John Muir Woods - Walk in Paradise
This image was one of my first of John Muir Woods. Hard to believe it is only just a few short miles from downtown San Francisco.
Had it not been that this little grove of Coastal Redwoods was in a steep valley it would have surely been cut down for lumber by early settlers. Fortunately it was purchased a by Congressman William Kent who wanted to wanted to protect it rather than exploit it. Much of California's old growth redwoods were gone. These trees are 2000+ years old so efforts by logging companies to replant would not be realized for generations to come. This is why what is left of our Old Growth forests must be preserved. You might think the monument would be named after Congressman Kent but he insisted it be named after famous naturalist John Muir who was instrumental in saving much of our state's natural wonders for future generations to enjoy. I wish there was some way to thank these people for their generosity and foresight. I hope that though my photography I convey that thanks to some small degree.
You can visit Muir Woods year round. Now you might think from this image that the park is relatively uncrowned. That is NOT the case. Even on stormy wintery days, the park is full of people and getting a shot like this is near impossible due to the crowds. You must have a lot of patience or a few photographic tricks up your sleeve.
When the first rains come and the creek overflows the sand bar at Muir Beach, the Salmon make their yearly run up the stream to lay eggs. You can see the fry (baby salmon) in the creek most of the year.
One nice thing about this park is that it is fully accessible to the handicap and I was able to bring my aging grandmother here for a visit and take her over the 1.2 mile trail though the redwoods. It was a special day for all of us as she had never seen the redwoods.
If you wish to shoot Muir Woods the best advice I can give is that you bring a tripod. Especially if you plan to stay till twilight.
Enjoy!
Darv
LiquidMoonlight Studios
© Darvin Atkeson
Comments and faves
Alecia.R, brothergrimm, Gingercat2008, kystorms, and 192 other people added this photo to their favorites.
Khun Shaun (ชอร์น) (59 months ago | reply)
Please tag photos with "5PhotosaDay".
˙Cаvin 〄 (59 months ago | reply)
wow!
Gingercat2008 (59 months ago | reply)
What a beautiful image!
You've been memed! I saw your photo used in a meme over at the My Meme group and invite you to become a member.
Here is the mosaic it was in:
www.flickr.com/photos/nancymesaaz/2652664143/
thescorpio_7086 (59 months ago | reply)
WOW!
wish i cud hav been there
arti370 (58 months ago | reply)
Vi esta foto no grupo LANDSCAPES DREAMS
Parabéns por esta maravilhosa FOTO!
Darvin Atkeson (58 months ago | reply)
Arti370,
Obrigado por comentar sobre esta foto.
Cheers,
Darv
sahara13 (58 months ago | reply)
Excellent shot.!!
travelhaha (58 months ago | reply)
Seen in 100% Relax :-)
www.flickr.com/groups/100_relax_-/
jamiejennings (58 months ago | reply)
The lighting here is beautiful, great job! Thanks for the story as well.
dreamswanderer (56 months ago | reply)
I'm sure I'd love to walk this path...
jmsam (53 months ago | reply)
this is one of my favorite places on the planet. so peaceful.
great capture!
oneduke99 [deleted] (51 months ago | reply)
saying goodbye now [deleted] (50 months ago | reply)
A very special place..
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Tree Fanatics, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Blu Marshall (50 months ago | reply)
Super Shot..thanks for the explanation too!
Aysenur Toptas (47 months ago | reply)
Absolutely beautiful!
SpeedyDi20832 (46 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Secret Forest, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
~Mike Potts Photography~ (44 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Wooded Paths, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Beautiful shot!!! This is definately on my list of places to go.
Me Bee (41 months ago | reply)
I've enjoyed Muir Woods several times over the past year. What a remarkable place to step inside and enjoy :)
WabbitWanderer (41 months ago | reply)
Lovely pic and well said.
Tony Fischer Photography (40 months ago | reply)
Super......WoW.......Great shot., FAV!
i n i m i n i (36 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Nature Nerds, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
i n i m i n i (36 months ago | reply)
Thanks for your submission to Nature Nerds!
Raymond Larose (19 months ago | reply)
That is really amazing light pouring into there!
Fred Wang - Photography (19 months ago | reply)
awesome light
Max Resnick (19 months ago | reply)
Great light, and atmosphere.
Photodestiny395 (19 months ago | reply)
Beautiful lighting & composition.
Mr_Andre (19 months ago | reply)
That is a pretty shot. And it is so hard to shoot in the redwoods - it can be way too contrast-y.
Sealis (19 months ago | reply)
Really nice light and color!
Concorde Nick (19 months ago | reply)
Light streaming through a forest is one of my favorite images. Beautifully captured.
--
Seen in my contacts' photos. ( ?² )
Matt Granz Photography (19 months ago | reply)
Great exposure control my friend. I feel like I can walk into the frame.
Steve Arnett (19 months ago | reply)
And that's why I love California.
Kathy (Arctic-Fox) (19 months ago | reply)
Beautifully done.. and great words in tribute of those who helped to save places like this. I was there over 10 years ago, thanks for the memory.
t.m.schultze (19 months ago | reply)
Normally, I don't do much with walkways in my work. That being said, look at that light shaft. That makes this shot extraordinary. The contrast is great and as you know, not easily controlled! Excellent work.
Joe mulgrew (19 months ago | reply)
Excellent
sandra9871 (19 months ago | reply)
I wish I were there right now - it looks so peaceful. Congrats on getting a shot with no tourists in it!
Yvonne Niemann Photography (19 months ago | reply)
OMG! So inspiring!!!!!
Touching Light Photography - dnarich (19 months ago | reply)
This is simply a beautiful and peaceful scene, with a wonderful curving walk in the woods and great atmosphere. It is hard to believe there was a single soul there the day you took this photo!
Touching Light Photography - dnarich (19 months ago | reply)
BTW - Now I want to know how I can "favorite" YOU as a photographer-contact. Your work is uniformly excellent!
This photo was invited and added to the Tree appreciation group.
Western Images (19 months ago | reply)
Great Shot, love the lighting!
sunfishandbluecrabs (18 months ago | reply)
Love your photos of the forests.
LifeLover4 (14 months ago | reply)
Beautiful light tunnel!