The Patient Photographer - A Woodland Vlog

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

Courtney, you are my favourite forest oddity.

[@scotskinner4350]

Some really great images there, Courtney. I think the hardest part of photography, is just getting out the door with your camera.

[@DominikMarczuk]

Interesting how a number of photographers I follow have touched on the subject of motivation this month. For me, the best motivation is to not have expectations. The hike, the contact with nature, the calming feeling of looking at the scene and composing a shot are the most pleasant parts. If some good photos come out of it, they're just a cherry on top of the cake. Even "photowalks" with no photos taken are a success in my book. The sheer act of going out and spending a few hours alone is enough to make me look forward to getting up at 6 AM on a Sunday.

[@villageblunder4787]

That's funny, most of the videos I've seen this month are about cognitive bias!

[@DominikMarczuk]

@@villageblunder4787 Interesting indeed. What videos on cognitive bias have you seen?

[@Enviportraits]

That’s literally me lol I’m at 6am getting ready for my photography session lol

[@DominikMarczuk]

@@Enviportraits I got up at 6 AM today as well. Spent five hours hiking in the forest. It was the absolute highlight of the week. I hope you have a great time too!

[@alanthornton3530]

Your words are insightful & motivational, slowing down you start to see the wonders of woodland/forest. I love macro photography there's nothing better than getting down close to the ground & the wonderful textures of bark & fungi. The balancing act on the tree trunk routine makes me laugh, thank you for sharing :)

[@GK49245]

Lovely video, images, music, and narrative. What you captured are not oddities, but uniquenesses. You seem connected to the forest. Hope you can find the time, take the steps, and enjoy your passions. Thanks for sharing your time.

[@christian.irmler]

Hi Courtney, what an interesting episode. Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@JameyBarrow]

Ever since i got my macro lense about a year ago I cant help myself but notice every little detail. Its like a light switch goes off in your brain. The world of macro is so wonderfully fascinating. Every season there is something new. Ill often go out with an idea that im going to shoot something particular. End up not happy with what i got except for those few snap shots of something totally random that end up being your favorite images of the day. Like you said you just gotta get out there.Thanks for another great video. Stay inspired everyone!! 📷 ❤

[@hkanderful]

You did it again! That image "Frayed" is just amazing! Love the mood and the color of that image. Right now, it's snowing here in southern part of Norway. Keep those videos coming! All the best from Norway

[@DinoPozo]

Very good vblog Courtney, I really like the motivation, the feeling and the funny way you include in this video. It's true that the most important advice in photography is to keep going, make mistakes, learn from them and keep growing to improve our skills. So beautiful images!!! Love it!

[@PamMcIntyre-b7b]

I am really enjoying watching your videos - your enjoyment and enthusiasm is infectious - your commentary is also spot on!

[@joanneabramson2645]

Excellent, thought-provoking video. You inspire me to continue to look for even smaller items to photograph. By highlighting the subjects so often unseen, your photos make us slow down and do a doubletake. Well done.

[@dianneandres3770]

Love you images Courtney and I so enjoy your videos. There is something so special when one slows down and takes the time to see all that’s around you. We all live such busy lives and it’s so nice to just slow down.

[@bigdhav]

Aw I absolutely love your videos and the way you think and explain things. 😊. I went out to my local woods yesterday and really enjoyed the solitude. I sat on the floor. Enjoyed it.😊 Was very good for mental health.

[@MrFreakwent]

Patience is what leads to deliberation in photography ,and is most satisfying.

[@GeraldThomasphotojunkie]

I’m so sorry! But when you were trying to climb over that tree I just lost it! 😂🤣👏🏾😂🤣👏🏾🤣😂👏🏾

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Haha, short person problems!

[@jnrickards]

@@CourtneyVictoria We were all cheering for you!!!

[@youphototube]

Informative, inspirational, nerdy and quirky. What is not to like. Thorncombe woods is my nemesis. I keep going back as I like the challenge. I love using the polariser filter on wet days and ICM when it is sunny.

[@jaybradley9083]

Wonderful photos, as usual. It's always a good day when you post a new video.

[@dekkuboboo8486]

To bee absolute honest, You and Eyexplore are my favourite youtubers to motivate me and makes me take photos in different angles/ places

[@Revup1]

Courtney, I think becoming a tree would be barking mad. I hope the idea doesn't take root, you'd have to leave everything behind and branch out into another dimension. I think you'd find the transition sapping. Hopefully you've twigged what I'm saying! Don't leave us!

[@RogerAVHansen]

Would love to see a behind the scenes video on how you make your videos, from planning, implementation and editing 😊 Your last video made me pick up my camera and walk in to the forest with my macro lens and just take photos without thinking about the pressure of taking a banger shot 😊 And I posted them on Instagram for people to see 😊 Thank you 😊

[@gvz1538]

Beautiful photos, video, and words; thank you Courtney for sharing your passion!!

[@natureliker-ww4jo]

THis is inspirational!! For my photografic. Thank you Courtney for sharing🌺

[@tgsnider]

Thank you for this video! The pictures were amazing and your thoughts were inspiring.

[@alilstinky]

Love this video and the message. As a fellow nature photographer, the joy of the forest is unmatched, and the patience that’s required to find the right shot is definitely a learned skill. Thanks for sharing!

[@JamesMcFatter-v7u]

And the accompanying music you choose adds so much to your videos.

[@senshi_ichigo]

to become to tree it is true because you gave us a Hope and making us Breathing so well in this video the tool you Used Tripod is Nice!!!

[@RichardCookphotography]

Beautiful short film Victoria. Really enjoyed it. Well done👍🌳

[@stanleysteamcar]

I'm loving your macro work especially with the new lense. I can tell that you have your inspirational spark back. Thank you for taking along with you. T

[@klartext2225]

Fits you soooo well, this new focus on macro forest photography! As you have, after 8 years with my NIKON D 750, I bought a D 850. Won't ever switch to mirrorless! Starting to shoot more and more with my new gem... but did not realize the option of focus stacking. Have to learn it soon. Thanks for the hint! Best wishes from Munich!

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Some wonderful images Courtney. If I find myself not "seeing" anything when doing macro I tend to limit myself to a small area say 10 metres by 10 metres. Its amazing how you then start to examine everything much closer and the images pop up!👍

[@SeaAngMo23]

so far this is my favorite video! yes good points.

[@spydigitaluk]

Love watching your videos very insightful and inspirational plus informative ........ I love being able to walk out my front door and explore the woods of Gloucestershire many great things out there to find 🎉

[@keithguppy]

Impeccable balance and concentration at the begining Courtney I cant even walk and talk let alone balance, walk and talk lol. 1:42 is my favourite image, very abstract. I agree slowing down is a good idea, this is why I try and use a tripod as much as I can to slow me down.

[@SW-tech]

Wonderful, peaceful and entertaining. thanks Courtney 😀

[@timrosenburgh8597]

I enjoyed the video as usual Courtney. Like you say we walk through the woods with our camera and miss so much because we are are wanting to photograph something else and not slowing down to look. Great image's as usual.

[@thomasphillips5850]

Great video. I really like frayed, beautiful. I do enjoy your video's. Keep up the great work.

[@stoatsngroatsuk5012]

An Interesting walk with you. Thanks for the thoughts, and reminder to be still and patient. I have a dog with me when I’m out with the camera - he’s getting used to me stopping and displays the same level of patience. I need to take a little longer to see. 🙏😀

[@nealschneider6554]

The images in this episode are absolutely STUNNING!!

[@mgnh123]

Nice work. Your stories and imagery are motivational. Thank you

[@jimadams6159]

Hope we see you again soon, love watching your videos and find them inspirational, as well as fun.

[@peterholmlund9454]

I find your videos therapeutic, your style is serene and calm. I tend to get wound up and self critical which does nothing good when trying to learn photography. A voice of reason goes a long way - thanks!

[@daveexplore3856]

LOVE your channel Courtney ! ... Im so Nature,Forest, Hiker guy with the camera. Its the absolute 180 degrees turn to my passion for Street shooting. 😊 Our brains think alike. 👌🌲🌳☘🍀🌹📷 Cheers & have a great week.

[@daymonpearcey8468]

Thank you Courtney, fantastic vlog and some incredible images 👍

[@jimgernon7452]

Always enjoy your unique and fun way to teach photography. Keep branching out but please don't leaf.

[@leemansj2126]

Just discovered your channel but seeing your macro photography inspired me a lot. Recently discovered my tripod has the capability to reverse the column 😮 so bought myself a smallrig cage so I can mount it properly and straight. I have a vintage Nikon (sliding zoom) Macro lens which I'm going to use this weekend 😍 Thanks for the enjoyable videos, looking forward to the next 🎉

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

Excellent Courtney! I love the macro work and the exploration of the woodlands in such a different way.

[@the_rat_run]

Forest of Dean again? The shots you are getting are tempting me to take the (relatively short) drive over and sniff around myself... Beautiful, relaxing video, and some lovely photos.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Yes, there is a lot to photograph here when you take the time to explore! :)

[@digital-nature-uk]

You are completely bonkers! in your videos at least 😃 I love it. Thanks in part to you I will be trying some macro photography this year.

[@GrahamSchroder]

Nailed it Courtney! I heard a soil ecologist say that healthy soils give off endorphins. She stated that that is why you'll find that gardeners are happy people . If fungi are the key actor in healthy ego systems because they are mainly responsible for producing nutrient rich endorphin producing soils, wouldn't it stand to reason why laying down on a forest floor with ones cheek to the leaf litter shooting fungi, enable us to breathe in these endorphins and experience the pleasure you describe in your vid? I think you made a tonne of sensible points. I enjoyed it immensely!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Oh wow, that's very interesting and it would make sense why sitting or lying about the forest floor is now one of my favourite things to do! Thanks!

[@GrahamSchroder]

@@CourtneyVictoria you should have heard me verbally agreeing with you while I watched alone in my living room. 🤣🤣🤣

[@ZakariKha]

Thanks for the pep talk coach! Now you go and become that big beautfiul tree!!!

[@finesse49]

It'sgood to see you sticking with macro. A lack of patience is the reason that second-hand macro lenses are easy to find.😊

[@refill22]

I look forward to your sage advise, it helps me in many ways as I continue with my photography pursuit. TY

[@Abren_]

Hi. I found this video really interesting! As somone who picked up a camera that wasnt a phone for the first time last year, I don't know what a 25 image stack means. But I don't think that's required to say your photos are magical - the forest is full of compositions waiting to be seen. Completely agree with your point on patience, both with regards to not chasing down the perfect photograph but also having more patience with the emotional side of things as well. I reckon Tolkien had it right when it came to Ents, maybe we could learn something about slowing down from them - embodying trees and all that

[@windyngw]

lovely video it was just how I fill when I am in the wood & forest i am trying macro but now you have thrown a spanner in the works now with stacking some think more to tack in thank you love your work neill

[@lauriefish58]

Really enjoyed this one, your images are beautiful. I’m on the cusp of purchasing my first macro 🙂🙂

[@woodygreen6826]

shooting and processing a 40 image stack certainly requires patience. Thanks for the video. :)

[@robertdavis1255]

Again Courtney you presented a great video & comments.... interesting location with great results... love your work... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@margot6041]

Love these photos!

[@simoncrouch3549]

What a lovely video!

[@dennispenton2052]

"Take your time - Observe the details" - yes ! Great presentation.

[@cernach13]

I love the end of this video. I don't feel motivated but I do feel a lot happier for watching until the end. Thank you and keep up the good work!!!

[@TC_Conner]

"Strange subjects and textures" indeed Ms. Courtney. Enjoyed this vlog, as I most always do. I too have wondered what it might be like if I were a tree, I would wonder if I'd be photogenic. You, of course, wood be. 💜

[@simonh]

I really do love the Sigma 105mm macro lens. It's lovely!

[@raulcano6262]

Delightful, as usual. Thanks for being you.

[@marcvalade94]

I have come to a feeling that photography is about communicating a degree of aw for the subject on the photograph. Plenty of road tested techniques can assist the communication part of this effort. Yet all things are a wonder independently of their visual aspect. Under any angle, lighting or framing all things are artistic beyond our own sensory and mental capability. They also evolve second to second into a greater self. And then their is their on location integration among all the things. So patience may assist the photographer in gathering enough perceptions of beauty. And then can it be at time be registered on camera. Craft, gear and technique only increase the frequency of this capability.

[@philbraithwaite1316]

Just added a macro lens to my shopping list. Lovely shots!

[@mstrchat]

The video shot of the camera display is truely amazing. The light from screen and the background is balanced. I wonder what settings you would have used to get this shot.

[@PhotoTrekr]

You've made me want to try macro photography again.

[@sharonsuskin6859]

I love macro and I love your photos!

[@alanhall5648]

It’s just so relaxing watching your videos.

[@CHoudijk]

This is exactly what I needed right now! Thank you very much! 😊 P.S. You know what? I'll watch it again right now

[@keyfretter]

Love your videos - any chance you'll discuss your approach / when to use focus/image stacking in a future outing?

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Absolutely! I've been asked about this a lot recently so I'll probably film a quick little video soon to go through the process. :)

[@nmcduff4891]

A touch of Quality to improve my day. Thank you.

[@darrenquigley182]

Excellent work.

[@juststv]

Really enjoying your closeup work!

[@natureslittlegifts]

Loving the "FRAYED" image

[@MagdaBakker-em1ke]

Thanks for sharing & inspiration!

[@hamsterneckliving]

Just discovered you because of a mention by “Clueless KZbinr goes out”. Great stuff. That tripod. Holy cow.

[@ricknicholson5894]

Your videos are excellent for discovering creativity informing subject and location. Unfortunately the equipment reviewers get the greatest likes, it's easier to learn equipment than it is to learn a new vision. But the net needs those with a photographic eye illustrating how they think and do.

[@steverolfe1935]

Great video as always 😃

[@tjsinva]

Great macro examples. Sage advice. Carry on.👍🥂

[@Alanbravofotografo]

Amazing vídeo my friend, Nice work

[@Localtraveler2376]

You’ve really seem to enjoy the macro photography. Hope you’re having fun.

[@ilpoheikkila4773]

Great video!

[@davideccles9800]

Very many thanks for your videos Courtney. Could you kindly say how you 'shortened' the Peak Design anchor points on your camera. They don't appear to dangle and get in the way of the grip as they might otherwise do. Thank you.

[@tomaswmitchellphotography]

You are so weird, I love it!❤❤❤

[@adventurecoalition3690]

Great video, just what I needed rn. Thanks 🙏

[@RoyJenkinsPacker]

If you passion is to be a tree.... There's a. Number of tree hugers out there.. Hug. Beautiful images.

[@arun.kahaduwaarachchi]

Pretty amazing ❤

[@ryszardorowski7409]

Viktoria, deine Videos sind toll anzuschauen, besonders jetzt, wo ich ein Problem mit meinen Nebenhöhlen habe und nicht alleine rausgehen kann, um Fotos zu machen, Fotografie macht mir Freude und unterhält mich, ich mag deinen Kanal, beste Grüße, Ryszard - Polen. Ich entschuldige mich für den Übersetzer. Wenn ich es nicht verstehe, ist Google schuld.

[@natureliker-ww4jo]

And yes, the point was made!!

[@billpeters9266]

Thank you for creative insight into your photography. I often do wildlife,scenic and macro shots. I find breathing and learning acceptance is what opens opportunity. On a technical point, what is your tripod if I may ask?

[@lindaw5890]

Isn't nature fabulous when we slow down and enjoy. I love the "Frayed" image - my first thought was "Nibbled."

[@kenfournelle5517]

I like very much your macro work. I noticed one of the images was 30 stacks and another 40. What are you using to decide on how many images to stack? Do you set it at 100, let's say, and it stops at 30? And what focus step width are you using? I like the Courtney Philosophy, but some explanation of your technical choices would be helpful.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I'll try and go into some more technical detail next time as I have been asked about this quite a bit recently. I take into account how close I am to the subject, how detailed it is and the aperture I'm using when focus bracketing. There is a bit of guess work involved to be honest, the more you do it the more you start to get an idea of how many images you might need. The focus shift shooting will stop when either all of the images have been taken or when the lens reaches infinity focus. So if you set it at 100 and it hit infinity at 30 images, then it would stop there. Because it's a fast process it's then easy to quickly go through the images to make sure you have what you need in focus. I lean on the cautious side and set it for more photos than I probably need. My focus step width was 5 in this video. I'm not sure if there is a rule for this, but from what I know for macro you want 5 or less. If you bracketing for landscapes then you may want to go higher. Hope that helps!

[@grahamroberts3124]

Hi Courtney, In this video your fungi photographs are combinations of stacking, can you give some hints on how to stack 25/30/40 images, is photoshop able to do that as a feature or is it a manual exercise. Also, is taking the images in camera a Nikon special feature (I have a Sony, cannot do that) or are you re-focussing on each shot with the high risk of camera shake/ movement? Maybe operating the camera from an IPhone? Sorry I have loads of questions Thanks

[@davidskinner274]

Nicely done, Courtney. As long as you did of old age as a tree... To be cut down by a chain saw would be horrible 😢

[@davidemig555]

Standards of patience that can very simply be applied to life.

[@paulhegarty7625]

Good one Courtney what do u call that interesting trypod ur using

[@thecaveofthedead]

I needed this little anti-pep talk.

[@pentax-paul.]

Hey , love your videos , thanks 😊. That's a Nifty tripod you have there , what is it please ?