How They Get Amazing Photos of Giant Sequoias in California

If you’ve ever taken a picture of any tall object, you know that getting the entire thing in one photo shot is a challenge.  Enter the giant sequoias in California.  That just could be the biggest challenge of all.

So how do they do it?

First, let’s be clear.  The Giant Sequoias in California’s redwood forests can only be fully appreciated when you see them for yourself.  You can describe them to someone all day long, but there’s just no substitute for being there.  Until now.  Or at least, almost.

The Giant Sequoias are so big and so tall, that a complete photograph of a full grown redwood tree has been impossible in the past.  But enter a little creativity and a lot of determination, and things have changed!

Giant Sequoias in California: The Photo Team

This challenge began several years ago when a photographer named Michael Nichols tackled one of the giant sequoia tree with lots of cameras, ropes and pulleys, and a team of helpers. 

He describes how he did it in the video below:

To view on SafeYouTube, click here:  http://video.link/w/9nKe

But think of this as a trial run. Mr. Nichols did not stop there.

Giant Sequoias in California: The President

After conquering the first tree, Mr. Nichols took it a step further.  He not only took on the challenge in the deep snow of winter, but to top it all off, his target was one of the biggest trees in the forest, aptly named “The President.”

Why the winter?  I’m sure that the beauty of the snow on the branches had a lot to do with it.  After all, we are talking a photograph. A work of art. Creativity and beauty.

So the winter held a lot of promise, I’m sure.

But while we are on the subject of winter and sequoias, let’s just stop for a minute to consider the strength of the tree to hold ALL THAT SNOW!  Sequoias are a hardy bunch.  And they love winter.

But back to photographs. Mr. Nichols was not only successful, he wow-ed the world. And what’s even better, we can see the whole process on a YouTube video.

Giant Sequoias in California: The Photo Process

Watch how the new photograph was created here:

To view on SafeYouTube, click here:  http://video.link/w/CnKe

Incredible, isn’t it?! You just can’t watch the video without being truly impressed with this photographer and his whole team.

Want to see the final photo?

You can click this link to see the final photograph of the giant sequoia since I don’t have copyright privileges to show it here.  It’s amazing!

For more amazing geography fun for kids,
check out the Let’s Go Geography curriculum!