Woodland Composition Walkthroughs & Fantastic Finds

[@fototripper]

Some belting characters and comps there Simon. So nice to have these in your back pocket.

[@eugenebrooking321]

Well done Simon

[@stefanmollmann8788]

Very much enjoyed watching this video right at a moment when I really wanted to get out into the woods but didn't have the chance to do so myself. Thanks for taking us to this marvelous place!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

My pleasure. Thank you very much for leaving a kind comment :)

[@candicantrell3965]

I Love your videos and how you explain things. Your photos are stunning and Meg she is always a joy to watch as well. 😊

[@altrujillo3566]

Wonderful video, Simon! Beautiful location and images....and I'm in love with Meg!

[@tanyablais2992]

I loved listening to your thoughts for composing images and pulling out details that I wasn’t seeing. Your familiarity with the area is inspiring. I walk my dog through my forest neighborhood in the mountains. I have a few tree trunks that are beloved as well.

[@tariqhamirani5891]

Simon Baxter keep going. Nicely done!

[@pgcknaphill1892]

Hi - with ancient woodland we often record the emerging herbs - they are stunning..... Wood anemone, Early dog violet, common dog violet, Bugle... in addition to the ubiquitous bluebell. I'd be really interested in what you find there. And later, in the summer.... the butterflies, (Fritillaries and White Admirals)........ may have to treat yourself to the 100-400 for those ;-). Loving these exploratory walks - I have a similar woodland that we manage, but I've come at it from the other direction, knowing the woodland first and now after 35 years enjoying the photography - I suspect over the next 30 odd years you'll enjoy finding all the detail of the woodland

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thanks for your comment! At this rate, I won't be fit enough to walk this woodland in 30 years haha. I'll do my best though ;-)

[@SourcePhotography]

Your great love and appreciation for trees just confirms my belief that only you could have discovered, "The Sitting Man." Amazing! Bless!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Domenico :)

[@SourcePhotography]

@@SimonBaxterPhotography My pleasure 😊 Cheers!

[@tompetersphotography]

Lovely vlog once again Simon, how nice is that to have all that to yourself👍🏻

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks! Yes, I'm very fortunate indeed :)

[@steveatesh]

Loving this series of Videos Simon.....thank you.

[@alexelley6283]

Always good to see the end result. thank you...

[@craigallenphotography]

I can't stress enough how much I am enjoying this series. Seeing and hearing your insight and thought process is helping me immensely as I currently struggle with a creative drought. Keep up the great work and I look forward to the next one. Take care

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's really great to hear, Craig. Many thanks :)

[@romiemiller3093]

There are other figures in the tree as well. Meg is a great dog!

[@jerryhutchinson2543]

This series is an absolute must-watch for me. I wish there was an anciant woofland like this where I live. I love the explanations you give and thought process behind the construction of the images. Oh yeah....and Meg!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Jerry :-)

[@kevinjmurrphotography]

Great video and well put together Simon, your work is very inspiring.

[@anisab9506]

Your new friend is absolutely breathtaking! Her face is so visible, friendly and so wise. That spot is so worthy of your time, effort and work. Living vicariously through your videos. This woodland is what dreams are made of. Very few of these old forests left. This work is archiving nature for ever and all to enjoy. I’m in for a future book on this project. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much for your kind words Anne-Isabelle. Much appreciated!

[@stewartlogie]

I really like the format, placing yourself in the actual composition and talking us through it. It also allows us to take in details of the composition at length. Doing it after photographing the scene must make it more relaxing to execute and this comes across. Looking forward to more like this!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Stewart! Thanks also for your box set order :)

[@JamesLanePhoto]

I am thoroughly enjoying this series documenting your work towards a larger project. It is not only interesting to see and learn from, but also is rather unique amidst many KZbin videos that can often feel disposable. It gives a sense of craft, which is an important message in nature photography, shifting the paradigm from one-stop location bagging to deeper thought and process.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, James. It's great to know if people are enjoying it as it all helps with my own motivation for the project too :)

[@JamesLanePhoto]

@@SimonBaxterPhotography That’s great! And it’s already started to pay off - the photographs in this video were beautiful. Keep it up :)

[@EduBroncano]

@@SimonBaxterPhotography we are enjoying sir. Indeed it's very very inspirational, at least for me. Just looking for beauty has been totally fine since I started a few years ago, but lately I'm feeling kind of empty and low motivated with pictorism. I need a project that aims to something deeper than just beauty. Living in a city during the pandemia forced me to stop taking pictures and to think about my process, about what I want to do. I started reading books about local woodlands, looking for a project. And then you came out with this series. So you can imagine... nailed! I'm extremely thankful Simon.

[@PeakHumanLife]

The dedication to your work - walking sooo much down the hill (and then having to go all the way up again to retreive the camera :) )

[@The_Rockstar05]

Its so nice to see and watch the actual place where you took those beautiful pictures😊🤩...Thank you for this video my friend!😊👍... BUT theres only one thing that I was surprised and wonder..😁😅...That you did not took a picture on that beautiful stream...😍

[@antonioaleophotography]

Fantastic video and images!

[@nigelbramley4188]

I must concur with previous comments, an easy going, informative 20 minutes with excellent imagery. Really nice vlog Simon, just seemed a little different this week, to me anyway, but very engaging and captivating all the same.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Your kind feedback is much appreciated, Nigel. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@MurrayLivingston]

Hi Simon, one technique you might consider employing for navigation is to use the river & hillsides as your main compass. Tribes people in Borneo use this to find their way in the thick jungles along with larger landscape features when possible. Try describing locations by “uphill” “downhill” “upstream” “downstream” (essentially a woodlands cardinal points if you think about it). A particular tree may be downstream, uphill, facing north for instance, and therefore could only be in one corner of the woodland. I recently did this in a woodland local to me and found it was immensely helpful. Of course traditional NESW may also still be useful (sun & moon position when possible, moss/lichen, and ivy are all good common woodland clues). Cheers, Murray

[@c.augustin]

I find this "after the fact" narrative quite entertaining! You come across as very casual, and building up to the image works very nicely.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thanks, Christian. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesmonte3165]

Great video Simon

[@melvinshuster]

Great video. Thanks.

[@donhuff3795]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos. Many more wonderful images are sure to come out of these woodlands.

[@ellyelzinga01]

Wouldn't I love a woodland all to myself, without strange looks from other people when I'm lying flat on my belly taking pictures of snowdrops and crocuses in the woods like I did last Tuesday 😅 It's such an interesting woodland that you're at, with so much history and beautiful trees that have seen it all.. Love the sitting man!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Haha, yes it certainly makes it easier for talking to the camera too. Many thanks!

[@hamsterneckliving]

Excellent video. Loved the way you brought in some history too.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed that part too :)

[@mitymous1]

LOVE Mr Sitting Tree; a really tough subject but what a beauty! Really a fun video (and beautiful images, as always).

[@howardrankin7119]

Love this format, and your enjoyment of the place is infectious. And Meg looks at home there.

[@MargaretHall]

That is a wonderful wood. I'm fascinated by the way you can achieve a beautiful balanced composition out of what, to me, looks like a chaotic tangle of tree trunks and branches. I also find your videos very calming. And Meg is lovely too!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Margaret :)

[@emilehusson6052]

I genuinely enjoy the way your brain interprets the trees. I can how Tokien was able to come up with Ents after seeing some of the amazing shapes the trees take in those old forests.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Emile. What a brilliant mind Tolkien had :)

[@peterdadson7713]

Simon this woodland is magical filled with not only characterful trees but true history. I can see a collaborative effort between yourself and an author to create a series of books aimed at readers of all ages.

[@ShaneCrouch]

Hi Simon.. funny how Sundays are my photography video marathon mornings.. all my favorites release at once. Great video as usual. Thank you sir.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Always appreciated, Shane. Many thanks!

[@scotty4418]

What a great location Simon with all those interesting subjects you shared in your video and loved the images you shared too

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, Scotty :)

[@21pavlo]

Wonderful location!

[@sandyns5591]

Simply fantastic!! Thanks for showing this to us.

[@andyprime57]

Some gorgeous woodland there Simon and the babbling brook with those little cascades are the cherry on the top. This was a great relaxing start to my Monday morning, thx 👍

[@telmoberlenga1166]

Thanks for sharing !!! Nice suggestions and advices !! Cheers

[@verlenelewis9866]

It is such a joy to watch Meg on your outings, she was just having so much fun in that water! Really enjoying your photos this week, thank you for sharing.

[@dannynash5713]

This was rich in stunning compositions Simon! Your narrative is always thorough and explanatory! Beautiful work friend! ✊

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Danny :-)

[@Sold_a_dummy]

Again, art and history!

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Simon. Love this series from the ancient woodland. The terrain looks a bit of a challenge though. Good shout on the bracken spores btw. Many thanks for sharing.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Tim. Oh yes, my knees were shot to pieces after shooting this. Hopefully it will be worth it :)

Clearly this place is a holiday resort for Ents

[@slavomirdzieciatkowski8811]

Truly inspirational and such gorgeous captures with the fog! You really have a stunning playground there.

[@jimrookphotos]

Really enjoying your woodland walks and scouting, Simon. Definitely giving me some ideas.

[@TwixyNo]

Wow.

[@justiceformenboys]

Thanks Simon, I love all your videos, and enjoying the book I bought recently. At 5:52 there's an overlay, "Beware of bracken spores from late summer". Can you explain why we should? Thanks.

[@petersmitham8273]

Good Lord!..that tree is amazing!.....so is Meg of course...😘🌈📸🇬🇧

[@IanWilkinson]

I wasn't aware of the danger of bracken spores until you mentioned it here, so thank you for that. Not only carcinogenic but a habitat for ticks that may transmit Lyme disease.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Yes, an all-round pain I'm afraid. Invasive and not very valuable to wildlife either.

[@richardwagner3317]

We have a small forest in one of our state campgrounds that have a smaller version of your uniquely shaped trees that are always a challenge for me to capture because of all the clutter in the background. I can see how you find it difficult to sometime find the right composition in this environment. Good on you for finding the the sitting tree.

[@jeanmarcsaubade1919]

Hi Simon , another great video .Many thanks & very inspiring . May I ask you what is the breed of your dog ? Lovely dog !

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks. Meg is a Labradoodle - more than Poodle than Labrador though.

[@enricooldoino1967]

HI Simon ,I agree with you , this woodland is magic but ( I know by experience ) the more the location is beautiful ,the more making good photos ( that could be equivalent) is difficult ! Your images ( third and fourth in particular) reached the goal .Thanks and a caress to MEG P.S. I have great difficulty to translate my thoughts in English even with a good dictionary . Hope you understand what I'm trying to express.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

I understand perfectly, Enrico. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a kind comment in English. Much appreciated :)

[@romiemiller7876]

You like the 4" x 5" format. Thomas Heaton likes squares. Personally, I shoot everything full frame, and I put the image into the larges area of the sensor that I can (why waste pixels?). In post, I crop to fit the composition, so most of my images do not fit standard formats. Whatever works for you. I just don't like being constrained by specific boxes because my compositions don't fix them.

[@allandavies1187]

Hello Simon, love your thought processes and your articulate explanation of compositions. It makes us people who are not as artistic as you to educate us on those finer details of construction of a scene. Finally, I wonder would you be kind enough to tell me the makers name of Meg’s dog coat. I also now have a wee dog to accompany me and I want to ensure that he will be warm & dry...

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Allan! It's a Ruffwear Cloud Chaser :)

[@allandavies1187]

@@SimonBaxterPhotography many thanks Simon, like you, I have a wee dog to accompany me on my photographic outings ...

[@michaeltillman886]

Wow! That's the typical old man of the forest, and he decided to take a seat. He sort of took a load off didn't he?

[@berryoaks]

This sitting tree would be a perfect subject for a light painting.

[@byoregon1]

What a fantastic woodland. That sitting tree’s name clearly needs to be Lumiere.

[@JeffChorney]

Hello Simon awesome video where is this location shot at?

[@searam1]

I absolutely love those oak trees! I understand Sean Tucker may be headed your way so take care of him, he’s a good guy! Is it possible to learn where these magnificent forests are that you photograph in? I would love to find them on Google maps so I have a better understanding of what I think are some of the most beautiful woodlands I have ever seen! Thanks for another smashing video, Simon! Sean

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Sean. Yes, I'm looking forward to Sean moving here. I'll take him out for some woodland therapy ;). I'm afraid I can't reveal the locations - particularly because this woodland is private land.

[@Richard-ht6fp]

Is it just me or is there a portrait of a man with a Victorian mustache to the right of centre. I saw the Victorian first and it took me a while to see the waving character you have captured Simon. Two very different faces....how strange. Wonderful.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

I've not noticed that but I will take a look. Many thanks :)

[@nickbailey9038]

Could the Sitting Man work in moonlight? just an idea...

[@burrdaddy]

I'm curious if you've ever tried any drone photography. True, there's a bit of a hit on resolution, etc.. However, for your smiling man, it could give you the perfect vantage point - with some compromise. Thanks for another wonderful video.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thanks, Jerry. I've always used a drone for video but never for stills. I think the loss in quality would be too much of a compromise for me. Fine for online publication but more limited for print. I'll fly my drone there at some point and see how it looks :)

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

Sorry Simon, I could not see the face in the sitting tree. maybe because I am not a fan of "the Hobbit" and fantasia type films that I don't have your wild imagination. You are starting to make progress on this project and it is going to be fantastic to watch the story unfold through the seasons.

[@JohnTomasella]

A quick question, How do you keep from going into overload in a setting like that? If I found a area like that I would have a hard time focusing because I would want to shoot everything. Also, that waterfall Meg was playing in has potential.

[@markpursglovephotography]

I have images from my local woodland with the main character called the conductor. 😊📷

[@malcbawn.photos]

Simon do you ever wonder what Meg is staring at when she sat having a Meg moment. I swear in that last scene she is lining up a composition.

[@emilehusson6052]

I caught that as well! Something sure had her attention!

[@thegreatestlight1]

Does Meg ever wonder who Simon is talking to?

[@neilcole3406]

Hi Simon, can l ask what’s the problem with bracken spores,thanks

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

They contain carcinogens. I'm sure it's one of those things that only becomes a potential problem if you spend a lot of time every year amongst bracken. It's best to be aware though.

[@marvona3531]

🍀✳️🍀✳️🍀✳️

[@tjsinva]

A veritable playground, eh?

[@johnround8311]

The sitting tree would look good in B & W.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Why has your dog that "suit" on ? Seems very uncomfortable for a dog. Dogs can take cold, wet and all kinds of bad weather.

[@Berry_N]

Dogs do get cold. Sometimes they are clothed to protect from the cold, sometimes from the stickers and burrs, sometimes from the heat. Sometimes it's just to be sure they are wearing a color so hunters won't shoot them. Being aware of what your dog can and cannot tolerate is an important part of caring for your dog, particularly when they accompany you outdoors.

[@IanWilkinson]

Yet Meg appears to be thoroughly enjoying herself.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

@@Berry_N Those dog don't get cold in that environment for that time being. You probably never ever had a dog. Here the dog love to play in the snow, the whole day long if it is up to them! That fur will protect them enough, that is why I wondered for that particular dog. I'll bet there are no hunters in that part of the woods.And besides that, I have seen plenty of videos where she is without that suit.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

@@IanWilkinson Yes but what is the reason for that particular kind of dog cause they have fur enough to protect them for cold and rain. And although she is enjoying the time outside, it is not natural.

[@IanWilkinson]

@@RS-Amsterdam 99% of humans wear clothes outside - is that natural? What would our ancestors say? (If they could speak ;-)