How to Take an Enchanted Photo of the Woods
The great outdoors is inspiring. It is no wonder that so many dancers, yoga practitioners, artists, and photographers take their craft to the great outdoors when they need a fresh idea, a new start, or inspiration. There is something about being outside in the fresh air with Mother Nature that allows artists to relax, engage, and do what they do best.
Grab Your Gear
Your camera body and your standard zoom lens is all that you need to capture amazing photographs in the woods, if the leaf cover provides gentle lighting. If you anticipate open spaces with intense light grab your light stand and reflector. If you want to bring your camera bag along you can also toss in a wide-angle lens for landscape shots, and maybe even a small macro zoom lens to capture the intricacies of plants, animals, and insects that you may encounter on your journey.
Travel by Morning… and Evening
Avoiding the harsh mid-day light is the best way to capture stunning photography in the woods without dealing with harsh shadows and unflattering light. If you do this you may not have to deal with reflectors and outdoor light stands while you are hiking, which is nice but if you do need a stand make sure to bring a light, compact style. Timing your hike in order to take advantage of the best natural ambient light is smart. For the best photos, try to hike just after sunrise or just before sunset.
Capture Textures
The bark of a tree and the sheen of a leaf is amazing when captured properly. These are the details that make the woods such an enchanting and stunning place to be. Use your macro lens to capture some close-up shots that truly describe the texture of all of earth’s natural elements.
Photograph the Horizon
If you have the time to hike to the top of a hill or mountain, you will truly be able to enjoy a stunning landscape. Attach your wide angle lens and capture a shot of the horizon from your vantage point on the top of the world. This is a great way to capture the foliage, mountain ranges, and other aspects of life in the wilderness.
Visit Throughout the Year
The woods that you encounter in the spring are much different than the woods that you encounter in the middle of winter. Make it a point to travel through nature at various points throughout the year. As the weather changes, the leaves drop, and the snowflakes fall, the woods take on a whole new life and you will see things and capture photographs that you will not be able to capture during other seasons.