Finding Intimacy in a Special Place
Not long ago I published a blog post on a remote Pine Barrens Atlantic White Cedar Swamp as part of an ongoing project. Take a look at my gallery of cedar swamps photographs. As you explore your way through these swamps, you eventually come out on the other side. Usually it is back in the forest or next to a waterway, but sometimes you find yourself in a little magical meadow called a savanna.
Savannas in New Jersey? Aren’t they large grassy plains in Africa loaded with giraffes and lions? Yes, but we have them here too sans the exotic wildlife. In the Pine Barrens they are small, wet, open areas that can be home to some amazing wildflowers like orchids and carnivorous plants.
Savana Light And Shadow by Richard Lewis 2020
Savanna View by Richard Lewis 2019
From Swamp to Savanna
Savannas are not easy to get to. A typical trip to one would look something like this. After leaving a trail or back road, you bushwhack your way through the forest undergrowth and into a cedar swamp. In the swamp you work your way among cedar trees that are so close together you’ll want to lose 20 pounds instantly no matter what you weighed when you entered the swamp. Then, through the trees you catch a glimpse of an opening in the forest. You find your way to it and suddenly step into an open and secluded savanna that seems out of place surrounded by thick stands of cedar trees.
From Swamp To Savanna by Richard Lewis 2020
These two photographs show savannas in the winter (above) and summer (below).
Edge Of The Savanna by Richard lewis 2020
The Magic Savanna
While all savannas have their charm, the photographs below are from what I call the Magic Savanna. It is small, but it is loaded with all sorts of rare flowers. One in particular is the endangered Bog Asphodel. This is one of the few spots where these pretty yellow flowers grow profusely. Maybe no one here told them they are endangered.
Morning Twilight On The Savanna by Richard Lewis 2020
Orchids and Asphodels by Richard Lewis 2020
Foggy Savanna by Richard Lewis 2020
Becoming intimate
The Magic Savanna is a small space. What you might notice from the above photographs is that this savanna has limited opportunities for creating grand landscape photographs. The Pine Barrens, in general, lack a lot of expansive vistas. So what does a grand landscape photographer do? You can pack up your wide angle lens and say goodbye to the Magic Savanna. Or you can think differently.
What the Magic Savanna lacks in space it makes up for in detail. Instead of the grand landscape, look at the possibilities for getting more intimate with your compositions. I zoomed in with the lens and starting seeking the small landscapes within the grand landscape by using the rich diversity of color and texture in the savanna.
Summer Savanna by Vivian Lewis 2020
Asphodels In Bloom by Richard Lewis 2020
Orchids and Asphodels 2 by Richard Lewis 2020
Golden Crest With Savanna Flowers by Richard Lewis 2020
Asphodels by Richard Lewis 2020
Intimate Savanna by Richard Lewis 2020
An Orchid Amongst The Asphodels by Richard Lewis 2019
Whether you choose to have everything in focus or let the backgrounds go soft to be an abstract bokeh for your foreground elements, photographing the intimacy of a savanna will allow you to explore the depth of these small open areas with your camera.
Savanna Up Close
Even the most hardcore grand landscape photographer cannot visit a savanna in its prime without a macro lens. The beauty of these little wildflowers is just too good to pass up.
Dew Kissed Rose Pogonia by Richard Lewis 2020
Torches (Threadleaf Sundew) by Richard Lewis 2020
Dressed To Kill (Pitcher Plant) by Richard Lewis 2020
Grass Pink Flowering by Richard Lewis 2020
Asphodel Before Dawn by Richard Lewis 2020
Pitcher Plant Flower Up Close by Richard Lewis 2020
Lanceleaf Rose Gentian by Richard Lewis 2020
Other Savannas Up Close
The the photographs below aren’t from the magic savanna. Still, all savannas can provide great opportunities for macro photography and creating art from our amazing Pine Barrens wildflowers.
Early Bog Asphodel by Richard Lewis 2019
Bowing Pitcher Plant with Asphodels by Richard Lewis 2018
Sundew Growing by Richard Lewis 2020
Grass Pink Orchid by Richard Lewis 2019
Savannas are part of the magic of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Unfortunately, they aren’t easy to get to. This leaves photographing them up to those who are willing to brave the trip which is almost always a challenge.
Enjoy!
Richard:
Thanks for sharing these beautiful photographs. Yes, you are absolutely correct, the Pinelands do offer wonderful opportunities for the landscape photographer. More than the vista, it’s the vision of possibility that is paramount.
Warmest regards,
Mark
Thanks Mark. Very well said. I think landscape photography in general needs to be more than the vista. It opens up endless possibilities to find beauty in the smallest of places.
This is a great series. Can’t wait till you start your tours again.
Thanks Rich. Tours start in September and I’m excited. I miss working working with photographers in the Pine Barrens. Here’s a link to what’s been set up: https://richardlewisphotography.com/richard-lewis-photography-workshops/
LOL… I saw a sign when I tried to access a savanna… you’ve seen them right before you get on a certain ride in an amusement park.. yep that sign prohibits my body type from going in. I believe it warned “Never to be seen again”. I just revel in the posts you bring to us and imagine myself there. I have never seen most of the flowers presented here… sure does open my eyes. Thanks for taking one for the team.
I think the landscape surrounding the savannas is imposing enough. For me knowing the reward was the motivation. Of course of every savanna you get into, many are not necessarily disappointing, but can be not so photogenic.
All lovely, but I find the movement in “Torches” particularly compelling.
Thanks Sara. I’m enamored with that one too. Threadleaf Sundew flowers have always fascinated me. They are like little abstract sculptures. Plus, they eat bugs so what’ not to love about them.
Very Interesting! Really enjoyed your closeup photos!
Thanks Elvira. I’m glad you enjoyed these. I’ve made it point this year to love the small stuff and have been focusing on the closeups with a macro lens and an iPhone.
Wonderful article and even more wonderful photographs, Rich. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you Yuri. It is my pleasure to share the Pine Barrens. I hope you are well. It’s been a while.
Thank you. Will see you in October. Registration complete.
I look forward to seeing you Rich.
Rich, what beautiful collection of photos. My favorite is “Foggy Savanna” where rolling fog makes Magic savanna even more magical and mysterious. The Macro work is also exceptional and “Dress to Kill” is a killer title 🙂
Thanks Rafal. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. As you know, there is nothing like the moment when the mist and fog start rolling into a scene. I’ve always loved how these carnivorous pitcher plants are so colorful and it’s all about attracting their prey.
Nice presentation
Thanks Al! That means a lot coming from you.
What a treasure – your photographs and descriptions. A treat on a quiet Sunday morning on my back porch in a Pinelands village. How lucky we are.
I really appreciate your comment and am happy you enjoyed this in what sounds like a perfect place.
Each one is more beautiful than the next. I especially love “On the Edge of Savannah”
Thanks Karen! I’m glad you liked this one. This one was a real labor of love. It was worth all the mud and sweat. I like that image also, it really shows the transition between cedar swamp and savanna.
I especially like your summer in a pine barrens savanna. The Bog Asphodel stands out beautifully in the savanna. This endangered wildflower is so unique. Your Photography is outstanding Rich!
Thanks for your compliment. The Bog Asphodel is an amazing little flower.
Wonderful Captures.
Thank you Lisa.
Wow your photos are beautiful. Especially of a place we just drive by going somewhere else.
Thanks Gay. Of all the compliments I’ve received for my work in the Pine Barrens, yours has to be the best. If you don’t mind, I’d like to repost this on my blog.
Great series lots of in-dept photography of the pines. I especially loved the Sundews.
WOW … that’s quite a complete essay on Pinelands’ Savannas. For the close-up, ‘Early Bog Asphodel’ is my favorite … love the colors and background along with the pink explained as part of the subject. Several of your first landscapes spoke to me and I’ll pick ‘Edge of the Savanna’ as my favorite for the strong cedar tree edge and faint, foggy treeline.
Thanks Denise. Working in savannas and cedar swamps for the past year or so has really opened my eyes to the amazing, but often hidden, landscapes and wonders of the Pine Barrens. The Edge of the Savanna image to me is really special to me, so thanks for that. It showes that remarkable and abrupt transition that can happen between two very different environments.