Back Out / Back In

After my knee operation, getting back out with the camera felt like a small but important milestone. Photography has always been more than just taking pictures for me, so stepping back into the woods again felt incredibly emotional — almost like returning to a place that helps me reset and breathe.

I didn’t feel the need to travel far. My local woodland felt like the right choice, a place I know well and have photographed many times before. That familiarity made the morning even more special. As the day began, mist and fog slowly formed between the trees, wrapping the woodland in this quiet, moody atmosphere that you can’t help but just stand and take in.

Everything felt calm and unhurried. The fog softened the light, the trees faded gently into the distance, and the whole scene felt peaceful and timeless. I found myself moving slower than usual, taking care with each step, but that only made me notice more — the way the light shifted, the subtle shapes in the mist, and those fleeting moments that make woodland photography so rewarding.

Being back out there reminded me of why I love photography and why these places mean so much to me. It wasn’t just about capturing images; it was about recovery, appreciation, and reconnecting with something familiar and grounding. That morning in the woods gave me far more than photographs — it gave me a sense of perspective and a quiet reminder of how powerful these simple moments can be.

Over the coming months, I’ll also be running woodland photography workshop experiences, and it feels especially fitting to be sharing these places and moments with others again. These days are all about slowing down, really seeing the woodland, and honing skills such as composition, light, and working with atmosphere — along with all the other benefits that come from spending a full day immersed in nature.

If a woodland photography experience sounds like something you’d enjoy, keep an eye on your emails for more information coming very soon.