Landscape Photography in the Birch Woodlands
Show Notes
On a grey, drizzly morning I went out in search of some woodland inspiration. After battling with midges and the rain, I managed to get some images that I was happy with.
I took some classic woodland photos, selecting some trees that I admired the shapes and forms that they had grown into. Trees are fascinating in the way that they grow. Morphing and bending based on the light or lack of it.
I also practiced a favourite technique of mine ICM (intentional camera movement) to create some interesting abstract images. I wrote about ICM here: https://drl.one/at01
It is such a simple technique but I really like the abstract effect. In my opinion, it is one of the best ways to break the veil of photography, instead of creating a literal facsimile of what we are seeing, through ICM we can try and evoke more emotions and ideas of the scene, in other words an abstraction of the scene.
I feel that for this film I had a much better idea of what I wanted to shoot, in terms of b-roll and to camera pieces, and because I had a clearer idea than I did in my earlier films, this made for a better film. I think my confidence on camera is growing as well, which is making for a more engaging experience. I’ve also learnt so much about the editing software that with each new video I think the viewing experience will get better!
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Onto the Images
I really liked this gnarled old birch tree, so as I soon as I saw it I knew that I wanted to photograph it. It’s rough, mossy trunk and twisting branches fascinated me.
It sat in a meadow of grass, almost alone, except for the mass of younger trees beyond it. More than likely they are the offspring from this old tree. Waiting and competing for the light, as their brethren die and decay around them.
The forest is such an ever evolving space that it’s great to explore in all of the seasons.
I really liked the way these 4 trunks emerged from the same spot, creating a palm like structure, as each tree searched and competed for the light.
I will try and revisit this tree in misty/foggy conditions, because I think if the background was blocked a bit it would create a more atmospheric image.
That being said I do like the greens present in this image, and I think it is a great example of a forest in summer.
I was really impressed with the dynamic range of the camera I used for this image (Canon 1dxii affiliate link) because this image took quite a bit of processing to produce. The sky was almost white and I knew that the clouds ought to be visible.
As I explained in the video, the way the path leads through the meadow of grass was what drew me to this image. That along with the silveriness of the grass from the rain sitting in droplets and the imbalance provided by the tree on the right, composed a great image.
This is my favourite image from the morning overall.
This is the first ICM image of the morning, and I really like the way it turned out. I like the light green base and the way the birches move through the image. I think it’s a great example of the possibilities of ICM through the summer. You can still make out the texture of the bark of the birch trees as well.
This was my favourite ICM image from the morning. I love the tone that was created by this big patch of orange moss that sat below the trees and I think that these birches are spaced perfectly to create a nice light image. The contrast between the tree trunks and the colours really make this abstract image stand out.
This is the landscape version of the ICM looking up the path that divided the forest, but I prefer the portrait version below.
I prefer this version of the path ICM because I think that in the landscape version you can’t really see the path, whereas in the portrait it’s a bit clearer that there is a path in the image.
I decided to take this image because I wondered if the movement of the camera would create a sense of movement for the viewer, as if you are running down the path flanked by the birch trees. I’m not sure if that sense was created or not but I like the result either way.
That was the last image that I took during this vlog, I was quite drenched through and I wanted to head back home for some breakfast and coffee. The summer is quite a difficult time to be a photographer because the hours are so unsociable and tiring!
I hope you are looking forward to the next instalment! Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
About the Film
Just a little information about the film and how I made it, as well as some links to equipment.
I edited the film using the Free Version of DaVinci Resolve. It’s an incredibly powerful piece of software that I am still trying to understand and will possibly write an article about in the future.
The music in this video is a track that I licensed from Premium Beats by ShutterStock called:
Atmosphere by Colorfilm Music.
A short Kit List
These are affiliate links, which means if you follow them and make a purchase I will earn a small commission for referring you to Amazon UK. You can find out more about affiliate links here.
Main Vlog Camera is a simple Panasonic G80 with the kit lens, its a great little mirrorless camera that I got for the sole purpose of creating YouTube videos. It’s capable of filming in 4k and seems to do everything that I want it to.
Rode Mic, I got this little microphone to boost the audio quality from the inbuilt microphone.
Action Camera, I use this to film myself when walking. It’s a simple DJI Pocket Osmo camera that has a motorised 3 axis gimbal head, which means that I stay in focus and static while the landscape around me moves. It’s also capable of filming in 4k and the audio quality is quite good.
Voice Recorder, to boost the audio quality when it’s windy or I’m using the action camera I use this handy little voice recorder with a lapellier microphone to record audio.
For a complete Landscape Photography Kit List you can read through what equipment I take with me when I go out here.
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Written by Daniel Long
Daniel Long created DRL Photography as a place to showcase his work as a photographer. Daniel has learnt a lot about photography and wishes to impart this knowledge with you, although the world is an ever changing place and he always says “you can never learn everything.” So as he makes his way, he continues to learn knew techniques, skills and information about photography. He focuses on Landscape and Wildlife photography and Daniel has a special focus on Scotland, his home away from home. As well as writing about photography and taking pictures out in the field, Daniel offers guided photography days so he can share his knowledge and locations in an effort to give his clients the best opportunities possible. Have a browse around this website to see his images, guided experiences and articles about photography. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in contact.
