Steps, Muir Woods. Muir Woods National Monument, California. December 21, 2007. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

This photograph was made in near darkness after sunset on the winter solstice. These steps lead up to a side trail above the main trail along the bottom of the canyon at Muir Woods.

Oak Tree, December. Calero Hills, California. December 15, 2007. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

If you follow my photography at all, by now you may recognize that California oak trees are among my favorite subjects. Photographed in December, this tree is south of the San Francisco Bay Area and sits on a grassy hillside nearly by itself.

Oak Grove, December Morning. Calero Hills, California. December 15, 2007. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

I had hiked past this beautiful grove of hilltop oaks for several years – typically on my way to some other place – before I happened to look up one morning and notice them. Now this grove has become one of my favorite subjects, and I’m working on photographing these trees in all seasons.

This image is a stitch from multiple 12 megapixel images. A recent print from the photo is three feet wide and it holds remarkable detail, such that I am certain that it can be printed much larger.

Ridgetop Oak Snag. Calero Hills, California. December 15, 2007. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell.

This old oak snag is another familiar subject for me. I’ve visited it throughout the year – during winter fog and rain, spring warmth and new growth, the hot and dry California summer, and the golden period of autumn.