Luck and Opportunity in Photography

Luck certainly plays a role in photography, but only if you're prepared for when it comes along.

Coming to you from Simon Booth, this engaging video offers a unique glimpse into a recent photography trip in the Lake District. The video begins with Booth describing a three-day adventure dedicated solely to photography. One highlight was a spot between Rydal Water and Grasmere, near the River Rothay. Booth emphasizes the importance of finding hidden compositions in woodlands. During the exploration, he discovered a beautiful oak tree on a rocky knoll, perfectly framed by bluebells. This serendipitous find led to a striking photo, captured just as the sun illuminated the scene.

Booth shares another memorable moment from the trip involving a group of pristine ferns. While initially focused on broader landscapes, the ferns' intricate details caught his eye. He demonstrates how a seemingly small and simple subject can transform into an exquisite composition. By adjusting the camera angle and using a high depth of field, Booth captures the delicate beauty of the ferns, highlighting their unique features and the standout lighter fern among them.

The weekend continued to improve, with each new location offering better conditions and more compelling compositions. One unexpected treat was the misty morning at Borrowdale, where Booth and his friend were greeted by ethereal mist draping the landscape. Although mist can enhance almost any scene, Booth stresses the importance of finding subjects that work well even without the mist. He focuses on a single tree surrounded by creeping willows, using the mist to elevate the composition. This thoughtful approach ensures the image remains powerful, regardless of the conditions.

Booth revisits the tree later, capturing it from a different angle. This time, he focuses on a half-view of the tree, emphasizing its branches feathering into the frame. This change in perspective, combined with the beautiful morning light, results in a stunning photo. Booth also discusses the technical aspects, such as focus stacking and ensuring the right depth of field, to achieve the desired sharpness and detail in his images. Check out the video above for the full rundown.

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!" 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments