The Point of My Photography - Macro Photography with Nikon D850

[@daelpixphotography]

You're the most joyful photographer I watch. Thank you Courtney for all your wonderful videos and your gorgeous photos.

[@DominikMarczuk]

Ha, so true. I recently stopped posting on Instagram and simply carried on with photographing what I like, the way I like. Social media did kill my enjoyment of photography, to the point where I spent a total of around 8 hours hiking in beautiful forests and took exactly one picture. A mediocre one at that. As for staying in the forest after dark, I actually do that sometimes. I use two LED lights that I can set up any way I need and I photograph mushrooms in the dark. The images turn out really magical, in a way you can't achieve during the day.

[@keithguppy]

I love macro photography, getting home and noticing a tiny bug on the mushrooms you hadn’t spotted on location, it’s the gift that keeps on giving lol. Beautiful photos.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Absolutely, a nice surprise when you get home and look at the images! I don't realise how many bugs are roaming around until I review video footage and realise they're crawling all over me ha.

[@timpullen9202]

Courtney. I just sold that lens to MPB. I'd like to think it is the one you now have, and I can finally see it put to good use.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Oh my goodness, it could be haha! It is already a valued part of my camera bag :)

[@dougjohnson4572]

Happy to see another production. Your thoughts on Why are inspiring.

[@pracquet]

Beautifully explained. Now I know why I like photography. Thank you.

[@GeraldThomasphotojunkie]

Yea!!! I’ve missed you!! 🙌🏾 I just have to tell you that I get so much inspiration from your videos.

[@jimadams6159]

Great to see a new video. The words and thoughts shared are very wise. It's interesting how we often doubt our own abilities despite receiving praise from others. The photos you shared are beautiful and inspiring. Thank you.

[@rmetzger7368]

Ah, she's back! It's because of you, and Thomas Heaton, I've gone back to making pictures. After watching you shoot macro, fungi, I've drifted that way too. Thanks for the inspiration. And, I see the dance moves are alive and well in 2024! Can't wait to see what you put in front of your lens next. Great job Courtney! We continue to watch over your shoulder from Port Angeles, WA., USA! Take care!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Glad to hear you've dived into fungi photography too! You don't realise how fun it is until you try it ha. Thanks and take care too :)

[@GeorgeLoch]

There is so much whimsy in these mushroom macros. It's like you have caught faries in the middle of a dance. Love it.

[@cynthiamomokoharper8100]

YES! Life is meant to be fun and enjoyable. That is why I do photography

[@RogerAVHansen]

I can so relate to feeling some kind of pressure when taking photos. Has stopped me from bringing my camera several times, even stopped me from going out. Need to find the pleasure in just finding a good composition and taking the photo 😊

[@thomastuorto9929]

For me I say hog wash to pressure the pressure. Shoot for yourself & no-one else. I will shoot anything. I go out to shoot & very rarely come home without a photo. But being just a hobby enthusiast, = no pressure. Some days are better than others including in no particular order, the quality of light, the subjects that cross my path & my judgement or ability & sometimes lazy style of shooting. Somedays I put the photos on the computer & (rarely) delete the whole folder. Some days I'm pleasantly surprised & somedays I'm smiling because I'm positive I have a great photo when pushing the shutter. And I know by seeing others work that I have a long, long, long way to go. But am always smiling without any doubt because being out in nature is always a great day & the photos are just a plus. Don't ever be afraid of failing because it is just a step in the art of getting better. Happy shooting.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I think it's a good idea to go out without a camera and focus on what you see/experience. You do worry less about taking images and I find I always come away with inspiration of some kind. On the days my camera comes out with me, I try to forget it's even in my bag so I don't feel the need to 'perform' until I've found something that I want to photograph. The pressure can really ruin creativity, so when I catch myself worrying about getting a photo I have a little chat with myself haha.

[@127TROOP]

I just realised what I love about your macro work, it’s not a study in technical close up, it’s that each and every image is art, beautiful simple art. They look like watercolours at times. And all done with the nature in front of you….stunning work….

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

Thank you sharing your hardships behind the lens as well as your success. I know I’ve encountered the same issue as I’m sure many others have as well. I love your macro work and it has inspired me to want to dig out my old Macro Lens! Thanks for sharing!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thanks Jason! I'm glad I gave macro another try as I'm actually enjoying it quite a lot, not something I would have predicted ha. Take care.

[@willfoster7]

Courtney, you create such clever titles for your images...a most welcome breath of fresh air😊

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Great to see you back Courtney. I wouldn't beat yourself up about your macro photography as like everyone who watches your channel we think they are really good. As you say it's practice. Really nice image's. Look forward to seeing your next video.

[@michaelt7320]

Thank you for a very thoughtful and thought provoking video. At a personal level, I walk the hills and mountains and so landscape photography seems to come naturally, partly to express what I feel about the scenes in front of me, and partly to give me some memories when the day comes that I can no longer walk the mountains. Ultimately though, any kind of photography is about pleasing / expressing yourself. If others like what you do, it's a bonus. If they don't, all preferences are subjective any way.

[@Brock_in_the_North]

I'm looking forward to picking up my new Nikon Z MC 150 this week after saving up for a while. Money well spent and get back into the Macro game. I've not shot macro for a few years but i used to shoot mostly butterflies but capture them in such a way t woukd demonstrate the landscape too Side note i used to have the sigma 105 and its brilliant

[@johnd5244]

Stunning images Courtney! 😍 I got myself the Nikkor 105mm mc F/2.8 VR S lens for use with my Z6II and Zf.

[@mikeg2916]

For years I took pictures but never showed them to anyone for fear of negative criticism. I never thought they were good enough. Last year I took a couple of pictures that I thought were okay and finally shared them with others. It was a good feeling to hear someone say this is a nice picture and I now can accept constructive criticism since it will improve my photography. I think macro photography helps you slow down since you are trying to find things that most people would walk by. I need to have the mindset to be in the present and not think about things at home. I bought the Art of Noticing book, to help me. I heard your interview on Photography Connections and it was very good. I think of photography as therapy through depression. Keep up the very insightful videos. It's not about technique and equipment, it's more about enjoying yourself. ❤

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I think EX in Sigma means "compatible with extender" aka teleconverter. You should try it. 70 years ago, I was the little boy who asked, "Why?" "What if...?" I still do. Why do photographers worship the Rule of Thirds? What happens if I put the subject looking out of frame? What if I put my camera in unusual places?

[@rasmus_mattsson]

The "New lens Wiggle" 😆 I SO know that feeling! 😀 Nice video and a very nice way to present the sponsor, It actually made me check them out and I'll consider using them.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks Courtney for another interesting video.... great to see you back again with a great presentation & comments & results.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@kenrees8726]

I love your dancing it shows a free spirit

[@derekhurst9]

I adore your channel, Courtney. Yes, I used the word adore. Your playful energy is an approach I’m trying to adapt in photography, and life. Thank you.

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

I had to update my macro lens for the same reason, focus stacking. My old macro would need carbon dating to determine its age, but the Z cameras won't autofocus it. I kept the old lens to use on my older film cameras because it does have an aperture ring and it makes only the third F mount lens with an aperture ring I can use on them. But now I have discovered lens adaptors to use old screw mount lenses, etc.

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

Thank you MPB.

[@terryosborn]

Great to see you again Courtney, love your videos, thank you for being you, stay just as you are.

[@busmahrepus]

It's a great reminder

[@joaoysphotography]

Is a very good question and not always easy to answer, in my case, is a life time passion to create and be creative through photography, and how knows one day a dream come true, if not the last part, at least I'll never give up and keep up my unconditional passion for photography alive :)

[@denisesavage2382]

Wow the macro images were stunning! I love what you spotted and photographed. I do also appreciate the Courtney you bring to the space. It continues to be fun and playful. So so important in this world of ours.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it your kind comment :)

[@daveinportland]

I’m so glad to see a new video from you. I can’t wait until I have a break to delve into it. Thanks you and God bless you/yours.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

There is something very peaceful about your fungi macro photography. They are so lovely. It honestly makes me feel like I'm in a fairytale. As always, your videos are a joy to watch! Have a lovely day! 😀📸

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you Acacia! I'm sad there aren't as many of them about anymore, but they really are a little world of their own!

[@martinswift6777]

Bliss. At last another breath-of-fresh-air video with some damn fine photos too. Many thanks for keeping the human perspective firmly in your photography.

[@jaybradley9083]

The next best thing to getting out with my camera is seeing the latest video from you. Excellent photos, and food for thought as to the "why" of photography.

[@jameshchetwyndjr9739]

Right on smashing video

[@RobtJMooreII]

I'd forgotten how much I always enjoy your videos, and I never realized you were such a funky dancer!

[@jonkers2007]

Another escellent video. Thgank you Courtney. The seven ‘whys’ is an interesting approach.

[@margot6041]

Wonderful video about the joy of finding things in nature.

[@Lightpoetry.]

Hello Courtney! Just discovered your channel and your work, and wanted to say : LOVE it!! 🎥🌳😍So soothing to wander around with you in the woods, and funny, and oh, the pics are 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 Thank you for being you, and thank you for bringing this into the World. It is very interesting to see your process...I am delighted to have so many episodes to catch on, yeeeee!!!🤪

[@raleighmeade9104]

Reflective! Loved it!

[@GK49245]

Lovely video. Rich content. Beautiful images with your new lens. Thanks for sharing the “fun” photography should be for us.

[@eisenschweinchen5354]

Wonderful!

[@jasonstefanuk3579]

Great video. Those questions are very thought provoking.

[@georgemason2472]

While I live in Photography Heaven, ie Pacific Northwest, I'm glad to see you promote Macro photography. I love the order I see in even the smallest things and Macro is a form of photography that can be practiced and enjoyed in locations that otherwise lack interest. Your beautiful shots are inspirational to all photographers.

[@dannymacamaturephotographe6352]

Outstanding video Courtney my fav images was study 3 loved it Danny.

[@natureliker-ww4jo]

Thank you Courtney, for sharing. Beautyfull as ever😍, I mean the video. And of course yourself🌺

[@therightfoot81]

Great video Courtney and excellent macro shots.

[@steve.shilling]

Your macro shots are amazing. For my 50th just under 6 years ago my wife and kids bought me a Sony H400 bridge camera, I'd been using my phone before that, and I fell in love with photography, after a while I began feeling drawn towards macro, I got some magnifying filters and began taking photos in my garden, I was surprised at how much there is to photograph in such a small area. I had some personal issues for the last 2 years and my photography took a back seat. I'm now back and your macro photography is inspiring me to get out and take macro shots again. I have more capable equipment than I did 5 years ago. Thank you.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

When you start to notice the smaller landscapes it really opens up another world. There is so much to photograph! I'm glad to hear you're able to pick your camera back up and do photography again :)

[@5seadog]

Courtney, your videos have encouraged me to do more macro photography, Right before Christmas I got the Canon 100mm macro. This past weekend I was able to use it at the orchid show at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. My results were not as good as yours--I need much more practice, but your work has challenged me. Thanks for sharing your talent and enthusiasm.

[@alanhall5648]

It’s always a pleasure to watch your videos

[@mylucksmiles]

I like macro I use the z105 but Marco can be as tricky as birds in flight if not harder. The flowers in the wind or breeze. Have you thought of doing light photography of mushrooms and even waterfalls. It’s challenging , capturing the fine art look is my final goal. Once I have the world is my limit. Cheers and nice to see you back .happy new year .

[@TheNitebinder]

Happy belated new year, I often find your #videos very informative.The experience you have with #macro #photography can help others how to improve theirs. I don't depend on the camera or lenses alone in creating photography project, I think skill and experience go along way. Missed your landscape work. Good luck in the new year!🥳🎆📷

[@sophietucker1255]

I've always thought of myself as being creative and have several outlets for that. Photography has been my longest creative outlet, I started in 1970, with writing, woodworking and baking as several of the newest. I'm now 71 yrs old and for the most part don't care if people like my images or not. I just like being out there and enjoying the scenery and the process of making images. I really enjoy showing people how my older film cameras work and the mystery of not knowing what will turn out as being part of the fun. I've done several commercial shoots over the yrs but never enjoyed the process. The images were okay and most people liked them but I didn't enjoy doing it. So I've managed to keep my photography as a hobby or sorts. I try to make better images and to grow and even try and emulate some of the images from the past and even newer image makers. I've worried about not having a personal style but have managed to put that worry to bed. I take images I like and let others worry about style or a signature look.

[@appaketa]

Crazy dance LOL, loving it!

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Alanbravofotografo]

Splendid work my friend, great vídeo

[@dkunst338]

Thank you for your videos, Victoria! They are very inspiring. I love your photos. I have been using Sigma 105 mm for macro and sometimes for portraits too. It is a great lens. I love the backgrounds and bokeh it creates. All the best!

[@timjoinson7232]

Brilliant thoughtful video. You are so right. I definitely get hooked up on the quality of the image and set the bar too high. Photography then becomes an exhausting challenge when it should be fun. I will take your advice, go back to enjoying myself and see what happens. Thanks Courtney.

[@19Photographer76]

If you place a full SmallRig full cage on the D850, you can place the tripod plate on the top of the camera. It makes life so much easier.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thanks for this! I have a smallrig cage for my filming camera but never thought to look at one for the D850.

[@PLAYmoreUK]

Great video Courtney - love your channel.

[@roc7035]

Thanks for another nice video.

[@ian9495]

Yet another amazing video 😊

[@mylucksmiles]

I for got to add using a remote when doing the fungi does make life easier

[@alanthornton3530]

Macro photography is amazing there's a whole world of subjects going on below our feet (normal viewpoint), I love the images you've taken thank you for sharing them! I really enjoyed the new lens dance you've certainly got a good sense of humour, it makes me laugh :) Why is an interesting question, I think if something inspires you to be creative that's the answer after all Photography is an art form.

[@klartext2225]

Hey Courtney! Love to see that you have taken the exact same route with your camera choice. After working with a NIKON D 750 since 2015 I have bought a D 850 last year. Because I do not want to change to mirrorless EVER! The D 850 is kind of the Rolls Royce in its class and gives me all I want, together with NIKON lenses (and one TAMRON Zoom). Ahh, I love the "CLICK!" and will never switch to a processed image in my viewfinder.

[@lonewolfphotography01]

I have the sigma 105 for my Canon 90D , it's a fantastic macro lens , I wouldn't be without it . Wonderful video again and marvellous photographs. Thank you..

[@ravenfallsphotography6254]

Holy macro, Courtney! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) Those are great images.

[@BnFy119]

Good evening, another fun video thank you. The sigma 105mm is a fabulous lens (I too got it for mushroom photography). Great to see it used and lovely photos. I hit a photographic in-pass ( on hold now, new County, new house and new job). To get over it, I bought a fisheye, it was working. I believe, you and a fisheye would made a truly memorable and fantastic team together! A thought for the future? Keep the great work up and thank you .

[@mr_shultz]

Thank you for making this. I needed it.

[@seanmangan2769]

Such a pleasant video 😊

[@daveexplore3856]

Great captures Courtney. 👌👍💃

[@nb7524]

Hi, this is a timely video. You made a good point in stating the balance between seriousness and joy. It is indeed frustrating and unmotivating when I (a hobbyist) do not keep a good balance between the two, particularly because I am trying to improve.

[@simonh]

Great vid as always! I do love the Sigma 105mm and I love the stacked images you captured with it.

[@hkanderful]

You keep up that good work girl! Never doubt yourself, you are good at what you do. Keep doing it! All the best from Norway

[@slyn4ogled1]

Wonderful video with a beautiful background of thoughts - I really love what you give to us, dear - please continue to do it !!!

[@slyn4ogled1]

Oh, yeah - and I really love the craziness in your dances !!!

[@relaxingtherapeuticnaturevideo]

Beautiful work!

[@kieranpicken3696]

Focus shift is SOOO useful and the Sigma is brilliant. Also great for negative scanning!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

It really is! (And kinder on my back haha, I don't have to crouch down for as long!)

[@Chromatomic]

I do this purely as a hobby, but I've noticed as well I've just become more serious with it over the years and there's less novelty to it sometimes. It's so easy to even avoid photography or the hassle of carrying around gear when a place doesn't seem "worth photographing" so you avoid the hassle but miss out on opportunities. I've been debating rebuying the X100 (if ever available) or the Ricoh GRIII to have the middle ground option between a good camera and a full landscape kit or maybe just downsizing a bit (the smarter option).

[@kerouacf0069]

i get a chuckle out of those wacky moves., love your videos, keep on keeping on

[@wongkenneth4005]

Great video, the lens you are using produced very good results, of course with your skill. Thinking of buying the Sigma macro lens .

[@vogle11]

Very good video Courtney love your videos so well done and a pleasure to watch 😊

[@davidskinner274]

Hi Courtney. You'll love your Sigma 105 as Ido

[@jpdj2715]

Before you buy an AF macro lens, I'd argue for you to buy a "nodal slide". You already have an Arca-compatible L-bracket and tripod head quick release. A nodal slide goes between these two. You need one that has a (teethed) rack rail and a knob to ride the camera fore and aft relative to the tripod's mount point. This gives you manual focus shift shooting. This allows fine and controlled camera movement, where you never change the focal length [1] and never change exposure. Stacking the frames will be very easy that way. Also, if you ever migrate to the Z system, you get access to the Z 105/2.8S macro lens that is better than anything available on the F-mount, so if you don't buy an additional lens, you don't have to depreciate an F mount macro in this scenario. And, the nodal slide can help you shoot multi shot panorama images (single row). [1] when you focus closer by than infinity, the lens moves away from the sensor/film and consequently its focal length gets longer meaning the angle of view gets narrower. This effect is often called "focus breathing" by movie photographers, Expensive movie lenses have been made that don;t have this. These lenses compensate the focusing effect with a bit of zoom - so these lenses are rather complex. That focus breathing is not very annoying IMO but the implication is that the "number" in aperture f/"number" changes and I call that aperture breathing. In a movie the take going darker or lighter when you change focus ... is really annoying. The Nikon Z system has "affordable" (relative to expensive cine lenses) lenses that minimise focus/aperture breathing.

[@danncorbit3623]

Crooked was magical.

[@anthonyphotoman]

I always love your videos, Courtney. You visit some awsome locations, you are so down to earth and fun to watch and your photography is amazing. So, two questions; Have you ever been caught doing your dance and do you give a s++t? LOL x

[@davidbirchall5124]

Lovin your videos 📹 not sure about the dancing tho ha ha. Great to see you got the Sigma 105mm Macro Lens, because that's the macro lens I have got. I've really enjoyed taking My Macro shots and although I'm only a in my 1st year with a Real Camera I'm loving Macro and wildlife photography....Still lots to learn , but im enjoying every moment....I must admit winter gas been a challenge to find wildlife and get motivated, but I've done it.....tk care and I look forward to seeing your next video 📹 📷📷👍👍

[@RoyJenkinsPacker]

Do you focus stack at all in macro settings. Brill dance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@kevgoes]

Another good video. Your macro is great. Study 3 was awesome.

[@johnanthonycolley3803]

Hi Courtney Great to see you back in the Forest once again. You have produced some very impressive images of Mushrooms & other Fungi.. Don't loose faith. You are exceptional Videographer & Photographer.. ( Might I suggest) if our not already doing so, you really should be selling your images. ( Companies such as " Photo4me " will print and frame your images for you ) May God continue to Bless you. Regards John ..

[@Peter_Reed_Photography]

For future, buy a Buff necktube to replace the scarf. You can get merino wool ones which are nice and warm.

[@turabakancsoriginal]

Great and deep thoughts. I am also looking for answers to these questions! Welcome from Hungary :)

[@thomasphillips5850]

Great video, wonderful images. Your videos are fun to watch, I really appreciate them. So what do you think of the Sigma? Thanks again.

[@MJCreative-Bleu96]

I love Macro Photography! I am using my phone right now, however, I am looking to buy a DLSR camera and a macro lens. It will happen in 2024! Keep up the good work and I enjoy watching your process and insight on why and how you take your shots. Love It!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Some of the macro features on phones are actually quite good! My current phone doesn't have the option unfortunately, but I have found myself searching the menu for it just in case I've missed it somewhere when I'm out on a walk ha. Thanks!

[@franmol01]

the sigma 105mm macro is a great lens... the shots and vlog were good as usual.... but the dancing?? 😁😁

[@peterrobinson5438]

Lovely content as always, keep up the passion

[@peterholmlund9454]

I have been in a creative rut for years, just picked up my camera but have a hard time getting out there (weather has been abysmal in Finland too). Maybe I need to start with some dancing 😂 Great images and another food for thought video, thank you!!!

[@Kevin-k7m1t]

Great pics, since you have a macro lens try and photograph textures. I think textures make great photos as well and it is just something else to look for when out looking for things to photograph.

[@michaeltorluemke3322]

The point of your photography. Well you’ve said it many times in your videos. You are an artist not a photographer. You go out and try to create a work of art not a picture. A camera is your tool, your brushes. It’s one reason you concentrate so much on your compositions and why you’re often so hard on yourself. You chose this medium I believe because it gives you the most freedom and it allows you to connect with one of your loves nature and peace. It’s why you choose landscape photography instead of any other types. This I think is one reason why you are so happy with your D750. It’s like a painter having a favorite brush, or a sculpture having his favorite hammer. It’s the tool you find most comfortable with and that you know so well. I just hope you can keep enjoying your art as much as your fans do. And don’t be so hard on yourself for no artist can produce a masterpiece every time.

[@bradleysnavely7141]

Your right, I've noticed this last year I only take photos that look good to post, I've deleted a lot of ones that I didn't like. 😮