If you ask me, being in the forest is one of the best ways to spend your time. However, if you also bring your camera, you’ll see how challenging and frustrating it is to take decent photos. Finding a clear composition can be difficult with towering trees, cluttered undergrowth, and ever-changing light. In his latest video, landscape photographer Andy Mumford shares his experience and insights on capturing the beauty of forests. With his tips, you’ll learn plenty of ways to get the best out of your forest photos.
Before we move on, I’d like to point out what Andy points out: doing landscape photography in the forest is all about the experience. I know you want to get home with some neat photos, but don’t forget to relax and enjoy the scent of plants and the sound of birds while spending time in nature.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, here are some key takeaways from Andy’s video:
Embrace diffused light: harsh sunlight can be unforgiving in forests, and it’s one of the trickiest lighting situations. Andy suggests that you opt for overcast days so you avoid those super bright patches of sunlight. Alternatively, shoot during the golden hour (sunrise and sunset) when light is softer and more manageable.
Find the order in chaos: forests are inherently messy. I love that while wandering through them, but it’s a nightmare for photography. Andy advises you to look for clean lines, interesting shapes in trees, or breaks in the foliage to create a sense of order and lead the viewer’s eye through the frame.
Utilize mist and fog: other than looking magical, mist and fog act as natural filters, softening the background and highlighting key subjects. Use this to your advantage!
Leading lines: streams, fallen logs, or winding paths can create a leading line, drawing the viewer into the image.
Foreground matters: while the towering trees are the stars, including some foreground elements can add depth and context. However, due to the messy nature of the forests we mentioned above, be mindful not to clutter the composition.
Focal point is key: with so much visual information, a strong focal point is essential. Look for a unique tree, a patch of light, or an interesting rock formation to anchor the image.
Experiment with angles: don’t be afraid to get low or explore high vantage points to create a more dynamic composition.
So, the next time you head out to the forest, remember these tips. They’ll help you transform chaotic forests into captivating, calming landscape photos and make the viewers feel the peace and enjoyment you felt while wandering among the trees.
[Learning to Photograph Forests | Andy Mumford]
