I have recently been attempting to increase my fitness levels via walking, and I have to say that I am really enjoying it. It has also been very beneficial in helping to clear my mind of any negative thoughts and I always seem to return home a lot happier than when I left. Over the weekend I went for a couple of long walks through our local woods. At one stage I looked up at this huge tree which was standing tall and proud. I just marvelled at how incredible it looked. As I become older these things seem to become a lot more interesting; it’s like my eyes are just starting to open to the wonders of the world. I just had to take a few photos of that and other trees, as I wanted to capture their beauty.
How to photograph trees
To really get the best shot it’s important to take the time of day into consideration. You get to see some incredible shadows and have a softer light if you are photographing trees in the early morning or in the late afternoon.
It’s also beneficial to focus on how the sunlight interacts with the trees. Backlighting can highlight leaves, and side-lighting can create texture.
The angle you take the photograph from can have a big impact on the outcome and quality of the shot. Standing well back and taking a photo from a distance can show the tree in all its glory and in its natural environment. When I did this, I ended up with a great shot of the woodland as well as a couple of the trees. Different angles produce, of course, different perspectives such as upward from the base or straight on.
Taking close-up shots enables you to focus on different aspects of the tree such as the bark, the leaves, the trunk, and the branches. This is where using a tripod can come in handy as it is essential to prevent camera shake, which can blur the image. A macro lens is most suitable for close-up photography as it helps to produce super-sharp high-contrast images.
To get a real contrast of photographs it’s good to take the photos in different weather conditions. This might, at first, seem like a lot of effort. I, though, need no encouragement to go on another walk to the local woods or to take additional photographs of trees. This is where I am in my element! Taking the photographs when it’s foggy gives a completely different look in comparison to when it’s raining or when it’s sunny. The same tree, just not the same weather, and not the same outcome.
After taking some of these amazing photographs you could then print and frame them, and have them proudly on display in your home. This way you get to enjoy seeing the trees at home as well as when out and about. It also enables the other people who live with you to view them, as well as your guests. It may not be as good as seeing the trees in person but it’s a close second.