Tree Photography

Fine Art Tree Photography Prints

I think of tree photography as a kind of portraiture. Like people, trees are both collective and individual. A forest can have a character, an ambience, but each individual tree within it will also have its own identity. The challenge of photographing trees is to tease out the personality of each one and express the emotion of that personality in the photo - just like shooting portraits of humans. I could spend hours in the forest taking pictures, and I often do because I love it so much. I've been able to take photos of everything from fall autumn colors in New England to aspen trees in Colorado to desert shrubs in Utah and palm trees on Hawaii, and I've never grown tired of spending early mornings alone, wandering the landscapes with my camera.

Maybe it's because I grew up as a child in overdeveloped Southern California that I appreciate the woods so much. If it's up to me, I'll almost always choose to spend time in the forest over the city. And even when everyday life like work or family obligations keep me at home in the city, these beautiful tree photo prints bring a little bit of the forest's peaceful experience into my home. I hope they'll do the same for your home or office.

I offer personal art consultation services with my customers to determine which style of print is best for you, and produce custom print files tailored to your needs. Printing and shipping of my limited and open edition photos are handled by world-class professional print labs. If you have any questions, please reach out. For image licensing inquiries, contact me. I'm here to manage any concerns and satisfy any curiosity you have as you consider purchasing artwork from my online art gallery for your home or office.

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Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California — The Redwood Empire

Tree Tunnel Driveway, Rutherford, California, photo — Rutherford Trees

the lone cypress tree, 17 mile drive, pebble beach, california, photo — The Lone Cypress

Giant Sequoia and Dogwood Fall Foliage, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California — The Land of the Giants

portland japanese garden maple tree photo — Japanese Garden Maple Tree

Monterey Cypress Tree Tunnel, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, photo — Cypress Tree Tunnel

Aspen Trees in Snowstorm near Maroon Bells, White River National Forest, Colorado — White Out

Monterey Cypress Tree Forest at James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach, California, photo — A Walk In The Woods

Old-Growth Redwoods, Simpson-Reed Trail, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California, photo — Old-Growth Redwoods

Portland Japanese Garden Lace Leaf Maple Tree, Portland, Oregon, photo — Tree of Inspiration

Tree-Lined Hiking Trail, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, Marin County, California — Left Leaning

Cottonwood Tree, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Arizona — The Navajo Tree of Life

Palm Garden Scene at The Huntington, San Marino, California — Welcome to the Jungle

Wind-Gnarled Trees Along the Shoreline of San Francisco's East Bay, Alameda, California — Twisted

Hope Valley Aspen Tree Canopy In Fall Season, El Dorado National Forest, California — Hope Valley

Lonesome Cypress Tree, Alameda, California — Lonesome Cypress Tree

Asian Garden at UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, Berkeley, California — Asian Garden

Fall Colors at Smugglers' Notch, Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont — Smugglers' Notch

Japanese Maple Tree at Sunrise, Portland, Oregon, photo — Tree of Radiance

Maple Trees Peak Fall Color at Smugglers' Notch, Mount Mansfield State Forest, Vermont — Smugglers' Paintbrush

Japanese Maple Tree at UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, Berkeley, California — Dancing Queen

Coast Redwood Tree Trunk in Old-Growth Forest, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California, photo — Giant Steps

Pair of Young Trees in Cookís Meadow After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California — Perseverance

Monterey Pines In Fog, Pebble Beach, California, photo — Forest In The Mist

Black Oak Trees in Fog After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California — Magical Morning

Hiking Trail Through Foggy Eucalyptus Forest, San Francisco, California — Cloud Forest

Hoh Rain Forest Panoramic, Olympic National Park, Washington, photo — Hall of Mosses Panoramic

Coast Redwoods at Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California, photo — Stout Grove

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, photo — Del Norte Coast Redwoods

Tree Tunnel / Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California, photo — Alexander Valley Trees

Camperdown Elm Tree at Filoli Garden, Woodside, California — Camperdown Elm

Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve, Los Osos, California, photo — Los Osos Oaks

Temperate Rainforest, Morse Creek, Olympic National Park, Washington, photo — Emerald Forest

Tree-Lined Road in Vineyard, Napa Valley, California, photo — Wine Country Tree Tunnel

Palm Trees & Sunset at Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii — Waikiki Nights

Fall Color Forest Tapestry, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire — Artists' Tapestry

Gateway Arch at Sunrise, Jefferson Expansion Memorial National Monument, St. Louis, Missouri, photo — Gateway Arch

Tree-Lined Driveway During Fall Season, Calistoga, California, photo — Calistoga Trees

Maple Trees in Fall at the Bernheim Forest, Clermont, Kentucky — Autumn Leaves

Simpson-Reed Old-Growth Forest, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California, Photo — Ancient Forest

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail Morning Fog, Redwood National Park, California Photo — Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Elm Tree After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California — Elm Tree

Moss & Lichen at Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington, photo — Hall of Mosses

Tree in a Sea of Fog at Sunset, Berkeley, California — Tree in a Sea of Fog

Tree on Hill With Afternoon Sidelighting, Valley Ford, California, Photo — One Tree Hill

Pine Tree at Sunset, Half Moon Bay, California — The Prophet

Fall Foliage, Angeles National Forest / Glendora, California — Kaleidoscope

Twisted Tree Branches in Fog, Marin County, California, photo — Tree Attachment

Gray's Arch Trail at the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky — Red October

Trees and Foggy Sunset, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, photo — Enlightened Trees

Temperate Rainforest - Capilano River Regional Park, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada — Lush Forest

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Redwoods in Fog, Redwood National Park, California, Photo — Redwood National Park

Lichen Covered Branches & Pink Flowers, Shore Acres State Park, Oregon, photo — Morning Glow

Mossy Trees, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, California — Guardians of the Forest

Cherry Blossoms at The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada — Butchart Gardens Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in Chinese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California — Chinese Garden Cherry Blossoms

Autumn Leaves on the Ground, Redwood Regional Park, California, photo — November Centerfold

Fallen Red Leaf of Liquid Amber, Glendora, California — Fallen

Tree-Lined Driveway In Fall Season, Napa Valley, California, photo — The Trees of Heritage

Fallen Liquid Amber Autumn Leaves, Glendora, California, photo — Liquid Amber

Fallen Yellow Autumn Leaves, Bernheim Forest, Kentucky, photo — The End of Fall

Empire Mine SHP Fall Color Forest Scene, Grass Valley, California — Fall of the Empire

Fall Maples Leaves in Temperate Rainforest at Mount Tamalpais Watershed, Marin County, California — Mount Tamalpais Watershed

Old-Growth Redwood Forest in Fall, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California, photo — Prairie Creek Redwoods

Bare Aspen in Snow Black & White Photo, Boulder Mountain, Utah — Life and Death

Ginkgo Biloba Trees, Napa Valley, California, photo — Wine Country Ginkgo Biloba

Fall Colors in the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky — Boone's Playground

US Flag Hanging Above Tree-Lined Driveway, Napa Valley, California, photo — All-American Driveway

Moss & Lichen on Trees at Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Washington, photo — Hoh Rainforest

Crissy Field Marsh, San Francisco, California — Crissy Field

Humboldt Redwoods State Park Near Avenue of the Giants, California, photo — Morning Walk

Poison Oak Foliage at Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, Glendora, California — Poison Oak Forest

Rhododendron Bloom, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California, photo — Damnation Creek Rhododendron

Stanley Park Cherry Tree Blossoms, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, photo — Stanley Park Cherry Tree Blossoms

Oak Tree Forest and Poison Oak Leaves, Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, Glendora, California — Hands Off

Late November Fall Color in Forest, Redwood Regional Park, California — Star of the Forest

Tree-Lined Driveway, Oakville, California, photo — Oakville Trees

Fall Foliage In Forest / Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord, Massachusetts — Walden

Mossy Trees and Lichen in Forest, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, California — Nature's Chaos

Foggy Forest, Point Reyes National Seashore, California — Hidden Forest

Foggy Eucalyptus Forest Tree Canopy, San Francisco, California — Cloud Forest Canopy

Redwood Forest in Fog, Mount Tamalpais State Park, California, photo — Mount Tamalpais Redwoods

Giant Sequoia Trees After Winter Snowstorm, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California — Winter Giant

Red Lace Lichen on Monterey Cypress Tree at Allan Memorial Grove, Point Lobos State Reserve, California, photo — Red Lace

San Dimas Experimental Forest, San Gabriel Mountains, California — Doggy Style

Dogwood Fall Color, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California — Dogwood in Fall

Peak Fall Color, Yosemite Valley, California — Peak Color

Granite and Tree, Yosemite National Park, California, photo — Camouflage Nature

Oak Tree Forest, Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, Glendora, California — Secret Oaks

Fall Color Tree-Lined Driveway, Napa, California, photo — Oak Knoll Trees

Oak Tree Forest, Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, California — Oak Tree Forest

Allan Memorial Grove - Monterey Cypress Trees, Point Lobos, California, photo — Allan Memorial Grove

Moss-Covered Tree on Foggy Morning, Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve, California — The Root of it All

Liquid Amber Fall Colors in Fog at Gladstone Park, Glendora, California — Liquid Fog

Bernheim Forest Fall Colors, Bullitt County, Kentucky — Bernheim Forest Fall Colors

Dana Point Harbor Sunset, Dana Point, California — Tree of Love

Sunbeam in Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Muir Woods National Monument, California, photo — Muir Woods

Crepuscular Rays, Armstrong Redwoods SNR, Guerneville, California, photo — Light In The Forest

Elm Tree in Fog After Spring Snowstorm, Yosemite National Park, California — Iconic Elm Tree

Burls on Old-Growth Coast Redwood Trees, Muir Woods National Monument, California, photo — My Name is Burl

Tree With Fall Foliage, Calistoga, California, photo — Tubbs Tree

Red Fall Foliage, Nevada City, California — Red Fall Foliage

Tree in the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, California — Tree of the Valley

Aspen Trees Along Bow Valley Parkway, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, photo — Bow Valley Parkway Aspen

Birch Tree Bark Details, Líisle-aux-Coudres, Quebec, Canada, photo — Peeling Away

Trees, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon, photo — Trees

Snow-Covered Trees Above Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California — Frozen In Time

European Hornbeam Tree Fall Foliage in Japanese Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California — European Hornbeam

Temperate Rainforest / Sol Duc Valley, Olympic National Park, Washington, photo — Sol Duc Valley

Capilano River Regional Park Hiking Trail, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada, photo — Capilano River Regional Park

Aspen Trees at North Lake, Eastern Sierra, California — North Lake Aspen

Aspen Trees Fall Foliage, South Fork Bishop Creek, Eastern Sierra, California — Pristine Beauty

Aspen Trees, Lower Waterfowl Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, photo — Icefields Parkway Aspen

Temperate Rainforest in Eagle Creek, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon, photo — Temperate Rainforest

Giant Sequoia Forest Detail in Winter, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California — Sierra Winter

Jungle Garden at The Huntington, San Marino, California — Jungle Garden

Fall Foliage on Hillside, Hancock, Vermont — Vermont Route 100

Kancagamus Highway, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire — New Hampshire's Gold

Peak Fall Foliage in Asian Garden, UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, California, photo — Scarlett

Fall Colors in Appalachia, Kentucky — Appalachian Fall Color

Fall Foliage in Forest, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire, photo — Franconia Notch Fall Colors

Sterling Pond Fall Colors, Photo — Sterling Pond Fall Colors

The Essence of Tree Photography

The Magic of Open Edition Prints

In the world of fine art photography, open edition prints hold a special place. These prints are not limited in quantity, allowing photographers to share their work with a wider audience. When it comes to tree photography, open edition prints enable art buyers to bring a piece of nature's splendor into their homes. Whether it's a majestic oak or a delicate cherry blossom, open edition prints provide an affordable and accessible way to showcase the beauty of trees.

The Allure of Limited Edition Prints

For those seeking exclusivity and collectability, limited edition prints offer a tantalizing opportunity. Limited to a specific number of copies, these prints carry an inherent sense of rarity and value. In the realm of tree photography, limited edition prints hold immense allure. Imagine owning a numbered print capturing the essence of an ancient redwood or a solitary willow by a tranquil lake. Limited edition prints grant us the privilege of owning a piece of nature's magnificence that few others can claim.

The Artistry of Tree Photography

Exploring Composition and Framing

To capture the true essence of trees, understanding composition and framing is paramount. As you embark on your tree photography journey, keep in mind that photography is the art of exclusion so try to focus on what interests you within a scene then exclude everything else. Experiment with different perspectives, angles, and focal lengths to create visually striking compositions that evoke emotions in the viewer. Frame your tree subjects against contrasting backgrounds to accentuate their beauty and uniqueness.

Harnessing Natural Light

Light is the lifeblood of photography, and tree photography thrives on its interplay with natural light. The soft morning glow, the ethereal rays of sunset, and the dappled shade of a woodland—each moment presents a different opportunity to capture the magic of trees. Understand how light interacts with foliage, casting shadows, and illuminating intricate details. Embrace backlighting to create a halo effect around leaves and branches, infusing your photographs with an ethereal quality that transports viewers to a realm of tranquility.

Embracing the Seasons

Trees undergo a mesmerizing transformation with each passing season, and as a tree photographer, you have the privilege of documenting these ephemeral changes. From the vibrant blooms of spring to the fiery foliage of autumn, each season tells a unique story. Pay attention to the subtle nuances that distinguish trees throughout the year. Immortalize the delicate cherry blossoms in spring, the lush green canopies of summer, the vibrant hues of fall, and the stark silhouettes of winter. By capturing the essence of the seasons, your tree photography will breathe life into your audience's imagination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I capture the intricate details of tree bark in my photographs?

To capture the intricate details of tree bark, consider using a macro lens. This specialized lens allows you to focus on small details, revealing the textures and patterns of bark in stunning clarity. Get up close and personal with the tree, exploring its unique features and creating a visual narrative that transports viewers into the world of trees.

What camera settings should I use for tree photography?

The ideal camera settings for tree photography depend on various factors, such as lighting conditions, desired depth of field, and artistic vision. However, as a starting point, use a low ISO setting (e.g., ISO 100 or 200) for optimal image quality, a narrow aperture (e.g., f/8 or higher) to ensure a broader depth of field, and a moderate shutter speed to avoid motion blur.

How can I add a creative touch to my tree photographs?

To add a creative touch to your tree photographs, experiment with different techniques, such as intentional camera movement (ICM), multiple exposures, and long exposures. ICM involves deliberately moving your camera during the exposure to create abstract and painterly effects. Multiple exposures allow you to blend multiple images into one, capturing the essence of movement and time. Long exposures can create dreamlike scenes by capturing the motion of leaves or water surrounding the trees.

Are there any specific locations that are ideal for tree photography?

While trees can be found in abundance, certain locations are renowned for their breathtaking tree photography opportunities. Consider visiting ancient forests, arboretums, national parks, or botanical gardens. These places offer diverse species, stunning landscapes, and a wealth of inspiration for your tree photography adventures. Additionally, explore your local parks and nature reserves, as even familiar surroundings can unveil hidden gems.

How do you take good pictures of trees?

To convey emotions through your tree photography, focus on capturing the mood and atmosphere of the scene. Experiment with different lighting conditions, such as capturing dramatic silhouettes against a sunset sky or emphasizing the serenity of a misty morning. Pay attention to the colors, textures, and shapes that evoke certain emotions. By using composition, lighting, and artistic techniques, you can imbue your tree photographs with a range of emotions, from awe and tranquility to mystery and contemplation.

Can tree photography contribute to environmental awareness?

Absolutely! Tree photography can be a powerful tool to raise environmental awareness. By showcasing the beauty and importance of trees, you can inspire others to appreciate and protect our natural world. Consider partnering with local conservation organizations or sharing your work on social media platforms dedicated to environmental causes. Use your tree photography as a means to educate and foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment we share.