Woodland Landscape Photography Tips

Landscape Photography  •  Photography Tips

Photographer Michael Shainblum takes us on a journey through the woods of Madeira in his latest video. In this adventure, he shares tips and techniques, as well as the challenges he encountered while photographing the stunning landscape:

One of the main challenges he faced was the weather, with the fog constantly dissipating and then returning, and the wind making it hard to focus. He also admits to not being a morning person, and finding it harder to be creative during sunrise. However, he encourages his viewers to let him know in the comments if they are more of an early riser or a sunset photographer.

Here are some key takeaways from the video:

1. Finding the right position for trees is crucial in landscape photography.
2. Scouting and building upon compositions can create interesting images.
3. Relaxing and going with the flow can help manage the stress of changing conditions.
4. Using a wide-angle lens can add depth to compositions.
5. Shooting handheld can provide versatility in compositions.
6. Experimenting with framing elements can create unique compositions.
7. Film photography can add a unique and timeless look to images.
8. Photographers should consider their personal creative peak times, such as early morning or sunset.
9. Fog can add drama and simplify backgrounds.
10. Using foreground elements can add interest to compositions.

Throughout the video, Shainblum showcases a variety of images, from minimalist shots with fog-covered backgrounds to more complex compositions with foreground elements. He also switches it up by shooting on his 35mm film camera for some images, which gives a unique and timeless look to the photographs.

One of the standout compositions features two trees, one leaning into the other, with the fog separating them, creating a beautiful depth of field. Shainblum also experiments with framing elements, using openings in trees to create unique compositions.

Overall, Michael Shainblum’s video is a masterclass in landscape photography, showcasing the importance of scouting, building upon compositions, and relaxing in the face of changing conditions. His stunning images of the woods of Madeira are a testament to the beauty of the natural world and the power of photography to capture and share it.