Biggest, Tallest Tree Photo Ever
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.
I never got to see the Redwoods as a kid. But, I’m sure if I did my main thoughts would be, “Oh my goodness, these trees are gigantic. I want to climb them.”
I’d love to visit Redwoods State Park now, because I could fully appreciate the experience with the perspective of a mature adult. I can imagine it now, walking amongst the majestic and awe-inspiring display of mother nature’s beauty and getting lost in the magnitude of not only the sheer size, but also the history of these remarkable trees. “My goodness, not only do these trees create a stark perspective of how physically tiny we all truly are in this world. But, it also makes you realize that in the grand scheme of it all, humankind really is nothing but a blink in the lifetime of this planet. This tree is older than modern history as we know it! It was here, in this very spot, when calendars were in year 0. That’s absolutely mind-blowing! ……I want to climb them.”
(via: NPR — Click through for more pictures/story/video)
