ERIC KIM

How to Photograph Trees

In praise of photographing trees:

1.Color

Shoot the trees in color if the light is good! I like positive film preset on RICOH GR III, and shoot looking up. Try to slightly under-expose the photos for more drama.

  • Tree

2.Monochrome

For heightened drama, shoot monochrome. Here’s high contrast black and white JPEG Preset on RICOH GR III:

3. Include your selfie!

Hold your camera in front of you, below you, above you, etc, and try to include yourself in your photos with trees in the background.

  • tree selfie
  • selfie

4. Why trees?

My theory:

If we’re out in nature, and there’s a lot of trees, it makes us feel great.

Why? Some theories:

  1. Increased oxygen … when we are around trees?
  2. Delight in the fractal patterns of trees?
  3. Infinite visual variety in growth patterns of trees
  4. Delight in colors of trees — especially during changing colors, and the color green.
  • tree
  • tree
  • tree

5. Composition tips

street photography Lisbon

Low angle. Point straight up. Tilt your camera (Dutch angle). Move while shooting photos. Shoot off-center. Embrace blur. Have fun, and don’t take it too seriously!

ERIC