Grove of the Ancients

It's a shot of subtle beauty. A documentary shot, really. I can't even begin to describe how difficult it is to photograph forest and forest alone. Elliot Porter probably did it best. To break through the complexities and lead the viewer into the essense of the place is nearly impossible. I honestly believe this shot to be every bit as difficult to capture photographicly as almost any in my collection. I've spent hundereds of days hiking though the forests and come away with very few shots, but this one seems inviting and defines the various natural elements well. This is Rainier National Park. The oldest grove of trees outside the Olympics. Each Cedar is 5-10 feet in diameter and 500-1000 years in age. The image was part of a collection of my forest scenes recently sent to publication in a nation-wide line of biology textbooks. Canon EOS-3, Velvia 50, 15 seconds at F14, May 2003. Compression not doing this any favors, sorry.

It's actually called the Grove of the Patriarchs and I agree - forest shots are tough as all heck to nail but you've done just a super job of it here Marc!! I've strolled this grove many times but never come up with as good a shot as this one. These trees are truly phenominal to see in person!! I STRONGLY advise anyone who goes to Mt. Rainier National Park to stop and see these goliaths!!

Well done and don't fret the JPEG compression. Those of us who know - know. I'll be looking for a 13X19 via UPS thank you very much!!

Thanks Rick. The name of the grove had escaped me at the moment. Haven't been back for a couple years, but I should. Waiting on my new Epson R2400 to show up so it might be a little while for the print I've decided to finally make the switch to primarily at-home printing, hopefully it will work out for the best.

I'd say photographing forests is as hard as photographing grasses. This one in durn nice, Marc.

I agree difficult to do. I've shot more forests with big plans of how many sales I was going to have with my tree shots...only to get home and delete them all.
No deleting needed here...pretty nice...not 110 percent, but still beautiful and mysterious.

Hey Marc and everyone,

Marc, I love this pic. I know exactly what you mean about photographing wide scale shots of the forest - it's hard to the lead the viewer with all the forest looking at you. This one is great!

And I'm very curious to know what you think of the Epson 2400. I was completely into it but that price scares me away to the older 2200 (I know a place that has one new for $550). But I especially want to print B&W and am stuck as to which one is really better vs. marketing hype.

Good luck with the new printer! And congrats with the image sale

Kevin

Marc, this is awesome. And you are so right - finding a spot where you can compose such a clean image is almost impossible. Great eye to set this up so nicely. I've never been to Rainier yet but I will check this spot out later this year when I go.

The spacing of the trees is perfect IMHO. Nice eye finding this composition.

Well done Marc, I've tried to capture forest scenes, but have never been truly happy with any of my own attempts. You've done a wonderful job here composing the elements into a compelling image.

Grats on the 2400, let us know how you like it.