Sony Alpha 1
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Shutter Speed
1/160 sec
Aperture
f/2.8
Focal Length
16mm
ISO
400
Methuselah Tree
@meshna
The massive Methuselah Tree in Redwood City is the oldest and largest living tree in California's Santa Cruz Mountains. It's hard to believe the impact this 1,800-year-old tree will have on you until you're standing in front of it, but a well-composed photo is a great way to convey its unique magnificence.
After visiting the giant redwood, you can take a quick four-minute drive to Canyon Ranch Woodside (https://explorest.app.link/crw), an immersive wellness resort, to rest up from an adventurous day.
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Easy
Accessbility
Public Location
Hours
Anytime
Fee
Free
Pack
- Wide-angle lens (16mm)
- Model
- Comfortable shoes
How to get there
N37° 24' 21.888"W122° 18' 12.2184"
This image was taken at the base of the Methuselah Tree in Redwood City. The easiest way to get to this location is by taking a car.
First, park near the Sierra Morena Trail Access point (37.405984, -122.304235) on Skyline Blvd. Then, cross the street and make your way toward the tree. Reference the GPS coordinates and you'll see the exact point where I stood to get this perspective of the Methuselah.
Tips
When to go
Best season
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Best time
Morning, Mid-day, Late afternoon
Although you can visit this location during any month of the year, I recommend photographing the Methuselah Tree in the spring, summer, and early fall so you can capture the greenery in the foreground of the shot.
Because the the forest canopy blocks so much light, there won't be much variation in lighting conditions throughout the day. Morning, midday and late afternoon will all work well.
Field tips
Make sure that you're photographing with a wide-angle lens. The tree is unfathomably large, making it difficult to capture in a tight frame, so having a wider lens (I used a 16mm) will allow you to incorporate more of the scene.
Try to utilize the ferns, fencing, and stairs around the tree and in the foreground for an added sense of depth and texture.
I prefer to feature a human subject to help bring a sense of scale to the tree.
Also, having your model wear a brightly colored jacket will contrast against the forest greens and make them stand out a bit more.
Current weather
Redwood City, California
Rain, Overcast
55o
F
Fri
61o
55o
Sat
55o
50o
Sun
56o
47o
Mon
54o
48o
Tue
54o
49o
Blue Hour
14:29
55o
Rain, Overcast
Sunrise
14:57
55o
Rain, Overcast
Golden Hour
24:16
55o
Rain, Overcast
Sunset
24:56
55o
Rain, Overcast
Do nearby
If you're in need of some R&R, check out Canyon Ranch Woodside (https://explorest.app.link/crw). The hotel and wellness retreat center focuses on self-care, with tools like yoga and meditation to cater to guests' individual needs.
Locations nearby
