Fall is the perfect time for photographing woodland. However, woodland can be more challenging to capture than other landscape scenes. I personally struggle with it the most and I’m never quite happy with the photos I take in the forest. If you’re anything like me, Christian Möhrle of The Phlog Photography has a video you just have to watch. He’ll give you four tips that will help you take your woodland photos to a higher level. So let’s watch it and apply these tips while there are still gorgeous colorful leaves out there in the forest!
1.Use a longer focal length
If you shoot landscapes, a wide-angle lens is probably your most common choice. However, it’s tough to get a good composition in a forest with a wide focal length. There’s just too much going on and there are tons of distractions in the scene that make it chaotic. Therefore, consider using a longer lens when shooting in a forest. This way, you’ll focus on the details and keep unnecessary elements out of the frame. Another thing to remember is that the forest floor is usually the most chaotic part. So, you don’t have to include it in the photo if you want to make it simpler.
Using a longer lens is something I tried to do here
2. Search for leading lines
Leading lines are one of those things that will make for a more striking composition. When you’re in a chaotic scene such as a forest, adding leading lines will make the subject stand out more and make the image more balanced. Look for roads, creeks, little forest paths and include them in the composition. Personally, that’s something I always try to do, and it can work well even with wide-angle photos.
Something like this, I guess :)
3. Separate color
Fall gives us an abundance of color in the trees and on the ground. Why not make good use out of it? Try looking for branches with yellow trees that stand against the blueish or grayish background of the forest. This works especially well on cloudy or foggy days, which brings us straight to the next tip.
4. Take advantage of the weather
As Scandinavians would say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Okay, you have to protect your gear of course, but don’t disregard foggy, cloudy, and cold days when it comes to shooting. Even snow and rain will work as long as you and your gear can stay dry. As a matter of fact, ugly weather can treat you with some of the best woodland photos you’ll take.
I’m not super happy with this photo, but it’s a snapshot that shows how awesome bare trees look against the heavy show
Bonus tip from me: look for small details
Okay, this may not exactly be considered woodland landscape photography. But, while you’re in the forest, it’s worth looking for some small details to capture. Personally, I always get overwhelmed by trees, leaves, flowers, and other plants when I’m in the forest. When I think of it, that’s probably why I can’t take a decent woodland landscape photo. However, in all that beautiful chaos, I remind myself to look for the small details. This helps me gather my thoughts and focus, and I always end up with some photos I like.
Do you have any tips to share for woodland photography? And do you follow these tips that Christian has shared? Let me know in the comments, and feel free to share your images!
[4 Tips to greatly improve your Forest Photos | The Phlog Photography]
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