Woodland Photography - A Valuable Lesson for All Landscape Photographers

[@SubiTrekker]

Nice photos and video Chris but, I think your understanding of Ansel Adams statement that photographs are made and not taken is off the mark. If you view the statement within the context of how he went about the process of creating his photographs you will get what he was referring to. He goes into great detail in his three book series, The Camera, The Negative, and The Print. It had nothing to do with finding a subject to photograph but everything to do with what happens after you do. Keep up the good work.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Very interesting about that statement of Ansel's. I shall have to do some research. To be fair, the standalone quote I was referring to was simply "You don't take a photograph, you make it" which does kind of (in my mind at least) refer to the moment of capture. I could see from just a quick search on Google just how people had interpreted it differently. But when you add the context of the camera, the negative and the print it certainly starts to make more sense, taking into account the end to end process that has perhaps been diminished slightly by the digital age?

[@robertspeicher5047]

Left off one point too. His " grays" in his work. How he was able to see a subject in grays.

[@treyfoerster8759]

Spring is a great time for intimate woodland shots!

[@MiguelACoronaDM]

Great way to start the morning Chris.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Certainly was Miguel - in years gone by I would have avoided the woods, but I am finding that I am drawn to them these days. Wonderful places to be at this time of year. It is great to be able to take a couple of minutes just to listen to the birdsong and soak it all up.

[@wherezthebeef]

Thanks Chris for not only showing some composition, but for sharing your thoughts and philosophy, very helpful 👍🙂📷

[@andrewcrisp9700]

Well, there is food for thought, for the light in summer.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Indeed mate. It is only just around the corner, so it won't be long now. I shall probably stay out of the woods once it is here.

[@jasonw6640]

very nice shots, loved the birds chirping in the background

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

It was lovely to listen to the birds Jason - one of the simple things in life that I never had time for back in the days when I had a proper job.

[@sander5086]

What a calming video to watch, with those birds in the background!! Woodland photography takes a lot of patience, but I can see improvement when it comes to compositions. Love the vibrant greens in your images!!!

[@gary.kenyon]

Great watch as always and fantastic shots. Loved the drone ‘ b roll ‘ too 😃

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Gary - I was a little worried I had over done it, new toy and all that...

[@CraigNiesenPhotography]

Chris, excellent woodland photographs. I have to say that the woodlands you have access to are far more photogenic than those near me. Thank you for sharing. Peace and Safe Travels -Craig

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I hear you mate. Brandelhow in particular is managed by the National Trust. They do a lot of work to maintain the wood that I am not sure a lot of people appreciate. They think it just happens naturally.

[@huwalban]

Excellent advise as always Chris. As Mr David Noton would say "There is no substitute for getting some mud on your boots" and he is dead right. However, your suggestion about just slowing down and spending time in just one spot is right on the mark. Sometimes it is hard to control the frustration to not "see" as much of a place as you can, especially when you've travelled a distance to be there. I'd also advocate going back to a place time and time again - in different seasons, in different weather, and also at different times of day. All of those factors will reveal different compositions even if you are stood in exactly the same spot. Lastly, and I cannot remember who said this, someone said to me years ago, "If you can't find order in the chaos, then photograph the chaos". In truth this is a lot harder than it first sounds, because I'm still drawn to create an image with order and that says something. However using camera movement, I've found, is a great way to capture chaos with impact. Hope you are doing OK sir.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Sage advice Huw - I haven't heard that quote from David, but it certainly rings true with me. As for photographing the chaos... I think Hans Strand is great at that. He seems to embrace it, rather than trying to make order of it. Still don't think you'll get me doing any ICM though mate! :)

[@bloberoonie]

I love your work Chris, you’re head and shoulders above most of the other vloggers. A true professional and talk a lot of sense.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thank you Steve, that is just about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me in a comment. I very much appreciate it.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Great video Chris. I like the drone addition! Adds a cool dimension to understanding the scenes you're viewing. I really like the first image!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Brian - yeah, I am pleased with the drone. As you say, it adds an extra dimension. I do think I might have gotten a little carried away with this one though. :)

[@terrynewmanphotography]

That last shot was worth exploring more. Loved this video Chris as it was very chilled and relaxing.

[@aleksandarzphotography]

Fantastic work Chris, enjoyed this video and the images!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thank you Aleksander, that is kind of you to say. I was pleased with the main shot in this video (the one in the thumbnail) and have been trying to decide if it is going to make it into my portfolio. Going to leave it a couple of days before making the decision. What do you think out of interest?

[@Santamike212]

Nice job today, Thank you Mike

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

It is my pleasure Mike.

[@wajidqureshi4105]

Brilliant video...thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoy woodland photography because it forces me to slow down to take in all the detail, the cars and to try to find the composition. I like your quote that the photo is there...just have to find it. I normally go to the woodlands to photograph bluebells and during autumn, but didn't realise there is contrasting variations of colours during spring depending on the type of tree....it has inspired me to plan a visit to my local woodlands...thanks Chris.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Hey Wajid! How are you mate? Always good to hear from you. Yeah, I was on the look out for bluebells. There are usually some in Brandelhow Woods but they don't seem to be particularly good this year. But it was the colours in the trees that attracted me. You get some gorgeous yellows and subtle lime greens. I really is a wonderful time of year. Hope you get to your local woodlands soon. Will you be sharing the images that you get? On IG perhaps? I'd love to see them.

[@RiccardoPareschi]

I really enjoyed your video and the phrase "...the composition come to you because they are there..." It reminds me a lot of a sentence by Michelangelo Buonarroti "I saw an angel in the marble and I sculpted it until I freed it.". Have a nice day Chris and thanks !

[@tysonator5433]

A pleasant and easy to watch video and I was surprised just how well the video was edited as there is no big expensive gear. Just a 6D and M50 and couple of lenses which any reasonable budget can afford. Very well done.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Nope, no expensive gear for me! It doesn't make an awful lot of difference in my experience. To prove the point, I am currently working on a video where I swap all my gear for a setup that cost less than £500.

[@timrosenburgh9485]

Hi Chris, I enjoyed the video. As you say it is hard to find a composition in the woods to photograph and takes time to find one.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Tim, I am glad that you enjoyed it.

[@desgardner7169]

I find Woodland photography hard work and I suppose like others I sometimes call it Woodland chaos, but it's so rewarding just being there, I enjoyed your video and you certainly looked at peace with yourself while at work, you got some lovely images too, thank you!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I am glad to hear that it isn't just me Des. I always find it so refreshing when experienced photographers are open and honest about the challenges that they face. Pleased that you liked the photos - I am trying to decide if the main shot (the one that features in the thumbnail) is good enough for my portfolio. What do you think?

[@desgardner7169]

@@ChrisSalePhoto Yes it's a nice picture, it's nice and fresh and uncluttered it's the sort of picture that looks good with a title on and your name or calling card, good pictures are often found by observation and revisiting at different times of the year! and it's amazing that some of these picture are to be found close by without too much travelling.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

@@desgardner7169 Thanks for that Des, very useful.

[@gordonmelrose57]

Great video Chris. Lovely shots in the spring morning light.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Gordon, it was a gorgeous morning and I pleasure to be out with the camera. I wish I could say that about every trip! :)

[@brucedelorme5026]

Don't see anything wrong with the shots you took. Love the greens and shadows.

[@Bussmicke2305]

Chris, love this. May is the best time of the year and yes, you cant rush thing in the woods

[@robertspeicher5047]

Back in my film days. I was getting into classical music. It helped to relax after an 8 hour day. One day on my usual out and about looking for good photo moments I was listening to this one cassette tape of a violinist playing with an orchestra...some pieces of music and the music made my looking around see more. I tried this for a few times with a break or two and I experienced a difference in seeing. I lost that tape....been trying and listrning to other classical sounds. I know I will find that magic again

[@lakesrhino1]

Interesting vlog Chris, but you know me I just don't get Woodland photography. I agree about "I am drawn to what catches my eye", I then slow down and work on that composition. Saying that I will be visiting Brandlehow Wood this week for the bluebells. Then I find the woodland plays a secondary role/background which does work.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

The bluebells that I found weren't all that Rod. To be honest I wasn't looking all that closely. I was more interested in the colour in the leaves.

[@christopherbeckerdite4273]

Well done Chris. I love your channel. I find it very informative and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thank you Christopher, that is so kind of you to say. I have to be honest, despite doing this for nearly 5 years I don't think I have found my own style yet. This might be getting a bit closer. What do you think?

[@RodLittle]

What fantastic light at Brandelhow, and great compositions. Loved the filming of this and the calm delivery really matched the scene

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I was defintely aided by the light on the morning Rod, it brought the colours to life in my opinion. As for the compositions... I do like the main shot a lot (the one in the thumbnail for this video). I just can't believe I was looking at it for nearly 1/2 an hour before I 'saw' the shot. Perhaps I was looking too hard for more intimate shots that I missed what was staring me in the face.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Absolutely wonderful work. I agree, you cannot rush woodland photography and I like that you talked about going back a couple of times. I find the more I visit my favourite woodland spots the more potential I see for images. It's taking the time to learn the landscape, to break down and simplify the chaos of nature which can be very overwhelming at first. Really enjoyed this video and the images.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Hi Courtney - for my 'normal' stuff, I will visit a location many times, further fine tuning my composition with each visit. But for some reason I feel the need to be more spontaneous in the woods. I don't really know why that is but I am starting to see the error of my ways. The main shot in this video (the one featured in the thumbnail) is a scene that I think I will return to again in the future. I need more of these in the woodlands.

[@laurelb8372]

Your images are gorgeous, good tip on taking your time

[@CluelessYoutuber]

Thanks for the simple reminder. Indeed I am one of those who struggle with woodlands, everything just looks chaotic. Perhaps I need to expose myself more with woodland to train myself in seeing those compositions. As you’ve said, they are there.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

It's the only way that I know to improve - to keep putting myself out there in these different environments. I practice a lot away from the (video) camera. But most of the work is done one the computer where do a pretty serious critique of my photos. In this case, I couldn't find much wrong with the main shot (the thumbnail). This usually means I don't fully understand exactly what it is I am trying to achieve, which in itself helps me to understand better what I need to work on.

[@Chris-NZ]

Some really beautiful images there Chris & I really liked the portrait orientation image at the end of your video. Your delivery was especially calm and chilled :)

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Chris - I think the woods have that effect on me. Personally, I don't like the final image in the video. I think the light was past its best at that point.

[@Chris-NZ]

@@ChrisSalePhoto I guess there in is the subjective nature of art :)

[@BosePhotography]

This was a really nice video Chris, and superb advice for woodland photography. I became very guilty of being obsessed with mist in woodlands, but particularly at this time of year when the new growth is bright green, sometimes sunny mornings can work better and some of the images here really showed that. Great stuff! S

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Cheers Sam - as a general rule, I tend to avoid mist on the woodlands as much as possible. I have become obsessed with depth and perspective in my (normal) phots and this something that I have been trying to translate into my woodland photography. Of course, just between you and me, part of it is trying to avoid cliche and not to follow the crowd.

[@paulcookphotography]

Really nice video Chris. I couldn't agree with you more about "making a photograph". To me that implies more about the editing process. The real challenge is finding the image and the composition. That part is already made for you, it's just up to you to find it. Very nice collection of images in this one especially the twisty tree at 4:40 and the final image at 10:25. Really enjoyed it as always!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Cheers Paul - I have always found it an odd saying, and while it no doubt fits Ansel's approach perfectly seems a bit pretentious in relation to my own. But as the pinned comment on this video suggests, it is possible that Ansel was referring to the entire process, including developing and printing.

[@wilsonwhanau5618]

Drone? That’s new. It really does add to setting up the scene. Maybe some aerial photography next?

[@jimwlouavl]

Really nice video, Chris. I’m really impressed with your commitment to honing your woodland skills.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

I need to put the work in Jim, it is the only way I know of getting to the point where I am producing images that I am happy with.

[@paynescaping8957]

I really enjoyed this video, I feel you hit the mark. I tend to run around like a fool sometimes and agree that you only see beauty when you open your mind to it and live in the moment. A great lesson for me and I am going to use this in my sessions from now on and just see what I see. An insight well worth listening to.

[@MrFirstdance2000]

"Doesn't represent how I was seeing the woods at that time"...That's a great perspective, Chris. But, how often do you shoot something only to have a dozen or more perspectives expressed by others as to how they see your view? I'm not sure anyone will ever see the full emotional content of the shot and, the feeling you have being there. That makes it, for me, ever more desirable and challenging. Great video and thoughts! Thank you for your earnest work and shared talent.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

It's like I said in the video "to be a photographer is to share how you see the world, only to be told you are seeing it wrong." We photographers do have a tendency to try to force our own vision on others, rather than accept that we are all different. That's why I try to focus on creating photographs that align with my vision. If I can honestly say it does (and the important thing here is to be honest with myself) then to a certain extent it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

[@MrFirstdance2000]

@@ChrisSalePhoto Yes, I agree. I was simply suggesting that as a photographer who is working with the beauty and majesty of nature, it will always be a difficulty to create both the view and those feelings brought out by the rising or setting of the sun. We keep trying, though :)

[@devinmcnamara1026]

This is a great video and one of the things that has taken me a while to learn as I get in to this hobby. Woodland is about slowing down and really LOOKING for what's always been there. I really have an immense admiration for some of the real masters of the woodland photography craft, at this point, because finding order and visual appeal in the chaos can be really challenging. Another special skill to be honed is to understand that something that looks nice to our eyes, doesn't always translate to the camera, and vice versa. I love the mossy rock and downed tree shot. You've definitely come away from this session with some keepers. Thanks as always for taking us along with you!

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Thanks Devin - I totally agree with you regarding the masters of woodland photography. My favourites are Hans Strand and Lars van der Goor, well worth checking out if you aren't familar with their work, I think it is exceptional! Hans in particular seems to have this knack of embracing the chaos, rather than trying to make order of it.

[@devinmcnamara1026]

@@ChrisSalePhoto Oh those are great suggestions. I'd also add Adam Gibbs to the list, for sure. His work in the Vancouver Island area is just unbelievable! Simon Baxter is also simply amazing. But again, I know you feel it's a work in progress for you, but honestly I'd be thrilled to do half as well as you've done in the woodland! Love the work, Chris.

[@johanmichiels5640]

Quite a poetic beginning of your vlog Chris. Seems you start loving the woodlands 😉 Some beautiful scenes you discovered and captured. Never underestimate the beauty of the woodlands. 🤔🌲🌿 Did I see right that you has a polariser on ? Grts 🇧🇪

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Hey Johan - I have always loved the woods, just never been any good at photographing them! Yeah, I was using my polariser in this video to remove the glare from the leaves and intensify the colours.

[@Bazzo61]

Interesting that there was, in my opinion at least, a slower pace to this video. More reflective. I find woodland affects me in the same way. Really enjoyed this vlog Chris. Thank you.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Absolutely Barry - my last couple of videos didn't land very well with my audience, so I am tinkering with things a little. Returning to a more traditional style vlog and a slightly slow pace... as you say, more reflective.

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Chris: I enjoyed viewing this video and seeing your progression into the genera of Landscape Photography. I really enjoyed seeing your images, especially the back-lite trees. It can be very frustrating and rewarding along the journey. I agree with your comments about 'making photographs'>. I feel that photography is a creative passion and the landscape will reveal its' secret for those that are patient. I like your use of the drone in your videos. Is this something you will be incorporating going forward? Keep well. . . Keith

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Hi Keith - yeah, the drone was a gift from Phil Howell. It is his old one that he wasn't using and I asked if I would like it. I feel it helps add a little extra to my videos, but perhaps got a little carried away in this video! :)

[@Paul9]

I really enjoy woodland photography and approach it as though I’m just going for a walk. Ironically I seem to get less images on the rare occasions we are blessed with foggy conditions as I’m like a kid in a sweetshop charging around. Also found I get a fair few handheld shots whilst out walking my two mental whippets in the woods as I’ve embraced using IS and bumping the ISO more as it really doesn’t have as much impact on woodland scenes.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

That is similar to my experiences Paul. If I spend time walking through the woods, looking for a shot, I tend to miss a lot. If I pick a spot that looks like it has potential, and spend time looking carefully I usually (not always) find something worth taking a photograph of.

[@TimberGeek]

I find that the hunter of photos open to targets of opportunity works well for me. It does lead to me packing in a rather extreme range of lenses.

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Really Rafe? How many are we talking?

[@TimberGeek]

@@ChrisSalePhoto It's less about the number of lenses as my full frame core are the 24-120 f/4 and a 150-600 f/5.0-6.3. I'll usually add a 16-35 f/4 and the remarkably sharp and light Tokina 100mm f/2.8 D Macro (if they made a 135mm version it would be ideal).

[@ashstubbings2603]

Hi Chris! I think I've said this before, but I consider myself to be one of the fortunate ones, because when I do woodland photography, I don't seem to struggle to find the composition. I'm not sure the compositions I do find are any good, but that's a matter of opinion! 😂

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

LOL! Fair play Ash. I think the problem that I have is this feeling that I need to be more spontaneous in the woodland, to react to what is going on around me. Normally, most of my portfolio images come from visiting a location many times, fine tuning my composition until I get the shot. But in the woods I seem to think I can just rock up and bag a banger (so to speak). The main shot in this video (the thumbnail) is one that I think I will return to. I need to find more of these.

[@barrieanthony952]

Nice vid mate

[@ChrisSalePhoto]

Cheers Barry

[@kathrynhall9920]

Lovely colours Chris. Is it easy to park at Brandelhow Woods?

[@dalemartin6828]

Hey what wireless mic are you using? I need one for my canon 😅

[@robertspeicher5047]

The " moss" covered rocks....looks like the remains of a long ago wall. Made me wonder who built the wall and the life of those back then