How To Photograph Trees - The Ultimate Guide

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Let me demystify the challenge that is forest photography. With these golden nuggets of experience, you'll be crushing landscape photography with trees in no time.
Amanda and I take you for a stroll on our property, but it becomes obvious that we're totally lost when we bump into a chainsaw-wielding hippy who lives the pod life.
Honestly, his property could do with a little tidying up to reveal the beautiful trees growing in his backyard.
I share with you some of my best forest photography images while explaining how I find and shoot these enticing scenes. With wisdom like this, you'll save years of personal struggle AND snag some killer shots when the time is right.
By the end of this video, you'll be gagging to get out and do some woodland photography with the tips you've learned, but what's Amanda doing in a hammock with Phil McCavity?
Will Amanda eat the chocolate chips we found in the forest, and does Phil really live in what looks like a portaloo?
There's really only one way to find out.
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
🔘Intro: 0:00
🔘Walking The Forest: 1:15
🔘Tip 1 - What To Look For: 2:29
🔘A Hippy With A Chainsaw: 3:37
🔘Tip 2 - Shoot Upslope: 4:49
🔘Tip 3 - Blue Sky Days: 5:21
🔘Tip 4 - Find A Reflection: 6:07
🔘Tip 5 - Offset Your Landscape Photography Composition: 7:03
🔘Tip 6 - Shoot For Colour: 8:00
🔘Tip 7 - Use Framing: 8:58
🔘Tip 8 - Use Paths & Trails: 8:58
🔘Tip 8 - Use Fog Or Heavy Rain: 10:08
🔘Is That A Portaloo?: 11:22
🔘Forest Photography Image Gallery: 11:43
🔘Fototripper Bloopers: 13:55
Thanks for watching
Gavin Hardcastle - Fototripper
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#landscapephotography #forestphotography #treephotography

[@fototripper]

My New Book? www.fototripper.com/stories-within-stories-landscape-photography-book/

[@tommynikon2283]

LOVE the…..humor. THATS the differentiation between YOU (and your lovely wife) and EVERY other photographer. BE you!

[@somegeezer]

That's just the nature of a Yorkshireman. But them Canadians give it a good go.

[@bradpeck1901]

Your photos really have gotten much better over the past few years..... you are almost to a Quiet Light level of artistic ability

[@MarkJ1776]

Phil McCavity! Now my cat is awake from me laughing. Now he's going to demand food...

[@joe3eagles]

Hopefully, not forest food. 😉

[@philips3706]

Gotta admit, your videos are my favorite part of Sunday. Great video as always!

[@wendypesavento4815]

You always manage to find the real characters! Phil is a good addition. More Phil content. Your tips were great and the pictures stunning!

[@michelledalton6939]

My gracious - you are just an exceptional photographer! I really enjoyed getting to see all of these absolutely stunning photos! Wow - just wow!

[@IanWilkinson]

So many different ways to photograph forests and trees and plenty of beautiful examples demonstrated here but another way, which particularly appeals to me, is to get down and dirty with close-ups. Macro shots of the huge variety of lichens, fungi and mosses on branches, for example, opens up another world of interest. For those of us with fewer than 30 acres for a back garden, it's surprising what can be found from only a couple of inches away|

[@billkipper3264]

I know that most of the time I and others like to give you a hard time here in the comments. However, for once, I'd like to say that your photography absolutely rocks. I really enjoy each video for the outstanding images that you seem to create every week. Thanks.

[@sandracashes4255]

I didn't just like the video... I loved it!! Those were some killer images!

[@joehusband8479]

Always look forward to your uploads. Simply stunning shots (speechless). Phil was a cool and funny addition 😂

[@michaeltillman886]

Well, you've done it again. Another great video. What I like about your work is that slight touch of saturation to give the shot just a little pop to the eye. Great work man. Peace my.friend!

[@daveabernathey]

Hey Gavin, I just remembered my favorite humorous part of your episodes is the bloopers/ retakes at the end. Kinda wish you did it more often 😂 great video like always!

[@westvirginianlivin9871]

And now my Sunday is complete. Excellent tutorial and i think we all agree that Phil needs to be a regular.

[@SB-xu8pi]

By far the best voice in photography, I like to play these videos at bed time to enter a deep sleep. 😜

[@Mr_Grumpy]

Once more a great video, it's always a pleasure to watch your work. Cheers.

[@DamonMoritz]

So looking forward to seeing the book. I preordered. I’m hoping it will level out my wobbly desk.

[@fototripper]

Thanks for the support Damon :)

[@DamonMoritz]

@@fototripperNo, thank you for the support

[@shapshot1]

I love this guy...stumbled onto Fototripper aka Gavin Hardcastle when he came to Nova Scotia (Cape Breton Meat Cove) and met up with one of our local KZbin stars Simon d''Entremont...the chatter was hilarious ... Gavin you have found yourself a new follower and fan!! Love the humour and great tips, Thanks!! Glad Amanda didn't try the chocolate chips! 😂

[@reallymustgetalife]

Love the night Astro with the Bristlecone tree

[@mikeray4902]

I love your photography. I have found that a lot of photographers think that you can show too much color. They will say your image is over cooked. That can't be real. But I feel just the opposite. I am not wanting blown out color, but I like a little more than some. But it is unique from image to image. Some may be soft, while others may be bold and vibrant. I go by what I think is pertinent to the shot. Totally agree with the composition advice. Great tips!

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

No one does trees like you Gavin! I can’t wait to get the new book - it should fill my cavity just nicely.

[@fototripper]

baboom!

[@s81photos]

Aye oop Gavin! Cracking, humorous, informative video yet again, with enough in it to give us all a kick up the memory backside when it comes to making a photo.

[@perambulatingmike]

Must say, Gavin, the image of 'The Tree' with a chainsaw next to it gave me heart palpitations....so glad no trees were harmed in the making of this video...except what Phil did! Great video...well done!

[@fototripper]

The tree that Phil pruned would have been made healthier from the tidying up.

[@coolamit79]

Phill Mccavity cracked me up 🤣 Great video and many thanks for the tips. Video saved to my playlists of tutorials

[@steveatesh]

super video as usual Gavin and what amazing tree shots! Thank you

[@garyverstick1620]

Some fantastic tree shots had not seen before - next book “In Praise of Gnarly Trees” 😊

[@martinpriest5446]

Thanks for your tips and recommendation on this subject Gavin, keep up with the banter mate, the encounter with phill Mccavity killed me, still chuckling, the display of these images are stunning,

[@humblepie8638]

You did it again, Gavin. So funny and wonderful photos. It was great to see the longer clips of them. Phil McCavity was a delight, and the humor is always good-natured - that matters, too. Thanks!

[@hybboul7377]

Wow, those images are spectacular! Thanks for tips

[@nightspore4850]

Some really superb shots. First rate compositional skills. The humor is appreciated. Amanda is cute. All’s right with the world.

[@ravenfallsphotography6254]

Wonderful images! I think you left off one tip, though: especially in autumn, define the Portland Japanese Garden, Kuboda, or the Seattle Arboretum as a "forest," and you can’t go wrong!

[@andymcgarty3099]

Wonderful images. Nice to meet Phil.

[@roberthennessey5702]

Great captures Gavin, aways some great information thank you. That Phil guy Mccavity 😂 too funny, I thought Amanda was going to take a header getting out of that hammock 😂 ty for the education and the humor it’s always good to look forward to.

[@gord_tomlin]

Lots of good common-sense points in a short time, and still enough time for a few laffs. 👍

[@GodIsReal]

Now you are making it really hard for us to comment. What on earth can one say when you are presented with such a breathtaking display of absolutely magnificent forest photography? This is just stunning. And how awesome that you have a neighbor who wants to play along in your videos. What a blessing!

[@tessm3420]

I love photographing trees specially the unique ones ❤

[@jimsmith556]

"Phil McCavity", that one hurt my gut. Still laughing. Great tips Gavin. Also loved the background music for the last series of photos! 👍

[@TheJarnoldin]

😁😁😁so humorgasm...and fantastic tree shots👍

[@valeriehoffman8180]

Absolutely stunning images!

[@brianbrooking496]

Love it, reminds me of my Scottish Dentist Phill McCrackin…. Stunning shots!

[@brendonanderson2553]

Awesome episode brother. The images, humour, tips and music. Loved it.

[@scottvk75]

Thanks, Gavin. I've dabbled in forest photography. Your tips are greatly appreciated. (I'll be on the lookout for Phil). Stunning photos!

[@kuriouskhemist3395]

Another gem of a video - both educational and hilarious!

[@mikeinmontana8875]

A great way to watch a 'screen' on a cloudy Sunday. Always a good one Gavin~👌

[@johndavis642]

Stunning! Just stunning!! Knocked the words right out of my head!

[@ToBCreations]

Well, those images in the end must be some of the most amazing I've ever seen. 🤩 Great video as always! 😊

[@richcower]

Beautiful images Gavin.

[@fgalaxie123]

Great video! This was a fun one.

[@poppamichael2197]

Thanks, Gavin, for more terrific images and wonderful suggestions.

[@andylaurel]

Nice shots mate!

[@reddogtwelve]

Great vid Gavin, also one of the best parts of my Sunday. Looking forward to getting my book!

[@flaviopresutti]

That tiny house! 🤣 and his bathroom it's everywhere!

[@plutocorrosion]

Awesome shots and teachings Gavin… and Phil… Fill rules! Perhaps he could meet Clarence someday, my third time watching 🔥🔥🔥

[@fototripper]

I think they'd get along quite well.

[@KRiemer]

Stunning images. Stunning Phil.

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

Just ordered both books! Love the style you’ve adopted for these books. 👋🏼🇨🇦

[@fototripper]

Thanks for the support.

[@richardhaire5001]

Great job Gavin!

[@michaelmiller8173]

Thank you. This was a great video. So much good information. I can’t wait to get back into the woods and start using these tips.

[@SteveP_2426]

Since you and Uncle Grumps showed the 65:24 crop effect I use it quite a lot in woodland as it gives the impression you are standing in the scene. I use paths commonly e.g. right now as Bluebell season has kicked off early in south of England. Nowhere near up to your standard with woodland but other things I tend to look for is sidelight on tree trunks, pattern of the shadows cast by the trunks and sunstar/sunray opportunities. I am starting to think half the English population have moved out to be around you in Canada or do you put an advert out?😆😆 Keep up the great work Gavin.

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Now that Phil guy looks like he will give uncle a run for his money :-) superb tips and the book is really taking shape 👏👏

[@FRUGALZZZ1]

Superb photography!

[@alexSpunkt.]

Nice! Good to see phil in a video 😂

[@phynx2006]

Phil Mcavity, isn't he part of the duo of Ben Dover and Phil Mcavity 🤣🤣🤣dam I haven't heard that one in a long time, I'm sure he's a Dentist. Great video and who doesn't love trees🌳🌲

[@juanitakelly3082]

I'm McCrackin' up over this one!! You do manage to find great supporting players!! Oh, and great tips and shots as well!!

[@M31glow]

Really liked this post!

[@mondohand71]

Great vid Gav. Even after shooting landscapes for several years, forest photography is a different Animal! Wonderful and informative. Looking forward to your next book!

[@jerrykita8767]

Gavin, one of your best.

[@beckyholub7467]

Stunning images!

[@janwilson9485]

Those photos were stunners!!

[@Kuvakone]

Just in time. After the sauna, a beer and a new episode to watch!

[@bradpeck1901]

omg that new character Phil McCavity is hilarious!

[@bradpeck1901]

he has kind of a mike meyers feel to himi

[@rolsonn]

spectacular images and phot tips. You sure do attract some "characters". I'm still laughing over Phil McCavity!

[@jkm8214]

Good content, inspiring photos

[@denisesavage2382]

that was some good fun with some great images for inspiration.

[@richardmitchell2257]

Haha ,I live in Alaska.I believe those were Moose droppings!!!!😅😅😅

[@Brian-qv1ir]

I'm going out now to try these tips. Thank you! Also I really appreciate that you took the time to find a less used angle of that tree at Fairy Lake.

[@Osselmd]

One of your best

[@ian-robinson]

Deliverance.

[@sergenicolas3571]

Wonderfull pictures 👍👍

[@chrisburnard5157]

Brilliant and as funny as ever, thank you.

[@Matthew_Tyler]

This episode is pure gold😭

[@mattthomas1547]

Fantastic images Gavin.

[@Arripa-777]

You are so talented !

[@fototripper]

Thank you

[@TheSpaniel1]

Great video as always Gavin, still howling at Phil 😂😂. Thanks for sharing

[@JasonLorette]

Now I want to go walk in the woods, lol. Have one of those pics in my home…great tips my friend! 📸😎

[@SimonLewis_photography]

Right up my street this one. Amazing set of images.

[@henrikmartensson2044]

Great video, as always! One thing I'd really like to see, is how to find great locations. I do location scouting, and I research locations on the Internet, but I feel I have a lot to learn in that area.

[@martinr5362]

Again, great humour besides very helpful content. Best regards to you and your very tolerant wife.

[@benruset]

You've been giving the Adam Gibbs KZbin Channel a run for educational knowledge lately!

[@halfdead422]

i am always on the look out for your book on the thrift store shelves like adam gibs always seems to find still no luck XD love the videos as always

[@PhotoTrekr]

Incredibly beautiful shots. I see a Book of Trees in your future. I looked for the lone tree on Fairy Lake, but couldn't find it. Wish I had made more time for Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. When I see your photos it inspires me to go out and try to get photos like these. Guess I need to work harder. 😃

[@philpetrie]

A beautiful set of Images at the end Gavin

[@mwe5398]

Best video for awhile! 👍👍

[@UKTeslaPicker]

Love the video, but would have loved the settings used for each shot as well :(

[@daveabernathey]

First like again! 3 weeks in a row! 😂😂

[@zuckshot]

Mr. McAughvity seems nice! Great info, you sure have a handle on that hard wood! lololol

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Great images and solid tips, Gavin. Except your first one: shooting upslope? I would shoot downslope if possible so that the ground rising behind the tree makes a better background than the sky. Shooting upslope seems to invite the sky, which you don't want (unless that sky is spectacular). In fact, given the choice, I crop the sky out altogether if at all possible or clone out gaps of sky in the branches. What say you? Thanks as always.

[@fototripper]

I think you might have misunderstood what I meant by 'upslope'. What you're describing is exactly what I meant. I hate sky gaps.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

@@fototripper thanks. I was thinking downslope as opposed to the "upslope" you described. British/American thing? 😆

[@powderedtoastman3093]

Gorgeous images

[@dougstroudphotography]

Wonderful video!

[@CraigWilkinsonsPhotography]

Great video with some really good tips

[@andrisstanga5938]

Nice one! But... I live in the Philippines. Primal woodland is rare in these islands and so much of the land here is developed for agriculture or other purposes. Then the other problems - coconut trees and the like don't go "gnarly". Some trees are not even trees (banana trees). And some look like giant ferns, and they get confused with the real giant ferns. And then there's the fact that there's no autumn here, no snow, and I'm yet to see a misty or foggy day here. Although there is a rainy season and so I could use that technique you suggested. Yes, trees are still nice here, but to photograph them and have photos you will be proud of and want to show off - that's a whole different story here. If I headed west on a Jet to Laos or Cambodia I am going to be more likely to find old growth trees that may be gnarly (some of the less visited temples in the Angkor Wat complex are famous for the old trees growing in or through them). But here... It's all young trees or older trees that are giant sticks (typical of coconut trees and papaya). I don't want to give up on the idea, because I did quite a lot of tree photographs when I was still living in England. But it's going to take a lot of trying out different ideas and experimenting.