Woodlands and forests have been a source of inspiration for artists and storytellers for centuries. The characteristic gnarled tree branches, dancing leaves and detail receding into a misty background bring an almost dream-like quality, conjuring up memories of fantasy tales and epic poetry. These aspects make images of woodland landscapes popular amongst their viewers and the artists who create them.
As photographers, it can be easy to think of wooded scenes as a fool-proof subject for the capture of successful images. However, while it is true that photo-worthy content is plentiful and not difficult to find, there are some important steps to take so that you can represent it truthfully and at its most dramatic.
It’s not uncommon to enter a woodland or forest with high hopes for your next Instagram hit, only to find that the natural energy of the location seems to be lost in your shots. This is due in part to the practical challenges of shooting in a crowded environment, but also to a variety of misconceptions about the best equipment to use for such locations and how to extract a composition from the sometimes chaotic detail.
Armed with an understanding of how to identify the best features of a woodland landscape, we can head into the field prepared to isolate and capture dynamic detail, rich colour and stunning atmosphere throughout the year, in whatever lighting conditions each season brings.
Master woodland composition
Landscape photographer Adam Burton explains how you should set about framing the dramatic woodland environment
Woodland photography can be both a daunting and challenging prospect for many landscape photographers. With trees literally in all directions, and no obvious focal point to build compositions around, the age old adage ‘can’t see the wood for the trees’ couldn’t be truer.
One mistake that
