New look at my favorite tree

Matt Tilghman

As an inaugural trip for my new 6D, I decided to head to Russian Ridge. It's one of my favorite places, so it felt right for the inaugural trip... My favorite scene within Russian Ridge is a cluster of 5 or 6 California Buckeyes that always captures my interest. I worked extra hard to try to find a new perspective in honor of my new camera

The Giving Tree


And of course, my obligatory sappy caption:

Russian Ridge is much like other patches of chaparral in Northern California in that when summer rolls around, the gentle hillsides dry and turn bright gold. The sight of it feels like something out of an afterlife – pure paradise. The reality, however, is not so kind. The grass is nearly knee high, and not soft at all. The spikelets have spent the last 10,000 years evolving into perfect jean-penetrating, ankle-scaping machines. And sometimes, they also hide lustful ticks hoping for a free ride.

But under this precious California Buckeye tree, the friendly grass of spring had lingered longer. Once I got under, the way soft blades caressed my raw ankles was a welcomed change. The shade this tree offered from the piercing summer sun was another welcomed respite, and the flora seemed to agree. Look closely and you may even find a few wildflowers persisting way past their due.

Thanks for reading!

kdog

Great shot and nice backstory, Matt.

superduckz

Beautiful shot! Everyone should have a favorite tree.

Earache

Very atmospheric - nice work!

Stumblebum

Great! Just great capture of the light! How many times I have tried and wished to capture the glistening dry grass and the back lit leaves and for them to come through.......perfect exposure as far as I am concerned!

redleash

Enjoyed the shot and the story. Very nice lighting.

Matt Tilghman

Thanks all!