Taking a long walk to photograph nature can feel creatively liberating. It clears your mind and pushes you to slow down, helping you see scenes you might otherwise overlook.
Coming to you from Micael Widell, this reflective video follows Widell on a 16-kilometer photography hike through Sweden's Tyresta National Park. Equipped with a Laowa 85mm f/5.6 macro lens, he tackles landscapes, macro shots, and moody black-and-white compositions, favoring a square format. Widell notes early on that choosing black and white works particularly well given the gray skies and subtle mist, emphasizing simple shapes and textures. He spends considerable time photographing water droplets—a subject he admits can seem repetitive—but he stresses the joy and focus required by macro photography, especially with manual focus. Widell also addresses practical considerations, explaining why he prefers mechanical shutters for macro work, highlighting how familiarity and sound can become oddly comforting rituals in photography.
Widell openly discusses some of the technical limitations he encountered during the hike. He comments on lens choices, particularly wishing at points he had a faster macro lens to capture certain scenes more effectively. The trade-off, however, is weight; he chose lighter gear intentionally to avoid fatigue over such a long day. Widell briefly explores the possibility of adding other lenses back into his collection, underscoring the constant balancing act photographers face between ideal gear and practical limitations. He also emphasizes how manual focus, though intimidating to beginners, becomes intuitive with practice, especially when utilizing helpful features like focus peaking or magnification. Widell advocates experimenting with manual lenses and vintage optics as a way to deepen engagement with the photographic process, moving beyond simply snapping a perfect shot.
One particularly instructive moment occurs when Widell finds a compelling subject—a small island surrounded by mist and water. He takes multiple shots, altering angles slightly, and illustrates vividly how subtle shifts in perspective completely transform an image. Just a slight rotation or shift in viewpoint can be the difference between a compelling composition and a mediocre snapshot. Widell emphasizes the critical importance of negative space and composition, pointing out that beginners often overlook these factors but that attention to detail significantly elevates a photograph. He shares his satisfaction when conditions align perfectly: misty weather, ideal framing, and careful composition all coming together for a standout image.
Widell eventually admits feeling creatively drained after several hours of intense photography. He reveals that despite initial enthusiasm, prolonged photo sessions eventually diminish his creative focus. Widell's candid reflections remind you to be mindful of your own creative energy and realistic about how long you can sustain effective photography in a single outing. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Widell.
