Exploring Woodland Photography Techniques: A Journey Through September’s Enchantment

As a passionate photographer, I've always cherished the month of September. The woodland transforms, becoming a haven for mushrooms, the deer rut begins, and the interplay of cool mornings and warm evenings creates a misty, magical atmosphere. Last year, I missed out on this seasonal wonder due to a month-long hospital stay, battling severe peritonitis and sepsis. From my hospital bed, I could see the woodlands I love, fueling my determination to return. This blog is a reflection of that return—a journey back to the places that inspire me, and a deep dive into the photographic techniques that captured these enchanting scenes.

I've recently had a change in how I share my work. After a frustrating lockout from my Facebook account, due to Instagram activity unrelated to me, I've decided to focus more on my blog as the primary platform for my photography. Social media will still play a role, but now as a gateway to my blog, where I can showcase a series of photos around a theme, rather than just single images. This approach will help me connect with my audience on a deeper level, and hopefully draw more people to my website where they can subscribe and follow my journey.

For this first blog, titled "Exploring Woodland Photography Techniques: A Journey Through September’s Enchantment", I’ve chosen to focus on the techniques I used during a recent morning walk in my local woodland. The theme might be different from upcoming blogs like "Stag Nightmare," "A Day in the Life of a Kingfisher," and "Guardian of the Sky," but it serves as a foundation—an exploration of both the place I love and the craft I’m honing.

My walk was a combination of experimentation and rediscovery. Equipped with my Sony A7R V and a Tamron 20mm lens, I set out to master focus stacking and refine my understanding of this technique. The 20mm lens, with its incredibly close focus distance, was perfect for capturing the small details of the woodland floor, though it also proved challenging. One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of nailing the initial focus point—many images were spoiled because I missed this. I also realised that for macro shooting at around f/8 is crucial, as it provides a better depth of field for stacking. Unfortunately, my travel tripod was unavailable, so I improvised with a bean bag, which worked well enough for stabilizing shots, but I found it even more useful as a kneeling cushion during those long moments of focus.

The rain added a unique element to the shoot, creating a moody atmosphere and highlighting the textures of the mushrooms and foliage. My first picture is a focus stack of 30 images of a mushroom, taken in the pouring rain. The result is a sharp, detailed image where every part of the mushroom is in focus. However, processing these images was a challenge—each image was 130MB, and my computer struggled to handle the 30-layer composite. It's a clear reminder to adjust image quality settings in the future to avoid such massive file sizes.

In contrast, my landscape shots required fewer images and a different technique. Rather than relying on the camera’s bracketing function, I manually adjusted the focus point, capturing different elements in the scene. This approach resulted in hyperfocused images where the entire scene is sharp—from the pinecones scattered on the path to the towering trees framing the view.

As I continue to explore and refine these techniques, I look forward to sharing more themed pieces in upcoming blogs. My intention is to create a richer, more immersive experience for those who follow my work. By shifting my focus to the blog, I hope to foster a deeper connection with my audience and offer something more meaningful than just a quick social media scroll. I’m excited for what’s to come and I hope you’ll join me on this journey.

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