Hey Ranger: Redwoods Winter

A little dampness brings out vivid colors on Howland Hill Road. Andrew Riordan/Redwood National and State Parks

The “Hey Ranger” column written by employees of the Redwood National and State Parks is published monthly. Today’s column is by Park Ranger Andrew Riordan.

“Here Comes the Rain Again.” This 1983 hot song by the Eurythmics has special meaning for those living in Del Norte County. While it’s been unseasonably dry, we’re nearing the time of year when you wake up and it starts to rain and you realize it might not stop until spring.

 It’s a time when it seems more logical to hunker down than venture outdoors in the cold and wet. As a youth, stormy days were the days when I wanted to stay inside and play video games. But, as I have grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the rain for the opportunities it provides me to explore my creative side.

One thing that I have really started to enjoy and become very passionate about is photography. And, contrary to what you might expect, rainy days often provide better opportunities for a photographer than those of full sun.

For me, the most amazing thing about photography is how it allows me to tell a story. Depending on my mood and intent, the camera allows wonderful leeway: I can focus on a small singular object or I can zoom out and focus on a much broader subject. In the eyes of the beholder and through a camera lens, the same subject can be tense or serene, joyful or lonely, real or mysterious. Among my favorite subjects are the majestic coast redwoods, and there is no better time to tell their story through a camera than during winter.

The Mill Cree Trail/Nickerson Ranch Loop. Andrew Riordan/Redwood National and State Parks

They also remind us that rain is a life-giving miracle. Rain makes the forest’s colors much more vibrant; the trees appear more alive and inviting. They open their arms and welcome you to explore the mysteries within. Because of the rain, the air is washed clear and the forest responds by drawing back her blinds, letting us look deeper. It is a wonderful time to photograph.

I know what you may be thinking right now: “I’ve seen the redwoods my entire life and after a while they all just start to look the same.” This was part of a conversation I recently had with someone in a park visitors center.

I must admit that there was a time when I agreed, but when I started looking closely I realized each tree is unique. You may also think that something that has been standing still for the last 500 to 2,000 years or so could be a pretty static subject. Not true. The trees vary with the weather and the light. In the fog, coast redwoods are haunting, eerily beautiful, and ever-changing.

Standing on the banks of the Smith River, looking up at the fog-shrouded canopy, I see their beauty in a new way. Walking in Stout Grove after a recent rain and wind storm gives me a new vision of a place I’ve seen many times before.

Falling from heights only coast redwoods can offer, raindrops make a symphony as they land around me. Clinging to ferns, crystalline beads of moisture reflect the sunlight working its way into the grove. In the high forest canopy, the sparkled light twinkles like stars on top of Christmas trees. Luckily, I brought my camera and am able to capture the stories the forest wants to share.

During my time here at the parks, I have met visitors from around the world who come here because this is such a gorgeous and photogenic place. They come with a wide variety of cameras, their own ideas and techniques for photographing the redwoods, and their own stories to tell.

Talking with visitors and looking at their photographs, I’ve come to realize that you do not need a fancy camera to get a beautiful shot of the redwoods. There are many low cost point-and-shoot cameras on the market that take great photographs. And, almost all cell phone phones today come with built-in cameras. Whether your camera is fancy or plain, here are a few tips for rainy-day photography:

• Protect your camera from getting wet. You can buy an expensive rain cover for your equipment, but a gallon-sized ziplock bag with a hole cut out for the lens works just fine. A lens hood is also a worthwhile investment, protecting your lens not only from raindrops but also from scratches.

Stormy days can mean less available light, and less light means that you will be taking pictures at slower shutter speeds. A tripod is useful to keep the camera steady. Or, simply prop your camera on a fallen log, a rock or a fence.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to the composition of each photo. Try to view your subject from different angles. You will be amazed at how changing your perspective will give your photograph a new look.

The ironic thing about “grey” days is that the soft, even lighting actually makes for vibrant saturated colors — look for nature’s bright reds, oranges, and purples to add drama to your shot.

Getting out and into the redwoods during winter is a great way to get some physical exercise, and taking photographs is a fun way to get some creative exercise. Even if you don’t bring a camera or photography is not an interest, Redwood National and State Parks is still a truly unique place to explore.

This winter, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes — or many hours — to get out and enjoy the parks.