The Smells and Sounds of the Woods

Owning a dog has had an unexpected impact on my photography. I’ve always enjoyed walking and being outdoors, but since Monty arrived in my life, I have found myself doing a lot more exploring. With more reasons to go out walking, I’ve had to broaden my horizons a little and as a result, I have discovered new locations for my landscape photography.

Bluebell, Killerton Estate, Devon - Nikon Z7, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro, 1/100th sec at ISO 400. — **Bluebell, Killerton Estate, Devon** - Nikon Z7, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro, 1/100th sec at ISO 400.

I’m not much of a woodland or flower photographer but it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that I was inspired by what I saw and heard when walking Monty on the Killerton estate this spring. Killerton is just a couple of miles from home, and I’ve visited many times with the family. It wasn’t until I started doing long walks around the estate with Monty that I realised how big it was.

Wild Garlic #1, Killerton Estate, Devon - Nikon Z7, Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D, 1/100th sec at ISO 250. — **Wild Garlic #1, Killerton Estate, Devon** - Nikon Z7, Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D, 1/100th sec at ISO 250.

A few weeks ago, I was doing one of those long walks and I came across an area that was carpeted in bluebells and wild garlic. Not only was it a striking sight, but the smells and the sounds excited my senses. The gentle sound of the wind in the trees, the bird song and the strong smell of the wild garlic was invigorating and peaceful at the same time.

Wild Garlic #2, Killerton Estate, Devon - Nikon Z7, Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D, 1/160th sec at ISO 320. — **Wild Garlic #2, Killerton Estate, Devon** - Nikon Z7, Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D, 1/160th sec at ISO 320.

I knew I had to come back with my camera to try and capture some images. It would be the perfect opportunity to dust off my macro lens and put my new wide-angle prime lens to good use. Unfortunately, Monty would have to stay at home. He really doesn’t have the temperament or bodily control to not ruin a perfectly composed shot of a flower.

Wild Garlic #3, Killerton Estate, Devon - Nikon Z7, Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D, 1/25th sec at ISO 50. — **Wild Garlic #3, Killerton Estate, Devon** - Nikon Z7, Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D, 1/25th sec at ISO 50.

While this type of photography might not be my strong point, I’m still very happy with the results and I’ve already placed a reminder in my calendar to return next spring.