These trees grow along one of the most exposed coastal locations at Point Lobos State Reserve. Not far behind my camera position s the rugged end of a peninsula that just out into the Pacific, exposed to the waves and wind. In the other direction, beyond these trees, is a cliff that drops to a rocky, narrow bay that where the surf constantly washes in and out.

For me, photographing these trees is both irresistible and challenging. They provide a type of subject that I run into at times — they seem like the photos should be obvious, but once I start working they turn out to be more challenging. Part of this is because of the rich, complexity of the scenes — the color variations of blue shaded trunks, gray rock, green tree tops, golden brown grasses and dead branches, and red-brown from the trentepohlia algae growing on the trees.

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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him.
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