Unlocking Curiosity with Late Autumn Macro Photography

[@andrewlamberson539]

You have a significant better “eye” than I do! Your titles on the images really explain what you saw…and what I CAN see…with a little suggestion!!! Well done.

[@jameschetwynd]

@@andrewlamberson539 to develop your eye View lots of others work. Take pictures

[@DAS_FreelanceArt]

I was so looking forward to seeing the frog on a mushroom cap, riding down stream wearing a leaf cap, maybe next time. I did really like the idea of the 1st mushroom images where you sat there and took multiple images as the light and wind change the scenery, amazing images from the same spot and could be used later on or in different situation.

[@michaelfoster4514]

The 100 focus stacked oysterlings shot is beautiful. Excellent video and great shots to go along with it.

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

Brain-clutter is never fun but you've some good ideas for how to get out to shoot, then how to become focused on your surroundings instead of the outside world. You've always some intriguing compositions and a great appreciation for the fact that light and compositions are a "one time show", never to be repeated identically. Well done!

[@rmetzger7368]

Today's video, Courtney, was one of my favorites of recent video's. You seemed relaxed, refreshed, and ready to find that portfolio shot. Hard to pick a favorite pic today! Well Done! We'll keep watching over your shoulder from the Rocky Mountains, in Montana. Have a happy, and safe, holiday Courtney!

[@sweet_leef]

i really love your videos you always come out with nice clean beautiful shots! thank you for showing your process 🧡

[@beatfarmerfan]

I wish I had your eye for composition! Great video, and the prints are awesome.👍

[@robstokesphotography]

VERY INTERESTING - I never thought about macro work in the natural settings. Living in Australia we don't have beautiful forests near me. There is however a reserve close by with a lot of ferns and wild flowers. I hope to try this out there. I have photocopied your sample images, hope you don't mind, and use them as a learning tool. Note book - Great idea. Lovely work - Thank-you

[@peterfritzphoto]

That shot of the oysterlings is gorgeous!

[@bentleybloodworth4282]

Awesome as usual. I will sometimes just pick a spot and within arms reach watch and wait for things to happen. Don't forget to add rocks to your list and take a water mister to wet them for the color to pop out. A fine water mister works great for many other subjects as well and more misting increase the size of droplets . With the mister dry mosses come back to life as well. Have you tried the magnifying lens that screws on to the end of the lens. I have picked up the NiSi brand and very satisfied with the results nice and sharp. With this type of magnifier if on a zoom lens you want to stay zoomed in else if at the wider end of the zoom lens the edges get blurry.

[@chrisshaw6451]

Hi Courtney, I've watched most of your videos, and thanks to your suggestion I tried mpb to find myself a good macro lens. I opted for the Loawa 100mm 2x macro you used and found one at a great price, and was blown away by it's quality for a used lens. Also I was very impressed with mpb's quality of service too, so thanks for the advice, useful information, and brilliant and funny videos. Keep up the great work in the future! 👍❤️

[@LukesMushrooms]

Probably someone mentioned that in previous comments already but the oysterlings seem to be the Bitter oysters - Panellus stipticus. Beautiful capture there!

[@satur9]

By going out and looking around, the inspiration just comes to me. In the beginning of a photo walk I may not "see" much, but after a while I usually get into the zone and keep seeing things I want to photograph. And then I want to go there and there and oh there... ok, I'll go to that tree and then I'll go back, and then at that tree I see something else and go on, hehe. And yes, I do struggle with lens hoods too.

[@SeabeeTraveler]

Hi Courtney, I've been watching your videos since maybe the beginning. I just wanted to compliment you on the growth of your channel and the quality of your work. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

That's very kind of you, and thank you for continuing to watch! :)

[@peterfritzphoto]

Sorry for all the comments, Courtney, but I really like your ability to see. The flying dragons are a great case in point.

[@aldiosmio]

I actually do astrophotography to get lost in thought 😆 nothing like letting the camera do its thing while you gaze up the stars and have a ponder.

[@darkreigncometh]

That's something I want to do. ❤

[@Moesound1]

Thanks for the tip. I use two journals, one for field notes and one for future shoots (because I forget after a while). The future shoots is fueled by anything I see in a magazine or other pictures.

[@ken9576]

I think your an amazing photographer and one thing I have learned from you is how to stop and look around. Don’t have a preconceived idea, but let the scene dictate, and look at the scene in different ways. I really look forward to your videos. Thank you, stay safe, and have a wonderful Christmas.

[@MorganHJackson]

For some reason I never realised my camera has built in focus stacking. You've inspired me to go do my own, thank you!

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks Courtney for another interesting video with great results... amazing what you can find in the woods to photograph... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@brianm.9062]

Hi Courtney, when paying a visit to one of my locations, the days worries seem to fall away and the anticipation of what I will find takes over, sometimes a total blank, but no worries, sometime shots I would never have thought of. Diary, 'yes' gives me my calendar of nature events as recorded the year before. good to see you back.

[@stephencross6474]

I love the use of a journal to write down your plan for that outing of photo shooting… I often find my self doing the same for different days of the week..,, I leave room for me to change my mind as well.. I love your work… and my love for mushrooms I can really relate

[@hamsterneckliving]

6:27 amazing. I love mushroom shots and fungi. Little worlds unto themselves.

[@michaelmckeag960]

I watched this video over lunch after a morning spent roaming our forest with just the phone to explore and record potential subjects. GaiaGPS was recording my amble, and each phone shot was recorded as a waypoint. This afternoon I will revisit the subjects that most excite my interest, with GaiaGPS aiding my return to each location. This works for subjects that are not too ephemeral. Your demonstration of photographing very dynamic situations was inspiring; requiring a totally different technique and mindset. So many opportunities for being a beginner all over again!

[@thomasdean2472]

I always do a walk-about before I begin shooting a location. I like your idea of writing down potential things to look for.

[@joelrollins2841]

Thank you for once again taking us along on a magical walk through your woods. Happy holidays!

[@youphototube]

Inspirational as always Courtney. In Autumn Snow I would have tried to frame the scene so that the mushroom cap did not intersect the leaf. But I am not trying to film and photograph at the same time. Respect.

[@geoffjackson6899]

Courtney, your videos and images are a continuing inspiration to me to go out and have fun with photography. I am slowly building a collection of fungi images I am happy with and take on your tips and ideas every time I go out with my camera. Finding the range of fungi that you photograph can be a bit of a challenge sometimes here in Australia but it is worth the effort. In a move from an Olympus EM5 III with macro lens, I have just started using macro function on my Olympus TG6. Though not perhaps professional standard, if you get a chance to try these excellent little cameras they are definitely a fun and light option. No need to lug a backpack around for a start. You could even hang on to it while you dance. Thanks for your continuing informative and refreshing presence in our photographic world.

[@steveboys5369]

Hi Courtney, maybe the notebook wasn't quite the inspiration you hoped for but it will have certainly helped you decouple from daily life, and that in itself will have been a benefit to concentrate on the moment. Thanks for a grand day out.

[@MrGusbu06]

This is very helpful, most of the time we go do photography but we don't disconnect from daily life. Your videos are great.

[@Chmielewski_Channel]

Ohhh. Nareszcie nowy materiał. Uwielbiam twoje filmy, szkoda że nie ma ich częściej. Zawsze poprawiają mi nastrój. Pozdrawiam cieplutko 😀😅👍

[@ilpoheikkila4773]

What??? New Courtney Victoria video 7 days ago and KZbin didn’t send me notification! This is serious! Oh well, I’ll watch this video twice. Maybe it will help.

[@youphototube]

The 1.4TCs work fantastically on my Olympus 300mm f4 and Nikon Z600mm pf f6.3. I get one stop better ISO on my full frame i.e. great photos on the OM-1 up to 12800 and on the Z8 25600. The are both really fantastic cameras.

[@treeman3663]

Hi Courtney you have a lovely Xmas and a wonderful new year

[@joanneabramson2645]

My biggest decision is which lens to use as I head out the door. That defines what subject I will be looking for. I think a journal is valuable to remind you that at a certain time of year I was photographing a certain subject, and give you suggestions of where to go.

[@garylange4956]

I really enjoy your creativity and thought process doing this type of photography, Victoria!

[@elmodiddly]

I'm just starting out in photography; I am that new I have only been out on two shoots, and I find your attention to detail and freedom with the story you're telling to be quite a lot of fun and gives me plenty of food for thought. Thank you for sharing.

[@peterfritzphoto]

I really enjoy your channel’s vibe, Courtney. Lovely work. Greetings from Australia. 🦘

[@jaybradley9083]

The pocket journal is an excellent idea. I always enjoy your videos.

[@ravenfallsphotography6254]

Yay! Courtney's back! I was starting to worry about where you were. Anyway, great video and images as always, and, to answer your question early in the video, you _did_ get the composition on that first image just right.

[@DaneBrammage]

Your location shoots are so beautiful. Always inspiring and a reminder to focus stack!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I'm lucky to live in an area that has many beautiful views and location. I'm not sure I could ever get tired of exploring the forest!

[@DaneBrammage]

@ there are no forests where I live, just beaches and desert. I am so ready to get out of here and go to somewhere green again. At least I can enjoy your day wandering around the countryside.

[@nicknichols4249]

Thanks from across the pond!

[@lonewolfphotography01]

Another wonderful ' tale from the forest floor' video, thank you. I certainly feel calm and relaxed watching. In case you don't get Another video out before hand , a very merry Christmas and fabulous new year to you and yours.

[@leomosnier5351]

Hi Courtney, Thank for your beautiful video as always. I was intriged when you mentionned you printed you protographs. Can you share more details about that process ? What printer are you using ? what paper ? is there any preperation you need to do between developping your images on lightroom and hitting the print button ? Thanks again !

[@vcarrano]

Great video, as always. So nice to see through other photographers’ minds. And you’re so sweet and positive.

[@timjoinson7232]

A very enjoyable and entertaining video as ever. I liked your notebook idea. There is another way to engage your creativity that you might like to try. The right side of the brain is the creative side. To engage this sit down at your location with a pencil and a blank sheet of paper. Choose a subject, it could be a tree or a mushroom, anything that interests you. Look at the subject and draw it on the paper. The key thing is DO NOT look at what you are drawing. When you have finished, your drawing probably won't look like the subject but you will now be in creative mode and ready to take your photograph. This is a technique for drawing but works just as well for any creative task. It is so powerful that I once found myself doing the drawing with my left hand, and I am right handed.

[@mactube72]

I'm amazed more by your imagination to make these photos come to life in every video. Thanks for sharing. Love the first photo the best "Shielded'.

[@smiffy5467]

Always have a note book with me as a backup for my shocking memory…. Great images Victoria, you have a natural talent… 👍

[@cynthiamomokoharper8100]

I love the way you took the time to put the piece of wood back where you found it. I wonderful loving touch. 😍

[@nicedward7544]

Printing is so underrated and important to me. Nothing like seeing your work in a tangible form rather than a screen. I think it's because i started shooting before digital cameras were around and i always missed prints when going to digital. I have friends who still thank me for yelling at them to get a decent printer. Great video as always!

[@jameschetwynd]

@@nicedward7544 I don’t print Photos used in iMovie for videos

[@davidgillespie6604]

Your videos are always a joy to watch, and you found some incredible images! This is the second time I have run into the process of "noting" as a way to bend the mind into curiosity and creativity.. I shall be looking forward to giving it a try.

[@DinoPozo]

Hi Courtney, how are you doing? It's a really pleasure to see your videos and just I would say THANKS! ... incredible details and see your way to get and took those macro photos. So great video and inspiring for everyone even if we are talking about beginners or pro photographers. 🙌🙌🙌

[@AntoineSteen-f5l]

Fantastic video, Courtney. The pictures are awesome. You did a heck of a job, my friend.

[@williamfoulk7798]

I always enjoy viewing your videos.

[@natureliker-ww4jo]

You are blessed to be in such a rich struktured forest!! Thank you for sharing. All the best for you!!

[@rustyshackleford9868]

I'll have to try this exercise one day. I admit I am in a bit of a creative rut, especially because I mostly photograph thunderstorms, which are relatively rare in the desert. Keep up the amazing work! Your videos have been very inspirational. Thank you!

[@barrychidlow785]

Nice one Courtney and a good idea to start by writing the notes on ideas before you start. Its so easy to just get going without thinking. I have started to slow right down when im out these days and think more before shooting. Thanks again. Barry

[@youphototube]

I have a Nikon Z8 but I would leave that at home and hand hold the focus bracket on my OM-1. It makes focus bracketing so easy and quick.

[@pentagramyt417]

i just literally laugh, how many people says that.. the problem in OM is just colour science, anything other than that is just fine.. but for sure full-frame have more rich and deeper colours.

[@youphototube]

I have a Nikon Z8 and 6 Nikon S line lenses. I also Have an OM-1 and a range of pro micro 4/3 glass. Trust me I get photos on my OM-1 that I could not get on my full frame and the colour graduation is fantastic. Yes, full frame is better but the OM-1 has fantastic colour graduation. When I review my photos in Lightroom my best photos have nothing to do with which system they were taken on and I have to look at the meta data to see which camera they were shot on. You cannot do hand held focus stacks on a Z8. You cannot photograph a butterfly at 840mm 1.4 meters from the camera with a Z8 and hand held focus stack the shot by pressing the function button in the lens. If I had to make a decision between keeping either the my full frame system or my mico 4/3 it would be the micro 4/3. It can do everything to a fantastic level. I use my FF less and less but I love the Nikon 600mm pf prime Off to Cambodia after Christmas. I will be taking the OM-1 and glass to capture macro, wildlife, street and landscape. From 14mm to 840mm. My camera and five lenses and a flash come in at 4kg.

[@pentagramyt417]

@@youphototube Nothing can also replace 150-400 in the field, as it takes TC's as it's nothing between glass and the sensor in comparison to other systems where TC's doesn't shine that much (except new long primes). Understandable, I also use A7-IV and I won't even compare it to OM1, but for sure in other than low light widlife photography OM-1 is just better. I hope they put seriously only 5 mega pixels more into the next sensor without losing speed and other things I don't need to mention that could be worse. From what we know Sony made 40+ mpx sensor a long time ago, and I have no idea why they didn't bought it from them.

[@pentagramyt417]

@@youphototube One more thing, if Z8 would have RAW pre-capture, I think I would not have Sony A7-IV right now. This is literally the only one thing I would like to have for next years as a "feature" in my camera. But.. OM-1 has even more features, from ND to LiveComposite.

[@youphototube]

​@@pentagramyt417I don't use the pre capture on the Z8 as it is jpeg. But the OM-1 is raw and 50 frames per second with autofocus between shots. It is really good. Oh and 120 frames per second raw without focus between shots.

[@jamiemasters7187]

Thank you Courtney for another great video, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@jimmywestphoto]

That shot at 12:54 is amazing, well done 🙏

[@rs_pa]

Excellent video. Please continue bringing them to us. I have been using MPB for several yeaes & just introduced a friend to them who is now also a customer.

[@stephenbrasure4331]

Thank you for an inspiring video. I enjoy macro photography, but I need to slow down and "work a scene" which you have done so well. I think you have a great eye for composition and have mastered your gear. I'm hitting the subscribe button and look forward to seeing more of your work. Thanks sharing your knowledge and work flow!

[@clissonplage]

sublime the white mushrooms in print are magnificent! and the rolled leaf looks very real Superb, thank you for sharing

[@HowardMason-t1b]

Another great video Courtney, love your work, I tend to just sit and have a coffee, then I sort of get my "eye in" I do tend to previsualise an image I'm after, weather thats a good thing or not I dont know, sort of works for me.

[@ian9495]

Just love watching your videos, keep up the good work

[@wongkenneth4005]

Courtney thanks for sharing such a good video, Very informative and has much to learn from it.

[@adam.bilton]

I suppose 'photography'. Proper photography is seeing what others don't? yeah, thats it and you do it really well!

[@Sarah-g6k]

great video. It takes me a long while to stop my head from spinning with thoughts of daily life and anxiety, i find it extremely difficult to get into the creative mindset, some days it doesn't ever arrive, others it takes a couple of hours. Trying to find a space with no people really helps. I have started to just plonk myself down once in a location, listen to the birds and other wildlife and try and calm the spinning head before getting out camera gear. I thought the images you captured were beautiful, especially the oysterlings. Thank you for all your videos and your eccentricities, they always bring a smile when watching them. Have a great festive season.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Pausing and listening to nature sounds like a great way to be present. I'm the same, the less people the better usually, and those days where I simply cannot stop the thoughts of daily life I resort to going for a walk for some exercise and fresh air instead. Thank you for your lovely comment and for watching too :)

[@just_eirik]

I’ve been doing mushroom photography for many years, longer than you I think (it’s relatively recent for you right?) and you’re much better than me! It’s so fun to see your photos, makes me a little envious and also it’s inspiring!

[@olivernemo7280]

Excellent video Courtney thank you so much.

[@ralphwatson7036]

Very nice compositions! It's good to know there are still KZbin photographers willing to use vintage gear.

[@Hemlck]

Nikon D850 is hardly vintage? it’s available new to buy new still in shops and online👍

[@nicedward7544]

Ehhh that's a stretch lol. The d850 is still better than many new mirrorless cameras. I've honestly thought about going back to one from mirrorless.

[@jameschetwynd]

You have more patience than me Love video

[@dennispenton2052]

Enjoyable as always.

[@randyschwager84]

Excellent video! Always fun and informative! Thanks for taking me along!

[@windyngw]

Hi i love your video I find hard to switch off from the working life when I go out to photograph but I going to try your i dear and keep my option open when out thank you for so good ideas

[@glennhunt3595]

Must admit never have any difficulty moving from work mode to creativity mode, just finding good composition's is a little bit more tricky at times ! Admire photographers like yourself and others like Simon Booth who seem to be able to pull a great shot out of what at first seems a rather uninspiring situation. Always look forward to your videos Courtney., keep em coming. 👍

[@SteveEvansFilms]

Fascinating video, lovely images. 👍

[@michael007ish]

I always start the day with a vision in my head. Whether its good or bad is yet to be determined but it works. How I can visualize something I have never seen is really odd but I works.

[@fabiocapelli3295]

you are a great inspiration... greetings from Italy

[@paulrobertson7580]

Another great video Courtney, I am struggling with my photography at the moment and the use of a little notebook may help.

[@donaldbush6130]

No I don't have a routine I just see something I just take the picture but I love your videos and makes more sense to take your time and look around thank you very much

[@scottnelle]

I appreciate your forest goblin approach!😆Great images, and awesome video!

[@warrengh5647]

Excellent vid again Courtney as is helping me rediscover some passion for photography and. I smashed my Nikon D750 and lens etc a few months ago. Insurance company was great and I have to decide on A- the excellent D780. B- the D 850 or lastly sell everything and start do jigsaws. Your KZbin channel is really helping but not decided yet so please keep em coming. 😊

[@richardmortenson8525]

“There’s always a photo out there.” (@1:50) That’ll be page one of my journal.

[@mk1photography62]

Thanks for a lovely video the prints are the right way to see the beautiful shots. I don't struggle with mindset but I suffer hellish neuropathy an photography helps

[@kenrees8726]

I love your videos but I also miss you dancing in the woods

[@paulorrmorais3697]

Very beautiful photos Courtney!!!!!

[@sylwestermatczak8009]

witam bardzo podobają mi się twoje filmy a dokładnie twoje podejście do fotografii bardzo fajnie podana wiedza przekazana w subtelny i zachęcający do wypróbowania sposób.Odpowiadając na twoje pytanie ....Ja jeżdżę na zdjęcia rowerem i podczas jazdy na wybrane miejsce wyciszam wszystkie myśli życia codziennego i już podczas drogi myśle jakie zdjęcie chciałbym zrobić Dodam że podczas jazdy jest lekki wysiłek oczywiście działa on na nas pozytwnie ponieważ dotlenia nam mózg a to jego najwięcej używa kreatywny fotograf amator PZDRAWIAM

[@ericerickson6537]

Nice video, good eye for compositions.

[@briancox4339]

Lovely video well presented stunningly filmed thanks for sharing

[@ChristianTaylorX]

Fantastic video Courtney and beautiful images 😊

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Many thanks! :)

[@i-klaus]

I usually sit down in the middle of a meadow or forest and look around without even thinking about taking photos. This can go on for half an hour or longer. I usually find something pretty somewhere. If not, I take my macroscope and search the immediate area with it. The MINOX Macroscope MS 8x25 is a monocular with a very short focusing distance of 30cm. It has certainly saved me a few meters of crawling around. And I have found things with it that I would otherwise have missed. If I don't find anything with it, I'm still not in the right place. I like mosses, mushrooms, ferns, roots and, more recently, lichens; they are all very photogenic. I also find snails very pretty; at least they aren't much faster than me. Greetings from the Black Forest.

[@alexanderhermann.2020]

Of course "wildlings" is cool. I see it..thank you❤

[@TexasPelican]

Wow-one of your best yet!

[@dedemanix]

Excellent and very inspiring! Thank you.

[@jstrege1]

Love your videos. What do you do with your pictures? Do you print and sell them? I'd like to know more about your process.

[@hoodio]

i love the moss dragons 🌿

[@neildoherty9428]

Lovely shots 👍

[@jasmijnariel]

10:57 this one i liked a lot❤

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Very interesting video. Thanks 🙂👍