Setting Myself a Forest Photography Challenge! (w/ a Nikon D850)

[@Eliehbk]

I love how you don't care about the latest and greatest gear. You just go out with your DSLR and have fun. Your pictures are also great!!

[@ravenfallsphotography6254]

Ah, the joy and sorrow of seeing a new video from Courtney - joy because you know you have another 10-15 minutes of your favorite photography KZbinr to look forward to, sorrow because you know that, once that’s over, you'll have another week of so until the next one… While all the fungi images are very nice, I think my favorite is "Bold," because you seem to have perfectly composed it with the contrast of light and dark, plus the almost monochromatic mushroom against the dark background contrasted with the diagonal slash of bright green moss. Very dynamic and involving.

[@barryjosephson4893]

You've inspired me. Now I want to go out and photograph the "small scenes" in the forest where I live. Thank you!

[@GrahamSchroder]

I like both "Withering" and "Invisibility Cloak" Re using a bean bag to get your camera lower to the ground, I have one but often forget to bring it. I've discovered that I can lay my tripod flat on the ground, I can manipulate the ball head to achieve most angles. This means that my lens can be positioned an inch or two off the ground. I do have to reverse my camera on the mounting plate so that the locking screw is under the lens rather than protruding out the back. Sometimes it may mean you have to invert the centre column and move the third leg up a 90degrees out of the way. Splaying out the other two legs may help to raise or lower the camera too. Have a play with your tripod and see what you can do. It may not work for every situation though. And finally I want to say how much I love your channel and your photography. You're a breath of fresh air!

[@mattleccese]

For the algorithm! No apology needed, it’s more fun watching people with a subject they’re drawn to

[@terryrobinson4197]

The older I get the more I try to use things that are versatile, less stuff to buy or carry, applies to so many aspects of my life now. Stick with the tripod only for a while until you really think a beanbag is absolutely needed, rather buy a cheap small video light adjustable white balance, I use a ulanzi, for those days when the light is flat. Beautiful shots btw, keep up the great work cheers from Australia

[@petekutheis3822]

I know the in video sponsors are necessary but very refreshing not to have one this time. All 100% lovely, exquisite Courtney and her fungi 😍❤

[@grahamniven]

Lovely images. When out and about sans tripod I've used my camera bag as an improvised beanbag, worked fine for what I needed. Get some oil of citronella, it's the best midge repellent ever. Dilute with water and apply.

[@JerryWilliam63]

To beanbag or to tripod, that is the thought, do you want something firm, or something that flops? I could perhaps help you with the whole lot? In my camera bag I have lots of small bags of silica gel. So I thought maybe it would be an idea to fill a beanbag with silica gel? It would serve a dual purpose, as a camera platform, but also as a desiccant to keep the inside of the camera bag dry. You do allot for us, I would be happy to experiment for you. For fungi are crafty, they love to explore, especially those lenses, we all adore. So while you're capturing, their mystical trend, remember to keep them as subjects and not in the lens!

[@JerryWilliam63]

This doesnt work; really, dont bother.

[@peteg330]

Love the way you isolate the wee mushrooms, with the mossy green surround they really stand out.

[@jimrinaldi8357]

Courtney my favotite shot is the Invisibility Cloak. This is the first time I caught you right after you posted your video and that made it seem fresher to me. I like the way you show yourself setting the camera controls briefly without dwelling too much in the technology. Your whole presentation is very fresh and I love it. Maybe someday you will talk about the differences between the D750 and the D850 you are now using.

[@michaelt7320]

Lovely, atmospheric images. I really like the titles which reflect the fact that there is more to the images than just the fungi themselves.

[@terrygoyan]

This episode should be called "dances with fungi!" Once you learn some of them, collecting and eating them is wonderful. I feel a strong connection to our hunter gatherer roots when collecting them. One of my favorite days of the year is the first chanterelle feed of the fall. They taste like the environment they grow in. Rich and deep humid soil and woods! Wonderful the way you are able to find subjects that I would walk right by. I really pays to slow down when out in the woods!

[@andreasweber1533]

Well seen, all of the pictures. For such tiny subjects a small mirror can move a ray of sun over for a spot or rim light.

[@joanneabramson2645]

Invisibity Cloak for me as well. Awesome photo and name. I love the names you choose. I must admit, I choak when it comes to naming photos.

[@garylange4956]

Invisibility cloak is terrific, the last shot actually spoke to me a bit more. Love them all!

[@spidersj12]

A fun day. With some fungi. I like the Happy Potter cloak the best, it's also like a rain coat, or a wigwam.

[@TheOneAft]

12:14 Don't apologize about this new obsession you have , the results are looking very cool ! 😃 🙌

[@margot6041]

My favorite was the reaching fungi for it's grace against the rich green detail in the forest floor. Inspiring work!

[@DanielAucoinFineArt]

Hey Courtney! Loved the video and I admire the quality of the content you manage to create. You are getting very good in front of the camera and obviously behind it as well! 😉 It's refreshing to see someone who sticks to their gut feeling and does photography for the sake of doing photography. I also wanted to say that you are actually the inspiration behind my "LEARN to SEE" video, which talks about mushroom photography. I love mushrooms for their alien qualities, if that makes any sense, and also for their spiritual powers... but that's for another conversation! 😜 Anyways, thanks for the easy-to-watch content and the inspiration. Continue doing that for as long as you feel like it! 😉✌

[@PeterTaylor-m3e]

I love that you name your images - somehow it seems to make them even more beautiful!

[@blivieriphoto]

I love that first one, Solitary, with the slightly out of focus grasses and the beautiful soft light. Great video Courtney!

[@richmatlock2396]

Good day Courtney. Love this video.... first of all just the beauty of the forrest you are in... so lush and gorgeous. Solitary - Invisibility Cloak - Bold - Reaching - Withering... They are all wonderful, but I my favorite is the Withering.

[@banditalley9592]

Lovely images, great video - hugely jealous of the moss! All the woods round here have none. Also very nice to see you photograph mushrooms that are not "pristine". They are just as valid as the 'perfect' subject matter.

[@erichlinser3994]

Fun times, I really like reversing my tripod column, I use a promedia gear plate and a CamRanger and iPad to get even closer to the ground with the camera 😊

[@bunkerbusterexplore]

Great camera used to have one. You put so much thought into what you do. Keep up the good work.

[@TC_Conner]

Withering was my favorite. Another enjoyable watch Ms. Courtney. 💜😎💜

[@mikiethebikie]

Beautiful shots as usual. I have just joined the D850 community, thanks for your lovely examples.

[@andrewnoden9117]

Hi Courtney Andrew here in Ottawa Canada 🇨🇦 I have used the bean bag but recently acquired a Platypod, I am experimenting with it at the moment Same as yourself, here in a woodland I visit, the fungi have been showing up everywhere, it’s great. I feel I need to also experiment with some additional lighting on the subjects Love the channel and you style of presenting Cheers Andrew

[@Bighell01]

Hi CV. Came across your channel a few days ago and despite the great weather outside I stayed inside and almost binge watched your videos completely. What I like is (beside the way you edit ur vids) is not the way you take your photos but I really love the way you explain your thoughts why you take your photos. U got an extra subscriber. Grtz from the Netherlands, Arjen.

[@robgutkowski7141]

Very enjoyable narrative and exploration of tiny details of objects within a larger landscape. I think the "Invisibility Cloak" image was the most uniquely creative way to present a mushroom. A few of the woodlands near my home likely have similar objects waiting to be discover, time to take walk.

[@dennispenton2052]

Courtney - colors in this video are so vibrant. Great presentation - I felt soothed. Thank you.

[@duncanadamson6701]

For me, the Invisibility Cloak, it is so unique. Well done yet again Courtney.

[@TheWitchboard]

I love them all, you take absolutely awesome photographs and explain your reasons so very well, thank you.

[@timrosenburgh8597]

I enjoyed the video as usual Courtney. The leaf making a cloak around the mushroom made a great image. The other image's were really good as well. There is always one who has to pick up on the fungus, fungi, who cares, we new what you meant. Look forward to the next one.

[@donelson2]

I can't really choose a favorite; I like them all. Each is also different enough from the others to stand on its own. I continue to be inspired by your work.

[@LoneJoe_hadley]

Im a 72 year old photographer. I am so inspired by Courtney I made a fungi video of my own copying her techniques and uploaded it to my personal channel. My wife really likes it

[@matthewgregory2106]

Got some good images there my friend

[@gordonsmyth1255]

I use my camera bag for a sandbag while out in the field. Much better than a sandbag and less to carry. I leave the sandbags in the studio for light stands.

[@gordonvanspall1719]

Have only just discovered your channel. Love your approach, and your enthusiasm. Re bean bag: unequivocal “yes”. One of those horseshoe neck collars work wonders. Re waiting for light, small LED penlight is a game changer. Thanks for what you do

[@leeanderson6215]

Love your videos. I would make 2 recommendations based on gear I use. Sandbags can add a lot of weight you could look to see if they make a stubby center column for your tripod and not have to carry anything extra or look for a tripod that does not have a center column. I guess it’s 3 suggestions. LeoFoto also makes a handy mini tripod (MT-02+LH-25) with a little ball head strong enough for most cameras and macro lens. I love how versatile this little guy is. I also love the LS-223c this one is so small and you could just move your tripod head back and forth if you don’t have a second one. Cost and weight are always factors. Hope one of these options help. I did not include links because I’m not selling anyone anything just offering ideas of things that have helped or worked for me.

[@jancusters2450]

I always love your videos. You look at nature in a extraordinary way. Also the the names giving of the photos I like very much. You have them in your brain while taking the picture. Love that! Looking forward for your nexr video.

[@alanthornton3530]

Great images the 'Invisibility cloak' is my favourite, looking forward to the next video!

[@jennifercall9014]

Please, 5 minuters is never enough of your videos. Love your show!

[@markgoostree6334]

OK... all five are very nice and they just might make a very nice group collage. Little ms. Invisibility is my favorite

[@ditto1958]

Nature in Britain is so… tame. Green, really green, and you get the feeling you could just hunker down there for the night in that clearing and not be eaten by anything nasty.

[@ashstubbings2603]

The 'Invisibility Cloak' image is definitely my favourite!

[@ariegeerts9799]

thanks for always inspire me ,i love woodland fotografie so i love your videos very much 😃

[@barryhiggott9458]

I love the “Solitary” shot it ticks every box for me. Now all I need is a forest that’s not knee deep in mud and your choice of tripod would certainly no go amiss. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

[@wismokey]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I use a Platypod with a ball head most of the time instead of a tripod for this type of work. That way I don't have the tripod legs in the way and easier to move around.

[@DrGruffLes]

The cloaked 'shroom and the 'shroom with its leaf friend were my favourites. I can't even tell you how many photo's of mushrooms my photo-walk buddy and i have taken, pretty sure we're addicted...

[@dmjohn65]

Great Video! The Fungi is strong with this one! 😄

[@rosssayer6524]

Thought number 4 was brilliant, very enjoyable video to watch. Thanks for sharing Courtney 👏👏

[@seantomlinson3320]

Very neat! Glad I found this peaceful and lovely video today. Thanks.

[@jaybradley9083]

It's a toss up between the Invisibility Cloak and Solitary for me. While all the photos were wonderful, Invisibility Cloak and Solitary had a magical quality. Loved the video. You always inspire me to get out with my camera.

[@pepper6253]

Great captures of Fungi , Courtney . My favorite was the Imperfect you have such a marvelous eye for detail enjoy your walk in the forest.

[@igor_timofeev]

Very excited about how you can see all this beauty under your feet naturally. Great shots!

[@robertdavis1255]

Incredible shots Victoria....I like all of them for different reasons.... just love your work.... keep it up... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@jimjanus3710]

All the photos are amazing. You've inspired me to take a walk through the forest near me

[@mizshellytee]

"Invisibility Cloak" is the one for me.

[@AndrewConnor-w4m]

Nice story telling there... Fungi are awesome - just wait til you see some corals, baskets, and even better...slimes :)

[@nielseriknielsen5399]

Du you now at the d 850 on manual focus and live w you can se it glowing red where the focus is. Love your tube's and your aurquit dancing. Has anyone ever caught you doing that in the woods. 😂

[@adragonphotography]

You can't beat a good fried mushroom!!!! Lol, I love your fungi pics, and I agree the "hooded" one was the best.

[@alexgimagery]

Amazing images of the mushrooms, and the one with the cloak is truly special. That was a wonderful adventure you had.

[@MrRonald7712]

I love the photo of the fungi with the leaf. It's magical, hope to see one this year in Deventer (Holland) or maybe I can fake it by helping it a little.

[@markbrooks6979]

I did like "Invisibility Cloak," but I connected with "Withering" the most, so that's my favorite.

[@Gareth1959]

Perfect timing for a trip into nature, on a Sunday. Of the five, my favourite is "Thoughts". The image gives me a feeling of being immersed in a miniature world where the mystical pink fungi stands out distinctly against the jungle of green.

[@David-gh8my]

Such a nice calm narration to a good video thank you.

[@bryanashford5118]

Another great video and top draw photography

[@scottreadphotography]

Another fun and interesting video, on a subject matter that is on a particular area of interest for me, inspirational work as always.

[@mainline464]

Love te "invisibility cloak", best one of the day

[@susanfirth2279]

These were so good Courtney. Loved the Invisibility Cloak image. You've inspired me to go t a local woodland and look for fungi.

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

I prefer to use a remote shutter release rather than the timer so I can trip the shutter when the subject is still on a windy day. I have used a cable release in the past, which is a bit of a pain. Recently I splurged on a wireless unit for $82 on amazon. It requires a 10 pin socket for the receiver (the D850 should have one, the D750 does not). The D750 has always required a different remote shutter release than my pro camera, a D4 or Z9, so I've tended to not use it for macro.

[@Martingj56]

The invisibility cloak for me is the most interesting, but one on the tree trunk comes very close.

[@jonathantharp9425]

I do enjoy watching your videos and content. Thanks for sharing.

[@chrisgidney5135]

Wonderful video. I have the that same macro lens for my Pentax. It's so sharp, and the shallow depth of field makes magic happen

[@angelaoneill51]

Some beautiful images Courtney.

[@kevanesson6540]

Great how you managed to find some pictures from a site I would probably have walked past 👍👍

[@ClaudioRod]

Glad i found your channel. I find your approach very refreshing. Subscribed to follow your journey. cheers

[@philleach7387]

Hi Courtney, I subscribe to Simon Booth and he is forever looking at the forest floor and coming up with amazing images of fungi , mosses and decaying leaves. Well worth checking out.

[@richardspencer3897]

Great video. Invisibility cloak a great shot 👍🏻

[@martincomeaux6949]

I love your photography!!!

[@alanhall5648]

Excellent video beautifully put together I love your work 🔥🔥🇬🇧

[@dwrisdon2487]

Fun to see you delving into the "wee bits" in the forest. If you would like a greater perspective of the fungi backstory, try looking thru the work of Paul Stamets. Bill

[@lesboucher542]

I'm with you, it is the invisibility cloak that stands out to me. Just as a side note, how are you finding the D850? I'm in the market for a new camera and I'm leaning towards the D850. I like the clarity that you are getting. On the other hand, I'm also looking at the Fuji range XT-5 or XH-2 maybe. 😵‍💫 But that involves new lens as well... arghhhh! It all starts to muddle up after a couple of weeks after looking at reviews.... PS Lucky mozzie ;)

[@JacobG-M]

Just love your instructional/process videos. I notice you tend to shoot a single Fungus more often than not. Is it because you don’t get bunches of Fungi in your nook, or do you prefer the singular Fungus as a subject?

[@JerryWilliam63]

A recent stumble and a bench's cruel bite, I held my breath, hoping you would be alright.🤕 So happy you're back roaming under the skies, privileged to see the forest through your "Lovely Eyes". Five photos planned, a limit she'd admit, yet with each captivating sight, the longer she would sit. Though quickness was the game, the goal at the start, She took her sweet time and followed her heart. As the sun danced and its rays did weave, changing the hue the mushroom would receive. It stood like a tree, proud and upright, Courtney wondering how to get it just right. She pondered on her choices, that of light and of space, but for us, the viewers, it was perfectly in place. Maybe framed a different way, maybe a different light but you found the perfect balance inspiring our delight. Mycena Rosella in her invisible cloak, Hidden in plain sight there amongst the oak. Directing the forest gremlins, in their dance of lore, guiding their footsteps to tidy the forest floor. With each leaf and twig, they'd carefully place, creating a canvas for Courtney to embrace. In this harmonious world, in a most enchanting way, the forest's tales unfold, where the Gremlin go to play. Mycena galopus, elusive and shy, with spiders around, teasing Courtney's eye. They dance and they dart, in and out of the view, making focus a challenge, and tensions accrue. Courtney persists, with passion and heart. Each shot she attempts, they playfully thwart, To focus becomes a game, a challenge so stout, With eight-legged jesters causing her doubt. In the quiet of the forest, as her session did close, She found a brown mushroom and leaf in repose. Together they sat, aged by time's entire, Whispering tales of life and of prior. Composition is not easy, as many will tout, But with patience and vision, beauty wins out. Courtney captured their essence, with a soft, gentle fire, A breathtaking photo, before they retire. Courtney has discovered a stunning scene beneath her feet, Unveiling hidden wonders where mysteries and beauty meet. A new world of subjects has captured your thoughts, and through your "Lovely Eyes" has captured our hearts.♥

[@petekutheis3822]

try very hard..ha

[@thevalleywalker]

This episode was "magic" 😊

[@madst7521]

Instead of a beanbag, I went for Platypod. It takes up less space and doesn't have a problem being used on wet ground.

[@trevorsneath4665]

If you carry a Cree type zoom torch it will give you extra light options, so more DOF or higher speeds (that may have helped with the spiders). The light is 5700Kelvin so it doesn't give a colour cast. Or at least, one that can't be corrected with the minimum of adjustments. Beanbag is very useful.

[@PhotoTrekr]

Often, not knowing what you are going to photograph is the most fun. And, sometimes, you get the best unexpected photographs.

[@randallpeck6056]

Hi. A tripod is enough. I shoot lots of mushrooms. I just reverse the center column like you. A bean bag would be just another thing to carry around and maybe not get used.

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Awesome! Great video!

[@bradleysnavely7141]

Great, someone else who don't like mushrooms, good to photography tho, love your shots 😊

[@michelmichel5672]

Thank you for this nice and interesting video, you do very good job.

[@davidknowles5519]

I have and use a bean bag they are not perfect as the D850is such a beast the bean bag doesn’t always hold it steady. My tripod doesn’t reverse as yours does so I would stick with the tripod

[@bugwalks3897]

Great video as always. Do the legs on your tripod flip all the way over so you do not have to remove the center column?

[@nigelpugh7003]

The invisibility cloak for me💜

[@JLKFoto]

Hi. You talked about a macro stand of some sort. I got me one custom made from an iron worker. To bad i cant send a photo of it here.

[@markielinhart]

Magic images ✌️

[@ruff1draft]

Excellent video thanks for this