PHOTOGRAPHY COMPOSITION - What works and what doesn't

I review and critique my photos after a stunning morning of photography.
My book, Vistas - geni.us/vistas...
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NIKON GEAR (Main STILLS camera)
Current landscape camera - Nikon Z7 - geni.us/nikonz7
Awesome telephoto lens - Nikon 70-200m f/2.8 - geni.us/nikon70200
Great ultra-wide angle lens - Nikon 14-30mm f/4 - geni.us/1430mm
Hiking mid lens - Nikon 24-70mm Z f4 - geni.us/nikon2470
Sharpest mid lens - Nikon 24-70mm Z f2.8 geni.us/2470mm28
Amazing Bokeh - Sigma 24mm f1.4 geni.us/Sigma24
Astro lens - Samyang 14mm F2.4 - geni.us/samyan...
Very long lens - Nikon 500mm F5.6 - geni.us/nikon5...
FILM GEAR
Nikon Z6 - geni.us/z6nikon
Main film lens - 24mm f1.8 Z - geni.us/nikon24mm
Fujifilm X-T3 - geni.us/fujifil...
Awesome Bokeh - Fuji XF35mm F2 - geni.us/fuji35f2
OTHER PHOTO GEAR
Amazing Umbrella - geni.us/blunt
Microfibre Cloths - geni.us/microf...
Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - geni.us/Rainja...
Rab Downpour Pants - geni.us/rainpants
Awesome sensor brush - geni.us/brush4...
GorillaPod - geni.us/Kb9mV
The great printer I use Canon P1000 - geni.us/cIIc
Clever camera strap (peak design) - geni.us/PDstrap
Great bag for hiking - Tenba 24L - geni.us/orPwh
Great bag for travel (carry on) - Tenba 32L - geni.us/tenba32l
Super light Benro Travel Tripod UK - geni.us/Benrot...
A must have for tripod (L bracket) - geni.us/myLbra...
Lightweight tripod - Benro Mach3 Carbon Fiber Tripod - geni.us/benrom...
Paper I use for all my prints - Fotospeed - geni.us/fotospeed Use DANSON10 to get 10% off your paper.
Screw on ND filter - geni.us/polarp...
#composition #subscribe #like

[@domhaughton6809]

What I like about the short video at the end is how it captures what photography brings as you're reading your copy of Vistas ~ great memories. Not just for you but for those of us who spend our Sunday mornings dipping into your world and learning something new every time 👌

[@mykasiurka]

Thanks for the Video clip! Excuse me for butting in, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Piyiley Remarkable Prevalence (probably on Google)? It is a smashing one off guide for getting the ultimate success in your life minus the hard work. Ive heard some incredible things about it and my friend Sam after many years got cool results with it.

[@AprilBaldock]

What I love most about you and your videos is how much appreciation you show for the beauty around you as you're out shooting. I so enjoy watching you enjoy wandering in the misty woods :) Great stuff, as always!

[@thebeardedgeordiephotography]

That short video captured the very essence of what it feels like to be a part of an image. To look at a photograph and imagine being there in the moment. Loved it!

[@laurabaron6091]

Thank you Nigel. I’m a struggling beginner and have been tuned into you for about a year. You truly inspire me. I particularly loved this one. I love how you criticize your own work that I think is raw? It’s very helpful. Thanks again for your amazing videos.

[@Goalieswede]

I think my favorite videos (or section of each video) are when you critique things you don't like about your own photos, as it helps me identify what I don't like about mine when I can't quite articulate it as well

[@rappy90]

Me: "Gonna get up before sunrise to do landscape photos" *5am: "O hi there!"* Me: "Yeah screw that *back to sleep*

[@MarkBlackheartVideo]

I agree with "shoot less, observe more" for the simple fact that I like to spend a little time enjoying the environment as well as trying to capture it for sharing.

[@jamesjin8839]

The whole video is just full of stunning scenes. I feel your joy to be able to walk around place and condition like that and enjoy shooting.

[@lwilson5198]

Thank you Nigel. I have loved your autumn forest videos. Some really magical shots. The video at the end is incredible, so many memories for you and for us as your viewers. Really needed with everything going on in the world.

[@scotty4418]

Great episode Nigel and the video at the end was fantastic, loved how the video sequencing brought your images to life and took to those moments where you captured your wonderful images

[@SteveP_2426]

Hi Nigel, agree the end vid is very professional and has a great flow. I actually liked that 2 tree shot at 11:30 as the fog gave them good separation from the background....but you are a far, far better photographer than me! :-)

[@AliasJimWirth]

Great episode, Nigel. Excellent video at the end. Good edits and effects. Fun to watch (best ad I've seen this year lol). Fantastic, Rick.

[@mrLebesgueintegral]

Thanks Nigel. I really appreciate how you go into detail about your processes to get the image.

[@lollie7410]

Nigel, I'm a photography student who came across your videos the other day and I just want to say that I can't stop watching; I love your photography style, and your videos are so relaxing to watch :)

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks, glad you like them

[@wesleysteyn3006]

I only recently started following Nigel’s channel, but it is one of the videos to look forward to in the end of a week / weekend. The calm manor of each videos is what caught my attention. The content is amazing and of course the photography is absolutely amazing. Great tips as well. I have used some of them and it already elevated my own photography. Thank you Nigel

[@danielzaremba2677]

Congrats on the promo video, Nigel! It looks absolutely fantastic. Got the goosebumps while watching it. 😍

[@rogerdunn5988]

I can understand your excitement about the video - very impressive. A good way to finish off yet another excellent episode.

[@Styrleden]

Love your woodland photos! I love being in the woods and your way of explaining really helped me take better photos

[@Stu_Whittaker_Photography]

Nigel, these photos in this video are absolutely mind blowing. I loved every single one of them. And that video at the end, wow. Amazing.

[@slvance2]

You know - I have to admit I get really jealous watching your stuff. Everything is just so well done. I mean you have a great home area to shoot, but still. Even leaving the actual photography out - from the drone work - to the printing - to the books, and just the overall quality of everything you produce. I hope folks understand the work involved. And once again something new - the ending video on Vistas - just tremendous. Thanks for all the work you do.

[@jeffschreifels8651]

About 9:10 I really like the red squiggly line. It compliments the yellow and orange of the little tree very nicely. 😄

[@philipsmith1465]

"it doesn't get any better than this" Loved that ghost with the sword photo so much !

[@UlliMueller]

Gorgeous & inspiring work Nigel! Thank you & all the best!

[@stevenl.passalacqua3953]

You don't have to ask, I always watch your videos till the end..

[@kirwan1414]

I see why you were so excited about the video at the end - amazing how it transitioned from the stills to video. Impressive.

[@Francisco.Rizzuti]

When you think "It doesn´t get better than this"... Nigel comes up with a new idea and makes it much better!!! Man, you are getting better and better. I´ve been following you from your firsts youtube videos and the quality you are achieving in the narrative, the examples, the b-roll, the studio, the lighting, etc is super professional. Hats off for you Nigel. I hope you are enjoying this amazing years of your photography carrer. Keep it up!

[@jgreenler]

Wow, Nigel. I absolutely love that large print. I've been staring at it from your Twitter post for a while now. And that video promoting you and Vistas is incredible. Rick is quite a talent. They both really show what's possible on KZbin. I hope you both keep pushing such amazing content!

[@nicolinogiangiordano1680]

WOW! What a finale to an already great video! That last piece is a fabulous bit of filmmaking. Those transitions 'in and out' of the book photos is clever and beautifully done. Congratulations.

[@davemeades]

Great video Nigel, I really love your woodland shots. Great promo video at the end as well, amazing transitions!

[@NakedInSeattle]

I agree. The video is the best and most creative I've seen! Kudos.

[@adityabhat1508]

that short video at the end was stunning.

[@billythom1]

Great video Nigel. I particularly like the way you placed yourself within the scene and walked us through your thoughts about the composition. Cheers

[@NigelDanson]

Many thanks!

[@jadereynolds6963]

I've been watching your videos a lot recently after getting back into photography over the last month or so. It's always great to see shots from the same location I am currently exploring and working on compositions, (21:07). Maybe I'll see you over there one day. I was there for the sunrise yesterday and got some of my favourite shots so far. Keep up the good work, as it surely provides inspiration for me

[@JoDaniels]

I love the peaceful misty atmosphere of your woodland images and the video at the end is without doubt amazing.

[@marvinbeatty]

Yep... that is one slick video. Very cool transitions. Gorgeous photos, as always.

[@kaydeblake2219]

Really love that photo with the "creatures"! And the end video was incredible 🙌

[@valrion.photography]

Amazing video once again! And wonderful woodland landscapes! The video in the end makes the immersion in your book even more special. I bought the first batch of it, and got absolutely blown away. A great source of inspiration. And this video makes the book even more special!

[@GreenmanSimon]

Must say that video quality is STUNNING!

[@anaglama66]

That video at the end? Nailed it!!

[@dennispenton2052]

Teaching us "how to look" - Thank you. A 2nd look at photos - a crop here or a look at a detail there & voila, new appreciations that we take to the next picture taking session afield.

[@lusza8464]

I am back after break. You are getting better and better videos. Amazing job and big congrats.

[@Barleyman-SD]

Great shooting day! I especially liked how you included the stream int he first shot. It's the kind of woodlands shot where you can stare at it for a long time and keep finding cool stuff. Thanks Nigel

[@breakaleg10]

I got your calendar a while back, but forgot to thank you. What great images. I look forward to hanging it on my living room wall

[@martharetallick204]

I have mine in my studio. It's motivation to GET GOOD.

[@bernardfleming8998]

Great tutorial about woodland photography. The video at the end was stunning; made the contents of your book really come to life!

[@josephstanski5180]

Wow - video at the end (memories, just for you) - Ho Ho , that's a sure sound of bliss - nicely done Nigel.

[@michellewesson4409]

Wow. Your photos are very ethereal, almost like a different world.

[@ScottRae]

Wow, that video is awesome!!! Clearly a long time planning, filming, and so well put together!

[@AdamMatthewsPhotography]

Really looking forward to enjoying Vistas! It's going to be a not-so-surprising Christmas gift....but knowing it's coming might make the anticipation even stronger 🙃 Being able to open it and see a collection of your printed anytime is going to be pretty special.

[@Blashyrkh89]

LOVE that last one! Kind of feels like the whole "monster under the bed" thing as a kid. Love it

[@wdrathnow]

Another awesome video Nigel. Thanks!

[@estela7119]

Love this! Love your photos and that gorgeous forest! Thanks for sharing!!

[@joanneny8638]

That feeling when you get to nature and see all the different compositions you can capture. Nigel is so right - you got to slow down and observe before taking the shot.

[@tasos1919]

The mini video at the end is amazing! Great work!

[@malkulaas6380]

This video is really relaxing and has an Bob Ross spirit in it! 😄

[@iyasbrianmichaeliiq.3224]

True 😅

[@sammcloughlin9291]

Bob Ross...... absolute hero..

[@kirtisharma6185]

You won't believe I had exact same thought today while watching this video.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

One of the reasons I watch his videos. It’s relaxing and you learn at the same time. Totally worthwhile watching!

[@romroullier1351]

Wow stunning shots, beautiful prints and amazing video. Great job 👏

[@huangkate8714]

Breathtaking! Either short video or woodland shots are so amazing. Quite envy Nigel be there. Haha... I am so happy to learn new skills here that will apply in Sunday field. Thank you for a clip with high quality as same as a short film.

[@ajss3756]

Amazing work as always. Loved video at the end. Thank you

[@simonmiles1972]

Wonderful photography, Nigel, some of your best images of the year I think. I really enjoy your image reviews. I particularly like that you often show prints, something we don't see very much from other photographers. It really offers another dimension. I also think the reviews you do on your tablet work really well. Credit where credit's due. You really work hard, not just on your still photography, but also on your video production and presentation and it really shows. Your 250k subscribers are thoroughly well deserved. I think I probably need to get over to your website now and show my appreciation by ordering a copy of your book, calendar etc. Fantastic stuff.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Simon... Really appreciate that. Calendar is sold out now.. Be quick on Vistas if you want one...

Woodlands are hard to compose. I am really glad to see so many woodland videos this year. I feel like at this point I can shoot a decent image with telephoto lens in my local woods but once I get wider than 100mm it gets so tricky. Well this one is good for showing some concepts. Thanks Nigel.

[@SimonGodfrey]

Loved the video Nigel, you've really inspired me to do more woodland photography throughout autumn and I've been trying to use the principles you shared in a recent video. Living in Oxfordshire woodland is way more accessible than big vistas so I think it's something I'm going to continue to pursue. Also, the video at the end is fantastic, well done to you and Rick.

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Excellent video and excellent extra video too. Wonderful woodland shots. Great stuff 👍🏻

[@KrystalMovies]

That short video at the end was exceptionally well done. Loved how it brought the memories captured in the book to life.

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidp1288]

Lovely video as always Nigel. I was going to say there is a second character in the wood, 7.05, but then you pointed it out on the print. Nice arty video at the end too. Looking forward to next Sunday's video and, perhaps, a mid week one?

[@pauljharg]

Thanks for the video Nigel, great video and really like the "Woodland Sprites" image.

[@stickerey]

absolutely stunning work, Nigel. and the video of Vistas in the end is just fantastic

[@bgfd1]

I prefer the pic at about 10.15 before it is cropped. To me uncropped original really makes the rocks a central feature and that balances it out but also see what you mean about the path. Main thing is it such a great pic either way to me.

[@gavinperry]

Your attention to detail is insane. Positioning the fern in front of that tree, wow! Oh and the video at the end just shows us how hard you work, thank you.

[@NigelDanson]

Thank you very much!

[@rob9386]

Agg I'm sad the weekend is over but I'm so happy that I get to watch your video to wrap it up.

[@tonyfluerty1032]

I really enjoyed this video. What I really like is the way you approach your photography in a gentle, thoughtful and considered manner (even in headless chook mode) lol. Although I live at the other end of the world, New Zealand and our woodlands are so different I can still appreciate your eye for shape, detail, colour and contrast. I'm sure that your viewers esp those in the UK will be out around their local woodlands the first chance they get, putting to good use the information and inspiration you have been providing lately.

[@yolandafuquay1667]

Great tips and information and the video was outstanding. Thank you.

[@MichaelB-84]

That video is top shelf! Excellent content as usual.

[@DamianGollub]

Awesome video at the end! Keep up you great and inspiring work.

[@tjsinva]

Nice to see the book doing well. Hope that continues until we can all travel again. Rock on!

[@ryanharris8121]

This was a cracking watch Nigel, it’s great to see you wandering around an area I know I well and is fairly local to us. Also that video at the end was amazing! Really edgy and actually adds an element to your profile that I personally find both endearing and exciting to watch! Already looking forward to the next one! Credit to Rick too! 👍🏻

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks a lot Ryan

[@Retset]

Although not one of the photos, the scene at 5:15 took my breath away; the low sun burning through the fog in that dense but sparse wood. I really loved the second photo that you cropped - it was fantastic before and after the crop! End video is extremely professional.

[@GkPhotographic]

Big thanks for yourvids and content are inspiring and iv learnt much , great job Nigel , stay safe from Dublin .

[@jamesattenborough2597]

Another belter. Thanks Nigel. Little video at the end was fab. I'm hoping that Santa might bring me a copy of Vistas!

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@antonioaleophotography]

Great video. I find the composition of the photo with the pine trunk '' eliminated with the X '' excellent, in my opinion it balances the scene.

[@pravinaswale07]

excellent work!! the end is exciting!

[@AndyNoblePhotography]

Fantastic video Nigel, really inspiring. Love the woodland photos too. That short clip on Vistas is beautiful 🤩

[@MrLucsbaron]

Loved the video this week and the mini video at the end. Will have to get a copy of that book!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks - be quick they are selling out

[@simonf6977]

Some great images in this video. Particularly liked the scene with the pixie in the trees and the perspective on the oaks amongst the leaves.

[@RoseKerin]

Thanks once again. Waiting for fog here in NZ next year 2021. So I'm scouting for locations.

[@mcroxford88]

Fantastic video nigel! Especially love the trailer at the end!

[@oivind76]

Wow! Really cool video at the end. So inspiring!

[@kirtisharma6185]

Another great video. Loved how cleverly the video is shot , it made me wonder what next. Just one question, is it me or everyone who can't see the video link when you point up for photstacking video 🙄. I found that in your channel but just thought of sharing if you meant to put a link somewhere.

[@geraldclarke8868]

It’s great to see what a broad audience you have, ND, enjoying every Sunday morning. My adventure this morning in the fog ended in a wood with no fog. However your tips on composition are beginning to sink in, many thanks. More observation and taking many fewer photos 😉

[@niftytwo]

G’day Nigel. I’ve seen the photo you first put up and I love it. I’ve seen it a couple of times and it is bloody great Mate. I’m with you every tutorial. I did some Western Australian bush scene shots today, I’ve not looked at them yet so I can’t comment. Bloody hot out there today and highlights were blown out in one spot but I’ll fix that in L/R tomorrow. Stay safe and well Nigel.

[@VALYK29]

Greetings from Romania. I love your work, I can't wait to flip through your book.

[@kevin2landscapes]

Fantastic video at the end well put together and well thought out, I liked it a lot. Plus a great video as always Nigel

[@harry_wardd]

Really helpful video Nigel thank you - and the video at the end was quality 👌 stunning idea 🙏

[@lcador9]

As usual, a superior instructive video. I know my eye is developing when I note the desired crops and other notifications prior to you later noting such. The one that I missed and liked is the extremely low angled perspective...to be remembered. Extremely effective for gritty, craggy or creepy vistas including "witchy trees." I tend to cleanup my woodland photos in post more then do you...philosophy?

[@carolyncollins9843]

I SO want Vistas but postage to NZ would be ridiculous and I don't trust the postal service to deliver it undamaged so will just have to keep watching your EPIC blogs. Love the creature with the sword, reminded me of the characters in a Chinese movie swinging down from bamboo forests.....magical. I adore the music you choose and your endless enthusiasm.

[@keithtimmis]

I learned so much from the critique element of the film. The shots looked great and then you showed how to improve them. Fantastic! Loved the end video!

[@simonmaney3438]

Aye, there's something about mist and fog, so good for photographers! Regarding your photo with the trees and rocks in the foreground, I'd probably give it an 8/10. But, pre-crop, with that tree on the right, about 9/10. Maybe even a 10. I absolutely love it with the trees, left and right bookending that beautiful, glowing central area.

[@aliam.8557]

Every photo I take I think it’s going to be amazing and 90% of them are not as amazing in Lightroom. I’m glad I’m not alone in this.

[@darrenkitchin3478]

Love the video at the end really felt it brought the images in the book to life and a real feel for the atmosphere in which they are taken.

[@calceolarius]

FIRST!!!! Thanks Nigel for this video... exiting to watch it now as every Sunday with a cup of coffee!!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Jens!

[@gb00726]

That's brilliant, thank you. I really struggle to find a composition on woodland.

[@sumangoswami2620]

The end is fantastic