Photography in the Rain - Why I love it

[@RominaJones]

Meg just seems like the best dog. I get such a feeling of joy from her. It's a good life.

[@sammyblackchow9541]

I love dogs! They can add a nice touch to a video.

[@true_the_lens]

When it rains our surroundings are somehow transformed. What is hard is now softer, what is harsh is now mellow.... the air brims with freshness... tones and hues are more beautiful... I love the rain!

[@Qigate]

I always find it amusing that you apologize for your images with their "imperfections" or their "tensions". Your work is stunning and beautifully dynamic in its stillness and simple grandeur of the moment. You are an inspiration and a joy.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Haha, I think it's healthy to be honest about any potential issues but I guess it's my job to take on the challenges until I can make it work :) Many thanks, Mike!

[@cameronghunterimages]

Love your videos, and seeing Meg. My dog Gabriel passed away last month from Cancer and I stumbled upon this video, and right away was teleported back into walking the woods with him photographing birds and nature. Thanks for all the videos.

[@parscreationsstapp8419]

I, too, have said I love to photograph things that others would walk past and not even notice. I love to capture the beauty other people may not have noticed.

[@parscreationsstapp8419]

I love trees. You make trees the star. Cinematic!

[@enohsnairb]

Love your approach to photography and your enthusiasm towards the natural look and feel of woodlands. It is nice to see a photographer who can not only capture atmosphere but allow the viewer to feel what you feel as you narrate your sessions.

[@tjsinva]

Meg surely isn't bothered. Most people don't believe me when I tell them gloomy and misty is the best time to be in the woods. Another nice lesson. Rock on!

[@thesourcerer6504]

Great to see and your results. I just quite recently as a keen landscape photographer came to see and realise the wonderful unique images to offer when it's raining. I have now since invested in a special bracket mount to couple my tripod to an umbrella allowing me to shoot hands free in the rain whilst using the tripod for it's intended purpose. I live in Carlisle and travel extensively through the Cumbria county. Will be looking at getting out at the first opportunity and I do have a lovely location in mind in the Lake District.

[@lonnieclemens8028]

You have given me a new inspiration to do photography in the rain. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@richardhamilton9053]

The only thing we can't get is the smell of the woodland after rain. It is normally beautiful. The Australian bush near where I live is dry and untidy and I thought a bit uninspiring but you have made me to go out and look more closely for compositions. They will be there. I have never minded shooting in the rain. We are currently in the middle of a drought and so I will keep my fingers crossed. I love your videos, Meg and your vision. (Not necessarily in that order.) Keep going for as long as you can young man.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Richard :)

[@Snowcatnz2]

Simon Baxter notification, woodland photography, no brainer. Cuppa coffee, sit down and enjoy. Great video and great images. Thanks for sharing!! Oh, and what is a YT video without the awesome Megatron!!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

As always, many thanks for your kind feedback, Tim :)

[@larryrudnick1519]

Your ability to create wonderful compositions from the chaos is amazing. Love that first image...

[@jameshines3936]

Just brilliant, in my neck of the woods too, pardon the pun. Very excited to see more of your videos!

[@johnnelson2618]

Wonderful video Simon. Rain in the woodland is magical and the enjoyment of you and Meg, shines through.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's very kind, thank you :-)

[@dunnymonster]

Don't think I've ever seen a happier dog than Meg 😊

[@patricialeonard9622]

Where I see mangled green and brown clumps, you see an exquisite composition. I do envy your woodlands with the fern cover though. Me and my dog do love this time of year because the bugs are not so much a problem and I’m sure Meg would agree!

[@freddyacosta2358]

Great video and post production. Love your dog hanging out with you 😊

[@vargavideo]

I especially like how tree bark darkens and visually stands out when wet.

[@giselesmith7795]

Thanks for motivating me to get out more often, even in the rain. Lovely images. And, as always, Meg's antics make me smile.

[@duckd50]

A Simon Baxter photo video in the old school! Superb!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

It felt nice to do a regular 'let's go for a wander' video :) Thank you.

[@russellschundler6559]

Thanks ... I really like how you demonstrate the process of going into the woods and finding compositions within what most would see as natural chaos!

[@RandomviewerNr23]

Your videos are just as relaxing and interesting to watch as your photos are. There is always something to learn and for some reason, your videos boosts my creativity too. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to your next video.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's fantastic to know, thank you :)

[@JustinSpencers]

Meg's having the best walk ever! How often did she photobomb your shot? My dog does it all the time.

[@anujasharma9677]

Very inspiring video, Simon and beautiful images. Lovely soft music too.

[@kapilgautam7244]

I am here after watching Sean Tucker’s video featuring your self,amazing work bro,loved your four legged friend too.❤️🙏

[@borleyboo5613]

What a lovely, uplifting video. You have such a great love of nature and it shows in your photography and the care you take in the composition. And I love Meg. She’s a beautiful girl. A very informative video for a photography enthusiast who has just bought her first DSLR camera. A Canon EOS 30D. Thank you. 😃👍

[@warrenswales5693]

Quality vlog as always. 💪 Woodlands never stop giving do they, not just photographically, but just for the joy of walking around and seeing little scenic vignettes. Every visit to the same woodland, down the same trail is always different, always rewarding. 🙂

[@rachelwatson9490]

Absolutely blown away by your work, it's just the type of photography I hope to achieve someday. So emotional yet, subtle - a true representation of the beauty we have around us. Great work and thank you for the inspiration.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Rachel! Much appreciated!

[@matthewpatterson9184]

I feel I've said this before but I'll say it again. Your videos are so inspirational, whenever I watch your videos I only wish I were within my local woodland, taking images. Beautifully done as ever, Simon.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, as always, Matthew :)

[@karenbergmann209]

Gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing.

[@fafnorcal]

Inspirational, as usual. Great discussion of the composition for both compositions. I appreciated your discussion of why leave the polarizer in the bag. Good to see Meg on high energy.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Frank :)

[@henkpeter1755]

I enjoyed watching you and Meg very much, thanks for another nice video.

[@romiemiller7876]

I agree with you about using a polarizer on foliage. I may sometime, but I've not found a reason to date.

[@sornberg]

Very nice images. It would be nice to see how you processed them from the raw file. They have an almost painterly effect to them that I like very much.

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Simon. You never fail to motivate me to get back out into woodland. We'll have plenty of practice at shooting in the rain this week if the forecast is right !! Your first image here is so full of atmosphere and lovely tones - beautiful ! Many thanks for sharing another fantastic video.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's very kind, Tim. Thank you!

[@jowb575]

Glad you mentioned the bit about the polarizer. I was going to ask. Looks like a great outing and just beautiful images. Miss Meg adds so much and it's great to see her happy life out and about with you.

[@Matt__just_a_guy]

I went out in the rain to the new forest on Saturday.. it was completely magical and I got some of my best ever shots. Thanks for the video Simon!

[@phurbadukpa4375]

As always outstanding Photography. ....love it.

[@enricooldoino1967]

thank you for the beautiful photos , as always.As always? no I think you're getting better and better refining your natural talent .Meg is lovely!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, much appreciated :)

[@digitalavatar5699]

I'm from Kerala , India , a place were always raining . I'm waiting for a video like this ,

[@dannynash5713]

Really appreciate the teaching aspect of your videos Simon and this one was superb. Images were really grand!

[@ponymoore6140]

Very inspirational, thank you. Would like to have heard more of your techniques and seen more of your results though

[@josebainakielorriagaarriet2066]

You must to be happy,and me too,because you has been a big influencer in my work and i ve learned to look the wood with other eyes

[@RichardFrenchPhotography]

Fantastic video, im really getting into my woodland photography this year and spend this weekend in a great bit of woods in the heavy rain and loved it.

[@FakeNews_Ignored]

Cannot agree more with you regarding shooting in the rain. Excellent time to capture greenery. 👍👍👍👍

[@andychattaway5620]

A lovely enjoyable video. But the weather was so grim I was expecting James Burns to turn up. Yet again you decipher the code of the woodland and make beautiful pictures. I always watch your process of composition whist trying to see what it is that you are seeing. It's a jumble, like looking at a page of Chinese text. Then you press the shutter - turning a 'metaphorical' diopter - and your photo makes sense and is beautiful. 👌

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, Andy. I'm pleased you like the end result :)

[@DannyFyffe]

I just got back from a week of Fall Color shooting here in Colorado. I shoot the big scenes of course, but I also get a few intimate shots as well when I do this. These photos were definitely nice under very challenging conditions. I don't get out in the rain so my hat is off to you. Can't wait to see how your Fall shots come out.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Danny :)

[@nickjames1336]

This is absolutely amazing. I'm heading out to the forest tomorrow.

[@mattthomas1547]

I live in Washington State and prefer rain over sunshine. Great video, thanks for sharing. Give Meg a scratch on the head for me.

[@n1k1george]

You just gave a swift kick in the rump: I live in the woodlands where it rains a often - but I rarely want to go out unless there is good mixed light. Thanks for the attitude check ~ there's is always a photo to be taken out there...now grab your gear and get out!

[@seantuck]

Great video as always. Apart from the always amazing photography, it's just nice to be out with a man and his crazy dog in the woods:)

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Cheers buddy. Many thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@stuartschaffner9744]

I am so glad you decided to compromise and do this video! I learned a lot from it. Let me add a few small suggestions. First, as you said, look for breaks in the forest canopy to provide good light. However, also look for areas of deep shade. Put one of those behind you and you may be able to enhance shadows. For wet or waxy leaves, I still often use a polarizer. Remember that you can turn it to get varying levels of reflections. In a recent video, Thomas Heaton demonstrated a “polarization stack” where you take two images, one with the polarizer at full and one at null. You can then blend them in post processing. I’m super excited to try this. Also, I believe Photo Tom (Toma Bonciu) and perhaps others have pointed out that a telephoto compresses distance and therefore makes fog look thicker.

[@dianawestrup7416]

Beautiful photos, you really achieved what you were looking for. Congratulations, I loved your work. Greetings from Cancun, Mexico.

[@mabelescalona4012]

I love it,photography like that☔

[@gadusumilli6895]

Loved watching your video. It would be nice if you showed us how you edited your pictures.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you. Check out the whole process here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmnqp-Gn7GWhMU

[@Leffe49]

Beautiful photos Simon.The first shot was a "killer". Can´t wait to see that image again in some fog for comparison. Cute Meg loved the rain that day.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks! I can't tell you how keen I am to experience special conditions at this location :)

[@steffenandersensahl9443]

Wonderful video! I love the first image you got. it might be one of my favorite all time of yours. I'm not sure that I can put a finger on it, I think it might be the rain and the mood that really set's it apart. great stuff!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's very kind, than you. I'm rather fond of it, too :)

[@raesalmon]

Another great video Simon. Thank you. Can you please recommend cloths for wiping down camera / lens what we're you using here?

[@im_wiegetritt]

Hi Simon. Great video! Why do you use a black and Not a white umbrella?

[@Treydmusicmedia]

As always, you tell wonderful stories! Great musical choices was well! What was my takeaway from this video? I too have walked by many scenes only to "see" them much later (how many more have I missed I wonder). I need to create calendar entries that tell me to go back to certain scenes to do follow up shots. Finally, a random thought: I will compare shooting with a short lens set to a lower aperture versus shooting the same composition with a longer lens from further back (your backing up from a shooting position early in the video sparked the thought). My test will see which approach will create a more pleasing background softness (yes, yes, this means carrying more weight; sigh). Thank you very much!

[@juanarroyo5324]

stunning work ,,i love all the shots.. u have a great eye for detail n composition ! unfortunately i have no camera as of rightnow waiting on my pre-order for 2 months now ..hopefully ill get it soon so i can get my butt in the woods n start shooting !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks :-). Hope your new camera arrives soon!

[@gplayer01]

Really enjoyed your video and photography. Many thanks 😊🙏

[@damiencharton6519]

I remember when I started to change my mindset for shooting under the rain. I now put my rain gear on, and learn to enjoy this different atmosphere, I love how woodland completely differ. I spent 3 hours doing macro shots under pouring rain the first time, and smiling even. Great video bud, love your shot, love the composition!!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thanks for your kind feedback, Damien :)

[@TheMoodyPhotographer]

Amazing photo ♥️ so nice atmosphere, there is nothing more beautiful than the wet leaves and the sound of the rain drops on them ♥️

[@stevebennettphotography]

Oh man, how you see that first image is mystifying, watching the video I’m muttering ‘what the hell are you seeing there’🤔, then on the image reveal ‘oh yeah, that’ 🤩 😀.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Haha, cheers Steve. I'll take you to it next year if you like ;-)

[@stevebennettphotography]

And watch me walk right past it 🙄😀

[@JoDaniels]

Beautiful images👌. I am impressed by the way your capture simplicity in an area with so many distractions. Chapeau👌👌.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks! It's challenging but massively rewarding when it works :)

[@welshlad6427]

Great vlog and wonderful image. I’m watching this video as I’m due to go out with a mate to do photography this Friday and the weather is supposed to be dire. Haven’t seen him for over a year and we may not get a chance for another year so we go to get out there in the rain. This vlog has made me realise photos can be had in these conditions 👍

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks. Hope you have a successful outing!

[@jamesurzykowski4918]

You sure do have an eye for woodland photography. Another great video!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, James :-)

[@carlreid4161]

Wonderful images you've captured in the rain Simon two I liked the most were at 7:59 and 12:16 loved the water in the last one gives the image a lovely colour balance bottom right and complements the bright canopy of the oak tree as you mentioned. Cheers Carl

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Carl. Glad you like them!

[@Yotengri]

Great video! Please do more !

[@davegilyeat550]

Really enjoyed watching that Simon, I’m looking forward to looking st your back catalogue and your future videos.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, Dave :)

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Top image again first one was wicked

[@robertnelson3179]

Thanks for the video I hope some day to do a vacation in UK to some of the places you and others talk about. Here in high desert of California I can only dream now.

[@robinhorton6625]

Great advice and superb shots, enjoyed your explanations, did you apply the orton effect a little in these?

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank! Just a tad :)

[@cfinneganphoto]

Love you work Simon, if you ever looking for somewhere new you should try Tollymore Forest park in Down, Northern Ireland. Has old bridges, river walks, stepping stones, and was used quiet a bit in the filming of Game of Thrones

[@jamesjohnston6765]

Love the wet sheen and that wonderful woodland tangle in the last image. Hugs too Meg.

[@davidnassur7202]

Great video! Loved how Meg stole your line with her voice!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

She likes to have her say ;). Thanks!

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Cracking video. Like the selfie one the best. Nice colours.

[@RoseKerin]

Its raining here today. That's what inspired me to watch this now. The question is. Should I go out and get wet?

[@johnsholian4318]

Happy dog, happy vlog! Lovely images as always Simon. Cheers!

[@martineverett7469]

And........there's Meg 😂👍

[@Pat-1000]

Thanks very much Simon , nice share mate TC.

[@kevins8575]

I'm glad you kept the steam in that shot.

[@ijclarkphoto]

I took myself out to some local woodland on Saturday in the pouring rain and, although I got soaking wet, I really felt the benefit of it...and I was pretty pleased with the shots I managed to grab too. Given I was cursing myself for forgetting my polariser, your comment about preferring not to use one in woodland photography helped me to make peace with myself over that. So this video was perfectly timed :)

[@markhoffman9655]

Enjoyable video. I enjoy photography in the rain, no problem with my camera and lenses (Olympus) but the vulnerable point is the camera bag isn't waterproof!

[@leighdorey8271]

Great video Simon

[@scotty4418]

A very enjoyable episode Simon and both images were great. Thought the stream in the second image worked well with the rest of the scene.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thanks, Scotty. Much appreciated!

[@cliveeariss880]

First time watching this, loved it, and yes shooting in the rain is well worth going out for, could not agree more, thank you for a great video, and vlog.

[@bernym4047]

You were struggling to keep secure footing. I always carry a set of mini-crampons. They're invaluable if you take a 'short cut' and misjudge a steep, muddy path, are trying to access a waterfall and need to wade across a stream or just for a more comfortable secure walk. They take up little space in the ruck sack and weigh next to nothing.

[@davidabbs4459]

Think i need to get myself out in the rain!

[@patsfocus]

That's beautiful, love that cool tone on Image No.1

[@davebryer6133]

Great work, your ability to find a shot in the chaos is amazing, but I think your ability in post-processing makes it all work. Wondered if you have tried using a piece of Tyvek as a rain shield instead of a microfiber cloth?

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Dave! Although I'll have to kinda disagree just a little - it's the composition and use of light that should make it all work. My processing is actually pretty simple based on working with qualities that are already in the image. Well, that's what I always aim towards as I don't like sitting for ages processing :) Thanks, I'll look into those rain shields.

[@LuisHernandez-rf6ru]

I had my finger on the button to buy a polarized filter before watching your video, and you have made the doubts come in again hahahaha. Because for more videos that I see, I can't understand why is so essential in many cases this filter, especially because as you say, it eliminates the contrast and leaves everything flatter. Nice video and photos by the way.

[@pentasonicnaturephotograph6937]

Well, I would not call it Essential, the polarizer- using it just creates a completely different photo. For waterfalls or lakes I would miss the polarizer. Woods I still have to dare, but simon's reasoning3 seems Sound.

[@speterlewis]

Lovely. Just lovely. Thank you. (Were you tempted to use the Orton Effect on that first one?)

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Peter! There's just a touch of Orton on the first one :)

[@speterlewis]

@@SimonBaxterPhotography I knew it! :-)

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

@@speterlewis Haha, there must be too much if you knew it :-P

[@andreace15]

Fantastico! Molto bravo, ottimo video. Il tuo cane è eccezionale. Complimenti, rendere l’atmosfera con la pioggia non è facile, molto bravo.

[@sacredvoiceofnature326]

Wow, you really create magic!

[@DrNick8002]

Nice environment

[@paulcollingridge8387]

Nice. Any more trail cam footage like a year or so back?

[@JoeValencia32]

Simon - I saw you shooting with your phone, I do that all the time. There have been times when I take a shot with the phone as a reference shot but don't think it would be worth taking the camera out; when I get home I find it to be a great image and should have used my DSLR. Have you ever had that happen? Do you often use your phone as a way to scout or maybe use it to check an image before setting up the DSLR and tripod? I see a lot of comments about Meg - I sure would love to have a shooting companion like her!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Sure, I always scout with my phone. I mentioned in my very first video back in 2016. It always helps :) Thanks!