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:
Isn’t that the Obama/Joker face at the top of the totem pole?
I was born in Mill Valley, CA. Later in my youth, I moved up to the North Coast. I remember being taken to Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith State Park in Hiouchi then. The adults were ohhing and ahhing over the massive Stout Tree.
I remember having to feign being impressed; huge Redwood trees had always been a part of my life, and were among my earliest memories. I love the Redwood forest- and I miss it terribly sometimes- but it wasn’t a novelty to me at the time.
If I had the money, I’d retire right now and buy my childhood home in Mill Valley back- despite the place being full of leftist statist types.
Logger porn alert...
Where is Maverick’s beach?
My visit to the Muir Woods was one of the most memorable events in my life. Cannot wait to go back sometime. I have a great photo in my bathroom and see the magesty of the Redwoods each day.
Muir is great. The Santa Cruz Mountains hold a Redwood forest beyond belief and guess what? You can actually get in to see them and hike.
I don’t know what Muir’s attraction is other than being close to San Francisco but, for my money and time I go to Boulder Creek, zip on over to Big Basin and voila! I am there. Of course I know more place than I can remember to park and get in the woods.
Love it and the scents.
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.
(someone's prolly gonna get fired)
~not sarcasm~
I like trees. They keep the dirt on the hill rather than on the steelhead spawning beds.
WOWSER!
Across the street from Casa Fierro. That's like the upper half of the tree.
It's not very tall, maybe the top was taken off by lightening centuries ago. It's only about 100 feet tall but the circumference is enormous. I have a larger one on the property, but I can't see it from the house. Old Growth redwoods have a very different bark than the younger ones.
I think Maverick’s is just south of Half Moon Bay.
Wow, come look at this tree. The tiny red dots are men, lol.
I see decks.
Thanks for sending. Haven’t read my latest Geographic yet, so have that to look forward to. Amazing, those trees!
OK, it’s been years since I have been in California, live in NY and PA, but will take a look sometime!
I never got to see the California Redwoods so was really impressed with that picture.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.