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Redwood National Park: A Nature Photographer’s Paradise
Redwood National Park: A Nature Photographer’s Paradise
by Keenan Hursh
“The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. It’s not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time.” - John Steinbeck
It's hard to think of a better symbol for life, strength, resilience, and wisdom than a redwood tree. These giants stand tall over the lands of northern California like prehistoric beings with thoughts and emotions of their own. It’s as if their roots extend into the farthest depths of the earth’s crust and their branches kiss the clouds and sky above.
Redwood trees are truly fascinating forms of life. Due to their unique characteristics and the environment they inhabit, these red and green giants are ideal photography subjects. Though it can be difficult to capture their beauty and portray their true scale, Redwood National Park should be on the short list of anyone passionate about nature and landscape photography.
It's hard to think of a better symbol for life, strength, resilience, and wisdom than a redwood tree. These giants stand tall over the lands of northern California like prehistoric beings with thoughts and emotions of their own. It’s as if their roots extend into the farthest depths of the earth’s crust and their branches kiss the clouds and sky above.
Redwood trees are truly fascinating forms of life. Due to their unique characteristics and the environment they inhabit, these red and green giants are ideal photography subjects. Though it can be difficult to capture their beauty and portray their true scale, Redwood National Park should be on the short list of anyone passionate about nature and landscape photography.
Redwood National Park
Before we get into specifics, I’d like to discuss the national park itself and how it came to be. Redwood National Park is a truly spectacular patch of land in the northern coastal region of California. This place is unlike anywhere else and it all starts with the towering and iconic redwood trees that populate this region.
These trees are not only the tallest in the world reaching heights of over 350 feet, but they are also some of the oldest, with many specimens dating back over 2,000 years. Not only are they some of the oldest known trees but redwoods are some of the oldest known lifeforms on the entire planet. These trees have become a symbol of resilience and strength, withstanding the test of time and remaining one of the most unique and magical trees on the planet. Upon learning just how special these trees really are it was decided that they deserved protection and that the land they call home should become a U.S. national park.
The greed of mankind nearly destroyed all these trees in a never-ending pursuit of profit and resource extraction. Many only saw the redwoods as raw material that could be harvested and sold to the highest bidder but there were some who acknowledged just how special and magical they really were. In 1968 Redwood National Park was established to protect the remaining old-growth redwood forests in the area, which were rapidly disappearing.
Today, the park covers over 138,000 acres and is home to not only the redwoods themselves but also a thriving ecosystem containing a diverse range of plant and animal life. People from far and wide now have access to these evergreen forests and can enjoy the magic of the redwoods for themselves
Before we get into specifics, I’d like to discuss the national park itself and how it came to be. Redwood National Park is a truly spectacular patch of land in the northern coastal region of California. This place is unlike anywhere else and it all starts with the towering and iconic redwood trees that populate this region.
These trees are not only the tallest in the world reaching heights of over 350 feet, but they are also some of the oldest, with many specimens dating back over 2,000 years. Not only are they some of the oldest known trees but redwoods are some of the oldest known lifeforms on the entire planet. These trees have become a symbol of resilience and strength, withstanding the test of time and remaining one of the most unique and magical trees on the planet. Upon learning just how special these trees really are it was decided that they deserved protection and that the land they call home should become a U.S. national park.
The greed of mankind nearly destroyed all these trees in a never-ending pursuit of profit and resource extraction. Many only saw the redwoods as raw material that could be harvested and sold to the highest bidder but there were some who acknowledged just how special and magical they really were. In 1968 Redwood National Park was established to protect the remaining old-growth redwood forests in the area, which were rapidly disappearing.
Today, the park covers over 138,000 acres and is home to not only the redwoods themselves but also a thriving ecosystem containing a diverse range of plant and animal life. People from far and wide now have access to these evergreen forests and can enjoy the magic of the redwoods for themselves
A Nature Photographer’s Paradise
Not only is Redwood National Park a special place to visit, but it’s also a spectacular place for nature photography. The park's diverse ecosystem provides a plethora of photography subjects from plants and animals to a diversity of landscapes. The forest floor is covered in lush ferns and wildflowers, creating a stark contrast against the towering redwoods. The understory of the forest is often shrouded in mist, which adds an ethereal and mystical quality to the scenery. And, the park's coastline is equally diverse, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and tide pools filled with colorful sea creatures.
There really is something here for every photographer no matter how skilled you are or what your background is. So, let’s get into it and discuss some specific reasons that make this patch of forest in northern California a nature photographer’s paradise.
Not only is Redwood National Park a special place to visit, but it’s also a spectacular place for nature photography. The park's diverse ecosystem provides a plethora of photography subjects from plants and animals to a diversity of landscapes. The forest floor is covered in lush ferns and wildflowers, creating a stark contrast against the towering redwoods. The understory of the forest is often shrouded in mist, which adds an ethereal and mystical quality to the scenery. And, the park's coastline is equally diverse, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and tide pools filled with colorful sea creatures.
There really is something here for every photographer no matter how skilled you are or what your background is. So, let’s get into it and discuss some specific reasons that make this patch of forest in northern California a nature photographer’s paradise.
The Trees
The main thing that makes Redwood National Park an ideal location for photography has to be the redwood trees themselves. These trees are the tallest in the world and trying to capture their scale and grandeur with a camera is a fun and rewarding challenge. The sheer size of these trees creates a breathtaking and awe-inspiring atmosphere that is perfect for creating unique photographs. Their reddish-brown bark which is soft to the touch like velvet, along with the deep grooves that run vertically along the trunk, add texture and contrast to photographs. Additionally, their shallow root system allows for the surrounding forest floor to be covered in lush undergrowth providing an interesting contrast to the towering trees. Between the ancient and prehistoric demeanor of the trees and their sheer size and mass, the redwoods of California are remarkable photography subjects.
The main thing that makes Redwood National Park an ideal location for photography has to be the redwood trees themselves. These trees are the tallest in the world and trying to capture their scale and grandeur with a camera is a fun and rewarding challenge. The sheer size of these trees creates a breathtaking and awe-inspiring atmosphere that is perfect for creating unique photographs. Their reddish-brown bark which is soft to the touch like velvet, along with the deep grooves that run vertically along the trunk, add texture and contrast to photographs. Additionally, their shallow root system allows for the surrounding forest floor to be covered in lush undergrowth providing an interesting contrast to the towering trees. Between the ancient and prehistoric demeanor of the trees and their sheer size and mass, the redwoods of California are remarkable photography subjects.
Unique Environmental Lighting
In my opinion, one of the most interesting features of the park, from a photographer’s perspective, would have to be the unique and distinct lighting that is created by the environment. The thick canopy of trees often creates dim and moody lighting, requiring photographers to use slower shutter speeds and a tripod to capture the scenery. Early morning and late afternoon, also known as the golden hour, can create some stunning colors, as the light filters through the trees and creates a warm, glow throughout the forest. And the mist that often floats through the forest floor creates an ethereal and mystical quality to the scenery with dramatic shadows and highlights being cast through the particles floating in the air. This variety of naturally occurring light creates interesting and unique opportunities for photographers no matter the time of day or year.
In my opinion, one of the most interesting features of the park, from a photographer’s perspective, would have to be the unique and distinct lighting that is created by the environment. The thick canopy of trees often creates dim and moody lighting, requiring photographers to use slower shutter speeds and a tripod to capture the scenery. Early morning and late afternoon, also known as the golden hour, can create some stunning colors, as the light filters through the trees and creates a warm, glow throughout the forest. And the mist that often floats through the forest floor creates an ethereal and mystical quality to the scenery with dramatic shadows and highlights being cast through the particles floating in the air. This variety of naturally occurring light creates interesting and unique opportunities for photographers no matter the time of day or year.
Dramatic Seascapes
An often-overlooked part of Redwood National Park is the coastal areas where the land meets the sea in a dramatic and chaotic clash of the elements. It’s here that sea stacks and spires shoot out from the turbulent water of the Pacific and tidal pools scattered throughout the rocks are filled with aquatic life. From capturing wide-open landscape images of the coast to photographing the textures, colors, and unique forms of the rocks and tidal pools there’s no shortage of subjects here. The coastline provides a welcomed change and different perspective to Redwood National Park creating even more opportunities to capture stunning images.
An often-overlooked part of Redwood National Park is the coastal areas where the land meets the sea in a dramatic and chaotic clash of the elements. It’s here that sea stacks and spires shoot out from the turbulent water of the Pacific and tidal pools scattered throughout the rocks are filled with aquatic life. From capturing wide-open landscape images of the coast to photographing the textures, colors, and unique forms of the rocks and tidal pools there’s no shortage of subjects here. The coastline provides a welcomed change and different perspective to Redwood National Park creating even more opportunities to capture stunning images.
Abundance of Life
Speaking of wildlife, another reason why Redwood National Park is a great place for photography is the diverse plant and animal life that can be found here. Perhaps the primary focus is on the landscapes and the plants that call them home but there is ample wildlife here too. The park is home to hundreds of bird species, including bald eagles, owls, and falcons, making it an exceptional location for bird photography. These forests are also home to black bears, mountain lions, dear, and elk, providing opportunities for capturing photos of iconic North American mammals in their natural habitat. The park's coastline is equally diverse, with an infinite number of tide pools all filled with their own combination of colorful sea creatures like starfish, sea urchins, mussels, crabs, and sea anemones.
Speaking of wildlife, another reason why Redwood National Park is a great place for photography is the diverse plant and animal life that can be found here. Perhaps the primary focus is on the landscapes and the plants that call them home but there is ample wildlife here too. The park is home to hundreds of bird species, including bald eagles, owls, and falcons, making it an exceptional location for bird photography. These forests are also home to black bears, mountain lions, dear, and elk, providing opportunities for capturing photos of iconic North American mammals in their natural habitat. The park's coastline is equally diverse, with an infinite number of tide pools all filled with their own combination of colorful sea creatures like starfish, sea urchins, mussels, crabs, and sea anemones.
Photograph the Redwoods with BCJ
I would recommend that anyone passionate about nature photography travels to Redwood National Park at one point or another. If you’re looking for some direction or want a guide to take to the absolute best locations throughout the park and provide you with exceptional education along the way, then look no further than Backcountry Journeys. Our professional guides are the best in the industry, and we’ve been traveling to this magical place for years. We’re also very excited about our new trip: The Redwoods of California. This 5-day trip will take you on a journey to all the best shooting locations that our guides have pre-scouted and we’ll help you get the perfect shot at every stop along the way.
I would recommend that anyone passionate about nature photography travels to Redwood National Park at one point or another. If you’re looking for some direction or want a guide to take to the absolute best locations throughout the park and provide you with exceptional education along the way, then look no further than Backcountry Journeys. Our professional guides are the best in the industry, and we’ve been traveling to this magical place for years. We’re also very excited about our new trip: The Redwoods of California. This 5-day trip will take you on a journey to all the best shooting locations that our guides have pre-scouted and we’ll help you get the perfect shot at every stop along the way.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, Redwood National Park is not only an incredibly unique place with some of the most fascinating trees on the planet, but it’s also an exceptional place for nature photography. Due to the towering redwoods, the diversity of unique environmental lighting, a plethora of plant and animal life, stunning coastlines, and everything in between, this is a place you simply must visit and photograph if possible. Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, the park is a great place for anyone who loves photography and nature. I hope to make it to these forests myself and maybe I’ll see you there on a BCJ trip at some point in the future. As always, thanks for reading and I’ll catch ya on the next one!
To wrap things up, Redwood National Park is not only an incredibly unique place with some of the most fascinating trees on the planet, but it’s also an exceptional place for nature photography. Due to the towering redwoods, the diversity of unique environmental lighting, a plethora of plant and animal life, stunning coastlines, and everything in between, this is a place you simply must visit and photograph if possible. Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, the park is a great place for anyone who loves photography and nature. I hope to make it to these forests myself and maybe I’ll see you there on a BCJ trip at some point in the future. As always, thanks for reading and I’ll catch ya on the next one!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
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