Photographing the Redwoods, Spring 2021: Episode 2

[@scrptwic]

Went to the Redwoods in Nor Cal 2 weeks ago photographed a great area to visit and photograph. Your videos bring back fond memories of the area. Thanks for the memories

[@kevinmorgan7091]

Your channel is an inspiration because you are so honest and humble. You take us on your journey to beautiful places that most of us will never be able to experience. You show us the successes and the failures; the highs and lows of finding the right subjects and accept them with equal measure as being part of your journey. Life can be very good, but it can also be hard and uncompromising; so to be able to escape that every now and again is priceless. Your pictures, your stories and your perseverance provide that escape and I thank you. 🙏

[@BenHorne]

Thank you so much for the very beautiful and heartfelt words Kevin! It really can be tough at times, but when everything comes together, it sure is worthwhile. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@zenrand688]

Great visual storytelling Ben. I lived in the Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains for over 15 years and absolutely love the Redwood forests though they are really challenging to capture.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks! That sure must have been quite the experience living in that sort of environment!

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

Fog and mist is elusive where I live and sunny days are common, which makes woodland and forest Photography, which I love, challenging. On sunny days I often look for backlit subjects which helps to add depth to the scene.

[@larrylindell1027]

Guy Tal’s writings indicate that trips into the wild are more about the experience than the photograph. Your last two videos mirror that idea which I really appreciate. Keep these videos coming. They are great.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Larry! That is very true indeed. The experience should always come first, and if we're able to portray some of that in a photograph, I would consider it a win-win. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Larry!

[@TylerBrigham]

Enormous Potential basically sums up the coastal redwoods. Every time ive tried to photograph them has been met with disappointment photography-wise. It's tremendously difficult to transmit the in person beauty and magic through photography. Those that can and have done it have huge respect from me. Im not sure what it takes, but I hope you can one day figure it out Pleasure to watch as always

[@BenHorne]

Thank you as always Tyler! It sure is difficult isn't it? I look forward to heading back there again, but man on man it sure is easier shooting in Utah. The drive is shorter too. :-) Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@huzkerpride]

"The scouting photo I took on my phone looks better." Boy that statement is all too familiar!

[@scottternan105]

Hahaha, very true.

[@BenHorne]

It sure is impressive what those phones are able to do these days. :-)

[@TallTreesClub]

The maple leaves do not move much if at all. What you see different is mostly related to time of day and angle of sun in a certain location. One big clue is the great variation of those background trunks.

[@BenHorne]

Hi Mario! Here’s the thing, those scouting photos were taken within a foot or two of each other. The alignment with the background might vary slightly, but the angle of the leaves vary by about 90 degrees. It was a very significant difference. The other factor that might be responsible was that a light mist was falling in on one of the days.

[@sonholee5769]

man... got to have a zen attitude for large format photography! I'm glad the trip was still enjoyable. The trees and and ferns and the quiet is beautiful enough, even if photographic conditions were not ideal.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Sonho! Despite the light being harsh, I sure learned a lot on this trip, and I'm looking forward to what I can come up with when I return. There is still so much to learn and to explore in that area. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@williamborges3914]

Images or not, wandering through Coastal Redwood forests is a reward in itself. I'm sure you've figured out this tip by now. When the sun burns off the fog midday, as it usually does from now to November, just head out to the beach at the end of those trails to take advantage of all the bright sunlight shining on the colorful Humboldt coast. 😃

[@BenHorne]

Thanks William! That's definitely something I plan on doing on future trips!

[@lfac]

The composition on that river photo has a lot of potential I think. "Just" needs great light!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Luís! It's probably a subject better suited for B&W. Maybe one of these days... Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MichaelPhillipsatGreyOwlStudio]

I probably would have brought out the infrared film for the sunny forest. I love how those birds sound like ethereal bells ringing.

[@BenHorne]

I can definitely see how infrared film would help give some contrast and separation with all the greens set against the dark trunks. The birds in the morning in the Redwoods sure are a wonderful sound. One of these days I'll learn which species they area. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@sebastiantrandafir5607]

Thank you for showing and for that you took us on one of your wonderful adventures again. At my next trip to California, I absolutely have to look at the coastal redwoods, so far I only know the Redwoods in New Zealand, and those were already very impressive. Greetings from Frankfurt, Seb

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Seb! It's definitely worth a visit next time you're here. Sure is a beautiful location!

[@davidhuth5659]

That composition on the river is great. Hope you can find it again with better light. Good luck!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks David! That might be one I should just shoot on digital for a bit more flexibility. Slide film didn't do very well, and even the color negative film struggled a bit.

[@GraemeSomerville]

So I ended up watching both your videos together Ben. Which I didn't know would be your whole trip. It sure was a lovely 45 minutes and reaffirmed the idea of the journey being the most important part of anything we put our mind to. In our crazy insta-results based society, it's often an underestimated and very essnetial part of the process. Of course, It would have been nice for you to have got some better conditions. You'll be back and the conditions will be in your favor "next time".

[@BenHorne]

Very well said Graeme. With the emphasis on social media these days, it's easy to fixate on the results rather than the process. I went into this trip knowing it would be difficult, but I'm satisfied with the results because of the knowledge gained. I learned some great trails, what to expect with regard to the conditions, and even the bit about the maple leaves was really eye opening. All of this will help me when I return next spring. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@MKennyPhotos]

Awesome work Ben. The photos you did mange are stunning as always. This is such an accurate representation of what it can be like going on extended photo trips. It's not always about the actual images. It's about so much more! Well done man.

[@BenHorne]

Thank you Michael! You are very correct, and it's a point easily lost on social media where people only post their best work. When exceptional photos are normalized, it can make people question their own value as a photographer when things don't go that well in the field. In the end, it's all about learning about a location, what to expect, and how best to capture it. This is something that takes time, but it sure is rewarding. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@stohlenttv]

Thank you for this inspiration. It has me planning a trip to the Redwoods and some spots in Oregon for the (hopefully) not too distant future.

[@BenHorne]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it Joshua! It sure is a wonderful place and I know you'll love it.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

The dense woods can be a real challenge to photograph, especially when the weather isn’t cooperative. Looks like it was still a fun trip and you were able to get away from the crowds a bit!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Brian! Yeah, in some ways having the harsh light was a good thing because it gave me an excuse to hit the trail and really get to know the area. I hiked as many trails as I could, came up with some plans for future trips based on the conditions. The great thing about the Redwoods is that it's very easy to get away from the crowds. So many trails are infrequently used, and it was quite rare to run into anyone out there. I definitely look forward to a return trip next spring. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

beautiful and relaxing video Ben, photo is beautiful but I really loved the sound of nature so much!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Ryan! The nature sounds up in the Redwoods sure are wonderful. It's such a great place to go for a wander.

[@JimmyAztec]

I would love to see you photograph Fern Canyon at Prairie Creek Redwood State Park! It is amazing!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Jimmy! That's something I'll perhaps do some day. The tricky part is dealing with all the people that go there.

[@rogervoller6917]

Woodland photography is quite challenging in not so favourable conditions unless closes ups with bokeh. I tend to do woodland photography when there is mostly mist or fog hence local areas to react to the weather. Though saying that when I look at the work of Joe Cornish or Peter Dombrovskis I think okay maybe I don’t need favourable weather conditions just elite talent and flat light 😄

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Roger! It sure is tough to shoot without the mist to simply the scene. When you add to it the harsh light, it's especially tricky, but in this case, it was a lovely excuse just to hit the trail and do some exploring without the pressure of shooting. It sure was nice wandering through the forest though. I wish there were some misty forests closer to where I live. Those conditions are quite rare for me close to home. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Roger!

[@LandscapeFotografi]

Woowww so beautiful Bro 🤙

[@BenHorne]

Thanks! It sure is a beautiful place.

[@robertwhitemoto]

I certainly can relate to the crowd situation. I'm wrapping up a trip in southwestern Colorado... did some 4 wheeling up to this pass (elev. 13,114) sent up my drone to get some cool point of interest video and had to compete with others wanting the spot and others with drones... This pandemic has people clamoring to get out. Oh wow that tree @17:40 so cool!

[@BenHorne]

It sure makes it a challenge when so many other people are out and about. I miss the days even 10 years ago when I could drive to a national park and grab a first come first served campground reservation. Now it even seems that the more remote areas are becoming very popular. It sure makes me appreciate some of the older photos I've taken that would be very difficult to photograph now. It's also cool to hear that the drone was able to fly at that altitude. I'm sure there must have been a hit on performance with the thin air. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Robert!

[@PaulNewberyPhotography]

never seen a kayak like that before that's pretty cool, and I live by a very busy river (the Thames in Oxfordshire)

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Paul! They are awesome kayaks, and so very fun to use. My wife and I each have one.

[@stuartbaines2843]

Interesting difference in River and rock lighting ? Seems to be very blue so perhaps not overcast enough? I like the subject and Tree 👍

[@BenHorne]

@@johnsmith1474 You sure have spent a lot of time leaving comments. I’m curious about your motivation. What do you gain from it?

[@philipdekatphotography2549]

what are you listening to if you don't mind me asking? Amazing work, inspiring and motivational video as always.

[@BenHorne]

I Philip! I listen to podcasts when I'm on the trips. It helps keep my mind occupied. I very rarely listen to any music because it's super easy for a song with a slightly lonely vibe to make me realize I'm miles from my vehicle and a full day's drive from home. I listen to a wide range of podcasts, some photography related, others not. At a certain point, it doesn't even really matter what they're about.

[@katzsteel]

iPhone photos are becoming hard to beat if you don’t need to enlarge it to a huge degree or need telephoto. The 12 Pro is darn good! I have a mirrorless Sony camera and is seeing much less use, though I still bring it along just in case!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Katz. It is pretty impressive how an iPhone can handle a scene that would be very difficult to photograph with a dedicated camera. My phone is a couple generations back, but still very impressive so long as I don't need to print. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@deviningram6814]

Woohoo!!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Devin!

[@EvilNeedle90]

I'm hoping that I can visit this location this september. It looks so amazing! ]

[@BenHorne]

It sure is a wonderful place. You'll love it!

[@EvilNeedle90]

@@BenHorne thanks! It seems that earliest I can be there is in October. Any idea if the redwoods is open / nice to be during that time of year?

[@EvilNeedle90]

@@BenHorne also hoping that Biden allowes Europeans to come this year...

[@TallTreesClub]

@@EvilNeedle90 it's open all year. Don't go before October. The forest becomes much more vibrant when November rains hit, and lighting improves too. If you can wait for November, then wait.

[@joeblow9931]

Have you ever made it to Fern canyon? It's near where this video was shot

[@BenHorne]

Hi Joe! I have been there on a summer camping trip with my wife, but not on a photography trip. When we were there, there were a lot of people there, sand I usually avoid congested areas on my shooting trips. It's difficult to work when people are asking questions about the camera, etc. It's definitely something to consider on a future trip though.

[@joeblow9931]

@@BenHorne yeah...it was crowded every time I've been there too. Even on a weekday

[@extremelydave]

Those dastardly Iphones are just too handy and take good pictures for KZbin videos, but give me film for something truly satisfying.

[@BenHorne]

So true! Thanks Dave!

[@thomastuorto9929]

You have any filters for your lens?

[@BenHorne]

Hi Ted! I have some solid ND filters and Graduated ND filters, but none of those are useful for the Redwoods. I use them mostly when photographing in the Desert. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@davemenard5089]

I wish you were my dad so you would read me bedtime stories. The iPhone comment at the end is one I’ve encountered before I can admit. Thanks for bringing me along Ben

[@BenHorne]

Haha! Love it Dave! That's the tricky thing about using iphones for scouting photos. They sure do a lot to make an image look decent and it feels so very effortless.

[@BryanDorr]

I love the film version of the river scene. About the iPhone image, was it taken in RAW mode or JPEG?

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Bryan! Perhaps it's something I'll come around to in time. I think I just need to find a way to edit in in a way that was true to the scene. It's a tough one though. The iPhone image was taken in Jpeg mode. I honestly didn't even know they can shoot RAW.

[@BryanDorr]

@@BenHorne I use Android phone that has allows taking RAW format. I'm not sure about iPhone, though. From my experience the phone's JPEG processing outcome is a hit or miss. You're welcome, Ben!

[@stephentopiaphoto]

All those miles walking around got me wondering, how much does your camera bag weigh?

[@BenHorne]

I generally just have my lightweight scouting pack on me which doesn't weight much at all. It just has my Sony video kit, tripod, some snacks and some water. My 8x10 kit shown in these videos is probably only about 40 lbs. It's not all that heavy, though certainly quite bulky.

[@infrequentgamer_greg]

Ben, it was tough for me to see you struggle for a whole week, and not find much to photograph in the Redwoods. My impression is that you are trying too hard to make a photograph. Perhaps you should leave the photo gear at home, and don’t even try to think photography…just enjoy the area. Eventually, the subject matter will make itself apparent to you. Only then should you try to photograph. In regard to you putting in a 36,000 step day in order to find subject matter, I recall reading an article, back in the days before digital, on some famous landscape/outdoor photographer who said that it is not necessary to walk for miles to find good subjects, as they can often be close to the road, contrary to popular belief. The article was illustrated with beautiful images that were taken not that far off the beaten path. I hope you can overcome your “creativity block” so you can make enjoyable imagery!👍

[@BenHorne]

Hi Greg! Thanks for commenting! When it comes to putting in that many steps each day, I should probably clarify something. I didn't put in that many steps while actively looking for subjects to photograph. It was more about getting to know the area, and taking in the sights and sounds. Since the light wasn't ideal, I took it as an opportunity to hike a bunch of new trails and to get to know the place. When going on these trips, I look for particular themes that catch my eye. It's when I have a theme in mind that I'm better able to find a photograph. I know exactly what you mean about photos being close to the road. The scene I photographed in the first video with the overacting tree and the bridge was probably a 40 second walk from my truck along a main trail. :-) That's actually a topic I'm working on for a future eBook. I'll have examples of several photos right alongside the road that countless people pass by on the way to the known "hotspots." We truly are surrounded by opportunity, but it's just a matter of learning to recognize it. The bit about the maple leaves moving with the sun was completely new to me. I didn't realize how dramatic it could be and how it could have such a huge impact on a composition. I plan on returning to that subject next year. It's such a wonderful place. Thanks for watching and for the excellent comment!