Workshop in "Het Leudal" // The last colors of Autumn

Today I gave another photography workshop in my local nature reserve. “Het Leudal” for two nice guys from Belgium. My clients were really into learning how to find new compositions, look for leading lines, framing, and just looking and experiencing a forest (in this case) for photography. Also very much to just slow down and enjoy nature ofcourse.

We did walk about 9km through the area and encountered a lot of nice places. Some Leudal classics, and beautiful random encounters. Some interesting conversations about photography accompanied us during our walks. We all had a great day. Thank you for joining me today guys, and to you: Thanks for checking out this blogpost. Below is a selection of photographs from today.

The Classic. A long exposure at the watermill in Het Leudal

A well spotted beautiful leaf with waterdrops by one of the participants. I had to shoot it too ofcourse.

The beautiful landscape in Het Leudal

Connection - De Groote Peel

De Groote Peel is a National Park in the area that I live. It is a place I have always been drawn to. Ever since I photograph basically. So much to see, hear and feel there.

The older I get the more I feel emotionally attached to this piece of land. I have family roots in this area. This area is like a magnet, its pretty much always on my mind and radar.

And when I visit and stroll along the tiny pathways crossing the bogs/wetlands into the distance, passing by forestland I listen to the silence. Get humbled by the clouds passing by, wind on my face, and nature setting the pace of life. It is like seeing with your eyes closed. The silence in this place is special, its louder then anywhere else. Isn't it beautiful how you can connect and ground with a place, a strip of land?

And I envision my forefathers and long gone family living here. Working and simply being part of this area. Their blood, veins, and bones are part of this. I am part of this. I am rooted here. It is my Identity.

Shots taken today, on 2nd Christmas day. On a little stroll with my family. To pay tribute to who I am, and where I come from. To those who shaped and are part of me. And very much to whom I wish to be.

Forest Photography - Fog & Soft Light - Fujifilm XT4

Early morning in the local forest with a nice amount of fog and beautiful light. I had a rough night sleep, woke up way to early. And heading out in the forest was medicine for body and soul. When wandering out in the nature with these conditions you just calm down. Slow down and just start to feel better straight away. All shots were taken with my FujiFilm XT4 and a 16-80mm F4 lens, handheld.

Forest Photography - Spring Sunset - Fujifilm XT4

Last Saturday I was feeling tired and not energized at all. Fell asleep on the couch late afternoon and woke up like an hour before sunset. I had no plans to go out since I was still quite tired. But as I looked out the window and saw there was some nice light and clouds in the sky I rushed to get my camera gear ready and raced out to this very local spot, only some 5 minutes away from my house. I ended up shooting a few decent photos and recorded a video capturing the forests vibes and sounds. And while doing this I obviously felt good, more awake and re-energized for sure. It was as if nature called me to step outside the house and just enjoy the outdoor life again.

Check out this video below, some nice footage of the forest meant to slow you down in your tracks, take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty of nature. And also to get lost in the ongoing soundtrack of the forest. If you have a YouTube channel I’d appreciate a like, a comment and if you’d subscribe to my channel to see more of my work in the future! Thank you.