When our lives were turned upside down by the pandemic my travel to distant places ended and then I started to take pictures of my local woodland areas and that's what I still do to-day I still call it woodland chaos because that's what it is, I don't get many prize winners but I really enjoy what I take, and because of guys like you and others I have learnt such a lot over the past 3 years, I still try and plan my pictures using the rule of the thirds and I get great enjoyment when it all comes together. Your blog this week was bang on of what I like doing. Thanks for all the ideas that you share with us!
A while ago I found myself living in a remote area with little money and nothing to do. I had my camera, kit lense, some cheap 1 to 10x lenses and a cheap 300 mm zoom telephoto lense. Once I went into my backyard forest I found endless amounts of fascinating things to photograph and pretty much documented the flora and fauna of where I lived. When your world closes in look close to widen it out.
That sweep of the camera as you were talking about not trampling things, there is so much there you could do a whole photo shoot just from where you were standing alone.
I hear so many talk about keeping things natural looking. Avoid the chaos. And don't even get me started on sharpness throughout the image. That is not a natural way we see things. I like the chaotic beauty in nature. I do not worry much about things like that as I take images. The thing is shoit the way you want and what makes you happy. For all the experts telling others how images should look, chill out and relax your creative liscense. Enjoyed this Gary and I needed to hear it from someone other than myself.
I find you one of the most professional and knowledgeable photographers out there. Could you talk about packing gear. How you carry and transport your gear?
Gary, thank you so much for this vlog. I am currently going through an absolute photography depression, I cannot bring myself to get my camera out neverind vlog, it has been nearly 2 months. This sounds like a bloody confession doesnt it! Forgive me Father.....🤣, the problem i think is that I see some incredible autumn shots taken by some brilliant photographers and keep forming excuses not to go out, forecast, lighting, timing etc. But this video has absolutely inspired me once again to get out and shoot. I will go to visit the folks in the lakes this weekend and I will shoot. Thank you so much again 🙌
Just keep clicking mate, you’ll get through it, try some different locations, and seems funny but just take minimum equipment - sometimes I have to get myself lost and out of the old comfort zone to really ‘see’ - just keep clicking, there’s always something to learn, I just lost a dear friend who was an expert photographer and I miss him giving me tips and advice, so that’s been my depression, and so I think to myself I have to keep his legacy going, as he got me back into photting when I went through a bad depression some years ago. Take it easy man..
Absolutely LOVE the chaos. I tried this many times when I was a member of a camera club and was told by more than one judge "there must be a point of interest" well I don't think that is necessary 100% of the time. Here in Australia we do not have a lot of opportunities to take this kind of forest scene but we do have certain rainforests and even our bushland settings can be inspirational. Really appreciate your variety in photography.
You’re right the number of times I’ve walked around woods and thought there’s too much happening/chaos for a photograph, this video has made me rethink and next time I’ll stop a look properly.
Use a traditional wide angle and apart from light and colour capture a composition that’s been captured before, use a longer focal length and concentrate on specific details that have perhaps never been highlighted before, use one’s imagination and create original work, totally addictive. Great job Gary, teaching people to see for themselves! 👏😀👍 ps I know when we think of woodland we think green, actually reduce the green saturation in editing and it’s surprising how little difference it makes, reduce the yellows and see a massive difference, most of what we see is yellow rather than green, it’s surprising but often true! 👍 pps often many want complete sharp focus from front to back in landscape, the eye then jumps around never settling, use selective focus using depth of field as you’ve illustrated here and our eye can settle and suddenly the image has bite and an area which captures our gaze completely. Selective focus is a very powerful tool! 😀👍
Amazing as always what a beautiful Woodlands must be such fresh air and moisture to have that much Liking on trees. haven’t seen that match for a long time thanks for sharing I loved all your photos. ❤
Superb Gary, hidden beauty can be on your doorstep. Interesting seeing the mushrooms on the branch and the big tree, very inspirational mate. Keep up the great work 👍👌📸
The photos are amazing. You’re able to find the hidden beauty in the chaotic woodlands and make beautiful images of it all. It all looks totally mesmerizing. We’ll done!
Gary, what a place, we have nothing like that down in Suffolk as far as I am aware, just don't get the dampness in the air, the close ups of the tiny mushrooms, magical 👏👏
thank you for this stunning and understandable Blog I have always thought I am the odd one out!!!! Now I know there's at least one other in the confusion.
Hi Gary, liked your topic and images. For me I just get so motivated to go out and shoot after watching your vids. Cheers from the other side of the pond. (Colorado) Joe
Absolutely superb video Gary. Stunning images from wonderous scenery. The best part of this for me though was your excitement and joy when you happened upon that magnificent tree stump. A joy to behold. I spend as many days as I can wandering round woodland and get those feelings time and again, even when I don't have my camera with me.
Gary your understanding of the photographic POV creates magnificent pictures. Thank you for breaking the imposed rules, to be photographically correct! We are living in one chaotic world anyways.
I'm liking the lichen, but I have to say that my favorite photo was the pair of mushrooms. It was like two friends looking into the woods. Nothing better than a couple of "fun guys" in the midst of the chaos. 😉
Very special the mirror on those shrooms was epic..great video and a starting point for me personally I know woodland like this but videos such as yours give me confidence to know what to look for, and more importantly how to present it ....thankyou
Gary, this is a great video & inspires us to photograph what we want to see & not keep shooting the same old same old compositions, I like the idea of chaotic photography & I think in using a woodland you have nailed it my friend, how many times we walk past some amazing opportunities & rule them out.
I love some of the photos you took I find it very hard in the forest to get a compostion. I am in NZ and am coming to the UK for the first time in a mths time I hope to get some good photos while over there I aslo hope there is some Autunm colours 😀 I am not sure what you would charge to help me I am getting over a broken ankle so cant go climbing anywhere just needs to be mostly flat area
Good one Gary, to show a different perspective on what to capture. Just last week we were out in a state park hiking and doing exactly what you are talking about, capturing the Kaos.
Great vid, Goughy Lad. What a magical place that was. I enjoyed your switch on woodland photography, mainly because all I ever seem to take is bloody chaos! 🤣 Regards, Dazza. 🇬🇧
Great video and very informative. I live near woodland in North East Wales. Your inspiration will make me look twice now and actually look what is around me without taking it for granted. Thank you.
the bag open at 32 seconds 😛 some of those trees looked creepy AF ... really good point re the desktop idea.. its great what we can find when we stop looking .. with the excitement on that tree I thought for a second you were Mali :-) you got some great shots Pal
Really enjoyed this video Gary. I really find woodland photography difficult and trying to find the order to present a beautiful image is always difficult. I really like your approach in this video of just shooting it as it is and the images are superb. Thanks for sharing and making me think slightly differently.
Ironically, these chatic photos are less chaotic to view than many simpler photos (in a way), and have more of a "I'm there in the forest" feeling while viewing, compared to "photographically focused" images. That being said, I get the wallpaper thing. I will try to do the same, just make a wallpaper pack for a green healthy undertone to my PC. Great and more-so, original video. Always enjoy them, and fun to see you work with some forest and greens again 😁👍
Your turning into Gavin Hardcastle 😂 (sorry)… love those mushroom images, I’ve been out looking for some myself and found nothing like that this year….
Here again I’ll throw another thing you should try that I don’t see anyone doing much of. I take my godox ad200 flash with me and usually a 1/4 cto for matching the warmth of the sun. This is a lot of fun and can be very experimental. I’d like to see you try this on a show and let me know what you think.
I have many times come across these eerie type woodlands but as good as they are to view they are just not photogenic and l doubt you would include any of those shots in your portfolio. Not criticising your images just don't feel it works as a subject Gary what do you feel?
I agree totally. It's an amazing place indeed. I could definitely capture a shot or two there but I wanted to try something a little different. Point taken though 👍👍
When our lives were turned upside down by the pandemic my travel to distant places ended and then I started to take pictures of my local woodland areas and that's what I still do to-day I still call it woodland chaos because that's what it is, I don't get many prize winners but I really enjoy what I take, and because of guys like you and others I have learnt such a lot over the past 3 years, I still try and plan my pictures using the rule of the thirds and I get great enjoyment when it all comes together. Your blog this week was bang on of what I like doing. Thanks for all the ideas that you share with us!
A while ago I found myself living in a remote area with little money and nothing to do. I had my camera, kit lense, some cheap 1 to 10x lenses and a cheap 300 mm zoom telephoto lense. Once I went into my backyard forest I found endless amounts of fascinating things to photograph and pretty much documented the flora and fauna of where I lived. When your world closes in look close to widen it out.
Enthusiastic photographer in chaotic woodland - fun to watch! All hail the green chaos!
Embrace the Chaos. I love it.
That sweep of the camera as you were talking about not trampling things, there is so much there you could do a whole photo shoot just from where you were standing alone.
I hear so many talk about keeping things natural looking. Avoid the chaos. And don't even get me started on sharpness throughout the image. That is not a natural way we see things.
I like the chaotic beauty in nature. I do not worry much about things like that as I take images.
The thing is shoit the way you want and what makes you happy. For all the experts telling others how images should look, chill out and relax your creative liscense.
Enjoyed this Gary and I needed to hear it from someone other than myself.
I find you one of the most professional and knowledgeable photographers out there. Could you talk about packing gear. How you carry and transport your gear?
Finding beauty every where.. in the end.. a true treasure ❤️
Fantastic, Gary! This video is a reminder that to find, one must first look. Thanks for sharing!
Great watch as always Gary. ‘Tree’ mendous photos 😃
Gary, thank you so much for this vlog. I am currently going through an absolute photography depression, I cannot bring myself to get my camera out neverind vlog, it has been nearly 2 months. This sounds like a bloody confession doesnt it! Forgive me Father.....🤣, the problem i think is that I see some incredible autumn shots taken by some brilliant photographers and keep forming excuses not to go out, forecast, lighting, timing etc. But this video has absolutely inspired me once again to get out and shoot. I will go to visit the folks in the lakes this weekend and I will shoot. Thank you so much again 🙌
Just keep clicking mate, you’ll get through it, try some different locations, and seems funny but just take minimum equipment - sometimes I have to get myself lost and out of the old comfort zone to really ‘see’ - just keep clicking, there’s always something to learn, I just lost a dear friend who was an expert photographer and I miss him giving me tips and advice, so that’s been my depression, and so I think to myself I have to keep his legacy going, as he got me back into photting when I went through a bad depression some years ago. Take it easy man..
Absolutely LOVE the chaos. I tried this many times when I was a member of a camera club and was told by more than one judge "there must be a point of interest" well I don't think that is necessary 100% of the time. Here in Australia we do not have a lot of opportunities to take this kind of forest scene but we do have certain rainforests and even our bushland settings can be inspirational. Really appreciate your variety in photography.
You’re right the number of times I’ve walked around woods and thought there’s too much happening/chaos for a photograph, this video has made me rethink and next time I’ll stop a look properly.
Cheers John 👍👍
For me Gary the best mages are the close ups of the tree at the end, just love it, thanks for sharing.
Use a traditional wide angle and apart from light and colour capture a composition that’s been captured before, use a longer focal length and concentrate on specific details that have perhaps never been highlighted before, use one’s imagination and create original work, totally addictive. Great job Gary, teaching people to see for themselves! 👏😀👍 ps I know when we think of woodland we think green, actually reduce the green saturation in editing and it’s surprising how little difference it makes, reduce the yellows and see a massive difference, most of what we see is yellow rather than green, it’s surprising but often true! 👍 pps often many want complete sharp focus from front to back in landscape, the eye then jumps around never settling, use selective focus using depth of field as you’ve illustrated here and our eye can settle and suddenly the image has bite and an area which captures our gaze completely. Selective focus is a very powerful tool! 😀👍
Amazing as always what a beautiful Woodlands must be such fresh air and moisture to have that much Liking on trees. haven’t seen that match for a long time thanks for sharing I loved all your photos. ❤
Superb Gary, hidden beauty can be on your doorstep. Interesting seeing the mushrooms on the branch and the big tree, very inspirational mate. Keep up the great work 👍👌📸
The photos are amazing. You’re able to find the hidden beauty in the chaotic woodlands and make beautiful images of it all. It all looks totally mesmerizing. We’ll done!
Wonderful vlog Gary
Many thanks 👍👍
Gary, what a place, we have nothing like that down in Suffolk as far as I am aware, just don't get the dampness in the air, the close ups of the tiny mushrooms, magical 👏👏
Surprisingly, we don't have woods like that in Huddersfield either 😁😁
thank you for this stunning and understandable Blog I have always thought I am the odd one out!!!! Now I know there's at least one other in the confusion.
That final tree.....just WOW!
Cheers Andy 👍👍
Hi Gary, liked your topic and images. For me I just get so motivated to go out and shoot after watching your vids. Cheers from the other side of the pond. (Colorado) Joe
You proved there is great beauty in chaos!
Absolutely superb video Gary. Stunning images from wonderous scenery. The best part of this for me though was your excitement and joy when you happened upon that magnificent tree stump. A joy to behold. I spend as many days as I can wandering round woodland and get those feelings time and again, even when I don't have my camera with me.
Gary your understanding of the photographic POV creates magnificent pictures. Thank you for breaking the imposed rules, to be photographically correct! We are living in one chaotic world anyways.
You did us proud!! Honestly Gary I'm off to photograph the magic of Tasmanians woodlands on my backdoor, thanks to you😁
I'm liking the lichen, but I have to say that my favorite photo was the pair of mushrooms. It was like two friends looking into the woods. Nothing better than a couple of "fun guys" in the midst of the chaos. 😉
I see what you did there 😁😁
Great insight and thought process! Very interesting video
Cheers 👍👍
Very special the mirror on those shrooms was epic..great video and a starting point for me personally I know woodland like this but videos such as yours give me confidence to know what to look for, and more importantly how to present it ....thankyou
Cheers Colin 👍👍
Hope your going to go back and take a vertical pano of that amazing tree Gary!😊
Really cool shots there Gary
Intimate landscape photography, with you there Mr G. - MJ
Cheers Mark 👍👍
Another fantastic video..
Gary, this is a great video & inspires us to photograph what we want to see & not keep shooting the same old same old compositions, I like the idea of chaotic photography & I think in using a woodland you have nailed it my friend, how many times we walk past some amazing opportunities & rule them out.
I love some of the photos you took I find it very hard in the forest to get a compostion. I am in NZ and am coming to the UK for the first time in a mths time I hope to get some good photos while over there I aslo hope there is some Autunm colours 😀 I am not sure what you would charge to help me I am getting over a broken ankle so cant go climbing anywhere just needs to be mostly flat area
The best Gary, I love to see excited.
You have out done yourself on these photos and video. Absolutely breathtaking. Best ever. 😎😁 my number 1 rule is always bring the macro lens.
It's a rule I'll have to adopt Al 😊
Another great video Gary.
Through all the chaos you managed to capture some cracking image's.
That was brilliant Gary superb images with those textures, light and depth, thanks for taking us along with you
Good one Gary, to show a different perspective on what to capture.
Just last week we were out in a state park hiking and doing exactly what you are talking about, capturing the Kaos.
Great vid, Goughy Lad. What a magical place that was. I enjoyed your switch on woodland photography, mainly because all I ever seem to take is bloody chaos! 🤣
Regards,
Dazza. 🇬🇧
Looks an amazing wood. Very photogenic.
Cheers 👍👍
Great video and very informative. I live near woodland in North East Wales. Your inspiration will make me look twice now and actually look what is around me without taking it for granted. Thank you.
the bag open at 32 seconds 😛 some of those trees looked creepy AF ... really good point re the desktop idea.. its great what we can find when we stop looking .. with the excitement on that tree I thought for a second you were Mali :-) you got some great shots Pal
Great vlog with great images, just the thing to pass 20mins.
Enjoyed this video Gary. I love woodlands. Nature sure is beautiful 👍😊
Can't wait to get out tomorrow and give this a try. Another great video Gary 📷
Thanks 👍
Always look forward to your video`s Gary. this one is great thanks for putting a great light on this.
Good stuff Gary 👍
Amazing content, that tree has grown there just for you to find. Well presented as always.
Cheers Graham 👍👍
Thanks
Really enjoyed this video Gary. I really find woodland photography difficult and trying to find the order to present a beautiful image is always difficult. I really like your approach in this video of just shooting it as it is and the images are superb. Thanks for sharing and making me think slightly differently.
Great nature shots, what species is that last large tree, do you have cedar in the UK?
Loved the big tree. I need to get down to the woods. Really enjoyed this thanks
Ironically, these chatic photos are less chaotic to view than many simpler photos (in a way), and have more of a "I'm there in the forest" feeling while viewing, compared to "photographically focused" images. That being said, I get the wallpaper thing. I will try to do the same, just make a wallpaper pack for a green healthy undertone to my PC. Great and more-so, original video. Always enjoy them, and fun to see you work with some forest and greens again 😁👍
Cheers 👍👍
I’ve video buddy, especially like the last couple
What a Tree ;D
Indeed :)
I like your passion! Awesome work!
Great video
9:43 that water 💧 drop in the background
😁 Cheers Francis 👍👍
I can see at least a couple of hundred shots just in the part of the tree you showed.
It was a cracking tree 😁😁
Great stuff Gary 👍👍
Where was that weather during the Skye workshop???
I think we should sometimes shoot for the mood of a place rather than trying to reorganise everything!
Your turning into Gavin Hardcastle 😂 (sorry)… love those mushroom images, I’ve been out looking for some myself and found nothing like that this year….
I just got lucky. I wish I had my macro lens though 😊
Here again I’ll throw another thing you should try that I don’t see anyone doing much of. I take my godox ad200 flash with me and usually a 1/4 cto for matching the warmth of the sun. This is a lot of fun and can be very experimental. I’d like to see you try this on a show and let me know what you think.
20 years owning a studio so flash is very much my passion. Great idea btw 👍👍
Great video Gavin Hard Astle! 😉
😁😁
Now I want to go out and buy a macro lens.
wouldn't be surprised if James Cameron was there with a film crew ha ha
😁 Cheers Josh
That was a magnificent tree Mr Gough. Good photography. Thank you. BTW, our universe is a constant state of chaos and it works.
It is indeed :)
I’ve noticed that you have gone back to using your 5d mk3. Don’t you get on with the r5( I think that’s what you got).
Great video by the way. As much as I love woodlands I do always struggle to find a good composition
I have many times come across these eerie type woodlands but as good as they are to view they are just not photogenic and l doubt you would include any of those shots in your portfolio. Not criticising your images just don't feel it works as a subject Gary what do you feel?
I agree totally. It's an amazing place indeed. I could definitely capture a shot or two there but I wanted to try something a little different. Point taken though 👍👍
With all due respect, it doesn't work for me. Photographing chaos? C'mon now