Colin Woods Photography

Anyone with a sufficiently high pain threshold to have reached the alpine galleries will notice that a great many of the shots were taken in Chamonix. This is because in all of my travels in the Alps I have not yet come across a place that is as good. Even from the valley floor the views of the mountains are spectacular, which is not always the case. When you go higher the views open out to panoramas like you will see nowhere else. ...more

This is the time of day when photographers come out to play. The sky blazes with all sorts of colours, the clouds transform the scene into a lurid display and foregrounds are silhouetted. With a good sunrise or sunset its hard not to get a good photo but by bearing in mind a few guidelines really great shots can be had. Occasionally I read criticisms of sunrises and sunsets as being too clichéd and chocolate box-ey. This opinion I do not agree with. Sunrise and sunset are emotional times of the day and good photos of them are very emotional. ...more

Whilst this topic may be a bit off of the subject of photography it is worth going in to. In its own right it is one of my favourite things to do in the hills and is a good way of being on hand for some really dramatic photos. ...more

Fireworks make great subjects and are easy to take. Many places have a celebration of some sort through the year with fireworks and these are great times to get into town and get shooting. Photographers in Montreal are spoilt as there is the annual international competition with dazzling displays every Wednesday and Saturday through the summer ...more

One of the best experiences you can have outdoors is to bivouac under the stars. For my ramblings on this topic see my page here. If you have chosen your time well then one of the memorable things about these nights is the stars. There are so many, and they are so bright, that it is possible to read by starlight. Being photographers it is a small jump from admiring a sky full of stars to wanting to capture them on film. It’s not difficult technically but it does require special circumstances to come together. ...more

Flowing water is a photographic subject that is very popular. When it is done well the results can be very beautiful and there is something about the smooth silky look that appeals to everyone. Most people have a stream or river close by so its quite easy to get out and start taking great photos. It’s a favourite subject of mine and I find it very relaxing as it forces me to walk slowly through the woods or along the riverside and really see the beauty of simple natural locations. ...more