How to take scenic pictures in fairly dense woods

In wooded areas with trees packed closely with a healthy dose of underbrush, obstacles will appear which can spoil an otherwise stunning photograph. A few tips can help net you some winners to show off

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• a digital or film camera
• a few memory cards or a lot of film
• sturdy footwear
• durable pants
• access to a location

1. Go to your location dressed for the occasion. Many areas have wooded public lands that are often overlooked or forgotten. A well worn foot path does make the job much easier though.
2. Walk through the area and engross yourself with your surroundings till you see something you want to capture on camera. It won't always be one particular thing, but often it will come when your eye finds a sight that tickles your vision.
3. Look for anomalies. Partially fallen trees along with bizarre trees can capture a sense of the sublime or create a unique feeling of perspective.
4. When taking pictures look out for bushes or smaller trees that your eyes may not catch, but the camera will. Sometimes holding the camera a bit higher or stepping to the side can clean up a picture.
5. Play with you camera and see how different settings handle the light of the sun, and watch where the sun is. Early morning and late afternoon will bring in the light at an angle which can shade and highlight bringing interesting effects. Also take advantage of nearby sources of water for opportunities to create space in your pictures.
6. Take a lot of picture. Take three or more of what you want to see. You can delete bad ones later. Taking similar pictures can yield vastly different results from one close of the shutter to another. Just don't delete them on site as a slightly fuzzy picture may look much better for its softness on a larger screen than the camera's.

Tips & Warnings

• Animals can bring a subject to pictures, but demand respect. Give them space and come back later with more zooming power if you want to get close.
• Precautions about sunscreen and insect repellent applies. Bites and sunburn can ruin the next day.
• Use common sense avoid natural hazards, prepare for local wildlife and peculiarities.
• Get permission before photographing on private property.