Letting Go in my Photography: A Waterfall Photo Walk

[@peterholmlund9454]

Your production is reaching incredible levels - photos as lovely as ever! Never forgetting the puns and laughs!

[@Brock_in_the_North]

When you let go of perfection, that's when it's at its most fun. We all do it, we all strive for the best but sometimes it's better to just let go of that and just enjoy shooting.

[@ralphwatson7036]

I enjoy your channel. While I agree one doesn't need the latest and greatest gear, for me, the transition to mirrorless added a huge new level of enjoyment to my photography.

[@jameshchetwyndjr9739]

Yes have fun. Relax and enjoy. Photography to record what you see. Actually think can overthink

[@joaoysphotography]

Always Photograph to please no one but yourself ;) and that's when the magic happens and the creative freadom comes up ! :D ;)

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Absolutely! :)

[@gravellegb]

"You can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." Ricky Nelson

[@spirg]

Cannot agree more !!!!, I made a pact with myself, in jan of this year , " Please yourself, FIRST " ..... Im happier for it

[@SteveWhodoo]

I really do enjoy every one of your videos! You not only discuss techniques, but also you talk at length about your thought process and your pre-vision of what the final photograph should look like. Definitely a great perspective in your video blogs. I mainly shoot wildlife, so it’s been very enlightening to me to get a landscape & macro photographer’s perspective and views on a very different genre than I normally shoot. P.S. - Your addition of equipment fails, slips and falls, and other things normally cut as out-takes is a refreshing reminder that you are a real, approachable photographer who has challenges like the rest of us. BRAVO!! Keep up the great content - but do it at a pace that doesn’t cause you to burn out….

[@jimgernon7452]

Just shoot and enjoy what you create! You don’t have to prove you’re a great photographer to me. Keep up the great work.

[@pauledwards499]

Brilliant video, your hang ups describe me to a tee and I need to free myself! Some great images, I prefer the one of the trumpets with the cube light 👍

[@thecaveofthedead]

I was thinking almost exactly the same thing. I was on a trip to one of our big game parks and was trying and partially succeeding in getting the dramatic animal pictures - tight shots in good light with a long lens. And then I started enjoying more and more shooting very old-fashioned animal portaits with an old D200 and an 80-200f2.8 and finding I was enjoying those more - even if no one else would really get them. They just remind me of my dad's old pictures from the 1960s and books he had taken by pros at the time who were using 25iso film and usually max 300mm f4 lenses. It's an aesthetic that maybe no one else but me will really appreciate. But I _do_ appreciate it. I was more pleased with those than any of the others. And I only regretted realising it so late into the trip.

[@thecaveofthedead]

Oh. And I loved the gathering pic where the mushroom caps look like they were coated in powdered sugar.

[@Kevin-k7m1t]

Really enjoy your woodland photography, nice to see someone who can photograph something else than trees.

[@timrosenburgh8597]

I enjoyed the video as usual Courtney. I couldn't make my mind up which image i preferred, the led or the natural image. Great image's as usual. Look forward to the next one.

[@greglarUK]

Hi Courtney, Image with LED works well for me. What you described regarding creativity resonated with me and many others I expect. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@OneWeekGetAway]

These are - in my opinion - some of your best shots yet. Well done!

[@grahamniven]

Loved the video and you're absolutely right about gear, use what best suits your needs and you won't go far wrong. Love the D700, it does a everything I need in a stills camera. Methinks that water cascade where it was swirling around from side to side down through a tunnel was screaming out for slow motion video. Slow motion is where the real magic happens. 😁👍

[@joelrollins2841]

Thanks once again for taking us on a journey into your special world which is filled with magic & imagination. Always a great time.

[@romulocuy4061]

Thank you for sharing! Feeling the same way too - overthinking and perfectionism- two blocks to creativity. Wonderful works! Dreaming of walking in the woods too.

[@kelvinwhite2901]

Hi Courtney. with reference to your videos, I like your attitude to not getting hung up on always trying to get the best photos rather than just enjoying your photography. Having watched many a you tube video on photography I feel that some of the presenters because they do this as a money earner they can loos the enjoyment of photography. I am very much an ammature photographer who takes photos purely for myself so I have no hang ups. Reference your two photos I like the natural light as I feel it shows the true colours of the fungi.

[@patcamo]

i follow your channel and you are an inspiration. your videos are great and always informative. im many years older than you but you have inspired me to go out more often to make photogragphs. please keep up the great videos

[@stuart8200]

The only eye that an image has to appeal to is your own. Great video and some awesome images 😊

[@danyork909]

Love this video, all the nature, photography and deep thoughts

[@rpvfr]

Another beautiful video. I am always amazed at your ability to see a photo opportunity!😀I prefer the photo of the lichen in natural light 🤔It looks more natural 🤪😀; the greens look better!😀 Thanks for great videos!😀

[@Powerstroke98]

I agree with your sentiments here.

[@Ron-noR]

Everyone should have this kind of "little therapy session". Your little therapy session made me better too. Thanks 🫶

[@brianm.9062]

waterfall season is arriving with the addition of fungi, I usually wait for the foliage is drawing back then take a look at your vids. love this time of year. As for letting yourself go! just shout 'bugger it' in your head and go for it. thanks for the vid.

[@patford9943]

Courtney, I am looking forward to seeing your work the way you want it to look! And your dancing too.

[@cynthiamomokoharper8100]

I really love the shots you take. Awesome!!

[@janneroz-photographyonabudget]

I'm glad that we still had the "Courtney Funky Chicken" at the very end. Well worth waiting for!! But, joking aside, another wonderful upload to make my day.

[@johnbethell8666]

Another inspiring video, thank you Courtney. I preferred the trumpet lichen with natural light. Also loved the colours in 'fading light' mushroom.

[@kenhenley7599]

A brilliant video, some beautiful images and wise words that everyone can benefit from. In addition of photography I also do a bit of long distance backpacking and as we backpackers say "hike your own hike". Just as applicable to photographers if you see what I mean. Cheers. Ken

[@steverolfe1935]

Another great video and superb images

[@AlanGurling]

Always a treat to watch your videos and see your awesome photographic creations. ❤ This particular video has inspired me to explore focus stacking with my Nikon Z6 + FTZ II + Sigma 105mm 2.8 Macro. Looking forward to the next video! Take care.

[@davidhammond6297]

Great video Courtney! I have been watching your videos for some time now and you are easily becoming my favorite. Keep up the good work!!!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you for sticking around and watching :) I appreciate it.

[@rockfishmiller]

LED lit was my fave. You may want to consider a walking stick. Your pack appears to make you somewhat top heavy, and, considering you penchant for tipping over, it could save you from an injury. Cheers from Canada.

[@barryhiggott9458]

I love both images, I love different prospectives.

[@keithhoule1435]

always enjoy your uploads

[@jamiemasters7187]

Thank you once again Courtney, liked the right photo out of the 2.

[@wojciechskorza3051]

As always something with depth and shadows is more interesting. It gives us a sense of space in a flat image. Greetings from Poland from the city of "Przemyśl Fortress". P.S. It rains here too.

[@ambient_exploration]

I like the idea of letting go of "perfection" and trying not to overthink things, it does seem to lead in some interesting directions. I'm a big fan of your woodland work and it'll be interesting to see how things evolve with a bit freshly unleashed creativity - might want reign in the creativity when it comes to sitting on logs and whatnot though haha

[@tonyp1340]

Enjoying your videos Courtney. Hope your new philosophy works for you and you find the fungi of your photographic dreams. Be aware that mush rooms can be mistaken for funguys and vice versa. 😀 👍from NZ.

[@michael007ish]

Gosh those macros are just beautiful. 🥰

[@MKB0720]

Love your videos, thank you for them!!

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks Courtney for your video..... beautiful location & you captured great pics...#1 pic is my selection to your question.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@biopop2587]

You have inspired me to pick up a camera again after 4 year hiatus and get into nature. Thank you!!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Oh my goodness, I hope you have so much fun with it! :)

[@ashstubbings2603]

I related to a lot of what you said in this video Courtney! And, I really liked the photograph you called 'The Gathering'.

[@Hilldee64]

Love this video and your philosophical approach to photography. ❤

[@TreeWhisper38]

Love this video! I've just started on my photography journey. The woods are my favourite place so this was very inspiring:)

[@josephcampbell9306]

I always enjoy your wonderful videos!

[@Mitch8585]

Great video & I was at blaen y glyn myself this week. Noticed all the fungi & thought Courtney would lose her mind 😂 glad you’ve been.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Haha! I certainly did! There were loads in all of the moss and woodland on the hill to the upper car park, but the light was tricky as it's quite dark on that pathway. Beautiful trail though, well worth the visit. :)

[@ekhan1621]

I liked Natural instead of LED illuminated. Because LED illuminated pic looks white but natural looks green. I am Landscape photographer but never knew we can use LEDs. For this really loved your video.

[@jaybradley9083]

Another great video. I like the LED illuminated lichen photo.

[@garyrobles8529]

First, I think that you are brilliant! I do like the LED shot best, I wonder how it would have looked with reflected natural light...

[@dannymacamaturephotographe6352]

ANOTHER VERY GOOD VIDEO COURTNEY WELL DONE YOU. LOVE THE IMAGES TOO

[@therightfoot81]

Great video Courtney. Already looking forward to the next one :)

[@daanv.m]

I really loved "the gathering"!

[@georgevanmeter3179]

My preference is the LED light trumpet lichen.

[@Revup1]

I prefer the colours and less contrast of the natural light photo. I'm glad you took both, then you can please everyone!

[@lauriefish58]

I always enjoy your videos, you’re unique on KZbin which makes your vids special. Carry on my friend.

[@dustydewey]

Always a refreshing intimate video ... a breath of fresh air ! Great video !

[@michaelt7320]

As always it's subjective, but for me the LED version of the trumpet lichen gave better separation by making the background less distracting. A really thoughtful and thought provoking video. Thanks, Courtney.

[@derekskinner2048]

Thank you Courtney; just bought a macro lens from MPB thanks to you!

[@robsmith9483]

Both good pics. The LED light was my preference

[@gremoeternopr]

Great to see Dslr camera in 2024; excellent channel

[@Powerstroke98]

I preferred the 'Natural' as on my Imac, the 'cups' then to have more contrast, showing their depth, but both are exquisite, as always! When you were taking one photo of the waterfall, your right leg looked about to give out, and I was wondering if you might slip right off the rock, but thankfully, that didn't happen! I absolutely love those trees you showed at the beginning of the video Courtney, as we don't have many trees with branches going in all directions here in western Canada, or not that I've come across, and I've lived here all my life. Look forward to your 'unapologetically flourish' images as well. I notice you use your tripod a lot, and wonder how many images you get (% wise) by hand holding Courtney? Great video, as always, as your personality adds to the aforementioned video's immensely.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Oh dear ha, I felt fairly stable at the time but you certainly should always be careful regardless. Those trees are magnificent aren't they? I can't wait to return soon and finally photograph them (perhaps with some Autumnal colours). I have terribly shaky hands at time, I'm afraid my hand-held photography confidence isn't what it used to be, and so a tripod just makes me feel a bit more secure which is why I use it most of the time. Thank you for watching :)

[@Powerstroke98]

@@CourtneyVictoria I have the same issue, with my hands, especially my right hand of which I'm right handed, but...so far the lens VR seems to be helping! So, much depends on the ISO or shutter speed needed, as to whether I will use my tripod or not Courtney. Thanks for the reply, and as always, I look forward to your next video!

[@mhc2b]

I definitely prefer the fungi lit with the LED - more contrast, more 3-dimensional, and more "perceived" sharpness. Nothing really wrong with the natural lit fungi, but when compared side by side with the LED version, it pales in comparison.

[@littleshubunkin7926]

Branch heaven. ❤

[@ECCNO]

Your videos and photos are inspiring. Thank you

[@mikkosuhonenphotography]

That waterfall sounds so good in the background ❤

[@CourtneyVictoria]

It's so calming isn't it :) I love sitting on these trails and just listening to the sounds.

[@PhotoTrekr]

I feel about waterfalls and flowing water the way you do about fungi and lichens. They are my favorite woodland photos. But, every once in a while, we all need to try something new.

[@Bibletalk-Ministries]

This is reason at times I just jump into my car with my camera and figure out everything when I get there :) Btw you’re amazing.

[@tjsinva]

Looked better to me with the cube light. Trumper lichen? Never have seen it before. 😲 Interesting. Carry on. 👍🥂

[@RoyJenkinsPacker]

Super photos, hard to choose between. Like the way your thinking, be there for you. Come out of your shell and start the photography dance group. The Fungi twist.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

The fungi twist! Love it :)

[@raymondludlow5970]

Perfect inspirational video/message thank you

[@ThomasSchwarzFotografie]

You have some great old trees in your surroundings, maybe I should go tree hunting too, even though I prefer to photograph animals. And no, I'm looking like a Tom not the mushroom 🤣Many thanks for showing us! 😉👍

[@Denmarkone]

I really like the natural light on the trumpet lichen but prefer the mood of the LED'd background.

[@Jamesxo5cj]

Hello, I'm here to watch your video after a long time. You're still taking great photos with d850😊 My d850 is asleep in a dehumidifying box and I want to be motivated by pictures again while watching your videos😅 I'm your fan in Korea hahaha

[@CourtneyVictoria]

안녕하세요! Have fun taking photos :) Thank you for watching!

[@sophietucker1255]

I’ve always thought that if you aren’t happy with an image then it is hard to get someone else to like it. I do know what you mean about being in a rut with your photography but if you are happiest there so what. It is rather like running, I know I’ll never be in the Olympics but sometimes I do challenge myself to shave a bit of time off my run and push myself just a bit harder. In my photography I do the same by trying to find that better angle or light. I do love the all the macro fungi images but those tree limbs were very interesting and well worth spending more time on

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Love your outlook on this! I will certainly go back to photograph those trees, some Autumnal colours might work well. Thanks :)

[@andrewmckinney3053]

Inspiring and wise thoughts :)

[@AndreaCostaGallery]

Video fantastico secondo me sei bravissima complimenti!🎉🎉🎉 io adoro le fotografie macro ai funghi!

[@E.H.V.M]

Just discovered this channel and I love it, very nice work🙂

[@ilpoheikkila4773]

Really great video again!

[@lubos-ro3hy]

Lovely like always

[@NavYT82]

Nice very inspirational, thank you.

[@bryanashford5118]

great video enjoyed this cant wait for more tnx for sharing

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@thevalleywalker]

So great to see my fave little patch of waterfalls n woodland in the Beacons. Have you encountered the deep bog yet on the hill? I managed it earlier in the week - thought it was ok until I went in over my wellies, thought I was going to have to get out minus the wellies...lol. Lovely images as ever. I recently purchased a Laowa 90m for my L mount from mpb but I'll be honest I have not the eye or patience for the small things sadly.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Ooh no, although I am glad that I missed the deep bog ha! I hope you got those wellies dry and clean afterwards ha. I followed a path up top that eventually disappeared and I found myself lost in a sea of bracken. The woodland around there is simply stunning though and I should visit a little more often with my camera really. The eye and patience for photographing small things can be learned, but I'd say the patience is a little harder though lol! Many thanks.

[@davidaldenwebb]

I always enjoy your waterfall pictures. Waterfalls change all the time: more or less water, green, autumnal or no vegetation; light. Even the same waterfall is never the same. I preferred the LED picture, I felt the darker background drew more attention to the subject. Looking forward to some “mad dancing” next time….

[@marvinmoss2216]

Been caught in the "Great Expectations" trap many times. Unhappy with the shots because of my extra high expectations of what I was trying to get at that moment. Several months later after I have even forgotten about the shoot and what I had expected, I stumble on the pics and think, wow these aren't bad. Sometimes I just have to remember why I started in photography in the first place.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Everyone needs a Karen on location! Loved this video Courtney. A lot of wisdom in your therapy session. Thank you 🙏

[@davidhenderson819]

Can't resist the fungi! 😁

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Absolutely!

[@jderossett1]

Nice video. Well done.

[@chriss6258]

got sent here by Ellis from WVFRM . loving the content😂❤❤

[@vogle11]

I prefer both I am in Edinburgh Scotland now ans have hit a stone wall because there's so much to photograph I just can't seem to set anything up right and just keep snapping off photograph of everything oh well it will work out great video Courtney keep up the good work

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I love that! 'So much to photograph.' Well at least you will not run out of inspiration :) I suppose just have fun with it, you never know, something you think you 'haven't set up right' may just be a great shot anyway! Enjoy your trip, it's beautiful there!

[@vogle11]

​@CourtneyVictoria very true this city is beyond my expectations and want to capture it the way it deserves to be it is also a once in a life time trip i just need to step back and and slow down and Look ..

[@megaredkentadate9834]

At the end of the day photography is always subjective. What is termed as "great shot" can be seen as "normal" or even a "a fail" by another. Ultimately always remember that Personal fulfilment > Recognition by others. You must be clear in your own intentions on what you really want - To pursue this interest for yourself OR to pursue in the hope of getting "many many likes" on your instagram and on other social media. Based on my own personal experiences, I just feel that everyone just want to compete for that recognition from everybody else. Remember your personal satisfaction always comes first.

[@mrdmahesh]

You are tempting me buy a Nikon DSLR instead of a mirrorless! 😃 and have a separate video on dance!! 😄😄😄

[@ГлубокийАнализ-й7ф]

Какая красотка! Я валяюсь!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@christopherockham2866]

Hi Courtney, I see you are getting well into macro and fungi fantastic, isn't it have you considered having a go at combining that with light painting? It's great fun

[@artsilva]

I struggle with that question all the time of whether all my efforts are worth it and if anyone cares. I think a lot of it came about around a decade or so ago when I started building onto my gear collection above the one or two cameras I shot with for years and years. It was then after spending all that money on all this gear that I started having these questions of my photography because honestly my focus became more about my gear rather than my creativeness with minimal gear like before. With social media saturating the market with TONS more photographers and falling into the FOMO and trap and trying to stay in the game, I now face the issue of sizing down my gear and getting back to actually creating images like I did decades ago, work I find that were/are superior to what I did when all this "upgrading" started taking over. Ahhh the struggles of being a creator.

[@davidskinner274]

The LED, as the bouquet is less dominant 😊

[@nmcduff4891]

Love the dancing.

[@symphonic5722]

I love you when you are dancing ;)

[@Shimshams]

You are correct..it’s not the gear ( provided it lets you do what you want to photograph) its the vision / seeing the photo in the first place. Takes most of us a time to realise that….you don’t need the latest and greatest equipment . Nice video style , do you have an outlet for your images or is it just for your own pleasure?

[@hamsterneckliving]

Excellent work. What kind of trees are these? 3:11

[@mankind6560]

Thankyou ❤