My dad used to say, “luck is where hard work meets opportunity.“ I have finally moved to the stage where I am creating a photograph rather than taking a photograph. Birds are hard! Opportunities are fleeting, but rewards are great when it all comes together. I do like this style of video, but I’d probably watch anything that you put out Duade! I love the channel, I love your teaching style, and I appreciate that you show us that even the pros have their challenges!

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment and I love what your Dad said, very true. And yes, creating a photograph is a great way to put it. Cheers, Duade

Always a pleasure to see your joy in getting out and about. No birds? No problem, still lucky to be out enjoying life.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks mate, I couldnt agree more, Cheers, Duade

Hi Duade, Your edits are always excellent and natural. My most watched video of yours is also your post processing video (from almost 2 years ago) where you talk a bit more about your editing style in a presentation. So speaking of “Transforming your photos”😉 I would love to see an updated, step by step, post processing video from RAW to final edit. Cheers, Levi.

I just wish your channel had been going 20 years ago, it would have saved me a lot of time. Thank you Duade.

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Thanks Michael, I am happy the channel is helpful, Cheers, Duade

I also like it when an image shows something of the environment of the bird, although I don't mind if a lot of that is abstract and out of focus: at least you see something that is going on around the bird. It's not just a bird on a blank sheet of colour.

Love the photos with a bit more in the background. I always feel like a plain background is more of a processed image than realistic. Your enthusiasm is infectious Duade, and I really appreciate your candor whenever you make a video. It's important to us mere mortals to know that even the pros have bad days too mate. Cheers Duade!

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks Keith, I appreciate the feedback, yep, can be tough out there at times and we have to try to enjoy that process of just being out there. Cheers, Duade

Thanks for the video. Sorry to say it, but it's encouraging that taking pictures with you doesn't always work out either. The hints you give in your videos have already helped me a lot. Also in this presentation that gives us insight on what to look out for background when shooting. Thanks and I look forward to the next video.

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

My pleasure, yes, important to share the failures as well. Cheers, Duade

Good to hear from you Duade you always bring a positive energy, happy birding to you mate 👍

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks mate, Cheers, Duade

It’s all about just getting out and enjoying your outing. Thank you for showing your crop. ❤

Wonderful shots as usual. Glad to see you with the OM system today,..hahahahaha. Best all from Spain!

Great video. I loved the golden light photos of the pelicans and ducks. I did a deep dive into backgrounds in 2023. It really helped my photos. When I start composing, and I am unhappy, with it I remind myself that I have feet and I can move.

@Duade

14 күн бұрын

Thanks for the comment, love that comment, yes we have feet and we can move. Cheers, Duade

Yeeee, nice to see you using the OM-1 with the 300. Such a wonderful combo, I'm in love with mine.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks, the sharpness surprises me everytime, its fantastic. Cheers, Duade

@mazaribeiro

12 күн бұрын

@@Duade Ikr, I have never seen a lens that is capable of such good IQ. And I've shot many before, even on the R5 with the 500mm f/4 I struggle to get shots as sharp as the ones shot with the Olympus. P.s. Not gonna mention practicality because it wouldn't be fair on Canon hehe.

Hi Duane. I’m very much enjoying these short master classes and your demonstration of your methods and thought process. Thanks!

@Duade

7 күн бұрын

Thanks, I am working on another one now, Cheers, DUade

Interesting video, I had a look back through some of my images and it’s amazing how many images I thought looked good but the background just ruins it. Great to see you out in the field, beautiful locations.

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Thanks mate, yes, over time you start to see the backgrounds in the field, I too have many good images that could have been a bit better had I moved a bit. Cheers, Duade

A master class and with the OM-1, another great Video. Cheers

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Many thanks!

Great episode, great photos! My personal preference -- I love to see some of the habitat in with the bird, with the right balanced elements of composition, as you've demonstrated here. I like to see where they live and what they are doing. I personally loved the shrike photo, which I think shows how beautiful nature is in general, in addition to a great shot on the bird. You've got some compositions in this episode that really caught my eye, and I enjoyed seeing them -- thanks for sharing. BTW, in regards to your previous Part 1 Episode, I'm wondering LOL if I'm the only photographer out there that enjoys seeing in the image the reflection in the water created by the bird (or created possibly by something else interesting), in addition to the bird, and view it as an artistic part of the photo and not a distraction. To get those, I find that I need to be at kneeling height (with EVF at my eye) rather than low on my stomach. Kind regards

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks mate, yes, I should have mentioned the reflection option from a higher angle, great point and makes for unique shots. I too like some habitat in the shot, but can be difficult to get the balance right. Cheers, Duade

I gather great inspiration from your videos and that is very true for this video also. Thanks for sharing.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

My pleasure, Cheers, Duade

we all love these videos, Thanks for putting in the the time and effort. Cheers from Scotland

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade

Spot on Duade, I’ve been saying for years that the background is just as important as your subject. Often moving left or right a foot or two can make a huge difference to the image. It’s also very important to look at how the light is falling on the subject, slight movements of the bird can mean the difference between a nicely lit subject or one with bad shadows across its body.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks for your comment and I totally agree, its this skill that often elevates a photo but is hard to acquire. Cheers, Duade

Nice one Duade, even though I'm very experienced and understand these aspects of framing it's good to be reminded of how critical this is and it'll help me think of this more consciously and improve my shooting plus it's entertaining Cheers Noel from NZ

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks Noel, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

Hi Duade, another nice video that gives us the feeling that we are with you in the field to share your passion! Today's take-home message for me is the balance between a too bland and a too busy background. A precious insight that emphasizes the subtelty of your approach. Many thanks!

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Thanks Daniel, exactly what I was trying to get across, Cheers, Duade

The image at 10:26 has some foreground blurring to frame the subject too. Good tips! Terrific images.

Thanks Duade!

@Duade

3 күн бұрын

My pleasure, and thanks for the support, Cheers, Duade

Love these videos. I feel there are way too many videos on aperture, shutter speed she iso, but few people talk about how to think in the field. I also appreciate very much that you show how it really is with all the failures. I studied behavioural ecology and think that I can find birds and get to them, but even from there it is a long way to a good photo. Very very useful videos.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

another great video... especially your love of what you do.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks mate, yes, always fun being out there, Cheers, Duade

I've watched many videos on gear and photography. With yours I feel that I am with you as you share your joy and enthusiasm. Your reviews are very clear, informative and enjoyable to watch. My 1st DSLR was the EOS 20D and i still love the positive feel of it's control wheel and shutter button plus lovely colours. After A 7D MK 2 i am now loving how easy auto and manual exposure and focusing is on the R6 MK 2 using existing EF lenses including the 5.6 400mm that you have often mentioned. To sum up, thankyou for exceptional reviews and none that have the feel of being fillers to keep viewers coming back. Paul.

Amazing video and wonderful shots, as always! Cheers from Italy!

@Duade

13 күн бұрын

Thank you very much!

Really love habitat shots and you do it beautifully. Great seeing the learning curve images, so encouraging. Fantastic series, Duade, on this very special channel.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks Joan, I appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade

As always love to see you out. Is like therapy 😊

Thank you for all the information you share...📷❤

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

My pleasure, Cheers, Duade

Another very informative video Duade. Many thanks for all your help for us photographer's starting out on bird photography. You have a lovely teaching method, which really helps. Looking forward to the next video. Keep up the good work.

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Hi Duade, This is really well explained and I always learn something from your vids, seeing the wetlands again just wants me to return as soon as I can and try even harder to get much better shots than last time. take care.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks mate, yes, a great spot that I am sure you will visit again some day. Cheers, DUade

Thanks for your master class teaching. All your photos are absolutely beautiful naturally. No more created, no more fake color, just it’s, how they look like. ❤

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

Great little tutorial and masterclass Duade!

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Thank you kindly!

Thank you for another Back to Basics video and reminding us all that wildlife photography is hard and it doesn’t always work out and try another day!

Hi Duade. I’ve only just managed to sit down and view this video (been away a few days and always like to get home and watch your videos on a decent 4K screen and with good sound). I really enjoyed it, some Duade Paton ‘bird photography therapy’ and some learning, all in the same 11 min video, excellent, thank you. Although I couldn’t help noticing your Flex Shooter Pro head and your Sirui AR 3204 tripod - gear envy again! Thanks again, great work as always. John

@Duade

7 күн бұрын

Thanks John, apologies for the delay, I am glad you enjoyed it, I am working on the next one now. Cheers, Duade

Hi Duade. Good points all of them. I really enjoy these videos with a teaching spot! 👍 Jan, Denmark

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Great video! I think there's a lot of value in showing the sub-par photos, especially that if demonstrates your willingness to take extra photos on your way to setting up the perfect composition.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade

Duade, thanks for an amazing video as always! Would you be interested in once showing your post-processing routine? What dimensions do you prefer your pics to have, and what do you export settings from lightroom look like. Would love to hear! Thanks!

@Duade

14 күн бұрын

Thanks Kevin, I am working on a Lightroom course at the moment which will hopefully answer a lot of those questions. Cheers, Duade

Another great and informative video, Duade. Your earlier videos really made me the photographer I am today. I still struggle with great backgrounds as birds don't always play nice 😂. There's still much to learn and your videos certainly help 👍.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks for the feedback and glad to hear the videos have helped, Cheers, Duade

Thanks for another great video Duade!!❤

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

My pleasure, I am glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade

Watching your videos are always useful to me since I always learn something... each time! Great work! I can't wait to get my Canon R7 back (from Canon) to go practice your technics (with my brand new RF 200-800mm I just bought ! ) (never even try it on my camera yet! 😄) Have a nice one Duade!

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Congrats on the gear, the key is just getting out there and having fun, fail and then try again. Over time your images will improve. Cheers, Duade

@frankgiroux

18 күн бұрын

... and keep watching your videos... 😊 Thank you Duade. I will do that. 😃

Love your passion and sincerity Duade. Always take away something useful from your videos.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

I appreciate that!

Thanks very much for this video Duade, 100% useful and educational, like all your productions. Cheers, Mark

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks Mark, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

As always, your examples are very persuasive. I confess that I was somewhat surprised by the extent of the crop you applied to the smallish M43 sensor in the OM-1, but it seems to to work (I really appreciate seeing the RAW and final images, with the crop superimposed). I'm just about to head out for some intensive bird-watching at Point Pelee, Ontario, which attracts hundreds of photographers from all over the world at this time of year. I'm glad I found your video before leaving. Thanks for sharing.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks, yes, the crops were not ideal but that was the composition I liked, I may have to use a 1.4 converter for a bit more reach in future. Cheers, Duade

Always sage advice mate. Another cracking video.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks Dave, Cheers, Duade

I really struggle with backgrounds. That's what makes a picture perfect!

Thanks for the great information. Glad I came across your channel. I'm learning a lot and appreciate your honesty!

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thank you and please continue with these kind of videos. There so helpfull!

Thanks for the video, as a beginner photographer I'm just starting to think about the importance of backgrounds. Good luck and all the best to you! Greetings from Serbia!

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks, and good luck, Cheers, Duade

I am also new to ‘including the habitat.’ When I’m in the Rockies shooting moose, grizzlies etc, I get so excited and try to bring them in so close that after reviewing my shots I realize that it’s a bear that could be anywhere. This years trip I am going to concentrate more on including the beautiful backdrops that they call home 🙂

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks for the feedback, good luck with your trip this year capturing those beautiful animals in their habitat. Cheers, Duade

Thanks Duade - very good tutorial

Fantastic video!

thanks for these duade

This is a great video. Thank you!

Hi duade as usual another gr8 video simply explained

Hi Duade, I've been a fan for well over a year now, and consistently watch your videos, which brings me much joy. I recently got the Sigma 150-600 C, and I love the reach on it, along with the sharpness. However, I can not seem to get good (sharp) shots with it when I am out in the field. I have a somewhat basic DSLR with 9 AF points, similar to the 40D. I was wondering how you are able to get amazing shots when you work with the 9 points. I'd love it if you could make yet another video on the 40D + 150-600, and explain how you focus to get sharp photos with AF points on a DSLR. Thank you!

Hey Duade, I would love if you could get your hands on the new Sigma 500mm F5.6 for e-mount. I'm really interested in the lens but it's too expensive to rent and try and the reviews I am seeing are mixed, usually saying to stick with the 200-600mm, but I have been looking for a lighter lens for a couple years now and 500mm, F5.6 sounds perfect. Great video by the way 😁

Thanks!

@Duade

7 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for the support, Cheers, Duade

Thank you Duade

Important stuff Duade, great video.

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

My pleasure, Cheers, Duade

Nice video, this comes in handy when I am now starting to build my photoshelter

Great tips and very well presented. Makes me want to get out in the field. Thank you!

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Great to hear, have fun out there, Cheers, Duade

Great content in this video!

Fantastic production! Heartfelt thanks for this. The preserve you were shooting in with the tall grass greatly resembles my local refuge in the USA near Savannah, Georgia so this was especially helpful. I do have a question. What considerations do you give to predators when attempting to frame your shots. My local preserve has a population of several hundred alligator. Many times I want to lay down low at the waterline to get the shot. But that scene in Crocodile Dundee when Sue tries to fill her canteen at the water's edge comes to mind. So what precautions do you take when photographing subjects in an environment rich with predators?

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

G'day, yes, that is a concern in areas with predators, thankfully we only get snakes in the southern part of Australia, the crocs are up north so I don't have to worry about them. For snakes I try to wear boots, I have a snake bite kit handy and always have some way of contacting help if needed. Cheers, Duade

Really great video again! I’m glad you mentioned that your hands were getting cold. I’ve been wondering why youtubers don’t wear gloves in videos when it’s cold. I don’t mean you or this video but those tens of videos I’ve watched where youtubers are in Alaska in winter time and are shooting video outside in freezing cold. I’ve been thinking about this every now and then for years. I mean it wouldn’t make the videos any worse if those people were wearing gloves. Actually it would make them better. I might remember what they were talking about. Now I just remember that they weren’t wearing gloves. 😂

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

I just underestimated how cold it was as we are not in winter yet, I do need a good pair of fingerless gloves though, Cheers, Duade

Great explanation in this video, thank you. Was at Winton last Friday and I got those Cisticolas in lovely light but wasnt sure what they were. Also saw a kestrel hovering but stupidly I zoomed in instead of out on Sigma 100-400 (Nikon muscle memory).

fantastic fantastic fantastic video!!!! Thank you very very much!!!!

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Veryhelpfull..thanks

Great new format, either reminders or new info discovered so that is educational and didactical; great to have you back in the field, your natural environment I think ! I love your new style, certainly more difficult to get a nice environment and all the other ingredients you need to factor in but so much more to love in such a photo than a bird on a stick (however nice the stick or the colours in the aground are!). Thank you so much Duade !

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

My pleasure and thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade

Early gang! Love the videos duade and the photos keep it up bud! :)

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Thanks! Will do!

Great video! Hardest thing for me is not scaring the birds off as I change position. Also, could it be that the fact I am smaller makes my 600mm look MASSIVE in comparison? Birds don't seem to fly off so easily when a bigger person lifts up their lens, but me? Gone. I'll remember these tips in the future (now).

Hi Duade, this masterclass series is an awesome rehearsal of what I've learned over the past 3 years .. and I must admit for the part before loading the images on the computer, the most important insights have been provided by you mate ! As usual it's easier said than done in practice, so I am not getting bored at all watching you explaining similar concepts once more, always marvelously illustrated and always from a slightly different angle. But I am wondering, when you're circling at least 90degrees around a kangaroo .. and it keeps nicely looking at you .. does this imply it's your pet kangaroo ? Like Jan (or his daughter) now seems to have a tame kookaburra ??

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Thanks mate, glad to hear the videos are helping. I find a lot of wildlife almost have an imaginary circle around them, enter that and they will move. These Kangaroos are not truly wild as cars are going past most days so they are wary but not afraid. This is another key tip is finding those subjects that will tolerate humans. Cheers, Duade

@WernerBirdNature

17 күн бұрын

@@Duade Indeed, it often feels like there's such circle .. but the circle radius isn't hardcoded for a given species. Even for a single bird it can change depending where it's sitting and how safe if feels .. That's why when approaching a bird, I try to zig-zag to it instead of going in a straight line. Extra benefit of zigzagging is that it allows to check out the best background and light angle ;-) On Wednesday, our friend showed us a wetland a bit similar to your Winston. without larger bushes it's indeed easier to find good backgrounds. But what stunned me was that my wife managed some great shots of a Lark hovering high in the sky with her R7 + RF100-400, while I struggled to get initial focus with my R5 + 200-800. I guess the weight difference makes it a lot harder to find the bird in the EVF as it wasn't staying in the same position like Kestrels often do ..

@Duade

14 күн бұрын

@@WernerBirdNature Thanks mate, yes very good points and I agree. Yes initial acquisition with the 100-500 can be easier if you start wider as you can find the subject quicker and zoom in. That is why I would have preferred a quicker throw on the 200-800 so you can start wider to find the bird then zoom in quickly. Cheers, Duade

6:49 that's the trap ! Being too tough on ourselves...

In my opinion the picture with the tree behind was nicer than the one with a unicoloured background. As I see it, if the background itself is without any structure unicoloured, the bird itself must be in an interesting pose that the picture ist nice and interesting. If the picture shows something of the surroundings, maybe in a nice structure by itself, the bird can look a little bit boring and nonetheless it is a good and nice picture.

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

Thanks for the feedback, it is always a balance isnt it, I too prefer some sort of habitat in the background, but I don't want it dominating the subject. Cheers, Duade

I have a lot of early pics of birds in trees with a blue background. 😆

In our parks in South Africa where we mostly see our wildlife, you are not allowed to get out of your vehicle, so we are so limited to frame and or compose our shots, so its a hard task indeed. If you do get out, the lions and leopards will get you🤣

Duade, con ese lente, a qué distancia promedio dispara para obtener un buen recorte? Excelentes videos. Mucha gracias por el tiempo dedicado.

Hi Duade, I’ve been looking at the Canon M50 and R100, wondering which would be better for wildlife. Going to pair with the Sigma 150-600c. Currently using a Rebel T7, I’ve also looked into getting the 7D. Cheers!

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

G'day, the Sigma unfortunately does not play nicely with eye tracking on the R100 and works best on DSLRs, with the 90D or 7D2 likely being the best options. Cheers, Duade

Two things that IMO spoil an image with a good background, (1) A branch/twig dissecting the body of the bird but not always possible (2) A missing tail, always feel a bird without at least some of the tail showing just does not look right but again JMO. Russ. UK

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

Thanks mate, totally agree, Cheers, Duade

I’m wondering how you exposed the sunset/sunrise shots specifically @7:58. Are you using evaluative metering or exposing for the sky or something else? Thanks!

@Duade

18 күн бұрын

G'day, I was using manual exposure and underexposing it on purpose as not to blow the sun too much. The dynamic range was enough to brighten the darker parts. Also at this time the sky is not that much brighter, with only the sun being very bright. Cheers, Duade

@pulper11

11 күн бұрын

@@Duade thanks Duade for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it!

Why go with 300mm prime when you can go with zooms you can zoom in on a bird 🐦 🐦‍⬛

@jhenry248

18 күн бұрын

The OM-1 is micro 4 thirds it's crop is 2x. He's basically shooting with a 600mm lens. That's plenty of reach for birding.

@treeman3663

16 күн бұрын

​@@jhenry248thx for clarification

you only fail when you stop trying.

Thanks,Duade! I always love your videos! 👋🏼😊

@Duade

17 күн бұрын

So nice of you!

@1WorldPhotographydotcom

17 күн бұрын

@@Duade Sorry, typo! I corrected the spelling of your name! 😀

Thank you for all the information you share...📷❤