{"id":132702,"date":"2019-11-27T17:14:31","date_gmt":"2019-11-27T17:14:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/amateurphotographer.co.uk\/?p=132702"},"modified":"2019-11-27T17:14:31","modified_gmt":"2019-11-27T17:14:31","slug":"how-to-shoot-moody-landscape-photographs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/technique\/landscape_photography-technique\/how-to-shoot-moody-landscape-photographs\/","title":{"rendered":"How to shoot moody woodland landscape photographs"},"content":{"rendered":"

While many landscape photographers are drawn to shooting sunsets and sunrises with drama light and colour, I\u2019ve always taken more enjoyment from shooting in conditions more suited to atmospheric scenes. Woodland can be a daunting genre for many photographers who are led to believe that it\u2019s an extremely difficult subject to master. While I agree it\u2019s not an easy subject I\u2019d also say that all genres are difficult if you don\u2019t put the time and effort into them. I\u2019ve found woodland to be an enjoying challenge and extremely satisfying when it all comes together.<\/p>\n

How to start\u00a0shooting moody woodland landscape photographs<\/h2>\n

To begin with, woodland can be a bit overwhelming: tangled trees seem like a complete mess and it\u2019s hard to make sense of it all let alone take an image. Almost certainly the best place to start your woodland journey is by going on a few scouting missions \u2013 try keeping it local if you can. Travel light and go with no expectations and I can almost guarantee you will find some scenes with potential that you can return to. Work the edges of the woodland first. Looking into a woodland can often reap rewards and is an easier way to spot compositions, especially if you haven\u2019t shot this genre before.<\/p>\n

Heading straight into a woodland can often be very overwhelming. Once you\u2019ve found a scene make sure you give it time by checking out various angles and taking reference shots, so you are fully prepared when the conditions are right. When you first start shooting woodland, don\u2019t expect to shoot keepers from day one. Yes it can happen, as in every genre, but I almost guarantee that it will take some time and several outings for your confidence to grow first.<\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

\u2018Lady and the Tramp\u2019 Princetown, Dartmoor. Nikon Z 7, 24-70mm lens, 1\/20sec at f\/4, ISO 400. Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Check weather conditions<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s fairly obvious, but fog or mist are an essential ingredient in the majority of my atmospheric woodland images. These conditions are not only essential to create mood, but they also help dramatically when it comes to picking out compositions and isolating subjects of interest. The time of day is also a key ingredient. For my own images, I prefer the softer muted light of blue hour, especially when the objective is mood.<\/p>\n

Of course there are other ways to isolate subjects, like using fast lenses wide open to create a shallow depth of field, but if you want that atmosphere make sure you head out on those misty days.<\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

‘Hope’ also shot in Wistman’s Wood. Nikon Z 7, 24-70mm lens, 1\/250sec at f\/9, ISO 250. Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Research locations<\/h2>\n

There are several places I enjoy shooting and exploring when I want to try and create atmospheric images. The first is Wistman\u2019s Wood in Devon<\/a>. It\u2019s an amazing location and one that every photographer who likes to shoot woodland should visit at least once. It\u2019s a very small woodland and can be extremely difficult to shoot and negotiate your way around, but if you get lucky with the conditions it really is a magical place. The second spot is Haldon Forest in Devon \u2013 a place I\u2019m only just finding my way round. It has massive potential and I\u2019m hopeful I will shoot some keepers there this year. The woodland itself has an abundance of various species from gnarly oak to silver birch, providing great variety and endless opportunities for photography. Another great Devon location is Churston Woods. There are a few small woodlands close to my home and on the rare occasion there is fog locally I will head to Churston Woods. There are also some nice trees on the local golf course, which I have shot in some thick fog, after seeking permission from one of the greenkeepers.<\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

‘Organisation\u2019 shot at Churston Golf Club. Nikon Z 7, 24-70mm lens, 1\/25sec at f\/4, ISO 64. Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Camera equipment and accessories<\/h2>\n

My typical woodland set-up has recently changed, as I\u2019ve collected a few old Nikkor AIS lenses. I currently use a Nikon Z 7 and FTZ adapter with 50mm f\/1.2 AIS, 85mm f\/2 AIS, 105mm f\/2.5 AIS and 135mm f\/2.8 AIS lenses; a 3 Legged Thing Winston tripod with Zelda L-Bracket; another 3 Legged Thing tripod; Vanguard Alta Sky 51D bag; Kase Polariser; and Nikon cable release.<\/p>\n

How to process moody landscape photos<\/h2>\n

When it comes to processing, we all have our own style. Over the past two to three years my processing style has changed dramatically, as I\u2019ve been inspired by various photographers. For me, the most important thing is to experiment and get a feel for the type of image I want to create, using the sliders to see how they affect an image. Don\u2019t be scared to push the colours in a direction that suits your tastes.<\/p>\n

As my Mystical series was all shot during the blue hour, I really wanted to emphasise that soft blue light. I did this by using a mixture of tweaking the Colour temperature and Split tones. I\u2019ve also added a fair bit of noise to the images, which were originally shot between 100-800 ISO \u2013 this is just something I liked at the time as I felt it added to the mood of the image. Finally I flattened the tones slightly using curves and desaturated. I feel the end results really represent how I visualised the scenes in my mind when I was there shooting.<\/p>\n

\n

Why it works<\/h2>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

\u2018Follow the Light\u2019 was shot near Pixie Land in a small pine woodland as the mist was clearing. The light at the time was coming from my right-hand side and it really did bring the scene to life. I\u2019m particularly pleased with the composition of this image and how the light and soft mist create depth and a clear passage to guide the viewer\u2019s eye through.<\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

In my opinion, both the colour and black & white work particularly well for this image which isn\u2019t always the case. Having said that, I\u2019d slightly favour the monochrome \u2013 I just feel the textures and tones in the mono really draw you into the frame.<\/p>\n

\n

Top tips for shooting moody landscape photographs<\/h2>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Simplify the scene<\/h3>\n

I\u2019ve learnt from trial and error that certain elements within a scene will only cause distraction. I avoid large gaps in the tree canvas, which can often be very contrasty even in good conditions. Venturing out in thick fog or mist is the easiest way to isolate a subject, and it\u2019s often easier to find isolated trees on the edges of the woodland.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Shoot what you see<\/h3>\n

This sounds obvious, but sometimes woodland photography can be very overwhelming, and often we can be too picky when looking for a perfect scene. Sometimes it\u2019s best to stop and pay more attention to your surroundings, looking for light and shapes then studying various other angles before discounting scenes. Keep an open mind.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Try shooting at blue-hour<\/h3>\n

The soft light at the blue hour is my favourite time of day. While I can appreciate some people prefer the golden hour for shooting, I\u2019d advise those people to go out a little earlier and try shooting when light starts to break through. The subtle light of the blue hour really can be magical in a woodland. Combine it with some mist or fog and you\u2019re onto a winner!<\/p>\n

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

Caption: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Find a focal point<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s quite common to find a different-shaped tree or even a different species of tree that breaks the uniformity that surrounds it. There are also other elements that can work in a woodland scene \u2013 maybe the placement of a lone figure or a man-made element. This forestry logging machine in a woodland on Dartmoor made a great subject.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Embrace imperfections<\/h3>\n

When I shoot woodland I\u2019m not looking to get a clean sharp image over 100% of the frame. Often imperfections, higher ISO (grain\/noise) and shallow depth of field can add to the mystery and mood of a photograph, in my opinion. I shot this scene with various different apertures but settled on the slightly softer look of shooting wide open.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Woodlands\t\t\t

Credit: Neil Burnell<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Look for small scenes<\/h3>\n

Sometimes it\u2019s best to look beyond a full scene and look at the closer details. Using a slightly longer prime lens and using the viewfinder to look around a scene can often help when I struggle to find wider landscape shots. Taking this approach can often help to focus in the details and eliminate the distractions that can often be prevalent in larger scenes.<\/p>\n

\n

Neil\u2019s simple tips<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Scout your area<\/strong> It\u2019s often best to scout a location several times before taking your full list of equipment.<\/li>\n
  2. On the outside<\/strong> Resist the temptation to walk straight into a woodland. It\u2019s often easier to spot scenes or areas of interest while looking into the woodland from the outside.<\/li>\n
  3. Take your time<\/strong> Shooting woodland can be daunting, so don\u2019t rush straight in. It will take time to get your eye in so walk slowly and enjoy your surroundings.<\/li>\n
  4. Be inspired<\/strong> I often look for inspiration and enjoy viewing images from masterful photographers I follow on social media. There are so many talented UK landscape photographers who shoot beautiful woodland scenes.<\/li>\n
  5. Know the direction of the light<\/strong> Even with flat light or mist I find it useful to know where the light is coming from when I shoot a particular scene I\u2019ve scouted. I tend to prefer shooting in a backlit scene or with sidelight to add drama.<\/li>\n
  6. Compose your scene<\/strong> Don\u2019t just look with your eyes; sometimes it\u2019s also a good idea to look through the viewfinder. Even if you\u2019re not sure of a scene there\u2019s sometimes something there when viewed through the camera.<\/li>\n
  7. Lens choice<\/strong> I\u2019ve found shooting with a focal length between 35mm and 100mm to be most common within my photographs. I often walk around with a 24-70mm, but I very rarely shoot wider than 35mm.<\/li>\n
  8. Get out there and try<\/strong> Many people avoid woodland because they have been led to believe that it\u2019s one of the more difficult landscape genres. I, for one, have embraced the challenge over the past few years and have found it to be very enjoyable and rewarding.<\/li>\n
  9. Experiment with processing<\/strong> Over the years I\u2019ve learnt Lightroom and Photoshop by experimenting! It\u2019s important to create your own vision in photography, and through years of watching countless YouTube tutorials and experimenting I am more confident in producing an image I envisaged from the shoot. Split toning is a great place to start, but don\u2019t be scared to use the HSL colour sliders and really experiment until you reach your own vision.<\/li>\n
  10. Stay safe<\/strong> Try going to a new woodland with a friend or tell people where you\u2019re going.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    Kit list<\/h2>\n