The forests of the Pacific Northwest are a beautiful place to photograph, especially during the summer months. The trees are lush and full, the light is dappled and enchanting, and there’s an overall feeling of peace and tranquility. Here’s a quick recap of a recent trip where I set out to capture the essence of the summer forest near Greenwater, Washington.
After photographing Skookum Creek, I continued along Forest Road 73, not far from the borders of Mount Rainier National Park. The low, cloudy skies prevented grand vistas of the surrounding mountains, so I turned my attention to one of my favorite photographic subjects—the Pacific Northwest forests.
Forests on the west slopes of the Cascade Mountains differ from many other regions. The dense undergrowth is a testament to the ample rainfall from weather systems off the Pacific Ocean, creating ideal growing conditions. However, this also means that an object just 10 yards away can quickly disappear into the darkness of the thick foliage.
Composing compelling images within these chaotic forest scenes can be challenging, especially when fog is absent. However, I enjoy working to highlight the unique textures, tones, and shapes of the trees themselves. I’m especially drawn to finding contrasting elements, often focusing on the interplay of light and shadow on the tree trunks.
Unlike many landscape photographers, trees are one of my favorite subjects to photograph in black and white. Their sculptural forms and intricate bark patterns lend themselves beautifully to the monochrome medium. The included images showcase some of the unique features I was able to capture on this particular outing.
I love working in black and white because it allows me to see the world in a fresh, new way. When I view a scene in color, I can sometimes get caught up in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. But when the color is removed, and all that remains is light, shadow, and texture, I can interpret the scene through my unique artistic vision while maintaining a sense of realism.
If you’d like to see more of my black and white landscape photography exploring the wild and beautiful forests of Washington State, I invite you to visit my online art store. I’m confident you’ll find images that will transport you to these serene, atmospheric environments and inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
