@@ElevatedThreat Rex, thank you so much. That’s made my day. I think 10 mins is spot on for a cuppa ☕️ 😉. I hugely appreciate this message on a dreary Monday afternoon in 🇬🇧. 🙏
I'm very happy to have found your channel, Louise. I always look forward to your videos. I enjoy your sense of humor along with your thoughts on composition and photography life. Thank you for continuing your videos. I'll be walking those trails with you.
@@donnacallais4528 ahhhh thank you Donna, that really does mean a lot. In which case we’re back out to Ireland in two weeks 😉. See you there and thank you 🙏. Happy new year to you.
Looking forward to another year of photography adventures with you Louise! I had a shocking year and barely did any photography, so thinking back on what that taught me and hearing you say how much you improved by getting out regularly with your camera is very motivating. Great prints, that has inspired me to choose some for my desk at work. Can't wait to see where you go this year.
@@camerabilby thank you so much for your comment. Particularly this time of year I am really unmotivated to get out of bed (our winter but it’s not all snowy and gorgeous here in the south). I’m trying to find ways of shooting that suit it when it’s blanket grey, or to scout a bit more (which I find tedious). The prints are ok actually but, no doubt next year it will be a different pair up there. Good luck and I hope to say hi again in the future 👍
@@mrskarshsphotos thank you Judy… that means a lot. It used to help me so much when I say people I follow fail or just fall below their own standards. Sometimes I’d look at their shot and think wow and then I’d listen to what they were disappointed with, it helped hugely. Have a good start to the year lovely lady 🙏
My new years resolution is not to shoot any tree's, and it's now wearing a bit thin such is life! thank you for keeping us informed about your present situation on gadgets yes most are never used but we were desperate to own. I am happy to say all my gear is now basic and it's getting full use none of it will ever be replaced until it's bust or stolen! When my third printer packed up I had no intension to buy another but I still miss those A3s A4s and 5x7s that I used to print my best pictures with.....Thank you and I look forward to your next blog.
@@desgardner7169 thanks Des. I just wish I had any talent at shooting trees 🌴. I just can’t spot the shots so I’d say keep doing the woods 😉. I am now fully kitted and as you say… stolen or bust! Ohhhh updating insurance… a January job! The thing that puts me off a printer (apart from initial outlay and space is the cost of ink! Crikey 😳. Have a good start to January sir, happy new year 👍
Excellent! For me as a wildlife photographer, the fog/snow made for challenging conditions recently here in Montana, so I tried some "small subject in frame" photos such as a lone bison in the fog, a buck deer on the skyline of a mountain in a snowy landscape, and a closeup of a bull elk that is hardly recognizable due to a snowstorm.
Keep up the good work in 2025! Your output has become one of my favourite channels over the past year. I am a recent convert to landscape (migrating from wildlife only) so your honesty and humour in negotiating its challenges have helped my own modest improvement, cheers!
@@paganraven2186 ahhh that’s made my day. Thank you. I confess that i think wildlife is far more challenging than landscape… and you still have to get up early! Welcome to the dark side (trying to laugh in a sinister fashion and now coughing a lot) 😂 Thanks for the comment, the follow and happy new year 😊
What a fantastic Video Louise! Some really interesting points to consider. I share the fortnightly TH-cam schedule and I think it is the sweet spot to maintaining quality but always have something to look forward to making; but also the nagging pressure that I have another video to make! My only concern is running out of ideas now that I have been making videos on TH-cam for 8 years now!
@@benharveyphotography Hey Ben, I get the ideas issue but you always seem to have them in the bag when you chat. How you get your inspiration is just darned impressive man! Happy new year to you and I look forward to many photo adventures with you over the next few years 💥👍
Good one! For me, change is most inspirational. It could be as simple has having a new favorite photography shirt, or new flavor of coffee, or changing up my equipment. The sky is the limit on change. My least inspirational is new expensive equipment. Makes me feel like a loser. 🤣 Have a Great New Year and keep up your fun videos and nice photography.
@@terryroth2855 cheers Terry. I really do like the change thing. I want to ponder on that and notice it more. I notice it behind the camera but far less so in life. Hmm you may have just inspired a small change here… happy 2025! 😊
Happy New Year, Louise! I've watched a few of your videos in the last year, seen some nice places with you (and your other half / pack mule) and enjoyed you getting up really early so I don't have to... Long story shortened... I though to start 2025 as a subscriber, to see where we all go together. Take care of the woman behind the camera, and that man who we rarely see!
@@the_rat_run that made me smile as does your channel name… cool. I will take care of him (the mule 😂). To be fair he normally only takes the drone or on occasions a tripod if I’m on a three lens day. Shout if you have any suggestions as to what I should be covering-always good to get inspiration. Have a good 2025 and thanks for the sub, it means a lot actually 👍😊
I really appreciate the points you made, and I see the value in them. I recognise that I need to work on my discipline and return to shooting in the early mornings. While last year was less productive for me, I have made more progress with my channel and photography since December. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum moving forward. He says! Lil
@@paulcunninghamw00dlandph0t0 lol… he says indeed. 😂 Great to talk to you tonight and chew the cudd (spelling?) Here’s to a photographically successful year for us both Paul 🥂. Btw… I look a lot less knackered ow I have slept 😂
Colour printers? No thanks, I had one and it wasted so much ink ‘cleaning itself’. The ‘000’s of adjustment options in techno language made my head hurt so I binned it. Now I send photos to professional printers who know what they’re doing. I like to travel light so I tend to carry just one camera (Z7) and lens for the day usually in a simple bum bag for safety and ease of use. A tripod when I have a goal in mind. I was lucky enough to receive delivery of a new 40mpx Fuji X-100VI and I love it to pieces. I take it everywhere so I take more photos. Who knew? Well, no one until now. Now you all do. Love the originality of your video Louise. HYN and keeeep shooting!
@@christianpetersen1782 thank you Christian. For info, I’ve just invested in a bum bag so I’m hoping it will make life easier and ugh… the wasted ink. Pro printers all the way for the amount I do. Happy new year to you sir 😊🥂
I have certainly made my fair share of less optimal camera equipment purchases, that haven't seen that much use: couple different filter _sets_, Benro Polaris motorized tripod head (with an astrophotography add-on!), macro rail... And then there has been the quest for the perfect camera bag or should I say bags since I find that I may need few different options for different use cases. There might be also few lenses which belong to this list.
@@HezuFoto this made me laugh as I’ve just purchased a 7l bum bag on the back of another few photographers raving about it. I’m hoping it’s not a mess up purchase 😂🙈 I am glad it’s not just me. I feel a little reassured! Happy new year to you and thank you for the feedback 🙏👍
Another gem. Suggestion for photo's stuck on the hard drive, I bought modestly priced monitor and use it for "slide shows" of my pictures. It runs in the background but always visible when the computer is on....its never off.
Happy New Year to you and yours Louise. Yes, we can all be heartily ashamed of ourselves, thinking now about something in the past. Mid last year I resolved to be a more promiscuous photographer, as in, not limited, restrained, or restricted in my approach. I made a list of subject or project ideas just to change things up now and again. I find when I return to my first love, landscapes, scapes in general, my POV is often altered. I will be starting a new long term project in a few weeks, well outside my comfort zone, that may take more than a year to complete. Keeps me keen to get back to my first love. Being retired these ideas & commitments keep me excited, curious & learning. Cheers and thank you for sharing. I look forward to your videos. TLDR?
I read it all Dana… I ike the idea of being a promiscuous photographer but that has do many different meanings in the uk 😂. I utterly get your meaning though. Ohhh enjoy your project… they keep us focused when needed. Happy new year to you sir 👍😊
This video is why I love your channel--you call it like you see it, even if it means admitting that you didn't think about things the right way. Authenticity is worth a lot of points in my book! And oh yeah, there are all the awesome photos too. Carry on!
You've created a lovely channel Louise, long may it continue! Photography is such a great hobby, be it very expensive for me as I keep buying new gear! It gets me out and about as I love to try my different cameras / lenses in different settings, which improves my skills and keeps me out of a rut. Have you ever taken a camera to a location you know it isn't naturally suited for?
@@Rick--A-F thank you so much Rick, that is so kind of you. I have tried that, in particular with a prime lens pr two borrowed… equally exciting and frustrating… the photos were a mess but I learned so much. Happy new year to you so and thank you for the feedback 👍🙏
I have also changed away from the wide angle, but I worry that it was because I was not very good at making the most of it - I still love seeing dramatic images online with snaking leading lines and textured rocks or splashes of colourful flowers in the foreground, but rarely seemed to be able to find them myself... But I also lurve my 100-400 and feel kinda cheated if I don't get to use it every outing! One 'well who knew?' moment came recently, but maybe before the beginning of 2024, when I realised that, after being wowed by videos of TH-camrs in Patagonia or the Drakensburg mountains, what I really enjoyed working with was smaller, more intimate scenes in forests or river valleys, or of rock formations or seaweed. But now I have to be careful that it doesn't become a rut I get stuck in! Great video - again - thanks and happy new year!
@@davetucker2000 So pleased that it’s not just me Dave! Now confession… I’m saving up for Patagonia for April 2026 as my husband will be 75 and it’s a chance to do something big. Also going to the Atacama a week later, hopefully. I’m saving and selling photo gear to fund the trip. All lenses are going with me on that one if it happens. I do like the smaller and more local scenes though although it’s taken aaaages to find them. Keep luuuurving the long lens Dave. Happy new year to you 🥂
@@louisewelcomephotography Oh, I would definitely not turn down a trip to Patagonia if it came up...! But more than that I love the idea of shooting dunes and desert rocks and mountains. Whether I'll ever get to do that is debatable. Enjoy!
@@davetucker2000 We have dunes and deserts in Western Australia. Not so many mountains though. But we do have landscape features three billion years or so old. And monsoons and cyclones and the best locations for astrophotography bar none.
@@davetucker2000 ... and orchids and other flora (and fauna) not seen anywhere else. A lot of photographs visit Sydney and Melbourne and maybe other places along the eastern seaboard and think they've seen Australia. They haven't.
To Andrew… thank you for chatting during the premier… my internet went down. I hope you have a smashing time in dingle with Darren. Enjoy it sir. My next vid is Dingle 👍
Yes dingle is a special place in my heart as both of my in laws ashes are scattered in the bay in the last number of years and so it’s hard to go there with my wife at the moment but I have been visiting it for 50 years with my family as a child and my family ❤
Who bleedin knew that you have inspired me and thousands of people to conquer photography in the landscapes and elsewhere within such a brief time (at least for me, since I found your channel). Looking forward to being taken out for trips and discoveries in the future!
@@philipplangenbacher that made me chuckle as I was sneakily reading the odd comment trying not to wake anyone. Who bleeding knew indeed! lol… thanks Philip. Happy new year man 👍.
Louise My go to lenses are a 16-50 2.8 WR SDM Star Glass and a 55-300 4.5 - 6.3 PLM WR both lenses are weather sealed. I haven't shot film since 2005 when I bought my first DSLR camera . I bought a whole Pentax Spotamatic SP11 camera kit mainly for the Takumar M42 manuel focus lens. I put the camera in a back pack after 2 years I finally took the camera out of a back pack when the Pentax 17 film camera came out this year.i decided to see if I could get the film camera to work after all it was a full frame interchangeable lens camera I found the light Seals needed replacing. I replaced the light Seals with about $ 8.00,in supplies my first roll of film all the pictures came out much to my surprise I figured I would mess up at one picture would be out of focus or with the wrong espourser. I have 3 printed full moon pictures in my home office a blood red moon a harvest orange moon and a normal full moon all 8× 10 For a number of years I purchased a number of old manuel focus lenses from thrift stores the Takumar M42 lenses come into mind more lenses then I'll ever need or use .
@@scrptwic well hello there (tell me your name so I can address you properly 👍) I find it interesting to know what people print for their own walls. Lunar subjects can be both fascinating and inspiring. They are also a real challenge to capture. And that backpack… I take it you didn’t use the Pentax much or did you use it all the time? I read it both ways (my bad). The 55-300 has to be a super range to cover. I used to have an 18-200 when I first started but it was soooo soft. I was just gifted the canon rf 100-500 for a big birthday (gulp). Haven’t had the chance to put it through its paces yet. Quite excited to do so if only the rain would stop. Happy new year to you. 🥂👍
@louisewelcomephotography Louise my name Alan Daniels the TH-cam name came over from a Yahoo account from the Kern River Hiking Club out of Bakersfield CA . There are a lot of people in the Petroleum Industry in Bakersfield and they do not agree with some of the Sierra Club environmental concerns and have there own hiking group which I hiked with for five years and sparked my interest in outdoor and landscape photography I had not shot any film since I bought my first DSLR in 2005 a Pentax *istDL a 6 megapixel CCD Sony Sensor camera I still use as it has never given me any problems takes AA batteries and with a firmware update I can use SDHC SD cards. I bought the Spotamatic camera kit mainly for the Takumar lenses and accessories not the film camera when Pentax introduced the new Pentax 17 half frame camera for $500.00 I was at home for six weeks after open heart surgery so I had time to refurbish the Spotamatic why use a half frame film camera when I could have a working full frame interchangeable lens camera I already owned.It only took me 6 months to shoot a roll of 24 espourser film I was in no rush as I see no advantages shooting film over digital in my opinion. I have no interest in getting into the film versus digital there just differnt as well as the DSLR versus Mirrorless versus Smartphone all are capable of taking pictures Louise when you mentioned your 100 -400 lens you brought up another problem I had to overcome. I bought a used 150-450 lens 2 years ago and I have not used it much because when mounted with my camera they weigh 8 pounds which is heavier than I want to hand carry on a hike so I modified a Black Magic Breath strap to carry the lens and camera. I have not tried the setup yet but plan to do so on my next hike to the Bolsa Chica Wetlands near where I live as was there last week and i photographed a Perignon Falcon, Osprey and a Red Heron with the 55-300 lens.
Oh the gadgets we spend money on and think we need to improve. AKA G.A.S. I sold my wide angle lens as I wasn't using it. Thought I must have for landscape photography. My go to now are my 24-70 and 70-200. Also used to get a UV filter for every new lens - not anymore. That's what lens hoods are for aren't they? Who knew! Look forward to seeing where you get to in 2025 and following along with you. Happy New Year.
Adaptor rings are good. I sometimes use a VND. I'd rather trash the filter threads on the ring than on the lens. Incompatible with lens caps. It has happened.
@@susanfirth2279 hey Susan, I know EXACTLY what you mean re UV filters … it took me a good few years to realise and also, the less glass the better. Who knew indeed? I’ve probably still got mine somewhere… today may be an eBay day. Happy new year to you and yours Susan. 🥂
Lenses - I've been seeking opportunities to use my ultra wide more. Stuff - pen tablet hasn't been used as much as I intended but I can see it coming into its own. Filters - using less and less apart from the CPL. Changing tastes - I think it's a maturing, more discerning taste. I'm seeking better quality for my own work and in others. Printing - I print my own stuff for me alone and rotate it through some frames. It's a good way to live with an image too and think on how it could be improved, if the print doesn't quite come out right. It can be done well without costing the earth. Significant shift - learning and trying techniques in the field and edit to get where I want to go.
@@mikephillipsphotography now that is one very comprehensive response there Mike, cheers man! Did you get out in the end over Christmas? I totally agree re living with an image. As a result of doing that I need to strip back and update my website. Sounds like a job for a rainy Sunday… if only we had one… 😉🙈. Happy new year Mike.
@@louisewelcomephotography Happy New Year Louise, rainy Sunday has arrived. A few foggy woodland wanders on the South Downs and a trip to Birling Gap were had, perfect to get over the flu I had before Christmas.
Kool! Happy to tag along. I go back and forth on wide vs. long. Lately, I've been carrying TWO bodies, one with a 12-40 and the other with a 40-150 (MFT). I also have a 7-14 I carry, but it is pretty niche. I have 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters too. I guess I'm saying, as an MFT shooter, I don't choose, I carry them all. I do have 4 bodies I'm not using at the moment. The good news is I have backups and they all use the same lenses! I hear T. Heaton just got a new gigantic printer, maybe work out a deal ;-) I have a lot of filters that are never used as well, just not what I do. Have a great new year!
Great video and definitely made me think about commitment to getting out more and unbuckling the duvet earlier. Thank you for your time and all your effort with this channel it’s always an absolute pleasure to see what you’ve been doing and a great motivator so thank you 🙏
@@janh6639 cheers Jan. it’s not always easy to get out is it? I say that as the incessant rain hits my window and I retreated under the duvet. Thank you for your support and I hope that 2025 is a cracker for you. 👍
Thank you for this. While I don't share some of your "lightbulb moments," I do understand how they affected you and how they came about, in great part because of your succinct style of communicating. And I love getting insights into how other photographers think about our art form, even if, as in this case, what they photograph and how is very different from what I do. Always a pleasure to watch your videos.
You make me smile hugely with your comment as I too watch photographers that I don’t agree with but make me reflect. Thank you so much and feel free to prod me in going in a direction you think will make me think. Gracias🙏😊
@@louisewelcomephotography Thank you, Louise, for such a lovely response. From watching your videos over the last few months, I trust that even when you, let's say "lose your way," you will always grow from the experience. Your sense of humor and intelligence, and the support from your husband, will nourish your artistic and personal growth and I am grateful you share your journey so we too can grow.
Re: filters. The only one I use regularly is my polariser. I dont even use my ND filters that often, because it's generally dull enough to not need them. Everything else can be done in Photoshop. And we all have old shots which we thought were great at the time. Sometimes a re-edit is all that is required, and other times, it's an excuse to return to the location and shoot it again. Then again in another five years' time.
@@dougiemilnephotography756 hey Dougie, the polariser agreed… that made me chuckle about the dull bit though. Dull as heck here today but I think you have snow? ❄️ The re-edits are interesting… especially when you realise you have refined your skills. O used to love the unsharp mask a little too much. Now I just cringe at how much I cranked it up. 😂. Happy new year to you lovely man. 👍
Brilliant, simple and to the point !!! But how true, the amount of stuff you buy having seen someone's photo looking great after they have used it... filters are the worst for that...
@@scotland2212 just bonkers how much we accumulate over the years. O like to think we refine over the years but… older does not mean wiser in my case! 😉😂
Over the years, I have completely stopped photographing with wide-angle lenses. Would just as easily sell the wide-angle lens but didn't dare to take the plunge as I would surely miss it at some point. Have gone from sunrise/sunset photography to exclusively forest/storm/rain/fog/snow/abstract photography. The sun no longer appeals to me like it used to (regarding photography). Have also converted a camera to IR which I enjoy a lot during the summer months. Also started printing a lot more of my photos. Experience it as very satisfying and rewarding. Fun when the pictures come to life on paper.
@@MrCaliber30 ohhhh I love, love LOVE my converted IR. So freeing! I also agree re selling the wide angle… the fear of not having it that one time. Although you could always do a vertical pano from 2 or 3 horizontal shots in an emergency I suppose. Hmmmm… Have a cracking new year and print lots 👍👍
Looking forward to your videos in 2025, love your down to earth and realistic approach. Totally agree on your comments regarding filters and I too seem to always grab the 100-400 over the 16-35. All the very best for your TH-cam channel this year.
I have a 500mm mirror lens that I bought ages ago, I keep going to sell it but when it comes to doing it I don’t. On the plus side I was going to buy a 70-210 lens but looking for something else in my box of unused gear I found a long forgotten almost 50 year old 70-200 which is now performing beautifully, who knew.
@@barryhiggott9458 ohhh Barry, I do love a re discovery… who knew indeed? It’s a flexible range too. Niiiice and you saved some dosh… always good 👍 happy new year to you Barry 🥂
@@ElevatedThreat ohhhh now I have the 1.4… love the extender on that. Excellent point that man! 💥. But, BUT… my other half surprised me big time for my significant birthday (yes, that one) with the rf 100-500. We don’t do gifts like this so I’m still very quiet about it. Sooooo when it’s finally good enough to get out I’ll give it a try… now that with an extender… gulp! 😊
I promised myself to stick to the 3 lenses 24-70, 70-200 and 100-400 recently. I did buy the Sony 40mm 2.5 after James Popsys recommended it, and used it once. It was good but why did I buy it??? Especially as I always have the 24-70 on me. So I sold it. Lost £185. Lessons learnt. I do love the idea of the 90mm for macro... but I've passed the age of wanting to lay on my belly in the forest 😂 so I WILL resist 😂😂 I am surprised you didn't print one of the Liverpool ones. A nice abstract one.
Ahhh now you may have caused me to reflect… darn you 😉. I’ve just bought a ‘bum bag’ on the basis of Henry Turner’s latest video. Grrrrr. It may be a silly purchase but I’ve got a terrible drone holder and… yadda yadda 🙈. Happy new year to you 👍
@louisewelcomephotography haha you make me laugh 😂 ah the evo bag. That almost all i use now, I have the Osprey but same concept. Much easier. Happy new year to you too.
Ohhhh brand… there are so many and size … I have purchased 100 x 100 for most as they cover most lens sizes. I have recently changed to Nisi from Lee. No colour cast. Research and take your time. Good luck 🤞
The Imitation Game aired here last night. For you, it's probably about ending WW II and Alan Turing. For me, it was about autism and in particular my set of traits, right down to being described eccentric. My social skills might be a little better than his. It's my practice to make photos (mostly) unlike those other people make. "Nice" is OK, but not good. 2024 was my year of making bad photos. The rules have gone to hell, where they belong. _I_ think most of my 2024 photos are recognisably unlike my 2023 photos.
@@oneeyedphotographer John, that is really interesting on two counts. You are correct re the Imitation Game and it is interesting to hear your perspective. Having been to Bletchley Park and seen the machines used to crack the code, someone with my traits would not have had success. The other interesting thing to me is about the year of not good photos. I think it was Thomas Heaton that said if he go x number of good shots then he considered it a good year . X was really small… perhaps 8. I hope 2025 is positive for you John.
@@louisewelcomephotography Adam Ansel said something of the kind, I've seen a few copycats say similar. Remember that Adam was shooting large format film, went to a lot of trouble calibrating the process, spent an enormous amount of time in the darkroom. And every time he printed, essentially he had to edit again. If you, dear lady, can't produce a dozen and more good photos in a year, there's something wrong with your photography, or you're falsely modest. My idea of a good photo is one that I like. You threw out photos that you don't like any more. Once they were good, now they're not. Still, I saw you discard a good photo. TH may be autistic, he describes himself as socially awkward, he's obsessive. Of course, I'm only speculating. Has the TV series Austin come to British TV?
You are one of my favorite TH-cam photographers. I always enjoy having a cup of coffee and watching your video. Keep it up please!
@@ElevatedThreat Rex, thank you so much. That’s made my day. I think 10 mins is spot on for a cuppa ☕️ 😉. I hugely appreciate this message on a dreary Monday afternoon in 🇬🇧. 🙏
I'm very happy to have found your channel, Louise. I always look forward to your videos. I enjoy your sense of humor along with your thoughts on composition and photography life. Thank you for continuing your videos. I'll be walking those trails with you.
@@donnacallais4528 ahhhh thank you Donna, that really does mean a lot. In which case we’re back out to Ireland in two weeks 😉. See you there and thank you 🙏. Happy new year to you.
Looking forward to another year of photography adventures with you Louise! I had a shocking year and barely did any photography, so thinking back on what that taught me and hearing you say how much you improved by getting out regularly with your camera is very motivating. Great prints, that has inspired me to choose some for my desk at work. Can't wait to see where you go this year.
@@camerabilby thank you so much for your comment. Particularly this time of year I am really unmotivated to get out of bed (our winter but it’s not all snowy and gorgeous here in the south). I’m trying to find ways of shooting that suit it when it’s blanket grey, or to scout a bit more (which I find tedious).
The prints are ok actually but, no doubt next year it will be a different pair up there. Good luck and I hope to say hi again in the future 👍
Love your videos…you come across a such a genuine person with all the successes and failures of the rest of us.
@@mrskarshsphotos thank you Judy… that means a lot. It used to help me so much when I say people I follow fail or just fall below their own standards. Sometimes I’d look at their shot and think wow and then I’d listen to what they were disappointed with, it helped hugely. Have a good start to the year lovely lady 🙏
Well , who knew you would be on my subscribed list? Really like your video and photography styles, Louise.
@@davidskinner274 thank you David and who knew indeed. It means a lot and I thank you. Happy new year to you sir 👍
My new years resolution is not to shoot any tree's, and it's now wearing a bit thin such is life! thank you for keeping us informed about your present situation on gadgets yes most are never used but we were desperate to own. I am happy to say all my gear is now basic and it's getting full use none of it will ever be replaced until it's bust or stolen! When my third printer packed up I had no intension to buy another but I still miss those A3s A4s and 5x7s that I used to print my best pictures with.....Thank you and I look forward to your next blog.
@@desgardner7169 thanks Des. I just wish I had any talent at shooting trees 🌴. I just can’t spot the shots so I’d say keep doing the woods 😉. I am now fully kitted and as you say… stolen or bust! Ohhhh updating insurance… a January job! The thing that puts me off a printer (apart from initial outlay and space is the cost of ink! Crikey 😳. Have a good start to January sir, happy new year 👍
Excellent! For me as a wildlife photographer, the fog/snow made for challenging conditions recently here in Montana, so I tried some "small subject in frame" photos such as a lone bison in the fog, a buck deer on the skyline of a mountain in a snowy landscape, and a closeup of a bull elk that is hardly recognizable due to a snowstorm.
@@RetrieverTrainingAlone ohhh now that’s right up my street. Long lens heaven 👍. Happy new year to you 😊
Keep up the good work in 2025! Your output has become one of my favourite channels over the past year. I am a recent convert to landscape (migrating from wildlife only) so your honesty and humour in negotiating its challenges have helped my own modest improvement, cheers!
@@paganraven2186 ahhh that’s made my day. Thank you. I confess that i think wildlife is far more challenging than landscape… and you still have to get up early! Welcome to the dark side (trying to laugh in a sinister fashion and now coughing a lot) 😂 Thanks for the comment, the follow and happy new year 😊
What a fantastic Video Louise! Some really interesting points to consider. I share the fortnightly TH-cam schedule and I think it is the sweet spot to maintaining quality but always have something to look forward to making; but also the nagging pressure that I have another video to make! My only concern is running out of ideas now that I have been making videos on TH-cam for 8 years now!
@@benharveyphotography Hey Ben, I get the ideas issue but you always seem to have them in the bag when you chat. How you get your inspiration is just darned impressive man! Happy new year to you and I look forward to many photo adventures with you over the next few years 💥👍
Good one! For me, change is most inspirational. It could be as simple has having a new favorite photography shirt, or new flavor of coffee, or changing up my equipment. The sky is the limit on change. My least inspirational is new expensive equipment. Makes me feel like a loser. 🤣 Have a Great New Year and keep up your fun videos and nice photography.
@@terryroth2855 cheers Terry. I really do like the change thing. I want to ponder on that and notice it more. I notice it behind the camera but far less so in life. Hmm you may have just inspired a small change here… happy 2025! 😊
Happy New Year, Louise! I've watched a few of your videos in the last year, seen some nice places with you (and your other half / pack mule) and enjoyed you getting up really early so I don't have to...
Long story shortened... I though to start 2025 as a subscriber, to see where we all go together. Take care of the woman behind the camera, and that man who we rarely see!
@@the_rat_run that made me smile as does your channel name… cool. I will take care of him (the mule 😂). To be fair he normally only takes the drone or on occasions a tripod if I’m on a three lens day. Shout if you have any suggestions as to what I should be covering-always good to get inspiration. Have a good 2025 and thanks for the sub, it means a lot actually 👍😊
I really appreciate the points you made, and I see the value in them. I recognise that I need to work on my discipline and return to shooting in the early mornings. While last year was less productive for me, I have made more progress with my channel and photography since December. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum moving forward.
He says! Lil
@@paulcunninghamw00dlandph0t0 lol… he says indeed. 😂 Great to talk to you tonight and chew the cudd (spelling?) Here’s to a photographically successful year for us both Paul 🥂. Btw… I look a lot less knackered ow I have slept 😂
Colour printers? No thanks, I had one and it wasted so much ink ‘cleaning itself’. The ‘000’s of adjustment options in techno language made my head hurt so I binned it. Now I send photos to professional printers who know what they’re doing. I like to travel light so I tend to carry just one camera (Z7) and lens for the day usually in a simple bum bag for safety and ease of use. A tripod when I have a goal in mind. I was lucky enough to receive delivery of a new 40mpx Fuji X-100VI and I love it to pieces. I take it everywhere so I take more photos. Who knew? Well, no one until now. Now you all do.
Love the originality of your video Louise. HYN and keeeep shooting!
@@christianpetersen1782 thank you Christian. For info, I’ve just invested in a bum bag so I’m hoping it will make life easier and ugh… the wasted ink. Pro printers all the way for the amount I do. Happy new year to you sir 😊🥂
I bought a cheap Canon printer, for our everyday scanning and printing needs. The print quality from this machine for family photos is perfectly fine.
Keep doing what you are doing for as long as you are happy and can do it , your content delivery is very refreshing
Drew, thank you kindly. Message received and understood 😉👍
Great. From Canada
@@dennispenton2052 thank you Dennis 🙏
I have certainly made my fair share of less optimal camera equipment purchases, that haven't seen that much use: couple different filter _sets_, Benro Polaris motorized tripod head (with an astrophotography add-on!), macro rail... And then there has been the quest for the perfect camera bag or should I say bags since I find that I may need few different options for different use cases. There might be also few lenses which belong to this list.
@@HezuFoto this made me laugh as I’ve just purchased a 7l bum bag on the back of another few photographers raving about it. I’m hoping it’s not a mess up purchase 😂🙈 I am glad it’s not just me. I feel a little reassured! Happy new year to you and thank you for the feedback 🙏👍
Another gem. Suggestion for photo's stuck on the hard drive, I bought modestly priced monitor and use it for "slide shows" of my pictures. It runs in the background but always visible when the computer is on....its never off.
@@petevonschondorf4609 ohh Pete… thank you. Interesting… I will investigate. Happy new year to you sir 👍
Happy New Year to you and yours Louise. Yes, we can all be heartily ashamed of ourselves, thinking now about something in the past. Mid last year I resolved to be a more promiscuous photographer, as in, not limited, restrained, or restricted in my approach. I made a list of subject or project ideas just to change things up now and again. I find when I return to my first love, landscapes, scapes in general, my POV is often altered. I will be starting a new long term project in a few weeks, well outside my comfort zone, that may take more than a year to complete. Keeps me keen to get back to my first love. Being retired these ideas & commitments keep me excited, curious & learning. Cheers and thank you for sharing. I look forward to your videos. TLDR?
I read it all Dana… I ike the idea of being a promiscuous photographer but that has do many different meanings in the uk 😂. I utterly get your meaning though. Ohhh enjoy your project… they keep us focused when needed. Happy new year to you sir 👍😊
This video is why I love your channel--you call it like you see it, even if it means admitting that you didn't think about things the right way. Authenticity is worth a lot of points in my book! And oh yeah, there are all the awesome photos too. Carry on!
@@LadyTracyOfTheDisk lol… thank you… Will do. Happy new year to you 👍
You've created a lovely channel Louise, long may it continue! Photography is such a great hobby, be it very expensive for me as I keep buying new gear! It gets me out and about as I love to try my different cameras / lenses in different settings, which improves my skills and keeps me out of a rut. Have you ever taken a camera to a location you know it isn't naturally suited for?
@@Rick--A-F thank you so much Rick, that is so kind of you. I have tried that, in particular with a prime lens pr two borrowed… equally exciting and frustrating… the photos were a mess but I learned so much. Happy new year to you so and thank you for the feedback 👍🙏
I have also changed away from the wide angle, but I worry that it was because I was not very good at making the most of it - I still love seeing dramatic images online with snaking leading lines and textured rocks or splashes of colourful flowers in the foreground, but rarely seemed to be able to find them myself... But I also lurve my 100-400 and feel kinda cheated if I don't get to use it every outing!
One 'well who knew?' moment came recently, but maybe before the beginning of 2024, when I realised that, after being wowed by videos of TH-camrs in Patagonia or the Drakensburg mountains, what I really enjoyed working with was smaller, more intimate scenes in forests or river valleys, or of rock formations or seaweed. But now I have to be careful that it doesn't become a rut I get stuck in! Great video - again - thanks and happy new year!
@@davetucker2000 So pleased that it’s not just me Dave! Now confession… I’m saving up for Patagonia for April 2026 as my husband will be 75 and it’s a chance to do something big. Also going to the Atacama a week later, hopefully. I’m saving and selling photo gear to fund the trip. All lenses are going with me on that one if it happens. I do like the smaller and more local scenes though although it’s taken aaaages to find them. Keep luuuurving the long lens Dave. Happy new year to you 🥂
@@louisewelcomephotography Oh, I would definitely not turn down a trip to Patagonia if it came up...! But more than that I love the idea of shooting dunes and desert rocks and mountains. Whether I'll ever get to do that is debatable. Enjoy!
@@davetucker2000 We have dunes and deserts in Western Australia. Not so many mountains though. But we do have landscape features three billion years or so old. And monsoons and cyclones and the best locations for astrophotography bar none.
@@oneeyedphotographer Australia is another 'maybe-one-day' destination... especially seeing as I have family there I've never met!
@@davetucker2000 ... and orchids and other flora (and fauna) not seen anywhere else. A lot of photographs visit Sydney and Melbourne and maybe other places along the eastern seaboard and think they've seen Australia.
They haven't.
To Andrew… thank you for chatting during the premier… my internet went down. I hope you have a smashing time in dingle with Darren. Enjoy it sir. My next vid is Dingle 👍
Yes dingle is a special place in my heart as both of my in laws ashes are scattered in the bay in the last number of years and so it’s hard to go there with my wife at the moment but I have been visiting it for 50 years with my family as a child and my family
❤
@@Drew-photo ahhh a very special place for you. I wish you well sir 🙏
Who bleedin knew that you have inspired me and thousands of people to conquer photography in the landscapes and elsewhere within such a brief time (at least for me, since I found your channel). Looking forward to being taken out for trips and discoveries in the future!
@@philipplangenbacher that made me chuckle as I was sneakily reading the odd comment trying not to wake anyone. Who bleeding knew indeed! lol… thanks Philip. Happy new year man 👍.
Louise
My go to lenses are a 16-50 2.8 WR SDM Star Glass and a 55-300 4.5 - 6.3 PLM WR both lenses are weather sealed. I haven't shot film since 2005 when I bought my first DSLR camera . I bought a whole Pentax Spotamatic SP11 camera kit mainly for the Takumar M42 manuel focus lens. I put the camera in a back pack after 2 years I finally took the camera out of a back pack when the Pentax 17 film camera came out this year.i decided to see if I could get the film camera to work after all it was a full frame interchangeable lens camera I found the light Seals needed replacing. I replaced the light Seals with about $ 8.00,in supplies my first roll of film all the pictures came out much to my surprise I figured I would mess up at one picture would be out of focus or with the wrong espourser.
I have 3 printed full moon pictures in my home office a blood red moon a harvest orange moon and a normal full moon all 8× 10
For a number of years I purchased a number of old manuel focus lenses from thrift stores the Takumar M42 lenses come into mind more lenses then I'll ever need or use .
@@scrptwic well hello there (tell me your name so I can address you properly 👍) I find it interesting to know what people print for their own walls. Lunar subjects can be both fascinating and inspiring. They are also a real challenge to capture.
And that backpack… I take it you didn’t use the Pentax much or did you use it all the time? I read it both ways (my bad). The 55-300 has to be a super range to cover. I used to have an 18-200 when I first started but it was soooo soft. I was just gifted the canon rf 100-500 for a big birthday (gulp). Haven’t had the chance to put it through its paces yet. Quite excited to do so if only the rain would stop. Happy new year to you. 🥂👍
@louisewelcomephotography
Louise my name Alan Daniels the TH-cam name came over from a Yahoo account from the Kern River Hiking Club out of Bakersfield CA . There are a lot of people in the Petroleum Industry in Bakersfield and they do not agree with some of the Sierra Club environmental concerns and have there own hiking group which I hiked with for five years and sparked my interest in outdoor and landscape photography
I had not shot any film since I bought my first DSLR in 2005 a Pentax *istDL a 6 megapixel CCD Sony Sensor camera I still use as it has never given me any problems takes AA batteries and with a firmware update I can use SDHC SD cards. I bought the Spotamatic camera kit mainly for the Takumar lenses and accessories not the film camera when Pentax introduced the new Pentax 17 half frame camera for $500.00 I was at home for six weeks after open heart surgery so I had time to refurbish the Spotamatic why use a half frame film camera when I could have a working full frame interchangeable lens camera I already owned.It only took me 6 months to shoot a roll of 24 espourser film I was in no rush as I see no advantages shooting film over digital in my opinion. I have no interest in getting into the film versus digital there just differnt as well as the DSLR versus Mirrorless versus Smartphone all are capable of taking pictures
Louise when you mentioned your 100 -400 lens you brought up another problem I had to overcome. I bought a used 150-450 lens 2 years ago and I have not used it much because when mounted with my camera they weigh 8 pounds which is heavier than I want to hand carry on a hike so I modified a Black Magic Breath strap to carry the lens and camera. I have not tried the setup yet but plan to do so on my next hike to the Bolsa Chica Wetlands near where I live as was there last week and i photographed a Perignon Falcon, Osprey and a Red Heron with the 55-300 lens.
Oh the gadgets we spend money on and think we need to improve. AKA G.A.S. I sold my wide angle lens as I wasn't using it. Thought I must have for landscape photography. My go to now are my 24-70 and 70-200. Also used to get a UV filter for every new lens - not anymore. That's what lens hoods are for aren't they? Who knew! Look forward to seeing where you get to in 2025 and following along with you. Happy New Year.
Adaptor rings are good. I sometimes use a VND. I'd rather trash the filter threads on the ring than on the lens. Incompatible with lens caps. It has happened.
@@oneeyedphotographer good thinking that man!
@@susanfirth2279 hey Susan, I know EXACTLY what you mean re UV filters … it took me a good few years to realise and also, the less glass the better. Who knew indeed? I’ve probably still got mine somewhere… today may be an eBay day. Happy new year to you and yours Susan. 🥂
Lenses - I've been seeking opportunities to use my ultra wide more.
Stuff - pen tablet hasn't been used as much as I intended but I can see it coming into its own. Filters - using less and less apart from the CPL.
Changing tastes - I think it's a maturing, more discerning taste. I'm seeking better quality for my own work and in others.
Printing - I print my own stuff for me alone and rotate it through some frames. It's a good way to live with an image too and think on how it could be improved, if the print doesn't quite come out right. It can be done well without costing the earth.
Significant shift - learning and trying techniques in the field and edit to get where I want to go.
@@mikephillipsphotography now that is one very comprehensive response there Mike, cheers man! Did you get out in the end over Christmas?
I totally agree re living with an image. As a result of doing that I need to strip back and update my website. Sounds like a job for a rainy Sunday… if only we had one… 😉🙈. Happy new year Mike.
@@louisewelcomephotography Happy New Year Louise, rainy Sunday has arrived. A few foggy woodland wanders on the South Downs and a trip to Birling Gap were had, perfect to get over the flu I had before Christmas.
Kool! Happy to tag along. I go back and forth on wide vs. long. Lately, I've been carrying TWO bodies, one with a 12-40 and the other with a 40-150 (MFT). I also have a 7-14 I carry, but it is pretty niche. I have 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters too. I guess I'm saying, as an MFT shooter, I don't choose, I carry them all. I do have 4 bodies I'm not using at the moment. The good news is I have backups and they all use the same lenses! I hear T. Heaton just got a new gigantic printer, maybe work out a deal ;-) I have a lot of filters that are never used as well, just not what I do. Have a great new year!
Great video and definitely made me think about commitment to getting out more and unbuckling the duvet earlier. Thank you for your time and all your effort with this channel it’s always an absolute pleasure to see what you’ve been doing and a great motivator so thank you 🙏
@@janh6639 cheers Jan. it’s not always easy to get out is it? I say that as the incessant rain hits my window and I retreated under the duvet. Thank you for your support and I hope that 2025 is a cracker for you. 👍
Thank you for this. While I don't share some of your "lightbulb moments," I do understand how they affected you and how they came about, in great part because of your succinct style of communicating. And I love getting insights into how other photographers think about our art form, even if, as in this case, what they photograph and how is very different from what I do.
Always a pleasure to watch your videos.
You make me smile hugely with your comment as I too watch photographers that I don’t agree with but make me reflect. Thank you so much and feel free to prod me in going in a direction you think will make me think. Gracias🙏😊
@@louisewelcomephotography Thank you, Louise, for such a lovely response. From watching your videos over the last few months, I trust that even when you, let's say "lose your way," you will always grow from the experience. Your sense of humor and intelligence, and the support from your husband, will nourish your artistic and personal growth and I am grateful you share your journey so we too can grow.
@@fernandosocorro4175 that has made me smile but go quiet (rare). Thank you for your kind words. Just thank you 🙏
@@louisewelcomephotography And made me chuckle because I rarely go quiet. Thank you, too.
Yup. Good stuff. Thanks, and keep going.
On it… Will do. Happy new year to you Philip 😊
@@louisewelcomephotography and a Happy New Year to you, as well.
Re: filters. The only one I use regularly is my polariser. I dont even use my ND filters that often, because it's generally dull enough to not need them. Everything else can be done in Photoshop.
And we all have old shots which we thought were great at the time. Sometimes a re-edit is all that is required, and other times, it's an excuse to return to the location and shoot it again. Then again in another five years' time.
@@dougiemilnephotography756 hey Dougie, the polariser agreed… that made me chuckle about the dull bit though. Dull as heck here today but I think you have snow? ❄️
The re-edits are interesting… especially when you realise you have refined your skills. O used to love the unsharp mask a little too much. Now I just cringe at how much I cranked it up. 😂. Happy new year to you lovely man. 👍
@louisewelcomephotography lol, snow has literally just started. I might take the camera out later - I'll see
Boom 💥
Brilliant, simple and to the point !!! But how true, the amount of stuff you buy having seen someone's photo looking great after they have used it... filters are the worst for that...
@@scotland2212 just bonkers how much we accumulate over the years. O like to think we refine over the years but… older does not mean wiser in my case! 😉😂
Over the years, I have completely stopped photographing with wide-angle lenses. Would just as easily sell the wide-angle lens but didn't dare to take the plunge as I would surely miss it at some point. Have gone from sunrise/sunset photography to exclusively forest/storm/rain/fog/snow/abstract photography. The sun no longer appeals to me like it used to (regarding photography). Have also converted a camera to IR which I enjoy a lot during the summer months. Also started printing a lot more of my photos. Experience it as very satisfying and rewarding. Fun when the pictures come to life on paper.
@@MrCaliber30 ohhhh I love, love LOVE my converted IR. So freeing! I also agree re selling the wide angle… the fear of not having it that one time. Although you could always do a vertical pano from 2 or 3 horizontal shots in an emergency I suppose. Hmmmm… Have a cracking new year and print lots 👍👍
Looking forward to your videos in 2025, love your down to earth and realistic approach. Totally agree on your comments regarding filters and I too seem to always grab the 100-400 over the 16-35. All the very best for your TH-cam channel this year.
I have a 500mm mirror lens that I bought ages ago, I keep going to sell it but when it comes to doing it I don’t. On the plus side I was going to buy a 70-210 lens but looking for something else in my box of unused gear I found a long forgotten almost 50 year old 70-200 which is now performing beautifully, who knew.
@@barryhiggott9458 ohhh Barry, I do love a re discovery… who knew indeed? It’s a flexible range too. Niiiice and you saved some dosh… always good 👍 happy new year to you Barry 🥂
I love my 100-400 lens.... Get you a 2X teleconverter and have even more fun!
@@ElevatedThreat ohhhh now I have the 1.4… love the extender on that. Excellent point that man! 💥. But, BUT… my other half surprised me big time for my significant birthday (yes, that one) with the rf 100-500. We don’t do gifts like this so I’m still very quiet about it. Sooooo when it’s finally good enough to get out I’ll give it a try… now that with an extender… gulp! 😊
I promised myself to stick to the 3 lenses 24-70, 70-200 and 100-400 recently. I did buy the Sony 40mm 2.5 after James Popsys recommended it, and used it once. It was good but why did I buy it??? Especially as I always have the 24-70 on me. So I sold it. Lost £185. Lessons learnt. I do love the idea of the 90mm for macro... but I've passed the age of wanting to lay on my belly in the forest 😂 so I WILL resist 😂😂
I am surprised you didn't print one of the Liverpool ones. A nice abstract one.
Ahhh now you may have caused me to reflect… darn you 😉. I’ve just bought a ‘bum bag’ on the basis of Henry Turner’s latest video. Grrrrr. It may be a silly purchase but I’ve got a terrible drone holder and… yadda yadda 🙈. Happy new year to you 👍
@louisewelcomephotography haha you make me laugh 😂 ah the evo bag. That almost all i use now, I have the Osprey but same concept. Much easier. Happy new year to you too.
@@LauMagroTheFrenchKOInection now that’s good to hear that you use it… gives me hope Lau 😉
Got to your channel via Darren. I am in Ireland too. What brand and size are the most filters. Thx
Ohhhh brand… there are so many and size … I have purchased 100 x 100 for most as they cover most lens sizes. I have recently changed to Nisi from Lee. No colour cast. Research and take your time. Good luck 🤞
The ones that you are thinking of selling. What brand are they. I use KASE for most of my filters.
@ Chris, I misunderstood your message. I’m so sorry. And I also sold them yesterday. Forgive my misunderstanding… sometimes I despair at my brain! 🧠 🙈
@@louisewelcomephotography
😂😂 no worries lol
The Imitation Game aired here last night. For you, it's probably about ending WW II and Alan Turing. For me, it was about autism and in particular my set of traits, right down to being described eccentric. My social skills might be a little better than his.
It's my practice to make photos (mostly) unlike those other people make. "Nice" is OK, but not good.
2024 was my year of making bad photos. The rules have gone to hell, where they belong. _I_ think most of my 2024 photos are recognisably unlike my 2023 photos.
@@oneeyedphotographer John, that is really interesting on two counts. You are correct re the Imitation Game and it is interesting to hear your perspective. Having been to Bletchley Park and seen the machines used to crack the code, someone with my traits would not have had success.
The other interesting thing to me is about the year of not good photos. I think it was Thomas Heaton that said if he go x number of good shots then he considered it a good year . X was really small… perhaps 8.
I hope 2025 is positive for you John.
@@louisewelcomephotography Adam Ansel said something of the kind, I've seen a few copycats say similar.
Remember that Adam was shooting large format film, went to a lot of trouble calibrating the process, spent an enormous amount of time in the darkroom. And every time he printed, essentially he had to edit again.
If you, dear lady, can't produce a dozen and more good photos in a year, there's something wrong with your photography, or you're falsely modest.
My idea of a good photo is one that I like. You threw out photos that you don't like any more. Once they were good, now they're not. Still, I saw you discard a good photo.
TH may be autistic, he describes himself as socially awkward, he's obsessive. Of course, I'm only speculating.
Has the TV series Austin come to British TV?
@@louisewelcomephotography Britain By The Book appeared on a screen near me a few hours ago. I think Dorset is near you?