Bill Jennings's Photoblog
California Coastal Redwoods
Posted by Bill Jennings ((Bay Area Northern Calif), United States) on 3 May 2009 in Plant & Nature and Portfolio.
Henry Cowell State Park has some of the largest redwoods in the state; and hence, some of the tallest trees on the planet. VFXY has a weekly theme this week of "Hugh" - so I'm posting this image from a recent weekend in the woods with Toto on his bike (giving scale).
The main park area contains the large, old-growth redwoods. The tallest tree in the park is about 285 feet tall, and about 16 feet wide. The oldest trees in the park are about 1400 to 1800 years old.
It's not the greatest technical or artistic photo - but it was taken on a fun weekend with my two boys and I : while Mom and Sweetpea were away from home - so I enjoyed biking in Santa Cruz Mountains during a boys only weekend, and will remember it for some time to come.
If you ever get a chance to visit Henry Cowell, also check out the Roaring Camp Railroad nearby: some weekends during the summer - they run an authentic steam locamotive on a narrow guage circuit.
Jen's The Water Falls Softly has great composition and use of slow shutter speed to create a milky look. Check it out!
Michael's Shadow uses selective focus, light, and color to create a striking contrast in his image. A unique macro.
The most sentimental photo was Spring Swingers :) by Magda. Such a wondrous pair!
Just made it home after a month of travel - posted a few photos from my journey to within 48 miles of the antartica circle: at nearly the longest day of the year: hence, there was 21 hours a day of sunlight...
Thank you for your patience while I was out of touch.
I do hope you followed Bob Kelly's blog (my roommate) while he is still traveling - he is now on Easter Island - and will be updating his blog for some time to come - please check it out!
@Onlymehdi: Mehdi, thanks. I just walked through some of your recent shots: you have some beautiful photos in your portfolio. Hope to cross paths again soon on AM3. Bill
Barbara from Florida, United States
Magnificent! The wonders of nature. I'm so glad you provided the little one on his bike to give scale. The size is massive. The age of the trees unimaginable. Do they still grow? I can imagine the root system.
Your image raised some curious questions for me to learn more about these trees. I've always been fascinated by them but never took the time to read more about them.
I feel it isn't necessary for every image to be technical, and since this is nature it has artistic values. There are many aspects to a fine image, this one is very interesting and informative, besides being a remarkable photograph.
Well done.
3 May 2009 6:31am
@Barbara: The trees are children compared to others in california - some are over two thousand years old. But, by far, the bristlecone pine in southern california hills and deserts are much, much older: nearly five thousand years old by some estimates. The roots on redwoods are actually quite shallow, but very expansive breadth. They usually live so long, as the bark has a natural fire retardant. Definitely should read more about them - and when you come out this way, let me know : and I'll get you a list of scouted out areas to visit. And yes, they still grow. Usually they get water from the moisture in the air from the coastal affect - and in valleys near the sea can grow very high, much higher than at Henry Cowell.
Ajay from Pune, India
For the time, it kept scrolling down, I just thought another huge tree. But, to my astonishment, when I saw your son the bike I understood what you meant by huge tree. The way it stands... looks like a big brother standing there when you son is playing. :-)
3 May 2009 6:54am
@Ajay: its a great reminder to myself to keep something in a frame when the scale is outside of our expectations - so the image has the best impact. thanks for explicitly sharing your thoughts as they unfolded while you watched the image appear.
@P J W Miller: Seeing first growth redwoods can take your breadth away: even the second growths approach 200 feet tall. Would it help to know that the son is only four in the photo :)? They are still big trees, and this is not the largest one in the park.
Btany from Subang Jaya, Malaysia
wow... the redwoods... only read about them from my school text book years ago but never seen one. and I've never seen such huge trees in person.
i find myself learning to appreciate nature more now that i'm into photography.
3 May 2009 1:40pm
@Btany: They are indeed massive and in a sense show a grand order for this planet - and I too am seeing more of nature now that I am into photography: makes me focus.
ordinaryimages from Kentucky Bluegrass, United States
Ride right in...sit right down : ] best...jerry
3 May 2009 1:46pm
@ordinaryimages: And I bet you were itching to put a short stint in - to see what happened while driving. Thanks for dropping by again. Bill
Linda from Riga/Sigulda, Latvia
this photo really stunned me, not only becouse i've never seen such a big tree in my life, but also becouse of the great and sharp texture of the tree in the photo and the little boy makes such a powerful contrast between the eternity and ephemerality and between nature and humanity. Really, seems you've captured a glimpse on eternity on this photo, Bill. It makes it very worthy in my eyes
3 May 2009 2:24pm
@Linda: Nice words Linda - I think you are right, that the story here is a strong with contrasts (not the photographic sense - but metaphorically). I do like it - didn't know why - but I think you comments explain to me why now. Thank you.
Uday from Fishers, United States
What a contrast Bill. The big tree and the little boy, the greenery and the earthly tones from the tree and the ground. Surely shows that the little guy has ways to go in life and as he grows, he should be strong like the tree and should stand out among peers. Great shot, composition and framing.
3 May 2009 3:02pm
@Uday: Uday, I think you are right. The message here about growth and cycle of life is pretty strong. Your visual imagery in the comment is very strong. thanks for the kind words.
Yvon from Orleans, France
wow, what a nice shot; I like the contrast between large tree and little boy
3 May 2009 3:44pm
@Yvon: thank you Yvon, that's what originally drew me to the image myself. your specific comments are always appreciated.
observing from North West, United Kingdom
The size of these giants is mind-blowing, I wonder what kind of world they grew up in ? The little guy could into that tree opening :)
3 May 2009 4:32pm
@observing: Toto did go into the opening - there is enough room for five or six folks in there. If ever in a fire in the forest - and I can't get out - that's where I'm headed (as the trees are naturally fire retardant. They are large trees, aren't they?
Stephen Phillips from San Francisco, United States
Nicely composed, Bill. Love that blue trike.
3 May 2009 5:06pm
@Stephen Phillips: Thanks Stephen. The trike sets the scale nicely, I thought.
@Calusarus: Thank you Calusarus. Bill
@Betty: Thanks Betty for your kind words about the image and composition.
Marie-Hélène Ammor from Casablanca/Paris, Morocco
I love the composition of your image ! This huge tree with the little boy and the wood color with the fresh green around !!
3 May 2009 8:25pm
@Marie-Hélène Ammor: Thank you Marie-Helene for such specific comments - it really helps me understand how I can improve, and what others see in the photos.
B. Thomas from Arlington, Texas, United States
It's good that you showed us the scale of these great trees, and there is also a nice spot of color.
3 May 2009 8:33pm
@B. Thomas: Thanks Barbara for your constructive feedback. I enjoy your comments, each one. Bill
Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
Cool shot to post for HUGE on vxfy......And without toto on his bike, scale would not have been as easy to spot....... It's simply remarkable, to see this huge trunk, next to the others on the right, which appear to be what we would call "average"......
3 May 2009 8:48pm
@Susan: Thanks for understanding why the post this week on this image : I thought the scale of the tree next to Toto really made an impact. And yes, the average trees were only 100-120 feet tall nearby!
@Estrella: Thanks Estrella. I would say that living large in Barcelona is also possible: such a great place to live you have there in Spain. I just adore the culture and the fine people.
dj.tigersprout from New York City, USA, United States
a lovely visual comparison between big and small! beautiful lighting and a carefree candid moment!! excellent!
4 May 2009 6:17am
@dj.tigersprout: thanks DJ for your great comments on multiple images in a day- AM3 has some great members like yourself in its community.
@jamesy: yep. he's a great boy, and he has already won the hearts of many girls his age!
xavier cardell from menorca-barcelona, Spain
Impressing capture. The colors are great, but mainly the sense of dimension that you achieve
4 May 2009 7:36am
@xavier cardell: thank you xavier - that was my hope for this shot.
Sarah from Suisse, Switzerland
One of the many amazing things on this planet - I love this shot and hope one day to stand in a similar spot to bask in the beauty of these ancient trees!
4 May 2009 2:59pm
@Sarah: They are awe inspiring trees. They are so tall, you almost can't get a sense of their size from looking at them - as the entire forest has tall trees (so you don't have the contrasts). The plant was many wonders, doesn't it?
Véro from Peisey-Nancroix, France
Quelle figure imposante à côté de ce petit bonhomme !
4 May 2009 7:36pm
@Véro: Merci du commentaire un tel les éléments contrastants. Bill
@Magda: That says a great deal - thanks for the sharing the emotional response!
Magda from Vancouver, Canada
And thank you so very much for picking "Spring Swingers" as one of the "shot of the day" images! :) Made my day!!!
5 May 2009 7:37am
@Magda: I really enjoy the spirit you capture in your portfolio - it really uplifts me to see it - it was my pleasure.
Canon EOS-1D Mark III
1/125 second
F/4.0
ISO 1600
24 mm