Composing Woodland Photos in Summer (Even Without a Polariser!)
Introduction Summer brings long days, vibrant greens, and... some real challenges for woodland photographers. In my latest YouTube video, I head into the woods to share tips on how to create strong compositions during the summer months. And in true behind-the-scenes style, I also managed to forget one of the most important tools in my bag: the polariser filter. What followed was a useful lesson in adapting to tricky conditions and still coming away with powerful images.
[Watch the video here]
Why Summer Woodland Photography is Difficult. By late summer, many leaves develop a waxy coating that reflects light sharply, especially when wet. These reflections often lead to blown-out highlights, which can ruin the subtlety of a composition. Normally, this is where a polarising filter comes to the rescue, hence reducing reflections and helping to control contrast.
But what if you forget it? Like I did?
Adapting Without a Polariser Without a polariser, I had to completely shift my approach:
Seek shade: I moved deeper into the woodland, finding areas where the canopy was thick enough to diffuse the harsh top light.
Avoid reflective surfaces: Wet leaves and bright ground cover can be overwhelming without filtration, so I composed in areas where the foliage was drier or less reflective.
Look for texture: I focused on an old mossy tree with character and texture, framed against a dark path where the light subtly led the eye through the frame.
The Composition Breakdown. In one of the scenes, a tree trunk with exposed roots provided a natural anchor. The composition led the eye through the image:
Foreground interest: The tree and roots.
Mid-ground path: Light filtering down a gentle slope.
Background detail: Diffused, soft woodland light creating depth.
I shot both portrait and landscape orientations, varying between f/13 and f/16 with exposures from 3.5 to 5 seconds at ISO 400. Despite the rainy conditions, wind was minimal under the canopy, which helped preserve sharpness in the leaves.
Polariser Filters: Why They Matter. Back home, I demonstrated exactly what a polariser does using a plant and my camera setup. A quick twist of the filter makes distracting reflections on leaves vanish, allowing more control over the viewer's eye. It’s not just about darker greens—it’s about visual clarity.
Top Tips for Using a Polariser
Use one high-quality filter with a step-up ring to save on cost. The step-up ring is a few pounds on Amazon. Make sure the one filter you buy is for your biggest lens
Wrap your filter in a microfibre cloth while walking—it keeps it clean and safe. (A pack of these cost a few pounds from your local supermarket; you don't need anything specialist)
Don’t always cut 100% of the reflection—dial it in just enough for natural balance.
**My Woodland Photography eBook: **Order in the Chaos If you’re keen to dive deeper into woodland photography, my eBook Order in the Chaos is packed with practical advice, composition tips, and image examples from UK forests and beyond. It’s 140 pages of experience, and it’s available for download now.
Order the eBook here: https://www.fastfoxphotography.com/online-shop/p/order-in-the-chaos-demystifying-woodland-photography-by-robin-dodd
Final Thoughts Sometimes forgetting a piece of kit forces you to slow down and see differently. That’s what happened on this shoot—and the results were better for it. Watch the video for full context and join me next time, where I’ll be exploring the challenges of shooting poppy fields in summer.
Until then, happy shooting.
Robin Dodd, Fast Fox Photography
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