Wildlife Photography for Beginners: 5 Common Mistakes (And How to FIX them!)

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Wildlife Photography for Beginners. 5 Tips. In this video we look at 5 common mistakes I often see beginners making when photographing wildlife. Do you make any of these mistakes? Or maybe you used to, but don't any more..? Let me know in the comments box. For more Beginners Tips watch this short video: • Wildlife Photography f...
Filmed with Canon M50 and 15-45mm lens.
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Пікірлер: 84

@oliverbates9612 2 жыл бұрын

Even though I’m not a beginner I still like to watch these just to see if I have made these mistakes. Which to no surprise… yes I have 😂

@robertwarner3769 2 жыл бұрын

My main mistake was definitely the first. I now try and keep my Auto ISO Minimum shutter speed to 1/1000 in good light. I definitely agree that my blurred images are shutter not focus issues. Thanks for the vids Paul.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

That's good that you've figured it out Robert.

@RODCHARAY1 2 жыл бұрын

Another brilliant informative video Paul, I will now be removing he filters from my lenses .

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers. Just be careful if you do - and try use a lens hood.

@toms2145 2 жыл бұрын

Just wanted to say I really appreciate this channel and all the work you put into it, and for sharing all the information, too. I found your channel after searching for macro videos. I subscribed immediately and have enjoyed all of your videos since. Thank you, Paul. ✌️❤️

@dust1415 2 жыл бұрын

I always do a test exposure at locations and YES cheap UV filter great way have soft photos and yes take more photos than think more choices one’s home

@RAMBLE_ON 2 жыл бұрын

Good info and good sample pics.

@wildlifevideomariofrancesc7809 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! 👍

@cara1067 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative. Thank you.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

@raylander6329 2 жыл бұрын

Always great advice, always something to learn; thank you for posting, and although I am not a beginner, it is always great to review; Thank you, Paul Miguel

@paulinefollett3099 2 жыл бұрын

Sometimes I will shoot with a low shutter speed to reduce the noise of my image. Thanks for these useful tips.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. I try to shoot as low as possible whilst still getting sharpness.

@mrhlindvall 2 жыл бұрын

Made all of those mistakes, and still doing¨, especially with a cheap budget filter on my canon rf 100-500 for "protection" like they say when they sell them, i'ts in the trash now and images it's much sharper! Thought it was something wrong with lens at first! :)

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

There you go! Always worth a check.

@the_duke_of_bork8702 2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography I'd add a caveat to this - if you're shooting anywhere where you or those around you might be using DEET insect repellent, be vary careful as it will dissolve lens coatings. I've a couple of ruined UV filters due to this and I'm glad not to have ruined lenses instead.

@CrazyBlueMood 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul, very valuable suggestions, much apricated.

@bhattks 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice information 👍👍👍

@ProEditingLooks 2 жыл бұрын

Great job 🔥🔥🔥

@steadycamman1 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Paul, Thanks for the video, some great advice and tips, keep up the Fantastic work, Pete👍

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much.

@MrFdlemos 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for taking the time to share all this knowledge. Very kind. All the best wishes.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. Thank you.

@SomeonewithaSony 2 жыл бұрын

In regards to your first tip, everyone seems to forget about crop factor. If using a 400mm on a crop body, SS nlt 1/640 etc

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

That's a fair point. Thanks Leigh.

@Woodpecker1404 2 жыл бұрын

Good video but I agree with Leigh. It’s also true that this ‘rule’ was developed for film cameras. Now lenses are sharper and we have megapixels which are smaller than film grain so we ought to be using even shorter exposures. Of course we also have image stabilisation which works in the opposite direction. All very confusing so Paul’s next point about checking is key. Start with the reciprocal rule and experiment.

@mandywright7218 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that!! I have been trying to figure out for a while now where I go wrong and I think your video highlighted some problem areas.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant!

@petepreston1103 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Paul...brilliant tips...I took filters off my lens...Great tip...

@rafapajestka-nalesnychscie8167 2 жыл бұрын

Przyroda potrafi zaskakiwać pięknymi i ciekawymi spotkaniami. Brawo. Pozdrawiam serdecznie Rafał 👍🌲

@malaustwick5364 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Paul, Great informative video as per! Tip 2 for me - This has really improved my images over the past year and a bit since starting this compulsive hobby! And like you say just stepping sideways just a bit can greatly improve the background to an image. cheers pal.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely. Always try to see if there's an improvement to be had.

@brianpereira3755 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul, great tips and like some others the removal of my Len's UV /protector has made a huge difference to the focus, detail and sharpness.. Like others I thought it was my newly acquired used body or the lens! The relief that it was something so simple and quickly fixable that has made such a step change now to my photography. Thanks again, Brian

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliiant!

@jawee6144 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul! Really nice to affirm I've assimilated most of this already (And I'm sure you had a hand in that) Must be time to exhibit now right? 😂 x

@eljayr4669 2 жыл бұрын

Very useful tips but unfortunately photographers have no control of Wildlife movement. If a rare Bird is in a bush you can forget the niceties of bokah.

@grahamhopkinson1816 2 жыл бұрын

I know from experience with you that taking the UV off on my Sigma 150-600 c helped sharpen images up substantially. I wonder how many people jump to fine tunng lenses that don't need it?

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

I've had this a few times. You're probably right Graham - the first step would be to try without filter.. then do some tests of static subjects.

@joshclb2000 10 ай бұрын

I was take landscape photos, then saw a bird I wanted. I forgot to switch to the correct mode wich I set for birds . And got crapy photos. So to swich back to the right modes

@marieta.s 2 жыл бұрын

Well I am guilty of many of these mistakes. I just realised I have a uv filter for protection in front of my lens. I will be removing it to see if it will make any difference. Although most of the mistakes I make might be due to poor technique and inexperience as well. Also my shots tend to be very opportunistic, as I shoot whatever I can find in my walks. As a result I can’t say I have the luxury of controlling my background. I just don’t have the patience to sit for hours in one place waiting for something to happen.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Just be careful if you remove the filter. If opportunistic shooting then yes, you often can't change your background.

@johnwood4801 2 жыл бұрын

Another very informative video Paul and all makes sense to me and I'm guilty of them all except number 5. Cannot understand why there would be 5 thumbs down for this video ??

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you John. You will always get a few thumbs down, it's just normal. My likes are usually around 97% - so it's not a problem!

@garystone6583 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Paul. Recently started firing bursts with wildlife and it does help to get that good shot. Used to toke one image at a time like I did with film cameras. Glad I don't now.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely helps - particularly with small birds I find.

@Jack-jy1tt 2 жыл бұрын

Great video as always Paul - having only been doing this for a comparatively short amount of time, I'm pleased to know I'm not making these mistakes (anymore!) One thing I sometimes struggle to decide on when taking a photo is which focus points to use (i.e. single point of focus or grouped etc) - would be great to see what you do in various situations 👍

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

I mostly use a single focus point. Then slightly expanded for some flight shots. Very rare I use any more focus points.

@Jack-jy1tt 2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Hi Paul, apologies for the late response - thanks for the tip I'll keep this in mind when out and about 👍

@CamillaI 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Paul yep made all those mistakes before good video ! 👍😍

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers. Do you use a filter on your lens?

@CamillaI 2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Used to but not any more, a very expensive lens with a cheap bit of glass on the front ! Detracts from the image slightly. Exception being a macro lens if I am getting close to the subject and bush liable to scratch the front element then I may use one !

@geoffpalmer6424 2 жыл бұрын

Just started back with a good DSLR and making mistakes all the time but I will improve if only I could remember what you say when I am away from my computer.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Lol! Glad you're getting back into it Geoff.

@deirdreharness2701 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Paul, your videos are always helpful 😀. I will try without the filter, I often sharpen my photos, will this be the same?

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Deirdre. You cannot re-create sharpness afterwards but you can create the illusion to some extent.

@andywessels4719 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! The one mistake, I regularly make, is not checking my images frequently enough on the back of my camera (like yesterday.... must have turned exposure compensation by accident way down). I'd say that the "one over focal length" equation is really more useful for handheld-shooting (relatively) static objects. If you shoot birds in flight (BIF) or any other situation where wildlife is moving fast (e.g. a heron hunting fish in a pond) with a long lens, you often need to go a lot faster. If I am out and about and expect action somewhere (I am always on the lookout for birds of prey) I typically have my shutter speed dialed in on 1/2500 (Nikon D500+Tamron 150-600G2). but will go up to 1/3200 with fast action (osprey diving). Also, do not forget about your Vibration Reduction feature on your lens (if you have that).

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I'd agree about the shutter speed. For checking - I still do that sometimes now - and I make a special effort in exceptional circumstances as you can't re-create that moment.

@messylaura 2 жыл бұрын

been doing photography for two years now, i'm clear on these ones but one 'mistake' i have been doing is only ever shooting in single af point on servo for birds in flight, it works well 90% of the time but when the bird is in clear sky i have been recently switching to multi point servo. i only have the M50 but its multi point works well enough

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

It's how I tend to work. Best to experiment with it - I rarely use anything above 9 points.

@paulbaldwin2290 2 жыл бұрын

Great info once again Paul 👍all Great tips from a maniac 🤣 is that your cottage? How about a some info on when and when not to use a lens hood 🤔Great teaching with a good bit of fun keep them coming 👌👏👏👏

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Lol! I wish it was my cottage.. I do a lot of videos here. The landowners are amazing - and they love wildlife too!

@paulbaldwin2290 2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Thanks for replying 👍and yes seen the cottage in few of your videos.

@gelderman1 2 жыл бұрын

Great video's Paul. You can use a slower shutter speed if the bird or squirrel is sitting quit still, like your second photo with the squirrel. 500mm with 250s shutter instead of the minimum of 500s.

@andywessels4719 2 жыл бұрын

In these kind of situations I typically take series of images with different shutter speeds (only takes a few seconds to rotate the dial on my D500, manual settings with auto ISO)

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely. I try to do this when I can.

@nsbhagwat 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for tips Paul. An aside question, you are still using the first generation 1DX. Any plans to go for 1DX3? Stay safe.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I'm still using the DX. I doubt I'd get a 1DX3. Probably an R5 or R6 I think.

@gregwilsonnaturephotography 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Paul, I remember the first time I forgot to check the battery. Either it is not fully charged or not in the camera. I remember the first time it happened to me, it was the last. I now have extra batteries in both of our cars! Also check memory cards as well. Greg

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely happened to me too. I'm going to talk about this in the next video. I have a 'back up' memory car in the car too... from experience!

@yusufkarim100 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a fantastic video full of good advice. When you talk of fast shutter speed, presumably you are talking about still photos. But what about videography? We are advised to use 1/frame rate X 2. So, if I am filming at 25 frames per second, I would use a shutter speed of 1/50. Is that applicable when filming wild life?

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I mean for stills. What you say is correct for a 'natural' look to the video, yes. You can film wildlife the same or you can do slow motion - in this case you can shoot for example at 50 frames per second and you use a shutter speed of 1/100. Then you can slow down aterwards.

@yusufkarim100 2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Thank you very much for your excellent suggestion. I will definitely try it soon!

@paulgibbings9553 2 жыл бұрын

Although not a newbie to photography, I've only been photographing birds since the first lockdown. I don't have a garden so it's all done in public spaces. and I go out with good intentions of getting a good clean background, then I see a bird, get excited and just end up taking photos with really messy backgrounds. I've tried setting up branches and even rocks before I start shooting sometimes, but don't think I've ever persuaded a bird to land on one.

@PaulMiguelPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

You can usually get birds to land on perches if you put food nearby. Just keep experimenting. Best of luck.. and enjoy!

@mremumerm 2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotography so you have no issues with feeding wildlife? I was always raised not to since it is habit forming and detrimental to them

@andywessels4719 2 жыл бұрын

@@mremumerm there is nothing wrong with spreading out a handful of seeds now and then

@paulgibbings9553 2 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMiguelPhotographyI've been back to the same location twice since this comment and both times have been far more successful. I found the answer was using a smaller and thinner section of branch. People always tend to feed the birds here, so it's just a case of making sure the food is in the right place to encourage the birds to land on the branch.