Using a WIDE ANGLE and short TELEPHOTO lens effectively

Instagram - / adamgibbsphoto
Workshops - www.quietlight...
In this video, I explore Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island. I also explain how to effectively use both wide angle lenses and short telephoto lenses for landscape photography.
About the images in the viewing order:
1. Western Red Cedar Roots (wide)
Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D850, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 14mm, iso 64, 5 sec @ f16
2. Western Red Cedar Roots (short telephoto)
Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D850, 24-120mm f/4 lens @ 62mm, iso 64, 5 sec @ f16
3. Twisted Cedar Roots (wide)
Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D850, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 14mm, iso 64, 1.3 sec @ f16
4. Twisted Cedar Roots (short telephoto)
Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D850, 24-120mm f/4 lens @ 62mm, iso 64, 2.5 sec @ f16
5. Twisted Red Cedar Roots (best composition)
Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D850, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 24mm, iso 64, 1.6 sec @ f16
6. Twisted Red Cedar Roots (best composition w/processing)
Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D850, 14-24mm f/2.8 lens @ 24mm, iso 64, 1.6 sec @ f16
7. Old Growth Forest, Pano (six vertical images)
Cathedral Grove, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Nikon D850, 24-120mm f/4 lens @ 48mm, iso 64, 0.5 sec @ f16

[@markcatizone2011]

Another wonderful video, thank you. I always look forward to your posts and you never disappoint. As a New Englander who enjoys the beauty of water and woods, I look forward to visiting Vancouver Island with my camera someday soon because of you.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Mark! glad to have you come and visit our neck of the woods.

[@billkipper3264]

The light in that part of the world is epic. I spent five months in Whistler a long time ago and still remember the ethereal quality of forest. I half expected to see elves, gnomes and such flitting through the trees. The pano especially showed the general atmosphere I remember so well. I don't know how much editing you did on that but I would guess it really wasn't too much. It's a gorgeous shot and I think spot on with what the forest is like. P.S. I just went back and stopped the video to just stare at the pano. All I can say is WOW!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Bill! I did do quite a bit of editing that can be found in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6CklYOIbZetrZo thanks!

[@crissignori7482]

First rate instruction .... really well presented. I am constantly reminded that post production is equally as important as production.

[@1_Tim]

Excellent as per usual. What stands out for me is your visual acuity and how you see beyond the obvious. I learn a lot from your presentations. Thanks Adam

[@chrisroot7182]

What a great way to enjoy my morning coffee! The size of those trees is breathtaking! I love shooting my 14-24 but it definitely is the most challenging of my lenses to compose a scene with. I enjoyed hearing your thought process! The pano at the end was amazing and immersive. Thanks!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Chris! I love wandering around old growth forest, one of my favourite environments.

[@pthomas36]

That whole perspective shift while you're talking about lens differences was pretty trippy, and also really effective at demonstrating the point you're explaining. Super cool how you did that so seamlessly!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Tom!

[@davidbruceod]

The last image, the pano, was spectacular. The composition, the color, the quality of light, amazing. I like that you limited the composition vertically (less was more). Nice work.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Bruce! seems to be a keeper.

[@MiguelACoronaDM]

Very much enjoyed Adam. The topic of compression using a long lens is a subject I've viewed on other channels. However, your contribution on using a wide vs long lens adds an enhanced level to my understanding and development as a photographer. These focused tutorials help me immensely so many thanks for the time and quality you put into them. Glorious setting!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Good to know, thanks, Miguel! Always fun to put together.

[@rasesh4u]

Another beautiful video. I love the way you explained the difference between wide angle lens and telephoto lens. Love the post processing in last panorama shot. Good work Adam.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Cheers, Rasesh!

[@WeiChong]

Thank you. Also loved your pano. I've been viewing the past 4-5 videos and want to bring up a topic different than the focus of this video. I'd be interested if you would consider a video on how you go about determining the "composition" design of your fade/desolves, from one scene to the next. They are very nice, and I find subliminally gives the viewer a hint (composition- and subject-wise) of what the next scene will be.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks for the suggestion, Wei! I have quite a list of videos to put together, lol. I'll see what I can do. Thanks again.

[@tobywoolgar9517]

Im a photographer in a wheelchair and like landscape photography. your panaramic image has inspired me as landscape photography can be frustrating as you can imagine going up mountains and on beaches is not ideal but panaramic wood land looks alot easier. Thanks again 👍

[@Archibald_Quincy_Stanton]

Another wonderful vlog Adam. The tutorial on lens work is great and your pano is Superb👌

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Tony!

[@trevorhughes7399]

Such a stunning area you live in Adam and your photos really do it justice. Very interesting to hear your thought on the use of different focal lengths and to see examples. Always look forward to your vlogs, thank you!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Trevor! I'm looking forward to trying that image out again later in the year with some fall foliage.

[@thierryl6217]

hello Adam , I was lucky to visit cathedral grove this february after a big snowing day in the island , it's was just a outstanding moment , beautiful , but very very difficult to photography , I learn a lot from your work , thank you very much for all your vlog ,

[@QuietLightPhoto]

It is hard to get shots there, I always struggle. I am very happy with the pano shot but it has taken a few visits to find it. Thanks!

[@joelcleare]

I can’t get out enough to practice. This video was better than great. We able to see what your photographing and your thought process. Thank you thank you.

[@richardgrudzien2798]

Love your videos, Adam. You really teach and provide great insights into equipment use, lighting, composition, etc.. The composition of the panorama shot at the end was superb. Thanks.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, Richard!

[@johnmccann4041]

Brilliant explanation and inspiration, Adam. Those first two shots wide and tele really bring home the difference the lengths make (it's not quite the same shooting my living room two different ways :) ) and I'd never have thought of shooting an intimate panorama, just always thought of them as for big vistas. Seeing what you get on a dark, wet day leaves me no excuse but to to go out and shoot. Superb video.

[@sgingold]

Nice demonstration of the lens effects on composition, Adam. At first I did agree about the chaotic quality of the pano, but your management of the light really made it an attractive and appealing image. I agree with Michael...you really do have some awesome landscapes to work with and make the most of them for sure.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Stephen! Having great subjects to photograph certainly helps, that's for sure.

[@leslielanderkin8301]

I too am jealous of the lovely locations near your home. Roots, logs and trunks are so phenomenal to photograph - just love them. Leslie

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Leslie!

[@Keithphotorama]

Thank you, I am learning more and more about finding compositions. That last photo looks so much like a Renaissance painting.

[@neild108]

Lovely presentation as usual. I much appreciate your step by step, clear articulation of your main points. And the cinematography is a treat on top of the photographic excellence. I have bookmarked this video to watch again! - I do like it when you use a somewhat affordable camera system, as it allows for the easier comprehension and application of your info to my own shooting.

[@davearchbell9921]

Very informative. I love how much time you put into the B roll to make a very impressive video.

[@januszb4494]

Beautiful work with soft light and forest, I admire how you see, show and work your compositions!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, Janusz!

[@rom-media6800]

Great video as always Adam! Thank you for sharing. Always fun to revisit locations seen in the past ! Cheers

[@QuietLightPhoto]

That's for sure, I think my best images are from areas that I have visited over and over. Cheers!

[@guyroberts4181]

Very enjoyable video and thought provoking. I walked pass an interesting tree last weekend on a shoot but didn’t think there was a picture in it. I will be looking harder from now on. Enjoying your videos very much, please keep them coming.

[@Higgins_Nature_Photographer]

Great advice and info on wide angle lenses. I have the 16-35mm f/4 lens and wanted something wider, so I purchased the Irix 11mm f/4 Blackstone and just love it,

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Richard! Is the 11mm full frame? wow, that's wide.

[@rafelcabotmesquida8661]

Very interesting comparison of the effect of both lenses, and very nicely illustrated with those examples. I always find it difficult to choose which lens to shoot with, and generally end up using the wide (I guess it’s easier) but my aim is to learn how to use the telephoto a bit more. Thanks for the lesson Adam! PS: the pano looks fab, well worth returning in autumn, eh?! ; )

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I used to shoot with all prime lenses that are great but zooms sure do make life easier, it's just a matter of backing up or moving forward to get the effect you want. Thanks, Rafel!

[@stephenwells2280]

Very well put together teaching video. Thank You Adam.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Stephen!

[@ChrisMustermann]

The wide angle shot of the first tree is really great 👍 Your videos offer much value in terms of pure learning. After every video I am a bit smarter. Been watching every video of you from the beginning for a few weeks now, so don’t wonder why you get some comments and likes here and there on your old stuff 😅 Greetings from Germany!

[@thekarakal]

Thanks Adam. I really love your videos. They are instructive and inspiring.

[@davidellinsworth22]

It's amazing how an ultrawide can be utilized for a relatively intimate landscape shot. It just emphasises lines that suck the eyes through the photo. I love my Tamron 10-24mm on my D3200 (the ultra-budget version of your set up). The pano was lovely, but actually the first UW shot was my favourite. Try a fisheye in the forest.... now there's some fun images!

[@pdavis500]

Love your videos. Delivered in such a great down to earth style. Thanks!

[@davidgreenhouse9715]

Great vid Adam. I never seem to get my wide lens out of the bag anymore. Next time I'm out it's out!! 👍👍

[@monicadoshi5889]

I’m watching your vlogs one by one whilst out of action with s fractured ankle and really enjoying them. They are so informative and easy to follow. I’m learning loads. Thank you Adam.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Ah thats a drag about your ankle, well thanks for watching the videos, glad to hear that you're getting something out of them. Get well soon.

[@patmcshane8976]

Adam I LOVE your videos! Living in Oregon so much of the landscapes feel very familiar. I might be interested in a day long session on Vancouver Island.

[@MikeGuyWithCamera]

Thank you for explaining the different shots i.e. 14-24 24-120, nice photos both

[@photocreativity]

Another nice video Adam. The photographs are beautiful. Thanks again.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Great! thanks, Ivo!

[@Tingeltangelbob10]

I'm always fascinated by your videos. They're so cinematic and beautiful. Always a great pleasure to watch. I love the pano, it somehow reminded me in a way of Tolkien's three trolls (in tree-form...) :)

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Cheers, MN F!

[@jrodewald2010]

Well done, Adam. A pleasure discovering your work here. I'm in the woods constantly and find that clean compositions in the chaos are definitely a challenge. A good one though. Completely agree on thinking through focal length at these times. For the life of me I'm not sure why I haven't thought of panos in the woods like yours there -- thats a stunning image. Shall have to keep that in mind as I get back out there.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, James!

[@larryrudnick1519]

The pano was gorgeous! You made it look like a wilderness experience.

[@mikaromppanen357]

Love the forest panorma at 14:26. I would love to see how it's edited in Lightroom.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Several people have asked so I'll see what I can do, thanks, Mika!

[@proach3]

My favorite vlog of yours so far!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Great! thanks!

[@adamcurrie1157]

Hi Adam, this is the first of your video's I've ever seen. Subscribed right away, really high quality content and looking forward to seeing more like this!

[@claudehamel9228]

Great lesson, Adam. Thank you once again!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Claude!

[@nathanjogia2758]

Really found this vid informative. Love the woodland pano pic with all the chaos. Lens difference is crazy different..Thanks Adam

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Nathan!

[@vikkimacleod9310]

Fabulous way to show, practically, the wide angle vs compressing of bigger lenses. I only learnt this myself a year or so ago and it’s really enhanced my choices and compositions.

[@gregmorris309]

beautiful pano Adam, such rich tones and depth !

[@slowlyrusting4044]

From chaos to peacefulness. Absolutely beautiful pano image Adam !!!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, Frank!

[@vaschro]

Thanks Adam, excellent video and I think I've finally understood how the image cane be compressed by telephoto lens, music was lovely too by the way !

[@GlenDomulevicz]

Another episode where you have me thinking intently again. I started with a wide angle lens, now I have a long lens as well. I have found they are both useful depending on what I am trying to capture. You examples were perfect. Giving words for some feelings I've had. I see that I need to be more thinking in my photography than just feeling. Although feeling is what I get from photography, capturing my moments, or attempting to capture them. Thanks again.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Good to hear that the video has helped get the creative juices flowing Glen. Thanks again for the feedback. Cheers!

[@stevesag]

Thanks for the visual reminder of the focal lengths. Good ideas on the trees too. Love the pano.

[@ceilihmcgrady4125]

Great video! The info you shared with the examples of the two lenses was very helpful to me. Those are beautiful images you captured. It must me wonderful to live in such a beautiful area!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, Ceilih! I do love Vancouver Island.

[@malibugrif]

Adam, I was wondering about shutter speed on these shots and then I found that you posted exposure information for each of these shots in the video description. Thank you for anticipating the needs of your students and fans!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I used to post the info in the video but now just put all of that stuff in the description, glad to hear that you found it. Cheers!

[@adriansz9547]

Moody, atmospheric, great video! And the place itself.

[@Loopsrainforest]

Another smashing video. I've also forgotten to turn off the stabilization more often than I'd like to admit.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Yeah, I've forgotten a number of times, must be an age thing, lol.

[@mirekwalczak9418]

Hi, great video. It is very difficult to make a good photo composition in the forest because of chaos. I like the wide angle and panoramas. Fantastically, Adam showed you how to do it and the difference between the focal length of the lens. Thank you and Merry Easter. Greetings from the south of Poland

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, Mirek! Happy Easter to you also.

[@mirekwalczak9418]

Happy Easter of course:) hihihi

[@dwightsorensen7313]

Thanks Adam great instruction ....Just caught this while in Italy, now can't wait to get back home to Parksville!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Lucky you! Yes, the daffs are starting to come up so spring is slowly on its way, yay!

[@wahabdilawar]

Brilliant video and excellent tutorial and very good images. Loved the BG music. Took me straight in to that Forrest. How did I miss your channel before? The vlog is just exceptional quality. Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Well, I am glad you found it now, better late than never, Lol. Thanks, Wahab!

[@niftytwo]

Thank you Adam. You’ve shown me how to think more clearly on composition & to take my time whilst even changing lens’s. I have the Sony A/7/3 & the Tamron 14/28/ 2.8. And the Sony 28/70 3.5. I’m a learner. Subscribed & saved. Neville J.

[@jimcooke5590]

great and educational vlog adam, thanks for sharing the different focal lengths and what they mean, awesome images that followed

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Great! thanks for the feedback, Jim!

[@annthomstad635]

Really enjoyed the video - and the last panorama shot was so beautiful. Maybe you could show us some of the post processing on this one sometime? Thanks for sharing.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

A number of people have asked so it looks like that might be coming very soon, thanks, Ann!

[@KGi4]

Great video Adam! Love your photographies 🤗

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you!

[@3scapePhotos]

Adam, just popped over here from Thomas Heaton's last video. Immediately subscribed! Often I'll walk around and struggle finding a composition, thanks for walking through your thought process, and showing both raw and processed images. Easy to see why you're an award winner.

[@valeriyshvetsov7022]

Great eye opener.. and I LOVE the pano!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Great, thank you!

[@ricknicholson5894]

I have been shooting in Cathedral Grove through this past summer but unfortunately it was closed much of the season due to a local forest fire. The one change you won't like is that the path on the right side of the road as you head to Port Alberni now has a fenced board walk to discourage folks walking into the forest. I plan to try the area that is not officially part of the Grove at the south end. Since the Grove is divided by the highway and my interest only lasts about 2 1/2 hours, I shoot on side one, one day with a lens, same lens the next day or latter on the other side. I have used Canon''s 16 -35, 24 - 104 and 70 - 200, for me the middle zoom is the most useful. But I have also been using a 24 prime and it works amazingly well in there. This is for others, some things I have learned shooting in the Grove. 1. Bring a flash, shoot with the white card up and wide angle diffuser on with flash compensation dialed down. It's quite dark under the canopy and sometimes you just need a gentle pop of light to spruce up the image. The forest is dark on a cloudless day with a noon sun as the canopy above blocks out a lot of the light. This scenario is both a curse and a blessing. You get some dramatic lighting. Second point. Yesterday, mid-October 2023, I went in very cloudy conditions, it did start to rain later on. The conditions were pretty much the same as in this video. For the first time, I shot HDR with my Canon 5D mk 4 . I input +3 and -3 in the HDR selection nervous this would be too much of an over and under exposure. The results were fabulous. It actually looked like I knew what I was doing. And I got keepers in locations I thought would be crap. The images looked like a nice sunny day, not dark and gloomy at all. Lastly, CAthedral Grove looks like an easy location to get photos. My experience is the reverse, it's a difficult location for a host of reasons, from lighting, to something in the way, to something being too far away, to too much of everything going on at once. If you don't get good photos early on, don't beat yourself up, it's not an easy gig.

[@rskura]

My Saturday morning is now complete! Great video. We always stop at Cathedral Falls on our way to Tofino. This video made us eager to go back.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Great! not a bad place to stop off on the way to Tofino.

[@cathyann1601]

Outstanding demonstration of the difference in focal lengths. Thank you!

[@pecarew2003]

Good review and explanation of a sometimes daunting task, that all of of us face from time to time. Carrying fewer lens can also help in this process ... Prime lenses in a primeval forest I always say! Wonderful images and video as usual Adam, thanks again!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks for the feedback Paul!

[@bnazzaro21]

You’re amazing. Your videos are so informative and relaxing. Tops.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, Benjie!

[@davevowles8093]

A truly wonderful and excellent descriptive instructional video. Thanks again

[@dannynash5713]

Fantastic Adam! So thorough in your teaching! Beautiful finished images!

[@marthamoss2518]

Once again, thank you Adam. This was such an education for me!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Great, thanks, Martha!

[@IGanas-ks3lz]

I love trees and this is one of your best videos. That root system is spectacular! Your discussion and images showing differences of wide angle and compression of longer lenses were very helpful. Thank you.

[@robertmontgomery9602]

Adam I was fascinated with the final product of your pano... especially how you darkened the background and lightened the brighter spots. Would love to see how you did that in lightroom.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Coming up, thanks, Robert!

[@thomasphillips5850]

As always thank you what a great video. The pano is great, I guess I am a fan of chaos because that shot is perfect. The roots are also very interesting, and the stump , such an interesting subject. Adam it is comforting to know that you make mistakes as well! Please keep up the great work, thanks again

[@Adam-pm1cy]

Just great Adam, looking forward to the processing tutorial!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Adam

[@malcolmbenn1051]

Great explanation and that last panno image turned out beautifully.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you so much 😀

[@douglasbradshaw9553]

I thought the pano at the 14.23 min mark split into four separate sections could make an image on their own. Add them together and they blend into one interesting image. I think your dodging and burning skills are greater than you have admitted to previously. I will be sharing this video to my Port Alice Photography page. Thanks for the post.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, Douglas! Now you live in a beautiful part of the island, love it up there. Thanks for the comment.

[@eltinjones4542]

Food for thought indeed Adam. I tend to shoot my 24-120 at the wider ends even though I use my wide angle lens also. Have to admit it's usually landscapes 😔

[@user-ow7bi3se2b]

I'm truly loving your insights offered on this channel :) Thanks, Adam!

[@lisastapley6062]

Fantastic presentation and great information. Thank you.

[@johnscratchley3288]

Good vid. showing comparisons. Looking forward to using my ultra-wide angle at this site in a couple of weeks.

[@MrRooster1968]

Brilliant as usual mate loved the pano great quality editing cheers

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Good to hear, thank you, Paul!

[@chrisdevaraj5599]

Such an informative video Adam, thanks for making it! I came here after watching a bunch of videos of Gavin and you 😆 and I’m glad I landed here!

[@edmontonian5270]

Pretty cool how you can use the wide angle distortion in the rain forest to add drama.

[@indianwinter]

The woodland pano was awesome.Love all the details .

[@IanSmithFotografi]

I always get so much from your videos... thank you Adam

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Good to hear, thank you, Ian!

[@gerarddonovan8678]

Beautiful images especially the pano

[@tonyb2760]

Nice images and some good examples with the different lenses. I regularly shoot with my 24-85 because it gives me a good range. The widest I have is an 18-35 but find I rarely use it when I take it. Thanks for sharing

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Tony! My most used lens is my 24-120mm, just a great focal range. Not the best lens but I love it.

[@Prairieshutterbug64]

Very helpful video Adam. Thank you

[@derekwillson2538]

Hi Adam, I really enjoyed your video today, especially seeing the root image where you shared the raw and the finished photograph. You made the image really jump out with such a simple edit. Thanks Derek

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Great! thanks, Derek.

[@ianrobinson1966]

Having only recently stumbled across your channel, I have to say how impressed I am with your work. Enjoyable content and informative with some fantastic images. I will now be a regular watcher. Keep up the good work Adam. Subscribed.

[@RalphGoldsmith]

Excellent examples of the effect of focal length on composition. I find I normally shoot wide (less then 35mm) or telephoto (greater then 70mm) for the majority of my images for the very reason that the perspective effects create a sense that is different to the way the eye would normally see the scene. Beautiful trees and images.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, Ralph!

[@hurleygreen927]

GREAT TIPS! I shoot with an 18-35 mm zoom and a 55-200mm zoom lens and your information is very useful! Thanks1

[@MrFrankie1311]

Great Video! Very impressive and awesome Pictures!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, MrFrankie!

[@tomnicholas8264]

Enjoyable vid, Adam - thank you! Didn't think the pano looked too promising at first, but you sure proved me wrong - great shot!

[@Missbagpipernorthwest]

Excellent images and a great lesson!

[@tomduncan3547]

Another goodie. Thanks Adam, those trees are amazing. We have some big trees in Tasmania but nothing to some of those. Good example of lens usage. The first says to me I must get a wider angle lens. Last shot is stunning.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Tom!

[@anja5758]

Pano and photo of that root was marvelous. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. And by the way, the spring is coming, I am looking forward to see some vlog from the grass lands at Lac Du Bois ;)

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Andrzej! I'm looking forward to going to Lac Du Bois this year, hopefully, the flowers will be a bit better this year.

[@michaeltillman886]

What's up Adam? I've watched you process this last shot in the Process video a lot of times, but the size of those logs just blows me away every time I see this video. Nature can be really great some time, if only man can just leave her be.