Solving the Puzzle of Woodland Landscape Photography: Tips and Techniques

[@MichaelShainblum]

Want to learn more? Check out my new article 5 SIMPLE Tips for Capturing Woodland Photography. I cover some practical and mental tips for getting better images in forest scenes. Also you can see more high resolution images from this adventure. www.shainblumphoto.com/2023/03/20/fanal/

[@peterfritzphoto]

That shot of the group of trees at 7:24 is utterly gorgeous. I actually prefer it over the foggy version.

[@kerrygrim7934]

Wonderful images! I prefer sunrise to sunset for these reason: 1-the rest of the human world is in bed, less noise. 2-birds are more active, singing during morning. Even when fully involved in photography, my listening for bird song never stops. 3- usually less wind during morning. 4-I am not sure if I can accurately pinpoint this. Color seems better during morning…less pollution, but I may be imaging that. 5-blue hour light is more colorful during morning, at least to my eyes. Going from dark to light may make seeing the colors better than reverse. But again, am I imaging this?

[@KellyPettit]

I've said it before but you're my favorite photographer. You've got such an amazing eye and all your photos are beautiful. I also like the way you delivery your story on KZbin. Very clean and inspiring. Thank you.

[@charlesandaloro7709]

Less fog. The light was just right to make the color uniquely pleasing.

[@jimsmith556]

I'm a night owl and find it difficult to get up for sunrises. Such a lazy a**! The second composition with the foreground Y-shaped tree was so interesting. The gnarly tree at 5:45 was stunning! So much detail and separation! The trees at 7:30 are so unique! The composition with the fog the next day was fantastic!. That forest is full of wonderful shapes and trees! That reaching tree you found was wonderful! (11:00) Great video Michael!

[@danieldanahey9446]

Liked the pix with less fog…..the warm light was beautiful-in a subtle way….

[@denisbede3251]

Wow, you created so many beautiful images from that destination :O I would vote for the pictures with less fog. I love the foggy ones, but the pastel colours of the one on the left... absolutely brilliant!

[@navn9771]

I like all your photos. My request will be tell us, on both shooting photos and most likely editing it, because editing makes all photos alive.

[@klartext2225]

Always MORE fog - for me! Because I find special conditions in the weather more interesting, especially when it comes to woods. But this area is so great, I envy you. Nearly every tree worth a "single portrait" or "two shot". Good work!

[@Flanke111]

Fanal can be difficult and overwhelming and you definitely need time. I love all the photos and I have some of the same compositions, which makes me happy and proud..

[@eltinjones4542]

Lovely shots with both cameras 📷📷👍

[@nldazuu]

used to be more of a blue hour ‘sunset’ photographer, but midday with some good atmosphere and sunrise works well for me. Nice vlog as usual…. keep living the dream….

[@sloemo4024]

The film shot with the cow was by far my favorite. It made the scene feel much more unique and special.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Really glad you like that one, thanks so much!

[@Francisco.Rizzuti]

I never get tired of this dude

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you so much!

[@jimisfot9592]

Haha I can feel this hazy morning head 😁 your compositions are stunning Michael, I don't have words I just enjoy them!!

[@richardpesce5325]

The image with more fog. You are truly a master!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you so much!

[@seaberry6]

I am definitely more of an evening photographer. All my life I’ve been a night owl. I love your “thinking aloud” in your videos!

[@kencawley3121]

I prefer the one with one fog. Separates the trees nicely and gives the photo a nice mysterious feel.

[@Wklambert]

I do a lot of shoreline photography. Mornings (I am on the east coast) are best for me, for many reasons. Nothing better than a beautiful sunrise, and a crisp, clean, clear beach. I like the color I get in the evenings too, but I tend to focus on other subjects based on the time.

[@michaeljones6948]

Loved that shot at approximately at 5.50

[@AlastairMcIlrae-wy4ul]

Wow these photos are incredible, the color, the light, the composition, it's just all amazing.

[@amaitra]

More fog one! All pictures are great as usual!

[@MichaelShainblum]

thank you Amit!

[@dianecotton9531]

I love the trees with less fog, which is strange, but l love the colours & the lighting. The image with the single tree with the golden light is stunning! My other favourites are at 12:51 & 13:01.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

I can see plenty of compositions in this place. Wow

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

What a productive day!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks Michael! The images were captured over two days, but it really was quite productive either way. I am usually lucky to get 1 image in a day haha.

[@tonynewland8051]

You have a fantastic eye for landscape. Most of us would just walk straight past. Thx for your honesty and sharing your thought patterns in changing compositions and not getting caught up in one shot. Great video 🙂👍

[@bio7021]

I liked less fog. All beautiful photos

[@charleshodge1223]

Very inspiring video, and countless beautiful images, love the one at 12:49. But the three at 9:26,10:57, & 13:09 it's like you brought them to life like tree creatures out of Lord of the Rings. Brilliant & magical.

[@JonathanTrueman]

Beautifully composed pictures. I admire how you are able to isolate so well from such a busy background. I had not thought of isolation by wide angle! Thank you for sharing.

[@YevgenyKheifets]

Both images are interesting. The one with less fog is more compelling to me.

[@playhardbegood]

I'm definitely an evening type of person as well, I'm a bit foggy in the morning as well lol. Thanks for this walk through.

[@tompetersphotography]

Wonderful shot Michael, what a special location

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Those headless chicken moments are stressful Michael, and not always suitable for landscape photography. The foggy conditions can add a calming effect to the image, however this does not automatically apply to the photographer. Thanks again for sharing this amazing location Michael. Stay safe 🇦🇺

[@davebryer6133]

I loved the second shot, it looks like one tree has stabbed the other with a sword and it is falling back away from the sword. These trees have such an Ent quality to them, lovely images.

[@lyndapower9408]

LOVED EVERYTHING about this photography video - the stunning location,

[@lyndapower9408]

Beautiful photos and mystical atmosphere and even the music was mesmerizing. Both the foggy photos AND the ones with a clear atmosphere were lovely, but I think the ones without fog had a bit more punch. I am definitely more of an afternoon, twilight and night time / lowlight photographer , but I do sometimes get up before dawn to get the sunrises, but it's not so easy! Thanks for inspiring. - Lynda Power

[@markgubbins1958]

Wow !!! What a fantastic set of images. I prefer late afternoon till sunset photography. We have some awesome thunderstorms here in South Dakota, which are frequent in the afternoon, and I love the adventure of the storm chase.

[@alanclark9691]

'More fog' Michael. Some lovely shots in a wonderful location.

[@MichaelShainblum]

thanks so much Alan!

[@lubaortoleva9554]

love the foggy images, they hold the mysterious, wonderful feel, they are true art. the non foggy are more real, sunkidssed nature. but all are just beautiful!

[@michealpociecha8351]

Just breath taking photos. Love what you did with them. I like the one in the fog although they are both great. I’m with you….not an early riser. Thanks for the video. Excellent job.

[@paulg.2347]

Hi Michael i have seen many video of photographers taking shots in the Fanal forest .... Your photos are the best i have seen . Great job !

[@jvalenta47]

Beautiful pictures Michael. I admire your photography and videos. I like that mysterious foggy picture little better.

[@JJ-ef7lb]

Amazing. That one tree at first looked like a person and then from a different perspective looked like an animal sitting upright with its mouth open! Another cracking video. Thank you Sir!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you JJ!

[@Tpformanphotography]

I'm with you Michael...I'm more of a late afternoon and evening photographer.

[@altrujillo3566]

Beautiful video, Michael. Always a pleasure to watch one from you.

[@Petecycles]

Great insights, the fog adds so much depth. Makes me realise I need to invest more time scouting.

[@svetlanagrobman3476]

Great shots! As for your question, sunsets are definitely my thing 😊.

[@randallpeck6056]

Hey, I have a week booked in Madeira for October. Your images from Fanal Forest are the best I've seen. Thanks for the video.

[@sharynwest2944]

I like the images with the fog.

[@devin_starling]

Definitely the less fog. The vibrancy draws the eye to the top of the trees.

[@miguelmelchior986]

Its like they’re dancing on that one

[@mikehardy8247]

I agree

[@louisburley1597]

This is the kind of stuff that inspires me to go out and shoot. Thanks Michael! We gotta get you to +250k subs. Every one of these makes me go "I'd print that one in 20"x30" or larger".

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hopefully some day haha, my channel has been a bit stagnant lately. But hopefully I can gain a bit of traction. Thanks so much Louis!

[@Speedbird447]

Great video - loved the photographs with nice bright sun!

[@DavidMackenziekong]

Those trees are gnarly and cool looking. Sweet place to hunt shots🤙 Thanks man

[@andybusard6694]

Definitely not a sun riser myself. More later afternoon to blue hour here. You have some great photos here. I like the fog...

[@johncarnahan4067]

Brilliant video Michael and fantastic photos I prefer evening time. You got some very unique compositions thank you for sharing your video

[@JDon8110]

Wow Michael. Always amazing. To answer your question...Sunrise for me. Its hard to get up but I usually find its better for fog. And very quiet. Hard to get up, and you need a plan, but always worth it. Sunset is more relaxed and fun. but then can be a little more stressful coming back in the dark, especially when you hadn't planned to be out and not taken your torches 😬.

[@olliewatts]

Nice captures! Madeira really is a fantastic location - I look forward to visiting again ❤

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks Ollie!

[@motaztawfik]

Wonderful photos... beautiful. I am also definitely not a morning person 😃

[@DS-ke8pq]

Classic Shainblum, knocking out thoughtful classic images from a “not a morning photographer”, so suppose by contrast I’ve now become a “not an anytime photographer “. 😂👌👏👏👏

[@MichaelShainblum]

haha oh no, I am sure you are not giving yourself enough credit, but I really do appreciate the kind words!

[@andrewblock7118]

Just so good! Your eye and processing is so next level! Thanks for sharing!

[@anthonyross-fallon9624]

Hi Michael some great thoughts and information ,with to much fog you can lose some of the detail I personally find early morning is best less distractions and a real sense of peace!

[@dougheizenrader2280]

Beautiful video and images, as usual. As for me, I tend to get my best shots in the morning vs. the evening. I'm not really sure why, but suspect the transition from blue hour to golden hour stimulates my brain more than the other way around. Who knows!

[@VicenteGonzalezBravo]

Really beautiful images 👏🏼

[@ianbayley6092]

12:51 for me. Thank you Michael.

[@sookephotographyadventures]

Some really outstanding images, Michael! Every time I see a video from Madeira am always so impressed by those trees (and the wonderful foggy conditions). I really enjoy getting out for sunrise photography, as there are usually less people around and once I get going it’s a great way to start the day. Unfortunately, I often have difficulty dragging myself out of bed that early, so,end up shooting more sunsets!

[@caloy4573]

As if the amazing tree is taking a selfie! Beautiful.

[@davids2720]

Wow! Those trees were..... balletic. Of course they needed someone to interpret them, which you did exceptionally well, but still, amazing trees.

[@WilliamPatinoPhotography]

Oh yeah! Really nice stuff man. Looks like a fun session :)

[@axelmols1778]

I would say the left side image with less fog at 8:26 is the more interesting one, Michael. Why? Because I rarely see Madeira Fanal images like this ever! It's very unique. Fog is great but it's nice to have this kind of a diverse eye for photography! Great video!

[@OwenEDell]

Absolutely gorgeous images. What a fine outing! Me: morning person. Fog: yes. Thanks.

[@samwilson4012]

You really are the master of composition. Thank you so much for sharing - I always enjoy your videos

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you so much for the support Sam!

[@cougarkeeper0]

incredible images Michael! thanks for sharing!

[@madebyPure]

Wow, incredible images! Thank you for the advice too Michael

[@JohnKAdams-lp2ov]

The usual insightful content, Michael. Thank you!

[@ss9889]

Great video, Michael! So inspirational. Thanks for sharing!

[@rayspencer5025]

Some wonderful tree photos.

[@MichaelShainblum]

thank you!

[@wednesdaythroughthelens830]

Great advice around some lovely images. Thanks

[@paulfowler3416]

Very instructive and some of those shots are fantastic

[@janemetcalfe2393]

8.18 More fog!!! that one was superb

[@MichaelShainblum]

thank you Jane!

[@johnfalloon596]

Michael I have been there twice - incredibly beautiful scenery. Hope you can get to Cabo Girão - some of the highest cliffs in all of the EU!

[@martinbugel8190]

Amazing (as always). So talented

[@glenclarke1294]

Thank you very much. I think I prefer the one with less fog. I love the blue and yellow warmth together. Like a painting. Love so many of the compositions and how you developed a way to make the photographs. I think I need a wide angle ….. thanks again - Fab.

[@billmacier3703]

Beyond extraordinary! Love the way you showed the effects of fog and absence of fog. My vote on the one set of images the one without dense fog. I enjoyed the detail of these fabulous specimens.

[@ericthibaultphotographie]

Amazing video ... as painful as it is for me to get up (not much of a morning person as well) l do however enjoy and appreciate the peace, quiet and calmness that comes with the start of the day. I feel much more connected with nature. I do put more and more effort to do more sunrises than sunsets. And those afternoon naps get more and more refreshing ... lol

[@Anna-gg4xl]

I love your photos and these trees!!! What a fairytale place! Do you happen to know what kind they are? I love your unusual compositions! I’m like you…not a morning person. It takes me s while to wake up even with coffee. By the afternoon I’m ready to go! I love all of your work! Good idea to scout ahead of time.

[@bryanashford5118]

another great video great composition 1 with less fog for me

[@ronp4529]

so so beautiful, as always.

[@williamshakespeare9815]

Really enioyed this, thanks for sharing! So many of the trees looked like they had their own personalities

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@manueladurson701]

Truly phenomenal!

[@Izizizhus]

Having goosebumps seeing this woodland album. So many images touches my emotion, and even makes me cry. It reminds me again of how powerful photography can be, even just landscape! ❤

[@SteveWhite24]

You had a scene that had yourself in the video with the trees - like a selfie showing the scale of these large trees by having you in the frame. Great video Michael. Thank you. Has me wanting to wander around. Very inspiring.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you so much! I wish I had done a bit more filming like that during this adventure!

[@dsfarag]

You emphasis on taking time to scout and explore a small area instead of running all over the place is so important. Thanks for hitting on this so much!

[@barbarachamberlain6918]

The foggy version was slightly in the lead for me. So many beautiful shots and lovely background music!

[@berkletheclownsvideos2461]

I loved the images! Thanks for sharing.

[@thomasphillips5850]

Great video, I am a fan of the fog,but your picture where you wanted to know which I preferred. Very hard question because both shots had merit. Some I f the trees actually take on human expressions. Again great exposures thanks for sharing

[@ovidijuspocius6336]

breath taking, thanks for sharing.

[@patrickshepherd3262]

I really liked the way you worked your compositions. Excellent advice. My favorite 2 photos were the the tree with the branch on the right that grabs the viewer as well as frames a distant tree, and the one that has a u-shaped branch that frames a distant tree at 10:00 into video. Great video! Thanks.

[@charlenenagel7962]

Sunsets for me too! This is my favourite video of this location Michael. I love your story telling and images. My favourite image is the one at 11:00 - the tree looks like a mythical creature beseeching the fog to come closer - almost like it would rise up from its roots and walk. So cool!

[@cathymildenberger4877]

amazing images. I often see people figures in all those trees.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Too many awesome shots in here to keep commenting!