The change of seasons through the camera lens

Right now all across the north of the planet the Boreal Forest is swinging into action. Autumn is starting – one of the largest natural events on the planet and photographer David Russell shares some photographic tips on how to go out into the Forest and make the most of the season.

Change in nature comes quickly. After the last days of September the trees are busy withdrawing chlorophyll from their leaves then switching it for waste products that have been building up all summer. Fungi bursts out into the open creating weird and wacky shapes and colours in the woodland floor. The wildlife is either preparing for the journey south or gathering supplies ready to settle in for the cold months ahead.

Day by day these processes can be seen advancing. Different species act as indicators to mark how advanced the season is. Rowan berries hang heavy in scarlet clusters; Bracken fronds turn yellow then brown. The last pink flowers cling to the Heather while a hint of gold appears in the Birch trees. Then over the coming weeks the berries will fall, the fronds will back and the Heather will fade to brown. The Birch will reach a glorious colourful climax and throughout it all the Scots Pine will hold it's steady deep racing green as always.

But of course these are nothing but the most obvious changes – the easy to spot. As usual most of Nature's story will pass by quietly, unnoticed by all save a few.

Photographically there is no better time than this to be in the woods. It's not just the colours that make it worthwhile. The cooling temperature means an increase in the number of both frosts and foggy mornings, creating ethereal scenes of beauty in crisp morning airs. Sunset and sunrise both occur at more reasonable times of day to get up early or stay out late for. The darker nights also return with an opportunity to see the stars again and perhaps even a glimpse of the aurora.

More than this; there is simply no better time to just be in the woods. Surrounded by colour and the buzz of frantic life, drenched in warm sun or snug against the breeze – this is the time to feel connected to the world. There is nowhere I would rather be right now than in the forest, with my back against a tree and nothing better to do than to watch the greatest show in Scotland.