Understanding your Photography

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Every now and then, particularly if the weather hasn't been very good, I spend some thinking about my journey in photography - Am I happy with my progression? What events or things have had an impact on my work? Have there been any notable turning points?
In this video I talk about three photographs that have represented a significant turning point in my landscape and woodland photography. They aren't necessarily my best images, but they signify a positive change and influence in the direction of my photography. I also briefly mention a couple of other key photos and briefly cover why I think it's been important to reflect and understand the 'whys' in my work.
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#photography #turningpoints #reflection

[@justinkellyphotography4396]

I'm new to photography and still trying to find my path. I've often felt uninspired by my local area as it's a desert. Lately I've found myself shooting the landscape almost like a portrait, with a bush or tree isolated against the background. This has truly reflected my mood looking back on it now. Understanding that and noticing that I've begun to develop my own style has been a turning point. Thank you for this video and for sharing your stories. Deeply inspirational and I look forward to more.

[@CarolinaHawkeye]

Loved the video. My turning point in photography was after my divorce, I had started hiking more and just taking photos along the way. After a while, I found myself more into the photography than the hikes. I am still improving my photography daily. It's something that for me is therapeutic and yet when I get too busy with work and such I crave it more.

[@thomasphillips5850]

I could not agree more, photography is therapeutic. Good luck to you.

[@ashleykennedy3300]

Hi Simon, I’m a bit late to the party and only watching these videos now but I just wanted to say that you along with Thomas Heaton and Sean Tucker are the ones who inspire me the most, because I look at your images and they are just perfect and exactly the kind of thing I love in photography. You always manage to touch my heart somehow, well done mate and keep up the great work 👍

[@ryanstark2350]

That Glen Coe shot is spectacular.

[@anthonysalas9167]

You are exactly right Simon. Are photographs are what we feel or what we are going through. Keep up the great work, love your photos and channel.

[@wcwendychapman]

Excellent - I think that if photography is a passion it is as therapeutic as any medicine. There is nothing quite like being mesmerised by the world around you no matter what form of photography you enjoy. Very enjoyable video.

[@WilliamLesourd]

Your photo treatment has always been subdued to retain the true atmosphere of the scenery and this is one of the reasons I truly enjoy your channel. One of the other reason is how much Meg is enjoying each one of your hikes.

[@Hirsutechin]

Videos like this keep me watching your channel and others like it - discussing images and what lies behind them. (and not a bit of gear discussion anywhere, hurray!)

[@wendybee9160]

I agree with you. It depends on what mood you are in as to what you shoot that day. I get inspirited by your work. so keep up the great job.

[@scrumpyhead2000]

One thing I am absolutely sure about you Simon is that your photography comes from the heart. Regards from Somerset.

[@analog_presencing]

Thanks Simon for sharing your journey it remembered me about a turning point in my life 6 years ago. Whenever I need to make important decisions I used to wander into nature opening my senses, smelling, hearing, observing my surroundings. It was on one of this hikes, where I was at a crossroads in my life, after spending several hours in the woods that I came to open place in the woods where they had cut down all the pines. My first feeling was sorrow about the loss of the trees when I noticed that they left one birch tree catching the light which must have been hidden by the pines before. When I allowed the scene to sink in the sorrow transformed in something beautiful with the realization that in order to allow this small birch to grow and bloom it was needed to bring it into the light by cutting down the pines. I felt that it was also the affirmation that I needed to make the right decision by letting go of my fears and old convictions in order to allow myself to grow and bloom. I now believe that it also planted the seed for my fascination with trees. Two years ago I started photographing during my hikes and find myself in the process from mastering the techniques into developing my connection with nature and capturing it into an image that will speak to me as it did that day and hopefully by sharing it also will speak to others.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for sharing your story, Aad! All the very best to you!

[@richardlock6705]

First Simon thank you for a great video. I am incredibly impressed with the way you delivered the entire thing in one take. You speak with total passion and I find you incredibly inspiring. I have lived in the New Forest for 25 years and really struggled to get a passion for my photography in the Forest. My love is coastal and underwater photography..until now! Watching and listening to you has suddenly changed something in me, and I feel totally motivated to make the most of my privileged position of living in the heart of the National Park. If you ever fancy a shoot in the New Forest please shout. Thank you again

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for your kind words and offer for a shoot in the New Forest. Much appreciated :)

[@dannynash5713]

You are very gifted in articulating the meaning in not only how you view the philosophical side of your photography but also in how and why you craft your images the way you do. The images here are, if I may, “exemplary!” Wonderful video Simon! ✊

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's very kind of you to say, Danny. Many thanks :)

[@leslielanderkin8301]

Those of us who also love the woodlands understand completely your love and fondness for a particular tree or scene. Leslie

[@stevemozzie6497]

My turning point was retirement and a comment made by another photographer. He thought that my images weren't up to much, that's true … they weren't. I was determined to take a "slow" path to improving the technical side of my photography and enjoy both the ups and downs that would come my way. I love taking photographs, exploring the creative side of my personality. There are millions of photographers who are better than I am, have access to amazing locations. I don't care. My journey, my images, my learning. Love it. Your woodland work is inspirational. Thanks Simon.

[@lindefraser9148]

So many congratulations to you two and Meg! Thanks for sharing such a special moment. I love this image, all of them really. And yes I agree, if we care, the landscape dictates the photo. You were inspired but inspire so many of us. With regard to the Guardians of the Forest discussion - the group went right, you went left. You took the road less travelled then and that has made all the difference.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Hi Linde. Your supporting comments are always much appreciated. Many thanks!

[@davidbruceod]

Simon, your work is so inspiring on many levels. I just love the feeling of your moody woodland images. There is a melancholy element to them, but that is often the feeling you get while exploring isolated woodlands. There is a sense of isolation, vulnerability, fascination by the complexity of the woodland and it's beauty mixed with the fear of the unknown. And then you find a subject that owns you, you get so transfixed by it that all the other emotions get pushed aside while work to bring forth the image. Thank you for allowing us to tag along.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's very kind of you, Bruce! Thank you very much for watching and enjoying!

[@colinfreear4749]

Stunning Simon.What a great understanding of our woodlands you have. Keep the video's coming.

[@RockLakeMama]

Okay, first I have to say … how bloody cute is Meg! The way she looks at you at the beginning of this video is just priceless! She is a lovely soul. I thoroughly enjoyed this blog, SImon. Your photos are just stunning, and it was interesting (and instructional) to learn the stories and thinking behind some of your compositions. Looking forward to your next video. Wishing all of you a wonderful week!

[@scotty4418]

Photography has become my release from the pressure of my job and the opportunity to be own my own for a bit when you deal with people every single day. It also has made me realise the beauty that surrounds us when you stop to look and thats what I equally enjoy and more often the experience of being out there is what I come home with rather than an image, but Ive learned to accept that and just be glad of the opportunity to get out there. Was nice to hear more about your journey Simon and been a pleasure to watch your vlogs and see your wonderful images

[@thomasphillips5850]

Simon, the word is EXEMPLARY. This is probably the6th or 7th time I have watched this video, it has all my favorites in it. Thank you as always for taking us along.

[@CR416]

Sitting in the car having a coffee after a very cold and snowy day photographing Loch Ard. I really enjoyed the video and can completely relate to your images, the mood created by the light and mist is what I have been trying to capture for a while. First class, thank you.

[@MarkRomine]

First congrats on the engagement!!! What a wonderful backdrop, I'm sure the two of you will never forget that moment and that place. Your woodland images are so sublime, you are truly a master at one of the most difficult genre's of landscape photography. Enjoyed seeing all of these and hearing the stories behind them!

[@PointBlankZA]

Thank you, Simon. having spent the last 2 weekends deep in the forests here by my place, and only walking away with a handful of mediocre shots, but identifying some great potential but still feeling really despondent, I feel more inspired now. It really is a case of pushing on, getting up early, walking, and learning, and coming back to get the right shot... I will be back on the trails this weekend!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks! Yes, it's hard work and woodland/forests is one of the most challenging genres but there's great rewards to be had :)

[@davidprendergast5389]

I love your work Simon. A key turning point for me in my landscape photography was walking down an old muddy track early one morning on my way to an old ruin of a manor house in Ireland. It was misty but the sun had risen and I thought the best light had passed. Half way down the track the fog thickened and the low winter sun went behind the ridge behind me. I turned around and was stunned by the sudden beams of light piercing the mist and creating all sorts of interesting shadows and contrasts. It took me right back to the early mornings of my childhood working on a farm near Pendle Hill in Lancashire, when I would walk up muddy tracks amidst such natural glory on my way to collect the cows for milking. Only now I had the skills and equipment to capture the moment. Probably one of the finest mornings in my photographic journey to date.

[@bowemarch8239]

Truly some of the best landscape photos I have seen. Right, I’m off to my local wood.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much :-)

[@searam1]

Cheers, Simon! I just realised that I have been a subscriber of yours from the beginning and since then, I have discovered a handful of awesome photographers from the UK that I love. But, you are my favourite and I wanted to tell you that. Every time I look at my print of Guardians of the Forest, I have to smile! You have given me a sense of the magick that is Britain even though I live in Atlanta! I love your moody compositions and look forward to discovering the next, and the next... Thank you, my friend, and also know there is another "spinal sufferer" on the other side of the pond that gets to live life through your lens. Sean

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's very kind of you and much appreciated, Sean :-)

[@tTLM823]

Very encouraging words, Simon! I must confess I struggle with getting myself "out there" despite the fact that when I finally do I absolutely love it. What a dichotomy of willingness and will, but your video renews the interest and that's a very good thing. So thank you... and of course, your images are beautiful indeed.

[@TheycallmeWade]

You are hands down my favourite woodland photographer I love the melancholy side of nature it seems so bleak but so beautiful at the same time. My turning point was an image from 14 years ago a sunrise shot from a local headland looking over the rocks into a cumulonimbus cloud with light rays bursting through, I was so happy I had it turned into a large canvas and gave it to my wife as a gift it still hangs in our home, technically its terrible blown highlights black shadows but I’ll never replace the feeling it gave me, when I saw it on canvas I thought wow how beautiful is nature and quite proud.

[@seantuck]

Great video mate. Lovely to hear these stories.

[@deankorbin5640]

i guess im randomly asking but does anybody know a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot my password. I love any assistance you can offer me

[@finnleydeacon5683]

@Dean Korbin instablaster :)

[@deankorbin5640]

@Finnley Deacon i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@deankorbin5640]

@Finnley Deacon It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my account!

[@finnleydeacon5683]

@Dean Korbin you are welcome xD

[@russellschundler6559]

I completely agree ... first, decide what you want to communicate, then use rules/techniques of composition as needed to help get a clear feeling/message across. That is also so important for post-processing. Start with what you want to achieve and why ... then proceed with using your expansive toolkits (e.g. Lightroom/Photoshop).

[@adagioseven]

This is the first of your videos that I've seen. As a person with ADD, there aren't many videos over 2 minutes that keep my attention. This one certainly did and it was because I related to it on numerous levels. I am a farrier by trade and photography is my hobby. It's also my escape. I do my best work when I'm alone and isolated from people, business, noise, etc. Thanks for creating this video. I'm glad to know that there are like minds out there. You have a gift.

[@philipgraham3350]

Hi Simon, been following you for a while and was moved to comment on this video. The ability you have to articulate the feelings and artistic process behind your images is a rare skill, and perfectly compliments your work. You have inspired me to consider my own photography turning points, something I haven’t really thought about up to now. I think we all have images we personally like, or even ones that have done well in competitions or whatever, but to reflect on the ones that have shaped our own personal photography journey seems like something well worth doing.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much for your kind comment, Philip! I'm delighted that you found some inspiration from the video :)

[@WayneRobertsonPhotography]

Great video Simon. Lots of nice stories and images, and a lovely story at the start of the video!

[@martinjn2920]

A superb video Simon, a lovely insight into how you found your raw material to work with. For me, it was the realisation that I could stop and look at what was around me, by doing this I could see what I wanted to photograph rather than just shooting hundreds of images which were poor boring and not reflective of what could be achieved with a bit of calm consideration. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos and for sharing them with us.

[@Bazzo61]

Thank you Simon for being so open and honest about your emotions. I've watched every one of your videos since the beginning and it's clear how your relationship at a personal level with photography has evolved and how it's mirrored your own changing feelings. All your photographs, but especially the ones in this video, are not just beautiful but really capture the atmosphere of the location and moment.

[@divinerdetective44]

I see atmospheric images such as the ones you're talking about as magical more than somber or depressing. They're just another facet of how Nature shows herself. I feel transported by these types of images.

[@paulus0109]

Not just another glencoe photo! Great photo’s Simon. Thnx

[@brucerobertson6196]

Thank you Iam just a old retired guy with a camera inspiration comes in many forms your photos and videos are windows to another world I learn a little bit more with every photo Or video I see

[@perjensen6396]

I enjoy watching and hearing your videos, it gives something to think about and then it is some fantastic pictures you take.

[@Tuomimaki]

Your comments about our photography reflecting our moods made me think about my photos from a different point of view. I appreciate your style of going deeper in to things like who we are at a particular moment and what drives us to do things.

[@christalbot9873]

I have just started woodland photography, as my challenge to learn something new this year, your images fantastic and your videos are an inspiration, so glad I have found your channel.

[@ThyWorshipMetal]

I’ve started looking around the local patches of woodland after watching your videos, everything about your images inspire me!

[@Sunrazor]

I find many videos on KZbin not worth the time to watch. I have never felt that with one single video from you Simon. Great work!

[@stevew7719]

Thank you, Simon. I needed to hear this. What I have taken from this is that you shoot what inspires you and what you feel you have connection with. I have been wrestling with this concept as I find myself trying to please others with what I think they like. You have shown how personal inspiration is a much more authentic driver of quality and progress. Thanks again, and congratulations.

[@marcusgodlund]

This is the reason i started follow your channel to be honest, there is thoughts and a story/feeling behind each frame you shoot. Great work and keep it coming!

[@Photography_as_prayer]

Simon...first of all, congratulations on your proposal and may your marriage be richly blessed! Second, thanks so much for your sharing what must have taken months of reflection to realize, then carefully prepare and share! You have helped provide wonderful perspective to all of us who are trying to understand how to best express our creativity.

[@bereantrb]

I agree that it's important to reflect seriously on these things. Well done.

[@cotswoldphotographers]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I find your journey truly inspirational and your ability to wear your heart on your sleeve extremely humbling. Looking forward to enjoying your work throughout the year 👍

[@thestig007]

Some of these look so surreal. Like a painting that couldn't happen in real life.

[@fubband]

Lovely video, Simon. Great hearing your thoughts on all those wonderful images...but you made me cry at the beginning!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Awww, I hope I didn't! Chuffed you enjoyed it, Martin :)

[@MrLiverpool84]

I love how you talk so much about the emotional side of photography, rather than just the technical element. Fantastic.

[@Leffe49]

Great video Simon. Loved the whole contents of it and those stunning photos you showed. I Hope you soon are back in the Woodland again, with your Camera and Meg.

[@ianspicer1529]

Simon, singularly the most inspirational video I've watched on YT to date. Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts and some engaging stories. All best.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, Ian! Thank you :)

[@sarahy5540]

Loved hearing your stories behind these beautiful, magical images.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

Congratulations on your engagement & wish you both a long & happy life together. I took up photography as a hobby 5 years ago. With a back problem I find it difficult at times, but you have inspired me personally to explore woodland photography & not just landscape images. Here in Devon, we are sadly not blessed with much deciduous woodland & snow or haugh frost are rare. I strive to improve the standard of images I take and print them to go on the staircase walls. I find this helps you to see your progress as you take something better. You have probably become a world renowned woodland photographer & your images are stunning. Don’t stop inspiring us all to get out there & do it.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and kind words, Nicky. Much appreciated!

[@dietervoegelin5890]

A great video with wonderful thoughts and pictures. And, of course, a very nice story at the beginning of this video. Thanks Simon

[@canuckdon]

Simon, I really appreciated your insightful comments and seeing these wonderful images again. You are an inspiration to thinking photographers. Thank you!

[@thomasbowan7864]

I love that you found the most important thing that most photographers never will. The quest of shooting a marriage of your heart and what you want to see in your camera. Everyday is a new feeling and a moment to tell a new story with your camera. Love it

[@Fokus_1977]

For me I just can’t budge from woodlands. It’s that solitude in nature and away from the hustle and bustle, that healing power of nature. With or without the camera. Mind you I do love taking that camera.

[@Victoride1]

My turning point was your first or second video. I have a small forest right in front of my house, but never thought of taking photographs there. After watching your video, I went right into it, got off the path and spent the most wonderful time in the forest exploring and photographing.

[@jenniferrose250]

Your photographs have a magic that is very special. Watching your videos has reignited my interest in nature photography. I enjoy hearing about your journeys and the back story of each photo....thanks for sharing!

[@guywright7388]

One of your best. Every insightful.

[@allansisson355]

Wow, what a great job. Loved seeing the old images again and their meaning and story. Great timing on the 10 sec to by the way. Very cool to have something so important,work out so perfectly.

[@JoeMustang99]

Well done, Simon. Very well done.

[@howardallen5390]

It's always inspiring to hear you talk about your images and how photography is so important to you and so intertwined with your life. Great way to propose: I proposed while we were out walking as well, I had to clear up some dog mess and thought while I'm down here I may as well propose.

[@annthomstad635]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I find your videos really inspiring.

[@brandonpidala]

Absolutely stunning work, Simon! I marvel at your ability to find order in chaos with your woodland photography and really enjoyed the insight into some of your favorite images.

[@petroverba6054]

Thank you for great video. Photographs become "deeper" when photographer digs deeper in himself. When you understand who you are, what you like, what your passion is , what resonates with you become more emotionally deep person. And it affects your photography. I think landscape photographers more or less introverted people. And this "depth" in photographs attract people. I cant explain it in words , but you feel this depth through photograph. I'm photographing since 2013 but only in 2017 I felt the turning point. I studied landscape photography online course and I felt that something triggered inside of me. That was a start of transition from using "rule of thirds, leading lines, foreground-midground-foreground" to actually feeling the landscape. I exactly understand what you are talking about. All that " N composition tips and tricks" slowly started to move into holistic picture. I still at very beginning of my journey, but I feel that I groped the way. And yours KZbin channel and Thomas Heaton's really help me to continue my way.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

Wow! I’ve been following a number of you KZbinrs over the past 5 years, after a personal setback that allowed me time to pursue photography more seriously. Most of you grew, but some grew much more. Looks like you are in that camp. The only advice I can offer is that your images look startlingly like paintings. Spend time in museums. I think you will find artists who see the world like you do.

[@ashstubbings2603]

I can't believe this is the first of your videos I've ever watched!! Where on earth have I been?? You mentioned the word 'magical'. That's how I felt about your photos.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Welcome, Ashley! Thank you for your kind words :)

[@chuckyzzz]

Ashley, Wait until you catch up and Explore "The World OF Meg" It is special and says a lot about Simon and is passion for detail.

[@kasperlarsen577]

You are a true inspiration! Loving your videos and your photos even more. I use your work as a reference point to my own progression. Still a long way to go and so much to learn. As you describe, especially why some photos are good and others are great. you certainly help in getting to understand that! Thanks!

[@jeaninedc11]

I love the moodiness of your images but those two oak trees are just breathtaking.

[@chrisr.1803]

I watch photography videos to improve my own photography but you always deliver so much more! Love you and Meg!

[@larryselvidge901]

Both your still work, and your videos, continue to grow and deepen in meaning. A pleasure to watch and share. Well done.

[@RudixSA]

Thanks for sharing this with us Simon, I love all your videos but this one got me thinking about my own photography and why I love what I love. You lit the spark of self-examination that is often needed to allow you to move forward. I "need" a turning point as I feel I am stagnating and loosing drive so the timing was perfect. Great stuff!

[@tonygaskins565]

I started following your channel a few months ago. Your story resonates with me. I was keen walker and loved my time in the mountains but several years ago I developed a spinal condition and arthritis. Hill walking and climbing are no longer an option. This made me angry and frustrated and I didn't want to pick up a camera. I started to make images again based around my local area and I've now begun to venture back out into the landscape. The development of CSC has helped tremendously because the cameras and lenses are lighter. I live near the coast and used to enjoy walks by the sea with my dad as a child. Now I've come to terms with my condition my images are quite serene and relaxed, whereas they used to be quite somber. I certainly lacked confidence but now I'm able to push myself more, ok legs giving way without warning putting me and others in danger means fells and mountains aren't a good idea but getting out more has helped. Your work has inspired me to venture into my local woods and try to work with complex and chaotic compositions that are well outside my comfort zone of simple images with just a few elements. I'm really enjoying your channel, not only for the images but for your honest communication. Thanks Tony

[@MrCopper4]

I am no pro but I see beauty in all those photographs you have taken. I would love to have them hanging on my wall for sure.

[@hnurminen]

This...is your best video so far. No doubt about it.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Very much appreciated, Henry! Thank you :)

[@jlsc4125]

I always stress to my students, the two basics you have to master to be a good photographer is composition and light. If you don't understand and master those two, you will just be a picture taker.

[@simontull7511]

Really good to hear your thoughts and feelings surrounding some of the key photographs in your journey, Simon. Thanks as ever for sharing.

[@petermcilroy5742]

Thanks for this Simon. I always appreciate your reflections on why you craft the images that you do. I am increasingly finding more pleasure in trying to convey an emotion through an image, and your style of photography has really helped me develop along that journey.

[@Matty_the_Tall]

Thank you Simon. Such an inspirational episode. I've been fiddling about with photography for many years, but in the last few years I've felt the need to take it more seriously. We've all been through such a rough time in one way or another, and honestly, anything that gets me outside and into nature is worth it. I really want to learn about some of the finer details, and to be able to make better compositions and to understand why they are better. Your videos are so incredibly helpful in that journey that I find myself on. Thank you for your honesty, your passion and for sharing your incredible talent.

[@ant_hart]

For me, it’s all about the story behind the photo. I love your style of photography and knowing the images are much more than just that makes them even more appealing to me :) Great video mate 👍🏼

[@mpearce888]

Absolutely love hearing the stories behind images and what they mean to the photographer. Thanks for sharing

[@iemboyshostel]

Another great video Simon... thanks for sharing your thoughts and your journey with us... great learning for me personally by watching your videos day after day

[@alistaircassidy]

Just a lovely video and great to hear your insights into what motivates you in your photography and what draws you to a scene. For my perspective, I am not naturally a morning person at all but there is little better than the sense of achievement of actually getting out early and to somewhere beautiful like Rannoch Moor in time for sunrise. To be by yourself with the camera is just so tranquil, taking the time to compose a shot and to just take a breathe, something that can sometimes be very challenging in modern life. Watching videos from people like you and Thomas is a real inspiration and motivator to me and, I am sure, many others to get better in our own photography. Thank you.

[@johnbentley1056]

Great storytelling. I loved the video and images. For me photography is a nice stress relief. It gives me a nice excuse to get out. I am fortunate that where I live in Australia I have the choice of seascapes, mountains and rainforest all close to home. I find a sense of peace in the forests listening to the running water and often don't even take a photo. I especially find rainforest difficult to photograph. I think after watching your video I am inspired to stick a prime on my camera and explore these local places more. Thank you for sharing.

[@RoseKerin]

Thanks Simon. Just listening to some of your videos while I'm working. So many lessons and advice from you still to be had. Such wisdom and inspiration is always needed to help others. Thanks so much.

[@petergill]

Thanks Simon. Your deeper exploration of photography really speaks to me and I’m left inspired to keep going with my photography (after a couple of years being uninspired) I’ll be watching more of your videos here.

[@stevecush100]

Thoughtful and considered presentation which strikes a real note with me. So much more enjoyable to watch and listen than some from other photographers who seem too intent on promoting themselves. Thank you.

[@grassland5165]

Thanks for the great video. Keep Exploring. The last 18 months I experienced life challenges while transitioning to "full time" photography. But one of the things that has helped me is your magnificent photography of your local woodlands area, inspiring me to continue my photography efforts in the local area here, that few photograph.

[@dmac5x1]

An exemplary video. Thanks. The oak tree that has become your logo and "Guardians of the Forest" truly capture the magic of the woodlands. Perhaps it's my Scots/Irish DNA that draws me to the woods.

[@AnVoPhotography]

Thank you for sharing those special moments with us. I love your photography and your videos. So inspiring.

[@kevwarrilow45]

Hi Simon - what a great insight into your journey. I totally get where you're coming from. As an aside - I've just come back from a few days in Glen Coe - the weather was pretty awful to be fair but it was a great recce trip for future visits - My long standing goal was to capture the iconic Buachaille Etive and waterfall shot - sadly the weather was against us but I did manage to capture a few shots that I'm quite pleased with and will be heading back at some point to do more exploration. I think you are an inspiration my friend - keep up the great work - Kev

[@irispreciado5142]

So great to see your video! I think I'am still on that journey to find myself as a photographer. Thank you so much for sharing, I always learn so much.

[@ChrisJohnstonePhoto]

Thank you for the video, Simon. I feel I can relate to the notion of confidence when it comes to photography. The subjective nature of photography always leaves room for doubt so continuing to believe in yourself must be one of the most important things out there.

[@demacf6805]

Simon, Loved the video and your commentary, but was truly blown away by your photos! I was transported into those places, and the feeling I got was wonderfully peaceful. Thank you!

[@jennifersayers8041]

I really enjoyed this episode Simon. The start, which was your proposal to Adele, that was so beautiful, congrats to both of you and a stunning photograph captured too. I started photography because I needed something to keep me focused on something else rather than what I was going through at the time. I found out at 20 years of age I was going blind, I'm partially deaf from birth but my sight deteriates from my teenage years. Today I'm lucky to still make out some things I see through a dark tunnel, but I'm more serious about photography more than ever as it's helped me see what I can't see with my own eyes. My camera screen blows me away with what I'm missing out on, the milky way, the sunsets, the wildlife, and different landscapes and waterfalls. Each picture I capture has stored a memory of my moment, the atmosphere, the smell of the air, rain, seaweed lol I'm in awe with your stunning photography, you are so gifted with an eye for beauty in all forms. That 40"print of the fallen tree must look amazing every time you walk in the room, stunning. Thank you for sharing. :)

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

I'm so sorry to read about the deterioration of your eyesight. That must be devastating but I'm also delighted that you find some solace and comfort in your photography. Thank you for sharing some of your story and your kind words - much appreciated!

[@fafnorcal]

Well done! Very helpful introspection. Thank you, Simon.