Woodland Photography Insights - What is Ancient?

[@mitzimckay7934]

There’s nothing better than a tree, except for a tree with a man and his dog sitting under it. Love the video.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Hehe, thank you very much :)

[@billalley3679]

Watching this video and how you engage with nature, I was reminded of this quote from the movie, The Ideal Husband. “To look at a thing is quite different from seeing a thing, and one does not see anything until one sees its beauty.”

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's a great quote. Thank you :-)

[@howardrankin7119]

Your love for the trees is so evident , in the images and in your words

[@bugwalks3897]

The ending shot of you and Meg is lovely.

[@normusarms]

Many people do not notice trees until they have been cut down and a void is left in the landscape. Thank you for drawing attention to the beauty and significance of our woodlands through your photography.

[@andyprime56]

The final 30 sec of this vid symbolises your connectivity with nature, just excellent.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed that bit, Andy. Thank you :)

[@kevinmorgan7091]

It's a real pleasure watching you wander around these wonderful woodland scenes, giving us, not only beautiful pictures, but a connection to nature, our past and how important these places are for our mental well being. South Wales' woodland is only forestry commission where It's really difficult to take a good picture because you can't see the trees for the trees but, because of your inspiration, I now find them incredible places to go to just to relax for a few hours and, if don't get a picture; there's always next time.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's wonderful to hear, Kevin. Many thanks :)

[@Matt__just_a_guy]

being amongst trees always makes me feel the best that I can feel. I always like to sit and try to imagine what the tree must have lived through. its a kind of wisdom that is incomprehendable.

[@JamesLanePhoto]

I could listen to you speak passionately about woodland and the philosophy behind your photography all day. Excellent video Simon. Cuts through the noise like a quiet knife.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, James 😁

[@danielspenner3683]

What a glorious witness of time!

[@joecornish1200]

Outstanding Simon. Would like to see the first half broadcast for non-photographers too…on the telly.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thanks again, Joe! Much appreciated :)

[@iank1638]

Yes this would be excellent on the TV. Though it’s quality videos like this that bring me to KZbin rather than tv Thanks simon

[@miguelao1]

It's all about the attitude and presence, you too now share an instant on that great oak life. A moment perceived in a photo, that's what I like about photography.

[@davemacdonald3804]

Thank you again Simon. I always look forward to your videos. Your photography is stunning and your calm style always encourage me to continue to develop my skills and a greater appreciation of the wonders of the natural world that we all seek to capture and share.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you for your kind comment, Dave :)

[@henryjarmuszewski660]

Simon, love these little ‘aside’ episodes. They are refreshers.

[@jancurtis7827]

One of the best photographer’s video that I have had the pleasure to watch. Photography is all about life, love, and relating to nature.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

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

[@garyholman8634]

I love ancient Trees very much. There's something very special about them, and after hundreds of years they still live on as Photography Landscape beauty to be shot. Amazing! Love the Images. 👌.

[@thanko1]

This series is very likeable, Simon. Those trees are wonderful and your stories about them are very engaging. Looking forward to the next video.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Timothy :-)

[@cstarkey4868]

I'm in the US, just found your KZbin and then IG. Couldn't be more excited to glean from your knowledge of landscape photography but also just enjoy it on both platforms. Just lost my hiking buddy, a Golden Retreiver, on 05/03/21 after 12 ½ years. So it was very good to see Meg enjoying herself outdoors, like mine used to with me. They are so fun to be with on hikes to the wilderness. Thank you for sharing your love of the trees as well as the beauty ~ both are important to pass on to others.

[@alanclark9691]

I really enjoyed those calming images Simon, scouting or not!

[@danieleekfoto]

You were my inspiring lunch company today. Keep on sharing your thoughts. 😊

[@toddshane2243]

I've been watching and loving you're videos for years you are the master of chaos I'm still learning thanks

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for following along, Todd :)

[@vivianmcaleavey1084]

Your episodes keep getting better. Thank you for being thoughtful and respectful.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Vivian :)

[@brianmurphy7962]

Greetings from New Jersey, USA ! Simon, love your photos, your videos, you are an inspiration! God bless!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Brian :-)

[@jeniroughley4851]

You find such wonderful compositions, I find it so difficult I can walk round for 3 hours and find nothing. I will keep practicing your videos are a great source of inspiration 👍👌😀

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Jeni. The more time you spend there and the more you experiment, the easier it gets :)

[@canuckdon]

Thanks for your insightful words. And Meg, she's awesome!

[@dannywillshaw2648]

That's one of the most important videos you've made in my opinion. Especially in these moments when, as you say, it's only a mater of minutes to take away that which has lived hundreds of our own lifetimes. Perhaps it's more important than ever now to if not protest and protect, but at the very least capture, these precious things we can't get back. Thanks for this Simon, and well done for putting into words perhaps what I couldn't myself. All the best! :-)

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

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

[@iancameron2569]

Having followed you for quite some time Simon, having lost the old dead tree in the soft wood forest, with this new piece of anciant woodland which the lanowner has given you and meg access to, I think that you will realy enjoy going back to this woodland for quite a few years yet. Excellent video today Simon.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Ian. Yes, I hope there's many years to enjoy in this particular woodland. I'm very fortunate to have access.

[@stuartlauchlan7061]

I've both followed and been inspired by your work for a long time now Simon and always find your passion for the woodlands you work in shines through. This video once again highlights it in spades. Great work once again. Stunning images.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, Stuart. Thank you :)

[@AdamosFF]

I'm getting woodland and ancient trees photography assignments for past three years now in my country, I've been in UK in spring time once and I have to say that I saw some most beautiful trees in my life there.

[@domhaughton6809]

Lovely video Simon. I'm finding woodland such a calming environment.

[@MrKamos57]

Thanks for history of the ancient oaks. Every interesting; the photos are beautiful and majestic.

[@ashstubbings2603]

I love trees. And watching your video confirmed to me a few reasons why. To be able to reach out and touch something, and ultimately to photograph something that is so old, for a start, is astounding to me. I'm fortunate enough to live within a 15 minute drive of the dead centre of Sherwood Forest, so I thought that the Oak Tree was quite familiar to me. How wrong could I have been. Your video taught me a lot. Thank you.

[@gayleruble6529]

I’ve always enjoyed your videos...but lately I’ve been growing to appreciate them even more as they are very educational as well. You have a gift in articulating factual information in a very creative way. By expressing it through the passion of photography you’ve definitely hooked and inspired me! Awesome work!

[@ChrisJones-id7qq]

Lovely video Simon thankyou. Inspiring and informative. Megan expresses your emotions as only a dog can - sheer enjoyment !

[@alanguile8945]

Makes you want to give the tree a hug!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Trees need a voice Simon and you certainly gave them one today. In my line of work, I see trees removed all the time and it’s deeply saddening that money speaks louder than these wonderful giants.

[@DaleSheltonsPage]

We’ve been seeing quite an appetite to move veteran and ancient trees instead of felling them. On the one hand, I hate to feed status symbol greed, on the other, at least the tree is preserved.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Simon! Yes I bet that's quite depressing. This place feels like a retirement home for oaks, so I visit the old folk as much as I can :)

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Moving them? That's can be easy. What are the chances of the tree surviving such an upheaval?

[@DaleSheltonsPage]

@@SimonBaxterPhotography in the couple I recently saw in the news, the height was the biggest challenge rather than the girth and rootball. I’ll see if I can find a followup.

[@DaleSheltonsPage]

@@SimonBaxterPhotography I found the article the news spot was based on. After reading it, seems to be mostly veteran. If you search on wsj and “The Newest Status Symbol for High-Net Worth Homeowners: Trophy Trees” it should come up. Hopefully you won’t get blocked by a paywall. Here’s a snippet. “But there are still no guar­an­tees, es­pe­cially if work­ers don’t ad­e­quately pre­pare the roots of the tree for re­plant­ing. Mr. Jun­gles said he once ad­vised a client to pay $25,000 for a lignum vi­tae tree for his prop­erty. A week af­ter he moved it to the site, it died.”

[@albeaz9691]

Thanks for sharing Simon - not only your passion for woodland photography comes across, also the depth of knowledge and understanding of the subject. Who’d of thought you could get advice on how to spot an ancient oak!! As usual, content of your channel is so much better than majority. Thank you for the effort.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Al! Glad you enjoyed this one :)

[@nickbristol3457]

Simon, This was wonderful to watch and listen to. I love woodland photography and yours is amazing. You capture a special feel and it tells a story! Thank you!

[@valhallafallen]

Another very wonderful episode of the amazing Ents you have there- Love it a lot!!!!

[@KarlVaughan]

I've said it before but I'm so envious of the number of ancient trees you have up there. Down where I am in the Chilterns much of the woodland is managed so a lot of the trees are young. It makes it harder to find those special compositions. You mentioned bluebells. I notice they are a couple of weeks late this year so I've had to make a couple of trips out to make sure I capture them at their best.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

They took a while to find but I'm pleased I finally have :) I'll hopefully be amongst the bluebells this week.

[@KrackaShorts]

Its funny how all my life ive being connected to trees and timber, my late father was a lumberjack and i sent my youth helping him tidying woodlands. I worked in sawmills as a saw doctor all my working life but its only now that ive taking up phogography that ive started to love what trees represent, going out looking and photographing trees ancient or not, is so healing to our mental health,so why or why has it taken me 55years to find this out.. Yet another positive reason we should all take up the art. Thanks Simon for a truely mind blowing video.Best wishes

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for your kind words. You're exactly right - photography inspires many other positive changes in our lives :)

[@jimwallar8920]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of these wonderful trees.

[@rbandrews1]

Thankfully more of us are taking more interest in our environment. Watching your videos, your passion for photography, and what you are taking a picture of can only help. You mentioned learning your subject, any pointers?

[@alistaircorden]

Beautiful trees, thanks for the background information. It pays to know as much about your subject as possible - helps greatly in the interpretation and form of the image. Nice work Simon.

[@marthamoss2518]

I am always inspired by your videos. This one was especially wonderful for me as another lover of forests and trees. I really connected with everything you said.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's great to hear, thank you :)

[@edisonlighthouse2189]

Love our work. Starting from Hoar Frost Photog some 4 years ago, I've been enjoying your video ever since. Drawing plenty of inspirations from your work, found myself with new perceptions of trees, thus deeper appreciation for gifts of nature. The later is more striking given challenges in conservation we now face. Apart from seeking drama in cloudscape or might of mountains, the story we seek always been right in front starring back at us, amongst trees. Thank you & looking forward to you next video.

[@ESCAPETHEMIND_BNW]

Another awesome video 🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@cherylmills6264]

Great video Simon. the trees in the first half of the video were amazing. So cool to know they're so old. And as always, Meg was having a great time. :-)

[@kathymeade4034]

Thanks for the video. Love your combination of historical, arborical, and photographic information - inspirational!

[@LisaFrostPhoto]

That blows my mind thinking of individual trees being around more than 600 years ago and all the things they’ve seen. I think the oldest trees around here are the Antarctic Beech (though there aren’t that many left) but you’ve inspired me to find out more! Thanks Simon!

[@adamnedojedly8225]

I must say another really educational video full of knowledge, passion and love Simon. Thank you for every single video you create . I love woodland and waterfall photography and every time I enter the woodland I try to understand and learn more about the place where I can create some stunning photos . Looking forward for another video . Kind Regards Adam Nedojedly.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for your kind feedback, Adam :)

[@johnpunnett1426]

Profound words indeed Mr Baxter.... Thoroughly enjoyed this vlog - in fact enjoying watching all you back catalogue - thank you & keep up the good work.👍

[@MarkRomine]

Very informative! Those ancient oaks that you guys have there in the UK are truly amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@valeman1958]

Another great video Simon, as you say the connection between ourselves and some sort of primeval force of nature when sitting in a quiet woodland setting is one of the great joys in life. Your work captures that feeling in a glorious way, and for that we thank you! The sign-off shot with you and Meg sitting at peace under the old oak was a classic. Wishing you well on your artistic journey, so grateful to be going along for the ride.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

And thank you very much for following along, Stephen :)

[@craigallenphotography]

Another fantastic and inspiring video. Your approach is really getting my creative juices flowing. Keep up the excellent content.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Craig. Glad it helps :)

[@PhotoTrekr]

I've always loved being in the mountains and woods. And I've photographed the mountains and woods for 45 years. Always gives me a sense of peace and tranquility.

[@benwebeck5280]

Thank you Simon, always enjoy these!

[@raymondjmetcalfe2927]

Trees are wonderful not just as a subject for photography but in there surroundings the shapes they grow into as they age. They grow coats of moss that sometimes puts me in mind of an old person with their winter coat (or big coat as we used to say up north when I was growing up) on.

[@PeterSladenPhotography]

Thanks for another lovely, relaxing and informative video Simon. It's really interesting to see how much thought and research you put behind your images. It also makes me want to slow down and sit under a tree! Look forward to seeing more of your beautiful images soon.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Peter :)

[@steveatesh]

I always am amazed how you see a fab composition in woods when I just see a mess lol....I didn't know about the criteria for an ancient oak, every day is a school day Simon, thank you .

[@f4.therapy]

I just love your love of trees Simon 😊

[@iank1638]

Lovely video , thanks. A perfect thing to help me relax during my lunch break.

[@soccerjockey]

wonderful video Simon! i love learning about the trees of Britan

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Always a great watch Simon, thanks for sharing.

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Did you notice on the first image, the tree on the left looks like a couple embracing. Beautiful images as always. 😍😍😍😍😍

[@ellyelzinga01]

Such an inspiring and interesting story! I love learning about the woodlands from you! And the picture is very nice, the backlit leafs are so beautiful! Everything seems to be so late this year though, the daffodils were late and the tulips are so late too! They are just blooming now, quite unusual!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's great, Elly. Thank you! I'm hoping the wild garlic will flower this week :)

[@rabnawazkhan9283]

Fantastic place beautifully photographed

[@BillMcCarroll]

The ancient oaks are awe inspiring, wonderful and really need to be protected.

[@jimbean532]

Beautiful work, Simon. Thank you.

[@cara1067]

Very enjoyable and interesting commentary. Thank you.

[@robertbrown5052]

Wow Simon - this is Deep! The act of photography- “taking a picture”- can be an emotionless almost callous procedure: point the camera at something and trip the shutter. However if you have an intimate knowledge and understanding of what your subject is: how it formed- what it has endured- in essence it’s life - and you merge that into your act of “taking a picture” - then your image becomes a living creation of a capture of time. Your images definitely portray that deep sense of understanding- a living connection with your subjects. Thanks for the inspiration

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Robert. I'm very pleased it resonated with you :)

[@dianevose9655]

Loved this vlog on the ancient oak tree, such beautiful and characterful giants of the forest. I too have noticed how slow the progression of spring has been. Although in the past two weeks the bluebells have arrived and the beech trees are showing their display of fresh spring greens. Mother nature is wonderful 🌿🌳😊

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Diane. I know of another woodland that's showing bluebells so will be heading there soon :-)

[@jamesgrant8470]

Enjoyable vlog Simon. The Oak tree a mistical, magical tree. King of the forest. Goes right back in history. The Druids would not meet if a oak wasn't present..... Trees are just totally amazing and so important in so many ways... A couple of nice images ans time well spent...

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

I didn't know that about the Druids. Many thanks!

[@caspersj1165]

Really enjoy your videos and lovely with some insight about the trees age. Cheers from Denmark

[@Sold_a_dummy]

🤜🤛 I look forward to these videos. Love what you do.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Neil :-)

[@roykropp155]

Very nice video that conveyed more than just photography. Thanks.

[@tonymckeage1028]

Good Morning from New Zealand Great What is Ancient Vlog, I really enjoyed it, Have a great week

[@martinagiusstreetphotography]

Always amazing stuff. Thanks for sharing. What would we do without trees in our lives.

[@iinvest1309]

Nice comps, will be interesting to see the later shots. Good to see you out and about. Regards Greg Tungate

[@wendynewing8834]

I love this video and images. You really have to make a print of you and Meg sitting under that ancient oak. It is a very moving scene.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Hehe, that would be nice :) Many thanks!

[@janroos7518]

Great video again! Wished i lived in a countey with so many great ancient trees, but i don't. So i embrace my younger forests and am able to feel the same connection with nature as you do. That makes my photos indeed better. But hope to come your way one day and maybe do one of your workshops.👍

[@michaelmcgrath9190]

Another fine video, and Meg ...... definite winner.

[@karenbergmann209]

It's amazing that so many ancient trees are still standing and you are so fortunate to have them! In Canada, so much of our ancient forests have been cut down for industrial use. I love it when I find an older tree while I'm hiking. The stories these trees could tell! Thanks for continuing to inspire.

[@sookephotographyadventures]

Great explanation of the Ancient trees and the importance of the woodland Simon. Like many places, sadly, we do not do a very good job preserving our old growth forests here (Canada and more specifically, Vancouver Island).

[@Russellrodberg]

Impressed with your videos, I am just starting to take photography in a more serious way, been tacking pictures with my phone. But as someone working with images almost 40 years, its time to upgrade. Thanks

[@hartreflectionsphotography1111]

I am new to this channel and hands down one of my favorites! 🥰

[@jasonlacey5979]

Thank you Simon. Your book is inspiring..

[@rogernilsson2254]

Nice video. I really like how you look on photography and nature. Thumbs up from me in Sweden.

[@laurelb8372]

Another beautiful video, thank you

[@SourcePhotography]

🙏 So beautiful... thank you for sharing. Bless 🙌

[@terrymartin9598]

Great video as always Simon .

[@lilybogaards5089]

Food for thought. Thank you for taking us along in this journey with this ancient wood. It feels like being allowed peeks into some very precious art in the making. With each peek being a gem in its own right. 💕

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Lily 😊

[@SteveP_2426]

Great perspective on the Oak Simon and something that's 400+ years old deserves to be treated with great respect. Interesting what you said about the bluebells, not sure when you filmed this but down in the Hampshire/Dorset area the Bluebells and wild garlic are well out (early May).

[@SevInf]

Thanks, Simon, your videos are always such a delight.

[@garthkipping2755]

Interesting as always and also educational.

[@JamieBulloch1]

boy oh! boy your good, many thanks for an insightful, thoughtful and entertaining meander through some beautiful woodland, your key thinking is spot on regarding, trees and the woodland floor, better i might add than some mainstream telly doing something similar, yer a wee bit of an Attenborough.. love it, looking forward to spring whenever it actually marches in..

[@runninblue9415]

Lovely Content. Interesting methodology as well. I see Springwatch in your future 👍

[@chrisjacksonmakesstuff]

A beautiful video Simon.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Your a fantastic speaker mate 👍

[@JBDinitzen]

Wonderful video - not about shutterspeed and aperture, but about love for nature..What is a lanscape photographer, without love for nature. Thank You 😊