Spring photography is tricky because elements don't always cooperate. Understanding how to adapt when conditions aren't what you expect can help you consistently capture better images.
Coming to you from Simon Booth, this practical video shows exactly why flexibility matters when you're out shooting. Booth originally planned an early morning blue-hour shoot in a woodland, focusing on blooming spring flowers. He quickly learned an important detail—many early-season flowers close overnight, altering the images he envisioned. Instead of calling it quits, Booth pivoted, using the unexpected situation to explore other subjects nearby. He demonstrates clearly how quick thinking can lead you to unique compositions you might otherwise overlook.
Booth shares a thoughtful process behind each photograph, emphasizing technical choices that make or break images. He provides real-time examples, including a compelling stream scene lit by blue-hour reflections and carefully arranged leaves. Booth walks you through exactly why certain apertures work better to avoid distracting reflections and how he executes a necessary focus stack to ensure sharpness throughout the image. This practical advice on overcoming limitations in tricky lighting conditions is valuable for refining your own photography.
In another notable segment, Booth spots a striking composition involving a delicate sycamore seedling contrasted against decaying wood. Timing is crucial here, with Booth racing to photograph the scene before direct sunlight interferes. He offers clear explanations about balancing exposure to retain essential detail, particularly in bright highlights, and describes the careful focus stacking needed to capture the complexity of textures. These lessons in subtle exposure management can significantly improve your ability to capture detailed, high-quality images under challenging conditions.
Booth's approach underscores the importance of looking beyond initial disappointment to find unexpected beauty. He reveals methods for isolating subjects effectively, particularly in environments with complicated backgrounds, and highlights the value of patience and precision. He thoughtfully selects camera angles and manages depth of field, ensuring each image tells a focused story. The lessons here aren't just about technical adjustments—they're reminders that great photography often arises from embracing unexpected challenges. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Booth.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
