Nature Photography - Let the light call the shots

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

Three beautiful images and a masterclass on working a beach.

[@albertotafuro8730]

Completely agree with you!!

[@AliasJimWirth]

Yes indeed. Well put.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you! Cheers Brian.

[@WimHendrikx1]

The second one is indeed beautyful. And I think a black white version of it is allright too.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I'm not a big fan of black and white but I can see what you mean.

[@robertnystrom289]

That tufted grass image came out so much better than I expected (then again, yours always do!). The shells trigger an astronomical memory, galaxy style. Very nice. The sand image- I've seen that a number of times, but in my 7 decades on the beaches of NE USA, I've never caught more than just the faintest glimmer. It has eluded me- the fates have always conspired against me. It's now officially on my bucket list!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Robert. I did think the sand patterns could have been better, but they will certainly do for now. I had another comment below making reference to constellations.

[@TheDustyCamera-rg7wz]

Thank you for this inspiring and informational film. I struggle with composition and watching the way you see and compose is very helpful. Beautiful images.

[@AndyBanner]

I love visiting the beach and I have one just minutes from my doorstep. I often see patterns such as your second image but rarely find such clean ones. Three very pleasing images. Thank you.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

My patterns were the only ones I found on the entire beach that day.

[@larryrudnick1519]

Simon, you see images where very few others would. The snail shells are a prime example. Wonderful images!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Larry. It took a while to find that one!

[@billmacier3703]

Extraordinary shots. I found the shells quite special. What I like most in your narrative style is that you take us with you in detail through the thought process of discovery and selection. Finally you take us through execution and share the necessary details to possibly capture the same or similar shot for ourselves. Thanks

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I never really gave that much thought Bill, but I guess I do. Thank you.

[@sharondmeber3802]

Wonderful video😊 I absolutely adore the shells photo! So simple but beautiful ❤

[@andrewherbert9938]

You’re channel is fast becoming my favourite, really enjoyed this one , the first and last images are just superb , always impressed and inspired

[@nielsdaugaard4276]

Is my favourite too

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Great to hear that Andrew. Thanks for watching.

[@MegaSoundscapes]

Thankx for taking me out to the beach today ... lovely images ! ... need a tea now after this wind ;-) ....

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tonyutting6508]

That is a fantastic set of images Simon. All different but complimentary. Great work. Thanks for sharing

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers again Tony

[@liamblackphotography]

As always fantastic images Simon. The last one is spectacular.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many thanks Liam

[@IanElson28]

Wonderful video as usual, and those images, especially the shells were just beautiful.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Ian

[@RewDowns]

So many nuggets of wisdom here and once again beautiful photos. Keep up the great work!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@Hudson_Swan]

Another fantastic video Simon. I particularly liked the first landscape image. Beautiful light. Having watched lots of your videos now I'm pleased to say that my way of looking for subjects out in the field has changed. I'm a lot more careful and critical of compositions now and find myself working at a slower pace so, thank you for your inspiring work!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

That’s brilliant. Really pleased to have helped in some way.

[@speterlewis]

Beautiful, Simon. That first grass image reminded me of the wide grass shot from Harris. Loved the sandy closeups!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It has got a similar feel to the place. It just lacks mountains.

[@garyjames8147]

stunning images love the way you describe the layout and walk through the composition

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Gary. I think it's something I wish I would have had back in the day.

[@johncarnahan4067]

Hi Simon absolutely fantastic video all photos were beautiful for me the first one was my favourite thank you for sharing your video really enjoyed it

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you liked it John

[@Alseki7]

Great images. And that first composition I fear I would have just walked past heedless

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Perhaps you would have stopped in such good light. It seemed a hard one to miss.

[@karenbergmann209]

Love the first one! Stunning!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you Karen

[@davidskinner274]

Love the last image a lot, cheers, Simon

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers David

[@hughmccann7414]

Great video with loads of tips and advice for fellow togs. Great to see your landscape composition skills in play. I have to say Simon, the last image with the shells is superb. The composition and colours are just fantastic...so much detail and colour, your exposures must have been spot on.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Hugh. Not an easy find that last image, but well worth it.

[@nafs53]

This is about the fifth video I've seen of yours and they have been a wonderful learning experience along with fantastic images. I like the way you impart knowledge/information about the subjects you are photographing or even the settings in which you find them. The phrase:" Couldn't find anything to photograph!" ...don't think I can legitimately use that any more can I?🤔😃👍

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You certainly can't Nick. There's always something if you look hard enough.

[@charlesfarnell1127]

Thanks once again for another wonderful video. Three great images. I think the sand streams and snails sit well with each other .

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many thanks!

[@laisnebruno8372]

il love the second and and the third image, the second seems to be a paint with signature bottom right and on the third the shells looks like jewell, i think the first would be great in black and white. Good night.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for your comment and thoughts.

[@larrylindell1027]

Wonderful images and thoughts. Thanks for the video.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank for watching Larry

[@canuckdon]

Another winner, Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Don

[@davebenson1504]

Beautiful beach and so fortunate to have it all to yourself 🙂 the shell image is a WOW reveal....

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Dave. It was an easy shot once I'd found the darn thing.

[@jhmnieuwenhuis]

Thanks Simon, I feel like going to the see now. Very nice images.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Hans. Did you go?

[@johnpunnett1426]

For some reason I missed this one Simon. Lovely vlog & some superb images - love the lighting on the dune shot. Great to see you out & about on full hikes again - keep up the good work - John

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

They’re nearly always every two weeks John. New one out this coming Sunday. Cheers

[@johnpunnett1426]

@@SimonBoothPhotography of course... think it may have had something to do with my son's wedding getting in the way.... 😉

[@gingerspoons6078]

Truly fabulous to see your respect for your Photographic environment ❤ ✌️👍🙏

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you.

[@alexono88]

great photos! the wide angle one is my favourite

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It's a lump to carry that lens 😊

[@ivanstevens]

It just amazes me how you see compositions, especially the last one. Great images and thanks for sharing.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

it took a bit of searching for sure.

[@stephenhenson8274]

Simon, one of your best videos, the three images where Stunning, how you spot the composition in the first place is mind boggling, your a natural. Regards Stephen.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Stephen. I try to keep my eye in as much as possible.

[@stuartlauchlan7061]

Beautiful collection of images Simon and another great watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Stuart

[@bigcotty]

Superb video. I really enjoyed that and the recent work you have done on my local beach… it fires my inspiration to get the bag on my back and get out. We often overlook what we have on the door step as it becomes habit and uninspiring

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Have fun Steve and cheers.

[@SeanPepper672]

Fantastic imagery Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Sean

[@neilsmith8340]

As always, amazed at your ability to find order in the chaos, the shells in this case.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Neil

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Simon, good to see you back doing full landscapes again. Lovely set of three images there to complement one another… Especially like the macro shot of the sand trees. Almost looks like a lithography print. Lovely shots all well spotted. Well done mate! Keep up the good work Simon, speak soon. UN

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers buddy. Yes it was refreshing to do a vista for a change. Getting some practice in before Orkney 👍

[@laurataylor8919]

Love all of the images. The middle one reminds me of Egyptian hieroglyphic . Thanks

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

There's a thought?

[@thepiratecats801]

Love the shells image.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you

[@glynparry6598]

Will make a lovely triptych Simon as you intended. Well done

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

They do work well together don't they.

[@lookforbeauty1964]

I would title the second image as "The sand forest". It really looks like trees. Absolutely amazing picture, Simon !!!

[@pinkusmcduff]

My sentiment exactly.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Perhaps I will Jose.

[@robingrant8082]

To see the three images displayed together was a real treat Simon. Thank you and kind regards Robin

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You are most welcome Robin.

[@davidharle8794]

Another three great images Simon. Good to see you out and about again and looking well.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for that David.

[@denisesavage2382]

Beautiful set of images there Simon - I really like the simplicity of the one with the shells. Wonderful detail of the grains of sand, the colours and shapes couldn’t be better. Well done. Such a great morning to enjoy.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for watching again Denise :-)

[@alwynwilliams2661]

Yet another excellent informative film, you have a way explaining your method 2nd to none Oh! the images are good too😉more please

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

On the way Alwyn. Thank you.

[@ericdaglish490]

Really enjoy your videos Simon it never ceases to amaze me how you make the most simple looking subjects look so dramatic 👍

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I'm very fussy, which seems to help Eric.

[@johnpollock6996]

What a great video Simon. I'm ready for a day at the beach. My pick was Les Petits Escargots (with ample butter and garlic). Prior to showing the final product, you were setting and describing the larger scene. It hit me immediately that you had found a representation of the constellation Orion. The 3 smaller linear snails as his belt and the two to the left as Betelgeuse and Bellatrix, his shoulders. Alas, they did not make the crop. I really look forward to all of your films. They most certainly tell stories.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

So they did John. I wonder what I would have done had I noticed?

[@vaschro]

thanks Simon , lovely video and superb images , it strikes me that the shells composition would also work in a landscape orientation, I have dunes quite close to me and now I'll to go out and investigate!!. I came across your channel after TH mentioned it and since then you've become a staple and and I find your channel both motivating and inspiring

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad to hear that you are enjoying the channel John. Yes the composition would also work in square too I feel.

[@D0209962]

The process used for selecting each composition is fascinating. Nice video again.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@jorgeramirez1450]

Excellent video again Simon. Thank you. The first and the third images did talk to me. I love that you show your camera set up before you take the picture. Somehow, it makes me more comfortable when I try my luck. Thank you for the inspiration. We all appreciate it. In time I am confident you will have hundreds of thousands followers. Best.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Jorge. It would be nice to see the channel get larger, but it is slow. I hope you managed to get lucky with your search.

[@mawavoy]

Another wonderful set of images with accompanying descriptions. Thanks ☺️ 😊🙏🏿

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you like them Michael. Thanks

[@wwebbs-photographer]

Great images, great video. The beach has been my favorite place for photography for so long, but your photography truly is an inspiration.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Wow thank you.

[@philn1957]

Love the way you explain you're thought process, great images.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You are welcome Phil

[@everydaypatriot1083]

Nice work, Simon. Thanks for sharing your thought process for selecting compositions.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

No problem. Thank you.

[@alanevans9246]

Simon, great content, again I love the way you are just walking around in the environment given and seeing what beauty is there to capture. I am finding I truly like this type of photography myself as you never know what you may find? Every time out is an adventure. Sometimes you bring back a good image or three and many times you do not. Maybe that is just my eye missing something others might see…. But as my wife reminds me, it is about the adventure…. As always, keep snapping!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoy this approach Alan and your good lady is right...they always are aren't they!

[@tonygaskins565]

Another really enjoyable video Simon, with your usual excellent images to boot.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Tony

[@kathrynhall9920]

loved the images Simon and especially the shells. This has given me the motivation to go out and try.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Great to hear Kathryn.

[@janepordon7939]

Yes another inspiring video thank you. Must get a macro lens asap.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Don't blame me Jane :-)

[@stevehotshotsantini9777]

Like I've said before Simon, you're up there with the best YT photographers/vloggers, you should be very proud... These images as a set would look great anywhere, especially like a coastal visitor centre.... Thanks

[@stevehotshotsantini9777]

Thank you... I claim my prize....??? Not sure if this is you Simon..

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

@@stevehotshotsantini9777 Do not click the link Steve. It's a scam. I have reported and removed the user.

[@stevehotshotsantini9777]

@@SimonBoothPhotography thanks Simon..

[@bbrown6574]

Thank you for a inspirational film in seeing. Sand image was really different... carved by nature. Never thought about proportion of shadow to subject... always learn something from watching. Take care.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you. I must be running out of tips by now!

[@iaincphotography6051]

That was a quiet morning out Simon and with lovely results, the shot of the Rill marks looked like an enchanted forest.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Iain. I didn't know they were called that until my mother in law told me. She was a geology teacher.

[@Valentascream]

Hi Simon that shell image is simply superb my favourite one of the vlog to be honest, I never knew a trip to the beach could be so rewarding. I’ve always hesitated photos on beaches as don’t like the thought of sand blowing all over my equipment but I may change my mind now. Great to see you out and about very best wishes.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I'm still finding grains of sand everywhere :-)

[@jeffmaronphotography]

Hello Simon. This is the very first of your youtube videos I have watched and I absolutely love it! I can clearly see why you have chosen the compositions. I also enjoy the fact that your diverse in your photos both landscape and macro in this video. I have learnt a couple of tips in this video that will definitely help me with my photography. Very well done and thank you for sharing.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for watching the film and hopefully you have subscribed for more. Glad you liked it.

[@tonyhayes9827]

Great work as always. Love the triptych theme

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

They do work well together don't they.

[@derekskinner2048]

Thank you Simon.I love the first 2 images. The sand with the shells looks a bit too perfect for my taste.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It's funny conundrum isn't it. Had a I found one with a broken odd bit in the composition, people would have said I should have removed it.

[@banjobear1666]

I absolutely love that last image of the shells. I've been watching this channel for a long time, and your images just get better !

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I do feel like I see more year on year. Practice practice practice as they say!

[@nicodottaphoto]

Awesome 👏

[@rosssayer6524]

Really good viewing Simon, loved that image of the shells and the tree like streaks in the sand, very artistic 👏👏

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Nice one Ross, thanks

[@lorrainebooth4718]

Wow cracked it this time Simon, beautiful images ❤

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

About time 😂

[@jamesmcmullan7921]

Great video Simon, loved all three images.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks James

[@markbray3038]

Stunning, another Master class thanks Simon. I enjoy your images and very helpful style of video's.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many thanks Mark

[@bendale1732]

Fantastic work and beautiful images. I particularly love the first and last images

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Ben

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

one word - masterclass

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

That's very kind of you.

[@rodredhead2405]

Nice set Simon 👌 pleased to see you looking so well. Rodders 👍

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Rodders

[@darrenleigh201]

Lovely trio of pictures! Thanks for sharing!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you

[@altrujillo3566]

Excellent video, Simon. My first thought when you were setting up for your third image was 'how could you possibly make something out of that?' But as always, you continue to surprise. Individually each is nice image but arranged as a triptych they work very well together.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Al. I wondered how they would look as a three too, but they seemed to work well together.

[@angelaoneill51]

3 lovely images Simon. I shall explore the beach more thoroughly next time I visit. Thank you.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Pick a small area and work it. It's surprising what there is.

[@angelaoneill51]

@@SimonBoothPhotography thank you 🙏🏻

[@AliasJimWirth]

Most enjoyable and educational. I like the images.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Jim

[@grantnewton5705]

Great images in some testing conditions, Simon ….. the wind is never easy!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Certainly not where sound is concerned :-)

[@JaypeaFoto]

Love ❤the last shot. Too bad the top one would have a little more detail. Love the curve of the shells.

[@blivieriphoto]

Beautiful Simon! I always learn something new when watching you. Never thought of the shadow length rule. Loved all the images, but those shells at the end were fantastic!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks you so much Barbara. I heard your name mentioned on F-stop, collaborate and listen this week. Great show.

[@blivieriphoto]

@@SimonBoothPhotography Really? Uh ohhh, wonder what I did to deserve that. lol I guess I'll have to listen and find out for myself.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

@@blivieriphoto I got the feeling you’d joined Patreon.

[@blivieriphoto]

@@SimonBoothPhotography Ahhhh, right. Yes, I joined his Patreon a few years back but recently upgraded to a higher tier so I could listen to a "members only" interview. Mystery solved! 😁

[@mortenthorpe]

Indeed! I pretty much increased the number of outings with all of my regular gear, where I don’t even bother to get it out of the backpack… because I’ve gotten better at judging the lighting in the scene, and the potential image… too often it won’t work…. Commonly in harsh daytime sunlight

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It's often as much about the experience of being out and looking/observing.

[@barryconway]

Thanks for taking us with you - I'd love to be walking on a quiet beach with my camera. Or without, frankly. Sadly, although another town lays claim to the 'official title', I really am about as far from the 'seaside' as you can get in this country! I enjoyed all three images, and wondered - with all three - whether they might not work well as mono images. Cheers. Also, 9am on a Sunday? There really, really ought to be bacon sandwiches provided. Perhaps a Patreon level? ((o;

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Your comment made me chuckle Barry. I'm afraid if it was a bacon butty form me, it would have to be plant based.

[@fernanddurler4709]

Hi Simon..thx for your inspiration and super presentations…great work.! I am an old Pentax lover and wandered if you rate the k1 mark 2 as a good choice to get going again after 25 years of not touching a camera ? I AM NOT TOO TECHNICALLY INCLINED AND FEAR HAVING TO SPEND TOO MUCH ON POST PRODUCTION GADGETS TO HANDLE THE GORGEOUS MEDIUM FORMAT WHICH I ADORE

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hello. I’m afraid I have no experience with other Pentax models. To be honest, the move to the MF from Canon was pretty seamless and didn’t really increase my costs beyond changing the camera system. It is very heavy by comparison though.

[@wudl83]

Wonderful image at 26:55

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you

[@JeffJolly1]

Another three great images and useful photography tips 👍 The one of the sand could be a picture of an alien world! Were you tempted to try and get any photos at the red squirrel sanctuary which from the look of where you seem to be is not a million miles away.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Jeff. I think they've lost all the squirrels. I can't remember if they died or the took them into captivity. I don't really have the enthusiasm for wildlife photography anymore. It got up and left for some reason?

[@AndiBlair1492]

Excellent as always. Is that Formby?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It was Andi, cheers.

[@RewDowns]

Simon, you mentioned your general rule of thumb about modeling light and how it should be longer than an object's shadow, but what about overcast light?...why would it be better than harsh sunlight that has shorter shadows?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Harsh sunlight produces very dark shadows and therefore high contrast and scenes that are difficult to control. The shadow formed earlier and later in the day are softer and allow more detail to be seen in those dark areas.

[@RewDowns]

@@SimonBoothPhotography That makes perfect sense, thanks!

[@JoeValencia32]

Simon - once again, outstanding video. I have a question - you mentioned that you were waiting for "flat light" when shooting the water grooves and later how you will use your shadow to "create" flat light sometimes. Do you ever carry a diffuser/reflector with you? I have a collapsible round one that I carry with me, at times, so that I have the ability to diffuse light, on-demand. I will also use the reflector sometimes to get some light into shadows when doing close-up work in the field. What are your thoughts?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Joe I do. I did mention that in the film in that it was too windy to use mine. Mine is just a white sheet of linen. You can see it in action this video of mine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGrWn4J5nMh_iNE Often my subjects demand the light to be diffused over a sizeable area, so the pop up ones are just too big to carry. My sheet just scrunches up. They all have pro’s and con’s

[@neilcole3406]

Great location , loved the shots Simon, you wasn’t tempted to go for a paddle then?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Not on that occasion. You have to walk out three miles to get your ankles wet!

[@ryanmsanderson]

Hi Simon, great images as always! I have minimal macro experience so sorry if this is a poor question - in theory on the last image could you utilize a flash and narrower aperture to get everything in focus in one shot?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

That’s a very big question. You can always use flash as the primary light source but you would need more than one gun to get good light with modelling (shadows). A single light would create either very flat light (flash direct overhead the subject) or with a harsh shadow (with the flash off to one side). Flash can also used to fill in harsh shadows. However, in this instance I had ample ambient light to stop the lens down to the smallest aperture. I choose not to because I would rather shoot with an aperture where the lens is at its most sharp and do two shot blend. To be fair, f14 covers it pretty well as a single shot. Had I used a smaller aperture instead, detraction becomes a problem, which I would rather avoid.

[@altrujillo3566]

Simon...didn't know how to send you a private message but I wanted to let you know that you've been hacked. Same message that Thomas Heaton's website sent out when he was hacked a few weeks back (telling people they've won something and asking for a direct reply to claim prizes).

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Al, I’d seen the messages and reported it. Plus I blocked the account. I’m not sure I’ve heard the last of it.