The Self-Doubting Photographer - Forest Photography with a Nikon D750 

One thing I've noticed is that you are an immensely fun person to hang out with. Your friends and family are lucky. And your enthusiasm for photography is contagious!

When you realize you know nothing then you've become a great photographer. Remember, some people will never like your photos because it's YOU!!! If you worry about what others think then you'll wake up screaming in the middle of the night. We shoot what makes us happy and if someone else enjoys the picture or video then that's a bonus. Positivity and Creativity rules the day!!!

Many years ago I decided to do photography as a hobby and not as a professional. And I've enjoyed every minute of it. Whether my photos suck or are great I get an equal amount of joy out of it. I just love doing photography and being out in nature. I hope everyone can get as much enjoyment out of doing photography as I have. Just relax, do your thing, and eventually your photos will get better.

I share a similar passion for nature as you . There are two tips I want to share with you. Both tips I use are cheap , I am just short of 70 years old. On retirement I took up the arts . Photography get me out of the house and the crafting for the worst of British weather days. So my number one tip is bin bags . I use my camera bag mostly in the woods by placing it on the ground to take out my gear. However, a reasonable sized and thicker quality bin bag rolls up into my pocket. laid out on the ground it gives me two opinions. First option is to place my camera bag on to the bin liner.This helps protect the bag from the wet ground. Secondly any thing that happens to slip out the bag falls on to a clean and dry area. When or if it starts to rain I can slip the bag inside the bin liner . This does help one keeps the bag clean and dry till I have finished. Secondly can help if the weather turns unexpectedly nasty quickly as a rain cover. . Pop a hole into it and stick your head through it or pop your camera bag into the bin bag and wait out the down pour .or cover the camera and tripod with it . Honestly for the space it takes up it as many uses. Even using one to Neel on while taking a photo. The next tip is for more for those interested in learning photography. Spend 15 minutes a day looking at photos, Pinterest or other apps . This helps the brain's mussel memory to learn composition , it helps you to decide what you like taking pictures of subject wise. Even gives inspiration for going out and trying your own versions of what you see. Rained off then look at videos blogs books and think what you would need to take the photo that impressed you most. All are a part of life with a camera. Thanks for a unique view into your photography and life.

A few days ago I watched a video from The Photographic Eye about interesting photography channels to follow. Alex Kilbee recommended channels that are worth checking out and this is one of them. And yes after I watched some of your videos, I agree with Alex. Your videos are very fun and also provide knowledge and inspiration. Thank you.

People on the trail doing a double-take trying to figure why there's a dancing woman in the forest. The literal example of dance like no one is watching. Thanks for sharing your photography experiences.

I came for the photography, I stayed for the dancing🙌 just discovered your channel and been loving the videos!

Hi Courtney! Coming from Alex Kilbee's channel, writing from Munich. (And also using a NIKON D 750. :-))) With the comparison issue, I disagree. Because: to get rid of the Dunning-Kruger effect you HAVE TO compare your work constantly to the work of others, famous or not. Then you see where you "stand" and what is still missing from some of your pics. Sometimes you see: other photographers "kochen auch nur mit Wasser" as we say in German. Meaning: what they achieved can be reached. Or you see: fine pic - but I don't even want to do something in this way. For myself: I never use a tripod in my landscape photography. Can you see the difference? I would challenge anybody on this. ;-)) Nice dance moves, by the way. :-)

As someone who has always worked in the fitness industry i so love my alone time outdoors with my camera , coffee and the sound of nature 😂 my photos are just for me. I find your videos so very entertaining and lovely photos you capture. Keep in dancing. 😊❤

That first fallen tree location looks more like a set than a wood! I'd happily sit there for hours, so beautiful.

I have watched many photography channels, and I can say that you are very special: your story telling, your process, your ability to teach, your humor, your love for nature, your skills are all legit. There are many but you are rare. Keep posting.

You said it yourself ”the light is missing”. That puts a lot of pressure on motive and composition to compensate for the missing light. I live near similar forests and often face those circumstances. Looking for spectacular items, fallen trees with big root system, lines patterns, small water streams, cones and other smaller items on green moss. Occasionally with good result but mainly not. The forest is wonderful anyway.

Love the shots of the highland coos. They are one animal I really want to shoot. I have been photographing for 50 years and I am still learning and hope that continues for sometime yet.

I like the dancing part the most. Be SAFE as you DANCE.

The Dancing Gave such a breakfast club vibe! 🤣

You dancing reminds me of Molly Ringwald or Ally Sheedy in The Breakfast Club! Which is still one of my favorite movies. We all have that moment of doubt in our photography where we wonder if our images are good. I have come to the fact that I need to photograph for me and not what others may think of it.

I chuckled during the Highland Cow stalking... Cute! Seriously, though, the images of the cows topped even the forest images. Love the moody lighting... I have ruined a LOT of beautiful light such as that in post, I must admit... I am thankful for shooting .raw files from almost the beginning, for there are times I look back at an image that was well-received at the time but now think, "ewwwww"... I have occasionally reprocessed such images and recreated the "wow-value" that originally inspired me to capture the composition and lighting in the first place. I'm rarely 100% pleased with my images, for I'm always striving to improve upon what I share. Do I go through the comparisons with the work of others? Yesss... But then found that some of those photographers admired what I was doing, as well. It's healthy and often a great way to glean new ideas and approaches from others, which I precisely why I enjoy seeing the efforts of others here. Thanks for sharing with us!

I love how you lose your camera, I love how you dance, I love that you don't take yourself too seriously, yet you are a seriously talented photographer. Come see us in America!

As others said. The Highland Cows are great. And the photos you took of them are top notch.

As I have practiced it, photography produces pleasure by simplicity. I see something special and show it to the camera. A picture is produced. The moment is held until someone sees it. Then it is theirs. You are definitely a amazing photographer with great creativity when it comes to composition.

Two thumbs up for the whimsy in this video. And nice images of the cows.

Courtney, you have some great dancing moves!!!!!😄

G-Day , Binge watching :-) After 40 plus years as A Photographer. You Young Lady are a Breath of Fresh air. I can look at Photography And Learn from Lovely People Like Yourself FIVE STARS :-)

As a young man, my Mother taught me self-effacement & humilty, Courtney: Two of the best life lessons there are, & without which I wouldn't have been able to arrest that worst of all human conditions - narcissism. That, however, should not determine one's own self worth; it is clear your photographic skill set is far more advanced than most - but what I find most appealing, is that you don't boast about same. Those Highland cattle are incredible - you've captured them beautifully 🙂. Christmas is coming, have you asked Father Christmas for anything special in your stocking ?

Well, there are some things to highlight from your video : 1) Cool dance moves. 2) The proof of Forest Gremlins' existence 😮 3) Teletransportation is real 😲 4) 11:19 to 11:32 is a very wise advice for all people who love photography 🙌 5) It seems that Highland cows on the move are a big menace 😮 6) One of my goals this year is try to learn portrait photography. Let's see how it goes 😅 7) Love the ending song! A cool 80's synthesizer mood 😎 In summary, I love the originality of your videos 😃 🙌

I love your limbering dance to get you ready to photograph. Your videos are uplifting and fun. A great departure from all the technical jargon-filled videos. Keep true to your style. It is what brings your fans back.

Loved the highland cows

I loved the message from this episode! Can’t get enough of your videos! I preferred the second Fallentree shot for reasons I can’t explain, just personal preference. I am a visually impaired photographer, actually legally blind, and my goal this year is to improve my macro photography as my world gets smaller. Being restricted to doing my thing close to home to to travel impairment, I enjoy finding compositions that most people walk past . Thank you for your videos and I look forward to the next.

Great videography, light-hearted dance montages, entertaining landscape content. Good work! Subscribed.

Cute dancing and fine moo-moo shots. And yes, the underlying objective is to keep it fun.

I stayed and saw it all. I wouldn't miss a bit. Good job.

I have thought of myself as amateur wildlife photographer, but animals are hard to find this time of year. I will try some landscape photography. Your videos are inspiring and fun to watch. Keep up the great work.

I quite enjoy your videos, though not just for the tips and pics. Your storytelling style is so different than many photo RU-vidrs that it stands out (in a good way)... kind-of like James Popsys (IMO). Thanks again for the videos.

Another great video Courtey, and the dance well, just mesmerising your a natural 😊 cant wait for the next one.

The first 40 seconds of the video... I just love you :)🤓

Hi Courtney thanks for your great videos. I'm a long time trying to take photos and i always doubt myself. This video is inspirational. As an old timer you have re ignited my love for photography. Thanks

The dance intro was epic.

Mainly a videographer, but I've been delving more into photography since my trip to Japan at the end of last year. I want to work on my visual storytelling, and I think photography has helped immensely with that, since you only have one frame to do so. I want to make documentary films, and I think this will carry over to videography, with things like compsotion, framing, lighting, and how different elements and subjects interact with each other within. Watching this video reminded me that it's not a sprint, but a marathon. No two individuals will have the same goals, the same definitions of success, nor are walking the same path. Nice pics, nice vid.

Lovely video. Great shots of the moo-cows. Especially the ones lying down. Very nice

I love watching your videos and watching you you are have a lovely sense of humour thank you for your love of photography

Yaaayyy! You're back! I find videos like this are so helpful in growing as an outdoor photographer (I've been at it for 40 years) rather than "Use these settings and shoot this way" videos. Learning from other photographer's experiences rather than trying to measure up to their images is the best way to keep learning. That's why your videos are always a must-watch for me. The joy is infectious at the very least! I loved both fallen tree images but give the nod to the first one because of the placement of the smaller tree that got lifted up by the roots of the big tree.

brilliant Courtney so good to have you back , you just made my Sunday with the dance at the start brilliant

Great opening moves, its been too long. Welcome back. You are a joy to watch and learn from.

Inspirational, interesting and informative. Always look forward to seeing your video's, thank you.

Great work, great goals and your woodland dancing never disappoints

Breath of fresh air 👍

All the other photographers out there and your videos are right up there with the best, really! I love your youth,enthusiasm and creative way you put your journey together. Thank you so much for your thoughts and feelings about all the topics you touch on.

I absolutely love your approach to your videos, not only informative but very entertaining too. Thank you.

Hi Courtney. Another great video, laughs from the start. Love seeing you dancing in your vids, lifts the spirits even on the worst days. Your woodland photography always amazes me as I for one can't get my head around it, with all the clutter around what often looks like a good image only to be disappointed after the event. Could never exit one of your video's before the end Courtney, as there is always something going to happen to perk us up even more. Great to see you home on these shores, as you are Our Courtney and nobody else's.👍

Nice to get the cows in the forest for interest rather than just on pasture. You used the trunks annd foliafe to frame well.

I enjoyed this video! This video speaks volumes to me as I am beginning to release the idea of thinking that other photographers have better images and better encounters, or that not everyone likes the work that I share. As long as I like the images and footage that I take, then that is what makes me happy! My goals so far this year have been to plan what locations I want to visit, and therefore increasing my chances of photographing particular species. So far, so good! Keep up the great work and now subscribed :)

Love the cow pictures!

Love the opening of this video, puts a smile on your face, which is what photography should be about.

Part of the joy of any creative endeavor is learning more about it. I hope I never stop learning something new about photography, or anything else I enjoy doing. Thanks for another entertaining and enlightening video. Thanks for the dance, too. I've missed that.🙂

Very good and also extremely true, thank you Courtney.

🌺🌻🌺 Thank you. Lovely presentation. I appreciate and am grateful... :)

I absolutley love the dancing. Long may it continue.

Oh my god, I can't stop watching your videos. It's so so cosy, soothingly. I don't know enought nglish words to explain.

You are obviously happy being who you are and that's your superpower! Keep up the good work and your channel will continue to grow. Cheers!

Great to see you back. As always that playful high energy serves well as your signature. Bill

Thanks Kim for sharing your experience back from the Antarctic trip....self judging is a human trait that we all go through & learn.....I love all your photos as this location is interesting also the cattle... thanks also for using your D750 as this is a great camera....love your work... cheers from Australia 😀❤️

Wow !! Loved this video, you know what you are a special kind of person one who obviously loves life ,the outdoors your camera and most importantly you images that you capture.....what an amazing attitude and style you have ....

This is the second of your videos I have watched. Subbed immediately upon seeing those dance moves!

Some excellent advice! Thank you

My favorite image is the "Side Studies" at 4:38 minute. I liked your discussion about photographers comparing themselves to others. As you say in England, spot on. I'm doing something totally different than landscape photography, but I love watching and learning from you, and others like you, who share their ideas of what makes a good image. It can be translated to so many types of photography. Basically, understanding your composition. And when all done, enjoy the experience, the moment you created, and the joy it brought you while doing it. From the United States, (Ohio) thanks.

Hi great video again, thanks. Always thought provoking. You have referred to ' the art of noticing ' and I'm definitely aiming to work on this and focus on the detail within a bird , animal or plant. Linked to this is an aim to improve my macro work. Thanks again

Great video and message, love the highland cow shots!

wish i has someone like you as a friend! you seem like a warm personality.

Thank you for this new video.

We all go through that self doubt for sure. But as stated, that is when we start improving and start pushing ourselves to be better photographers! Great video!

A beautiful and inspiring video, i like it very much.

My favorite intro so far. Seriously, I love it. You have such a fun personality 😁 Keep up the great work.

Great video of course Courtney loved the excited jig oh to be back in the forest Very informative and fun loved the quotes and your style Thanks for posting Have a great year! What a start Not forgetting the Images enjoyed the long horn resting amongst the forest peaceful like Look forward to your next video

The beginning cracked me up 😂😂😂😂....great video Courtney!!💯💯💯💯

First time watching, I appreciate you thanks for the fun and content 🙏

Great video and advise. Love your dancing. Keep up the good work

Do love your video’s, a lot of content together with a little madness!

A good photographer who can actually dance! Never seen that before. Very interesting and enjoyable video.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on comparison and self doubt. Guess it’s not a once in your photography life occurring moment. It comes back to you just every so often and when you don’t expect it. Great video and I love you dancing and jumping from scene to scene.

Enjoyed the video as usual Courtney. I think that everyone should just take the compositions that they think is the best and don't worry. I look forward to seeing the waterfall video.

Keep up your great - fun spirited work!

some valid points you made another great vid and good photo cant wait for more

Good to see you in your own element!!!… And not freezing!

This is the wife I didn’t get cause time and location. Love the content. Ty. 🙏

You're the best Courtney!! Love your videos.

Thank you so much for sharing this video. Not only is it an amazing production, enjoyable to watch and informative, it’s genuinely funny! You’re a great storyteller! I’m going through a big drop in confidence right now so this video is very relatable! But like you said, self doubt is good (in moderation) and just today I pushed through my comfort zone and tried something new in my photography! Thank you again for sharing

I find impostor syndrome interesting. I understand it at a logical level, but I can't say I have ever experienced it. Comparing your results to others is a constructive exercise for me. I see what I like and what I don't in other people's photography and that guides and inspires me. But I can understand that if you already have this self doubt, that practical positive aspect of comparison can erode at your confidence. I think it's helpful to never frame your outings and projects as any kind of competition with anyone else. I shoot alone, I am self motivated, and I consider being out shooting in beautiful places a good way to spend my time, irrespective of whether I come out of it with a photograph I like. That way, good shots are a bonus, not the objective that spoils my day if I don't achieve it. Photography is an art. A means for expression, and a way to see and appreciate the world. It's not a competitive sport. Think of your images as your "children". You don't love them because they are the best, or cleverest, or tallest. You love them because they are yours. Because you have that personal attachment and relationship with them. So I'd say, rather than striving to make your photographs the "best", whatever that means, maybe strive to make them mean something to you. If they mean something to someone else, that is a bonus.

I ditto some of the other comments, you are so enjoyable to watch and your work is wonderful!

It's great having you back home and dancing. I really like the quiet light of cloudy days. The forests are really beautiful in that kind of light. Also love those Woolly Mammoths you call cows. Time to head out into the world and get some of my own shots! It's been raining like crazy here in California.

I simply study each image individually. If I like it, I keep it. If I don't like it, I delete it. Thanks for sharing your day with us! (Great cinematography)

Thank you for another great video 👍

Great video! I've been photographing since 2003. At first I thought I know everything of making a good photos and it's easy. Now it's 2023 and I still have a lot to learn. I just don't want to quit trying.

I cannot say I dislike the dance!

Great video. Always enjoy your work

Your videos are unique and dare I say "quirky". I think they are great! Keep it up Courtney... Can't wait for the next one.

Hi Courtney: Another wonderful video and I can certainly appreciate your anxiety over having the highland cows so close by. I also like the style that you have brought to your videos. Your sense of humour is very uplifting. Keep up the great work. Cheers, Keith (Canada)

Great lesson and channel! Take care

I'm just happy photographing anything that's stationary or stands still enough to take the shot. I didn't get out much last year, but I've more than made up for it already. Funny and lovely as always with great images to boot. 👍

Thank you Courtney another fun and enjoyable video 🔥🔥🇬🇧

I like your video thanks for shearing