Unlocking the Secrets of FOREST Photography: a Personal Challenge

Feeling overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of forest photography? 🌲 Join me in the majestic redwoods as I tackle this challenge head-on!
In this video, I'm sharing the lessons I've learned from studying the masters and experimenting with different techniques to capture the unique beauty of these ancient giants.
We'll explore:
- The mindset shift that transformed my approach
- How to find structure in the chaos of the forest
- Using light to your advantage, even in challenging conditions
- Creating depth and dimension in your compositions
- And even how to tell a story with your photos
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this video will inspire you to see the forest in a whole new light. Hit that play button, and let's unlock the secrets of redwood forest photography together!
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== PHOTO GEAR ==
Landscape Camera: Nikon Z8
Amazon: amzn.to/3RGCGYL
B&H: bhpho.to/3AAZ8gt
Wide Angel Lens: Nikon Z 14-24
Amazon: amzn.to/3KUfLp0
B&H: bhpho.to/3XcFdwZ
Mid-Zoom Lens: Nikon Z 24-120
Amazon: amzn.to/3XDFkm5
B&H: bhpho.to/4fVeVGW
Telephoto Lens: Nikon Z 100-400
Amazon: amzn.to/45BsR4a
B&H: bhpho.to/3YYuZBQ
Macro Lens for Nikon: Nikon Z 105 Macro
Amazon: amzn.to/4dEjP9c
B&H: bhpho.to/4dX4ZuC
Macro Camera: OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II
Amazon: amzn.to/3M1c3us
B&H: bhpho.to/3YZ8jBu
Macro Lens for OM System: OM M.Zuiko 90mm Macro
Amazon: amzn.to/3yH9cUf
B&H: bhpho.to/3YY9JMh
Camera Vest: Cotton Carrier G3
Amazon: amzn.to/45BsR4a
B&H: bhpho.to/4dSLaEU
Tripod: Really Right Stuff TVC-24L Mk2
Amazon: amzn.to/4c7JEOB
B&H: bhpho.to/4dT21r8
Tripod (Travel): RRS Ascend-14 Long
B&H: bhpho.to/4dW0C3e
Tripod Head: Leofoto G4 Pro
Leofoto: bit.ly/3ytjl6R
Tripod Head: Arca-Swiss P0 Hybrid
Amazon: amzn.to/4fIfXpN
B&H: bhpho.to/4dyxbo5
Magnetic Filters: Kase Revolution
Amazon: amzn.to/3yos6zn
B&H: bhpho.to/4dAiUaq
== VIDEO GEAR ==
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo
Amazon: amzn.to/3WV344e
B&H: bhpho.to/3YY9OQ5
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== SOCIAL ==
Instagram: / jameslphoto
Facebook: / jameslphoto
Website: www.jamesloren...
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== CHAPTERS ==
0:45 Why Forest Photography is So Hard
01:12 A Personal Challenge
01:51 My Systematic Approach to Improving
02:52 Patience, Observation & Connection (Mindset Shift)
04:20 Creating Depth in Forest Photography
06:48 Storytelling in Forest Photography
08:42 Creating Structure & Separation in Forest Photography
09:46 Light in Forest Photography
13:05 Reducing Distracting Light
14:00 Fog in the Forest!
18:20 My Hope for You
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*The Amazon links to the equipment I use are affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the channel, so I appreciate any affiliated purchases :)

[@Diego.r.photography]

Awesome video James, well put together. Now I’m itching to go shoot trees. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@JamesLPhoto]

Hey Diego, nice to see you over here and glad you enjoyed the video! It's always fun to explore our amazing forests, isn't it? Eager to see your channel when you get it up and going! I've learned a lot from the process myself.

[@glenblaven]

James. Just stumbled on your channel. What a wonderful video. Very informative and your pictures are inspiring. Look forward to seeing more of your content. Subscribed!

[@JamesLPhoto]

Welcome to the channel! I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the video and found it inspiring. I have a lot more content on the way, so stay tuned!

[@danielspenner3683]

Truly one of the best videos in forest photography so gar and I have seen a lot of them. The analytic approach may not be for everyone, but it's the fastest way to success. You really worked the scene, even in different conditions, which is also key to beautiful images. I stumbled upon your channel browsing for woodlandphotography videos, I hadn't watched before. I subscribed right away. Great work, really beautiful photography!

[@JamesLPhoto]

What a nice comment. I'm so glad you found the video helpful! I agree that there are many different ways to approach forest photography, and I tend to be more on the analytical side. But even with my systematic approach, I always try to leave room for spontaneity and intuition. Thanks for subscribing, and I'm excited to share more of my work with you!

[@johnstricklen4093]

I live in the Ozark mountains and have always struggled with how to make something of the forest, usually defaulting to small stuff and macro photos. I love these tips on how to look for good shots amidst the chaos. One critique on your video is that your zoom out transitions on your stills blanks them with just a fraction of a second to pause and look at your composition. Distracting - skip the zoom out and just present the image for the same amount of time. I've subbed and look forward to more of your videos. Thank you!

[@JamesLPhoto]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate the note about the zoom transitions-I'll definitely keep that in mind for future videos. I've never been to the Ozark mountains. I only know of the Netflix show that takes place there (even though it's filmed in Atlanta, GA 🫤). I agree, there's nothing wrong with macro or small scenes in the forest. In fact, I love that those intimate moments are almost always accessible, no matter where you are.

[@1958zed]

Nice tips and images. I generally agree with the notion of leaving the camera in the bag while you explore and connect with the location. However, you may stumble across ideal light and conditions that make you want to grab your camera and take a photo. I appreciate you taking a few intimate scenes. It's not easy to do when your standing among giants. I think you could have had another great intimate scene with the single fern frond over the carpet of clover at 11:57.

[@JamesLPhoto]

You're absolutely right, there are times when you have to seize the moment and capture the light when it's just right. I think it's about finding a balance between intentionally connecting with the environment and being ready to react when those magical moments happen. I'm glad you enjoyed the intimate scenes-I agree, the clover shot has potential! I have a few more small scenes tucked away that I'll hopefully share soon. Are you on IG? @jameslphoto if you want to connect.

[@cguerrieri4866]

Great job. The way you used the chart to organize!!! Really cool. Thanks. I learned a bunch

[@JamesLPhoto]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm happy to hear the chart was helpful, even if it was a bit hard to read at times. I'm always looking for ways to organize and share my thought process, so I'm glad it resonated with you.

[@cguerrieri4866]

The chart that you showed is really a stroke of genius Especially for linear left brain thinkers. Is there any chance that you have a file with it that you could share?

[@JamesLPhoto]

I'm glad the chart resonated with you! I'm a very linear thinker myself, so creating a visual map definitely helped me process and learn. Unfortunately, I can't share the file directly because it includes photos from other photographers, and I don't want to violate any copyright issues. However, I'm happy to elaborate on the concepts or techniques if you have specific questions!

[@antonjoantonjo5719]

Really dig the tips, I appreciate the effort you put into this. Sub'd.

[@JamesLPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed, and thanks for subscribing!

[@martinekwall4671]

Great breakdown on how you sorted out the subject of photographing trees. It took me decades till I understood how to do it. I like your shots very much! The funny thing in photography is that’s been there in front us all the time, the thing is to see it, to grasp it. Thanks for sharing your journey and the great photos. Makes me want to go Redwoods one day.

[@JamesLPhoto]

I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and kind words. It's great to hear that the video resonated with you, and it's so true what you said about photography-it's about seeing and grasping what's right in front of us. I'm glad the photos inspired you to consider visiting the Redwoods-it's a magical place! Happy shooting!

[@ClaiCesar]

Wow these are cool photos. My favorite is the sunrays through the fog and the flowers being highlighted. 😊 I love taking photos of plants and trees with my phone everytime I visit a park. Im a plant enthusiast and I love taking pictures of my plants and post them on social media. I recently purchased a used camera on ebay. I have been binge watching photography videos ever since. I will try the techniques you showed here. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@JamesLPhoto]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the photos, especially the one with the sun rays and flowers. I love those fleeting moments of light and magic in nature, too. Plants are such amazing subjects, and I totally understand your passion for photographing them. I actually got my start in photography because I wanted to capture the beauty of my own garden-though I have to admit, not all of my plants have survived my attempts at "gardening!" 😉 But hey, at least I have photos to remember them by, right? It sounds like you're off to a great start with your new camera! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions as you explore the world of photography.

[@ClaiCesar]

@@JamesLPhoto Thanks. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. I have not explored everything yet. But I would also love to learn, how photographers protect their photos online. That would a be a good topic on your next video if you have not done so yet.

[@JamesLPhoto]

You're very welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos and finding them helpful. And that's a great suggestion for a future video topic! Protecting photos online is definitely important, especially for photographers sharing their work on social media or websites. I'll add it to my list of potential topics and do some research. In the meantime, feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions about protecting your photos online, and I'll do my best to help!

[@jamesfkey]

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (north of Orick), James Irvine Trail, late 1990. Started at visitor station before sunrise. Extremely dense fog. In a very old grove of redwoods fog started lifting. The base of the fog was below the lowest limbs of the trees. Bare tree trunks disappeared into into the thick fog ceiling. Seemed as if we were in a great cathedral. Looking forward the trail ran up a hill and disappeared into the fog. A haunting dream like memory that only me my wife share. Thanks for taking your time to share not only your techniques but the awe and wonder of the redwoods.

[@JamesLPhoto]

Wow, what an incredible experience you and your wife had at Prairie Creek! It sounds absolutely magical. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Fantastic video and photos 👍🙂

[@JamesLPhoto]

Appreciate your kind words. Cheers.

[@photographilife]

Thanks for the information!

[@JamesLPhoto]

You're welcome!

[@TonyHogrefe]

@ 8:39 that "hand" might be busy, but it's composed well enough that my eye goes right to it without wandering off. Sometimes you gotta embrace the chaos in the woods.

[@JamesLPhoto]

Hey, thanks for the thoughtful comment. I agree, sometimes the "chaos" of the forest can actually add to the image. I do tend to gravitate towards simpler compositions, but it's a good reminder to embrace the wildness of nature sometimes. I appreciate your perspective.

[@JamesLPhoto]

I really appreciate your comments and feedback! It means a lot to me that you took the time to share your thoughts and experiences. I'm excited to continue sharing my love of nature and photography with you all. Happy shooting!

[@DeborahBernal]

Forest photography has always been a challenge for me too. I like the idea of a dedicated trip to focus on getting better.

[@JamesLPhoto]

The dedicated time spent immersed in the forest is def a 10x over the more casual 'passing through' trips. Do it!

[@SvitBit-hw9rr]

Thanks for this. Just the inspo I needed to fuel my next adventure.

[@JamesLPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed. Happy shooting!

[@JAMANI-po3jv]

Good content, but you take a while to get to the good bits. Get to the point.

[@JamesLPhoto]

Appreciate your perspective.

[@danielspenner3683]

That's not, how woodland-photography works. You need time in advance to decide, what it is about the forest that resonates with you. Analizing images taken by skilled forest photographers is important too. It's all part of the game and equally important to your images. It may be not for everyone, but so is woodland photography itself.