Primal Fear

I don't want to sound like a wuss, but this environment is one of the few that heightens my senses. Not that the Redwoods are known for thier predators, or dangers. But, when I walk in the forest in the dark, it makes the hair on my neck stand up!

It was raining heavy, and I was a ways in and alone. It was getting dark, enough so that I was having difficulty seeing through the viewfinder to make compositions. By the time I decided to shut it down and head for the car, I was not sure if I'd be hiking by headlamp or not. In these wet conditions, you don't push the pace too hard unless you don't mind going down a few times in the process. So anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that it was a little spooky. But, I also think it's this kind of situation that allows you to feel the soul of the forest. And to me, that's the special part of the experience.

This might appear a bit dark, but it's actually brighter than the scene was when I shot it. I didn't try and do anything cute with the foreground, as I liked the endless carpet of green created by the ferns. I hope the mood comes through in this presentation.

D800,
24-70 2.8,
Polarizer,
3sec, F11,
iso 800,

Thanks,
Chris