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Trip Report: Coastal Oregon & California's Redwoods - May 2023
Trip Report: Coastal Oregon & California's Redwoods - May 2023
by Douglas Marshall
When the Stars Align
Imagine this: a group of passionate photographers, ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Beauty in every direction - the rugged coastline of Oregon with its majestic cliffs and crashing waves; the towering giants hidden within the foggy forests of California Redwoods. The perfect shooting conditions (for the most part!) awaited us at every turn, if the wind didn’t blow us over!
But, what made it even more special, was being surrounded by amazing groups of people who shared a common love for photography. We laughed, we learned, and we captured unforgettable moments together. It was truly an adventure that left us breathless and fulfilled beyond words, reminding us once again why we do what we do as photographers.
Imagine this: a group of passionate photographers, ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Beauty in every direction - the rugged coastline of Oregon with its majestic cliffs and crashing waves; the towering giants hidden within the foggy forests of California Redwoods. The perfect shooting conditions (for the most part!) awaited us at every turn, if the wind didn’t blow us over!
But, what made it even more special, was being surrounded by amazing groups of people who shared a common love for photography. We laughed, we learned, and we captured unforgettable moments together. It was truly an adventure that left us breathless and fulfilled beyond words, reminding us once again why we do what we do as photographers.
Our first day of shooting had both groups stopping at the Dean Creek Elk viewing area where we were able to catch glimpses of the large Roosevelt Elk herd that roam this vast meadow.
As we continued our drive down the scenic Coastal Highway towards our final destination for the night, Bandon OR, we couldn’t resist stopping at Shore Acres State Park. The sights and sounds of crashing waves against the rugged cliffs and rocky outcroppings is too alluring to ignore. With cameras in hand, we ventured to the overlook where we were met with breathtaking views of towering sea stacks and churning ocean waters.
As we continued our drive down the scenic Coastal Highway towards our final destination for the night, Bandon OR, we couldn’t resist stopping at Shore Acres State Park. The sights and sounds of crashing waves against the rugged cliffs and rocky outcroppings is too alluring to ignore. With cameras in hand, we ventured to the overlook where we were met with breathtaking views of towering sea stacks and churning ocean waters.
For sunset, we visited a very windy Face Rock Beach where we photographed well into the blue hour, which painted the sky above in hues of soft purple and pink while casting a tranquil mood over everything below. It's moments like these that bring value to our lives- unexpected treasures found along our journey; memories cemented in time by nature's untouchable beauty.
The wind continued on the second day, for both trips, but that didn’t seem to deter the group’s enthusiasm. We stopped at Cape Blanco for some Light House images but then the real treasure was a stop at Sister Rocks. Here the towering cliffs jut out from the ocean just offshore - it's a sight unlike any other, and we happened to have perfect timing for the Lupine bloom. As we hiked through fields of Lupine, we wanted to bottle the scent of these vibrant flowers and take it with us as a reminder of this magical place. Everyone agreed that, if only one’s images could convey this uncanny fragrance, we would have the perfect image!
We continued our journey down the coast, and had various stops along the way, as we entered the Samual H. Boardman scenic corridor. Classic views such as Arch Rock, Natural Bridges, and Cape Ferrelo (probably the windiest spot…EVER!) were explored and visited in the next couple of days. Lovely sunrises and sunsets taken in and photographed at classic locations such as Whale’s Head, Secret Beach, and Harris Beach made our stay in Brookings, OR a truly magical experience. The group’s comradery, built stronger each day, was truly exciting and one of the most memorable aspects of our time together.
We carried on to California and its iconic Redwood forests that feel like a different world altogether, compared to the rugged coast we had just been photographing the last few days. And wow! The stars truly seemed to align for us in the Redwoods.
As we walked through these ancient giants, it felt like we were walking amongst the gods. But what really took our breath away were the blooming rhododendrons that surrounded us - their vibrant pink color seemed to pop against the lush greenery of the forest.
As we walked through these ancient giants, it felt like we were walking amongst the gods. But what really took our breath away were the blooming rhododendrons that surrounded us - their vibrant pink color seemed to pop against the lush greenery of the forest.
And then there was the fog - thick and misty, making it seem as if we were in a dream world. Suddenly, shafts of light cut through the dense canopy above us, illuminating everything below with an ethereal glow. It was like the angels were now descending upon us! Were those beams of light just waiting for us to arrive before shining down upon us? Divine intervention?
The combination of these perfect conditions created a trifecta of shooting opportunities that made our hearts race with excitement. We snapped photo after photo, capturing every angle and detail possible; from close-up shots of delicate petals to wide-angle views that showed off how small we humans are compared to these towering trees. It's days like these, when one can truly feel how beautiful and wondrous nature can be - so much so that words cannot do it justice nor capture its true essence!
The combination of these perfect conditions created a trifecta of shooting opportunities that made our hearts race with excitement. We snapped photo after photo, capturing every angle and detail possible; from close-up shots of delicate petals to wide-angle views that showed off how small we humans are compared to these towering trees. It's days like these, when one can truly feel how beautiful and wondrous nature can be - so much so that words cannot do it justice nor capture its true essence!
We made memories trekking through these giants and capturing photos of them in awe-inspiring ways, showing off their immense size and timeless beauty. With hikes in the Boy Scout Grove capturing Sun Stars and trying new techniques such as ICM, or Intentional Camera Movement, creating interesting and unique compositions. The group made the most out of our limited time in the Redwoods.
Both groups had the luxury of some of the most ideal shooting conditions in the Redwoods, a photographer could hope for. Sometimes the stars align just right.
Both groups had the luxury of some of the most ideal shooting conditions in the Redwoods, a photographer could hope for. Sometimes the stars align just right.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Doug received his first camera, a Kodak Brownie, at the age of six. That’s the day he fell in love with the fact that one could essentially freeze a moment in time with a click of a button. That Brownie met its demise only a few days later, as Doug was running up the backstairs to his house in rural Pennsylvania and he tripped, smashing the camera into a multitude of pieces. Despite being totally devastated, the youngster did not let this incident shatter his zeal for photography! Doug still has the same passion and excitement for capturing moments in time, those special in between times, in his over 20 years as a professional photographer. Doug’s photography is focused on documenting the natural world, people interacting with the natural world, and the magic these moments display. It is with optimism, that his images will inspire the viewer to take action.
Doug’s guiding experience is extensive, with close to 23 years leading trips around the American West, Canada, and down through Belize with youth with varied learning styles and diagnosed learning disabilities. Doug is a firm believer that the Natural World is the greatest educator if we take the time to listen and observe.
To view some of Doug’s work and to see what he’s been up to, follow along on Instagram @dmelphotogrande.
Doug’s guiding experience is extensive, with close to 23 years leading trips around the American West, Canada, and down through Belize with youth with varied learning styles and diagnosed learning disabilities. Doug is a firm believer that the Natural World is the greatest educator if we take the time to listen and observe.
To view some of Doug’s work and to see what he’s been up to, follow along on Instagram @dmelphotogrande.
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"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.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"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
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.