Stone Age

Okefenokee National Refuge, Georgia
These giant cypress trees are one of the great icons of the Okefenokee National Refuge and one of the reasons the park attracts over 400,000 visitors a year. I wanted to get a few really good specimens in the foreground but have excellent depth of field. The subdued afternoon light worked perfectly to highlight the bright colors of the underbrush, and still give clarity to the swamp waters in the background, without being too harsh and creating overpowering contrasts of light and shade. I love the way the moss on the tree trunks give a bright green tinge as well, so that you have a photograph that is dotted with just the right balance of color. I felt privileged to be in this place, alone with these marvelous trees. They have a great strength and unusual beauty and stand like guardians of the swamps. As I took this long-exposure shot I knew I had something special and was again amazed at the incredible diversity of the landscapes in this vast country we are so fortunate to enjoy.

45 Artist Proof / 450 Limited Edition