I just watched this with a big smile on my face. I so much agree, that disappearing down the barrel of a lens and looking at the world from a very different perspective is such a wonderful healing thing. Nature is so full of wonders - and many of them are not found be just looking at the big picture. I have been at my local creek this morning and indulged in the flow of water and the play of light. Thank you for this! I hope it helps people going through the world with their eyes more open to what might bring them joy.
Your words resonate so much with me, Alister. I need to keep hearing this - photography is not about the final image, it's about losing ourselves in the process and finding joy there. Thank you.
Thanks Alister! Three weeks ago I had about two hours, early in the morning, at Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex before having to head to the airport to fly back to New York. As soon as I walked through the gate from the road and began walking up the hill, onto the Downs and looked across at the meandering river, the BS of the world just disappeared. I eventually made it to the extraordinary coast and found myself making a few images the likes of which I had never made before. Part of it was because I had never been there before. It is a well-photographed location, but I lost myself in it all and, I think I got a few perspectives I had never seen before, as well as on the previous three days in and around Eastbourne and the coastal downs. I know you thought some of those images just screamed England, and many of them did. Some of them were certainly just for me, but others I was happy to share. And there are still a few I’ve not done anything with. But I just wanted to say, I wholeheartedly agree that going out and allowing yourself to get lost through the viewfinder, or just being there, is super beneficial mentally and physically. And, as I’ve mentioned before, the one thing you and the forum gave me was being able to go out with the camera with zero expectations and to come back with no disappointment and always with gratitude at having been out there, even if I came away with nothing but the experience. So thank you! It is also deeply rewarding to hear about other people experience the same through their photography. It somehow brings a community of like-minded photographers together, even when we are all scattered far and wide across the globe.
previous comments have said it all, but one of the keys is enjoying making images for yourself, not just relying on validation from others, which is a quick way to poor mental health. Keep up the content it’s very therapeutic. Thanks
Escapist is often used as a foul word for people who are too lazy or to discouraged to change things. You did justice to this idea, Alister - to escape to the viewfinder into the bokeh to regain your superpowers you need to deal with everyday life (which is so uncontrollable nowadays). Focus on beautiful things, take control over your ways of perceiving your context… the healing power of interacting with nature. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you ever so much for this one!
Thanks so much for this quiet, wholesome perspective on photography. I delight in the process of finding subjects and making images. When I'm out with my camera I can put most everything else down for awhile, and that is a gift. It is good to be reminded that this is enough.
I have been doing close up and macro photography the past week due to weather conditions and got rained on a few times, what a coincidence. I find when I photograph this way I really become emerged in what I am doing and completely lose track of time and I find that rewarding. Thanks for sharing
On the ball as regards the attitude to photography and it's different applications ie macro and what benefits the act of involvement can do for us.This is another world that can transcend normal visual reality.
So inspired after watching this video! Thank you!! It’s such a great advice to “label” yourself as Creative, instead of narrowing it down to just one type of creativity, I’ve always felt that I’m just creative. Thanks for all the positive energy 🤩
Well! This gets the thumbs up from me, all day long!😀 I see no boundaries when I use my camera, just whatever l find beautiful or interesting. I spent a large portion of the day yesterday standing in a moorland stream, using my Z 100-400mm which is fantastic for this kind of photography. A blue sky day, full of opportunity! There is such a wealth around us, we just need to be inquisitive! Great video 😊
The comments that have already been expressed it, hit the nail on the head. I often forget how wonderful it is to go out and shoot just for me! When I do that, it's a wonderful day. Thanks for the reminder Alister, a great video.
I wrote two comments which disappeared. Third attempt. . I like to have different tools to express myself and to adapt to different situations. The first image where you are sitting on the rock, protected from the wind, enjoying the place, makes me feel secured. Enjoying the process for my mental health is a good thing. Me first. Thanks, Alister.
I used a Canon 500D 77mm screw on close up lens for years back in the film days because, like you, I couldn't justify the expense of a dedicated macro lens which in my case was Nikon's 200mm macro lens. The close up "filter" was simple to use and the results were satisfactory to me. Just a heads up to anyone considering one of these close up attachments - some can be had in different diopers (magnification power) and their ability to shorten the focusing distance will vary depending on the focal lenth of the lens you are using. I am sure there is plently of into out there to help you deside on the proper one.
I also use the Fuji GFX system. I follow, amongst other people, a guy called Kyle McDougall. He made a video, about copying film, using the Fuji GFX system. He used a Pentax 120mm manual focus macro lens, along with an adapter to do this. He was very complimentary about this lens, which was developed for use on 645 film. I picked up one of these lenses, which will focus from infinity, down to 1:1, in mint condition, for £145. Whilst it's not going to be as crisp as the Fuji version, it is indeed very sharp, as you are only using the centre of the lens, it's image circle covers a far larger area then the GFX sensor.
Hello Alister, Reflecting first on the point of labelling. It is interesting how many people who come across me in the wild ask that question 'what type of photographer am I'. I really struggle with an answer! I say 'just an amateur', but often add I just like capturing what light is doing. Which seems even more lame response. But it is truthful. There is simple pleasure from seeing and spending time in a forest when all others can see is trees. And so being beamed away (thanks Scotty) from the struggles and turmoil of work or such is very much the creative purpose. That intent on being absent from daily life can get lost though as thoughts of social posting, work deadlines and overburden will crowd in. And although I know you intended to talk about Macro with close up filters, the importance of allowing the mind to explore photography options for the sake of personal photography, is so important as a tangible benefit beyond making images for others to see. But I wonder if it helps with our photographic narratives?
Alister - Always thoughtful and I like your perspective. For me, I rarely go out without my macro lens. It sits on my second camera body. When nothing else inspires, you can depend on the macro to save the day. A photographer I greatly admire is Simon Booth and his most used lens is his macro. Simon is not a macro specialist but a landscape and nature photography generalist. He proves the point that as long as there is light there is always something to shoot and the macro lens is an essential part of his kit.
I absolutely find value in your videos. You have a thoughtful way of making images that makes me think, and you always have some very beautiful photographs for inspiration.
Love all this macro talk. I got some of the magnifying glass for my Sony 7lll and my Tamron lens and they work great. I decided to get an inexpensive 2x macro 60mm 2.8 lens from Peřgeař, I already have a Peřgeař 35mm f1.4 lens (super fun) so I know I’ll get great photos. The macro version is a great and the magnifying glass works with it too for some crazy macro.
Another quite nice and certainly heartfelt articulation of the thinking you had been sharing for a while, very well said. Another interesting twist today, and a good advice - to keep finding outlets and venues for shielding randomized existance and negative mental energy away by espacing into the world behind the viewfinder. I am finding frequently lately I had been following twisted alleys only to come to very similar conclusions :), we must 've been talking too much. Keep up the channel and sharing these thoughts.
Hi Alister. Thanks for making your videos and please do keep doing so. I'm sure there will be many others like me who enjoy them for their therapeutic effect and break from the monotony of a working day sat a desk; they are every bit as beneficial to us as the photography is to you. Another macro hack is to turn a 50 mm prime lens around - you can get lens adapters and I guess it would work with other lenses but I used to just hold it in place when I was a poor student with no money for anything. You lose control over focussing and aperture but you can still come out with some good images. In the meantime, I will have a look at the Kase macro lens - experimentation is creative fun!
Really enjoying your posts, especially this one and the ones since you have moved to the island, they seem more personal and certainly draw the viewer in, and inspire them, thank you!😀
Alister, Really enjoyed today’s content. While the photo’s were creative and inspiring, the focus on the art of photography and its use to clear one’s head is something I needed. Thanks for sharing here! I enjoy your channel and content so please keep snapping and sharing…. Having lived in Scotland a few years, I truly miss the beauty there…
Thanks Alister. Great message about 365 day photography. I tend to use summer as an excuse not to go out unless I do infrared. Your videos are better than seeing my doctor for destressing. Keep up the great work!
I'm surprised this lens doesn't work with the magnetic system! BTW, do not these kinds of magnifying extra lenses also lose light, because they spread the same amount of incoming light over a wider surface?
A brilliant one Alister, love your work! I enjoy escaping into the macro world when the opportunity presents. You are so right, getting in the zone with creative process is so satisfying and good for the soul irrespective of what you end up with!
Wow, amazing…. Such a coincidence. I’ve been spending time photographing dragon flies (thousands in our gardens) and having so much fun with close up photography. Sorry I missed the farewell session yesterday. I was there on time but couldn’t get in. Apparently, those Kase close up filters are not generally available….😂
Love it when one of your videos shows up in my list. Hard to imagine using a 100-200 lens for macro photography, but it sure worked. The nice thing about photography is that you only need a postage stamp size of beauty to capture an alluring image. I have an image of a Fox Sparrow that I love, within just a few inches of it, and cropped out was a hypodermic needle.
Another good one. When i’m out with my camera to just photograph what I see, it feels really good, everything else just slips away. Loved that lens thing, I’ll consider buying one for my 24-120 lens. It already has a good near limit, and I like to travel light, not dragging a lot of lenses with me, this could be a nice addition. 🙏
Wonderful video Alister! Like @SubiTrekker, I've been using a Canon 500D diopter for 35 years, currently on my Nikon Z 100-400mm telephoto. An incredible combination. Sadly, the 500D has been long discontinued and I've been impatiently waiting for a viable replacement just in case of accident or loss. The problem is, so many "close-up attachments" on the market today are cheap and of marginal quality at best. So if you've tried one of these single-element attachments and have been understandably disappointed, the arrival of this Kase diopter will change all that, especially since it looks like it's as high-quality as the old 500D.
@@chriscockett106 A word of caution @chriscockett106: Nisi makes what looks like a high-quality two-element 77mm diopter. I tried it on my 100-400 and it worked great up to about 200mm. Beyond that, the images were soft, unlike my ancient Canon 500D which is tack-sharp all the way to 400mm. I have not found the Kase diopter for sale yet, so I suspect it's not currently available.
i don't understand why people invest in such kind expensive gear to shoot things there 300 euro old mft or compact camera is quite enough? it is heavy, it is balky... the wind make tripod useless. it is a pity to see you in such kind of trouble
I just watched this with a big smile on my face. I so much agree, that disappearing down the barrel of a lens and looking at the world from a very different perspective is such a wonderful healing thing. Nature is so full of wonders - and many of them are not found be just looking at the big picture. I have been at my local creek this morning and indulged in the flow of water and the play of light. Thank you for this! I hope it helps people going through the world with their eyes more open to what might bring them joy.
Thanks Astrid, great to hear your joy. We of course agree on this, and it has been a great discovery for me ❤️
Love the photo of the clover
@@mariamullin4031thank you so much, me too
Sounds like we had a similar day!😀
Panning for gold!😊
Your words resonate so much with me, Alister. I need to keep hearing this - photography is not about the final image, it's about losing ourselves in the process and finding joy there. Thank you.
Absolutely!
Loved this! That losing yourself whilst making photos is exactly why I love photography
Thanks Alister! Three weeks ago I had about two hours, early in the morning, at Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex before having to head to the airport to fly back to New York. As soon as I walked through the gate from the road and began walking up the hill, onto the Downs and looked across at the meandering river, the BS of the world just disappeared. I eventually made it to the extraordinary coast and found myself making a few images the likes of which I had never made before. Part of it was because I had never been there before. It is a well-photographed location, but I lost myself in it all and, I think I got a few perspectives I had never seen before, as well as on the previous three days in and around Eastbourne and the coastal downs. I know you thought some of those images just screamed England, and many of them did. Some of them were certainly just for me, but others I was happy to share. And there are still a few I’ve not done anything with. But I just wanted to say, I wholeheartedly agree that going out and allowing yourself to get lost through the viewfinder, or just being there, is super beneficial mentally and physically. And, as I’ve mentioned before, the one thing you and the forum gave me was being able to go out with the camera with zero expectations and to come back with no disappointment and always with gratitude at having been out there, even if I came away with nothing but the experience. So thank you!
It is also deeply rewarding to hear about other people experience the same through their photography. It somehow brings a community of like-minded photographers together, even when we are all scattered far and wide across the globe.
previous comments have said it all, but one of the keys is enjoying making images for yourself, not just relying on validation from others, which is a quick way to poor mental health. Keep up the content it’s very therapeutic. Thanks
Well said Alister. Good to see you do a bit of macro.
This is spot on!!! Thanks so much….I love the idea of giving yourself “permission” to just go out and shoot for yourself. ❤
You on the button thanks, I also find comfort in escaping and finding comfort in photography
Escapist is often used as a foul word for people who are too lazy or to discouraged to change things. You did justice to this idea, Alister - to escape to the viewfinder into the bokeh to regain your superpowers you need to deal with everyday life (which is so uncontrollable nowadays). Focus on beautiful things, take control over your ways of perceiving your context… the healing power of interacting with nature. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you ever so much for this one!
Thanks so much for this quiet, wholesome perspective on photography. I delight in the process of finding subjects and making images. When I'm out with my camera I can put most everything else down for awhile, and that is a gift. It is good to be reminded that this is enough.
I have been doing close up and macro photography the past week due to weather conditions and got rained on a few times, what a coincidence. I find when I photograph this way I really become emerged in what I am doing and completely lose track of time and I find that rewarding. Thanks for sharing
I love getting lost down the lens
On the ball as regards the attitude to photography and it's different applications ie macro and what benefits the act of involvement can do for us.This is another world that can transcend normal visual reality.
Thanks so very much - it’s all about attitude ❤️
So inspired after watching this video! Thank you!! It’s such a great advice to “label” yourself as Creative, instead of narrowing it down to just one type of creativity, I’ve always felt that I’m just creative. Thanks for all the positive energy 🤩
Awesome, delighted to hear that
Well! This gets the thumbs up from me, all day long!😀
I see no boundaries when I use my camera, just whatever l find beautiful or interesting.
I spent a large portion of the day yesterday standing in a moorland stream, using my Z 100-400mm which is fantastic for this kind of photography.
A blue sky day, full of opportunity!
There is such a wealth around us, we just need to be inquisitive!
Great video 😊
Thanks man, yes, I agree 100% a big old world out there waiting to be discovered
The comments that have already been expressed it, hit the nail on the head. I often forget how wonderful it is to go out and shoot just for me! When I do that, it's a wonderful day. Thanks for the reminder Alister, a great video.
I wrote two comments which disappeared. Third attempt. . I like to have different tools to express myself and to adapt to different situations. The first image where you are sitting on the rock, protected from the wind, enjoying the place, makes me feel secured. Enjoying the process for my mental health is a good thing. Me first. Thanks, Alister.
I used a Canon 500D 77mm screw on close up lens for years back in the film days because, like you, I couldn't justify the expense of a dedicated macro lens which in my case was Nikon's 200mm macro lens. The close up "filter" was simple to use and the results were satisfactory to me. Just a heads up to anyone considering one of these close up attachments - some can be had in different diopers (magnification power) and their ability to shorten the focusing distance will vary depending on the focal lenth of the lens you are using. I am sure there is plently of into out there to help you deside on the proper one.
Thanks for the great input, that’s really appreciated
Thank You! Getting out/about in the fresh air, just makes my day. A happy video!
I also use the Fuji GFX system. I follow, amongst other people, a guy called Kyle McDougall. He made a video, about copying film, using the Fuji GFX system. He used a Pentax 120mm manual focus macro lens, along with an adapter to do this. He was very complimentary about this lens, which was developed for use on 645 film. I picked up one of these lenses, which will focus from infinity, down to 1:1, in mint condition, for £145. Whilst it's not going to be as crisp as the Fuji version, it is indeed very sharp, as you are only using the centre of the lens, it's image circle covers a far larger area then the GFX sensor.
I get value from these, thank you
Glad you like them!
Thank you Alister, inspirational as always
My pleasure!
Hello Alister, Reflecting first on the point of labelling. It is interesting how many people who come across me in the wild ask that question 'what type of photographer am I'. I really struggle with an answer! I say 'just an amateur', but often add I just like capturing what light is doing. Which seems even more lame response. But it is truthful. There is simple pleasure from seeing and spending time in a forest when all others can see is trees. And so being beamed away (thanks Scotty) from the struggles and turmoil of work or such is very much the creative purpose. That intent on being absent from daily life can get lost though as thoughts of social posting, work deadlines and overburden will crowd in. And although I know you intended to talk about Macro with close up filters, the importance of allowing the mind to explore photography options for the sake of personal photography, is so important as a tangible benefit beyond making images for others to see. But I wonder if it helps with our photographic narratives?
Alister - Always thoughtful and I like your perspective. For me, I rarely go out without my macro lens. It sits on my second camera body. When nothing else inspires, you can depend on the macro to save the day. A photographer I greatly admire is Simon Booth and his most used lens is his macro. Simon is not a macro specialist but a landscape and nature photography generalist. He proves the point that as long as there is light there is always something to shoot and the macro lens is an essential part of his kit.
Absolutely!
Thanks Alister - great thoughts and ideas - now to get out there and see what I can find
I absolutely find value in your videos. You have a thoughtful way of making images that makes me think, and you always have some very beautiful photographs for inspiration.
The answer to your question is yes, definitely, keep doing what you’re doing
Thank you! Will do!
Love all this macro talk. I got some of the magnifying glass for my Sony 7lll and my Tamron lens and they work great. I decided to get an inexpensive 2x macro 60mm 2.8 lens from Peřgeař, I already have a Peřgeař 35mm f1.4 lens (super fun) so I know I’ll get great photos. The macro version is a great and the magnifying glass works with it too for some crazy macro.
Another quite nice and certainly heartfelt articulation of the thinking you had been sharing for a while, very well said. Another interesting twist today, and a good advice - to keep finding outlets and venues for shielding randomized existance and negative mental energy away by espacing into the world behind the viewfinder. I am finding frequently lately I had been following twisted alleys only to come to very similar conclusions :), we must 've been talking too much. Keep up the channel and sharing these thoughts.
Thanks mate. I’m confused that with so many positive comments the video has sucked!!
Hi Alister. Thanks for making your videos and please do keep doing so. I'm sure there will be many others like me who enjoy them for their therapeutic effect and break from the monotony of a working day sat a desk; they are every bit as beneficial to us as the photography is to you. Another macro hack is to turn a 50 mm prime lens around - you can get lens adapters and I guess it would work with other lenses but I used to just hold it in place when I was a poor student with no money for anything. You lose control over focussing and aperture but you can still come out with some good images. In the meantime, I will have a look at the Kase macro lens - experimentation is creative fun!
Great video Alister and very helpful.I will have to wait for the lens as they have no stock,hopefully not to long.
Really enjoying your posts, especially this one and the ones since you have moved to the island, they seem more personal and certainly draw the viewer in, and inspire them, thank you!😀
Thanks a ton!
Alister, Really enjoyed today’s content. While the photo’s were creative and inspiring, the focus on the art of photography and its use to clear one’s head is something I needed. Thanks for sharing here! I enjoy your channel and content so please keep snapping and sharing…. Having lived in Scotland a few years, I truly miss the beauty there…
Awesome, thank you!
Love the stream image, just too push you further, now take that with your converted IR camera, you will be amazed at the results!
That's the plan! ❤️
Thank you for a wonderful video.
Thanks Alister. Great message about 365 day photography. I tend to use summer as an excuse not to go out unless I do infrared. Your videos are better than seeing my doctor for destressing. Keep up the great work!
Absolutely! Thank you so much
I'm surprised this lens doesn't work with the magnetic system!
BTW, do not these kinds of magnifying extra lenses also lose light, because they spread the same amount of incoming light over a wider surface?
A brilliant one Alister, love your work! I enjoy escaping into the macro world when the opportunity presents. You are so right, getting in the zone with creative process is so satisfying and good for the soul irrespective of what you end up with!
Wow, amazing…. Such a coincidence. I’ve been spending time photographing dragon flies (thousands in our gardens) and having so much fun with close up photography. Sorry I missed the farewell session yesterday. I was there on time but couldn’t get in. Apparently, those Kase close up filters are not generally available….😂
Hey man, yeah, sorry to have missed you yesterday. I saw you’d logged on at 2pm our time and the meeting started at 3.
@@Alister_Benn oh…. I guess I got the time confused
@@esanfordsorry man, damned time zones. The recording is up on the forum
Me too! A great time of year for dragonflies!
Outstanding video. Loving the different perspective of the closeup. Please keep making these videos.
Love it when one of your videos shows up in my list. Hard to imagine using a 100-200 lens for macro photography, but it sure worked. The nice thing about photography is that you only need a postage stamp size of beauty to capture an alluring image. I have an image of a Fox Sparrow that I love, within just a few inches of it, and cropped out was a hypodermic needle.
Another good one. When i’m out with my camera to just photograph what I see, it feels really good, everything else just slips away. Loved that lens thing, I’ll consider buying one for my 24-120 lens. It already has a good near limit, and I like to travel light, not dragging a lot of lenses with me, this could be a nice addition. 🙏
When people ask me what kind of photographer I am, I always tell them that I am an "Opportunist". I take images of things that catch my attention.
I can recommend the Raynox DCR-150 and DCR-250 macro adapter lenses. Bonkers sharp.
Wonderful video Alister! Like @SubiTrekker, I've been using a Canon 500D diopter for 35 years, currently on my Nikon Z 100-400mm telephoto. An incredible combination. Sadly, the 500D has been long discontinued and I've been impatiently waiting for a viable replacement just in case of accident or loss. The problem is, so many "close-up attachments" on the market today are cheap and of marginal quality at best. So if you've tried one of these single-element attachments and have been understandably disappointed, the arrival of this Kase diopter will change all that, especially since it looks like it's as high-quality as the old 500D.
That's very interesting William.
Might have to try this on my Z 100-400mm.👍
@@chriscockett106 A word of caution @chriscockett106: Nisi makes what looks like a high-quality two-element 77mm diopter. I tried it on my 100-400 and it worked great up to about 200mm. Beyond that, the images were soft, unlike my ancient Canon 500D which is tack-sharp all the way to 400mm. I have not found the Kase diopter for sale yet, so I suspect it's not currently available.
Thanks for that!👍
🙂👍
valuable sentences, spoken far too rarely. Thank you for that!
i don't understand why people invest in such kind expensive gear to shoot things there 300 euro old mft or compact camera is quite enough? it is heavy, it is balky... the wind make tripod useless. it is a pity to see you in such kind of trouble