Sequoias, Snow and a Raven

There’s something magical about snowfall—the way it transforms the familiar into the extraordinary, and how it invites a sense of wonder and quietude. On a recent trip to Sequoia National Park, I found myself immersed in such a moment. The destination was a grove of giant sequoias tucked within a meadow, only a short walk from the museum parking lot. But the journey, though brief, felt like stepping into another world.

As I made my way through a smaller forest to reach the grove, heavy snow fell relentlessly, blanketing everything in sight. The air was dense with the quiet sound of snowfall, muting the world around me. The trees ahead loomed larger with every step, their monumental presence softened by the snow. It was surreal—a feeling I chase every time I head out to explore and photograph in winter.

Camping Among Giants

For this adventure, I’d set up my “base camp” in the back of my Toyota 4Runner, which I’ve outfitted into a cozy haven for trips like these. Camping in the snow isn’t daunting for me; it’s something I relish. Living in San Diego, where sunshine reigns nearly year-round, I’m drawn to the occasional chaos of winter weather. There’s something invigorating about stepping outside the comfort of perfect weather and embracing the chill, the unpredictability, and the serenity of a snow-covered world.

The night before this particular outing, I lay in my 4Runner, reading and watching the snow quietly build outside, wondering and anticipating what the morning would bring. By the time I set out for the grove, the storm had blanketed the landscape in thick, pristine snow

Photographing the Grove

Standing before the sequoias is always awe-inspiring. They seem timeless, their towering trunks stretching skyward like columns holding up the heavens. Add fresh snow, and the scene becomes otherworldly. The snow clung to their massive trunks, accentuating their texture, while the ground beneath was layered in white. Falling snow added an extra element of drama, as if the entire landscape was alive with movement.

As I framed my shot, a crow perched at the base of one of the giants caught my eye. It seemed so small against the sequoia’s massive trunk, yet it commanded attention and became an integral part of the story. Perhaps it was because the weather was so wild—it felt unexpected to see a bird there, calm and unbothered by the storm. That crow became a focal point of the scene, adding both scale and life to an otherwise serene, almost surreal composition.

The Allure of Snow

Photographing in snow always brings a sense of glee for me. It’s rare in San Diego, which makes every opportunity to explore in winter weather feel like a gift. There’s something about the stark simplicity of a snow-covered landscape that speaks to me as a black-and-white photographer. Snow eliminates distractions, amplifies contrast, and transforms the world into a study of light, shadow, form, and texture.

In moments like these, the chaos of everyday life falls away, replaced by a serene focus. The snow narrows my view, allowing the subjects—whether a sequoia, a crow, or the falling snow itself—to stand out with clarity. It’s also during these times, when the weather drives away the crowds, that I find the solitude I crave. The silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of branches or the soft patter of snow, feels like nature’s invitation to pause and truly see.

Reflections

This moment in the grove, with the snow falling, the crow perched, and the sequoias standing timelessly, is one I won’t forget. It’s a reminder of why I seek out these experiences: the chance to witness the extraordinary in the everyday and to capture fleeting moments that hold the weight of something eternal.

I hope you enjoy this image as much as I did creating it,

Andrew