A blog about photography
Forest photography is one of the hardest forms of nature photography. This is because of all the chaos there is in a forest. Therefore, what should you do to create simplicity in the chaos?

Well, the easiest thing to do, is to eliminate the chaos (duh!). But how can you do that?

forest mountain green boardwalk — Boardwalk through a forest on Vancouver Island
Nikon Z7ii, Nikon 14-30/4S at 14mm. ISO400, F11, 1/5th

How to eliminate chaos in the forest?

The number one option is to zoom in with your lens. So, if you have a tele-zoom lens, I would advice to use that lens. You can use about any lens that goes to 200 or 300mm. Some examples are the Nikon / Canon 70-200 or 70-300 lenses. By zooming in, you can isolate that one tree or that one little group of trees. Doing it this way, you eliminate the chaos of the smaller twigs and uninteresting trees for your composition.

Below are two examples of what does work and what doesn’t work.

Both images have some nice fog in it and this makes it much easier to have a clearer image. But, the biggest difference is that photo #2 has some distracting twigs and other branches on the side, while photo #1 is nice and clean on the edges. Another difference between the two images is that photo #1 has a clear subject in the image with the soft white fog around the trees and branches, while in photo #2 there isn’t a real subject. Yes, the trees in the background are nice and sharp and there are some nice sun rays, but these are two separate subjects and they don’t really work together as they are in front of each other.

The 2nd option to create simplicity in the chaos of a forest, is to have real subject and leading lines in your frame. I have touched upon the clear subject, but not the leading line part. Below are two photos that show the difference between no real leading lines and a strong leading line.

The big difference between those two photos is the boardwalk. The boardwalk really pulls you into the image and takes you through the forest. Your eyes have something to follow instead of just looking at some trees with a few light rays. This makes the image easier to look at, and therefore, there is some more simplicity in the chaos of the forest and the image.

Speulderbos, The Netherlands
Nikon Z7 + Nikon 70-200/2.8S at 115mm. ISO64, F11, 1/10th

In the last photo (above) you can see an image where I have combined the two techniques. There is a strong leading line with the road going through the entire image and a strong subject with the light rays that are connecting with the beautiful high trees.

In conclusion

Use a strong leading line that goes through the forest and have a strong subject. And yes, I know, that’s easier said than done.

Want to learn something new?
Bart Ros and myself are starting back up our Photowalk tours! We’re also going to the beautiful Speulderbos and photograph the forest. During these walks you’ll learn new techniques, you can ask questions about everything photography related and you’ll meet some new friends.

What is a Photowalk?
You walk through the city with a nice group of fellow photographers while photographing the most beautiful places. Don't you like walking through nature alone with your equipment? Or do you simply not like it? Then participating in a Photowalk is ideal! During the Photowalk you will also receive useful tips and tricks from a professional. So you not only come home with beautiful images, you also go home with more knowledge than before.

About the instructors

Matthijs Bettman
Matthijs is 31 year old photographer from Utrecht, the Netherlands. His passion is landscape and cityscape photography with a special interest in woodland photography. Matthijs his photos are distinguished by the use of color and by making known locations look new. Matthijs his photos have been published by various travel agencies, travel magazines and National Geographic.

Matthijs is also very skilled in leading workshops and photowalks. With his skills to find the perfect locations everywhere he goes, you’ll get home with some amazing photos from amazing locations.

Bart Ros
Bart Ros is a 40 year old city photographer and multimedia expert. His passion is cityscapes and street photography. He is published in multiple newspapers, advertisements and other magazines.

Also check out his website: www.bartros.nl

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Forest photography - which lens should you use?