Tree Photography 101: Everything You Need to Know!

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In this week’s episode, we discuss Woodland Photography 101 and everything beginners need to know to get started. There's a ton of things to consider when it comes to woodland photography and personally I find it to be one of the more difficult subjects within the world of outdoor photography. Let's face it, woodland scenes can be beautiful to look at, but capturing it in an enticing photograph can be a bit tricky. And in this video, I share with you everything you need to know to get started in this beginners guide to woodland landscape photography. I hope you find this week's video helpful and that it inspires you to go out and create some woodland images for yourself. As always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
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[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

🌟QUICK QUESTION: Is Woodland Photography something you enjoy?

[@leonardscotto2870]

I am mainly a wildlife photographer but would like to get into landscapes. I have a question Mark. Why are you using such slow shutter speeds for your photos and are you using an ND filter?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@leonardscotto2870 It was really dim light in there.

[@lynnwines1676]

I enjoy woodland photography but have problems with the composition. Enjoyed the video!

[@k2jsv]

A few of my favorite photos are from being out in the woods. Luckily I do a fair amount of hiking with camera.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@lynnwines1676 Thanks Lynn!

[@hidekigomi]

The most pleasant photographer on KZbin - gentle, kind, appreciative, respecting his viewers, no attitude, a real person. And his works are always are informative and approachable. Thanks, Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

So very kind of you to say - thanks so much!

[@DarrenRussinger]

Agreed 100%

[@stank5857]

nothing as beautiful as the woods for photography

[@ptemailman]

Please nerd out anytime you want to my friend, loving it!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

🤣🤣

[@josephcampisi5401]

My favorite conditions to shoot in. Fog is my friend!

[@blujeans9462]

Love the image with the path and red berries!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to hear you enjoy that one!

[@tommoors9165]

Photographed those same berries on that trail last weekend! They sure did stand out!

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Smiles as wide as possible for you here Pal !! Great location , conditions shots and video Pal

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

It was such a great couple of days! Thanks for checking out the video Darren!

[@rlfisher]

I like your excitement. Woodlands are tricky, you made some great images.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Roger!!

[@gordonneedham7014]

Great Video Mark ... Love your Compositions. Thanks

[@JosueMartinez-ww1vj]

Thanks for this, so much helpful info related to Nature Photography thanks a lot! 🌲🌳🍀☘

[@photoman52beta]

It’s fun just to see your excitement. That’s just the way photography should be approached.

[@photooutreach5168]

Like a kid in a candy store 🤣. Loved the video and the way you were enjoying where you were. Keep it up . Great job 👍.

[@NoxonPhotography]

Been waiting a while for a photographer I follow to go to this area. Its a gold mine. Ive always struggled with the focus stack/composition aspect of most of the scenes because the trees are so dense.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I can't wait to return - a gold mine indeed!

[@serenemachine9110]

Watching this video has reignited my interest in woodland photography. Thanks for the cool video.

[@alb41ful]

Love your enthusiasm Mark! Thank you for a lot of great tips!

[@audreypodmore9226]

I loved this video - felt as though I was a companion on your walk and imagined I was taking my own photos. Thank you for another great video!

[@nore8141]

This is exactly what I needed. Leaving for a weekend in the Charlevoix region in Quebec. Hope I get lucky 🍀. Thanks for the video.

[@JeffStudley]

"Nerding out" is my new favorite term. Another gem, Mark. Thanks for all of your efforts, bro! Really helpful!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hahahaha!!! That’s my technical term:)

[@janroos7518]

What a beautiful video! Great atmosphere too!

[@wimscheenen3535]

A beautiful on site video. Loved it.

[@davidletz9123]

That last photo was "the bomb" IMHO.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks David!

[@cb4636]

Mark, the important part of this vlog to me was the view into your process of finding the best compositions possible. Checking all of the available options and not settling for less than the best. I did not find it chaotic. All senses in motion analyzing all the options. Cheers

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear you enjoyed it!

[@Drewxcifer]

I am glad I found your channel, I live at the base of the Blue Ridge mountains in NC, it’s such a great place to shoot! I always tell my photography friends the “ the worse the weather the better photos you are going to get in the mountains”

[@elusivelens1744]

The dreamy shot at 11:58 is probably my favorite. Very nice area.

[@msfotostudioo]

Thank You Mark for sharing your knowledge with us (:

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@charlesdavis6371]

You always find such great places to shoot - but the best part is you always make the most of it with amazing compositions. TY for all you do Mark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I appreciate that Charles - thank you!

[@marilyngiannuzzi9867]

My very favorite subject to photograph,trees!Thank u for this video!

[@MsDonnamurray]

Just love the path shots. Leaves you wondering where you might wonder off to and what’s around the next bend.

[@austenohanlon]

What an amazing place! It hard to find a composition with such perfect conditions

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Excellent video, I am in Maine getting ready to go back to Arizona, definitely going to come back

[@suemangan618]

I love this!!! It validates my own thoughts as I approach something I want to photo. Anytime you want to take us along on a journey like this, I will watch it!!! THANKS!

[@jackbaratta5722]

Thanks for taking us along with you in a realistic hike! This was not chaotic, it was real world fun!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it Jack and thanks for checking out the video!

[@wboyce4877]

Mark, don’t worry about being “chaotic” because you are so genuine and that’s what I love about your videos! Anyone have any tips on using various weather apps to forecast when there will be low clouds/fog so I know what days to set my alarm to get out early?

[@HusbandnWifeDuo]

Love from Ontario, Canada! We were in the Blue Mountains near Boone, NC in 2012 and enjoyed our weeklong stay there immensely. My husband is a hiker and a hobbyist wildlife and landscape photographer. I am sure he will take lots of takeaways from here.

[@tommulvey9449]

Reminds me of the Waitakere ranges here in Auckland, New Zealand.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

A very productive trip! Love that country.

[@victahh281]

Happy to see how excited you get when the conditions are perfect. Happens to me as well, part of what I enjoy about photography is the luck of the draw on what conditions you may get, and testing your skills and abilities to be able to come away with a goo photo when conditions are less than ideal. Great video as always!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@michelekutner4229]

Great video, Mark Love how excited you are!!!

[@marydean9900]

I live in an area with alot of woodlands and sometimes struggle with making order out of the chaos. Thanks for talking us through the process, it is super helpful!!

[@shepard1783]

you speak about things being chaotic alot in this video. For someone like me the pictures in this forest are incredible. I think from my own perspective that chaos is what represents the users eye and how they see it. Especially the tree at 11 min is an amazing shot with all the mist and foggyness surrounding the photos

[@rodneygerdes3791]

Living in Missouri, I have always found the dense nature of the woodland to be a photography challenge. Looking forward to employing the techniques you demonstrated in this video. Thanks!

[@mortengu1385]

love the way you describe what you are thinking when you are composing the shot... pure gold🙂

[@terricarpenter1798]

I love this video. My favorites are when you are out exploring. Though all your videos are educational and entertaining. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@greggchilds9654]

Another terrific video, Mark. My favorite image: at 8:57 of your tutorial. To me, the pathway is a critical element in the image. I love pathways and roadways in my images because it gives me a strong feeling that I am there, as if I’m part of the image experience.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Awesome to hear you enjoyed it Gregg!

[@joeyrobertson4926]

Thanks for sharing the video and also your enthusiasm for photography. I enjoy watching and learning new ways of photographing the great outdoors.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Joey!

[@debbielynn6683]

Great video and I can relate to the landscape since I’m not that far from there. You always surprise in the way you walk by something and I’m saying to self, look right there…. There’s a great shot and you keep walking. Then you stop at a spot you are excited about and I’m not seeing it. Then you show the composition and wow that’s great. So that keeps me looking at things a bit closer and keeping my eyes open to see things a bit differently, maybe just from a different angle. I think I need to slow down and really take in what I’m really seeing. So thanks for all the tips!!!

[@landrysims]

Love this, thanks for sharing the tips and a bit of your process!

[@SteveAmaon]

Bingo! I struggle with composition in these type situations. This video helped immensely! Thank you!

[@robertlewis6543]

LOVE this video! Reminds me of the first time I visited Mt. Tam in the Bay Area!

[@robertlewis6543]

hold up! just started the video...this is the Blue Ridge Mtns?! Like....where I grew up?!?!

[@robertlewis6543]

*books plane ticket*

[@billygarrett3911]

I think we may have crossed paths last week. lol. I was out on the BRP in the western park of NC last week. I was having the same weather conditions that you were having. When I am on the BRP I am always looking for those “odd” tree’s. Fog, tree’s and Mountains what more can a photog ask for..lol. Thanks again for another great video.

[@haveaniceday2208]

Thanks so much! I love woodland photography. As a beginner I appreciate your helpful tips.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks Kim!

[@Trish12303]

Great video Mark! You got some amazing images!! Thanks for sharing!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks Patty!

[@hilleviupmanis8687]

Thank you!

[@markmuller3086]

Mark, I really enjoyed this tour through some beautiful woods. I also enjoyed how you walked us through your checklist for compositions. It made a lot of sense. Not chaotic at all. In fact the many examples here really helped to drive home the ideas of separation of elements, a clean scene, and the challenges of low light and windy conditions. That you were able to get things in focus at those relatively slow speeds is impressive. And, I’ve got to check out that half filter that I hadn’t heard of before. Great video!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Mark! Yeah I've been hooked on the Black Mist Filters lately! love the look it creates

[@paultaylor6252]

Some great images there. I love the challenge of woodland photography as no composition seems to come easily.

[@lgude]

Very different forests in the Blue Ridge Mountains from where I now live in Western Australia. I grew up in the Appalachians to the north in NH. So it is time to head out onto our midwinter trails here in the antipodes and make some images inspired by way of working. Well done.

[@Photosbytw]

Mark, in sorting of your composition you mentioned zooming in and out, moving left and right and back and forth......but no mention of moving up and/or down. More importantly, thank you for not disclosing your shooting location.

[@northernspirit87]

Love your videos, you explain everything in full easy to understand details. I also love that you show how you compose your compositions on your view finder and post the camera settings. Very helpful for learning. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@johnager9446]

A great video Mark, love the composition’s that you created in the woods there, which have given me some good pointers. I must admit woodland scenes like these are some of my favourite’s. I also found some great woodland pathways here in Cornwall, UK when on holiday. Once again thank you Mark👍

[@richardpesce5325]

Another really interesting video Mark! Thanks

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Richard!

[@jdw6727]

This looks like you were not far from me during this video. It's been so warm and dry till recent rains you hit a perfect time for the visit.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Beautiful place.

[@pauldls]

Nice, we were up there Sunday the 17th, but started at the top of the higher location and worked our way down doing some mushrooms in the moss macro. A hiker on his way up mentioned the beauty of the ash tree berries further down, looks like he was right.

[@michaelt7320]

Another great video, Mark, and so much to take from it on finding the essential elements in the scene to create the atmosphere that you felt on the day. It would be great to learn how you processed one or two images as well.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Michael - I was thinking about doing a follow up video like that👍

[@azzkhan8746]

Oh that 32-64 option is a real gem right? That’s what I discovered with my 45-100. Provides so many intimate composition options.

[@thisisme1999]

I really enjoyed your video, it was something very different from my usual photography (birds) and helps to provide me with a different perspective and outlook to photography. I will check out your other stuff.

[@dannyhead5287]

I'm a sucker for a path scene myself.... really liking the results of that new filter as well.

[@briansorrells8126]

Thank you Mark! I needed this. Most of my landscape photography is woodland because we have no mountains or grand vistas here. NC is beautiful. Spent a lot of time at Ft. Bragg in my youth jumping out of airplanes and used to travel to Virginia with a friend on the occasional weekend. Now I live in a place where woodland photography may as well be street photography because there are power lines criss-crossing about every square foot. Great video!

[@LokalizeNature]

Fantastic video Mark! Inspiring me to get better photos out in the nature 🙏 Greetings from Sweden

[@freemanligon1177]

Once again, great video. I see a such joy you have for photography even when you go outside your normal range which is landscape photography and applied what you have learned over the years to woodland photography. I wish I just do photography everyday, making a fair living off of it. Keep those videos coming. Thanks.

[@steliospodimatis3395]

Really enjoyed this video and you explanation along the way. I will admit I am a sucker for a path through the woods with a balance of trees on either side. Your photo of the path through the woods with the red berries and the balance of trees and fog is a outstanding photo! Thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thewanderingeye7133]

I love these types of videos, being stuck at home this reminds me of my adventures and hunting for the shots.... thanks Mark :)

[@hoythausgsp]

Terrific video, probably my favorite you have done! It was not chaotic at all. Much prefer this type video with you taking us along in finding the composition and looking through your viewfinder and less b-roll of walking away or opening camera bag.

[@mattg5566]

Hi Mark. I thought this video was great! I really enjoyed the walkthrough; seeing what you look for/find, and hearing your thoughts as you take the pictures. I feel it really helped hearing from a more experienced photographer.

[@hoilp]

Thanks for this video. I'm going to be backpacking through the Porcupine Mountains in the UP of Michigan in a couple of weeks and this will serve as inspiration for me. I'm now hoping for plenty of fog on the trip.

[@davidskinner274]

Nice woodland shots, Mark. I have been watching a few UK woodlanders lately, so a North American perspective has been enjoyable. Our woodland is less chaotic with less knarly stuff, but eucalypts have their own challenges. Cheers from down under

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it David!

[@LloydSpencer]

David, which (UK) woodlanders?

[@davidskinner274]

@@LloydSpencer In no particular order, Simon Booth, Simon Baxter, Tom Peters, Paul Thompson, Mali Davies

[@LloydSpencer]

@@davidskinner274 , much obliged. All new names to me.

[@LloydSpencer]

@@davidskinner274 , immensely grateful. I like Mark’s videos but his pictures, like those of the UK woodlanders you list, are not to my taste. Forgive me if I use terms which are disrespectful but the pursuit of the “picturesque” seems pointless… the photos of all those photographers converge, there is a sameness… but also a falseness. This is what photos look like when photographers compete to make pictures that look like one another’s photos…

[@kilimeruimages3967]

I Love woodland photography and I feel confident doing it - not done it for a while, so as always, you have inspired me to get out there - Thanks m8

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Awesome to hear this!

[@markallemang7745]

I'd love to see a video on how you process the images with fog and haze. Ex, what did you do to the top center of the photo at 9min in? (Trees on each side of path. ) Also, I'm always impressed with the video production. You get a lot of good shots so it isn't just you talking to a selfie stick.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark!

[@themoodyphotographer59]

I actually like the rapid fire type video's that cover more images. I almost fall asleep sometimes waiting for someone to take a shot of something, like a 30 minute video where someone finally takes a shot at about 25 minutes in after way too much walking and talking. Great video Mark, and great images!

[@michaelgoulding4425]

Great stuff Mark. That first location looks more like here in Ireland than what we usually see of the States, beautiful spot. Great to see you so excited, and the images are beautiful

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Michael!

[@richardschwanhausser5681]

Mark, I have been following you now for a couple of years and very much enjoy your videos. One thing I wish that you would reveal the general locations of your shoots as I live on the Blueridge Parkway and would enjoy visiting them.

[@jacquesgiard6943]

Thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

You’re the best - thank you!!

[@kevinroberts1888]

Beautiful shots. Yes, I enjoy woodland photography. Your second location reminds me a little of one of my personal favorite forests to go to for woodland photography, The Prescott Nation Forest. Would love to get one of those black mist filters, been playing around with the idea for a while but keep putting it off because money's tight for me right now (due to a recent move.)

[@scothowe539]

You got some really nice shots there Mark. I love shooting in those conditions but I rarely have the opportunity. Seems like it only happens when I have to get to work.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Scot! Yeah I know the feeling

[@haydennelson9404]

This is super cool. I think woodland photography is cool, you need to pay attention more while hiking. Looking forward to the gx680 comparison video!

[@antoniodesiderio1984]

Wow Mark ... there are no words ...😱😱😱 A fantastic location, with fantastic conditions from which you have pulled out, extraordinary photographs. Maximum envy, and maximum respect. An excellent job.🤩🤩🤩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 To answer your question: yes, I really love photography in the woodland.😉😉😉

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

This is great - thanks so much for the awesome comment!

[@tompetersphotography]

One of the best woodland videos I have seen in a while mate. Them black mist filters are good ay! Hoping to get myself some soon. I use the variable 2-5nd black mist for video all the time. Well done mate

[@robertmontgomery9602]

Mark really enjoy your videos and explanations of your processes. One question... what is a "black mist filter"?

[@adjake1]

There are so many great hikes along the BRP and GSMNP to find hidden, or not so hidden, gems. Im not very good at finding good compositions (still searching for my inner Nigel) but it sure doesn't keep me from trying. Went hiking in the smokies last weekend searching for hidden gems. I end up stopping so many times looking for good compositions that it can takes hours just to go even a mile ups the trail. Every now and then I find a keeper.

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Beautiful location and conditions buddy some gorgeous trees to shoot. Love the images you made as well man 😍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Paul - really appreciate that!

[@ilesmic]

Great Job- Loved the Tiger Lily flower - if that is what is called- loved the shot with the red berries or flowers and path-- Nice Job Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Michael!

[@timothyrenninger2251]

Great photos. I just took some woodland photos in the Smokies. I got a couple misty images with out a black mist filter; I forgot to check my lens and had a nice condensation on the end. Lesson learned.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yeah that's happened to me as well - sometimes it works out👍

[@noelmallia]

well done great job

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Appreciate it Noel!

[@melissam731]

Thanks so much Mark! This was really helpful seeing what to include and watch for. Your images are incredible. Where was this trail? Any snakes? I'd like to know if you have any workshops here.

[@andrewreece5582]

I do lots of this kind of thing (in the area you're in here) and I always find that the more misty atmosphere present, the more difficut the editing process becomes. The browns can look too purple, the greens are hard to balance, and there is little other color to work with.

[@vzshadow1]

I do but here in Ohio farm country the limited woodlands offer interesting challenges .

[@alexandermavrogordato6495]

Another great video. Woodland photography is so challenging for all the visual chaos you describe but your focus on a clean composition is very informative. Many thanks for that. I'll also have to look out for that 1/2 back mist filter you mentioned. Any recommendations?

[@RamaSivamani]

In this case would using a pop of flash help one with the light but two with helping to freeze the motion of the leaves in the breeze so you could get them more crisp in the photo?

[@rubenclphotography2147]

Thank you Mark for all the guidance. Your kindness always makes watching your videos a pleasant learning experience. One question if I may. I got curious about the shutter speed you showed since there appears to be some wind at your location. You mentioned 1/10 - 1/15 shutter speed. Was that enough to capture the leaves sharp or you’re accepting some unsharpness which combined with the fog give you the sort of atmosphere you’re trying to capture. Thanks a lot.