As a nature and landscape photographer, trees are often the central focus of my images or at least play a significant role in the composition. They contain many of the components that make up a good photo — line, texture, shape, light, color.  They are powerful symbols and illicit strong emotions in us. They change from season to season, and there are endless compositions to be found in any one stand of trees. But, making a decent photograph of a single tree or a forest can be tricky. Here are some tips to get you started.

Gear.

Gear alone does not a good photo make. But having the right tools will give you the best chance to make a good image. Here are the basics you’ll need.

• A sturdy tripod — If you want a sharp image, front to back, you will be shooting with a closed aperture (high number) to maximize depth of field, which means you will have to slow your shutter speed way down. You cannot handhold a camera and keep it still enough to avoid blur.
• A DSLR camera with the ability to shoot in Live View  to reduce camera shake.
• A variety of lenses with a range of focal lengths from wide angle to zoom.
• A polarizing filter for cutting glare or to bring out color.

Step Back

Are you photographing a stand of trees? Look for shapes and patterns among the trees. Place yourself a good distance from the stand and look at the way the trunks and branches interact with one another. Position yourself so that each of the elements has some separation from its neighbor. Is there sky peeking through the branches? Those hot spots can be a bright distraction in the composition. Try to crop out any bits of sky from your composition. Or, if it is a bright, sunny day, and the sun is low in the sky, try positioning the sun behind one of the trees for a sunburst effect.

Get closer.

Sometimes you can find an excellent composition right under your nose. Roots, bark, leaves contain excellent shapes and textures, as in this image below.

Juxtaposition.

Juxtaposition can be a powerful visual symbol, like this dead tree that stands out like an old bone against the young cottonwood saplings.

 Embrace cloudy days.

Cloudy days create the most lovely light for intimate forest scenes. The diffused light lets details come out that might otherwise get blown out by bright, patchy highlights.

Squint.

Close one eye and squint. No, really. Ok, now look at the shapes, colors and negative spaces through that blurred lens of your eye. In this flattened state, it becomes easier to spot how color and shape are influencing the scene and making it easier to spot your perfect composition.

Finally, relax and enjoy the forest. Don’t forget that you are in a beautiful setting that drew you here in the first place. If the essence of the forest is what you endeavor to communicate through your photography, take a moment to notice what is going on around you. Your photograph will be that much better for it.