Nature Photography | Woodland
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- I just love our native woodland habitats and the many photographic opportunities that can be found there. In this short film I compose images from three of the most commonly occurring plants that can be found...and all within a stones throw of the car. I also take the opportunity to raise awareness of the threats to our native woodland habitats by highlighting two of our worst invasive plant species.
Location
Duxbury Woods, Chorley, Lancashire.
By using the links below to purchase your equipment, you are directly contributing a small amount to help me make more of these films for you to enjoy.
Vlog equipment:
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II - goo.gl/9Dw8dB
GoPro HERO5 Action Camera - goo.gl/qvWq4J
DJI Mavic Pro Drone - goo.gl/GJzxY6
Zoom H1 Handy Recorder - goo.gl/1hF16x
Gitzo GT2542 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Tripod - goo.gl/u2HbCf
Photographic equipment
Canon EOS 1DX - goo.gl/vHqcrm
Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens for Camera - goo.gl/D4nmHe
Canon EF Mark III 1.4x Extender - goo.gl/wysHDo
Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens - goo.gl/hEHQEw
Canon EF 24-85 mm USM lens
Canon 16-35 mm f/4 EF L IS USM Lens -
goo.gl/sTK7jC
Gitzo GT4542LS Series 4 6X Systematic Carbon Tripod
Canon Angla finder C - amzn.to/2r0tmSj
Music
Epidemic Sound
Contact and Social Media:
Email: info@simonboothphotography.com
Web: www.simonboothp...
You Tube: / simonboothphotography
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Twitter: / simonboothphoto
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VERO: Simon Booth
Simons blogs transcend photography and take on a lesson on how to not only make amazing images but go deep into the settings he uses and why they are used.
Knowing what settings are used as most vloggers spit out fstop,shutter speed iso etc Simon explains his reasoning behind his choices.
To those who complain about the length of his videos try to learn his lessons and appreciate his vast knowledge of photography and more importantly his knowledge and appreciation of his subject.
Considering the cost is a few minutes of your time you should be most appreciative of his sharing his lessons with you.
I feel very privileged and blessed that someone would respond on my behalf so passionately. Thank you David.
Lovely comment David. For one I very much enjoy the relaxed pace of Simon's videos and the time he takes to explain his approach and technique. Full of value and I always look forward to the next one.
tx to you Simon, a thoughtful reminder that you don't have to travel the world to encounter beautiful images. Nice work !!
So kind, thank you...sorry for the terribly late reply!
Love this shot
Lovely images, and footage, Simon. It made me wish I had a macro lens! And it was a great bonus to get an ecology lesson from you! In a few areas near me they have been working year after year to destroy the Himalayan Balsam but they never fully remove all the plants and so they come back again in a never ending fight.
If I was getting another macro, I would consider the 180mm over the 100mm, for that extra working distance at 1:1. The 100mm has been with me for well over 20 years and optically, it's lovely and at f2.8, it's a great fast portrait lens. Balsam is a right pain in the bum. I have lost track at the number of method statements I have written for its removal.
Good work Simon. Keep up the great vlogs. Peaceful.
Glad you liked it Stephen
I think all nature Photographers kind of struggle in the summer months. Thanks for sharing how you work around it.
I had no plan on that morning Scott...sometimes it's the best way!
Lovely video again, Simon. Wonderful to see someone concentrating on the simple things. So many people only want to take photos of the grand scene, so they miss out on all the other magic around them.
I agree completely Andrew. And I am often guilty of this myself! Thanks and glad you enjoyed it.
Totally agree with you there Andrew. I find the more intimate scenes are often the more rewarding ones.
Seeing them is the skill, though, Paul. Those big ol' views tend to be distracting. ;)
Hi Simon- have to say I think this is one of the most atmospheric videoes you have done - excellent tones, feel and music. The images reflect the whole feeling of the trip as well - delicate & peaceful. Thank you :)
Cheers Mark. It never ceases to amaze me how these films turn out. I think the choice of music is what sets one film apart from another! I love nature and the outdoors and have always felt that classical music suits it best.
As someone who spent many hours of my childhood and youth in Witton Woods, many years before all the paths and changes were made, I should know a lot more about our woodland. I feel guilty about that as woodlands gave me years of entertainment and education. I do mean to rectify it but other things seem to get in the way, but your video has re-inspired me to correct this. Gorgeous images as always and yet another brilliant video and thank you for mentioning how close you were to the car.
Hi Mark, glad you enjoyed it. They are very relaxing places, which I for one love. I finished the morning with a bacon butty and a coffee at the cafe in the sunshine...lovely!
Having just purchased my first macro lens, I am excited about this sort of habitat to photo in. Knowing what f stops and shutter speed that was used gives me some idea of a starting points. Would like to see more. Beautiful work. Am a bit handicapped, so knowing that some of this is close to where he parked his car gave me some encouragement. Thank you.
It is great to know that the film gave you some ideas and inspiration William. Sorry it's taken me a while to get back to you. I have missed some comments it seems!
Hi simon very soothing video
I have been unwell for the last two months and have just come out of hospital,after having my appendix out.
Your video made me feel a little calmer and the images are great as usual.
Thanks
Alan
Made my day that Alan, thanks :-) Get well soon !
Some great shots and I love that you educate me about our woodlands as I am entertained. Thanks
That's really got to hear, thank you.
Love the shots of the droplets, great to see something a bit different in videos, brilliant
Cheers Kevin, thanks for your comments.
Thank you Simon for some interesting information and advice and lovely photos. I need to get down to those woods!
You are very welcome Margaret. It's not too fa for you either!
Thank you for posting this, Simon. I always seem to learn something from watching your videos. I find woodland a very difficult environment for composition - maybe I just don't have the eye - but will perhaps try a more macro approach after watching this. Thanks again!
Thanks Stephen. So glad you enjoyed it! The macro worlds is full of great photo fun, whatever the habitat. The trouble is, we only see the images by looking through the lens in most cases.
That awesome woodland tutorial, good work keep it up.
Many thanks Eric
Excellent video. Looks like Yarrow Valley or Fairy Glen. Totally understand the rut of the summer months and I might look to some macro shots. Not something I often do; however this has given me a bit of inspiration- thanks
Thanks Scott, it was Yarrow Valley but I imagine the folks there would be happy to think the two could be the same. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I really enjoyed this Simon, I think it's my favourite videos of yours. I particularly enjoy watching a photographer at work - from exploring the location, to finding the subject.. and then creating the image. This video had all of that. Regards the length of video, it's full of content from photography technique to natural history knowledge and lovely drone footage too. I watched the entire video through without any skipping at all. Great video Simon, really was.
Ah, so you are a skipper...me too. I do watch videos through but they have to be good to hold me throughout. It's a lot to ask though given that we are accustomed to watching TV and yet all we can both offer, is a one man band. Thanks Paul, I appreciate your honesty.
Delightful video Simon. Gentle and thoughtful. I like this approach to making enjoyable images in what is a difficult time of year from the perspective of light . That third image is a belter. Interesting comments about the bluebells which I confess I was ignorant of. BTW I personally think the length of the video is fine; indeed I wouldn't mind another 3 or 4 minutes.
Thank you Martin. Interestingly I was unsure about the third image. I like it, but there are aspects of it that don't sit well with me. For example, there is a cut of due drop at the upper left but when I included it within the frame, the composition looked worse. The line of the main due drops is a grouping of four, whereas three normally works better. I am very fussy! In terms of the length, you can't please everyone!
I enjoyed that Simon. I'm not much of a macro photographer myself but it was fascinating to watch you work. I love the woodland at this time of year and you can't drive around the Lakes at the moment without catching a whiff of the wild garlic so that has to be my favourite shot.
Thank you Chris. I consider myself lucky in that I'm happy photographing just about any aspect of our countryside, so I'm rarely stuck for good subject.
Always nice to watch your videos. Nice to hear that you also are struggeling in the summer. Just what I needed to hear right now because I am doubting of wether I should go out photographing or not this evening. Your video made me go out so thanks!
Great that it made you get off that sofa Roger. There's nothing worse than sitting there knowing you could be doing something more fun, but not bothering to do it!
Very nice images Simon. I especially loved the last one with the dew drops on the points of the leaves. That was wonderful.
Great to hear Steffen. I note on a comment by Martin Heathcote below the same feeling as you on the third image, to which I replied: Interestingly I was unsure about the third image. I like it, but there are aspects of it that don't sit well with me. For example, there is a cut of due drop at the upper left but when I included it within the frame, the composition looked worse. The line of the main due drops is a grouping of four, whereas three normally works better. I am very fussy!
Wonderful images. Congrats!
Glad you like them!
I think you are such a great photographer, you get the balance of the image just perfect, as seen in the last image of the dewdrops.
I try hard to be as good as I can be given my limited time; it's taken me years of practice and study. That said, I do have issues with that image...but everyone here seems to like it! Thanks Colin
A stunning last image of the dewdrops , simply beautiful, great video as always.
Thanks Colin. What do I know about photography! My least favourite image of the three was the most popular :-D
What a real treat this video was Simon. Absolutely loved it. The images you got were lovely (I'm a particular sucker for Ramsons), loved the abstract horsetail shot. Himalayan balsam is awful stuff. Round here we have lovely hedgerows adorned with red campion, bluebells, plantain, greater stitchwort, buttercups etc. but in one place a patch of balsam has sprung up and we are all trying to pull it up whenever we see it. Probably a hopeless cause since when they release their seeds its like someone has fired a gun the speed they disperse, but, we'll keep on trying. Whilst I love landscape photography as well I always look forward to any nature photography videos. Thanks a lot. Can't wait to finish work so I can go and do some photography now! Elaine
Hi Elaine...are you watching me when you should be working :-)? Great work on the balsam plucking. I regret now not mentioning conservation groups/work parties. Around here we have regular balsam bashing days but I think in reality, it's going to take the work of a natural pest to get rid, or at least control it. I do know they are trialing this too!
Yes I confess I do watch your videos when I should be getting on with work Simon...... It's OK I'm self employed so I can't fire myself. (I haven't yet tried watching one while trying to teach Maths at the same time)A natural pest would be brilliant. Let's hope the trials are successful.
Did some woodland flower photography yesterday... brought my f/1.8 lens but used at f/4 to f/8 to get the flower clumps in total focus, with sufficient background blur.
Valdis Krebs yes, very often wide open is just far too shallow for anything. You just have to try different settings. My new camera lack a DOF preview button, which is really annoying!
Simon Booth Yes, I set the F1 button on my OM-D to depth-of-field preview.
Beautiful photography Simon and such in depth knowledge and know how. Wonderful viewing. I wasn’t even aware of the Spanish invaders, sad as you say
Thank you James. There are so many of these plants that are infiltrating our own. Check out the Schedule 9 plant species lists on the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Quiet and thoughtful, with lovely images, as always. I so look forward to each new video!
Thanks Peter. I hope you are well and shooting those lovely landscapes?
Oh yes! Almost every day! There are wonderful shots everywhere, if we just learn to look! Took a lovely abstract macro shot last evening in the kitchen garden near where the cat, well....you know. www.flickr.com/photos/86028417@N04/27642127627/
Thanks Simon I really enjoyed this video. Wonderful images very inspirational.
Thanks Bruce, it's very good of you to comment and say so.
Beautiful photography and wonderful footage here, thanks for sharing! We have a problem here in Texas too, with invasive species galore! Quite the struggle for those trying to clean up.
Thank you. But how amazing is nature when you consider that where these plants are native and in their natural habitats, they are not a problem at all!
I admittedly find it hard to figure out whether Liesl's comment is just a cynical xenophobic comment or not?
Stefan, you must have misunderstood my comment. I'll give you some examples, we have Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) which is native to China, it grows everywhere here, in the woodlands and open areas, it chokes everything and it's hard to control. There are many, many plants just like it that cause problems here. Even tumbleweeds, you might think they are iconic when it comes to Texas, but they are an invasive species (Russian thistle) that are hazardous and deplete water for crops amongst many other problems. But, it is not just plants that we have problems with, we have certain birds and invasive ants etc., from other countries that compete in an unfair way to our native species.
Ouch - my sincere apologies! I've been coming across so many cynical remarks regarding non-plant based species "invading" the States that I obviously became a bit overly alert. Sorry about that! Would have been weird to have that on one of Simon's (great as usual) outdoor adventure videos though.
love your work, channel and landscape photography. Simon. 😍🙋🙌
Very impressive! I struggle a lot with woodland photography but looking to trying again with the Mamiya RB67 on Monday when it's forecast to be cloudy in the Brecon Beacons
I used to have one of those James. Impressive beast! Best I can say is take your time and let the images come to you!
@@SimonBoothPhotography haha thanks!
Thanks Simon another high quality and informative video. Covering my main area of photographic interest along with bird photography. Waiting for your next fantastic effort. Keep it up well done.
Thanks Dave. Macro is great but you don't normally see it unless you are looking through the lens in the fist place. There is so much to be had, and all within a stone's throw!
Invasive species seem to be a problem worldwide. In BC we have a number of species that are taking over including bluebells over Camassia, Scotch Broom is choking out many of the native plants and so on. Enjoyed the video, Simon.
We have a similar problem here in Maine, with purple loosestrife in our wetlands and Japanese knotweed all over the place. It is so hard to control.
Purple loostrife is native here but not that commonly encountered. Plants can often flourish once they are displaced from their homeland yet are perfectly controlled by soil conditions and insects within their natural range. Isn't nature wonderful!
Thanks Adam. We blame the Victorians here in the UK; They were prolific collectors, who do you blame?
Three very nice shots, Simon. Enjoyed the video very much. Lots of invasives here in Massachusetts as well. Imported ornamentals sneaking or transported from gardens. Too many to mention really.
It's a worry Stephen. Glad you enjoyed the film though!
Lovely shots Simon! Something I’ve never tried!
Hi Tom, It does mean you can still shoot stuff when the landscape conditions are rubbish, such as now!
nice....enjoyed that (better than telly)
Thanks Steve, Sorry for the terribly late reply!
Loved that last pic mate. Very different 😊👍🏻
Cheers Gareth
A low key, quiet, almost intimate style to this vlog post, Simon. Very inspiring and I love it. It seems I will have to dig my macro lens out of hibernation :-)
Interestingly, the macro world is often very much ignored by nature photographers who seem compelled to shoot nothing more than animals and birds.Some of the best images I have ver seen have been macro subjects.
The longer the better as far as I am concerned. I always find your knowledge and willingness to share your experience and tips very helpful. At least 30 minutes on the next vlog 😁
Thanks Kevin. It's interesting to hear the views on timing. My partner Ruth thinks about ten minutes, but everyone is different! 8 - 15 is my view!
That’s probably about right but there’s bugger all on TV so why don’t you make some hour long specials 👍
I couldn't agree more. We just got rid of Sky tv and spent some of the cash saved on a subscription out for Epidemic sound to give me more music options on my films :-)
Nice video thank ..
very good simon
Hi Simon. Although I find it difficult, I love woodland photography, so watching your approach is really helpful. Cracking images here, especially the shot of the Ramsons. I know you've concentrated on focussing particular areas of your subjects, but can I ask, do you ever focus stack these kind of images? I find it works well when I'm in a sheltered spot with no breeze moving the flower heads but would value your view please. Really enjoyed this video. Many thanks for sharing Simon.
Hi Tim, Thanks for your comment. I do occasionally focus stack but in all three instances here, I was able to get what I wanted with available DOF. My main reason for not doing it often is simply that I like to enter my shots into competitions and this isn't allowed those in that I follow.
Thanks Simon.
Gorgeous images and very inspiring vlog Simon.
Many thanks Alan
Super Video..very informative and some great images to boot..
Thanks so much Martin
Very informative I'm learning a lot about composition from your video. Thanks
Thanks Ted, it's really great to have you on board.
Another cracking and inpsiring video Simon.
Thanks Andy. I like the way this one turned out. Totally unplanned though!
Thank you for this Vlog Simon I really enjoyed it. I love going to the woods but I wish I had your knowledge on the wild flowers I know some of their names but not all. I have just recently purchased a dedicated macro lens after many years of taking close up photographs of wild flowers and always been frustrated with the results. So this Vlog was very helpful I think I will go out in to my garden today and try out your tips :D I loved the images you captured and I like the nice calm and quiet feel you bring to your Vlogs thank you so much :D Teddy
Hi Teddy and thanks for the positive comment; it's very much appreciated. I have been lucky in gaining my plant knowledge. During my early years as a photographer, I loved photographing plants very much but in order to send the shots to agencies for sale, I had to label them with the correct common and Latin names, so not getting to know them was not an option.
Ah I see that makes sense now I wondered how you were so knowledgeable about them. I have bought myself a book so i can try to identify the flowers and plants. I just love to see them especially in the spring when they are all fresh :D
Lovely video, i see wonderful images. 👌Thank! Simon.
Many thanks once again Yujin
Great video Simon. I liked the fern shot a lot. Do you ever underexpose slightly to help lose the background or just rely on DOF? I sometimes find -1/3 or -2/3 really makes a difference.
Hi Phillip. I do under-expose on occasions such as when I know the camera is being fooled if I am using aperture priority. If I am using manual exposure, I expose for whatever is most important, usually the highlights, but not to help with backgrounds as this will mean underexposing the main subject when it might not tolerate it. DOF controls background distractions and if DOF isn't a workable option, I would either try to remove the distraction physically or look for another subject where it isn't a problem. Hope that helps.
Nice Video. Do you use a polarizing filter or ND filter? You use F 11 . Is this manual mode or aperture?
Hi Don, I have both n my bag at all times so it's specific to the subject really as to what or if I put a filter on. The aperture value was in this instance on aperture priority, which is how I tend to work with nature subjects. When shooting landscape I tend to use manual, but it really makes no difference once the exposure is correct!
The difficult thing about summer photography for me is the unbearable heat and oppressive humidity in the southern US.
Oh I find that over here too! Anything over 20 degrees and I'm done!
Quality work
Thank you
The last image is borderline macro,please what would make it macro vs.what you have?
Thanks much,beautiful work as per usual Simon.
Do you mean micro David. Macro is anything where the image size is equal to or greater than that of the subject, usually with a magnification up to 1:1 Anything stronger is micro - Microscopic.
Nicely done and the video's not too long.
Many thanks on your view.
What brand vest are you wearing? Thanks!
Hi Dennis. it's the Country Innovation Raptor waistcoat. I have a review film of it on my channel but you can follow the link here: ruclips.net/video/DKm6F4qmeEc/видео.html and if you want to buy one, put in the offer code: BOOTH and you will get 10% off.
...and shot of the day was, actually, the last one of the Horsetail.
Thumbs up from me!
I've pulled thousands upon thousands of balsom over the last few years.
There was masses of it when I took over the gardens at the place I work, now there's none. Just needs an hour or two a week in growing season to get rid.
They say the seeds remain viable in the soil for up to three years
@@SimonBoothPhotography this is true, but one person for one hour per week during growing season can rid a pretty fair sized area of the menace. I pull them out of locations I'm simply walking the dog around even if I'll never visit again, it's not like knotweed, we only need play a small part.
No, not impossible, but yes difficult. We have an invasion of russian thistle in the desrt southwest of the U.S. It take perseverance and tenacity on the human side of the equation. Good luck
Very nice soothing video, Simon, with beautiful images. Apparently plants are somewhat like humans who don't know their boundaries. Shame.
Great analogy John. We should really blame our ancestors! Glad you like the film!
Your images are beautiful but your videos are too long. Just a little hint ... 😉
Gina Bromá do you have a.d.d.?
Hi Gina. I was going to agree with you as I thought 9 - 10 minutes was long enough and this was reinforced by my partner Ruth. When I make the films I don't really watch the timeline and just go with what happens during editing, normally resulting in films between 6 and 12 minutes. Interestingly, many have commented on here following your observation to say it was about right or not long enough! It just goes to show that you can't please everyone!
I'm really very interested to hear why you wrote this. You might be onto something! Email me privately. info@simonboothphotography.com
Simon Booth hello Simon,are you requesting that I reply or is your comment directed to gina?
Thanks very much,david Dowling.
Sorry David, it was Gina!