Im enjoying this series and the rain helps a lot, I imagine. Although I bet it's hard to camp in. The scale of the forest is incredible, looking forward to the next instalment.
This trip certainly made me wish I had an awesome camper van like yours. Maybe some day! The best I could do was hang out under the lift gate. On the plus side, it wasn't very cold, so the rain was actually quite refreshing.
It sure is a beautiful sound isn't it? I'm looking forward to heading back to the Redwoods (hopefully) this spring. The atmospherics up there are surreal.
I really love that you are adding the Redwoods to your destination list. I came to your channel about two years ago, and I've been entranced with your thoughtful exploration of subjects through the Zion, Colorado Plateau, and Death Valley. But, I only heard of you after you had been visiting those places for years (as far as I can tell), which meant that I missed your initial explorations of those areas. I missed the years-long unfolding story of how you came to know those areas as intricately as you do. So, I'm excited to see you starting anew with the Redwoods area. I'm excited to see how you learn the rhythms and nature of a new place, and all of the work that will come out of that.
Thanks Mark! That's a very good observation about the process of getting to know a new location, and how this is just the beginning of many years of exploration. My first trips to Death Valley and Zion were about 10 years ago, and I still love returning to those locations after all this time - but there is definitely something very special about the process of getting to know a new location, and learning all the subtleties of light and subject that come along with it. I know I'll be back again next spring based on what I have learned on this trip. It's such a beautiful location.
Yeah, it's the sort of thing where no photo will ever do those trees justice. They are absolutely incredible to walk among and it's mind blowing to realize how old they are and how much the world has changed since they have lived on this planet.
Thanks Adam! It was definitely a challenge, but I'm happy that I got at least one photo I really like from the trip. I'll definitely be back next year.
Been in Sequoia and the northern redwood forest, and you have captured it well. Love the stand of trees and beauty of the bark. You also captured well the chaos of the ferns and greenery along the path. It is so cool to hear you enjoy the new photo environment and find opportunities to examine the richness of the forest. Keep'm coming......Bob
Thanks as always Bob! It sure was fun wandering around such a new environment. I definitely plan to head back there again next spring. There are so many wonderful trails to explore up there.
The shot with the trees is very nice. I like the brighter tree that you found. Very sharp, yet it has a nice softness about it. You're right about the fog. Just a small amount would be wonderful.
Yup, that's a location where I hope to return when there is just a bit of mist in the air. Not a heavy fog, but just enough to build a bit more depth. That's the fun thing about getting to know a new location.
Thanks Martin. Rain is still a bit of a novelty for me since I live in Southern California and we don't get very much of it. Being surrounded by that scenery in the rain was a downright magical experience. I'll just have to be a bit more careful with my microphone next time. I lost quite a few clips because I didn't realize it was already saturated.
I have always enjoyed your standard fare in the southwest, but it was awesome to see you in a new area. The Redwoods are beautiful and you did them justice. Rain aside, hope to see you back on the coast again.
Was so hoping you were going to shoot those scenes. Your video showed us pieces of those scenes and they looked so interesting, and your stills captured them beautifully. Beautiful area, and you captured it well, preserving the feeling of the rich "wetness" of the forest. Hard to be effective in the rain, with all the distractions of fogging, rain drops, etc. But you did it well. Was in the Adirondacks of upstate NY last fall in similar conditions, and the reward of the sogginess is the depth of the colors in the forest. Well done.
It really is tough to work in those conditions, but at least it wasn't windy. That would make things very difficult. I have learned to take a large waterproof cloth with me and cover my pack with it when my pack is on the ground and I am working out of it. That helps to keep the gear dry. The dark cloth keeps the camera dry, but the biggest issue is the ground glass fogging up. This is even with me being very careful not to breathe on it. It sure is beautiful up there in the rain though. It really brings out so much color, and all the plants are so glossy and vivid.
@@BenHorne Good idea about the waterproof cloth, I'm going to add one to my list. I do shoot 4x5 as well, and have been afraid of getting the bellows wet, but still, the colors are worth it! Wonder if there is some type of gentle anti-fog spray that could be used for the ground glass, although it would be worrisome to try, for fear of damaging the glass.
Hi Ben, thanks for your video, very enjoyable. I enjoy the rain, even more living in WA. It's nothing like seeing nature come to life. Interesting to see and hear your take on finding frames in the forrest, I find this a big challenge. I really like the shot with the Red wood trunks, light is very nice. Looking forward to the next episode. Cheers, Annie
I really wish I lived in a place that got a bit more rain. That being said, I'm writing this from my back patio where it's 80 degrees without a cloud in the sky, and the palm trees are blowing in the afternoon breeze. That's not too bad either. It certainly was a challenge to find compositions while in the Redwoods, but it got easier with each day, and I started to get a better feeling for how the light works. I look forward to heading back there again next Spring. Hopefully I'll get a bit more fog to work with on that trip.
Brings to mind wandering trails and peppermint tea with my Grandmother. She would tell us tales of the "wee folk" of her home in Ireland. Thank you Mr.Horne.
Lovely video. The second photo is beautiful. I also liked the scene at 8:35-8:42 where you are walking down the path. That would be a lovely image as well (IMO).
Thanks Wendy! One of the fun things about doing the video is that there are some scenes that would be tough to photograph, but I know they'll work super well on video, so I have a good way to show it either way. Though I really like the subject in that second photo, I did make a bit of a mistake. I accidentally had a small amount of front tilt dialed in, and I lost some sharpness up top on the tree. It's a scene that I plan to revisit next spring, possibly even with a bit of misty. We'll see!
Thanks so much Jaco! I really enjoyed working in the new environment, especially from a video standpoint because there was so much potential with all the new sights and sounds.
The sounds of the birds, the rain, and the river is so relaxing. It's like meditation. The old growth scene is spectacular. Looking forward to episode 3.
Thanks Bryan! The sights and sounds of the forest sure were fun to work with on this trip. Thankfully my video slider didn't die in the rain because it sure came in handy up there. I think you'll enjoy the third episode.😉
The second composition is wonderful! I really enjoy the framing the outer redwoods provide and the light on the subject redwoods. Certainly an image that makes you want to step into the scene! Cheers
Thanks Adam! That was one of those scenes where I didn't notice the nuance of the composition until I saw the film. When I set up that photo, I was paying most of my attention to the edges of the comp, but when I saw the film, it was great to see that all the elements work so well together.
As always great video Ben, I think this is what the big cameras are made for love the textures and detail, and I just love your patience on every shot if conditions aren't right then come back when they are. Both shots were excellent, can't wait till the next episode, but I'll have to.
Thanks Dave! It was definitely a great day to wander around in the forest. I think you'll really enjoy the third episode as well. That's my favorite of the series. :-)
Love the second image with the lighter tree in the background. It does a great job of capturing the beauty and peacefulness of the forest you were in. Look forward to the next episode.
Such vibrancy in those woods, and the scale (when you walked amongst those trees at 8:41..) As always, I enjoy the videos, and thank you for sharing them!
Thanks so much Oddbjørn! The trees were an absolute treat to walk among. It never got old looking up at them and just taking some time to really appreciate them. I don't think any photo will ever do them justice, but I certainly look forward to returning next year and seeing what else I can find.
Such beauty. My better half can't handle all that rain but I would love it. I loved the second image the most. I hope it is in your 2019 box set (hint-hint). Green forests are always better to photograph in that light.
Thanks James! That second photo hasn't made the cut yet, but who knows. It all depends on what I do, or don't come up with from my fall trip. I do have a photo from Episode 3 of the Redwoods that will be in the box set though.
Love the second image - evokes some wonderful memories of when I lived in California for a few months and went for some wonderful trips to the Redwoods and Sequoias. Really enjoy your approach to the new surroundings and the challenges - life would be so boring without learning new things ;-) As always a wonderful video! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Isabel! I really enjoyed my time up there and learning what sort of light works well for each scene. There is still so much to learn, and I look forward to making a return trip next Spring.
Thanks, Ben, I really enjoyed this video. You got a couple of great images, a reward for getting so soggy. I'm headed up to the NorCal Redwood parks in about a month. I'm hopeful the fog will be in and maybe I can get a couple of good images, too. Appreciate your videos very much!
Thanks as always Andreas! It really was a great experience to be up in the Redwoods and experience that change of scenery. I look forward to heading back again next year.
Thanks as always Pete. That was a really fun scene to come across. Though I do like how it turned out, I do wish there was just a hint of mist in the scene. It's an area that I will certainly revisit on future trips.
Ben....just discovered your blog. It's very good. Thank you. I would respectfully suggest you credit the musicians who create the beautiful music you use.
Hi Al! I have started doing that in my recent videos as a convenience to viewers. I paid to license all of the songs in these videos, and a credit isn't required by that license, but I do see how viewers might be interested in licensing the same song for their own project.
Well done Ben! Im my travels a few years ago I stumbled onto the Lady Bird Johnson Grove in CA. All alone there for a couple of hours - a wonderful spiritual experience.
That must have been quite the experience having the grove all to yourself. When my wife and I visited last summer, that is one of the Groves that we wandered though. There weren't a lot of people there, but there were certainly others on the trail.
@@BenHorne to be honest, I don't know, I use the Muck Off visor spray on both my digital cameras rear screen and on my glasses with good results and I would think that it would be perfect on the outer smooth side of a ground-glass. If you had a spare unused ground-glass and tested some of these sprays on it to get the best results.
Very well done. Especially the second capture from that day is fascinating me: I remember a capture from Zion where you were searching a special cottonwood tree with light green/yellow fall color deep inside a canyon located at a bend as far as I remember. And this particular foto seems to refer to the Zion scene but in a complete juxtaposition: The light green fern deep at the bottom and the monstrous trees as the main subject dominating the scene, where the cottonwood in Zion appears as tiny as a bonsai within that canyon. (If that makes sense.)
That does make sense Michael, and I think I know the exact photo you're referring to. It is definitely quite difficult to convey the size of these trees, but I'm glad it comes through in the photo.
I wouldn't want to venture off these trails because it might harm the plant life, and lead to erosion. Also, keep in mind that this is bear country and I am sure they avoid the trails to stay away from people, but once you stray from the trail, you are entering their world.
Thanks Noealz! It was great to work in such a different environment with all the new sighs and sounds. I really look forward to heading back there again next Spring.
Yeah, it's amazing how green that place is. The undergrowth is also quite diverse and changes quite a bit from one area to the next. This gives so many different opportunities even on a single trail.
Thanks! Those paths are a joy to walk on both because of the scenery, but also because the redwood needles are so soft underfoot. Makes me feel like a ninja walking silently through the forest. 😉
Thanks Andrew! It sure was a much different environment to work in, and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to returning next year and getting some more photos based on what I learned on this trip.
Thanks Craig. One of the things I learned on that trip is that if you just stop and take some time to observe a particular area, all sorts of subjects will appear before you.
Hi Peter! Though I do carry a polarizer with me, I didn't use it on this trip because my exposures were long enough as it was, and if they were any longer I would have issues with wind moving the plants. It probably would have helped a bit with some of the foregrounds, but maybe it would have also increased the saturation too much.
Ben Horne thanks Ben. I am starting to realise that I am probably overusing a CPL in my forest photography and it is helpful to understand what works for others.
Isn't funny how the scene we see with our eyes is so difficult to capture in all it's grandure with the camera. I wonder to what extent the scene is enhanced by our spirit and or experience. Connecting to nature we then become the scene. Another great and inspiring video. Thanks 🐼✌️
Hi Craig! I have been using that slider for a few years now, but I think you're just noticing it more because the depth of the forest really strengthens the effect of it. I try to be rather subtle with the slider, but it definitely stands out more in a forest environment.
@@BenHorne I thought what I saw before was maybe just done in post. But in the forest it was obvious the perspective was changing. It added a lot. Thanks for replying. Have a good evening. Peace.
Beautiful images, Ben - thanks for showing them to us. Reference your discussion of back-up equipment - the chance of a human making a mistake is recognized as 1 in 8 by some certification authorities, a probability of 0.125. The probability of two humans making the same mistake simultaneously is 0.125 x 0.125, or .015625, for three it is .001953 - and so on. Good decisions on redundancies, or back-ups, are based on simple mathematics and well defined assumptions. I have found it pays to remember this before venturing out into the wilderness alone - every risk can be mitigated to an 'acceptable' level, if you understand the probabilities.
Hey Ben - these are beautiful and valuable videos - thank you for all of your hard work! I scanned the comments but didn't find out where exactly you were. There are many redwood parks in NorCal - I'm wondering which one you visited. Thanks! PT
Im enjoying this series and the rain helps a lot, I imagine. Although I bet it's hard to camp in. The scale of the forest is incredible, looking forward to the next instalment.
This trip certainly made me wish I had an awesome camper van like yours. Maybe some day! The best I could do was hang out under the lift gate. On the plus side, it wasn't very cold, so the rain was actually quite refreshing.
The sounds of the forests- birds, wind, rain and the story about the lighter. Quite beautiful I must admit. Thanks for the video
Thanks so much! I look forward to heading back there again in the spring. There was so much beauty around each corner!
I'm glad you got the rain - it really helped with the richness and light. I love the shape of the ferns and the texture in the bark. Wonderful place.
Yeah, the rain really brought all those ferns to life with all that glossy color. It was a real treat hiking through the forest in those conditions.
sometimes getting out of your comfort zone are the best teaching moments
Definitely! I really enjoyed my time up there, and I look forward to heading back next year based on what I learned on this trip.
The varied thrush sound so ethereal and beautiful, its one of my favorite birds to wake up to in the morning in the redwoods.
It sure is a beautiful sound isn't it? I'm looking forward to heading back to the Redwoods (hopefully) this spring. The atmospherics up there are surreal.
@@BenHorne that sounds awesome, good luck, hopefully people see the redwoods and how to treat them nicely through your videos.
I really love that you are adding the Redwoods to your destination list.
I came to your channel about two years ago, and I've been entranced with your thoughtful exploration of subjects through the Zion, Colorado Plateau, and Death Valley. But, I only heard of you after you had been visiting those places for years (as far as I can tell), which meant that I missed your initial explorations of those areas. I missed the years-long unfolding story of how you came to know those areas as intricately as you do.
So, I'm excited to see you starting anew with the Redwoods area. I'm excited to see how you learn the rhythms and nature of a new place, and all of the work that will come out of that.
Thanks Mark! That's a very good observation about the process of getting to know a new location, and how this is just the beginning of many years of exploration. My first trips to Death Valley and Zion were about 10 years ago, and I still love returning to those locations after all this time - but there is definitely something very special about the process of getting to know a new location, and learning all the subtleties of light and subject that come along with it. I know I'll be back again next spring based on what I have learned on this trip. It's such a beautiful location.
The scale of the trees is mindblowing! The video, as always, has a calming vibe to it.Really enjoy them!
Yeah, it's the sort of thing where no photo will ever do those trees justice. They are absolutely incredible to walk among and it's mind blowing to realize how old they are and how much the world has changed since they have lived on this planet.
Great to see you in the forest there Ben. Just love those old growth forests, especially in the rain.
Thanks Adam! It was definitely a challenge, but I'm happy that I got at least one photo I really like from the trip. I'll definitely be back next year.
Been in Sequoia and the northern redwood forest, and you have captured it well. Love the stand of trees and beauty of the bark. You also captured well the chaos of the ferns and greenery along the path. It is so cool to hear you enjoy the new photo environment and find opportunities to examine the richness of the forest. Keep'm coming......Bob
Thanks as always Bob! It sure was fun wandering around such a new environment. I definitely plan to head back there again next spring. There are so many wonderful trails to explore up there.
The shot with the trees is very nice. I like the brighter tree that you found. Very sharp, yet it has a nice softness about it. You're right about the fog. Just a small amount would be wonderful.
Yup, that's a location where I hope to return when there is just a bit of mist in the air. Not a heavy fog, but just enough to build a bit more depth. That's the fun thing about getting to know a new location.
I particularly like that second shot. Even just on my screen it has so much depth to it. No doubt that is going to make for a beautiful print.
Thanks so much! Always appreciated!
You killed it with that second one, Ben. Awesome.
Thanks Michael!
I love how you are just enjoying the experience and not once complaining about the rain. A joy to watch, Ben and that last shot is a beaut!
Thanks Martin. Rain is still a bit of a novelty for me since I live in Southern California and we don't get very much of it. Being surrounded by that scenery in the rain was a downright magical experience. I'll just have to be a bit more careful with my microphone next time. I lost quite a few clips because I didn't realize it was already saturated.
I have always enjoyed your standard fare in the southwest, but it was awesome to see you in a new area. The Redwoods are beautiful and you did them justice. Rain aside, hope to see you back on the coast again.
Thanks Tim! I'll definitely be back again next year. It sure was beautiful up there!
Looks like a beautiful location to explore and experience a forest environment. I did like the 2nd exposure of the redwoods.
It definitely was a great location to explore, and I look forward to heading back there again next spring. I could likely spend a lifetime up there.
Was so hoping you were going to shoot those scenes. Your video showed us pieces of those scenes and they looked so interesting, and your stills captured them beautifully. Beautiful area, and you captured it well, preserving the feeling of the rich "wetness" of the forest. Hard to be effective in the rain, with all the distractions of fogging, rain drops, etc. But you did it well. Was in the Adirondacks of upstate NY last fall in similar conditions, and the reward of the sogginess is the depth of the colors in the forest. Well done.
It really is tough to work in those conditions, but at least it wasn't windy. That would make things very difficult. I have learned to take a large waterproof cloth with me and cover my pack with it when my pack is on the ground and I am working out of it. That helps to keep the gear dry. The dark cloth keeps the camera dry, but the biggest issue is the ground glass fogging up. This is even with me being very careful not to breathe on it. It sure is beautiful up there in the rain though. It really brings out so much color, and all the plants are so glossy and vivid.
@@BenHorne Good idea about the waterproof cloth, I'm going to add one to my list. I do shoot 4x5 as well, and have been afraid of getting the bellows wet, but still, the colors are worth it! Wonder if there is some type of gentle anti-fog spray that could be used for the ground glass, although it would be worrisome to try, for fear of damaging the glass.
Great to watch, you’re like watching a photographic Bob Ross
Thanks so much!!! That is so cool to hear!
Hi Ben, thanks for your video, very enjoyable. I enjoy the rain, even more living in WA. It's nothing like seeing nature come to life. Interesting to see and hear your take on finding frames in the forrest, I find this a big challenge. I really like the shot with the Red wood trunks, light is very nice. Looking forward to the next episode. Cheers, Annie
I really wish I lived in a place that got a bit more rain. That being said, I'm writing this from my back patio where it's 80 degrees without a cloud in the sky, and the palm trees are blowing in the afternoon breeze. That's not too bad either. It certainly was a challenge to find compositions while in the Redwoods, but it got easier with each day, and I started to get a better feeling for how the light works. I look forward to heading back there again next Spring. Hopefully I'll get a bit more fog to work with on that trip.
Brings to mind wandering trails and peppermint tea with my Grandmother. She would tell us tales of the "wee folk" of her home in Ireland. Thank you Mr.Horne.
Thanks so much for watching! That's pretty awesome that the video brings back memories like that!
Lovely video. The second photo is beautiful. I also liked the scene at 8:35-8:42 where you are walking down the path. That would be a lovely image as well (IMO).
Thanks Wendy! One of the fun things about doing the video is that there are some scenes that would be tough to photograph, but I know they'll work super well on video, so I have a good way to show it either way. Though I really like the subject in that second photo, I did make a bit of a mistake. I accidentally had a small amount of front tilt dialed in, and I lost some sharpness up top on the tree. It's a scene that I plan to revisit next spring, possibly even with a bit of misty. We'll see!
Loved that 2nd image Ben it works really well.
Thanks Danny!
Loving this series Ben, I have a fascination with forests and big trees in particular, the second photo here is amazing, wow!
Those big trees sure are a feast for the eyes. I can see why you are fascinated by forests. They are such a treat for all of the senses.
Hi Ben, great relaxing video again a real joy to watch. Looking forward to the next episodes. It is good to see you shoot and explore somewhere else.
Thanks so much Jaco! I really enjoyed working in the new environment, especially from a video standpoint because there was so much potential with all the new sights and sounds.
Looks like you hit pay dirt with some wonderful photos displayed at the end.
The sounds of the birds, the rain, and the river is so relaxing. It's like meditation. The old growth scene is spectacular. Looking forward to episode 3.
Thanks Bryan! The sights and sounds of the forest sure were fun to work with on this trip. Thankfully my video slider didn't die in the rain because it sure came in handy up there. I think you'll enjoy the third episode.😉
I LOVE that last shot !!
Thanks Gashanovic!
Great video again mate👍🏻 loving this little series! Beautiful shots especially like the second one
Thanks so much! Those were some very fun scenes to come across.
The second composition is wonderful! I really enjoy the framing the outer redwoods provide and the light on the subject redwoods. Certainly an image that makes you want to step into the scene! Cheers
Thanks Adam! That was one of those scenes where I didn't notice the nuance of the composition until I saw the film. When I set up that photo, I was paying most of my attention to the edges of the comp, but when I saw the film, it was great to see that all the elements work so well together.
Beautiful images Ben and great video! I love the sounds of the forest. Just fantastic man!
Thanks Mike! It was so awesome to spend time in this new environment for me. Everything was so alive.
The Redwoods... nicely done !
Thanks as always Mike!
As always great video Ben, I think this is what the big cameras are made for love the textures and detail, and I just love your patience on every shot if conditions aren't right then come back when they are. Both shots were excellent, can't wait till the next episode, but I'll have to.
Thanks so much Mick!
love how the pics turned out dude. Not bad for some "guess work".
Thanks man!
Loved Part II......an especially the print of the reswood trees.
Thanks Dave! It was definitely a great day to wander around in the forest. I think you'll really enjoy the third episode as well. That's my favorite of the series. :-)
Love the second image with the lighter tree in the background. It does a great job of capturing the beauty and peacefulness of the forest you were in. Look forward to the next episode.
Thanks Larry!
That second image is gorgeous. Beautiful work Ben!
Thanks Timothy!
Such vibrancy in those woods, and the scale (when you walked amongst those trees at 8:41..) As always, I enjoy the videos, and thank you for sharing them!
Thanks so much Oddbjørn! The trees were an absolute treat to walk among. It never got old looking up at them and just taking some time to really appreciate them. I don't think any photo will ever do them justice, but I certainly look forward to returning next year and seeing what else I can find.
Such beauty. My better half can't handle all that rain but I would love it. I loved the second image the most. I hope it is in your 2019 box set (hint-hint). Green forests are always better to photograph in that light.
Thanks James! That second photo hasn't made the cut yet, but who knows. It all depends on what I do, or don't come up with from my fall trip. I do have a photo from Episode 3 of the Redwoods that will be in the box set though.
Man, it's great to see you getting out to a new location!
It definitely is fun exploring such a different environment, and I certainly look forward to returning next spring!
Love the second image - evokes some wonderful memories of when I lived in California for a few months and went for some wonderful trips to the Redwoods and Sequoias. Really enjoy your approach to the new surroundings and the challenges - life would be so boring without learning new things ;-) As always a wonderful video! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Isabel! I really enjoyed my time up there and learning what sort of light works well for each scene. There is still so much to learn, and I look forward to making a return trip next Spring.
Thanks, Ben, I really enjoyed this video. You got a couple of great images, a reward for getting so soggy. I'm headed up to the NorCal Redwood parks in about a month. I'm hopeful the fog will be in and maybe I can get a couple of good images, too. Appreciate your videos very much!
Thanks Robert! You'll have a blast up there. I hope you'll get some great conditions!
Excellent video Ben! I love the vibe of you photographing the redwoods. Completely different than zion or the death valley. Great 👍💯
Thanks as always Andreas! It really was a great experience to be up in the Redwoods and experience that change of scenery. I look forward to heading back again next year.
Ben i love that second shot! Like rrally love it!
Thanks so much Joe!
LOVE the shot of the Redwoods with the Fujinon 240mm. Gorgeous...:)
Thanks as always Pete. That was a really fun scene to come across. Though I do like how it turned out, I do wish there was just a hint of mist in the scene. It's an area that I will certainly revisit on future trips.
Really enjoyed this Ben, music choice is perfect and it looks like you enjoyed some weather that is all to familiar to an Irish man.
I definitely had some very Irish weather out there Peter! That's for sure! Thankfully the Redwood trees gave me a bit of shelter from time to time.
Incredible as always Ben. Thank you
Thanks Joshua!
Ben....just discovered your blog. It's very good. Thank you. I would respectfully suggest you credit the musicians who create the beautiful music you use.
Hi Al! I have started doing that in my recent videos as a convenience to viewers. I paid to license all of the songs in these videos, and a credit isn't required by that license, but I do see how viewers might be interested in licensing the same song for their own project.
Ben that second one of the tree trunks is beautiful. Great work - Great Video!
Thanks so much Simeon!
Well done Ben!
Im my travels a few years ago I stumbled onto the Lady Bird Johnson Grove in CA. All alone there for a couple of hours - a wonderful spiritual experience.
That must have been quite the experience having the grove all to yourself. When my wife and I visited last summer, that is one of the Groves that we wandered though. There weren't a lot of people there, but there were certainly others on the trail.
For a foggy ground-glass try an anti-fog treatment like Muck-off anti-fog spray, test some of them on a spare ground-glass.
That sounds like a really good idea Barrie! Do you know if it has any other side effects?
@@BenHorne to be honest, I don't know, I use the Muck Off visor spray on both my digital cameras rear screen and on my glasses with good results and I would think that it would be perfect on the outer smooth side of a ground-glass. If you had a spare unused ground-glass and tested some of these sprays on it to get the best results.
Very well done.
Especially the second capture from that day is fascinating me: I remember a capture from Zion where you were searching a special cottonwood tree with light green/yellow fall color deep inside a canyon located at a bend as far as I remember.
And this particular foto seems to refer to the Zion scene but in a complete juxtaposition:
The light green fern deep at the bottom and the monstrous trees as the main subject dominating the scene, where the cottonwood in Zion appears as tiny as a bonsai within that canyon.
(If that makes sense.)
That does make sense Michael, and I think I know the exact photo you're referring to. It is definitely quite difficult to convey the size of these trees, but I'm glad it comes through in the photo.
Killed it man...great work.
Thanks as always Aaron! Hope the Islands are treating you well.
Geez, the subtle camera movement and foggy forest is perfect, Ben!
Love the Forest 🌳
Thanks Terry! It sure was great to spend some time up there in the Redwoods. It seemed that there was a surprise around each corner.
Fantastic Ben... really loving the series
Thanks as always Rakesh!
Hi, why not explore more away from the "beaten track", if its legal though!? May be some nice spots and compositons to discover. =)
I wouldn't want to venture off these trails because it might harm the plant life, and lead to erosion. Also, keep in mind that this is bear country and I am sure they avoid the trails to stay away from people, but once you stray from the trail, you are entering their world.
That's it I'm going large format
You'll love it. 👍
no one makes the woods look better than you man
Thanks Noealz! It was great to work in such a different environment with all the new sighs and sounds. I really look forward to heading back there again next Spring.
Wonderful video Ben !!!
Thanks so much Evgeny!
Mind blowing !! Great work Ben
Thanks Josh!
wow, so lush and green out there, I need to plan a trip out there sometime in the near future. Great compositions ;0)
Yeah, it's amazing how green that place is. The undergrowth is also quite diverse and changes quite a bit from one area to the next. This gives so many different opportunities even on a single trail.
Very Good 👍👾
Both of your images are Great, Rich in depth and texture.
Nice i bet to walk on those well made paths 🙂
Thanks! Those paths are a joy to walk on both because of the scenery, but also because the redwood needles are so soft underfoot. Makes me feel like a ninja walking silently through the forest. 😉
Ben Horne haha yep better than rocky Zion and Death valley.
The rain is pretty much the norm in the UK but with those
Giant trees for shelter 👍
Great images Ben , nice to see something completely different from you
Thanks Andrew! It sure was a much different environment to work in, and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to returning next year and getting some more photos based on what I learned on this trip.
I thought your second was lovely - those ferns looked amazing and then your eye is taken to the lighter looking tree in the background.
Thanks Craig. One of the things I learned on that trip is that if you just stop and take some time to observe a particular area, all sorts of subjects will appear before you.
Beautiful sense of calmness and serenity in these images. Do you use a CPL for any of these wet forest scenes or are they all unfiltered?
Hi Peter! Though I do carry a polarizer with me, I didn't use it on this trip because my exposures were long enough as it was, and if they were any longer I would have issues with wind moving the plants. It probably would have helped a bit with some of the foregrounds, but maybe it would have also increased the saturation too much.
Ben Horne thanks Ben. I am starting to realise that I am probably overusing a CPL in my forest photography and it is helpful to understand what works for others.
The pictures came out amazing! Have you been to Big Sur yet?
Thanks Jamie! I haven't been there yet, but I would love to at some point.
Second one is a keeper :)
Thanks Süheyl! I really learned to keep an eye out for that nice soft diffused side light. It gives the trees so much depth.
Beautiful shots Ben!!
Thanks as always Robert!
great video Ben !!!
Thanks Sami!
Isn't funny how the scene we see with our eyes is so difficult to capture in all it's grandure with the camera. I wonder to what extent the scene is enhanced by our spirit and or experience. Connecting to nature we then become the scene. Another great and inspiring video. Thanks 🐼✌️
This was fantastic!, thanks
Did I notice something new? Are you using a motorized camera slider, in your videos, now?
Hi Craig! I have been using that slider for a few years now, but I think you're just noticing it more because the depth of the forest really strengthens the effect of it. I try to be rather subtle with the slider, but it definitely stands out more in a forest environment.
@@BenHorne I thought what I saw before was maybe just done in post. But in the forest it was obvious the perspective was changing. It added a lot. Thanks for replying. Have a good evening. Peace.
What part of the redwoods are you in?
On this trip I visited Jedediah Smith, Del Norte, and Prairie Creek.
Beautiful images, Ben - thanks for showing them to us. Reference your discussion of back-up equipment - the chance of a human making a mistake is recognized as 1 in 8 by some certification authorities, a probability of 0.125. The probability of two humans making the same mistake simultaneously is 0.125 x 0.125, or .015625, for three it is .001953 - and so on. Good decisions on redundancies, or back-ups, are based on simple mathematics and well defined assumptions. I have found it pays to remember this before venturing out into the wilderness alone - every risk can be mitigated to an 'acceptable' level, if you understand the probabilities.
That is fascinating Paul, and it makes perfect sense!
Seem like an umbrella would come in handy. :-)
It really would have!
Hey Ben - these are beautiful and valuable videos - thank you for all of your hard work!
I scanned the comments but didn't find out where exactly you were. There are many redwood parks in NorCal - I'm wondering which one you visited.
Thanks!
PT
Shoot me an email though my site or on IG
Listening to Ben Horne always seems to improve my well-being; send me an invoice :)
Haha! Thanks so much Colin!
Beautiful shots Ben! loved the last one.
BTW, why don't you try Yoga ? :)
It will suit you so well brother.
I really should try Yoga. It seems like it would be a very good thing.