Photographing the Magical Fanal Forest | Madeira Travel Photography Vlog | Episode 1

#travelphotography #photography #madeira
In the first part of my Madeira travel photography series, I visit the magical Fanal Forrest.
On the north side of Madeira Island, there's a place where you can walk among ancient trees and in the right conditions, somewhere that looks like a fairy tale scene.
The Fanal Forest is somewhere I've wanted to visit for a long time - it's a spectacular old-growth forest that's often shrouded in mist and fog.
It's truly a photographer's paradise, offering a chance to capture amazing-looking trees in spectacular conditions and in this video I share this experience with you.
These laurel trees covered much of southern Europe centuries ago but have become a rare landscape in the world. Madeira is one of the few places where these forests still exist along with the Azores and the Canary Islands.
Situated at over 1000 metres above sea level, the forest is quite often shrouded in fog but is notoriously difficult to predict.
During my visit to Madeira I visited the forest on three occasions and I was lucky enough to experience those magical conditions on every visit.
In the video I talk about my experience of visiting the forest and provide some landscape and outdoor photography tips and tricks to make sure you get the best out of your visit.
👋 About Me
I'm an outdoor and landscape photographer from the UK but I love to combine this with travel and go to many amazing places around the world.
Photography is a serious hobby away from the working week and along with an enjoyment of the great outdoors, my aim is to inspire others to experience places around the world.
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[@juliodefreitas157]

Awesome photography ❤

[@zsoltvaranka9741]

gorgeous photographs, really like your style, Ollie! Actually, just preparing my soon coming Madeira landscape photography trip based on your videos :)...

[@olliewatts]

Thanks and enjoy the trip - it is an amazing place!

[@techmg8332]

It's Called Nature

Amazing

[@ticticboom1]

What time of day were you there? I am going in February, and worried it'll be overrun with tourists/photographers?

[@olliewatts]

Hi, during the day there were quite a few people but the area is big enough to find somewhere quieter - early morning is probably best if you want it to yourself 🙂

[@sunnyday157]

it seems to me one can easily get disoriented here and unless the fog clears, unable to find their car? Am I right?

[@olliewatts]

Yes easily done, I got lost on one occasion - fortunately there is phone reception so I could navigate back to the car park. Next time I’ll probably use Gaia GPS so I can track my walk and then retrace my steps easily.

[@proach3]

Beautiful work! Any advice for what time of day we are more likely to encounter the fog?

[@olliewatts]

Many thanks 🙂 I went earlier in the morning and midday but I don’t think there’s a general rule. Best thing is to keep an eye on the weather forecast (I use Windy.com and look at the cloud cloud base and visibility)

[@mikeabrenica5901]

Ollie, I absolutely love your work! May I ask you, what time of the year were you there in Madeira?

[@olliewatts]

Hi, many thanks - we were there the first week of October. A good time of year in my opinion - warm weather and not as busy 🙂

[@edoardodeluca1463]

Do you think early November will be good as well? Planning to go there next month

[@olliewatts]

@@edoardodeluca1463 Hi, I guess it depends on what you’ll be doing - for photography I reckon it’ll be good as you’ll get some more dramatic weather 😅 I would go but I don’t mind the cooler weather!

[@billymckee01]

Something different from Iceland; More potential here. Lovely light. Reminds me of Natela Grigashvilli in Georgia. More please...good video and background music,

[@schoeferfilm]

Really awesome the Fanal Forrest Ollie👏 perfect memories at our Madeira trip of September 😀 I uploaded two short Madeira clips too 🎥 amazing island

[@olliewatts]

Thanks 😊 it’s an amazing place isn’t it

[@juliodefreitas157]

Absolute breathtaking ❤❤

[@escolaeb13a]

Great shots! I must go to that place one day.

[@mr.gratitude7594]

I'm not a landscape photographer but I love looking at them, even shooting them occasionally 😅 but it's just a love for nature itself. That location is dreamy and those trees are beautiful. Really lovely photos, nice work.

[@olliewatts]

It was an amazing location 😊

[@juliodefreitas157]

Absolutely beautiful ❤️

[@juliodefreitas157]

Absolutely gorgeous ❤❤

[@aoi_p]

Awesome!!🔥 So fantastic shots!✨

[@olliewatts]

Thanks 😊