The Self-Doubting Photographer - Forest Photography with a Nikon D750

[@spidersj12]

One thing I've noticed is that you are an immensely fun person to hang out with. Your friends and family are lucky. And your enthusiasm for photography is contagious!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I'll remind my family and friends that when they tell me I'm being annoying haha! Thank you!

[@CrunchyDiopter]

@@CourtneyVictoria It’s probably the spontaneous dancing. Folks don’t tend to like it depending on where you’re at. Bar? Go for it. Morgue? I’ve experienced less favorable reactions in such spaces.

[@PhotoTrekr]

Many years ago I decided to do photography as a hobby and not as a professional. And I've enjoyed every minute of it. Whether my photos suck or are great I get an equal amount of joy out of it. I just love doing photography and being out in nature. I hope everyone can get as much enjoyment out of doing photography as I have. Just relax, do your thing, and eventually your photos will get better.

[@mylucksmiles]

I share a similar passion for nature as you . There are two tips I want to share with you. Both tips I use are cheap , I am just short of 70 years old. On retirement I took up the arts . Photography get me out of the house and the crafting for the worst of British weather days. So my number one tip is bin bags . I use my camera bag mostly in the woods by placing it on the ground to take out my gear. However, a reasonable sized and thicker quality bin bag rolls up into my pocket. laid out on the ground it gives me two opinions. First option is to place my camera bag on to the bin liner.This helps protect the bag from the wet ground. Secondly any thing that happens to slip out the bag falls on to a clean and dry area. When or if it starts to rain I can slip the bag inside the bin liner . This does help one keeps the bag clean and dry till I have finished. Secondly can help if the weather turns unexpectedly nasty quickly as a rain cover. . Pop a hole into it and stick your head through it or pop your camera bag into the bin bag and wait out the down pour .or cover the camera and tripod with it . Honestly for the space it takes up it as many uses. Even using one to Neel on while taking a photo. The next tip is for more for those interested in learning photography. Spend 15 minutes a day looking at photos, Pinterest or other apps . This helps the brain's mussel memory to learn composition , it helps you to decide what you like taking pictures of subject wise. Even gives inspiration for going out and trying your own versions of what you see. Rained off then look at videos blogs books and think what you would need to take the photo that impressed you most. All are a part of life with a camera. Thanks for a unique view into your photography and life.

[@Blayyse]

nice tips

[@andrewgriffiths1142]

Ah, mussel memory - I love thoughts of seafood too...😅 Seriously though , good tips

[@davidfitzpatrick7399]

When you realize you know nothing then you've become a great photographer. Remember, some people will never like your photos because it's YOU!!! If you worry about what others think then you'll wake up screaming in the middle of the night. We shoot what makes us happy and if someone else enjoys the picture or video then that's a bonus. Positivity and Creativity rules the day!!!

[@dansedran]

I came for the photography, I stayed for the dancing🙌 just discovered your channel and been loving the videos!

[@klartext2225]

Hi Courtney! Coming from Alex Kilbee's channel, writing from Munich. (And also using a NIKON D 750. :-))) With the comparison issue, I disagree. Because: to get rid of the Dunning-Kruger effect you HAVE TO compare your work constantly to the work of others, famous or not. Then you see where you "stand" and what is still missing from some of your pics. Sometimes you see: other photographers "kochen auch nur mit Wasser" as we say in German. Meaning: what they achieved can be reached. Or you see: fine pic - but I don't even want to do something in this way. For myself: I never use a tripod in my landscape photography. Can you see the difference? I would challenge anybody on this. ;-)) Nice dance moves, by the way. :-)

[@joanneabramson2645]

I love your limbering dance to get you ready to photograph. Your videos are uplifting and fun. A great departure from all the technical jargon-filled videos. Keep true to your style. It is what brings your fans back.

[@DesertPackrat]

I have watched many photography channels, and I can say that you are very special: your story telling, your process, your ability to teach, your humor, your love for nature, your skills are all legit. There are many but you are rare. Keep posting.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

This is very kind, thank you!

[@timaustin577]

Yes ( RARE) :-) Appreciated MUCH

[@GunnGunn10]

A few days ago I watched a video from The Photographic Eye about interesting photography channels to follow. Alex Kilbee recommended channels that are worth checking out and this is one of them. And yes after I watched some of your videos, I agree with Alex. Your videos are very fun and also provide knowledge and inspiration. Thank you.

[@EnidAgnusDei]

That first fallen tree location looks more like a set than a wood! I'd happily sit there for hours, so beautiful.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

It almost looks unreal! I've walked past that tree multiple times in the past and didn't spot it until that day! It was tucked away in a little secret corner.

[@hamsterneckliving]

The dance scene brought a moment of joy. Thanks. Great video.

[@craigwilliams4161]

Love the shots of the highland coos. They are one animal I really want to shoot. I have been photographing for 50 years and I am still learning and hope that continues for sometime yet.

[@TheOneAft]

Well, there are some things to highlight from your video : 1) Cool dance moves. 2) The proof of Forest Gremlins' existence 😮 3) Teletransportation is real 😲 4) 11:19 to 11:32 is a very wise advice for all people who love photography 🙌 5) It seems that Highland cows on the move are a big menace 😮 6) One of my goals this year is try to learn portrait photography. Let's see how it goes 😅 7) Love the ending song! A cool 80's synthesizer mood 😎 In summary, I love the originality of your videos 😃 🙌

[@CourtneyVictoria]

The highland cows are usually quite calm, but larger than I ha! Wildlife can be unpredictable so I always keep a distance. Thanks for watching! :)

[@TheOneAft]

@@CourtneyVictoria Yeah, you're right about having a distance from some animals. 👀 It is a pleasure watching your videos 😃. Thanks for your reply! 🙌

[@mhauptreif]

Your intro dance put a smile on my face! The rest is inspiring!

[@dahlgrenbernt]

You said it yourself ”the light is missing”. That puts a lot of pressure on motive and composition to compensate for the missing light. I live near similar forests and often face those circumstances. Looking for spectacular items, fallen trees with big root system, lines patterns, small water streams, cones and other smaller items on green moss. Occasionally with good result but mainly not. The forest is wonderful anyway.

[@thephotoyak]

Great videography, light-hearted dance montages, entertaining landscape content. Good work! Subscribed.

[@stevehassall6862]

Loved the highland cows

[@pepper6253]

As someone who has always worked in the fitness industry i so love my alone time outdoors with my camera , coffee and the sound of nature 😂 my photos are just for me. I find your videos so very entertaining and lovely photos you capture. Keep in dancing. 😊❤

[@MikeNovakPhoto]

As others said. The Highland Cows are great. And the photos you took of them are top notch.

[@philosimot]

...and beautiful cows;-)) Thank you, great work!

[@johnd5244]

You dancing reminds me of Molly Ringwald or Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club! Which is still one of my favorite movies. We all have that moment of doubt in our photography where we wonder if our images are good. I have come to the fact that I need to photograph for me and not what others may think of it.

[@thepiratecats801]

Lovely video. Great shots of the moo-cows. Especially the ones lying down. Very nice

[@127TROOP]

For someone so young you speak great maturity.everyone of your videos leaves me with thoughts that ultimately make me feel not just a better photographer but a better person. I went out yesterday and shot fungi, I am an absolute beginner at it and on getting back and looking at them on my laptop they were rubbish….or are they? Having watched this I realise that rubbish is the wrong word, they are part of my new journey, they are a measurement of my progress, but more importantly my experience. My absolute joy of being in the woods, on my own but surrounded by by living things meant more to me than the image it self and that is quite a realisation….thank you Courtney……..btw, as anyone ever told you you are as mad as a box of frogs? 😂 (I mean that in the nicest possible way 😊).

[@carlboston4385]

As I have practiced it, photography produces pleasure by simplicity. I see something special and show it to the camera. A picture is produced. The moment is held until someone sees it. Then it is theirs. You are definitely a amazing photographer with great creativity when it comes to composition.

[@RalphCurtisPhoto]

I loved the message from this episode! Can’t get enough of your videos! I preferred the second Fallentree shot for reasons I can’t explain, just personal preference. I am a visually impaired photographer, actually legally blind, and my goal this year is to improve my macro photography as my world gets smaller. Being restricted to doing my thing close to home to to travel impairment, I enjoy finding compositions that most people walk past . Thank you for your videos and I look forward to the next.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I think that is wonderful and inspiring, a great project to get stuck into! I admire those who see and capture those small scenes that people walk past without a second glance, it really shows how connected you are to your surroundings. Good luck with your goals!

[@daniellegrandpa]

Great opening moves, its been too long. Welcome back. You are a joy to watch and learn from.

[@CurtGodwin]

I quite enjoy your videos, though not just for the tips and pics. Your storytelling style is so different than many photo KZbinrs that it stands out (in a good way)... kind-of like James Popsys (IMO). Thanks again for the videos.

[@marcdeckard6115]

Cute dancing and fine moo-moo shots. And yes, the underlying objective is to keep it fun.

[@KevinF235]

I have thought of myself as amateur wildlife photographer, but animals are hard to find this time of year. I will try some landscape photography. Your videos are inspiring and fun to watch. Keep up the great work.

[@geographerix7104]

A good photographer who can actually dance! Never seen that before. Very interesting and enjoyable video.

[@barclayjb]

I stayed and saw it all. I wouldn't miss a bit. Good job.

[@patcamo]

Hi Courtney thanks for your great videos. I'm a long time trying to take photos and i always doubt myself. This video is inspirational. As an old timer you have re ignited my love for photography. Thanks

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

Your videos are unique and dare I say "quirky". I think they are great! Keep it up Courtney... Can't wait for the next one.

[@toke7560]

You are like a breath of fresh air.

[@joncothranphotography9375]

I simply study each image individually. If I like it, I keep it. If I don't like it, I delete it. Thanks for sharing your day with us! (Great cinematography)

[@geoffstone356]

Love the opening of this video, puts a smile on your face, which is what photography should be about.

[@RolandMueller-xu8rv]

If we come to doubt our photography talent, it's probably because we are failing to find new approaches other than just capturing a subject as we see it. Prospective angles can change the size of subject or give a different view. Changing depth of field or using high or low key light (thru Exposure Compensation) can make our subject stand out. Using slower shutter speeds to give movement to moving subjects instead of freezing their movement. ISO gives plenty of room to work with light. Different weather can give a new look. Try night photography, astrophotography. The list can go on... Another words, be creative, experiment! Digital images are cheap and memory cards have plenty of space to experiment. Not like the 35mm film days of 37 shots per roll. Find ideas from other photogs on KZbin. I love your creative work Courtney, and your video work is great, and hilarious. You have a common sense approach to your gear. We cannot all get to exotic foreign places but we all can discover our own areas, woodlands, farms, swamps, rivers, waterfalls, Parks and Reserves, whatever can we find in our area, Discover It. Have to remember that not all great photographs are taken straight from camera but are from digital dark room technics, another creative art.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Fantastic comment and very good tips for those who may be struggling with their approach.

[@amandashaffer7278]

This is the second of your videos I have watched. Subbed immediately upon seeing those dance moves!

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

I chuckled during the Highland Cow stalking... Cute! Seriously, though, the images of the cows topped even the forest images. Love the moody lighting... I have ruined a LOT of beautiful light such as that in post, I must admit... I am thankful for shooting .raw files from almost the beginning, for there are times I look back at an image that was well-received at the time but now think, "ewwwww"... I have occasionally reprocessed such images and recreated the "wow-value" that originally inspired me to capture the composition and lighting in the first place. I'm rarely 100% pleased with my images, for I'm always striving to improve upon what I share. Do I go through the comparisons with the work of others? Yesss... But then found that some of those photographers admired what I was doing, as well. It's healthy and often a great way to glean new ideas and approaches from others, which I precisely why I enjoy seeing the efforts of others here. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@waltervermeiren6860]

I love your dances (and also the pictures), and yesterday I try one too while making a photo walk in a local woodland...thought I was alone ...The old couple had a great laugh !!!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Haha love it!! You will all definitely remember that moment!

[@waltervermeiren6860]

@@CourtneyVictoria I'm 73 yers old and my dancemoves where indeed ridiculos...ha,ha...

[@waltervermeiren6860]

@@CourtneyVictoria I'm 73 years old and my moves where ridiculous,ha,ha!

[@colin9481]

Another great video Courtey, and the dance well, just mesmerising your a natural 😊 cant wait for the next one.

[@marklawson8346]

I love watching your videos and watching you you are have a lovely sense of humour thank you for your love of photography

[@davebryer6133]

Two thumbs up for the whimsy in this video. And nice images of the cows.

[@timaustin577]

G-Day , Binge watching :-) After 40 plus years as A Photographer. You Young Lady are a Breath of Fresh air. I can look at Photography And Learn from Lovely People Like Yourself FIVE STARS :-)

[@SourojitBh]

I love watching your videos so much. I have taken tips on composition from you, got inspiration and it's got such a calming ASMR-esque vibe to it. Thanks for your efforts!🧡

[@OneWildKirby]

Great video and message, love the highland cow shots!

[@janneroz-photographyonabudget]

Oh how I've missed the DANCING!!!! Yaaay! It's on again!!!!! Glad you've finally found the cattle. Great shots, hopefully you'll find them again and it won't be just a Beef Encounter.

[@andrewtongue7084]

As a young man, my Mother taught me self-effacement & humilty, Courtney: Two of the best life lessons there are, & without which I wouldn't have been able to arrest that worst of all human conditions - narcissism. That, however, should not determine one's own self worth; it is clear your photographic skill set is far more advanced than most - but what I find most appealing, is that you don't boast about same. Those Highland cattle are incredible - you've captured them beautifully 🙂. Christmas is coming, have you asked Father Christmas for anything special in your stocking ?

[@williampetersen2899]

Yaaayyy! You're back! I find videos like this are so helpful in growing as an outdoor photographer (I've been at it for 40 years) rather than "Use these settings and shoot this way" videos. Learning from other photographer's experiences rather than trying to measure up to their images is the best way to keep learning. That's why your videos are always a must-watch for me. The joy is infectious at the very least! I loved both fallen tree images but give the nod to the first one because of the placement of the smaller tree that got lifted up by the roots of the big tree.

[@stevenpeterman4721]

Great video and advise. Love your dancing. Keep up the good work

[@mirekwalczak9418]

The first 40 seconds of the video... I just love you :)🤓

[@G00SE-BRAINSICK]

First time watching, I appreciate you thanks for the fun and content 🙏

[@bundzmykhailo3733]

Oh my god, I can't stop watching your videos. It's so so cosy, soothingly. I don't know enought nglish words to explain.

[@PinfoldPhotographic]

I enjoyed this video! This video speaks volumes to me as I am beginning to release the idea of thinking that other photographers have better images and better encounters, or that not everyone likes the work that I share. As long as I like the images and footage that I take, then that is what makes me happy! My goals so far this year have been to plan what locations I want to visit, and therefore increasing my chances of photographing particular species. So far, so good! Keep up the great work and now subscribed :)

[@snowgnome650]

The dance intro was epic.

[@RoyJenkinsPacker]

Terrific video, with such beautifully photos. Your dancing moves, have been noticed. Is that a new goal... A dance studio video. 😉 Lovely to see your style of presentation. Must do a live workshop please.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Oh my goodness, a dance studio video ha! Brainstorming workshops plans as we speak, hopefully it'll become a reality soon.

[@Trish12303]

I ditto some of the other comments, you are so enjoyable to watch and your work is wonderful!

[@bwmchris]

i love the way you talking us to youre thinking proces and how and why you com to youre composition, keep up the good work, always a plesure to see youre videos.

[@davelangley2965]

Hi Courtney. Another great video, laughs from the start. Love seeing you dancing in your vids, lifts the spirits even on the worst days. Your woodland photography always amazes me as I for one can't get my head around it, with all the clutter around what often looks like a good image only to be disappointed after the event. Could never exit one of your video's before the end Courtney, as there is always something going to happen to perk us up even more. Great to see you home on these shores, as you are Our Courtney and nobody else's.👍

[@stuartcolquhoun867]

The beginning cracked me up 😂😂😂😂....great video Courtney!!💯💯💯💯

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Enjoyed the video as usual Courtney. I think that everyone should just take the compositions that they think is the best and don't worry. I look forward to seeing the waterfall video.

[@neeway1620]

I absolutley love the dancing. Long may it continue.

[@terrygoyan]

It's great having you back home and dancing. I really like the quiet light of cloudy days. The forests are really beautiful in that kind of light. Also love those Woolly Mammoths you call cows. Time to head out into the world and get some of my own shots! It's been raining like crazy here in California.

[@trevorsneath4665]

I don't know why I was expecting penguins from you, but there you have it. And your dancing in the forest is probably worrying elf parents. I do love the forest walk-abouts though. Another enjoyable and inspiring vid. Cheers.

[@Blayyse]

Mainly a videographer, but I've been delving more into photography since my trip to Japan at the end of last year. I want to work on my visual storytelling, and I think photography has helped immensely with that, since you only have one frame to do so. I want to make documentary films, and I think this will carry over to videography, with things like compsotion, framing, lighting, and how different elements and subjects interact with each other within. Watching this video reminded me that it's not a sprint, but a marathon. No two individuals will have the same goals, the same definitions of success, nor are walking the same path. Nice pics, nice vid.

[@edwindoughty8019]

Hi courtney. Thanks once again for sharing your experiences. As for the image you ask we like most, I would bet for the second image, the one where the tree is tilted to the left. The roots pulled out from the ground add a sense of drama to the image. An interesting diagonal occurs where the ground is slopped by the falling tree. As a matter of fact, the entire image falls perfectly into a golden triangle composition. There are no important distracting elements in this photograph either. Cheers.

[@steveglennan]

You are obviously happy being who you are and that's your superpower! Keep up the good work and your channel will continue to grow. Cheers!

[@achims8961]

A beautiful and inspiring video, i like it very much.

[@thodenz8851]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on comparison and self doubt. Guess it’s not a once in your photography life occurring moment. It comes back to you just every so often and when you don’t expect it. Great video and I love you dancing and jumping from scene to scene.

[@steveatesh]

I absolutely love your approach to your videos, not only informative but very entertaining too. Thank you.

[@woodygreen6826]

Highlands cows are SO COOL! :)

[@CourtneyVictoria]

They really are!!!

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Courtney: Another wonderful video and I can certainly appreciate your anxiety over having the highland cows so close by. I also like the style that you have brought to your videos. Your sense of humour is very uplifting. Keep up the great work. Cheers, Keith (Canada)

[@mikefaulkner9447]

Do love your video’s, a lot of content together with a little madness!

[@Matt_Captures_Nature]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. Not only is it an amazing production, enjoyable to watch and informative, it’s genuinely funny! You’re a great storyteller! I’m going through a big drop in confidence right now so this video is very relatable! But like you said, self doubt is good (in moderation) and just today I pushed through my comfort zone and tried something new in my photography! Thank you again for sharing

[@dwrisdon2487]

Great to see you back. As always that playful high energy serves well as your signature. Bill

[@kevanesson6540]

Love the cow pictures!

[@pauledwards499]

Another great video, you're so easy to watch and to learn from, fun too 😀 I need to copy those dance moves, it might improve my photography 🤣

[@jimcross7002]

Great video of course Courtney loved the excited jig oh to be back in the forest Very informative and fun loved the quotes and your style Thanks for posting Have a great year! What a start Not forgetting the Images enjoyed the long horn resting amongst the forest peaceful like Look forward to your next video

[@PhotoBazaars]

Thanks!

[@mikeg2916]

Courtney, you have some great dancing moves!!!!!😄

[@jpdorsethq1280]

Breath of fresh air 👍

[@davidskinner274]

Nice to get the cows in the forest for interest rather than just on pasture. You used the trunks annd foliafe to frame well.

[@Gemdog5521]

Wow !! Loved this video, you know what you are a special kind of person one who obviously loves life ,the outdoors your camera and most importantly you images that you capture.....what an amazing attitude and style you have ....

[@mikkosuhonenphotography]

Great video! I've been photographing since 2003. At first I thought I know everything of making a good photos and it's easy. Now it's 2023 and I still have a lot to learn. I just don't want to quit trying.

[@andywhiteside16]

brilliant Courtney so good to have you back , you just made my Sunday with the dance at the start brilliant

[@TyRonKitzeRow]

All the other photographers out there and your videos are right up there with the best, really! I love your youth,enthusiasm and creative way you put your journey together. Thank you so much for your thoughts and feelings about all the topics you touch on.

[@ditto1958]

Don’t feel bad about being humble And don’t feel bad about accepting others’ praise for your work

[@warrengh5647]

Very good and also extremely true, thank you Courtney.

[@PerrySheneman]

My favorite intro so far. Seriously, I love it. You have such a fun personality 😁 Keep up the great work.

[@jameshchetwyndjr9739]

You a blinking silly. Love the video. Have fun shooting

[@suspectwalter9343]

wish i has someone like you as a friend! you seem like a warm personality.

[@andrewgriffiths1142]

Hi great video again, thanks. Always thought provoking. You have referred to ' the art of noticing ' and I'm definitely aiming to work on this and focus on the detail within a bird , animal or plant. Linked to this is an aim to improve my macro work. Thanks again

[@witcheater]

🌺🌻🌺 Thank you. Lovely presentation. I appreciate and am grateful... :)

[@astro7996]

People on the trail doing a double-take trying to figure why there's a dancing woman in the forest. The literal example of dance like no one is watching. Thanks for sharing your photography experiences.

[@montanaylago]

Good to see you in your own element!!!… And not freezing!

[@sdkgodeacs]

Great work, great goals and your woodland dancing never disappoints

[@BarryFinlay339]

Just found your channel today and watched a few of your videos. I really enjoy your style but this particular video really had an impact on me and I think you have helped me get out of my photography slump... and it had highland cows and dancing. Thank you.

[@richardgordon9428]

Some excellent advice! Thank you

[@jurgenschurr6737]

Thank you very much for the very nice video. I prefer the first of your two side views of the fallen tree because it tells a story, i.e., because of the contrast of the fallen dead needle tree and the young beech tree. It happens not only in the life of humans but also in the life of trees that they have to struggle to grow up after getting tilted by a twist of fate. Furthermore, I like to see you dancing and hopping like a young deer. It is a pity that most of us loose this ability when getting adult. Please keep this openness! All photographers should enjoy their creative journey and their time spent in nature instead of doubting their capabilities.

[@jaybradley9083]

Part of the joy of any creative endeavor is learning more about it. I hope I never stop learning something new about photography, or anything else I enjoy doing. Thanks for another entertaining and enlightening video. Thanks for the dance, too. I've missed that.🙂