Capturing the beauty of a woodland setting presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. With the dynamic play of light and shadows, it's easy to get overwhelmed by nature’s complexity.
Coming to you from Focus Flow by Suzannah Mary, this engaging video explores the intricacies of woodland photography and encourages you to experiment with various techniques. Mary takes you on a journey through a peaceful forest walk, where she not only captures the serene atmosphere but also shares practical advice. For example, she discusses the challenge of shooting in harsh sunlight and how you can use that to your advantage rather than fearing it. Harsh light can create striking images when you position your subjects to take advantage of backlighting or dappled illumination. These techniques help to bring depth and contrast to your photos.
Mary also introduces the concept of multiple exposures. This adds an artistic element to her photography, creating unique, abstract compositions that you might not typically associate with landscape photography. By combining images of reeds and trees, Mary demonstrates how to push the boundaries of what’s possible with creative photography. Her decision to incorporate these techniques highlights the importance of experimenting beyond traditional approaches, which can lead to more memorable and impactful images.
While Mary explores composition and light, she also reminds you to engage with your surroundings on a deeper level. Before taking any photos, she emphasizes the importance of simply soaking in the environment. By doing so, you can become more mindful of the details—the way light filters through the trees, the gentle ripples on a glassy surface, or the textures of bark and leaves. This mindfulness translates into better compositions because you’ll be attuned to the subtleties of the scene.
Another valuable takeaway is her relaxed approach to capturing images. Mary mentions how taking the first shot of the day often relieves the pressure, allowing you to enjoy the process rather than rushing through it. This is particularly helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by trying to capture perfect images immediately. By slowing down and focusing on one shot at a time, you can build confidence and create more intentional, thoughtful images. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Mary.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!"
