Why I Love Woodland Photography under a Blue Sky
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- There used to be a time that I wouldn't consider blue sky days to be conducive to successful woodland photography, but I love it at this time of year in some specific local woodlands where the topography works well with colour the light. In this episode I discuss how I went about making some recent photographs during a 2 hour wander on a sunny afternoon. Hopefully it offers some insights and inspiration for your own woodland photography while autumn/fall still lingers.
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#WoodlandPhotography #Autumn #Inspiration
You cannot teach THE EYE. You can teach light, color, contrast, texture recognition.... but the EYE.... that's something inside, inherent, and too often not inside of ones self... you have THE EYE. Every picture I've seen here screams it. How I envy you for that gift Simon, but I'll gladly look at your photos......and still try to figure out THE EYE.
Wow!!!!😮 .....what a bunch of incredible lovely photos. They were all so gorgeous Simon. ❤👌
Thank you very much :-D
An excellent video with beautifully composed images of the woodlands Simon! 👏👏👏
Much appreciated, Danny :)
Truly one of your best and most valuable messages. Many photographers likely dread a blue-sky day. I don't. As you mentioned the man light varieties provided out way any perceived negatives. In particular, I find that backlight and reflected light are particularly appealing, as you mentioned. Additionally, I find that a clear (i.e., not hazy) blue sky can provide a pleasant background in those cases where a portion of the sky finds its way into an image. The message about blue skies also apply to river photography, particularly the words about reflected light. One of my favorite river photos was an intimate view of golden light shining on a river cascade area. the light occurred on a blue-sky day as the sunlight reflected off a stand of trees on the opposite bank. It would not have happened on a cloudy day. Again, you provided a wonderful message that I hope many will adopt. "Fear no light" (or blue skies!).
Hi Roy. Many thanks for your supporting words. Some forms of light are more difficult to work with but we should embrace all and at least learn from it and understand it :)
This is a refreshing perspective...while woodland photography in fog is lovely, getting out often around where I live usually means without fog. These thoughts give me plenty to consider the next time I head out!
I love your style, Simon. There is a certain pre-Raphaelite, painterly quality to your woodland images 👍
Inspirational images and video once again Simon. A very helpful kick in the shorts for me too, to remind me to get out in woodland more regularly, no matter what the weather.
Many thanks, Stuart. Glad you enjoyed it :)
I love to photograph trees & your photos are just beautiful!
I have the same experience with blue sky as you mention. It gives such wonderful softness to the image. And thank you for another fine video. Looking forward to the next.
Great images once again, Simon! It's always such a joy to watch your videos and see your beautiful pictures!
That's very kind. Thank you, Elly!
Hi Simon. I Think You should put in Your portfolio the photo before Tree Storm; its really gorgeous. Oranges and teal from background works really well and these branches create kind of half-infinity symbol.
Many thanks. Glad you like it :)
Woodland as invironment for photographers is very demanding. You mastered it . Artist is the one who inspires others and you really do this to me . Thank you !
Thank you very much 😊
Thanks for sharing. Love all of your photos & how you captured the colors & light just right.
I am glad you posted these images because they are joyous, uplifting and optimistic. Much of the woodland photography that is posted on various media refers to its mood. This oftem seems to mean dour, brooding and introspective but that is not the whole story. Many people refer to the desire for mist to create the moodiness (you included) but what about that bright sunny day when the woodland sparkles, glows and fires up the spirit. These days are just as moody, but in a different way. One of my own favourite pictures is of some Birch trees in Derbyshire that are just shouting at you - 'Look at me I am beautiful'.
I couldn't agree more. I personal like the images to be a reflection of the experience and/or feeling of the location, which is sometimes uplifting or even unnerving. It also makes sense to communicate your own state of mind. Many thanks.
Great quote and personal reflections in the and of course also magical photos 👌
Simon, such beautiful explanation of why these images worked and conditions prevailing. These are all beautiful images par excellence, thanks for inspiring and sharing your knowledge with us.
No forest I'd be allowed to go to these days (because of lockdown) but I can go to my local park, with some beautiful trees. And that's where I'm going this afternoon. I won't have much time, but I'll keep your advice in mind and try and make something new from this place I've been to so many times before. And still love going to. Oh and thanks for the breath of fresh air!
Thanks for sharing Simon 😊 such beautiful images
Spring is my second favorite season. Brand new leaves, not quite fully developed, bright clear blue sky. At distance the blue and green , bright sun. To me just screams life reborn. I had one time moment to stand in a small clearing, surrounded by trees filled with "young " leaves. The sunl8ght hitting those leaves acted like lenses. The air in the clearing was an emerald green. No , clear blue sky with bright green filled trees , to me is a beautiful sight
Lovely video Simon thank you. I really like the quote . My take on that is that it’s the many attempts and “failures” that make the occasional successes taste so much sweeter. Strange that in such a difficult year many of us have discovered the beauty and fascination of woodland photography- through wonderful channels like yours.
Many thanks, Chris. I think there's been a keen interest in woodland photography for a good few years now but there's now certainly more people talking about it on RUclips. The restrictions have certainly encouraged people to reconnect with their local woodland which is great.
Love your videos and your photos! When I first started to get into photography I tried to do woodland photography, mostly because I enjoy spending time there and I've always found them peaceful and beautiful. However, I found that it was really difficult and that a lot of photographers seemed to only do landscape. Imagine my happines when I found you! Your woodland photos are so beautiful and I'm learning a lot from watching your videos. Thank you!
That's great to hear - thank you! If woodland is your happy place then that's absolutely where you should be creative :)
Your photos are so well captured, from the considered composition to the subject matter, with great depth and detail throughout the scene
Such an eloquent presentation and further insight into your photographic approach. It’s very uplifting to hear your words of encouragement regarding success/failure and the learning process, as this genre can seem very defeating to beginners and turn many off I suspect. I look forward to the next video and I cross my fingers for a better winter this year.
Many thanks, as always, Martin. It doesn't help when some people call the genre 'easy', which it isn't. Very rewarding though :)
@@SimonBaxterPhotography nearly fell off my chair - I’ve not met anyone who considers woodland as an easy genre. There are challenges to all genres of course but woodland has to be the most difficult, mostly because what translates well to the eye rarely translates well into camera. And the image you’ve caught there....you’ve worked the conditions and available light to the absolute maximum and it comes through subtly - helped by your narrative. I think the only “easy” aspect is that many of us live relatively near to woodland of some description and it doesn’t require the travel and such early starts as compared with seascapes for example.
Beautiful photographs! Really enjoyed your analysis of the design, color, and light for each. Great quote at the end. Think I’ll go out and fail some more! 🤣
I feel so lucky to have someone like you to inspire me and to have a woodland over my garden fence. Ill be out there again tomorrow, only now I'm not going to worry if there are blue skies; I'm simply just going to get out there and experiment. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and beautiful images with us all.
Many thanks, Christopher. How fab to have a woodland over your fence! Enjoy :)
I absolutely adore the vertical image you shared before 'tree storm.' The reason I like it so much is that you've used the lovely golden-yellow leaves to frame the tree. Framing with colour is something I have never considered before. The light on the tree is lovely too.
Cheers James. I could have done with some step ladders for that photo or I need to grow a couple of feet :-)
@@SimonBaxterPhotography not a bda idea going to the woods with some step ladder. But remember what happens when uncle Grumpyness and Gavin do so. :)
Color subtlety is your trademark. It makes for beautifully atmospheric shots
These images are a feast to the eye Simon.
Thank you very much, Henk!
Hello Simon, a thought-provoking and intelligent revue of woodland photography. It is clear to see that you are in a good place, who has the ability to read a scene and get the very best from it. It would be fair to say that Simon with a camera, trees, walk-in harmony together...
Thank you very much, Allan :)
@@SimonBaxterPhotography, you are welcome Sir,
Love your work. Keep it up!
The image at 5.55 is nicely balanced. Great!
Great images as usual Simon, I lost my job a few weeks ago which is the best thing that has happened to me this year and its allowed me to get out into the local woodland almost every day with the camera but really don't think I would be doing it without discovering your channel a few years ago as I would always look to the grand vistas of the national parks, so massive thanks for the inspiration Simon.
That's wonderful to hear, Adam (not about the job but that you've been inspired to spend more time in the woods). Thank you.
Great images and love your description and explanations. Very helpful.
Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed it :)
Just beautiful images Simon... how I regret not getting to Torridon when you and fellow photographers make these woodland posts. Stay Safe Greg
Hi Simon: I really enjoyed this video. Let's face it taking images in the woodlands anytime is joyful and should be embraced by everyone. I love the fact you embrace blue sky situations in the creation of your images. Keep safe during the current Covid-19 and keep on creating. Cheers, Keith Pinn (Canada)
Thank you very much, Keith. You too!
Damn. Only a true mad lad would photography woodlands on a bluebird day. Legend.
Haha. Thank you!
Thanks for a very informative and inspirational video as always
just stunning photography !!!!!!
I'm so glad you shoot woodlands under a blue sky, I've been doing it for years but I haven't really seen any body else do it and I couldn't understand why. I love using the light and shadows or the dappled light from the leaves on the floor. Just keep an eye on the histogram as the range is high. Anyway I feel justified in shooting woodlands in the sun now, thanks Simon.
Superb images throughout. And a tiny cameo right at the end for everyone's favourite four legged friend!
It wouldn't be the same without her 😊. Many thanks!
THANK YOU, MAN !
Thanks to you and your work and passion to focus in this page i find inspiration and power to get my hands on to my forgotten cam and get out and enjoy my hobby and socialize around photography again! At least this is what i can do to thanks !
Respect !
That's great to hear, Mihai. Many thanks!
As always a great inspiration Simon. Beautiful photos. It’s so frustrating that I can’t get to my local woodlands at the moment, they are just outside my 5km zone during lockdown. However we must do our bit.
Instead I’m using this time to learn more about processing my images, and you never know I might get round to the ones I shot during your workshop, stay safe 😊
Many thanks, Claire. Ahh, that 5km radius must be quite frustrating. Hope you're keeping well.
Such a lovely shot Simon. Inspirational as always.
Another very informative vlog. Thank you Simon!
Yet another inspiring vlog Simon. We don't always get ideal conditions, in this vlog you have proved that with the right composition and light you can still produce wonderful images in less than ideal conditions. Thank you.
wonderful images Simon, really beautiful and loved the finite detail in the images.
Thank you very much 😊
Thank you for the beautiful pictures from Germany
Simply beautiful images Simon!
Such a wonderful collection of images Simon! Beautiful, peaceful and inspiring
Thank you very much. Lisa!
Excellent shots, I really enjoyed your thought process in these.
Thank you for explaining your thought process. One of my biggest challenges is still putting into words the details of why I like s composition, and your videos always help me get one step closer. Fabulous quote, too!
Many thanks for your kind feedback, Michael :-)
Thank you for sharing. Loved it!
Fantastic images and wise words Simon. I had my first proper misty conditions last week since I started to do woodland photography. Most of the time I find myself in sunny conditions so this video is super useful thank you.
Thank you, Julian. Mist is fabulous - not just because it makes woodland photography easier but it's a thoroughly enjoyable and ethereal experience too. I'll always hope for mist but I'm quite content in many other conditions these days. Cheers.
Your images are beautiful ( I really don' t have preferences ) But one thing is important : they encourage me to take my gear and go to the nearest woodland (inside the lockdown area!) and, as you say, practice !Thank you !!!
Thank you very much, Enrico :)
Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing!
Lovely!
I love woodland photography which in part is inspired by your good self, which must be rewarding to hear. I use photography as escapism for a healthy state of mind but particularly leading into winter it can be a bit of a battle. Perhaps you can provide some inspiration for winter photography when there is no snow or mist?
That's great to hear. Thank you :). No problem on the video front.
Sage advice, beautiful imagery
Really enjoyed that Simon .. the sad fact is I'm sure a lot of folks will look to add artificial fog/beams etc onto some of those scenes which as you say the subtle nature gives the viewer more time to contemplate (if they allow) the characters, the nuances, the story .... I love an image that you can ponder over and certainly, a number of these give you that opportunity ....
Thank you very much, Nigel. There's certainly an obsession with mist and fog but I can see why. I guess that if the obsession if with the trees rather than the conditions then you start to see and appreciate more.
Dank je Simon!
A really nice relaxing vlog. A walk in the forest is always time well spend. You got some really nice pictures and I like how you explained your thought on them.
One thing I'd like to ask is there beech tree mixed in around the old oaks?.where I live it seems to be the case...
Many thanks, James. Yes, you sometimes have beech that dominate the oak trees. Not so much in this particular woodland though.
@@SimonBaxterPhotography that's good it's hard now a days to find this in my part of the world. Love oak it's full of character and has an amazing history. Beech is lovely, I have some near the house where the branches are 50ft+ branching out across the forest floor (beautiful) but they seems to take over as time goes by and the oak wilts and withers.. Shame but really. Thanks for the info nice to know there are still some sacred oak forests in Britain... Thank you...
A really educational vlog Simon, I don't know if much of it was retained, just like my attention on your WS :-). Honestly I do think I'm improving in woodland settings which I think is more to do with the appreciation of the tree and surroundings than any idea on why it works. I'll always be back for more.
Many thanks, Malcolm. Yes, it's all about connecting with your surroundings :)
Inspirational ... as always ! ... unfortunately youtube viewing is no substitute for legwork and persistence. Making the effort to get out, even in unfavourable conditions, to explore is the only way to find compositions. As usual ... my end of term report is 'must try harder'. No shortcuts to success. 🙁
Many thanks, Steve! Get out there while autumn still lingers :)
Like the vid Simon. Is that a 27 or 32-inch screen behind you? =D
Thank you. It's a 27" BenQ. I can't recall the model but it's detailed on my website.
Really nice "catches" of "high" sunlight. Any chance these might be sold?
Thank you. If there is a photography you're interested in than yes I can look at making a print for you :)
Like very much!
alright.. this is interesting
Dang 1k likes and zero dislikes. I’m impressed
Nice video. I would love it if you would consider dialing down the music where it isn't much louder than your voice. Changing volume over and over ina video is annoying. I would far prefer to set my volume on your vocal level and leave it there.
Lovely video Simon, but do you think there's a danger that over subtlety can be perceived as mediocre for the casual observer ? I showed your video's pictures to a friend of mine, and his reaction was. 'Well they're just pictures of trees, that almost anyone could do'. He failed to see composition, colours,layers...It's a similar issue you could get with an Andy-warhol print. 'Well it's just a picture of a tin of Campbell's tomatoe Soup'. The casual observer not knowing this image is about consumerism....The question I'm really asking can you get too subtle to the point where the images message, or beauty is lost to the casual observer ? They just see it as mediocre (and does that matter?)
Thank you, Vince. To answer your question - I don't think it matters in the slightest if we're talking about photography as art or as a personal endeavour. I have a mix of photos in my portfolio - some will appeal to the masses more than others but the ones with less mass appeal might actually be the most accomplished. I'd flip it the other way and say that many photographs (not all) that appeal to the casual observer are mediocre or even less than mediocre in terms of skill, vision etc. It really boils down to your own objectives - is it entirely commercial or is it something more meaningful to you personally? If it's the latter, then who cares what others think? I listen to the opinions of experienced and accomplished photographers as that's a better marker of what might be regarded as good photography or mediocre. However, continually following your own path will mean more sustainable happiness in your work. Cheers.
I agree with what you are saying, but for me there is a thin dividing line between beautiful subtlety, and an image being bland even for the 'informed' viewer.
@@vincephillips4331 I'm not sure what you're getting at?