The ONE THING most landscape photographers DO WRONG

[@EmilWall]

I love how this video is all about mindfulness without ever using that word. Will definitely approach photography a tiny bit differently after having watched this. Thanks Nigel and Pebbles!

[@ericoconnor5416]

A pro tip that you could have added is that everyone needs to get a dog like Pebbles who will scout out those stunning compositions for you.

[@NigelDanson]

Ha ha

[@docharisht]

Agree

[@barrysbackcountryadventure562]

My dog knocked over my tripod twice last week in the same shoot Therefore he isn’t coming along with me anymore

[@soffici1]

@@barrysbackcountryadventure562I’d leave the tripod home, instead. Just sayin’…

[@lsvisualart1051]

All though I agree with you on the observing to familiarize yourself with the location and thinking of what to shoot, I don't think you should have your camera in a bag, and I always take it out as soon as I exit the car. James Popsys in his video from yesterday has demonstrated the reason why, but in short; I think you could miss an opportunistic shot when your camera is in the bag and you have to struggle to get it out of there, turn it on and maybe the weather and lightning have then changed and the chance is gone for good.

[@Skye_the_toller]

Thé point is more : how many of those « opportunities « are really great photos you will keep…. 🙄

[@lsvisualart1051]

@@Skye_the_toller It comes down to preference, and my comment merely stated my reasoning for preferring to keep my camera accessible. I agreed with all the rest. So no need to be so snarky. Have a great day!

[@Joseph-iu6ip]

I alway hike with my camera in the bag, mostly because I’ve tripped and fallen too many time to count and if I had it out that would have been the end of it.

[@martinpickard5818]

That’s ok if you have the correct lens on and the weather permits.I also like to keep my gear as safe as possible and for me to have my hands free for my safety…..also the chances are if that moment is that fleeting then the chances of a keeper composition is small…..

[@johntravena119]

If you're a bird & wildlife photographer it's probably not great advice but I can see how being present would be more important for a landscape photographer.

[@jamesvoiss7122]

The way you walk us through your thought process is so helpful. You are a terrific teacher.

[@gerryboyd178]

I find especially with a sunrise or sunset that I go to an area with a particular idea in mind then get there to see something happening with the light, reflections and so on that changes my plan there and then

[@brianmcguire979]

Good points as usual. Just realized why Pebbles is always looking, and sniffing around; he's trying to find who you're talking to...

[@AdamMatthewsPhotography]

I really appreciated hearing more of your thought process as you're out in the field. Not that your technical or post-processing tips aren't fantastic as well, but being "along for the ride" as you basically thought out loud this whole video was tremendous.

[@justnoted2995]

What stands out for me is the serenity of the environ, Pebbles hoppin' and boppin' about, and your comments from your nicely contrasted red jacket 💚🤍🤎

[@SentinentCoffee]

Just had a years Corona break from photography. Just so good to watch a video like this to get my eyes dialed in again for landscape compositions.

[@chadroberts44]

I'll give you a thumbs up on this one. I like the way you described your thought process and then showed it with your phone. Makes it easier to understand and visualize.

[@marycarron5118]

This is a real master class on how to make a good image. I am always more likely to try to shoot 10 images and hope for the best. I usually don't manage to get anything worthwhile. I'm going to try this approach. Once again, thanks so much Nigel, I love your teaching style and content.

[@thomassorensen9749]

You know that's so true, we miss a lot by jumping right in, I kept seeing one shot that you seemed to over look, especially because of the sharp contrast. Maybe you got a shot that wasn't in your video but your companion with the fall colors, thank you Pebbles!

[@SchatzFamilyHF]

Love your videos like this one that explain the thought process before the camera ever comes out of the bag. Also the attitude of slowing down and relishing the process. Just wonderful.

[@norfener]

I love trees, and I love to try and take photos of them. Problem is, like those two oak trees, they are always in a messy environment and it's hard to separate them out from the background. Hopefully I'll get there in the end.

[@GkPhotographic]

probably the one thing iv taken from your adventures is to "Slow Down" , its amazing how this one thing has improved my eye for a better composition , your content is not only a learning experience but with easy listing music and your calm description's makes a great viewing experience . here is south Dublin , the Autumn is late and the colour tones are not in sync . Happy Samhain on this sunset we light a fire to remember our ancestors . stay safe

[@pcfreak1992]

Great advice! I have to agree that using your phone as a "compositional viewfinder" is a great way to find a good composition without already being fixated on your camera. It feels a bit like the 21st century version of using your hands to frame the image 😀

[@xGSTQ]

Love the chase, grasses by the stepping stones caught my eye too.

[@markgerow9932]

Of course, all your videos are great - as are the master classes. But this is one of your best videos, IMHO, because it gets to the heart of how to see and compose. I know I will keep coming back to this one over and over. THANK YOU!

[@shengyetang7220]

Thanks for bringing us such beautiful nature scenes. I can feel the wind touch my face through your photos.

[@SteveZodiac777]

Great stuff Nigel! I find woodland photography to be most challenging - just too much chaos. Your tips are very welcome!

[@martharetallick204]

That's why I like to shoot nature closeups.

[@johnpollock6996]

This was such a useful video for someone who lives where woodlands are esthetically challenged. Perhaps the story of the pair of Silver Birches at 23:54 is the long vertical split in the bark of the center tree. It looks like healing from a lightning strike, an event that often kills the tree.

[@josephschimmer302]

You’re such a great teacher, Nigel! I am not into landscape photography at all - and still there is so much to learn from your examples! Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@leonardbertaux6897]

Totally true, recently took a tour through Lower Antelope Canyon in AZ and there you always need to remember the best composition may be behind you.

[@michaelarguelles9093]

I always love to hear your explanation about photography. Thank you! A big fan of yours!

[@robertgrenader858]

Back in the day, I would carry a 35mm slide mount to preview layouts and composition before I committed it to film. Beautiful images, I love how you pull landscape details out of the chaos.

[@gretchencole296]

Me too Robert Grenader

[@markwalker7476]

Thank you Nigel, so very helpful. I am a beginner photographer since March and I am so grateful for your videos. Trying to visualize a composition is difficult for me and these 3 tips will definitely help me take the time and have patience to find the beautiful compositions like your photos.

[@petemellows]

I had a group shot on a nature trail yesterday and your composition tips came in extremely useful in the set up phase. I was able to concentrate on getting the lighting right without needing to worry about where I was going to set up. Another invaluable piece of advice. Thank you.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Always good advice I take way to many photos I want to take less next year

[@keithtruman7422]

The shot at Min 19 is superb Nigel

[@epeets11]

Great tips Nigel. Pebbles is a funny contrast in this video - peaceful foggy morning in the woods, relaxing music, and your dog bouncing around with boundless energy :-)

[@gretchencole296]

The birch images are wonderful.

[@janewillis2421]

Love the smile on Pebbles face, she is loving life, and great photography, thanks for the tips 🌿

[@beverlyjohnston396]

Thank you Nigel, you're such an inspiration!

[@tallaganda83]

A lot of time especially on boring sunny middle of the day conditions I don't even bring my camera I just use the viewfinder app on my phone and do the same thing fine tuning compositions for a return in better conditions. Obviously sometimes on the day sometimes light just happens and you have to be ready to change but I do agree it's always better to do some good fine tuning, frees you up a lot too.

[@levenscott645]

Thanks, Nige. A good watch with useful ideas, as always. Pebbles had a nice day out, too.

[@sandrobedinobrecht8509]

excellent video and a beautifull place too. Thank you Nigel, always a pleasure to watch!

[@martharetallick204]

Just went outside to do some observing and shooting in my yard. The observation really helped.

[@hamsterneckliving]

Good morning, and thanks. You are so good at talking through your process on location. This really shows how you are making a photo instead of taking a photo.

[@TallSomeone]

Bless Pebbles. Thank for this sharing.

[@shaun53355]

Always an good tip is to stand back and look, using the phone is an good idea, always enjoy your videos and pebbles.

[@shabieshabie]

Really such helpful tips. I'm a grab and click photographer, always in a panic that I might miss 'the' shot - this will help tremendously in reminding me to observe and think first. Thank you for the fabulous videos. I'm an addict.

[@MrOnetwoseven]

One of your many best. The production was as good as the lesson. A wonderful way to get my apple a day! And Pebbles. I listen to you but watch her.🐕

[@julesgardet659]

Woods are my thing, thanks Nigel.

[@gretchencole296]

Excellent information. The first oak trees would look great after leaves are gone leaving the oaks as sculptures.

[@PaulHarveyAustralia]

Brilliant. Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing

[@billdoucet8209]

Really enjoyed this weeks video. Thank you.

[@FlatWaterFilms]

I record the journey into the 'location' and out. Just some simple quick photo's are fine. This way I can create a story.

[@simoncordingley3122]

22:38 Great video, Nigel - as usual. :) These are my definite favourites from your day's outing. I want woodlands like you have, around here! Here (south-eastern Finland) the leaves dropped completely about a month ago. Now we have pines, spruces and bare branches.

[@KonfusedKris]

I really appreciate you talking through your process of finding a good shot. It is THE hardest thing to put into words, when I'm sure it is instinct for you now. I really like the mix of super techy vids (e.g. new masks in lightroom) and these kind of vids talking about the process you use to find a shot.

[@pgr-9586]

It seems so easy, Thank you Nigel

[@gryphongryph]

You video skills are getting better and better, love watching them, thanks for visiting Faroe by the way 👍🏻

[@michaeljolicoeur2157]

Another insightful walk in the woods. Thank you for sharing your experience and keen eye.

[@ardeleancristian2666]

amazing advice. Simple things makes a huge difference

[@rjjohnson46]

Love your work, your videos and Pebbles.

[@berthaduniverse]

Nice bit here Nigel, thanks for the fine work. I have to admit I'm a bit of an ADHD photographer, I react to my first assessment out the door of the car, I mount a lens, and start shooting. I personally place wildlife over landscape, so I often end up doing my walkabout with a 200-500mm. Hopefully this bit will cause me to think a bit more (or carry two bodies).

[@brucefay5126]

I remember a training video I saw some years ago. It was by a photographer, who was shooting trout streams in Scotland, but not really about photography. His key take away was “turn around and look behind you.”

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

There’s are great Zen moments in this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@AliasJimWirth]

Wow, Some really nice images. An excellent outing. Hello to Pebbles; always love to see her out and about with you. Thanks.

[@minus1db]

Loved it thank you so look forward to every one

[@dominicflaherty]

Great advice and great photos to finish the video off with.

[@bobketteringham4779]

Great tips. I need to work on taking my time and observing before taking my shot

[@robertspeicher5047]

While walking , slowly, every once in a while, pause and look behind you. If walking into the dawn....may be a good photo behind you.

[@HighWarlordJC]

This is especially good advice when exploring caves.

[@MarkRomine]

A lot of wisdom to this approach but it should come with a caveat. This approach works really well as long as your conditions and lighting are stable. When the lighting is changing rapidly, such as at sunrise or sunset, then to capture the images that you see at that very moment you must be more decisive or the light will be forever gone. Same thing with certain weather conditions, such as fog. If you see a composition you better shot it before the fog burns off or it too will be gone forever. Loved all these images except for one. The one at 15:55 with the bright light colored bracken in the foreground really draws the eye away from the composition. Otherwise some really lovely images, thank you for sharing those images and your thought process behind shooting them.

[@BethBuelow]

I'm going to need to watch this one twice: once for Pebbles, once for Nigel. Pebbles = best location scout ever :-). Great tips, Nigel. Slowing down is so important, and I consistently forget to do that. When I remember, it makes all the difference. Thanks for continuing to remind us! And those shots around the 22:40 mark... GORGEOUS.

[@sompoonakomsoontorn5073]

Nigel, thank you for taking your time going through your approach and thinking to the scene. Love it!

[@michealpociecha8351]

Really enjoyed this episode. Love seeing how you can take a busy scene and make it into something great. Seems when I try it it looks like chaos. It’s an art learning how to separate the subject from the jungle. Keep up the great work and say hi to Pebbles for me. Thanks.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks!

[@desgardner7169]

Yes have an apple, ( but dont drop it) yes I saw that old video of yours remember? ..... thats a lovely woodland you have there Nigel that helps as well... Thank you for all the tips you give out on here and your quiet way of explaining things.

[@NigelDanson]

I will never forget dropping that apple 😞

[@desgardner7169]

@@NigelDanson I think it's the most funniest blog I have ever seen on here! Not for you though.

[@liz2959]

This is one of your best instructional videos... much appreciated!

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PTerracina]

My gosh, you are talented!! Very insightful video and some wonderful tips to keep in mind! I'll admit that I am far too quick to pull out my camera and start shooting rather than really "wandering and wondering" to find the best composition. Thank you for bringing us along with you and Pebbles. Cheers, mate!

[@justinmeaden6281]

Oh man just love the shots from this video, those birch tree shots at the end of the video are particularly nice. I just love the texture and character of their bark. Thanks again Nigel 👏👏👏

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Beautiful images and great tips!

[@CassidyHansen]

I could watch Pebbles explore and inspect the woods all day. Oh right, Nigel, great video as well. Excellent points, all of them, as always!

[@detlefalbrecht938]

Thanks so much for another great video and great advice! I really have to learn NOT to take the camera out at first when I visit a new place. There's so much much to see than the first sight. BUT: There ARE times when I see something for the first time, and I instantly know it is a great photo. And I take it. Without looking around. And when I later at home review my photos, the first one is still the best one. That can happen, too. So I'm always taking my camera with me so that I can make this first photo when I feel it is worth it. - Just my thoughts after watching your video. All the best for you!

[@dougjacobson1135]

I'm a beginner at all this and I'm glad I found your channel. Thanks for the informative video's!

[@ericpecquerie4868]

Really interesting to follow your thoughts and process. Inspiring.

[@pattymattes7124]

Our leaves have been late in changing color too. We've had some trees lose leaves and some trees still green. It makes it a bit challenging to get fall color. You got some beautiful shots!

[@johnr.watson7500]

Of all your videos I've watched to date I find this the most helpful. Such a simple tip really but so powerful. I will definitely be doing this in future. Thanks so much Nigel, and it's always great to see Pebbles.

[@Barleyman-SD]

Glad to see the Apple back! Thanks for the tips... Also explain why you can't do this with a muggle, i.e. a non photo person. Make them stay home. ;-) Patience is key.

[@abhayrege8509]

Hey Nigel, this is wonderful guidance while on location. This really helps people like me. Thanks for this video

[@madcat1007]

Hope you checked Pebbles for ticks. That bracken is a haven for them!! Nice video. Thanks,

[@be.perfect]

This was a very interesting video, because it's not so common to have photographers really go into their thought process regarding composition and how and why to make certain choices. Thank you ! I really like the 2 shots at 22:30, very magical ✨

[@daviddyephotography]

such beauty thank you Nigel ! I would like to make a request of you to consider adding a shot of your live view of the final version you shoot. just before you show us the final image. This would really help to better understand the dilemma of proper exposure. With todays you video at the 21:21 point you show you live view and your histogram appeared to be pretty far to the left with maybe just a tiny bit at the right edge. shooting at 1/2 sec f13 ISO 64 so of course I wondered if that was your final histogram for this image. Shooting in flat light like this is a challange so of course I'm dissecting everthing to wrap my brain around exposures in flat and foggy conditions as wll as rain where you might have alot of bright pin point highlights. thank you again for taking us out for a beautiful sunday morning walk

[@steveshorrock6857]

Great video as usual, was you in my favourite woodland? Brocton Coppice, Cannock Chase. Some good tips Nigel, thank you 😊

[@edwindoughty8019]

Thumbs up once again, Nigel. It's a form of meditation, finding the way to connect with what surrounds you and turn what you feel and observe that is interesting to you into a material representation.

[@jeffolson4731]

Great advice about surveying the entire scene first. Since I shoot mostly wildlife I always have my cameras out and ready to shoot since you never know when an opportunity is going to arise. In some ways I would suspect landscape to be similar, fleeting light, etc. it also pays to turn around once in awhile, more than a few times I have turned around to find curious deer I hadn’t seen before right behind me watching me.

[@VlogPhotography]

Great video Nigel and some really interesting and valid points raised in this video. I think a lot of people don't pay enough attention to the light and which direction its working in. It can make such an impact to the images when paying more attention. Thanks for sharing! Was an interesting watch!

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Absolutely brilliant mate. My Owl was so interested in pebbles in and out the bracken. Her head was bobbing all over watching pebbles. 😆

[@stuartlauchlan7061]

A really inspiring video Nigel full of useful tips. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@MarkStinchon]

Couldn't agree more Nigel. I love an apple but also a banana does good too. Hope your knee is on the mend and you can soon get back out into the woodland again. Take care and wish you all the best.

[@ericreuter1994]

Thank you very much

[@skynesher]

Nice pre focus on the branch on the ground :)

[@mixolydian2010]

Really like the one at 18:51 as it looks a bit like spring on the left and autumn on the right. I tend to rush around a bit when im out and need to stop and look more and take things in. CHeers.

[@markyd504]

Some fantastic tips there Nigel, always learning from your channel, even as an experienced photographer. Many thanks.

[@69horatioh]

Great video. I do that always wrong☺️ Thanks a lot!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Excellent advice.

[@katarzynaswiatek729]

Nigel make a video.how to photo totally flat land....The place I live is such.No hills at all.

[@malcolmhouse7285]

Thank you I always rush around and get to excited and miss so many good opportunities Great video as always. Off to the lake district next week but think I've missed the best. not looking to the 8hr trip.

[@alwynwilliams2661]

Thanks for some great advice again! personally I alwaya have my camera out , not those paesci mobile phones , but I see your point and will try it. I can see the benefits. Thanks again.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

I have started to observe more & all the other tips you mentioned in the last few months. You are right things look better. We just don't get fog here in Devon like you do. So a request please Nigel, can you send some fog next weekend . Thanks so much for all your words of wisdom.

[@davidgkey.]

Plenty of fog and mist in Devon, just need to read the conditions and landscape to observe where it will most likely occur and 'collect'. 🙂

[@markledbury3666]

Excellent video Nigel - thank you! It was great to hear and see you describe your process for finding awesome compositions. Great photos too! Thanks again.

[@millymucci]

watched before todays woodland photowalk and followed it all! 🙏🏼☺🐶🙌🏼