Walking in the Woods in Winter

Raymond is a long-time volunteer photographer who has regularly provided cover images for the Guildford Environmental Forum Newsletter. Through this blog, he shares his reflections on slowing down and discovering the quiet beauty of familiar landscapes.

Landscape photography is not just about epic locations, nor does it need dramatic weather. The natural environment is there all the time and even in dull weather, in familiar locations, there are still new angles and insights to be had. Sometimes you need to slow down and look around to see them.

Even on a grey winter day a walk in the woods can still provide some eye-catching sights. Damp moss almost seems to glow in the low light levels. The structures of trees become more apparent without their leaves and can form distinctive patterns. The contrasts in colour or texture become more noticeable.

Perhaps these few photos show what can be found even on a quiet, grey day in winter.

Moss emphasises the base of a tree trunk.

Moss steadily engulfs the stem of a fallen tree.

Three trees – one triangle. The limbs of the trees intertwine to form a shape that would be hidden during the summer, with the upper line of the triangle capped in moss.

Reaching out. The shape of the oak tree becomes obvious as it reaches out to the space and light beyond the more densely packed conifers.

Proud parents? Two trees appear to reach out protectively to the smaller one.