THIS is why your photos are boring

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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 share with you how to stop taking boring photos and start coming home with interesting, original pics!

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:

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[simon_dentremont]

What’s your favorite trick to get away from « boring »? I’d love to know, as would my viewers!

[ioxmedia]

Can we all just appreciate how fancy his name sounds?

[ianm]

I am a rank amateur photographer.
I find Simons videos the best of the best out there.
His presentation and technique combined with his easy going style is Perfect.

[MicskiDK]

I thought the title of this video was rather click baity boring, but I today I watched it anyway. It was surpriced: It was such good points to good fundamental interesting photography. Thanks.

[CCGROUNDZERO]

One of the best pieces of advice that I recently heard in a video (unfortunately can't remember who said it) was that in order to figure out what type of photographer you want to be, always consider the question "What if I didn't have a camera with me right now, would I still enjoy being here and looking at this?"

I find that this is invaluable advice for beginners who are trying to figure what even to photograph because this is where the limits of imitating others come into play. Types of situations that might excite my favorite photographers might not excite me, regardless of how much I abstractly understand the satisfaction of nailing that shot of a snow owl (your snow owl shot is just absolutely perfect btw), or the excitement of getting good dancefloor shots in an event shooting, or architecture etc etc etc. I do unterstand it, but I'd be bored out of my mind in those situations. I wouldn't enjoy myself and I wouldn't enjoy looking at any of those things if I didn't have a camera on me.

So this is the advice I'd give to my fellow beginners: Figure out what situations you would enjoy even without a camera, then take a camera into those situations. Don't count on the act of photography to make a situation or subject interesting that is otherwise not interesting to you. You won't find anthing interesting in it beyond the technical challenge (which can of course also be worthwhile, if only to get practice and figure out camera handling etc).

[SCEmissary]

Not only the photography tips are something to learn from but also the structure of the videos. A short definition of the problem, a quick overview why it's beneficial to watch and the promise of a bonus tip which makes it feel more rewarding to watch until the end. The first 30 seconds make it abundandly clear why the rest is worth the time.

[philipcolumbus]

An additional suggestion: Always look behind you. You never know what or who may be there. It might just be the best shot of the day.

[jordanbabcock]

Tl;dr - 100% content 0% fat. An ambassador of photography and individuality.

I come to learn photography. A "side effect" of watching these videos is learning video structure and composition in general. The recording, the script, the engaging delivery/narration. Outstanding work Simon. I have never felt that you have "wasted" any moment of my time.

[cyber-time]

Best last name ... Best learning video ...Best channel in YouTube

[David_Quinn]

don't be afraid to flip that camera I did some landscape photography last Tuesday with the stock lens horizontally and they came out amazing for phone use.

[scawhitwell]

I wish I had been as good a teacher as Simon. The organisation, the pace, the overwhelmingly practical nature of his videos, make a brilliant combination. Merci, thanks.

[leedoyle]

WOW. So many practical tips without holding back. Keeping it real. Love it. So many photographers can spend decades learning these lessons. These fundamentals can help all photographers (or those not drowning in their own self importance) develop skills quicker and become better photographers literally overnight. Well Done.

[SRay-ornc]

I was so interested in looking at all the great photos that I forgot the tips and I'll have to watch this one again.

[michaelyolch]

You blew by that shot at 3:02 like it was just another shot. It’s EPIC!!! 😮

[scott]

Tip #1: Get the Shot. As soon as you see something aim and shoot! Then, time permitting and IF the shot is still there, work the scene.
Your reflexes will be to aim the camera and push the shutter button, not recompose your body to avoid an eye-level shot. So be it.
If it's sports or wildlife or, my favorite, weddings, you'll be lucky if you have time to get a second shot much less reposition for a better angle.
Birds fly, ring-bearers trip, runners cross the finish line - there's no saying, "I missed that. Can you do it again?" GET the shot. THEN work for a better capture.

[dusty]

What I love about really tight, closeup shots (especially of elephants) is how it reveals texture. I love texture in images.

[ohswtchks]

I love shooting flowers from the ground side-up. The beautiful sky above the flower, along with the underside of the flower us a dramatic difference from the norm. I appreciate you!

[alanplatt]

I have to congratulate you. To pass on such knowledge in such a short video as this in nothing short of amazing, IMHO. My trick, I get down and dirty for as many different perspectives as possible.

[itsmeurboi]

Learning about the modern landscape of photography, social media specifically, has made me realise that i just want to take photos for myself. Going for walk, enjoying the technical aspects of photography, and maybe getting a nice picture that i can then have fun editing. Think ill keep it a hobby and leave the business to the pros :)

[robertmuzikar]

Another great video! The thing that helped me, was getting, in addition to a 17-55, was purchasing a 10-20 and an 70-200. Several times, I took a 6 foot later with me to a shoot. In one instance, I carried a ladder to a shoot of a Hair Salon and with my wide angle (and HDR) took a photo of the whole room that the owner just loved. Also, in group shots, it helps me with a smaller ladder to elevate the camera slightly. Of course, I took additional photos blurring the backgrounds, etc. I used some reflectors to fill in the corners of the room with a fill in flash.
Amazing what you can do if you just "fool around" and try to be creative. The six-foot ladder certainly helped when I was photographing a sunflower field where the flowers were taller than me!