This is the first part of a two-part post about Atlantic White Cedar Swamps
There is nothing more strangely beautiful in the New Jersey Pine Barrens than the Atlantic White Cedar swamps. These trees grow in dense swamps by the sides of waterways and play a vital role in filtering water and protecting the riverbanks from erosion. They are also the reason the waterways in the Pine Barrens are the same brown color as tea. Until recently, Cedar Trees were over-harvested for their wood so there are only a few reclaimed cedar swamps and fewer old growth trees.
Getting into these swamps is not easy. They are thick, wet, muddy and usually surrounded by thickets of dense foliage that can only be described as nature’s barbed wire.
Below is a rare stand of old growth cedars near the Oswego River
Warren Grove Cedars by Richard Lewis 2013
Young Cedar trees grow in very thick swamps that look like enchanted forests. The trees can be full of interesting texture and color.
Edge of the Cedars by Richard Lewis 2012
The dense forest canopy of an Atlantic White Cedar swamp can block almost all sunlight.
Winter Light by Richard Lewis 2012
Deep in the Cedars by Richard Lewis 2012
Play of Light in a Cedar Swamp by Richard Lewis 2012
Endless Cedars by Richard Lewis 2013
How I Did It – Composing photographs in a Atlantic White Cedar swamp is a challenge because swamps are messy and cluttered with deadfalls. The cedar trees are also unruly with branches growing in the strangest ways. Have patience, persistence and use light and color as compositional elements in trying to find a rhythm in the repetition of these unusual trees.
Enjoy.
Want to be more creative with your camera? I can help so feel free to contact me.
I love the cedar swamps, cedars have been destroyed to make pencils and line closets.
They are planting some Altantic white cedars in Altantic county. There is also a disease that is killing them off.
Great post.
Thanks Lou. It is a shame how they have been over harvested and now victims of a disease. I heard one forester say that in spite of all the preservation work we are actually losing the battle to save these trees. It is a shame
Living in the pines I know how hard it can be in some places. Its amazing how little light can be filtered to the ground… I find myself drawn to your b/w. Can not wait for pt2 🙂
Thanks Mike. It is interesting that you like the black and white. I’m finding that with Atlantic White Cedars that I’m liking that method as well. This is one of my more recent images and I think that I’m going to be doing most of my future work with these trees in black and white.
Cedar swamps are truly special places. I spent some time deep in one last spring photographing a rare plant and it was a unique (almost spiritual) experience. You have captured the special character of cedar swamps so well here! ‘Endless Cedars’ and ‘Warren Grove Cedars’ are my favorites.
I know what you mean about the spiritual experience. It seems funny to tie the words “spiritual” and “swamp” but I have always felt that way in a cedar swamp. It is like no place I’ve ever been to.
Cool article, It was practical