Conditions Don't Make Great Photos - You Do!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2024
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I often shoot in or talk about foggy and misty conditions in the woods, but fog IS NOT the secret to successful woodland photography. Join me as I get to know some fantastic rain forest in Wales and then back home I challenge some of my own narrative to make something quite clear - it's not good conditions that make great photos. It would be a mistake to pin our hopes on what we perceive to be great conditions as it's simply one part of the puzzle.
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#Woodland #Photography #Snowdonia
So I hope you stuck with it and enjoyed the bit from my office :)
I'm still having trouble with how images appear in the video, so here's some links to better quality JPEGS:
baxter.photos/youtube/2019-07-21/image-1.jpg
baxter.photos/youtube/2019-07-21/image-2.jpg
baxter.photos/youtube/2019-07-21/image-3.jpg
Visit baxter.photos for workshops and prints.
they where stunning before no im lost for words !!!!!!!! GOD BLESS !!!!!!!
Simon Baxter Simon you’re so right, I try and be flexible now and look for the positives in all conditions. Like you I shoot locally so can visit Dartmoor time and time again in all kinds of conditions. You can’t blame nature for not delivering the photo!! A crazy statement but that’s what a lot of photographers do. Or job is to make the connection and deliver the photograph.
Likely you will not see this post, Simon, due to the passage of time since you posted this video. But I want to note how valuable it is for me that these videos live on years after the original post, because I was not looking for this content years ago, or whatever the time when they were posted. Maybe I am new to photography or that there is so much on the internet to seek and find. Anyway, thank you for this video and that it is still here. Value is value.
You’ve shattered my illusion. Until now I thought your images were better than mine just because you get more mist than I do. Turns out that’s not the key factor. Thank Simon I’m gutted.
We almost NEVER get fog in Surrey, and even then I am usually on my way to work (I am a woodland professional, but there is no opportunity to take a camera alongside the chaos and mess of a safety felling or coppicing). My secret to no fog - go macro/semi-macro, search for the story - my local woodland, for the first time in my 60 years of living here, has suddenly popped up occasional helleborines, what a joy these rare and enigmatic flowers are and they tell a story of the payback for a lifetime of sensitive management after the devastation of the 1950s.
That's a great little project you have there. I don't shoot the small world as being on the move for eye-level scenes is much better for my back :)
Great insights. With a lot of forested areas, but typically not many foggy, misty or otherwise "soft" days here (when it rains, it tends to *really* mean it), I've found myself adapting to the conditions that are available to me. Agree entirely on how it's sometimes just grand to be out there, getting to know an area; becoming less impulsive about "I gotta get a shot!" and more contemplative, scouting, planning and revisiting the same places have improved my photography but also helped me just slow down and appreciate the scenery in general.
You have encouraged me to revisit woodlands where I used to play as a child.
Great! Hope you enjoy it :)
Excellent video Simon! What you said about not getting discouraged but trying, failing, understanding, and practicing was very helpful and made great sense. I know you do workshops as you said in video but I live too far away to attend. Maybe someday you could do an online workshop and I would surely attend! Best wishes to you. Meg is such an awesome dog!
Agree with the conclusion. I rather like to think of perfect conditions as the icing on the cake that turns a great photo into a perfect masterpiece. Taking a great photo in the first place still is the tough part either way.
Hey, Simon -- I discovered you a couple of weeks ago and have been methodically finding and viewing your videos. I appreciate that you're an artist-naturalist instead of one of the "5 Secrets to Winning Photo Contests" type vloggers. I like the way you encourage your viewers to connect with a place before trying to pull a shot or two and then moving on. And I'm a fan of your companion in these videos. In this "conditions" chapter you mentioned someone named Rachel. I use the CC feature (too many years around big bands) to extract every place and name I might misunderstand from just listening. The smart translator that provides the captions called her Rachel Taliban. I looked for more on her via Google but I don't think the captions got her name right. Can you share it in a comment here? I've been shooting for twenty five years and I learn something new every week, thanks to guys like you. Cheers.
It’s amazing how people thing it’s so hard to do it does just boil down to being out and looking and seeing
I believe people think it's so hard because trying to create great work is hard. It's not as simple as just looking and seeing because having the ability to see good composition is complex in itself. It also depends upon your aspirations - if you just want to be out and enjoy the process then of course it's simple, but if you want to aim for top-end then damn right it's hard. However, hard work and enjoyment aren't mutually exclusive :)
Super enjoyable as always Simon! Thanks for the mention! 🤩
But that is your secret, right?
Simon, Thank you for all you share in your videos. As someone brand new to Landscape photography, you have become a real inspiration. Your advice is so practical. You have given me a greater appreciation for what I can find nearby. Although those iconic locations are great, there are so many possibilities within an hour drive from my home. You taught me that every time I go out, I don't have to come home with a great shot. I can explore, look for places that have potential for a future visits. You've taught me how to "look" and really see what a particular location has to offer. Again, thank you!
That's really great to read, Jim! Many thanks :)
Pure class as always Simon .
Thank you very much :)
I really love to enjoy your video of nature's beauty ,it inspires me to wake up early in the morning to watch in my areas teak forest & your camera of Sony is pretty good & doog too.
Great video Simon. I think if you just get out there and shoot and have fun doing it it’ll all fall into place regardless of the conditions. Of course if you’re lucky to get fog even better but it’s not the end and be all eh? Nice one buddy. Tony
Many thanks! Well, you'd hope so but unfortunately it's often not that simple. My view is a bit more complex but then I don't know any successful photographers that don't have a complex view. Interestingly, my work improved the most when I was unhappy. I'd rather be happy though :-P
Hi Simon. Good advice which will have me out shooting more in the summer here. Yes, stuck with it and what you had to say makes very good sense. The jpg's were much better representations of your images than those in the video, good call. Thanks for sharing.
Many thanks, Goes :-)
Totally agree about those "practice sessions" when the weather and/or light isn't quite right. Observation and camera skills are vital when everything is "spot on" for that great image.
Absolutely! Conditions won't carry a poorly executed image :) Thanks!
you make it look so easy very enjoyable to watch. Due to my disability ie walking problems I have to be very carful where I go when I can get out I do like the Autumn time, so I can go and look for fungi witch I do like to see. Thanks and stay safe.
Once again, beautifully done !
This is the kind of video I keep coming back here for. Time to hit my local woodland and see what I can see.
Thanks, Rich! Best of luck :)
I come for Meg and I stay for Simon! ;-) This channel is so very well rounded showing the whole picture of woodland photography. Thank you.
Haha, I'm glad it's that way round :-P Many thanks!
Excellent video, great work, superb advice. Has given much to appreciate and consider.
The first and last compositions were my favorite. I think the conditions were good. You could spend a lifetime waiting for everything to be perfect. But then you'd only have one image on your deathbed. Good work
Thank you! I don't think perfect exists but we can strive to achieve what we visualise - it's certainly helped me capture my favourite images :)
Omg, all those mosquitos!
Just found your channel on my Amazon 'Firestick'. So I hopped over to the PC to subscribe. I'm not a real photographer, but I sometimes use a camera in my pursuit of landscape painting; oils, pastel and watercolour. Enjoying your presentations and your style. Lovely wee dog too. Cheers John in Brum
Cannot say enough about how beautiful and challenging the Torridon area is, but with your guidance and input during our week there it was very worth while and produced some of my favorite images.
Much appreciated, Derek! I hope you're both well!
Love the image at 11:00 minutes, inspiring and wonderfully encouraging words too. Thank you for another fabulous video. Can I add something Simon....I hope you don’t mind, but I need to share some information with my fellow photographers. I’m going to be putting this comment on all the photography channels I’ve subscribed to, if only to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your camera gear whilst on your travels. I have just in the last few days come home from a wonderful cruising trip to the Nordic Fjords with my family. However, the whole experience was tainted by a single event that occurred at a beautiful, peaceful place called Flåm.
To keep this as brief as I can, the camera bag I have is very small; it’s a Lowepro Slingshot. My camera, kit lens and various small bits of kit go inside the bag, while my wide-angle lens and set of Lee filters are attached to the outside in their respective carrying cases; both robustly attached, or so I thought to the main carry bag.
During our second trip out of the day, my wife daughter and I decided to take some family snap shots and during this time my wife and I became aware of a young couple with back packs; nothing odd in that, other than the young lady had a small backpack on her back and a very large one attached around her front.
My wife later mentioned that the couple acted very suspiciously and appeared to laugh at me and the amounts of equipment I was carrying or using. I didn’t say anything to her about that at the time as I didn’t want to appear self-conscious. They initially walked ahead of us and I can no longer recall seeing them, but my wife later stated that she thought they were following us around through all the shops and museums we entered.
Later that afternoon I found what looked like my first, likely, decent composition of the day, so I set my camera; which I had continued to carry in my hand, onto my tripod, only to find my Lee filter bag had been snatched off the back of my camera bag. I don’t think I need to tell any of you how much that hurt. It’s taken me 4 years to collect all of the kit I have, much of it funded by selling older, but no less precious gear; the beginning of my Lee kit also partially, but kindly funded by my late mother-in-law.
Thankfully the lens and its case were still intact. I looked everywhere, hoping that the filter kit may have somehow become loose and dropped to the floor, but to no avail; they were gone. Believe it or not, all the local people I approached for assistance appeared to be as upset as I was and advised me to give an account to the local information centre. The security team on board ship were also very supportive and have filed a report that will assist with any insurance claims, and that my friends is the most difficult thing to swallow; I don’t think their loss will be covered by my travel insurance. Ouch that hurts even more.
To say I feel stupid and naive is an understatement. I’ll even admit that as a fifty-seven-year-old man I have cried my eyes out in private.
So take my good advice, buy a decent enough camera bag that holds all your gear and more importantly make sure you don’t scrimp on insurance. PS I am quite happy to remove this if you think it inappropriate for your channel. Thank you for reading
With each video of yours I watch. The more I come to admire your wisdom you share and overall approach to photography. Thanks for sharing as always Simon.
Thank you very much, Diego :)
Excellent as usual Simon! And its so true about even going out in not so great conditions. As you know, I often drive quite a distance to shoot sometimes. While it's nice when you do get perfect conditions, the scouting you do and the work you do when the conditions aren't so great, put you in a great position when the conditions are better. And, sometimes, the shots I come back with from 'not so great conditions' are often more satisfying, because I had to work for it more, and I may have been forced to look at the scene from a perspective I didn't expect, or plan for. In any event, enjoyed seeing the scenes of Torridon at the end. They always bring back fantastically good memories.
Glad you enjoyed it, Tony! I agree with everything you said. If we can't appreciate, enjoy and work in the less exciting conditions then what's the point in any of it? :)
Thank you for another inspiring video!
Inspirational & Awesome 👏🏻
You and Meg are doing a great job of showing and describing the essence of landscape photography. I get inspired every episode. Thanks, Simon.
Much appreciated, Don! Thank you.
When you're dealing with nature, the conditions are a gamble. Mist, fog, and smoke are just an element to the image, however, they also provide some depth to the image. Great video.
Great insite, thank you for this one
The photos are wonderful, particularly the image 1 in the link. Your shots are always good, but the thoughts about what goes into landscape photography are spot on. Some of the past images you showed after the "in office" bit are just fantastic. I usually can't choose the conditions when I shoot, (I take what I can get in terms of my time photographing) but I do love it when I get great clouds, fog, mist, etc.
Thank you very much, Larry! Much appreciated :)
Lovely video. I love how you shoot your local area. That's what I do out here in Utah. You're the man! ✌️
Much appreciated. Thank you :)
Really enjoyed this vlog Simon. Time spent in an oak forest is never wasted. One of the most sacred trees in the world... And some nice photos....thanks for sharing
Thank you Simon - I needed that little talk about composition being so important over conditions as our skies seem to have been rather dull every day lately and I've been hoping for something (a little) more dramatic. It's a good time to get out there and find those special places to revisit.
Insightful as always Simon - thank you. Love your emphasis on how important the emotional approach to taking photos is.
Greetings from Austria
At 6:58- Good portrait of Meg.
Would love to see you return to those photos during some conditions you like :)
Thanks! Yeah, I've really looking forward to one in particular :)
Superb video, thoroughly enjoyed. Beautiful images with atmosphere and drama; mist not required. The final part of the video, from your office was both interesting and helpful. ✌️
Much appreciated, as always, Andy! Thank you :)
Dude, your videos just have such an aura of chill! Glad to get my Meg fix! I need to find some good woodland near me and adventure. Inspiring.
Many thanks, as always!
I partially agree here. Its always good to practice and go out. Work on your composition and skills. And on a trip you cant control the weather. However I also feel in some cases you really need those weather conditions. I do a lot of architecture and a building looks completely different under gray conditions vs a nice golden hour.
I agree with you, so you may have misunderstood a little. My point is that people are sometimes too reliant upon good conditions - it's just one part of the puzzle and we shouldn't let it distract us from all the other important elements and skills. I crave great conditions but only if I can make a good composition with it. Cheers :)
Glad to see Meg is as active and, er, deep-diving as ever!
Inspiring as always. There was even an inspiring add before the video. Glad to see you take snaps of Meg too.
Another brilliant video Simon, I love the way you think about your shots as if they are a living thing! Very inspiring
Many thanks! I'm pleased it's appreciated :)
Amen to that !!
Fantastic video. Even though you didn't take many shots it was still an amazing and informative clip that I will keep coming back to. Keep up the excellent work you do and share your passion.
Many thanks, Simon. Much appreciated!
Thanks for sharing! I guess I will re-watch this video time after time. Very deep and sensire. You clearly described what I feel, and what I need to feel - excitement of exploring new areas, discovering something new for myself. Cheers!
Thank you for that wonderful video. No funny gang stumble over rocky beaches but a quite photographer that share his approach to woodland photography.
thank you…
A great video Simon! And your skills when it comes to composition in complex woodland sceneries is simply amazing! Well done!
Much appreciated, Tomas. Hope you're keeping well!
As always, thank you for the inspiration.
Thanks, Bruce. Hope you're well!
any vlog that starts with Meg is going to be great - and OMG the midges!! are you immune to them!!?? .. ok.. now I will watch the rest.. but they were doing my head in lol
Great video as always. I found myself in a foggy woodland this week, and If I'm honest the pressure to come away with something good got the better of me. The fear that it could burn off at any moment led to rushing and silly mistakes. Spending more time practicing and absorbing the surroundings is sound advice, thanks Simon.
That's always the risk - been there, done that. It's much more likely to happen if you don't have a good knowledge of the area. Thank you!
You catch the nuances of green beautifully - bringing them forth with full respect to their original colour values.
well done :-)
Thanks again for a lovely and thoughtful video. I have been inside as of late, with the heat wave making it about 33 degrees (C) by 8:00 am (if I could jump in and out of the water like Meg, I might have ventured out).Were there bugs flitting about your face while you were talking at the beginning? Good heavens! Such composure! Looking forward to your next video
Many thanks, Gisele! Ah yes, there were a lot of midges which bite but the repellent was helping to stop them from biting too much.
The midges! My god, the midges!
Thank you Simon , lovely work all round.
Great video!
Great video. I think there is potential for good images at any time of the year and conditions, like you say you just need the time and patients to find it.
Great - absolutely the right philosophy. Many thanks.
Insightful as ever chap. Man, those midgies !.... I was itching within seconds of the start.
Haha, it's a good job I was wearing Smidge otherwise it would have been very awkward to watch. Cheers, Greg!
Nice photos and content, Simon. As always I enjoyed it!
Much appreciated :)
Being a Welshman Simon, I am intrigued to know which woodland you were exploring? Are you OK to share that info? I'm currently working on a woodland project after being inspired by your vlogs, so always looking for new woodlands to explore. I agree with your sentiment that conditions don't make great photos, the conditions are just part of the image. Keep up the good work - enjoyable, informative and thought provoking.
Many thanks, Hugh :) I'm afraid I never give out specific locations but Welsh Rainforests are easy to find ;)
A very enjoyable episode Simon and certainly looks like you have a new location that will deliver many great images in the future.
Thank you! Yeah, it's going to be great.
As ever excellent video Simon, so glad I found your channel even if it was 2 weeks ago. Can thank Nigel Danson for that. As for the 3 photos, all 3 I feel have excellent composition, and despite the atmosphere on the day they look still so vibrant. Keep up the good work. 👍🏼
Many thanks, Martin. Glad you enjoyed it :)
Very inspiring video. Wondering how do you zoom in/out while presenting the final picture?
Beautiful video and very thoughtful narration... Beautiful works...
Great video really inspiring. Liked & Subscribed. Gonna grab the camera and do some exploring right away.😃🌲
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)
As always....another great video. Thank you Simon.
Great video especially because of the narrative. I remember reading somewhere recently that summer is not the best time for landscape photography. Although that statement could be questioned I fully agree that if the conditions are not fully what you expected turn into scouting mode. I just came back from a 10 day trip in eastern Canada. On my way back I wanted to capture yet another picture of an iceberg. I roughly new the location. Made 200 km detour just to discover that although I did find the berg it was too far off shore to get a decent shot of it I did take a couple images in the area and, what is even more important, I now have a mental map of the location and what is there and it will help in the future with planning future trips. I probably should start keeping notes from outings like this one so that I do not forget things in the future. Do you keep written notes about locations Simon?
Many thanks! Yeah, I really don't like July for photography. It starts to improve later next month. There's certainly different opinions - do you make something work no matter what the conditions or do scout, learn and prepare for when the conditions are in your favour> I prefer a mixture of both :) I don't keep written notes but I need to start to do so because there's now too much to remember.
beautiful video n description n simon i to love flat light always did as a matter of fact is one of my favorites .. like i said before i love watching your videos n i love your stunning photographs !!!!!!
Thank you very much, Juan!
Really enjoyed this Simon. Some really good thoughts and advice. Great work!
Yay, I'm in one of your pictures
What a great morning that was :)
Hi Simon! beautiful area thanks for the videos. I noticed you have the PD Clip on your Shimoda bag, I was wondering if it would work on those wide straps and see you put it on there sideways. How does it hold up? I am so used to have one on that I can't hike without one and I hesitated to get the Shimoda bag because of it.
Again another great video always look forward to your videos
Many thanks, Les!
Great video Simon as always. I totally get the subject of this video, the conditions thingy that is. I really wish I could get to one of your workshops, but unfortunately living in New Zealand, it's just a bit out of my reach, so I guess I'll just keep trying to work it out on my own, and, of course, with the help of your awesome videos. Thanks for sharing!!
Inspiring and enjoyable Simon. Thank you
Very nice. I always take my dog with me when shooting. I just do it as a hobby though.
Another good message. A lot of diversity in styles of the other photographers mentioned. I follow them all. Rock on!
Wise and inspirational words Simon, thanks for another very high quality vlog.
Nice vlog Simon with beautiful images 👍
Beautiful and Tranquil Simon as always.
very nice, as always! thank you, Simon.
Beautifully put at the end thanks
Graet message Simon, and really loved that last image.
Great stuff Simon, thank you.
Great video Simon, I'm glad you reminded me of the 'conditions' thing .. I am guilty
Great video ! I completely agree with you .Thanks
Lucky lucky soooo lucky dog!! ;-)
So nice to share your insights, thanks so much!
Awesome video... that woodland looks awesome and the photos too.
Spot on mate 👍
Many thanks, Dave :)
great video and love the depth in the shots! can I ask where in Snowdonia? Woodland photography in Snowdonia is big on my 'toshoot list'!
Many thanks! Sorry, I don't share specific locations but there's lots of easy to find woodland in Snowdonia :)
@@SimonBaxterPhotography I was going to guess at the Moel Siabod area! I totally understand, at the very least, it has urged me to explore more of snowdonia!
feels like a while since your last vid - those curvy treets look awesome
Only 2 weeks ago ;-)
Great video Simon...👌👌
How do you ensure you find those nice new locations for a second time at a later date?
That lovely little waterfall at 3:37...I would have shot that!