Macro Photography in ECUADOR - Episode 1: Bugs, Beetles, and Birds

[@Nockturnmortem]

My beautiful country. Ecuador is a paradise.

[@jyangers24]

When it is cold and the winter time, I go back to watch your videos to reminisce the warm days being out looking for bugs to shoot.

[@kellyharrison5184]

I love these field trips abroad! Thank you for sharing.

[@leonardomera121]

Congrats for this outstanding photography .Beautiful insects and birds in my country.Thanks a lot.

[@jonathanguthrie7037]

Thoughtful, respectful view of nature with superb photos

[@tutorialesmusica7356]

This is one of the most educational and enjoyable videos I've seen on photography. The photos are fascinating.

[@mindseyeview7411]

When I think about Space Force I try to imagine people like you, expertise that maintains a respect and wonder for nature 💖🌍🌌💖

[@Mark-ks9jj]

Thomas you are a quiet authority in this field who leads by example in how freely you share knowledge and amazing images.

[@Sharonmxg]

Well done!. You have captured amazing and profoundly beautiful examples of life many of us will never have the opportunity to with our own eyes. And the macro photography is spectacular in revealing the intricate details of these complex little critters.

[@VALYK29]

I'm glad I found you on youtube. Your voice is very relaxing. For you, macro photography seems very easy to do.

[@ktomsen8528]

Thomas, traveling with you around the world, exploring the natural world via your videos, accompanied by your positive encouraging perspective and fine homemade music is a great gift every time.

[@Shmyrk]

This, honestly, was one of the most relaxing, intriguing videos I can remember watching. Thank you

[@GrymmsPlace]

'The Wondrous World of Thomas Shahan' - and thank you bringing us along with you. Amazing photographs. Just amazing. Thank you.

[@lur9017]

How beautiful!

[@edwardboe7383]

Your videos (not to mention your photos) are always a treat! Thank you.

[@MicaelWidell]

Beautiful, relaxing video as always. What a paradise for a macro photographer!

[@terser]

Thanks Micael! Inspired by your recent (and frequent!) videos!

[@MicaelWidell]

@@terser Happy to hear that. Not to make this into a total circlejerk, but your videos inspired me both to try macro photography and the style I do many of my videos :) So happy to see you posting more often again.

[@MrGflan]

@@terser you fellas are great! I got into extreme macro in 2008 during grad school. I shoot mostly birds, but macro is my other passion. Are you on Instagram, Thomas? I would love to ask you a couple of questions if you are able on that platform. Michael, your videos are awesome also. Macro is so fun!

[@jamesdaple9951]

Gods an Artist !

[@insularis]

Hey Thomas! I'm not sure if someone else has mentioned this but I feel like you're the Bob Ross of macro photography. Please keep making your great videos and thanks for being awesome.

[@luisfelipegope]

Thomas, you are a real inspiration, you are one of the best field macro photographers out there, and it shows why. It seams to me that you don’t change to the latest gear, you stick to what works for you. You don’t run around trying to be productive, you take it slow, follow your pace. What I always felt seeing your photos and know watching the vids, is that you work for pleasure and share (photos and knowledge) as a gift to us viewers and colleagues, not as a away to gather external validation, a trap so common these day. I’m a biologist (researching owl biology) and hobby photographer from Brazil, so if you ever head this way, I would gladly show you some gems here in the southwest. Cheers

[@terser]

Thanks - I really appreciate it! I would love to visit Brazil - hope I get a chance some day!

[@manojkumartuteja8713]

Can't tell you how eagerly I wait for episode number 2. Thomas, you are an inspiration.

[@UnderwaterTwilight]

I've been watching your spider videos for years now, most of them over and over! Love this video. So relaxing and beautiful. Thanks for everything!

[@andresmoline751]

Wonderful expedition to Ecuador! Rip Andreas Kay

[@davegball]

Love the way you just have the rain as background audio.

[@bulbhead3333]

The beetle that packed it's wings is amazing. What a capture.!

[@TweakMDS]

Love this, very well documented and stunning, stunning macro shots. So vivid and light. I've never been able to take macro gear into a rain forest like this, but even on a bright spring day here in the Netherlands I know how demanding it is to get everything right. It's been a few years for me to be really active, but this is inspiring!

[@wekebu]

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your photos.

[@gaven9831]

As a macro photographer myself, I was absolutely astonished by the folding of the wings of that Beatle ( 8:46 ) . That was something I never even imagined. Thank you for sharing!

[@claudiocrespo4703]

Thanks for your time in showing us the beautiful world of macro...

[@chrisparkes]

Thomas, thanks for making these wonderful videos. They're so beautiful but also so sad to me.... a record of a world thats fading away in front of our eyes.

[@marcardouin8066]

Bonjour, Merci pour ce merveilleux voyage.

[@terser]

Merci, Marc!

[@naturemha]

The most relaxing, attractive, peaceful macro photography video I remember watching. I definitely need to go there. Amazing subjects, and shots. I hope you can visit Malaysia and Borneo, it d be phenomenal to watch your video of Malaysia.

[@DirtHoleee]

Wow, Thomas! These photos are truly inspirational. A real treat. I can't wait for the next part. Thank you for sharing these wondrous encounters.

[@hambani]

Amazing how much diversity in coloration and shapes!!

[@davidwilson9821]

What an inspiration for Macro photography. Thanks Thomas.

[@MELUCO69]

thank you for waking up the childhood dormant in our eyes

[@Tritium8]

Thanks for this woderful video. Such a joy to watch.

[@TruthHunter10]

I was looking for macro photography tutorials and videos but there were not enough materials online. Thankfully, I got a random video that was yours and then on I never stopped watching all of your youtube videos. I think your ideas are a perfect blend of macro photography.

[@dendroleon]

This is fantastic. Cannot wait for your arachnid episode!

[@VideoNatur]

Superb pics an footage! Thanks for sharing this wonderfull content! Greetings, Rolf

[@BASKPhotography]

it's amazing how much life we can see around us if we just slow down and look for it! That's why i love Macro Photography:D

[@adrianroyle4425]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video! I first visited Ecuador and Mindo about 17 years ago and had 7 trips to various areas in just a few years. Got totally hooked on insect macros even though I first visited for bird watching. After about 9am each day the birds would go quiet but the insect life was awesome. After the first trip I invested in my first digital camera and didn't look back after that.

[@MrDennisk4]

Thomas I'm always fascinated when watching your video's, so keep the good work up and many thanks!

[@scotthansenmtbt4110]

Great shots! Thank you for sharing them! And for your time, very enjoyable👍👍

[@dougedwards7570]

some really great shots from my fave stomping grounds

[@patrickd8273]

Thank you for sharing this trip and its colorful inhabitants. So many amazing shots! I look forward to watching the next episode!

[@archiemccafferty9136]

Awesome images, biodiversity, location and video Thomas!!! You make macro photography look easy......but I know fully well just how much skill technically is required. Your ability to find such amazing insects and subjects is superb too. Congratulations!!!

[@RollinLeonard]

your videos are always so trippy and beautiful. i feel like i just got done meditating.

[@whatsnewinthezoo]

Just magical Thomas, thanks for sharing your life and skills man. I feel a fantastic grounding urge to get into the wild when I see your work. Please keep it up. Just wonderful.

[@tysonator5433]

Stunning images displayed in a relaxing feel in the video.

Hello Thomas this video was a wonderful "Easter Bunny" for me, with all your wonderful close-ups and the homely sounds of the rain in the tropical forest.

[@vincesmith7918]

You’ve been inspiring me for years now Thomas, so much art... many thanks

[@StefanoIaniro]

Thomas, this was jaw-dropping! Incredible photos and footage. I actually stayed at the same Lodge you were at for a few days this past fall. I was mostly focused on birds but regret not focusing more on insects. Incredible diversity!

[@terser]

Thanks Stefano! Just checked out your channel - I definitely need to be more prepared next time to shoot birds! :)

[@StefanoIaniro]

@@terser Haha, there's so many things to photograph out there. It's a blessing and a curse at the same time. I'm excited for episode 2!

[@Grimmjeaux]

Thomas, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your absolutely brilliantly beautiful work. It brings me joy, and makes me want explore more with what is possible with photography. Your work has has essentially got me over my fear of insects and gave me a more open eye to see all the beauty around. Well done sir. Highly appreciate your work. Also the music.

[@RoyCasmo]

Your etchings and photos are bloody sweet! Awesome!

[@jj63100]

Thank you for taking us on a journey with you! Well done.

[@amosaiccosmos6302]

Beautiful Video. Much ❤️ to Ecuador during these tough times!

[@vanessacee4154]

Stunning shots! I love the Staphylinids you captured. I used to work with some that are 3-5mm total length (biocontrol agents for greenhouse pests). Was always fascinated by their flight (upright J) and the precision with which they packed their wings with the tips of their abdomens - reminded me of a military honour guard folding and presenting a flag to a fallen soldier’s loved ones.

[@rjung_ch]

Thomas, once again amazing pictures! Thanks for doing what you do.

[@kuscollama9522]

Wonderful! I love your photography and am a big fan of Andreas Kay, he was a great guy and his photos will live on. I was born in Ecuador and lived in Shell, in the Amazon, for most of my childhood. We loved finding all kinds of weird and wonderful bugs, but didn't have a good camera back in the day..... I now live in Japan, doing macro photography if I have time, and wish I could go back to Ecuador to shoot there too. Great shots! Looking forward to your next video! Thank you.

[@HeilielPrince]

So cool how the rogue beetle folds their wings. Great capture

[@guilhermeguise]

Great video !! I wished it kept going for longer !! Really well done ! Thank you !!

[@Miniteca]

Really fantastic bugs. You are a god of macrophotography. I'm an humble padawan looking at the jedi master you are. Like I live in France I haven't as species to shoot as you can had found in Equador forest. I only shoot jumping spiders I can found here in my garden. Not such exiting as a trip in rain forest for sure. Waiting for the following videos. Great job! Thanks

[@bio7021]

Wonderful video so peaceful ... loved it!

[@surajmagar4110]

It is really pleasure to watch your videoes 😍😍😍

[@Marco_Wildlife]

what a beautiful experience, your videos are just amazing to watch.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Wow, this was great, I love that red-velvet fungus beetle, and the maneuverability of the rove beetle, fascinating! What an incredibly beautiful place. I'm looking forward to the following episode :D

[@jordanfranck]

This is the closest thing I’ve seen to photography ASMR. Loved it

[@wayneberry3453]

Great video great photos. Absolutely amazing nature. Although millions of species have been identified, it's a true wonder what we haven't seen just waiting to be discovered. Thanks for the video

[@vilson.farias]

Inspiring! Thanks a lot for sharing your work.

[@Dustinrhoades]

Those rove beetles... whoa. Thanks Thomas!

[@vicentej.b.-fotografia]

Magnífico trabajo Thomas, como siempre un vídeo excelente. Espero que nos deleites con más vídeos de tus viajes.

[@terser]

¡Gracias! ¡Más por venir, estad atentos!

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

I always enjoy watching your macro videos. Another beauty with just amazing critters well photographed. Well done on the hummingbird front. That is usually my experience...comb through all the shots and find those few that are focused and decently framed 😀

[@edn6671]

You're such an inspiration! I'd love to visit somewhere like this one day

[@billedwards3321]

Thank you Thomas. Amazing work!

[@Pat-1000]

Much appreciated share Thomas , lovely work thank you.

[@darrellbissing]

Very nice production. Thank you.

[@MandalaHF]

Amazing macro photo results.. 👍

[@carlosmontecino1741]

Es un video espectacular !! Gracias Thomas, que fotografías más hermosas !! Felicitaciones por tú maravilloso trabajo. Saludos cordiales desde Chile !!

[@terser]

Gracias Carlos!

[@madddog7]

Luv the birds; well done! ... and the dog

[@eliseclopton5824]

Wow, such amazing subjects and gorgeous photos! I really appreciate the soothing qualities of your video, as well.

[@hayathmohammed103]

Brilliant, as usual! Very enjoyable, especially at this time being locked down insures indoors

[@SheldonBilsker]

Incredible shots and diversity.

[@misja4122]

Wonderful video! Always find them very interesting and relaxing.

[@fotolookconde]

@Thomas Shahan thank you for such an inspiration! I need to go back to the field soon and upload the video on my own KZbin channel!

[@catysparks]

Enjoying your channel very much.

[@streglof]

Heyy my favorite narrator is back! Looking forward to your upcoming episodes!

[@timoohlsen]

Stunning images!!

[@klackon1]

Stunning images.

[@pastperfect6042]

My friend, I have been following you with love since you opened this channel. Every picture you take is a masterpiece. I want to take pictures like you, but I have no other camera than my phone's camera.

[@rockyfern]

I’m sure you saw this already, but at 4:15 the leaf hopper has a mite on its forehead. Incredible photography. I love your channel

[@onewithnature1WN]

Awesome!! I alway love to see your work and I am one million percent inspired to go there when that chance comes around! Keep the videos coming!

[@scottcleland9163]

So beautiful, what talent

[@franciscopaz5952]

Great video, Thomas! I'm a fan of yours!

[@vicpico1]

Awesome pictures ! one of the Best Macro shoots , i have even seen ! congrats ! very informative...please continue the Good work !

[@JohnKimbler]

Excellent video Thomas! I too have become one with the delete key on my keyboard -too many ungrateful and uncooperative models ;)

[@muckach9872]

Cant wait for next clip... Just love ur work

[@PaulWhiteGoldEagle]

Beautiful work brother!

[@Luc4ssPK]

You work is a big inspiration, wonderful, come to Brazil some time....

[@ReynanteMartinez]

Amazing to see you post a new video again, Thomas, it's been a while. And wow, isn't this a joy to watch. Though there's a part of me that really feels envious of your interactions and observations of these wonderful insect species that I totally hadn't seen before. Loving this content and looking forward to more. P.S. Those bird shots look awesome, by the way.

[@reydahamadou8737]

I love your videos. You don't need fancy equipment to do macro photography. I like this idea. I shoot macro using the kit Lens 18_55mm reversed or With a set of extension tubes.