Nature Photography - Poor Weather Conditions = Great Opportunities

A forecast of poor conditions for are definitely not the time to plan your next day in bed, if like me, you regularly like to indulge in nature photography. Poor conditions provide great opportunities to get out and scout for the days when the conditions are much better. In this video I go in the pouring rain and strong wind to see what nature might place across my path. During the session I find a beautiful composition for a future visit, shoot three wonderful intimate landscapes and do a spot of wildlife tracking at the same time.
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[@wimvandaalen954]

Hi Simon, what a coincidence! I just came back from a walk in heavy rainy conditions and a lot of wind, also looking for compositions. And now warming up a little and watching your video. This morning I did not get my all my gear with me, but your film inspires me to go back and give it a try!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

To be fair, having this channel does make me turn up to the table, week after week, even when the conditions are poor and over time, I think it has enabled me to see better. It's a good practice.

[@JaypeaFoto]

Love the second and third picture. You said on the second photo that you didn’t like the space on the right. I like it. It breaks up the space a bit. Nicely done as always. I love your knowledge on plants, trees and poop. You really know your …., lol

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It does help to know the subject. I feel it helps me find opportunities.

[@davidskinner274]

Great shots, thanks Simon

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many thanks David

[@wimscheenen3535]

A truly inspirational video. Your last image of the water is fabulous, it almost looks like a painting. Once again, thank you for sharing.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

My pleasure Wim 😊

[@jimsjourney3926]

Absolutely fabulous images and a total joy to watch thank you.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You still in bed Jim? I am!

[@vlaney21]

Simon, I love your enthusiasm about getting out to photograph, no matter what the conditions are! I really liked your small scenes in this video (but, what else is new....you always choose great compostions). I also appreciate your knowldege on the wildlife.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

KZbin certainly makes me show up Valerie. Thank you.

[@Trish12303]

Beautiful images as always Simon!! Thanks for taking us along!!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Patty

[@wajidqureshi4105]

Wonderful images....especially of the beech leaves and moss....I really enjoy taking photos after the rain...the colours really come out ..thanks for sharing your experience...your videos always motivates me to explore more the local woodlands.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many thanks again for your comment Wajid.

[@cara1067]

Loved all images. 1 mosses. 2 fungi. 3 water. Great about the poo.👍

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Interesting Cara. 1 fungi, 2 water and 3 the moss.

[@lorrainebooth4718]

Lovely images, especially the little mushrooms 😊

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Gorgeous wasn't it! x

[@peetje28021970]

Beautiful images, especially the water one.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@andy65ify]

truly inspirational Simon, you are creating some amazing work 🙌

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Andrew.

[@pictie]

That looked like a very productive day and vary nice job on the photos . I really like the way you shot that dirty looking water and made it interesting I usually just keep walking but you showed me it can be shot and look nice .

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I've come to learn that there is nearly always something to shoot if you look hard enough.

[@SeanPepper672]

Some great images Simon. I know you were fussed on the heaviness of the moss but I like it.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It was OK but it's not one I will go on to remember. Thanks Sean

[@davebenson1504]

nice advice on "focus breathing" and the motion of your artificial light... the imperfections in the mushrooms are unfortunate on one side, but truly realistic on the other... 🙂 Thank you for sharing Simon 🙂

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for watching Dave. Glad you found that little tip useful too.

[@andymiles5156]

Wow, beautiful images Simon, you really demonstrate you can get lovely images whatever the weather.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

KZbin certainly makes me work harder Andy.

[@PhutureproofUK]

The water shot is very beautiful. I love the fact that you go out in ‘normal’ (ie dull) British conditions at seemingly normal (ie not 4am) times of the day. It seems more attainable to people like me who’s hobby, rather than profession, is photography.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I'm like you Richard. I have to fit it all in around work.

[@charlesfarnell1127]

Three extremely strong images, but your handling of the water gets my vote. Thanks once again Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Charles. It's always nice to get the three on the day.

[@janwilson9485]

Lovely images - very motivating! Thanks

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you.

[@johndaviddukejr2325]

I can't tell you how much I appreciated the detailed description of the composition-building process. That was so very helpful. The process for the turbulent water was most helpful, but my favorite photograph is the moss through the beech leaves. [ member comment ]

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you got so much from it David. Sorry for my slow reply

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

great stuff as always Simon :-) your forest floor scenes really resonate with me. I'm disabled and spend most of my time staring at my feet while walking in trickier locations and really enjoy finding small cameos that would otherwise be missed. i love that green starry moss which is abundant in my local patch of woodland. a small led light is also a valuable member of kit in my bag

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Yes there is far more accessible aspects of nature than people think. Going on a long hike just for a photo doesn't have to be the only way to get one.

[@derekskinner2048]

Thank you Simon; 3 contrasting images. The only photography channel where you can learn about poo - thank you.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I'm good for something eh 😂

[@MegaSoundscapes]

You always proof that excellent photos can be taken anytime anywhere Simon. I love the water photo, it almost looks like a painting, lovely colors. thankx for the video !

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Herbert.

[@chrisburnard5157]

Thank you Simon. Every video you produce is very inspirational to me and very much appreciated.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Chris, that's great to hear.

[@markbray3038]

Its not often I like a water image, yours has been done so well. Great video Simon thanks.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Mark. I think we have to try and inject something else into the mix for them to work, otherwise it's just water, which is why I expect you're not keen on them when you see them.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Love the mushroom on the right of the final tryptic. The reflections of the sky on their shiny surface is a nice detail. Lovely images!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Brian

[@terryallen6688]

Those mushrooms are lovely, flaws and all. What a wonderful composition.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Terry

[@davidharle8794]

Another triumph of composition and clever vision. I loved the fungi shot, and I don't think a little of nature's imperfection spoils the shot in any way. Great compositions, as always.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks David. I also don't have a problem with the splits in the caps. It's how it is sometimes, but I didn't think it spoiled the overall feel of the image.

[@f4.therapy]

That final image of the wee waterfall Simon, blew me away! So good, such a nice painterly effect, perfect shot! 😊

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks David. Just a shame the commentary went missing eh!

[@stuartlauchlan7061]

Really does go to show that no matter what the weather, you should always try to head out and emerse yourself in nature. Inspirational video once again Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Absolutely. If you don't go out, you will never get lucky.

[@robiniapseudoacacia]

Simon you really have the most amazing eye for a composition and look at them in such minute detail. It is really inspiring. Thankyou for taking the time.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you so much 😀

[@davidpearson3579]

Glad the weather doesn't dampen your motivation Simon. Great insight into finding compositions on a bleak day and with spring not to far away it's nice to find colour in the woodlands. Lovely images as always.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks David. KZbin certainly makes me work harder. It's good for me in some ways.

[@cliffkinchphotography]

Love the mushrooms, the split adds to that real feel of nature in my eyes. Another great video Simon!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Cliff

[@grahamhicks7835]

Simon that last water image is outstanding, what a composition

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I must have walked past it a dozen times prior to this :-)

[@steventaylor1649]

3 great images and a pile of inspiration to get out there in these grotty weather conditions - Thanks Simon!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

And still it goes on Steven!

[@hramakrishnaiah413]

Amazing first image, stunning details! It is another world, a celebration of life.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

There's so much that we don't see!

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Simon I just love that image of the moss and the leaves,sublime! Thanks for sharing

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers John

[@valerievaleriem1769]

Three lovely images, but my favourite must be the last one, the water going over the rock. i would be really proud to hang something like that on my wall. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos and to explain exactly what you are doing.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You are most welcome Valerie. Thanks for continuing to watch the channel.

[@hecciethump]

Thank you Simon. Love the images and the presentation style - the deep understanding of the nature around you coupled with the technical aspects of photography to produce great images. Love it.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Heccie

[@McKinnellPhotography]

Another great video Simon. I particularly enjoyed the image of the Haircap Moss, and the explanation of the process you used. Inspirational and educational as always. Thank You!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You are welcome Steve

[@WimHendrikx1]

The photo with the water , the rock partie is like a men's face. So beautyful.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It does have a face like look about it!

[@christianpatton1852]

Some very very beautiful images Simon and a very inspirational video loved watching and learning thank you for sharing!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Christian

[@albertotafuro8730]

.....three wonderful shots!!, it's very hard to me choose the best one!!...great Simon

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Alberto. I'm the same. Not easy to pick a winner or loser this week.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Good and useful tips as always, Simon. I really like that abstract image of rock and water a lot. Thanks for sharing all of the images and the thought process behind each one.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You are most welcome Jim

[@steffenandersensahl9443]

Very good video Simon! We all love when we go out and have magical conditions, but 99% of the time, the weather and conditions are what they are. So it is inspiring to see you on days like that getting beautiful images, and making observations like the deer that had been digging for something to eat :-).

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for watching Steffen. I reckon most of outings are in poor conditions, but you just have to make it work as best you can.

[@clivewoolley4492]

The fungi and water does it for me great stuff.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Me too Clive. I'm not as please with the moss shot.

[@suerowlands1457]

Such beautiful images. Your attention to detail is incredible. Out of the three, the water is my favourite. They are all amazing though.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Su. That's very kind of you.

[@johnpollock6996]

Another great production Simon. I particularly liked the small mushrooms on the tree. That fallen beech should provide shots of mushroom and other fungi for decades to come. I shall stayed tuned.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You're right John, I'm sure it will. There is porcelain fungi in that area too and they do like beech trees.

[@hugovangool]

Really like the the second image. Thank you for all the tips you share in this Vlog. Hopefully it Beringstraat my own photography to an higher level.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I hope so Hugo. Glad to be able to offer some help.

[@denisesavage2382]

Nice set of images there Simon - I really like the second one! The detail and contrast is just so beautiful. Goes to show that getting out on even the worst of days can yield something beautiful. Good on you!

[@denisesavage2382]

Oh, I also saw some animal poop while out on a walk today. It was cubed and knew exactly what it was. Wombat . . . .thought of you immediately!!!! Hahahah.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Denise and I am so pleased that poo reminds you of me. My life feels complete now 😂 Thanks for watching again.

[@iaincphotography6051]

Great shots Simon, on what was not one of the best days.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Yes, KZbin certainly makes me show up.

[@glenhopes8233]

Beautiful shots Simon, you are truly a master of the art.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It's a great way to relax and observe nature.

[@eefvelthorst4127]

Dear Simon, Again a great vlog. I admire the calmless and serenity in/of your vlogs. Explanation of the choices you made are crystal clear and the love of the landscape photography- profession is clearly audible and visible. Together with the knowledge of the profession makes these vlogs great. The fungi shot is very nice. Please, go on this way.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for those kind words Eef.

[@frank-gohde]

Really Beautiful Images Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers for that frank

[@jillbaxter4533]

Beautiful images Simon. The water one wins for me but they are all very good. Living here in hilly Edinburgh I'd never go out if I waited for a calm non rainy day! Thank you for sharing.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It's done nothing but rain here since Jill, apart form one day of snow in the local hills.

[@brianloranger5425]

Fantastic compositions!

[@billmacier3703]

Thanks for the inspiration to still go out in inclement weather. Loved the moss and beech leafs shot. I often use led lights to lift some shadows and will have to try some continuous movement of the light in certain situations.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You are welcome Bill

[@charlenenagel7962]

Beautiful images Simon! I especially like the way the little waterfall turned out. Also I'm particularly impressed by the way you got your rear lens cap to jump up into your hand when putting your camera back into the bag! 🙂

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Someone has been paying attention 😂.

[@glynparry6598]

Thank you Simon. Lovely images as always 😊

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Gly

[@JeffJolly1]

Superb images from rather less than superb conditions! 👍

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It was pretty dull out there Jeff.

[@rodredhead2405]

Superb again Simon. Keep them coming. Rodders 👍.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Will do Rodders 👍

[@colinjamesphoto]

Solid shots and really inspiring video, particularly like the shrooms they really pop with the light tip you gave

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Colin

[@robingrant8082]

Thank you for another great video Simon. In the waterfall image I can see the profile of a pixies craggy face created by the outline of the dark area. Perhaps he was taking drink. 🤔 Best regards Robin

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

i saw that too when you mentioned it, thank you.

[@thepiratecats801]

Love that fungi photo. Beautiful.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you

[@alanevans9246]

Simon, Happy New Year! Love your images and your channel. Looking forward to what you bring forward in the coming year…. As always, keep snapping!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Happy New Year to you too Alan.

[@oneminutebugs]

Beautiful images Simon! I think my favourite is the little mushrooms.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting. It was a great find on the day!

[@therightfoot81]

Hello Simon, happy new year to you. Love the images particularly the one with the moss. I shot a very similar image last year and although I liked I wasn't to sure how other people would view it. The little waterfall image is stunningly brilliant. Looking forward to you sharing your stuff in 2023. Thanks Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you so much for watching and for your comments over the last year.

[@Ruscombephotos]

Thanks Simon! In your first piece to camera, holding the umbrella, with your tripod leant against what I think was a beech tree, there were two branches coming out to the right of that tree (your left) and both going up slightly in the same way, along with another branch in the distance that formed a sort of triangle and closer to the beech trunk that looked like it might have potential under different conditions - at least on video. It may look totally different at the scene. I loved the photographs, especially the last water one, which looked incredible when presented in a mount. I really liked the mushroom ones too, and the stars in the moss are wonderful.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I went back last week and had a look at those trees. I'm not sure if I'm honest. They do look better in 2D. Thanks for your observations and for watching.

[@evgenygorshkov9893]

Hi Simon ! Great video ! Beautiful photos !!! Best regards Evgeny !!!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Evgeny

[@sarkarpappu]

Loved it as always. Good work Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Pappu

[@rakeshnambiar1897]

Awosome Shots 👌👌👌👌

[@speterlewis]

The opening weather info sounds like a typical summer-day forecast in Maine, LOL. As always, I love to learn from you and see your process. And I'm wondering if anyone else instantly saw the profile of a man with his mouth open, a strong chin, and a pointy nose wearing a hat in that waterfall image. (BTW, when I'm eating, I'm ONLY eating.)

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

A few people saw that face Peter in a few different forms. I didn't notice any such thing on the day. Sorry for my slow reply. I missed this one!

[@selkiid8258]

Inspiring!

[@rickgovek2715]

Great video, Simon! Keep it up.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Will do Rick

[@imagesbirds5066]

Thanks again for the great video Simon! It's funny. I myself would have preferred to have a little more reflection on the beech leaves and the water a little less blurry, but your images work out just perfectly. My favourite are the mushrooms, though.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Shutter speed and water a very subjective indeed. Thank you.

[@bossofthemoss450]

I’m blown away by the difference stacking makes to your images that, at first glance, have such a shallow dof. Great work Simon 👍👏👏

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Ian. Digital has really made a difference hasn't it! I could never have done this with slide film.

[@siofna9709]

Many thanks for eye opening. We have nearly the same weather conditons here in Bavaria :-).

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It's still pretty murky here right now. Nothing much has changed at all.

[@allanternent8862]

Nice Simon

[@rokpodlogar6062]

I really love the colors on the mushrooms. Did you only warm it up or did you have to go with HSL?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I used the HSL on this one Rok

[@treyfoerster6468]

A wonderful informative vid, and I just followed you on VERO!

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

The important question is… does a bear poo in the woods? Very informative as always Simon, intricate composition finding which many would miss. Hope all is well 👍😬😬

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I expect so! Thanks for watching James and for leaving a comment. I see you dropped one today (a film that is) and I have time to watch a bit of telly for once. I'm going to hop over right now.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

@@SimonBoothPhotography Thanks Simon, I expect it’s not your chosen genre but hop over anyway👍

[@northstarcreative]

I would have just stuck a leaf in there if it bothered me that much, but I know this would affect your integrity Simon, so I understand. The image was great anyway 😊

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I not very adept at crafting images by placing things in. They always look false when I have tried it.

[@peterwideman1425]

Lovely images as always and from the start of your video it sounds like your just down the road from where I live....Cannock Chase is my local go-to woodland area.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Peter. I’m quite a way off though. I’m in Lancashire.

[@peterwideman1425]

@@SimonBoothPhotography ah, I was thinking Longton in Stoke maybe.

[@Bujia.]

Nice images Simon! I have months struggling with my woodland photography due to my compositions...For me is so hard to nail a good one if there´s no fog or something. Another issue is the sky...I hate include the sky in my woodland photos but is so hard for me... Had seen all your videos cause you are so calm and analytic photographer. I will keep trying because is the only way to achieve the desired result. Caught my attention you did not the photo to that beautiful felt tree, that´s teach me something important. Thank you and cheers from Spain!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you Edwardo. I too have frustrations but I always remind myself that sooner or later, a great image will reveal itself to me. All my years behind the camera has taught me this.

[@jorgeramirez1450]

Excellent video Simon. You should (and in time I believe you will) have a million followers. Thank you four your efforts. We all appreciated them.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

I wish I had your optimism Jorge. Thanks all the same, that's very kind of you.

[@johndonegan8110]

Nice video thanks. Most of the video was a bit dark IMHO. Hard to view on a phone in medium bright conditions

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

That’s how it was John. Dull dull dull.

[@phototheka]

U doing Good job 👏

[@everydaypatriot1083]

The featured images are crackers all. Well done, my friend.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you so much.

[@cgriggsiv]

Awesome shots by the way I have the Pentax k10d Also the Pentax k70 And the Pentax x-5 And for film the RICO quickshot 2 which is also made by pentex

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

And I bet they all weigh less than the 645Z combined. What a big lump it is!

[@cgriggsiv]

@@SimonBoothPhotography But in the right-hand for photographs are absolutely gorgeous

[@mikesphotography7185]

Hi Simon Your woodland photography is getting more like Andrew banners or is it the other way round? great on detail some really nice shots. keep up the good work.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

It must be the other way around. I’ve never heard the name before?

[@mikesphotography7185]

@@SimonBoothPhotography Check him out.

[@robertnystrom289]

Fungi for me! Deer it is- the poo has spoken!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hasn't it just!

[@thomastuorto9929]

Surprised you don't have your camera pack listed in your equipment list.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

No Thomas, sorry. I struggle to keep up with the website, plus I don't have any affiliation with the brand. It's a Shimoda if you were interested and hadn't realised.

[@cgriggsiv]

Which Pentax is at It looks like a Z645 but I could be completely wrong

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Yes, it’s the 645z. It produces lovely results but Pentax really should do an upgrade. Or at least let the world know if it discontinued.

[@cgriggsiv]

@@SimonBoothPhotography The only upgrade I know of is the Pentax k1 Mark 3 which is still a mirrorless camera