Your Camera is in the Hands of an Artist | Close-up and Macro Photography Tips

[@LieslHuddleston]

Before the stay-at-home orders came down from our State, I spent two mornings (March 13 & 16) taking brief videos and some photographs with the intention of making a video with no voice recording, just music. Then when my family all had to be home from work and school, I decided not to make a video at that time but to just enjoy some time with them and to help them make the best of their stay at home. Spring comes early to Texas, and for us, summer is already here now. I wanted to finally make a video since I liked the photos from these spring outings and thought to at least try to make it helpful for anyone searching for information on composition and creativity with their photography. I don’t like the pacing of this video, I had to speak very fast because the video footage is short and was not created with a voice-over in mind. I hope it turned out ok anyway, thanks for watching!

[@Davitor1]

It turn out great because your content is great, my only advise would be filming in higher resolution but that's just of minimal importance next to content. You have a great talent and I'm surprised you don't have 500K followers (subscribers)... Anyway keep it up...

[@LieslHuddleston]

Haha! Yes, I know the video side of things needs some more attention. Unfortunately too, some of the video was corrupted in the transfer onto KZbin, I don't know what happened, same thing happened in parts of my 'foggy photo-walk' video a while back. Thank you for your comment, I'm humbled by the new subs and inspired to make more videos. Have a great time out there!

[@alisaconn]

I COULD WATCH YOUR VIDEOS ALL DAY LONG. They are beautiful and have a calming effective while educational. Bless you.

[@ponksheadi]

Super practical, no nonsense thing, minimal equipment, most important ‘a creative eye’. Fantastic!

[@LieslHuddleston]

Absolutely, you got it! And a creative eye can be developed through study and practice. Thanks for the comment! :)

[@ponksheadi]

Liesl Huddleston keep posting the content. If you were in India, would have come for a photowalk with you 😊

[@markhorst3628]

This particular video came up as a KZbin suggestion. I do follow you and always enjoy seeing your videos on any kind of photography, of course flowers, close-up, and macro. I get a peaceful feeling watching the videos and also a very encouraged heart to go out there and just enjoy Taking photos of flowers. Thank you for your videos.

[@i_n_c_r_y_p_t_o]

I got a knot in my throat at the beauty of these images and how nice and thoughtful the presentation is.

[@LieslHuddleston]

You are so kind, thank you! I hope you are enjoying making some beautiful photos too.

[@mirasurmacki4909]

Beautiful photos and great composition. Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge.

[@ChileThailandtravel]

Very nice flowers .. nice video .. good tips with nice explanation. I have subscribed.. see you again..

[@LieslHuddleston]

So nice of you, thank you!

[@CruisingWithChooChoo]

I love every video that I have watched. Thanks so much for sharing your love of nature and photography with us. I learn so much watching you and you have become my favourite channel.

[@laurielphotography1118]

Lovely captures, Liesl. Thanks for sharing the thoughts you had on each shot...very helpful!

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks, Lauriel! ♡

[@ashstubbings2603]

Quite apart from your obvious talent, I find your videos incredibly relaxing to watch. Photographing flowers is one of the main things I like to do when I'm out and about with my camera.

[@LieslHuddleston]

So nice of you to say, thank you. Flowers are wonderful, from the teeny tiny ones to the biggest, I love them all! Have fun out there :D

[@flyingfd]

Beautiful video and beautiful music. Thank you!

[@davejsullivan]

This type of video is exactly what I look for. As a novice photographer, details about composition are very helpful.

[@LieslHuddleston]

I'm glad it was helpful! I'm working on an extended project based on this video and it will come out sometime in August (it will be presented at a photography club in July, so I can't release it till sometime after that) but it's going to be in great detail and I'm excited about it. Thanks for the comments, I really appreciate it :)

[@lesladbrook4508]

I loved the video Liesl, great photography and story giving the technique. Thank you.

[@martintaylor5943]

Thank you so much for sharing how you frame your images, just love your style of composition….so easy on the eye.🙏

[@PaulFaracePhotography]

Beautiful shots! I love your macro images! Great video Liesl, thanks for all the in-depth info!!

[@PaulFaracePhotography]

ps that spider jump was awesome :)

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you, Paul. I was happy with the images, but not so much the video, so I hoped it was ok. I loved that little jumping spider, they have such expressive little faces, haha!

[@user-yg3vq3cl3l]

Found your channel recently and I am grateful for your narrated videos. I will eventually get a macro lens, but for now want to be able to photograph flowers with my kit lens. Your video provides very good tips.

[@FrankCrispo]

I loved everything about this video. Your commentary, your graphics, your photos and your explanations. It just feels so soothing listening and watching. Thanks so much for another great video.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Aw, thank you very much! I wish all of you watching could come out and enjoy these nature walks with me, it sure would beat making the videos, but I'm so glad you like them :D

[@coeurvision33]

A good moment and great images in that video, thak you Liesl

[@janemcleod3594]

What a joy to watch - so many useful tips, but above all superb photography. Many thanks for sharing your vision

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you, Jane!

[@alanhowe6588]

Love your videos - entertaining, educational, therapeutic and inspiring. Who could ask for more? Working my way through your catalog and looking forward to seeing new stuff. Many thanks and best wishes.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Wow, thank you for the very nice comment. I have a new video out today, it is not my best work, but it is always fun to have a nice day out with the camera :) I am happy to know you are enjoying the channel. Best wishes to you too!

[@joyceyang6976]

Thank you Liesl, I also enjoy my photo walks in the nature, the way you observe what's in nature is very similar to mine but you express the art in your photos at a deeper level. I really enjoy your videos and feel like I've found an amazing teacher!! Thank you so much for sharing!! 💕

[@LieslHuddleston]

That is so nice of you to say, Joyce! Thank you so much. It sounds like you have tapped into the best things about nature photography and if your photos help you remember the experience it's a job well done!

[@markboweringphotography4408]

I loved hearing your thought process behind the shots. I learnt a lot from this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Hi there, Mark! Thanks a lot for the nice comment, I hope everything is going well out there where you are.

[@sammiegongju]

Your shots are so beautiful it made me wanna cry. Thank you so much it's really inspiring 💕💕💕

[@LieslHuddleston]

Aw, you are so sweet, thank you Samantha!

[@mrfairycake4333]

Great video Liesl, are you still using the Iphone XS Max and Momnet macro lens in 2023?

[@dragnfly138]

Thank you so much for this video. It is exactly the sort of inspiration I was looking for.

[@steverich_photography]

Thank you Liesl for your hard work with these videos. I find your explanations very educational. I have watched many and find your videos so helpful.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you very much! I'm hoping to make more soon, waiting for some rain and cooler temperatures :)

[@raduszilagyi6055]

Amazing shots, thank you for the video. Keep enjoying your journey :)

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks, you are very kind, and I hope you are enjoying your journey too!

[@CliftonTicehurst]

Very inspiring video Liesl 🤗 beautifully filmed and presented with some gorgeous images. Those jumping spiders are so funny 🙂 wonderful captures. Thank you for sharing it with us. Cliff

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks, Cliff! Yes, they have such an expressive look sometimes, I love them and I'm glad that I'm not scared of them anymore :)

[@MckayGeoff]

Thanks for this video! I am trying to improve my creativity and I your videos are of tremendous help to me. Thanks heaps!

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks, Geoffrey! Best of luck and have fun out there! :)

[@barbiq7873]

Lovely video, Liesl. Some beautiful images and thank you for sharing your thoughts and techniques.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you very much. I wasn't quite sure about how this one turned out, so I'm very glad that many are finding it useful. ♡

[@valoer]

You’re very skilled and wise. Feels like I’m reading a book

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks for the comment. I love photography and have much to learn, hopefully I can share more of the journey :)

[@philippecarpentier801]

Bonjour Liesl, J'admire beaucoup ce que vous faites. Vous maîtrisée sérieusement bien la technique et l'art de composer. Merci beaucoup pour ce beau travail ; Cette chaîne est très pédagogique. Mes salutations les plus respectueuses. 🇲🇫

[@LieslHuddleston]

Vous êtes si gentil, merci. | You are so kind, thank you for the nice words!

[@carmenospina2203]

I have truly enjoyed your photos and your techniques. I am learning from you, thank you.

[@LieslHuddleston]

That's great! Thank you :D

[@manuz2700]

Thank you so much for sharing! Excellent video, I have learned more from it than in a lifetime

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks! I almost didn't make this video, but it seems to have been well received, I'm struggling to make my latest video as it is very long, but hopefully it will be out soon. Thanks for supporting my channel, I hope you are able to get out and enjoy some photography :)

[@daicymru5527]

Another inspirational video. Leisl I am 78 years of age and I doubt I will be studying for a degree. The points you have raised in your video will compel me to make more use of what lenses I have. I can see from your video I can make use of my Canon 300mm F4 prime lens and I have an old canon 50mm F2.5. I am just realising that I can do a lot with with my Panasonic FZ1000. It looks like its going to be difficult to obtain a Mollicrop Lens for my mobile phone. I'll have to see what is on the market. Thanks so much for posting your video. David

[@LieslHuddleston]

Hello, David! I am just now seeing your comment, I'm sorry for taking so long to reply. I tried replying earlier and the comment did not post, I hope this one goes through :) You are right, you can enjoy every kind of camera and every kind of lens, all of them can take good photos, especially if you are trying to be creative with your compositions. Yes, it is sad that Olloclip is not making lenses for mobile phones anymore, there are others out there but I am not familiar with the newer ones, I do know that the cheaper ones are not very good. I hope you are enjoying some photography in good weather and I hope to see you around in the comments again, best wishes, Liesl.

[@kellywall3656]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I appreciate the detailed explanations. Oh yeah, I like mockingbirds too!

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you! They are interesting to watch and listen to :) I will say we had a pair that sang all night in the tree outside our bedroom window once, that can be slightly annoying if it happens night after night, but they gotta do what they gotta do LOL

[@KerstenPhoto]

Hi Liesl, this is very nice footage. Thank you for sharing this. Weldone.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you so much ♡

[@Kishh27]

I love your videos and beautiful photography. They are so helpful! Learning so much from them!💕💕💕💕

[@LieslHuddleston]

Awesome! Thanks very much :)

[@SanjayJoshi-ls3bj]

Beautiful clicks & very nicely explained thought process made it a great video ! I loved watching it. I am a beginner in photography & I love nature photographs. I will be looking forward to more videos from you. Thanks a lot for the Video Liesl !

[@LieslHuddleston]

That's great! Enjoy your time as a beginner, experiment a lot and take lots of photos, it's the best way to improve :D

[@GregJorgo]

Very nice work! Thankyou.

[@alanplummer]

Great explanation of design principles, Liesl. And excellent photographs. Thank you!

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks, Alan!

[@phatcrayonz]

I love this.

[@declanstark]

Thanks so much for this great video - your work is so beautiful, and your emphasis on design and visual harmony really assists in bringing an appreciation of nature and the environment in an emotionally connected way. I was just wondering, is there somewhere I can learn more about the design and aesthetic principles you use?

[@LieslHuddleston]

Hello, Declan! Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I'm happy you are enjoying this channel :) I would suggest developing an interest in studying art and art history if you would like to develop a passion for effective composition and visual design principles, color theory, etc. It's fascinating to study art but it will also help your photography as it will help to train your eye for what makes a successful image and what doesn't. You could start by watching some video channels on KZbin, like "The National Gallery" pick some to watch and see if they interest you, or study books or online lessons about the fundamentals of art: composition, light, shape, color, perspective, and if you like portrait photography then anatomy as well. I truly believe this has helped me a lot. Thanks for the question, I hope this helps :)

[@JayMacroPhotos]

That duck photo in the grass was gorgeous

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks, Jay! The squirrels and ducks are so common I tend to ignore them, but every once in a while it's nice to just watch them and to get one sitting for a portrait is loads of fun too haha!

[@kevincroucher2505]

I have just found Chanel and I found the videos inspiring so thank you for making me what to try something new.

[@LieslHuddleston]

That's great, I hope you have fun out there. Thank you so much!

[@mrigankgupta6686]

Omg this video is very informative. 🙏

[@Jungle.D.OutDoors]

Lovely video!!

[@radekkozacek7148]

Super video krásně a přirozeně vysvětlená kompozice a fotografování makra. Škoda, že nepokračujete v dalších dílech na tomto kanálu.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

I really enjoyed this video and your photographs are ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you so much! Your comment made me smile, I'm happy that you enjoyed it. New video will be premiering today, hope you can make it to the live chat! :D

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

@@LieslHuddleston 🙂👍

[@aarona6322]

First time watcher here. It is beyond me why you do not have more Subscribers. I'm not into Macro Photography, but was mesmerized by your beautiful photo's being explained with soft soothing music, and a voice that portrays passion for what you do! I look forward to catching up with your other content, and all future Video's you produce! =]

[@LieslHuddleston]

Haha, thanks Aaron. I've actually been surprised to have this many subs so quickly, almost 1K new subs in a month! I hope to keep improving both with the videos and my photography, always learning, thanks for joining in for the ride, see you around :)

[@bradmiller9993]

To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower ............

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks for inspiring me to read that poem again, it's been many years. Wow, what a work of art!

[@dorothyhuddleston3630]

Beautiful photographs-as always!

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you ♡

[@smiffy5467]

This episode is great Liesl very relaxing to watch and some great images captured..

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks so much, Andy!

[@ramanujsekhar7480]

Thanks Liesl. Though I am a painter I also interested in nature photography having Canon 77d with extra Lances. I have watched your video and which is quite interesting and got many useful tips. Thank you again

[@LieslHuddleston]

Hello Ramanuj! I think being a painter can give you an advantage for photography and also the other way around, both allowing for endless creativity and much joy! Thanks for the comment, have fun out there :)

[@kathrynhall9920]

Your videos are so relaxing I love them.

[@chandravadanbhandari7876]

WoW ! Beautifully expressed & covered macro photography in a simple way ... wish to learn more from you

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you, it's nice to meet you here. I have a new video coming soon :)

[@ericgrate7500]

I enjoy your macro videos. Thanks for sharing them. It appears that you are no longer posting on Instagram. Do you anticipate posting there again?

[@LieslHuddleston]

Hi, Eric! Thank you, I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. I took a break from posting on Instagram and then never really missed it. I do sometimes think about posting there again so perhaps I will at some point. I still check the feed there a couple times a week, it's a great platform for photographers.

[@ViewFromShikhar]

Hi Liesl, your images are amazing. I'm blown away by your macro images, especially the mobile phone shots. Thanks you for this amazing video. 🙂

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you, I'm so glad you like them! Have a great weekend :)

[@kimfrost243]

Wow! I loved this video. I’m becoming addicted to your videos. I feel I learnt a lot regarding your creative process - you make it look so easy of course and I know it’s far from that. Big thanks Liesl. PS. I have just ordered a Moment Macro lens and can’t wait to get it

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks so much, Kim! I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. Let me know how you do with the Moment Macro lens. It takes a little while to get used to it but I expect you'll have lots of fun :)

[@kimfrost243]

Liesl Huddleston - you have inspired me so much! I think my lens is arriving tomorrow - exciting! I will definitely let you know how I go ❤️

[@kolapyellow7631]

Beautiful photos. Great points. Thank you.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you! :D

[@Kiwicruiser355]

Lovely video. What metering mode do you use for your macro photography? ie, spot matrix etc. Thank you.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Hi, Arthur :) I just leave it on evaluative (Matrix) metering all the time, I know it is said that spot metering is best for macro work, but I don't only shoot macro (even what I call macro sometimes is actually a close-up shot with a macro lens and not true macro.) I do understand the reason why spot is best for macro, but since I often shoot wider scenes on the same location and many times in between close-ups, it is easier for me to leave it on evaluative all the time. I am constantly changing my ISO and shutter speed for the exposure that I want and I am constantly experimenting with under-exposing images these days, not very conventional I know, but I am enjoying playing with those choices in the editing process as I shoot in RAW so I can experiment with editing. I hope that makes sense :)

[@gsansoucie]

First video of yours I have seen. While your equipment is different from mine (I actually sold off all my Canon gear a few years back, including my beloved 100m f/2.8 macro lens), your technique and video skills hooked me. Might be the first time I have subscribed after watching only one video...

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you are here, we can all learn from each other :) I try not to mention gear too much, mostly since I'm no expert but also because as you say we can use different tools but have similar experiences and techniques. I use my phone too for some of my photography and it is just as satisfying. It's good to meet you, thanks for the comment!

[@glynparry6598]

Nice job with very helpful composition tips. 😊

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you, Glyn!

[@christopherhowell3209]

Thank you soooo much Liesl for a wonderful video !

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you very much, Christopher!

[@Xo1ot1]

Great video.

[@pragawa]

Namaste from India. Thank you very much. I learnt a lot!

[@tmuellerbodenheim]

Some very interesting content here...Thank you for sharing!

[@gashead2]

Loved this, very calming and great tips

[@LieslHuddleston]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@tridentroy]

Awesome mam

[@Rishat23]

Wonderful video as always.. Your videos are super satisfying to watch 😊

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you 😀

[@angelapaul1257]

This was brilliant. Thank you.

[@LieslHuddleston]

You're welcome! Thank you for the nice comment :)

[@galenyoung7917]

A very nice video. Thank you

[@acekat7009]

Learned a lot,thank you liesl.I am your new subscriber and i hope to see more tutorials on macro photography from you cause i love your teaching style,it's so easy to understand.I love it!

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you for your very nice comment, I'm so glad you are enjoying these videos. There will be a new one coming out soon and I hope I can include something helpful :)

[@acekat7009]

Will be eagerly waiting Leisl,thank you

[@alokechowdhury4913]

Beautiful love it..😍

[@charlieloudermilk1894]

I take lots of pictures of flowers and also sunsets

[@LieslHuddleston]

That's wonderful! Those are favorite subjects for me too :)

[@KarlwithaC]

Very nice. I really enjoyed watching this. It was inspiring for me.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Great, thanks! I hope it was ok, seems like there is some pixelation in the beginning of the video which must have happened on KZbin side. Glad you liked it, have a great weekend!

[@beckykuperstein]

Beautiful work and video! Do you hand hold for your shots in this video?

[@LieslHuddleston]

Hi, Rebecca! Thank you. Yes, all hand-held. I probably use my tripod once a year and usually that is just for filming something briefly. I admire anyone that can use a tripod effectively, for me I find it limiting as I like to move around a lot.

[@beckykuperstein]

@@LieslHuddleston I was in a slump and you inspired me to get out and take some beautiful macro photos of my neighborhood flowers. Thank you and looking forward to future videos!

[@markferrell2470]

~~~ Positively beautiful such an awesome job~~~

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks so much!

[@paultezuma864]

Beautiful, thank you

[@adnanwalijee9913]

Hii lovely video Madam just one thing its the golden points rather then the rule of thirds

[@chaihidalgo588]

So beautiful thnk u🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you for the comment, glad you liked it :)

[@plantman6245]

Hi Liesl I like your posts. Have u ever tried or considered using a tripod or monopod with moment macro lens. Do u think it would help? Am debating getting one what do u think also have u considered using a small portable LED light with moment macro ? Regards isaac mamott

[@LieslHuddleston]

Hi, Isaac! I do have a very small tripod that I suppose could be used in certain circumstances, I don't think it would be very useful to use a regular tripod or monopod since these have a fixed focal length and you have to maneuver the camera/lens precisely and make multiple minor adjustments constantly till you find focus. Sometimes you need to tilt the phone horizontally or even vertically and all of that would make using a tripod quite difficult. If you watch my latest (wildflower) video, you'll see some video of what it looks like while trying to find focus, even in windy conditions it is possible, you just have to keep moving closer and then tilting and moving until you see the area you want to focus on is sharp. As for an external light, the phones tend to handle low-light quite well, I often find they want to even over-expose the lighter parts of an image a bit when you get very close up. I have not used a secondary light at all before, but I guess if you were in a forest or dark room it would be helpful, I've rarely had a problem with exposure (except for the aforementioned - blowing out the highlights) :)

[@wittearend4664]

Thank you so much for this inspiring video. Love from Holland, Esmiralda.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you, Esmiralda! And, I love your name :)

[@marilyndenyer8107]

Hi, I have a canon 100mm Macro f2.8 i found that the background is not as blurry as i hoped, even though the aperature is wide open. i blurrs but the background isnt that blurred.dont know quite why that is.

[@andreleroux7484]

Enjoyed that, from Joburg. Thanks. (You sound South African?).

[@LieslHuddleston]

Hi, thanks André, yes I'm from the Joburg area as well, lived there for 15 years. I've been in the USA since '94. I still have family in SA but I haven't been back for a visit since 2005, they get to come out here every few years though.

[@suedavis1566]

Did you use a tripod for these or handheld?

[@LieslHuddleston]

These are all handheld, I hardly ever use a tripod except for filming occasionally. The reason is, I move around a lot and make little adjustments in quick succession when I'm taking photos. The lenses I use have image stabilization and I'm able to keep my hands steady as well, I think that helps.

[@oguzbenice7423]

Your beautiful macro compositions look so simple and easy to shoot, but I know, it is not... Congrats.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thanks! It gets easier and easier if you shoot a lot :) have fun out there :D

[@elizabethlloyd8953]

Do you use a zoom or macro lens for your photos?

[@LieslHuddleston]

I enjoy both, my 2 favorite lenses are the 100mm macro and the 100-400mm Zoom. I also use a little macro lens on my phone. :)

[@benlepatriote]

encore encore svp

[@LieslHuddleston]

Thank you :)

[@iastorgaphotos]

👌🏼🤗🙏🏼