Misty Forest Photography Tips

Nature Photography  •  Photography Tips

Woodland photography undoubtedly has to be one of the most challenging genres of photography. That’s because of the nature of the space that we have to work with. With the trees and other vegetation so close to each other, isolating a subject can be a tricky task. But, there’s also another side to photographing woodlands. As woodlands are “prone” to foggy and hazy conditions, it adds to the challenge of photographing them. But when done correctly, the same mist can add that WOW factor to your images.

In today’s video, photographer Nick Page shares some ideas on how you can use the mist as your secret ingredient to take some amazing woodland photos:

Fog and mist can be excellent tools to add depth to an image.  They simplify the background and increase the sense of depth.  By placing a subject closer to the camera, there’ll be no mist between the camera and the subject. But, by doing so, you can get a background that’s very subdued and has low contrast.

The real magic happens when you have light breaking into the forest through the trees and the foggy surrounding. The interaction between the fog/mist and the sunlight adds to the magic in the air. As Page shares in the video, make sure to backlight the subject whenever you come across such kind of lighting. If you shoot with the light, it’ll appear dappled and unflattering. So, be sure to turn around to make the most of the magical light.

While newer photographers refrain from taking photos in foggy situations, it is important to understand that such conditions are in fact much better than shooting in clear conditions. Whether it be the background, contrast, depth, or the feeling of atmosphere, foggy conditions top it all.

Photo captured by Erik Kossakowski

Be sure to watch the complete video if you’re looking for some inspiration to take woodland photos during misty or foggy conditions. You’ll surely get a bunch of fantastic ideas.