Woodland & Forest Photography
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Bringing the Beauty of Woodlands and Forests to Life
February 25, 2024
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Dear Photography Enthusiasts,
Welcome to my weekly newsletter that helps you take your photography skills to the next level. In this issue, I will explore some of the most important skills and knowledge that can make or break your images. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, these tips and tricks will help you capture stunning photos in any situation.
One of the most important skills in photography is getting the correct exposure. Exposure is the amount of light that reaches your camera sensor, and it determines how bright or dark your image is. Getting the correct exposure can make a big difference in the quality and mood of your woodland and forest photos.
This week topics
Here are some tips to help you get the correct exposure in woodland and forest photography:
Use the histogram. A histogram is a graph that shows the distribution of brightness levels in your image. It can help you check if your image is underexposed (too dark), overexposed (too bright), or well-exposed (balanced). A well-exposed image should have a histogram that is spread across the graph, without clipping or spiking at either end. You can use the histogram on your camera or on your editing software to adjust your exposure settings or your post-processing.
(William Patino, one of the many photographers that's made an impact on my photography, and one I follow on YouTube, have a short and informative introduction on how to use the histogram on your camera, you can find his video here.)
Use the exposure triangle. The exposure triangle is a concept that explains the relationship between three exposure settings: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Aperture is the size of the opening in your lens that controls how much light enters your camera. Shutter speed is the length of time that your camera sensor is exposed to light. ISO is the sensitivity of your camera sensor to light. Changing any of these settings will affect your exposure and your image quality. You can use the exposure triangle to balance these settings and achieve the desired exposure and creative effects. For example, you can use a large aperture (small f-number) to create a shallow depth of field, a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, or a low ISO to reduce noise.
Use the metering modes. The metering modes are the modes that your camera uses to measure the light in your scene and set the exposure accordingly. Different metering modes use different areas of your frame to calculate the exposure. You can use the metering modes to get the correct exposure for different situations and subjects. For example, you can use the spot metering mode to expose for a specific point in your frame, such as your main subject, the evaluative metering mode to expose for the entire scene, or the partial metering mode to expose for a large area in the center of your frame.
(Simon d'Entremont, also a photographer I follow on YouTube, have an easy understandable video about how the different metering modes can be used. You find the link to his video here.)
Inspiration of the week
One of the photographers who has influenced me the most in my journey as a woodland photographer is Simon Baxter. Simon is a professional woodland photographer who captures the beauty and magic of trees in the North York Moors and other locations. He shares his passion for nature and photography through his YouTube videos, fine art prints, and photography workshops. In this chapter, I want to share with you how Simon inspired me to love woodland photography and what I learned from him.
How I Discovered Simon Baxter.
I discovered Simon Baxter’s work a few years ago when I was browsing YouTube for some woodland photography tips. I stumbled upon one of his videos and I was immediately captivated by his relaxed and thoughtful approach to photography. He was not chasing the epic views or the perfect light, but rather exploring the quiet and obscure corners of the woodland with his dog, Meg. He was not following any rules or formulas, but rather expressing his emotions and feelings through his images. He was not trying to impress anyone, but rather enjoying the process and the experience of being in nature.
I was intrigued by his style and his philosophy, and I decided to watch more of his videos. I was amazed by the variety and the quality of his images, and how he managed to capture the atmosphere and the character of the woodland. He showed me how to look for the details, the textures, the shapes, and the patterns in the forest, and how to use light, color, and mood to create impact. He also shared his stories, his struggles, his insights, and his tips in a honest and humble way.
I was inspired by his work and his personality, and I decided to follow him on his website, his social media, and his newsletter. He might have some tips and trick that you can learn from. So, Head over to his website here, to get to know him better, and to see his beautiful work.
Challenges
I invite you to try the following challenges to practice and improve your exposure skills in woodland and forest photography:
Challenge 1: Use the histogram to check and adjust your exposure in different lighting conditions, such as sunny, cloudy, or misty.
Challenge 2: Use the exposure triangle to create different effects in your woodland and forest photos, such as shallow depth of field, motion blur, or low noise.
Challenge 3: Use the metering modes to expose for different subjects and situations in your woodland and forest photos, such as a bright sky, a dark forest, or a backlit subject.
I hope you enjoyed this issue of the Woodland & Forest Photography Newsletter, and that you found inspiration learned something new and useful for your own photography. I would love to see your woodland and forest images, so please feel free to share them with me on my social media channels. Remember, every picture has a tale, and each tale can motivate and charm. Let's collaborate to keep spreading the amazing marvels of nature with the world.
Until next time, happy shooting. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to contact us.
PS: What’s the #1 thing that made you want to check out my newsletter? Reply and let me know. I read every reply.
Sincerely,
Jhonny Bakken
Founder, Woodland & Forest Photography
Woodland & Forest Photography,
Nygjerdet 14, 6030 Langevåg
Møre og Romsdal
NORWAY
