Having worked as a professional photographer all my adult life and having taught photography and digital post-production at numerous universities and workshops with very favorable student feedback, I do believe that I have a good understanding of teaching photography. After having attended various presentations and mini-workshops by very established and great visual artist, I can tell you this; being a great photographer does not equal being a great teacher and there are even some not so great photographers that are very good teachers. I have only watched a few of Mark Smith’s videos and my impression is that he is in a league of his own, a great photographer and a great instructor, a pleasure to watch providing extremely useful information. I do plan to view more of his videos and possibly attend one of his workshops, as fast-moving bird photography is not my expertise.

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Wow, that is very. very nice of you to say. Thanks so much for that!

@stefanhallberg7358

5 жыл бұрын

@@MarkSmithphotography Your welcome, it is what it is, I am a hardcore teacher expecting only the very best of my students meaning I only give praise when praise is earned. Looking forward to meeting you someday.

You know you're stuff, from a real world perspective, and are very generous with your time and knowledge. It largely goes unsaid, but I'm sure many people, including myself, are very appreciative.

Mark; thanks so much for this series of videos on wildlife settings, never owned a pro level controlled camera before now; you've made this early learning process fastrack into the field in no time at all. Learned more in 24hrs from these than I have of weeks of going through some others on here. They are good but your whole approach is like a friend showing you how. Works a treat. Cheers.

Thanks for this video, Mark, I used your suggested autofocus settings with my D500 on a recent wildlife tour and got excellent results, especially for birds in flight. And the single point focus setting is very convenient for certain situations where group focus is not required.

Hi Mark, just starting on photography. D500 and Nikkor AF-S 55-300 for the moment. Once I get the hang of this will upgrade to the big glass. You are truly an inspiration and of great help. Greetings from Sri Lanka.

I'm a long-time birder, but a D500 newbie. This was clear and helpful in knowing what to do on the camera based on what you see. Thank you.

I’m renting a D500 in a few days and this video has been very helpful as I want to do some bird photography. You’re a very good teacher.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video.

Mark, This past Friday evening I watched many of your videos and then went out over the weekend with a friend and used many of the tips, techniques and setup options you suggest. Wow, total game changers in the learning curve to shoot in birds in flight with the D500 and 200-500mm lens. Thank you for taking the time to make the videos and share them with the world, they are well made and you make them entertaining to watch!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

That is awesome. Glad the videos have helped you. Have a great time out there shooting!

Mark - Bought my D500 for wildlife photography and have been frustrated ever since. I know this is an excellent camera for my requirements. My results just haven't been living up to expectation. Watched your series on Birds in Flight and now feel something for the first time. Confidence. Love the way you break it all down for idiots like me. Off to South Florida next week and really feeling optimistic regarding the quality of the bird shots I'll be getting there. Thank you! Tom

Mark I have to say your simple but complete approach to teaching me exactly how to change the setting ,but showing me step by step on the actual camera was extremely easy to follow.I'm a fan now !! thanks'

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and even more glad it helped!

Brilliant video and excellent for finding out more with all of the deeper settings within the D500.

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks

found your channel 3 days ago after buying a d500 for 900 bucks. I bought your books and can't wait to start reading them.

This was one of the best video's I've seen on the D500 and I've watched at least 100 of them. Thank you!

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks so much for the great compliments!

Mark, great video thanks for posting. I like how you present your information, to the point and easy to understand!

Great video, I just got my D500 and will be trying your recommendations this morning. Thanks.

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great video Mark, clear instructions, easy to follow even for someone new to Nikon. Forgive me if someone has already made this observation. For birds in flight. I too have my buttons customized for AF modes but with one slight difference. Since I always use back button focusing, with focus assigned to the af 0n button. I tend to have this button as my primary shooting mode. Group25. Then set the joystick to single point. In this way both buttons work as focus buttons and the shutter release is left to do just that.

Thanks a lot. Your enthusiasm is addictive. And your knowledge is helping me tremendously!

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Awesome and you are very welcome!

Mark, another fantastic and informative video. I bought my D500 and 200-500mm lens yesterday, all because of you. I feel my life improving already. Many thanks.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

+MrFreshbreeze50 Great! Thanks for the compliments!

Very awesome... Explained neat and elegant way. Lively and lovely demo for action photography. Great job. Thanks.

Hi Mark, I've just purchased the D500 and really enjoyed your video. Very informative.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

+Ray Brown Great. Enjoy the d500. It is a great camera.

Hey Mark - Thanks for going step by step with the D500. I am new with it & know it can do a whole bunch more than I am able to right now. Your videos are getting me to where I want to be with this awesome camera. Please do more - slow and simple for knuckleheads like me.

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

Just one comment... I have watched a lot of videos and I am a Nikon shooter. I currently own the D850. You are very special Mark.. You are a teacher and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others.. Final Comment... YOU ARE AWSOME!!!!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. That is very nice of you to say.

I have set my preview button "top right side button next to the lens mount, easily accessible by using the middle finger to press it while using the index finger for the shutter button" for 72 points "you can set it up to whatever points you want, I sometimes set it up for 25 points depending on what I will be shooting ", I have set the joystick button set for group focus, the AF-ON button is set for single point AF, I can also change it on the fly to 3D tracking by pressing the AF/M button selector switch and scrolling through the focus point selections which are visible in the viewfinder or the LCD screen on the back by pressing the info button.

Excellent, a very helpfull way of changing focus points on the run. Thanks you.

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Thank you so much I just purchaced a D500 and this video really helped me, I love birds and other wildlife thanks again.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Awesome. Enjoy the new camera. It is a good one. I'm glad the video helped.

Many thanks for this video Mark! (and some others as well). I recently got a D500 with the kit 16-80mm lens, and I just set up the AF per your video. I'll be picking up either a 300mm f4 PF or a 200-500mm very soon. I live off of a river in Maryland with Bald Eagles and Ospreys around, and followed a fledgling Bald Eagle around this morning. Your videos are fantastic and very helpful!

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

That's awesome. Sounds like you are in a great location

You did an awesome job of explaining and showing the features of this camera. Thank you!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I think over and above the like button, KZread should add a love button on your channel ! Your vlogs are so informative and so interactive, I feel I am almost having a chat with you and accompanying you in field. Every video is superb ! Great job Mark

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

That is great to hear. Thanks for sharing. Your comment is exactly what I am going for. I want to bring everyone along for the trip.

Excellent and applicable to many other cameras, I appreciate your effort and your photos are par excellent

Wow. Excellent, simple and to the point. Well done Mark and thank you. Subscribed.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Excellent, Mark! You should teach a class. This is a must-see for wildlife photographers. I can see the D500 is like a fine-tuned machine.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! The D500 is an awesome camera!

@autumnwhispers2me

7 жыл бұрын

I second UncleVinny's suggestion for video classes. I've never found tutorials, explanations, etc on any video that comes even remotely close to the way you teach and describe everything. SO grateful for your videos, and would definitely love to see you teach classes, either video or live stream.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! I'm glad to know the videos are helping others get the most from their cameras. I need to think the whole teaching thing through. Not sure what platform would be best for that and I am open to suggestions.

@autumnwhispers2me

7 жыл бұрын

So many options I wouldn't even begin to know which would be best. But I'll be waiting in line to sign up if you do decide to go for it. You have a great way of explaining things, which isn't always the case with many of the videos I've watched.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. I am currently writing a how to book for bird photography. When it is ready, I will post a video about it.

Thank you, Mark this was very helpful.

Great video with useful tips, one thing though, I prefer using the AF-ON button for back button focusing, then I use the PV (preview) button in front of the camera instead for a quickly switching to single point.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks and thanks for sharing more useful tips about the PV button.

Excellent! Fixed all the problems I had shooting at a wildlife refuge a few days ago.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Awesome. Glad to hear it.

Thanks for this! I just got my D500 and was trying to decide on the best set up for birds in flight.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome.

Super easy to understand!!!! Thank you!!! Will be coming back to your videos again!!

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

Thanks for the great info! Visited your website absolutely stunning photographs

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks

On your Mark.........Grrreat video. I just purchased my D500 and this really helped me with birds in flight and my action sports. Till next video....Mick

This is a great video. I set up my d500 in the manner you described and I find it VERY helpful as I try to get some nice bif shots at Brigantine and Forsythe Refuge in NJ. very nicely done. thanks.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Great! Glad to hear it.

Just come across your channel and love your video's. I have just purchased a D500 and find your video's very informative. Thank you.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

That is awesome. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the videos are helpful!

Mark. I really like this video. I just got a D500, moving from a D610. Your video helped me a lot.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

+vorticity4 Great! Glad to hear it.

Hi Mark, wow a fan from India....great photography and tips....thanks a lot...

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Great video and so easy to follow along. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. I'm glad to share.

I am about to have a crack at BIF. This appears to be fantastic advice. I have just set up a D500 and D850 based on this common sense advice and I am off to give it a try. Subscribed.

Just got my D500, thanks for your great information.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. Enjoy!

Thanks to this setup my birds in flight photography has improved enormously . Thank you very much !!

Excellent video. Nice and clear with good tips

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Very well explained!!

(Alan) .....Very handy tutorial Mark. I've had my D500 for a few months now, and am still learning things about it. I must try video at some time, that's something I haven't tried at all so far

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Filming with the D500 is really nice. The 4K looks great but it crops the image quite a bit. This can be really good for wildlife though. It gets you that much closer.

Mark, I think you would make a fine Nikon Ambassador. Great videos. I'd love to bring you birding with me for a couple of days .

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

That is very nice of you to say. Now nikon just needs to toss me the offera

Excellent tutorial Mark keep up the good work .

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

u r simply great.i learn a lot from your video ,an Indian

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

2 thumbs up for the Manfrotto 393 gimbal head. I love mine. Best bang for the buck in the gimbal world!

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Agreed. It is an awesome piece of gear.

Great Video!!!!....I just ordered a D500 and grip to go with my 200-500mm. Augmenting a 7100, D3, and D700. Love your channel thanks to the Angry Photographer for the referral to you!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks to you and the Angry Photographer! Glad you are enjoying my videos. I am having a great time making them.

Going through your video again as a refresher with my NEW D500.. I traded the old one in and you know the story why...

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Yep!

Great tutorial Mark..thanks a lot.

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Outstanding!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks1

Love it man . thanks a ton ♥️

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

nice job, this was very helpful, clear and understanding. thnx for sharing

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome!

U r simply great sir.an Indian follower

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks

I love my 500 and the options I have with all my FX lenses on it. The 10 frames/sec are fantastic for action shooting as is the very fast AF.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

It’s a great camera!

Hi Mark I have just bought a D500 and I thought your video was just great

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

+stuart andrews Thank you very much!

Great video! I'm learning about the cameras before I buy it! 👍☺️

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Good idea! Glad you are enjoying them.

I'm planning to take a safari tour to South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe in October 2019. I'm trying to get closer to selecting what camera to carry on the trip. Currently, I have a D7100 as my only camera using an 18-300 mm lens. That has worked generally, but have noted two primary problems (photographing aircraft both static and in-flight:) 1) The camera seems to easily get dirt onto the sensor... I've heard that lens may be the problem as it is supposedly not tight enough. 2) The autofocus, while faster than my earlier cameras is not good enough and I am jealous of both the D500 and D850. I'm planning to keep the D7100 & lens as a backup, but to buy a new camera for the trip. I was very interested in the Z7 but am unhappy about the autofocus being less capable than the D500 and D850. So, I remain undecided especially after your comments about the buffer size in the D850 (which I think is similar in the Z7.) Any more suggestions?

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

D850 buffer seems better than the Z7. You can't go wrong with either the D500 or the D850.

Great video!! Thank you!!

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Really liked your video Mark!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Great! Thanks for watching!

Really nice job, well done

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and in a clear and concise way. As I watched my first thoughts were what about back button focus but I see others use the PV button so I am going to try that on my D750. Having ordered a Z6 any thoughts about your set up on that? I think it has the joystick so I will be coming back to watch your video again.

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

I think the Z6 will be good for video but I don't think it will be as good as the D500 for stills. Let's hope I am wrong.

Wooooow, video with very useful information. Thank You

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

I am concentrating on action baseball and birds so this video was perfect....

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Awesome. Glad it helped.

I found this vid very helpful, thanks

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome!

I just recently found your KZread channel and am blown away by your photos. I have been a Nikon shooter for 40+ years and am now in the market to upgrade. While I am primarily a photograph shooter, I am starting to dabble in video. I've watched your comparison video between the D500 and the D850 and am more confused than ever on which to upgrade to. I do mostly wildlife photos but have started doing astrophotography in addition to wildlife. Any additional suggestions you may have would be appreciated.

Excellent & thank you...

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Thanks! Very good! Works also with the D850 :-)

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

Great tips! Thanks.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome!

Binge watching your channel:really enjoying it!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thanks!

Great video would love a D500 someday. Still shooting my D7000

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

It is a great camera!

omg thank you I've been looking for this how to change that AF-A in my D7500 same as D500..

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome.

Very helpful - thanks!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

you are welcome!

Hey Mark, I have the same camera and I live in the Orlando area (grew up near Clearwater Beach. Thanks for these tips. I see how useful they are not only for shooting birds but also car racing. I hope to meet you one day. Jeff

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome and I'm glad you got some good info from the videos. I can see how this setup would work well for car racing. I was born in Winter Park and spent most of my life in and around Orlando! Maybe we will bump into each other one day out there!

Tnx for the information :)

Thanks for your video really helpful what would you use the last joy stick mode for? I'm after settings for dog photography

great, just what i needed

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

+Paul Sumpter good to hear

super helpful - thanks

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

Really good video!

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Thanks... very needed vid

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

You are welcome.

thanx a lot, gonna set my new D500 cam just like that when it arrives. i just cant wait to get it and go out shooting. Keep doing that video Stuff.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome and have fun with your d500. It is a great camera.

@eckosphotogearreview3719

7 жыл бұрын

Yes thats what all say. I switched from canon to nikon 4 wildlife. Canon AF suxx quite a lot. So i hope i dont get disappointed.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

I have never used Canon. I thought they had great AF for tracking and video? I guess I was wrong on that one?

@eckosphotogearreview3719

7 жыл бұрын

Well i never really used video. now with their dual pixel focus they should be state of the art for smooth video Focus. But 4 BIF even the 5D III was so terribble in following with AF Tracking. that i allways ended in useng single spot AF and single shot AF. Otherwise the bird is full in the Af Field and the camera didnt "see" him and the background with trees and so on was sharp. absolutely frustrating. thats why i change the boat and jump to Nikon. Maybee the 7d II was a little better than 5D III. But i didnt like the Metering indicator on the right side in the viewfinder it shoult be unter the pictue. Btw. thanx 4 ur Quick respond. So i gonna tell if im stisfyes with D 500 after a While. CU

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

The D500 locks really easy and stays locked for the most part. It is an awesome camera.

very helpful brother thank you

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

Freakin gold. Thanks!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

I do similar things except I am a back button focus guy, so no AF from the shutter button for mine. I set up the centre of the joystick as the custom AF mode change. So I just move my thumb to change modes instead of changing from my index to thumb and find that easier for me.

@MarkSmithphotography

5 жыл бұрын

I've since moved to back button focus too.

Love your videos. You're narration style is terrific! Question: Can I set up the AF-On button for single point focus if it's set to back button focus?

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for the compliments and for watching. I use the AF-ON button for continuous single point auto focus. It is pretty much the same thing. One touch grabs focus, holding is continuous.

Mark Great Video; I do have a question Re Birds in flight: When I set the AF-On to single point focus .. the d850 overrides correctly shifts to single point focus. How do I instruct the d850 when using back button to use a different focus setting .. Thanks Paul

You did a great job. I’m a near moron, but I think I understand. Thank you.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

Excellent!

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

At 10:30 into the video you did a very nice job explaining how to use the rear AF button for single point.However , what about those who use that button for ": back Button Focus " ? Thanks for your video .You thoughts appreciated.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks. You can assign the center joystick or thumbstick (pressed in) to do the same function.

@AlvenmodFoto

7 жыл бұрын

just commented on this above, before I saw your question, I use the Preview (PV) button in front of the camera for quickly switching to single point, as your thumb is pressing the AF-ON button you need the switch to single in the front of the camera, PV button works great!

Excellent! Thank you!

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Mark, Thanks for this excellent tutorial. I'e watched it several times to try & understand a fault of mine in the D500 set-up. I've set up the camera with your suggested settings (Group, Single, 25 point) , but when in joystick mode, I can't shift the focus points around the screen by moving it. It currently sits mid centre. Any pointers to overcome this prob. would be welcome. Tks in advance

Good video and easy to follow..Mark

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Thanks. That's what I wanted.

@MarkSmithphotography

7 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

If i am getting this correct, we now have three buttons for focussing. Shutter release for GRP, AF-ON for AF-S and joystick for AF-25. Correct me if I am wrong.

@MarkSmithphotography

6 жыл бұрын

Yes!