SR35
Smith River petroglyph reflection, CA
Smith River petroglyph reflection, CA
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Mar, 2014Views
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Awards
Fall Award 2020
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
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Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
Climbing down a rock/boulder fall into the Smith River was treacherous, and having to brush through poison oak was also not advisable, however, the sight observed of the marine layer fog bank slowly clearing from the river and ocean was quite intoxicating and well worth efforts and itching sacrifices that ensued. The rock/island itself features more than trees for hair, it also boasts one of the rarer petroglyphs to be seen in the area. The colors dazzled with a brilliance only experienced amid the oxygen-rich old-growth forests of Coastal Redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens, as found in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties in northernmost coastal California. This image was captured in Del Norte County, outside of Crescent City, CA, closer to Smith River, CA, but not part of either city proper, off a "trail" discovered at a pull-out on the highway, most likely one of the older dumping places in reality.Time
The photo was taken as the sun was rising, clearing the fog bank marine layer slowly. This phenomenon can be seen quite readily during most sunny days, however, that is tricky when the rainy season begins in the area.Lighting
The lighting is not real bright in this spot, until around noon through 2pm, with lots of tree cover and redwood forests surrounding.Equipment
Nikkon digital camera, Bogen tripod--make sure you have an adjustable leg height tripod, independently adjustable, so you can set up on the many rock fields and uneven riverside/riverbank.Inspiration
The fog bank rolls off and disappears leaving literally no trace that it was there, although the redwoods do drink from the fog and clouds, through their adapted leaves/needles, and so the benefit can be witnessed by the incredible growth rates of redwoods, as well as the amazing carpeting-amount of moss that collects on Vine Maples, also due in part to the fog and moist environment, but, the fog's presence leaves no trace that is perceivable by simply looking. Thus, it was an event that I felt demanded some sort of capturing as a record and testament and salute to its beneficial nature. A movie of this event transpiring would be quite moving for those into nature films...taken along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, as well as along other coasts in other countries/continents were it occurs.Editing
My post-processing is as limited as possible and is accomplished in an old version of Photoshop on an old desktop Mac computer running 2-GB processors. Editing would be much faster and perhaps more dynamic on a newer computer with newer software, however, my attempt is always to portray/depict the natural state as closely as possible. Occasionally, I will dally in using filters among the Artistic box, but generally, the pursuit/aim is to bring alive those natural beauties as observed during the hikes themselves.In my camera bag
My digital SLR camera, its lens, extra battery, extra cards, a recharger cord fit nicely in my over the shoulder bag that resembles a small black purse unfortunately.Feedback
BE extremely careful when venturing off the road/trail in the Redwoods, especially along the riverbanks of the Smith River. One time, when going for a gorgeous shot on the River, I went off trail and fell through some hollow ground that had been eroded for many years so that it was only a network of grasses and other plants and some tree roots with very little soil remaining, and when covered by vine maple leaves, appeared to be sold ground. A spill onto some boulders/rocks about twelve feet below resulted in one of the near-death experiences of which I have written. It is not recommended that you do likewise, but if you so choose, then please be very careful and hike in pairs or ensure your cell phone is with you and fully charged, and that you have a decent first aid kit and critical-survival gear with you.
