Author | Lightnews

Tim Smalley

@timsmalley.co.uk

300 followers 61 following 180 posts

I was a full-time photographer, but got hit badly by #sepsis in 2024. 7 wks in ICU, 4 in a coma, multiple organ failure. Now re-learning how to walk so I can get back into the woods again. 👉 Free woodland photography tips: https://www.timsmalley.co.uk

www.timsmalley.co.uk

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Dec 9

Hey, my name is Tim.

I'm a recovering tech entrepreneur now working as a full-time photographer based in Herts, UK. I specialise in woodland & nature photography.

I left tech in 2017 & had a breakdown shortly afterwards, which nearly led me to take my own life. 🧵(1/6)

#introduction #photography

A dense forest scene with two large, moss-covered oak trees in the foreground. Soft light filters through a gap in the thick canopy shortly after the rain stopped, illuminating the lush green foliage.

A tranquil forest with sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of green leaves. The scene features a large, moss-covered and coppiced oak tree in the foreground. The ground is scattered with fallen leaves, and more slender, winding trees are in the background, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

A winter scene depicts a frosty forest clearing with leafless trees. In the background, morning sunlight bathes one tree in warm, golden light, contrasting with the cool tones of the scene. A wooden gate and fence appear in the foreground, leading to a frost-dusted path.

A misty woodland scene with sunlight streaming through the trees. Tall lime trees with sparse yellow and green leaves are illuminated by the soft glow of evening light. Dense fog adds depth, enhancing the serene and mysterious atmosphere.

32 21 230

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · 1d

Believe it or not, midday light – often avoided for woodland photography – can shine when you embrace infrared photography.

Read more 👉 https://e.timsm.uk/STZsdX

#WoodlandPhotography #FoggyMornings #RainyDays

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · 11d

The early morning sunlight leaves the canopy glowing for a magical 10-15 minutes while the angle of the sun is low, creating a tranquil and almost dream-like atmosphere. Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/r67Ciz #SummerWoodlandPhotography #ManageDifficultLighting #ForestPhotos

e.timsm.uk

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · 22d

It’s partly why overcast light encourages a slower, more considered approach to photographing forests.

Read more 👉 https://e.timsm.uk/gda0wM

#OvercastLighting #WoodlandPhotography #PhotographyTips

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · 25d

These conditions can produce a calm, introspective mood in forest photography that bright sun rarely offers Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/hAUWR2 #ForestPhotosForever #CreativeNaturePhotography #ForestPhotographyTips

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · 28d

This combination gives me the flexibility to shoot wide woodland scenes and tighter, more intimate compositions without switching lenses too often. Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/XKRlHx #EssentialGear #GearGuide

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · 29d

Where to Focus in Woodland Photography (So Your Shots Are Sharp Every Time) Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/g6WfbZ #focusingtips #WoodlandPhotography #PhotographyTips

e.timsm.uk

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Sep 17

In woodland photography, where you’re often working in awkward positions, on sloped ground, or at very low angles, your head needs to offer reliable support and smooth, precise adjustments.

Read more 👉 https://e.timsm.uk/VDS02F

#WoodlandPhotography #TestedPicks #GearGuide

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Sep 12

The way morning light filters through the canopy, how shadows pool beneath ancient trunks, how highlights accent textured bark and gleaming leaves – these elements work together to recreate both the physical space and emotional resonance of the woodland

Read more 👉 https://e.timsm.uk/h7UNo1

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Sep 9

Whether you’re shooting in golden hour woodland light or during the muted tones of overcast forest photography, understanding how light behaves is essential to capturing mood, depth and story.

Read more 👉 https://e.timsm.uk/fLjBs7

#WoodlandPhotography #PhotographyTips

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Sep 8

Woodland photography is more than just capturing beautiful scenes – it’s about connecting with nature, honing your creativity, and finding inspiration in the everyday

Read more 👉 https://e.timsm.uk/TE7oNS

#PhotoTips #StepByStepGuide #DiscoverTips

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Sep 7

What if you approached your local landscape with the same reverence you reserve for famous destinations? Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/zUx3X6 #PhotographyTips #QuietRevolution #Mindset

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Sep 5

If you're ready to deepen your woodland photography practice beyond rainy conditions, I've gathered my most practical insights into a free guide. Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/apaUKF #WoodlandPhotography #PhotographyTips

1 3

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Sep 4

Overcast skies, light mist, and gentle rain all help reduce visual clutter by softening contrast and lowering dynamic range. Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/omDGLR #PhotographyTips #PowerfulCompositions #Composition

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Sep 1

My Gitzo GT3541XLS tripod with spikes and rubber grips laying among twigs and leaf litter on the woodland floor – an ideal setup for anyone seeking the best tripod for woodland photography.

Read more 👉 https://e.timsm.uk/VDS02F

#WoodlandPhotography #TestedPicks #GearGuide

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 28

Working with the available light, understanding its patterns, and choosing compositions that leverage the inherent drama of forest lighting leads to more authentic and engaging images Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/h7UNo1 #PhotographyTips #EditingTips #WoodlandPhotography

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 26

My Favourite Focal Lengths for Woodland Photography Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/M2t0M5 #FocalLength #WoodlandPhotography #PhotographyTips

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 26

Over the past 10 to 15 years, I’ve tested a wide range of tripods across countless woodland shoots, from ancient beech groves in Herts to rain-lashed forests in the Lake District and misty valleys in Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons.

Read more 👉 https://e.timsm.uk/VDS02F

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 25

Edge Patrol in Woodland Photography Composition: The Overlooked Habit That Transforms Your Shots Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/EWd1dH #PhotographyTips #WoodlandPhotography #EdgePatrol

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 24

Morning light tends to be softer and cooler, creating subtle forest shadows that simplify compositions. Read more �‘‰ https://e.timsm.uk/fLjBs7 #WoodlandPhotography #PhotographyTips

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 23

I’ve used these tripods for every kind of woodland photography: long exposures in low light, misty golden hour shots, macro close-ups among the fungi, intimate landscapes among the ferns and everything in between.

Read more 👉 https://e.timsm.uk/VDS02F

#WoodlandPhotography #TestedPicks #GearGuide

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 22

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, is perfect for adding warmth, soft light and long shadows to your woodland scenes. Read more �‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AhVsL #WoodlandPhotography #FoggyMornings #RainyDays

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 22

Unlike the momentary high of capturing a dramatic sunset, this satisfaction builds slowly and endures. Read more �‘‰ https://lttr.ai/Ah43G #PhotographyTips #QuietRevolution #Mindset

1 11

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 21

Multiple exposures introduce motion artifacts, processing creates haloing, and the final image often lacks the natural contrast that makes woodland scenes compelling Read more �‘‰ https://lttr.ai/Ah2e9 #PhotographyTips #EditingTips #WoodlandPhotography

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 20

These wet-weather adjustments build upon the fundamental camera settings that work well in all woodland conditions. Read more �‘‰ https://lttr.ai/AhVr9 #WoodlandPhotography #PhotographyTips

1 2

Tim Smalley @timsmalley.co.uk · Aug 19

This makes it easier to exclude distracting elements and compress the scene, helping to organise the layers of trees into a cleaner, more structured composition Read more �‘‰ https://lttr.ai/Ahztr #PhotographyTips #PowerfulCompositions #Composition