Nature Photography | Composition Tips and Focus Stacking
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- čas přidán 23. 10. 2021
- In this video I give you some composition tips for your woodland photography whilst exploring a new woodland, and engage in some focus stacking in the field. Both of these I've been asked for a number of times recently, with focus stacking seemingly a bit of a dark art when it comes to macro photography.
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Peaceful photography personified; thank you, Simon.
Mike in Oz
I’m no nature photographer but I have enjoyed taking photos of landscapes, wildflowers and animals ever since photography went digital. I only use my iPhone. It is such a pleasure to learn about your process along with the peaceful joy of seeing your images. Thank you.
I very much liked how you set the video to show the scene you were going to photograph, then walked out into the scene to explain the various parts of the composition. So often photographers describe the scene, but we can’t see it yet, so it’s not so helpful. Also splitting the screen while you talked about the focus stacking, so we could look at the images you were taking while you explained. Very helpful! Thanks!
🌳"Tree hugging time". 👍🙂
Loved the virtual walk in the woods, as well as the lovely photos.
Thank you, Simon!🌳🌲
You are very welcome
In my mind, he's a crusty old farmer who wanted no part of you or your car on his property, but with your calm manner and sincere charm you swung him 180 degrees. You probably scored a prepared lunch from him as well. Man, you put a smile on my face as I watch you work a scene and describe your process. One more thing. If you could tuck me into your carry on when you go to hang out with Ewan Dunsmuir I wouldn't complain. That's a pairing I'd like to experience.
You paint a nice picture Ted but my influence or should I say cheek only goes so far! Although it's nice to dream of such advantages! My meeting with Ewan is something I am looking forward to. We are very similar in many regards...I hope we can pull it off whether that be in New Zealand or Orkney! You can be sure there will be a video or three!
Watching your videos made me appreciate my own local woodland so much more :-)
Thank you for your inspirational videos.
Glad you like them and thank you so much for watching them
Simon, good morning. Thank you so much for what felt like a meditation in the appreciation of woodland. The combination of your voice and the music, together with glorious scenery is a real tonic in these otherwise difficult times. As if that wasn’t enough, you then give us a masterclass in composition and focus stacking. Really appreciative, thank you so much.
You are very welcome Christopher. Thanks for such kind words!
As always Simon I loved the video.
Another masterfully paced video so true to the experience. Great stack too.
Another brilliant video Simon. The twin themes of love for the natural world and capturing it on camera always shine through - thank you.
Many thanks again Paul
Re: The landscape image, well seen, well imagined, and terrific execution of what was imagined. 😊✌️
Thank you Simon. I so much appreciated you taking us through your composition especially by walking into the composition identifying the role that each tree played in its creation. Your deliberate and patient manner makes for a superb learning experience. Well done.
Cheers Mark
I was surprised by the tree’s. I didn’t see the shot so nicely done. Love the mushrooms. Funny the things you think when you look at something. It reminded me of a parent watching over the 3 kids.
I suppose it does!
Great video Simon, love the content and the way you speak with knowledge and enjoyment of wbat you do and share 🙂👍
Thank you very much Simon.
Thanks for your explanation on focus stacking, it was very informative, especially when you showed us where to focus with the arrows on the diagram. This really helped me understand where I can use this in my macro phots.
Glad it was helpful Michelle
Thank you so much for your video, Simon. I always love to watch. Your approach to make them is really unique and very inspirational! You explain things is very clear, calm and easy to understand. Also, your beautiful music is the top class and the most appropriate choice! Just awesome! Best regards from Australia. :)
Thanks for writing such a lovely comment, it's very much appreciated...Happy New Year.
Hi Simon ! Interesting and nice video !!!
I love how you experience the environment to its fullest. Other photographers I follow experience the views, but you take it all in. Thank you also for the focus stacking information. I have just started learning this, and this was the best info I’ve gotten so far.
I appreciate that Lisa, thank you
Lovely shots, thank you
Great video Simon, with a hint of suspense.
Thank you. The next film is a bit like this one!
Thanks for the explanation of the focus stacking techniques really useful to have the explanation. Another excellent tutorial
Glad it was helpful Andrew
Lovely.
Beautiful composition of the first photo.
Beautiful macros!
A nice way to spend some time in the woodlands Simon. I loved the image of the mushrooms and your technique tutorial. It's always a great way to sit back with a coffee or tea and watch your skills at work. I agree with Ewan, you'll LOVE NZ! It's a place you may not want to leave LOL!
Cheers Phil. Get the coffee ready for this Sunday. I'll see you there.
I felt as if I am out there for field Botanical exploration. Love the composition demo and focus stacking mushrooms. Very relaxing and thanks for the outing!
Thank you for watching again Ram
Wonderful
Thanks again Simon. Always very enjoyable.
Excellent tip on focus stacking those mushrooms Simon, will look forward to seeing your process in putting them all together in photoshop one day. The final image you put up was brilliant, thanks for sharing.
Hi Ross, the tutorial is actually now available on the channel.
@@SimonBoothPhotography found it, thank you.
Good "learning to see" video !
I love the obvious joy you take from just being amongst nature. Great images and information.
Great video Simon. I really appreciate how you show us how you put together your compositions. I’d love to see more videos like that! Thanks again..
Another brilliant instructional video Simon, from both a compositional and technical perspective. Thanks again so much for sharing.
Thank you for this. Such a kind and tender mood you create for us =)
My pleasure!
Great shots Simon. Thanks for sharing your tips and the walk through the woodland :-),
great film as always Simon, "appy wi that" 😃
Well remembered Mick. I don't think I've said that for a while !
Nice Vlog Simon. Really liked your thought process for the first image and the image itself. Great result.
Thanks. Very good it's amazing what you can see if you only look!
So true!
Thank you for bringing us along for the ride, Simon. I love to hear you talk about the trees! I didn't know that rule of thumb (or perhaps, "rule of hug") about veterans - we live and learn. I was so engrossed in the wonder of the woodland that the first half of the video (before any photography happened) just flew by. And then you gave us two really nice images as well :)
Nice to hear the videos have good pace, thanks.
Fab video Simon. You've completely opened my mind to a point that I re-purchased a proper Macro lens, re-purchased in the sense that I had, and sold in the past, and I'm just blown away with the entire Macro world of photography, and have manage to nail some really good images lately, thanks to your inspirational video's of course. So thank you Simon.
just don't send me the bill :-)
Thank you for starting my day so well Simon. I enjoy the way you demonstrate what you see and how you plan the shot. It is something I struggle with in woodlands and indeed, I doubt I would have even seen the potential in the image you picked out. Thanks for the education!
Cheers John
Morning form New Zealand Simon. Thanks for recommending my Landscape Photography form the Roadside vid! = ) Lovely relaxing way to start the day here. Very engaging in the way you explain how you see these woodland scenes. You are going to love NZ when you come out, with the trans alpine bush, as well as these big vistas. I always remark at how you see these scenes [Macro] as i would have walked straight past the fungi. Love the challenge of the Pano in woodland too. That was lovely with the diffused light through the green. I might be heading to the South Island again soon where ill be looking at new scenes to take you to next year! Kind regards Simon, Thanks again, and we will catch up soon. Ewan
You''re welcome buddy!
Such a relaxing video in these unsettled times. I loved the first shot - it made me feel that I just wanted to walk down the slope to see where it led.
Thank you Valerie
I’m always inspired by your love for and knowledge of creation. Oh…and your pictures aren’t too shabby either. Thanks always for sharing!
Thank you! Cheers!
Beautiful video with a lot of useful information. I like veteran trees and can spend hours sheltering by them. Great photos as well! Thanks for sharing
Thanks Wim
Wonderful , episode with guidance in two areas of nature photography. I am beginning to understand how to think about correct aperture. Thanks for your thorough detailed explanation. May you have a great week.
So nice of you, thank you
Such a pleasant mix of nature and photography. It is a combination that complements each other perfectly! I wonder, which came first for you- photography or botany? Developed at the same time? Botanist by training or hobby? And veteran growth is now burned in- I'm measuring my arms as I type . Not easy to do.... drum roll... 175 mm. Now I'm going for 1.5 M high- I'll paint a mark on me. You can explain it to the spouse!
Hi Robert
The photography came first and because of having to keyword images for stock agencies, I developed my basic ID skills. I have since been on various botanical courses and have a love of botanical images!
Thanks for this video. Learnt a lot
Glad to hear it Mike
I always enjoy your videos. I find them informative and soothing. I especially liked the detail you provided on how you focused stack today’s fungi image. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos and expertise in these videos.
Thank you very much Ann
Thank you, Simon. Enjoyable as always, and a pleasure to accompany you. Looks like you've found yourself a nice quiet spot, there. Hope it offers up lots of opportunity for you.
Thanks Barry
Very enjoyable and relaxing film again Simon, appreciate the demonstration of your focus points, no matter how I try just can't seem to nail the focus through entire macro image. Just have to keep trying!
It des take a bit of practice!
lovely video and of course images keep it up mate.
Glad you enjoyed it
I liked the first shot very much Simon. I am inspired by the video. Thnx
Cheers
impeccable images and wonderful education, talking through the process and tree identification! so enjoy and appreciate the meticulous approach. we viewers are so fortunate, thank you. 🙏🏼
Thank you kindly Elizabeth
Thanks for the videos. Actually your videos have a lot of life lessons inside - look to the details of life all around us, they can be amazing
My pleasure!
Lovely first woodland shot Simon. Thats a nice find that woodland where nothing is disturbed, Great tip at the start.
Many thanks Bob
Great video Simon i needed inspiration to get my 100mm macro out and this was it many thanks best wishes
Glad it helped Mark
Brilliant video Simon your choice of music helps to make it so relaxing.Thank you
Thanks John
Intrigued from start to finish, very enjoyable as always Simon. That Birch was a real gent! Ancient indeed. A second watch after T is in order. I’ll be back
Cheers buddy!
I appreciated the arrows.
Thanks David
That rickety bridge must have had a troll under it Simon!
I expect so John
I am such a fan. Both images surprised me. I really do have to learn to take the time I have. But, I'm an American: Things happen here a little too quickly for thoughtfulness and/or reflection. But I am learning that photography is about the calendar and the time of day. And about conditions. And my inescapable moods. And my vision, and about understanding and accepting that when I don't see what I came for, I need to look closer. Sometimes I need a floodlight, sometimes I need a spotlight. Your images today highlighted that separation.
But then, you knew that.
Glad you are finding the videos useful Jeffrey
Loved the first image Simon. Easily a composition that you could overlook and clearly shows the possibilities available to you when you look closer.
Cheers Ian. I think if I'm honest, i've had better comps but it was good to do the walk through, which people enjoy!
Another enjoyable video Simon. Great tip at the start. I spent a while yesterday trying to work out why my exposure was all over the place, still had it in bracket mode 🙈
We've all been there!
Wonderful video, Simon! Good points on focus stacking and composition. I find your videos as a perfect source on different compositional tricks. Would be nice to bring for us more compositional situations. I am struggling on the variety of compositions in macro shots. Can't find any good references on different types of compositions in one place.
In what sense are you struggling?
@@SimonBoothPhotography looks like there are not so much options to choose from. Basically, I use 90% of the time the rule of thirds and other 10% something else. It would be nice to have a guide for compositions. Something like - one object and some of the compositions, that can be applied to it during the photography session.
Hi Simon, enjoyed that. Re the focus stacking, can I use light room “merge photos” hdr as I do for exposure stacking, or is it a photoshop job? Thanks.
Hi Robert, I've never looked at that and doubt it would work but I'd be more than keen to hear how you get on if you give it a go! I use PS for mine using the auto align first.
@@SimonBoothPhotography well you are right Simon, it has to be done via photoshop, you have spurred me on to learn how to do it and I’m well pleased, thank you!
Noticing your iso was too high from previous shoot, reminds me of a Scott Kelby book I read donkey's years ago, where he said before your first shot of the day, Think WHIMS...
W: White balance check
H: Highlight warning turned on
I: ISO check (make sure you’re using the right ISO for your surroundings)
M: Mode check (make sure you’re in aperture priority, program, or manual mode)
S: Size (check to make sure your image size and quality are set correctly)
Thanks Norman. Fortunately it's not something that I make a habit of.
My macro lens has a fair bit of focus breathing. Do you recommend a focus rail for shots like these?
I used to use a Benbo Mk1 more regularly before I bought my Gitzo. The main stem could double as a sliding bar and it was always useful but to be fair, there is generally enough in the focus on my lenses to not need this. It was more useful for moving into subjects rather than fine tuning the focus.
Lovely video. You remind me of Jack Hargreaves :-)
HOW! That certainly takes me back!
So, any one know what County Simon shoots in? It’s absolutely
I’m in Lancashire mostly, but do bits in Cumbria, Yorkshire and the Peak District.
@@SimonBoothPhotography thank you. Now I can search where that is (the County)
Be blessed Simon
Sorry- 175 cm. You can tell I'm across the pond. Had to think about it...
Sorry Robert