Enhance Your Photographic Experience With This Simple Exercise

Join Kim as she heads out to explore a river walk and shares an exercise that may help you to connect more deeply with nature and enhance your photographic experience.
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Kim uses the V7 system, plus 6 stop ND and medium edge ND grad in this video.
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[@thaijamie8293]

After having a stroke a few months ago, photography and being at one with nature, has been the best therapy for me, taking time to appreciate what is all around me

[@kimgrantphotography]

I am sorry to hear about your stroke but delighted to hear how photography has been helping you 😊

[@jeffyablon6673]

You're right. It's not just Nature Photography. It's more about the Nature being photographed.

[@banditalley9592]

Apart from the mental health benefits, studying 3 things will help you slow down when doing landscape photography. Taking your time is so important and if it helps with mental health as well as the quality of your photography then it's a win/win!

[@brianrose2487]

Kim, you seemed too have reached a new level of consciousness with the living world and present in space, your voice is calming and enjoy your work. Take care

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you Brian 😊

[@HusbandnWifeDuo]

Love from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada! We have been watching your videos on our big TV screen all the time and came here just to leave this comment. It is a beautiful video that showcases your talent. We have been learning a lot from you. But nature was our forte always. We were connected with nature before we picked up cameras. Thank you for showing a glimpse of your father. He must be very proud of such a talented daughter as you. You are the teacher for the rest of us.

[@paulab9363]

Since I live in dry, hot West Texas and can’t visit a beautiful waterfall in Scotland, your videos are the next best thing. Just listening to you talk about nature is so relaxing. And your photography is beautiful!

[@cal7184]

Runnig & the gym was my release from stress & my mental health. I had a huge health change several years ago, resulting in me retiring from a career I loved at 45 & no longer able to run & train. I was gifted a camera the Christmas after I was medically retired & it sparked a passion I didn't know I had. Its now my escape & release mechanism &helps me to stay connected & to see things differently. Keep the vlogs coming Kim, I always enjoy them.

[@daniellegrandpa]

Beautiful location Kim, endless opportunity. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas, and starting my sunday morning.

[@tonygreenwood1798]

“Out of your mind and into your body” - the way you were working with your surroundings was very effective for me a few years ago when my mental health took a temporary nosedive. As well as woodland and large streams, it also worked for me in urban settings, especially art deco building details. I’m so glad you described it and found a name for it. I’ve tried to keep the habit going and this will help a lot.

[@kimgrantphotography]

So good to hear being out about about helped you Tony. Thank you for sharing.

[@marknathan7744]

I love your videos unlike most other you tubers its not all about gear and greed but getting in touch with your enviroment and enjoying your photography.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you Mark

[@barnseyb6031]

Really enjoyed this video. "If the doors of perception were cleansed . . ." ❤

[@MrsMinx50]

Nature is the best therapy along with laughter, my preference was with the filters Kim although they were all fantastic shots, hopefully my health will improve soon and I can get back to it as nature really has a way of progress with your health❤

[@Marleydia]

Love your channel and content. I lost my Dad 3 years ago. I had a great relationship with him, but I was not able to take him on hikes due to his health challenges. Really cherish having your dad along with you. Making these memories is so important. Love the message to get out of your head! If you slow down, the more you look, the more you see!

[@littlejimmyboro]

First video of yours I've watched, definitely wont be the last. Just love the vibe, not too technical and real enthusiasm.

[@sagg2009]

The simplicity of your wanderings is very much like meditation. Such a beautiful part of the world you live in. I to lived there, though now in Australia. I will definitely follow your idea.. Thank You.

[@jeffschreifels8651]

I will never stop being surprised at how many people I see walking through a wooded landscape on a beautiful day but almost always staring straight ahead like they're wearing blinders. Rarely even bothering to turn their heads to look at what's around them. Many times because they are too busy with their phones. The beauty of photography is that it encourages me to be observant of my surroundings. That, in turn, distracts me from any troubles I may have at the time. It doesn't only work at a time and place where the conditions for photography are spectacular. I have learned to experience the same healing even when I do not expect any good photos.

[@kimgrantphotography]

This is beautiful to hear Jeff. Thank you for sharing 😊🙏

[@stevenaxelrod2909]

Wonderful video, Kim. Thank you for sharing how to connect to the natural beauty around us.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you Steven - you're welcome!

[@pepper6253]

Such a stunning location Kim and you captured it beautifully . Thanks for sharing, being out in nature is very healing .

[@DominikMarczuk]

Like most people, I really dislike ads. Whenever a video is sponsored, I usually have my finger on the right arrow or look for timecodes to skip the paid-for section. But the way you included the ad actually brings value. The world would be so much better if everyone dealt with the their sponsored content like this.

[@richardhaire5001]

Amazing composition and using the filters really makes the shot pop!

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Excellent video Kim. Wow what a find, waterfalls near you and a very interesting woodland. Look forward to seeing more from there. As you say stop and look around and see. Never a true word spoken. Loved all of the image's. Look forward to seeing your next video. Take care and look after yourself. .

[@RaposaDoCorona]

Thanks!

[@paul-c7541]

I use the polariser & ND grad filter myself, so for me I like yours very much.

[@grachilly6969]

I love how much photography gives me that mindfulness and within nature is even better. I will take that idea next time and also another thing that I already do is to sit still for 10mins and listen to the sounds around me. Love the images with the polariser and also the ones with the added ND filter I like the black and white better with the ND filter I really enjoy the contrast’s you get with black and white. Another great video 🙏📷

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for sharing. Sitting and listening is a great exercise too ☺️

[@jammer777]

I like the image without the ND best. Thanks for posting this! From Oregon, USA.

[@mchjubjub6915]

Its great how you talk over some of the techniques some of us already use but put it in a way so as to explore the technique that bit more. Thank you its lovely watching not least because if your enthusiasm😊

[@robertsmith5745]

I really like the image with the filters. Thank you. Got to learn more about using filters

[@robertnelson3614]

Thanks for sharing, Kim. Since I've become seriously interested in photography I may have slowed my pace of life, but I also see so much more than I saw before.

[@mick8586]

another great video Kim ,its all out there ,enjoy the moment

[@paulbenson3441]

Hi Kim, Such a lovely video. I have since childhood had a special feeling for woodlands and most especially when it is raining or the barks are still dark from a recent shower. The air is so fresh amongst the trees as if the rain has released calming vapours into the air. Woodlands are nature's air fresheners and aren't they wonderful. There is a National Trust woodland within thirty minutes drive from where we live and it is a place my wife and I often visit. On one of our visits there had been many days of rain and the trees were dark, but the mosses growing on their trunks and branches seemed to glow with a soft light and trap water droplets. The weather had changed the appearance of familiar trees we had seen often and it felt so different; and there seemed more to see and to take in and to feel. Nature can be wonderful that way. From your photographs of the waterfall, Kim, I do prefer the one where you used the polariser as it accentuated the colours and contrasts and reduced reflections on the rocks surfaces next to the waterfall. The polariser is the only filter I have these days.

[@kimgrantphotography]

This was a beautiful comment to read Paul. And thank you for sharing your thoughts on the images too 😊

[@xflyingtiger]

I liked the color photos, and I liked your use of a neutral density filter.

[@amirali-mc4nf]

Thank you so much for your videos, I'm learning so much from them 😊

[@kevinburke6446]

Some great advice. Too many times I find myself rushing through great composition opportunities to get to a location. I need to stop and look/listen, and enjoy.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks Kim for sharing your experience.... great results with both on & off filters...I also always enjoy seeing B&W pics... amazing location with many compositions to see... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@anthonymcdonald8444]

The black & white images are so atmospheric and stunning.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you Anthony

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Great waterfall shots! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@alaskalonghunters2990]

Well done and thought provoking clip. Theres another photographer who did a short on dippers, they are fast and don't stick around for pics, a real challenge for sure. Patience required. He shoots Olympus, helpful as they are very stable. Nice to see your Dad along. Respectful honor, God will bless for that. Cheers!

[@sosaidhrafferty4608]

Another great video Kim, links perfectly with 5 4 3 2 1 grounding techniques which also help quieten the mind.

[@bobj5288]

Thanks

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you very much Bob!

[@dougedwards7570]

a nice adventure and RE-discovering yourself :)

[@Triplebuc50]

Personally I enjoy seeing the texture of the Water swiftly flowing over the Moss covered Boulders, makes it Alive!

[@Big.E]

Love the way you embody mindfulness in your fab videos

[@michellehenry6278]

I think its true. I like to go fishing, when I'm having a bad day, there's times I will go fishing, and it helps. Or I will take my dog for a walk and take my camera and take pictures, along the way.

[@ggwildlife]

excellent video Kim, my preference would be the one with the polariser i think you got the movement of the water just right there is still some texture and detail and it definitely added saturation to the greens as you said, the no filter one i like because it was sharper, im just a stickler for sharp photos being a wildlife photographer, the one with the density filter/polariser not really my cup of tea lost all detail in the little pool of water at the bottom, just very marshmallowy for me. look forward to the next one.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@lynnsphotographygreenart8098]

Love the video Kim! Photography helps me with my Tourette syndrome as I don't tic as much as I'm doing something I love. I love the polariser images and the B&W ones.

[@RJ-nk9qz]

Your mention of the importance of connecting with nature is so on target. I only started getting my best shots when I learned to really slow down, disconnect from the social stress and really SEE nature. I've learned to wait for nature to show itself to me instead of rushing to find it.

[@RogerJones-mountfield]

Absolutely 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 you really can’t “rush” nature photography even if you are late home for your supper 🙄

[@davidskinner274]

Worth taking filters into the forest and waterfall areas, for sure

[@LoneJoe_hadley]

Thanks for the trip and advice. ALL GOOD👍

[@RogerJones-mountfield]

I love dippers too, a lovely video again Kim, thank you 🙏

[@hjones451]

I wish that my daughter would accompany me on trips like that - loved the section of your video when you were sat in between the two trunks and adding images of the river and branches.

[@rogerlill]

A great, thought provoking video in a wonderful natural location, thank you. I prefer picture two, the polarizer works well and I have a particular dislike of blurry, long exposure pictures of moving water so number three is definitely out!

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for your thoughts Roger

[@danfry909]

Making that conscious effort to connect is real gold. A book well worth reading, called The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, exactly defines this. All about being present in the moment.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for the recommendation Dan. I've just read second book but keep meaning to read the first. Thanks for the reminder ☺️

[@RaposaDoCorona]

Thank you to you both. I just purchased this book on Audible.

[@laurelb8372]

Definitely liked the polarised image, though black & white looked good as well. What a beautiful place to sit and think about a composition. Does your heart good being out in nature doesn’t it. 👏

[@jairosros2968]

Thank you !!

[@sachinkhare1688]

I love those long exposure images. 💚

[@kevinsimpson5318]

I too, use the NISI Filters. Your video shows the distinct differences and as a plus keep the colors accurate of the scene. Great video as always.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you Kevin. They're great filters!

[@mayhamilton6652]

Loved the video Kim. Your genuine excitement at seeing the dipper was so lovely! I love the flowing waterfall images. The third one was really gorgeous. Looks like such a pretty area too. Thanks for sharing! I will definitely be using the techniques of stopping and noticing 3 things to ground me when out.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it May! Enjoy the exercise - it helps so much in connecting you to the world around you

[@juanitakelly3082]

My preference would be the one with the polarizer. I generally don't like super long exposures of water and like to leave some texture and movement. What a gorgeous location and lovely walk.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts 😊🙏

[@Dan-C-71]

Last time I got out I was too focused on getting pictures rather than enjoying my surroundings, and I think it actually negatively impacted my images. Also had took up dippers. Not much in the way of waterfalls near me, so definitely jealous of the location.

[@Soefryd]

Nice video😁👍 I prefer number two picture, because it has the best colours, and the movement of the water is appropriate in my opinion. Number one photo is more flat, and a little “boring” and number three has to much blurry water, and the two white areas below the waterfall is very bright, but that’s just my opinion. All three photos are great, and it seems like a good spot to photograph water😁👍🇩🇰

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for your thoughts ☺️

[@CluelessYoutuber]

I gotta do this exercise 😁 im usually the type of photographer who sprays and prays for lack of better term and rely on gut feeling. Slowing down, connecting with the subject, and honing in on what captivates me will be a good change.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Enjoy 😊

[@windyngw]

like video and yes I will try your new technique as I am finding hard at this of year many thanks

[@SN1P3R808]

Agreed about how taking captures with nature helps your mental health I take lots of nature and sunrise seascapes. Great video!

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you! I'm glad you too feel the benefits

[@ImagesbyCeciSnow]

I am thoroughly enjoying your videos. I’m located in rural New Brunswick, Canada, where much of the landscape mirrors Scotland’s, as does the weather. We are on the shores of the Bay of Fundy where the highest tides in the world flow in and out. Your videos inspire me! Thanks.

[@JoinTheJourneyToday]

Really like the video as well as the comments about getting out of your mind and into your body

[@philipweir8318]

Another great vlog Kim, I totally agree with getting out to nature, the mental health benefits as well as the exercise is so uplifting, our photography fraternity so enjoy getting out & about, not nessassaily in nature, it can be in a city too but the most important thing is getting out, dusting down the camera, lenses & filters, yes I love my filters too as they can really enhance an image, especially when we look at a scene & think "how can I make this image pop". I use Lee filters but it can be any brand just as long as they help create the image we have in our heads become a reality, such a sense gf achievement. So glad Kim that you took the time to help emphasis the importance of our mental health, especially when we have all come through lockdown not so long ago. Kindest regards Phil....

[@christopherkelly766]

Thank you loved watching

[@WendyM1965]

Another bril video. Loved all the waterfall images, but expecially the portrait photo you took with the NiSi filter - it's gorgeous. I've been using a 6-stop URTH filter which so far have been very good re: ICM, but not sure how it would compare with the more expensive and better-known NiSi filters. Most photographers I know use the NiSi filters and love them.

[@RoyJenkinsPacker]

Addition to mindfulness and Grounding is, Earthing. As humans we have forgotten about our being to connect with our body's. Especially the feet, walking bear foot and connect through earth's healing powers. I really like the B & W images. As always thanks for sharing.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Really enjoy Earthing! Thank you Roy

[@petervandinther3628]

Yep, I totally agree!

[@AmorLucisPhotography]

So cool you saw a dipper - I love those birds. Here is Canada we have the American version - all black, and just as charming a visitor when dallying by a mountain waterfall. "The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." - John Muir.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Love the quote Martin! They are beautiful birds 😍

[@juliehatton2564]

I use Nisi kim , . you can,t beat them.

[@kimgrantphotography]

They certainly are great filters!

[@Barbara-lw5ou]

Hi Kim, another great video - your waterfall images are beautiful. Have a great week😊

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you Barbara - you too!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Nice video and waterfall photos. The polarizer definitly enhances to photos 🙂👍 Cheers from Norway

[@MarkSweeting_]

I enjoyed watching this thankyou 👍😁

[@dorihungerbuhler7885]

I like the look with the filters. The longer shutter speed is very nice from an artsy perspective, however, I prefer the look of a little shorter shutter speed to keep the “realness” of nature.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Dori

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Filters did make a difference!!.

[@RobertHeaney]

Beautiful photos, Kim... all good, but I love the b&w, F11, 10 sec one the best. Just my opinion, but your photography in general in wonderful.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Robert

[@thayerbigelow6436]

Great coaching. I need to follow your advice even when I am in spectacular surroundings. Loved this episode. My fav waterfall photo is the last one in portrait and B&W. Loved the filter choices and other settings.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for your kind words Thayer

[@gregsmith6373]

I love the video, thank you! Cheers from Poland

[@robertspeicher5047]

Where I live there is mostly farming. What woodlands are here might have wild animals that can harm. Snakes etc. So I look for single lone trees that have a majestic appearence. Against a good sky . Also looking at plants , usually found growing around telephone ploes, treated wood, here in america. Thinking the struggle for life.

[@petermcguire3070]

Hi Kim. What a cracking location, definitely the ND and the polariser images for me, they really brought them life.👌🙂

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for your thoughts Peter

[@mawavoy]

Great timing just got a new ND filter. Plan to experiment with 135 mm focal length. Thanks for showing using an ND filter for black and white images.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Enjoy Michael!

[@JasonLorette]

What's a dipper?? Nature totally recharges me, love the forest in the rain. I totally would have photographed that tree you sat on! Polarizer always helps!

[@bobj5288]

Great video. I was just about to buy some Nisi filters so I appreciate the discount link !

[@kimgrantphotography]

Fantastic Bob! Do enjoy 😀

[@MrPeabodyPA2]

I will be visiting Scotland for the first time in early June and would love to know where this is so I can see if I can work it into my itinerary. I love forest walks and this looks like a real gem. Thanks for sharing.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Wishing you all the best with your trip to Scotland. It's near a spot called Randolph's Leap. Plenty of beautiful woodland walks around there 🙂

[@MrPeabodyPA2]

@@kimgrantphotography Thank you, Kim. It turns out my itinerary puts me within 20 miles of there (Clava Cairns) so it will be easy to arrange a small detour. Love your channel!

[@jontheshrub]

Nice one Kim.

[@FakeNews_Ignored]

Talented talent, very impressive. 🙂👍🙂

[@Boatzerama]

Used code to get money off my filter I bought. Thanks Kim and great video. ❤️from Aberdeen👍🏼

[@kimgrantphotography]

Brilliant to hear! Do enjoy it 😀

[@joynkeast-qz7oe]

Touch nature, and let nature touch you.

[@nicerides9224]

It's a pity you couldn't find the castle but nice photos anyway. The polariser and 6 stop worked well. It just gives it a more abstract look.

[@sarahthomson8183]

yes, yes, yes!

[@ivarwb4115]

Interesting video again! I have little experience with filters yet, but this video may inspire me to have a go. I really liked the effects of the polarizer and the grad filter, and I think I preferred the shortest shutterspeed. Darkening the upper corner of the image turned focus towards the water, while the increased saturation of the colours made the whole image more vibrant. I guess photographing running water with long shutterspeeds is very much a question of taste, and my personal sweet spot is where you can sense the movement of the water without it getting too blurry and too far from the natural image. Would love to see a black and white version of the image at 1/3 of a second, with polarizer and grad filter! Additional fun fact: the dipper is the "national bird" of Norway, so an extra thumbs up for the observation👍

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Ivar. It certainly is down to personal taste when it comes to long exposures. It's always great to experiment! I love that the dipper is Norway's national bird! Great fact to know

[@pixelpeter3883]

I for one prefer the waterfall image with just the polarizer: it had the movement, yet still preserved detail, while with the ND filter the water was just too much of a blur without any detail, giving just featureless 'blobs'.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Peter

[@franciskisner920]

Since the composition was good, all three waterfall photos are attractive. As you point out, each emphasizes a different aspect of the scent. On my computer screen, all three look soft-focused - I can't decide where the plane of sharp focus was located. Was it the front of the first rock? Thanks for sharing the video.

[@dennispenton2052]

"Focus on 3 spots" - a good transition to get you into the moment outdoors. What's a dipper? Gaspereaux (fish)? They migrate up streams at this time of year.

[@kimgrantphotography]

A dipper is an aquatic songbird.

[@rainbowfeet58]

Thank you for another great video. I agree with you about how the filters enhanced the images. Fairly new at filter usage myself but will keep at it 😊 Loved how the green became more vibrant with the polarising filter and how you used the grad filter to tone the distracting light right down. I can see the more time you spend at the scene, the less (if anything) you need to do in post processing 👍

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you! I wish you all the best with your continued learning of filters. I love using a polariser - it makes so much difference and yes, while you can do the graduation in post, it's not for everyone. It's nice to have the choice ☺️

[@frankvrba6247]

Kim, I really enjoy your videos. I hope you can continue these for a long time. I go on lots of all day hikes and find my backpack starts to feel pretty heavy after a few hours. I carry very minimal equipment on these long hikes. How much does your backpack weigh? As for filters, I like using a polarizer for water, as well. Even if it's not sunny. Thanks for what you do for us in these videos.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you very much for your kind words Frank! I've honestly never weighed my backpack. On this day it was VERY heavy though but I had 2 camera, 2 tripods, 3 lenses and all my filters with me (along with food, water etc). I wouldn't have been able to have hiked much more than I did.

[@mikkosuhonenphotography]

I want to get filters for my Z 24-200mm lens! Looks nice!

[@johnhal1]

Can I ask if there's anything practical you do to guard against the dreaded tick, which I find quite off putting in terms of getting out and about. I love your work by the way.