Photography MISTAKES that all beginners make (but I wish I could have avoided).

Join me in Botswana in 2024!

Want to take amazing wildlife photos? Check out my new course with 20 modules and over 5 hours of content, no fluff!

My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada. This video will show you how to avoid the most common photography mistakes.

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

Music in intro: "Nicer", by Houses on the Hill. Find that, and other sound effects at Epidemic Sounds

My equipment:

Follow me on:

[simon_dentremont]

What’s the weirdest « Tree in head » thing you’ve ever found in one of your photos?

[PhotoTrekr]

My biggest beginner mistake was not stopping to take a photo when I saw it, thinking that I could come back later and it would still be there. Nope. If you see a photo, take the shot then. The light might change or maybe you can't return to the exact spot. A related mistake is not working the shot. Sometimes just moving a little or changing the angle of a shot can greatly improve it.

[ludwigvonn]

That bird in the cold with the visible breath is amazing!

[thatcherfreeman]

Thanks for that "And...?" tip. It's so simple but I don't think I've heard it put so well and intuitively beforehand.

[ShayShaked]

I'm an amateur photographer, and I've followed several YouTube channels. This one is by far the best one for learning. While other photographers talk about photos outside with background music and inspiring you to take photos of the great outdoors (nothing wrong with that), Simon sits you down and explains things clearly and concisely.

[marlonm]

"This is a photo of my subject and ..." Genius.

[Bucking_Fastard]

The "And?" tip just made me realise, what the biggest problem with my photos was. Thanks, Simon!

[SergioEduP]

I bought my first camera this year, and your channel has been one of the greatest sources of information and help to make my photos better! Thank you for making all of these videos!

[nicktasteless]

I relate to the "Subject AND SOMETHING". Whenever I review my pictures, the one I'm naturally attracted to are the pictures that has Subject AND something. I didn't notice it until you mentioned it. Will now try to make a habit when I take photographs and hopefully have a higher keeper rate.

[rg]

Simon's videos are around 15 minutes. Then I need a couple of hours to practice each point he brings up.

[lecirconflex]

"And?" is some next level advice I tell you! Thank you so much!

[orangejjay]

I am a total newb to this game and your videos have been incredible. Best of all, unlike so many other photo/videography channels, your videos are actually designed to be helpful instead of just being ads designed to look like something helpful.

[davidtverberg]

This is a great mnemonic! I especially appreciate the “and ?”—that tip can really take a mediocre or decent shot to the next level. You have an outstanding channel and explain things well without making me feel terrible for the mistakes I’ve made along the way.

[matthewwilsoncrhs]

After watching your videos I just want to get out there and apply what I have learned from you. Thank you

[RockOfAges]

Really like your ”You can do it” approach. Assertive, but with an underlying humility. As a retired photo/video teacher I'm guilty of many photo-mistakes throughout the years. Here was a chance to raise my level! Alas, I lost concentration because of the short appearance of two gorgeous models in this video. Always loved portrait work, any age, any sex. A truly unique and exciting way to interact with another human being.

[fintux]

My tips that would have saved a lot of my photos:

1) Examine the photo carefully and critically on the spot. Maybe I can have a better composition. Maybe there's a twig that I can remove from the shot.
2) Reset some settings at the *end* of a photo session to typical settings: ISO (auto for me), aperture (depends, but F/5..F/7), exposure compensation (0), shutter timer (off), white balance (auto), focus mode (auto) or anything such. That way, I will not end up with noisy/blurry photos and/or will not miss a shot when I have to quickly grab the camera.
3) With a moving subject, take the photo. The readjust. I've missed some photos because I wanted to adjust it to be better (especially if I had not followed through on my second tip).

[shannonneifert]

You have answered so many questions for me. Thank you!!

[douglashill]

In addition to the useful content and the lack of anything that is off-putting, I enjoy listening to your voice.

[terilapetino]

I’m thrilled, but not surprised, to see how fast your subscribers have grown! Wow, I remember when you had less than 20K…it’s a testament to how valuable your content is to photographers! Great to see the growth and thanks for all the great videos!

[Stactic]

After over 10 year hiatus, I started to do some photography this year. It's been a pleasure to learn from a professional like you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!