Woodland photography, while rewarding, presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to shooting and bagging some banger shots. From intricate compositions to unpredictable lighting conditions, capturing the flow of forests requires skill, patience, and adaptability. For this article, I want to dive into the reasons why woodland photography is considered difficult and explore methods to overcome these obstacles.
To begin with, we need to acknowledge that it is a hard genre. When I present any workshop participants with the challenge, the first reaction is they cannot see an image jumping out at them and can feel overwhelmed at the very thought of trying to find a shot. But, it doesn’t have to be insurmountable; there are ways to overcome the challenge which can be highly rewarding when it works.
One of the primary challenges in woodland photography is the ever-changing interplay of light and shadow. The dense canopy of trees filters sunlight, creating a confusing array of dappled light that can be both enchanting to look at and very frustrating to photograph. Achieving proper exposure and managing contrast become paramount tasks, as the dynamic range within the scene can be vast.
This very challenge can put many off even trying, as looking at the back of the camera at our shots doesn’t give us the immediate dopamine hit that can be possible for the likes of traditional landscapes or my safe place seascapes. Look at the contrast and play of light within the forest and .
