Composition in Woodland Photography
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- Composition in photography has always been the most important part of the puzzle when I'm trying to create great photographs and I talk about it a lot when teaching. I've always loved the challenge of trying to make sense of complex woodland environments, appreciating the nuances and paying close attention to detail. I'm not saying I always get it right, but as with photographs in general, good composition can also be subjective. There's no rules, I'm not always looking for anything in particular, I just do whatever makes sense to me at the time. Sometimes the results stand the test of time and sometimes they don't - it's all part of continuous learning :)
This isn't a deep-dive tutorial in composition, just some off-the-cuff thoughts that came to mind while doing my usual relaxed local woodland womble with Meg.
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Simon Baxter - Master of Woodland and Drone. An intoxicating mixture.
Many thanks, Brian :)
I enjoy Meg she's so much fun to watch. Thank you for your videos, I know they are a lot of work to create. I do learn a lot watching them!
Superb video in all aspects! Nice low pace, colours, b-rolls and drone footage my favourite so far. Location and your thoughts about taking the pictures is really inspiring. Thanks!
Many thanks :)
In the genre of woodland photography, you are more than a teacher, you are an inspiration.
Very kind - thank you!
11:50, 12:38, 12:49 are my favourites Simon and of all of these 11:50 is my favourite :) Beautiful cinematography and overall enjoyable video as always!
Thank you very much, Renae :)
Well done tutorial on what I consider to be among the toughest challenges in landscape photography: shooting in the forest. Obviously, you do this very well Simon. Thanks for sharing.
While the terrain is similar but not exactly the same in Canada, we have the birches I enjoy photographing but oh I really wish I had some of that bracken in my neck of the woods! Beautiful day for photography there and some excellent captures made. Keep posting Simon - can't get enough of it. Hi Meg!
Many thanks, Linde! The bracken is nice when the new shoots come through and also when it starts to change in autumn but it's a bit of a pain in summer as it's so dense and tall. The ferns are nice right now though :)
Another great video, the music and the fog makes it so mystical!! We just got a labradoodle a few weeks ago, I hope he's as well behaved as Meg on photography trips!
Congrats on your new dog :). Many thanks!
Master of woodland , wonderful set of photos there Simon , I liked the broken tree towards the end almost like I can reach out and touch it in a weird way 🙂 thank you .
Many thanks, Brent :)
All of your images are stunning, Simon. This is an area of photography that I have never managed to master, although I do keep trying. Please pass on our best wishes to Meg (that's myself and Simone (MY Labradoodle))
Many thanks, John. Big licks from Meg ;)
Gorgeous set of woodland images in this video, Simon! Well done!
Nice job Simon. Great birch tree compostion. Very mystical. Excellent drone footage.
Always enjoy your videos. Nice to see an advocate for local and regional shooting. Too many photographers beating the drum of world travel to capture "iconic" images that results in lifestyles with monstrous carbon footprints. I do find that when it comes to showing captures in your videos, less is more, best if limited to those that speak most strongly to you.
Many thanks, Steve!
I agree but my favourite images from the day were captured after I stopped filming so it would have been a real shame not to show them. Also, it's the experience of that particular day that spoke to me and I like all the images in the end sequence. The images that really speak to me will end up on my website but that decision is made when I've had time to stew on them for a while. There might be a 2 or 3 from the day that could make the portfolio. There were about 6 other nice shots that didn't make the video either. Pretty rare to capture more than one keeper a day.
Know what? If this isn't my favorite set of photos you've come back with from your rambles yet, then it's right up at the top of the list (but I just think it is my favorite). Exquisite detail. Poplars are one of my favorite trees, to photograph and just to be among, and with that new spring green all veiled in fog? Doesn't get much better than that. Love every single one of these.
Thank you very much, Lori :)
He had a perfect composition shot there behind him at 0:53. Look where the tree is leaning into the line of the other, from that angle the straight line of five down from that point with the leaves to the right forming a leading path line in to the last in the line. Astounded you didn't use that... or even notice it. My father always used to say that us painters always have a leg up when it comes to composition in a photograph. We have from a young age seen patters and compositions in everything. He was a photographer as well as an artist. And I've had a brush in my hand since dot, and then picked up photography by being taught it by my father from very young. But never really made use of it outside of capturing a scene for painting.
Now I enjoy it as much as my art...
Even more astounding is that people think they can spot a great shot in the background of a video clip without actually being there and seeing all the elements that would go into the composition. Also consider that I don't pick my video backgrounds randomly ;-)
Simon,
I so struggle with visual sensory overload in the woods, so, being meek to your lesson means quite a lot to me. When you show a "slice" of those woods, your composition is manifest, helping my process mightily. Your team "resonates" is so on-point in expression of what catches one's eye. Its too easy to look overly hard, rather than to just go with the resonating feel of it all.
Meg seems so solemn and morose... Ha, that'll be the day!
Thank-You,
Mike
Thank you very much for your kind comments, Mike :)
I love your work. So meloncholy with layers of beautiful greens to lighten the mood.
Nice video, you did a fantastic job of finding compositions in the forest. Amazing how the fog does such a wonderful job of isolating your subjects!
Once again, a wonderful video that just lifts the spirits and motivates me. One thing that really amazes me is your drone work. You get such a cinematic feel to your drone footage - I love it! And that head shot of Meg was so cute :-)
What a lovely forest and foggy condition. Nice work Simon!
Really lovely, Baxter! I'm a new viewer having learned about you by watching a Thomas video. You guys are my heroes!
Wonderful mystical scenes in the fog. Great work!
You should have two channels. One with your great photo adventures and one that is just Meg running with unbridled joy.
Simon, your videos continue to improve with every post. I truly enjoy hearing how you think about and approach each image. Your work is superb. Please keep them coming. Many thanks for the effort you so obviously make to educate and entertain.
Thank you very for your kind feedback!
Great video as usual Simon , lovely images , stunning detail , very jealous
Never get any bloody fog down here in Sussex
Many thanks, Andrew. I often have to wait a long while but try to make the most of it when it arrives :)
Fantastic video Simon and absolutely beautiful photos and great conditions
photography has just started to take that step to another level for me personally, woodland photography is something I have struggled to understand and get my head round but after watching your videos and compistions the fog is clearing a little ,excuse the pun there but now I'm getting excited about trying this, if you are ever up in the highlands Scotland with a workshop I would love to join up , amazing videos thank you.
Just got into these videos a short while. Great images and helpful info. I swear i feel more relaxed after watching this
Awesome Simon. Your photos and videos are the best for me.
Love that last shot with the young birch. I’m going to Scotland in August. Will see if I can get away to get some photos as you’ve inspired me to make some woodland images.
As always, I really enjoyed watching your video and the information is particularly useful to someone like me, who struggles a little with composition in busier environments. Hope you're keeping well. Keep up the great work!
Many thanks, Stephen! How's the print looking? :)
The print looks amazing and it will have pride of place in the new extension we're having built! :)
Almost impossible to say which I like better: your captured evocative photo images or your superbly constructed videos! Thanks!
Thank you very much!
Loved the picture where two silver birches are bent towards each other, it has a magical feeling.
Super video and images Simon and Meg is always super.
Lovely relaxing and informative video Simon. It was foggy this morning and really wanted to get out into the woods but of course I was on my way to work...its getting in the way of things!
Many thanks! I'm sure another chance will come :)
sure it will. Thanks
The drone sequence of the initial compositions was just mega! Tied all the shots together perfectly... Told the story!
Your photos are real sharp.Your Sony camera and 24 -70mm GM lens looks to be a great combo. I'm looking into A7rii but with the 24-70mm f4 lense. F4 only Because of my budget.In my opinion you had Outstanding lighting.Thank you for taking the time and sharing your art with us.
Many thanks, Mark! How much is the f4? I would seriously consider the new 24-105 f4 if I were you :)
In the US its about $900 for 24-70m mm f4 . The 24-105mm f4 is about $1,300..Only $400 difference, but I have to start from scratch since I use a nikon d5300 right now.Also I like to get the 70-200mm f4 .So the $400 could goto that.But I'll look into the 24-105mm if I find some extra money.I also live in a tax free state .So the price I see is the price I pay.So many choices ,Thx you again.
Stunning photos! And it was so nice to see the interaction between the drone footage and some of the shots of the same places. Really cool.
Last time I heard a photographer raving about the light in woodland, it was another very foggy morning - and the time before was after a serious snowfall. It certainly cuts the usual brightness range down to manageable scales. You really love the woods - that comes across very strongly!
Love it, great video Simon! - Kudos!!
Many thanks :)
I really like this video, possibly more than any of your others. Thanks for the tips on composition. I think I struggle with that more than any other concept, especially where trees and forests are concerned.
Many thanks, Chad!!
photography excellent, and the video work well you must have put a lot of work into this video, really enjoyed watching and working how you filmed it, thanks
Many thanks :)
Great color balance. Awesome work as always. Very enjoyable videos.
I'm in Yorkshire myself and was Googling for a landscape tutoring day, you came up in the results and I'm glad you did! Lovely video. One point: you were pre-visualizing a 5:4 aspect from a 4:3 on your live view, it would be useful if you could show what both look like side by side. It's an area that I struggle in.
stunning photos Simon and a great video , great work and thanks
Very interesting thought process Simon! Amazing shots!
Love it mate. Great images and really good composition tips. Especially enjoyed Super-Meg at 1:22 :)
Cheers buddy! I'd love to film her at 1000fps ;)
Birches in Northern Europe... ahhh. Fog is your friend/filter. Very nice photos!
You see compositions where most of us do not Simon. The woodland looked uninspiring busy and chaotic. But with your skill for woodland composition you have a way of calming and simplifying a scene. The set of images you made are beautiful and painterly.
Thank you very much, Andy :)
Simon. Your video segments are always "a piece of art". I really enjoy how you explain the elements in your scene. First class production.
I can't ever think of an image you took that I haven't liked. Thanks for sharing
Some of my favourite photos from the day are shown towards the end, which I discovered and took after the video camera stopped rolling.
I always appreciate and love reading every single comment, so please continue to share your thoughts and share any videos you enjoy. Many thanks!!
Cheers Nev. Hope you're well!
+Simon Baxter Does the Sony not have any guides for 5:4?
Simon, that shot half way up the silver birches on the drop cottage was fantastic. Should have stopped it halfway and got it. Would have been a unique angle at Forrest
Love this one! Your videos when the weather is like this are my absolute favourites! Moody, magical and also full of a bouncing Meg! Good show!
Great images Simon, as usual. You must have been in heaven when you got fog and a woodland. Magic stuff!!
Many thanks, Tim :)
As always an incredible video Simon. That drone shot running into the fog at 5:09 brought tears to my eyes it was so beautiful. Truly inspired.
Thank you very much :)
Feeling the need to comment > It's not often that I comment on the vlogs that I subscribe to, but you always get the thumbs up from me. Your videos are so inspirational, with plenty of of hidden instruction and direction.
Your comments regarding "guidelines" rule of thirds etc, I agree! Take the shot that you/we as an individuals like not for what others might like or what the so called rules dictate.
A great location on this one, catch you on the next one.
Many thanks for your kind words, Dave. Much appreciated!
Love it just. Love my own trips in the woods with my camera where time just flies away. You are a great inspiration
Many thanks :)
Image at 12.14 is my favourite, very anthropomorphic & full of mystery & character!
Another excellent video Simon, thank you :)
Thank you very much, Scott!
Another great video Simon. There's something quite relaxing about watching the woodlands you visit and the images you capture. Always great accompanying music too. Keep'um coming...
Many thanks, Matt!
you have a real special kind of sensibility that make all your composition something special even at at first look they seem very normal
That 's a gift but I think that you are working on your gift to constantly improve .
That' s what I feel looking at your beautiful photos
Thank you!
( sorry for my English but I don't speak your language very well)
That's much appreciated, thank you!!
Wonderful images Simon. I always learn a lot listening to you "think out loud".
Much appreciated :)
The one with the path was great. Something to consider when you take shots is does it feel like you could walk through the scene.
Simon, your drone shots are just great! You are probably only youtuber I know, tak can take long drone shots that are not boring. Please keep it up :)
Great photos - you are a master in building an atmosphere - very inspiring! I am just starting out creating a photography vlog myself and its humbling to see what you and other photo vloggers have created!!
What an awesome video. It matches your very first one and that too was epic. Nice video, commentary, photographic and editing. Thank you!!!
Much appreciated. Thank you!
really enjoyed this. The pace and flow of the vid was great.
The fog just makes the woodland shots. As usual wonderful segment and very informative. Good to see Meg enjoying herself.
Fantastic video Simon, love hearing how other photographers visualise their images. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work mate.
Much appreciated, thank you :)
All of the photos are very beautiful, but that last picture with the path is a show-stopper for me, Simon. The path draws me in, wondering what's up ahead. It's just exquisite!
Many thanks! Compositionally, that was the easiest to take. It's a pretty obvious shot but the lovely greens, framing and lit path really made it for me.
Impressed by the image/drone shots Simon, very well done. Beautiful images as always I do wish I had your eye. Oh and Meg, I wish I had Meg too lol
Haha! Many thanks, Peter :)
if it was a masterclass of him on how to shoot woodland I WOULD DEFINITELY BUY ONE
Some real nice images there... It's nice of Meg to let you talk to us when she takes you out for a walk!
The drone work is outstanding
Another excellent film Simon. Lovely foggy conditions for woodland photography and I really liked your ‘broken’ silver birch shot at 12:20.
Thank you very much, Craig :)
Fantastic production quality in this video man. The 4K was great for viewing the photos.
Many thanks, Andrew!
Thank you again. Always a treat to see a new vlog from you. Meg was very serious that day, wasn't she?
Thank you! Ha, she did look more serious on the close head shot :)
You really are the master in the forest. So many nice images and your processing of them is lovely
Much appreciated, Paul :)
beautiful images. i love how you manage to capture the character of the forest. That is something I struggle with in the thick Australian bush. Thank you for sharing.
I see beautiful layers in your photos. I see a great variety of hues as well. They are quite inspiring. AND your drone handling is extremely artistic! Thank you!
Great video, thank you! I will be shooting a lot of woodlands in the future and this will be very handy!
Like the depth your compositions gave to the picture and this strong but moody colors in the foggy woodland.
Lovely video Simon. Great images. Living in Canada I often struggle with finding compositions in woodland areas (dense and complex rain forest). Your vids give me inspiration to get out there on foggy days and search for simplicity in complexity, patterns, lines, shapes that form a compelling capture. Awesome stuff mate.
Your drone shots are always amazing, including the used soundtrack. I especially like the transitions at 4:17 from photo to video. I’m looking forward to your next video!
Great video Simon. I live on the East coast of Vancouver Island and I am surrounded by woodland and ocean. I have always loved walking and photographing in the woods but have had trouble keeping my compositions uncluttered. You are showing me the "light" literally! I am really enjoying your vlogs and images. I have to say I really appreciate you showing more images other than the one you are taking in the video. I like to see a range of images from the same spot. Many Thanks!
Thank you very much! Best of luck for your next woodland wander!
I'm on southern Vancouver Island myself, and the trouble I think we both have with local woodland comes down to the fact our woodland is temperate rain forest, and clutter is at its very heart! For me, this overstuffed woodland of ours means having to shoot subjects at closer range to minimize clutter, or sticking to the beach areas where you can add interest with our fantastic skies and whatever the sea has to provide that day.
Once again you inspire me to go out.
Loved the last shot with the path through the trees. Beautiful and peaceful shots.
So many great photographs, fantastic video, Simon!
Much appreciated! Thank you!
Beautifully done, Simon! Really great to hear some of your insights into your thought process and the challenges of each composition, compromises and so on. Looked like a very productive day in the woods, cheers!
Many thanks, Adam! Yeah, it was a fun day :)
I think it's really great to see my two favourite photography artists on the same page, one shooting, the other commenting, admiring. Sure it happens the other way around too on occasion.
Simon.....they are all keepers.
A stunning video, very inspirational, the conditions you work in would make a lot of people say sod it i'm not going out, yet the images are there as you prove again and again.
Brilliant, thank you and keep them coming.
Oh, and more Meg please, she is such a star
Thank you very much, Martin :)
Exquisite Photos, exquisite compositions, AND exquisite drone clips! You are quite the "compositional" master with that drone. Once again, thank you!
That's very kind! Thank you :)
My pleasure! When I grow up I'm going to learn how to fly a drone. Of course, I need to quit shooting so often in United States National Parks (they do not allow drones).
Simone, great captures. A few of the images looked like a painting in slight way. Awesome light to work with and great location. Thanks for sharing.
As always, thank you for explaining what caused you to take the image. Meg makes my day.
Such a great video! Truly enjoy every second of it. Learning so much from your videos. Thank you!💖
Thank you very much!!
Very nice video, thank you.
I live in Brandenburg Germany, we have a lots of nice woods here and go every weekend to do some shoots, but sometimes my inspiration goes and I can't find a nice picture. Your video just help me a lot, I will go to the woods again to find the beauty among the trees.
Love your philosophy with regard to woodland photography Simon and definitely something I have tried to do when shooting woodland. Agree if you try to stick to any formula in woodland you are setting yourself up for frustration!!
A peaceful and serene experience! Your point about revisiting a place because "one's eye" may see it in a new light so to speak is most interesting. Places don't become boring, it is about seeking better, more creative and different ways of capturing their beauty. I often find it difficult to explain why I like a shot but your articulation of your motivation for each shot is really insightful. Thanks for sharing. P.S. Your video work is as good as your photography - a perfect recipe for a successful vlog. :)
Many thanks for your kind feedback, Michele :)
Another really brilliant and inspirational video Simon. I always enjoy hearing how your brain works around the scene in front of you.
Many thanks, James!!
Raelly interesting insights into your thought process on composition Simon, as you say very different to traditional landscapes, thirds, leading lines etc. It’s more about the overall effect of the combination of the elements in the scene. You produced some lovely images from some scenes most of would have walked past I’m sure. I’m interested how you process your images, you have an interesting combination of sharpness where it counts and ethereal everywhere else! I’m sure you showed us somewhere in one of your blogs but I can’t find it!!