Capturing the Encounter with Iroko

This is my general process when I go out into the field to capture photos of a majestic Iroko Tree:

Prepare for the Encounter

• Seek permission, if photographing a ritually protected tree.
• Offer something meaningful — water, kola nut, silence, or song.
• Approach slowly, breathe deeply, and observe before photographing.

Best Time to Photograph

• Dawn: Stillness and cool tones.
• Golden Hour: Warm bark and radiant foliage.
• Twilight: Mystical ambiance, shoot slow and steady.
• Avoid harsh midday light unless under the canopy.

Compositional Rituals

• Ground-up: Emphasize height and upward spirit flow.
• Full-body frontal: Show trunk and canopy as a temple.
• Root detail: Emphasize foundation and age.
• Wide context: Include shrine, cloth, or human presence.

Camera Settings (Canon R6 II + 16mm)

• Mode: Aperture Priority (Av) or Manual.
• Aperture: f/4–f/5.6 for depth and sharpness.
• ISO: Auto, max 6400.
• Shutter: 1/125+ handheld; slower with tripod or IBIS.
• Focus: One-shot AF, center or zone.
• White Balance: Daylight or Cloudy. Shoot in RAW.

Optional Ritual Shots

• Detail of roots or base structure.
• Close-up of Iroko leaf in hand.
• Shrines, cloth, or offerings (with consent).
• Figures at base for human scale and presence.

Final Practice

• Take one last intentional photo as an offering to the Iroko.
• Let the act of seeing become part of the ritual.