I took this photo while on an early morning coastal hike on the Oregon coast at an old growth nature preserve - home to some of the largest and oldest giant western red cedars in Oregon.

I came across the woman in the photo as she was communing with a large cedar. It was such a pure and pristine scene. The morning fog was thinning and sunlight started to filter through the trees, giving a soft glow to the forest floor.

This woman in her element. She wasn’t performing or self conscious, she was completely in the moment and just being. I didn’t want to disturb her but I was compelled to capture this honest moment.

I respectfully asked if I could photograph her, and with a gratuitous smile in her eyes she nodded yes. I didn’t want to be in her space for too long so I made a few quick settings on my camera and took a couple of shots. I thanked her, wished her well and I was on my way.

When I got back to my studio the next day I was struck by the image I had taken. The first thing that struck me was the honesty of the moment. I’m not sure if she was getting energy from the tree or giving energy to the tree, probably both.

Secondly, her being or presence mirrors the tree. Her angelic and naturally weathered face, her brown curly hair emulating the contours and colors of the tree trunk, and her earth-toned clothing humbly wrapping around her.

It would have been a huge endeavor to stage this photo. Hiring the right model, styling her, conceiving the right outfit, finding the location, getting the right lighting, etc. I am so grateful for these moments as a photographer and am thrilled to have taken this environmental portrait.

For me, I enjoy seeing real and honest moments. In this case, a person so fully expressing themselves, not for others or effect, but for the love she feels for nature. That connection I see in this photo evokes an aspirational emotion of inner peace and balance within myself.

Gear and settings:
Nikon Z6II
Nikkor Z 40mm f2
1/60 sec
800 ISO
f5.6