At least 1,500 years old, this 300-foot giant in California's Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has the most complex crown ever mapped. (Michael Nichols/National Geographic)
Posted on 10/03/2009 3:42:50 AM PDT by JoeProBono
National Geographic photographer Michael Nichols is one of the world's foremost wildlife photographers. But he recently said that he'd happily spend the rest of his life photographing trees. Of course, the folks over at National Geographic would almost certainly never hear of it. Nichols' newfound love developed after a serious, yearlong relationship with redwoods.
National Geographic sent Nichols to spend an entire year in California's redwood forest. His mission was to capture the majesty of some of the tallest trees on Earth, some of which date back before Christ. And if you've ever photographed in a forest, you'll understand the challenge this presented. There's no capturing the awe one feels before these monoliths that measure, in some cases, upward of 300 feet.
In a recent lecture at National Geographic in Washington, D.C., Nichols described his frustrations. Eventually, though, he devised a way to do redwoods justice. It involved three cameras, a team of scientists, a robotic dolly, a gyroscope, an 83-photo composite and a lot of patience. (And, OK, maybe it's not the Biggest, Tallest Tree Photo Ever -- but it's the biggest one I've ever seen.) Here's how they did it:
At least 1,500 years old, this 300-foot giant in California's Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has the most complex crown ever mapped. (Michael Nichols/National Geographic)
Truly awe-inspiring.
Majestic.
I do believe I counted 4 people in the tree as well as the one on the ground. It must be wonderful.
Nothing like looking up at the Redwoods and thinking: Geeze how long have these things been here? Then taking in all the scents and sheer beauty in things like forest ferns.
Love it!
I could have done it better but I am not God and not as creative. Hence, I am not the creator.
I give thanks to God every time I go for a hike, go to the ocean or go snowboarding for the beauty he has provided.
There is strength, a quiet peace and tranquility when I am in nature.
I love it and give thanks to God for such beauty.
Let us give thanks, to God, for giving us such a beautiful world.
We have the biggest trees on the planet and I have always been amazed at God’s handiwork.
***Turns out we have the biggest, baddest waves also — Maverick’s beach is just up highway 1 a few miles.
“Heaven & earth are filled with your glory.”
That’s not the top of the same tree. Those are banana trees in the bottom of the pic, aren’t they? Where is that location?
I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
Joyce Kilmer. 1886–1918
Trees by Joyce Kilmer - Sung by Paul Robeson - 1939 - Victor Portable Victrola
I need a bigger monitor. MUCH bigger! Awesome project!
Standing up
Hand over heart
I think I spotted six people in the tree and one on the ground.
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