Coast Redwood Tree bark, Roosevelt Grove, Humbolt Redwoods State Park, California
I am still sorting through images I like from our trip out to Northern California. This particular shot was made on the last day. We made one last stop in Humbolt Redwoods State Park hoping for some foggy areas. I was still searching for ideas on ways to convey the enormous size of these trees aside from including people in the shot. I found this little scene where initially I was just attracted to the gorgeous bark on the two large trees on either end. I started out just making close up images of the bark, somewhat abstract.
With a little change in camera position, I also was able to include a smaller tree in between them. The problem I faced was the sun was already quite bright out, and the background was getting quite full of bright spots. I did a 5 exposure blend with this image to be able to capture the entire range, and then cropped the really bright areas off the top. I like the contrast, detail, and color of the bark, it really highlights why these trees are called “Redwoods.” I thought the wider format also emphasized the width of the larger trees. It is still hard to get a feel for exactly how big these trunks are, but at least you know they are big relative to the smaller one! 🙂
Hi Mark,
I understand that you are searching for the ideal position to take a perfect photograph of redwood but your photograph is very effective. After reading your post I can also image the situation when you have taken the shot. Nice experience.
Beautiful colours and textures in this pano, Mark. I can’t imagine being in such a forest. It must be fantastic experience.
Thanks Tomas. Every area has its treasures right? It was quite nice.
I saw the coastal redwoods and was impressed with there height but when we saw the sequoias in Sequoia National I couldn’t believe my eyes as to the huge trunks and gorgeous red bark.
I bet David. I have read the Sequoias don’t get as tall, but they certainly make up for it in girth. I hope to someday visit those as well.
Nice! I think this conveys scale perfectly.
Thanks Roberta.
Really wonderful. Love all the vertical lines w/ the one diagonal of the small tree – very powerful. Also, this may be the best image I’ve seen that shows the size of a redwood compared to ‘regular’ trees. Thanks!
Thank you Joolz.
I love the shot and certainly understand what you mean by trying to convey size of such a huge tree. By comparison, the tree in the middle looks like a branch that had fallen there, a very small branch. Great composition, Mark. I’ve wanted to go see the redwoods for a long time. Maybe I can place it in my plans for next year! 🙂
Thanks Paul. I hope to see it appear on your itinerary!
The bark is really gorgeous and full of texture/color. The inclusion of the smaller tree really adds to the effect, but I think the image holds it’s own even without that!
Thanks Howard. I do have some from a different perspective without the center tree. They take on an entirely different feel, where you aren’t quite sure if it is a macro close up, or a wide angle closeup.
Mission accomplished and in fine style! This works splendidly. Somehow this has more impact on me than the photos with humans in them when it comes to communicating scale. The bark is quite beautiful and the photograph makes the most of all the textures. Very nice, indeed. Now my dream of returning to the redwoods is once again at the serious “itch” stage.
Your comments are always very thoughtful Anita. Thank you very much. I hope your dream comes true very soon.
After seeing these trees firsthand I can say there is no exaggeration in the tone or color of this. This is a great composition with nice detail in the bark. Great job.
Thanks a lot Ken. I am glad I accurately portrayed the colors here. I really didn’t want to overdo it.