. Thank you for helping me start the new hobby!

[DunrobinOntario]

Wildlife photography has always been my passion! I used a Canon PowerShot sx740 for the longest time and have just jumped into the deep end with the Sony 𝛂7r5 and the 200-600. I'm still battling the learning curve with this thing, but I'm excited for spring (rural ontario outside of Ottawa)

The most helpful thing I discovered for wildlife, which you mentioned, especially for mammals, is time of day! For spring and summer, you want to be out there near sunrise! Ridiculously early.... 4:45am, alone, sneakers and silent clothes

Ps, I love that deer in the snow clip that you use here and there on your videos! Stunning spellbinding....what a vibe

[lynnecliffe]

Great advice, including the need to be mindful. I once had a Barred Owl fly 5 ft. over my head across the trail, landing in a nearby tree. Being mindful of her comfort zone, I inched slowly closer and allowed myself 25 unforgetable minutes watching her groom, including tucking her head beneath a wing. My favourite shot was when it appeared as though she unzipped her outer feather sweater revealing her tawny chest.

[haileyrast]

Hi from Saskatchewan Canada! I love wild life photography! The second Deer shot in the beginning is very pretty with the snow falling!

[HmediaPro]

Thank you for your time doing this. i know editing, looking for files, arranging them together take time but giving away some important information aka masterclass for free while others charged is another level of human.

[wilhelmw]

Great tips also at approximately 7:20 of this video it states that aperture priority is not recommended because the shutter speed is variable but aperture priority with auto ISO with a limit set for the minimum shutter speed is also very useful.

[ThtGuyWtThBeard]

I’d love to see/hear your opinion on the new RF200-800 if you’re planning on getting your hands on one. Seems like a solid mid budget wildlife option but I also can’t tell if it’s just the YouTube bias saying how amazing it is.