By Rob Dunsford

Unless you live in a desert, at sea or on the moon, you’re probably never more than a stone’s throw away from one or more trees. Whether they’re tall and towering, short and flowering, winter-bare or blossoming, trees make fantastic photographic subjects. Obligingly still and infinitely patient, trees can be shot from many angles and look different throughout the year, presenting you with many photographic opportunities.

99.9% of tree shots are taken square-on, at eye-level, with little creative thought or imagination. Today, you’re going to learn several different ways that will help you take great photographs of trees that you’ll be proud of.

Shoot Early in the Morning or Early Evening

Trees can look magnificent whatever time of day you photograph them. However, shooting around sunrise or sunset can add additional qualities to your tree photos. The low sun creates longer shadows, and the quality of light is noticeably different - usually warmer. This is why this time of the day is commonly known as the Golden Hour. An additional benefit is that the sky is generally darker than it would be in the midday sun; your smartphone camera will expose for the well-illuminated tree subject, and the background sky will appear darker still, giving dramatic results.