Wisconsin: McGilvra Woods (and Notes on Forest Photography)

On the first day of my brief trip to Wisconsin last month, after I wrapped at Pewit’s Nest I made the short drive west to McGilvra Woods State Natural Area, a small tract of hardwood forest in Sauk County.  With an entrance that’s located off a small side road, all that exists in the way of “services” at McGilvra Woods is a tiny parking area.  There are no trails, per se, so I got out and simply wandered into the forest.  What I found was surprisingly enchanting.

McGilvra Woods State Natural Area, Wisconsin

McGilvra Woods is the kind of place that most photographers I know wouldn’t bother looking at.  These rather densely wooded sorts of places can be quite chaotic; finding compositions in locations such as this requires quite a bit of work and, I would argue, some experience in the art of “seeing.”  I’ve been lucky (?) enough to have a great deal of such exposure.

Forest Phlox, Fort Harrison State Park, Indiana

Aspen Forest, Ohio Pass, Gunnison National Forest, Colorado

Fern Forest, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

I have noted, on this very blog, that having cut my teeth in places such as this, I find myself comfortable at locations where many other photographers do not.  In fact, I often find myself spending time in such spots even when I’m photographing in regions where other, more broadly attractive subjects abound.

Dogwoods, Mirror Lake Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

Cove Hardwood Nature Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Aspen Forest, Muleshoe Picnic Area, Banff National Park, Alberta

At McGilvra Woods, I had the benefit of even light but I had to contend with a fair amount of wind.  This was a problem because I had to focus stack all of my shots, either because I was in such a low shooting position with nearby foreground objects or because I was using relatively narrow focal lengths or both.  But patience (or persistence) was ultimately rewarded.

McGilvra Woods State Natural Area, Wisconsin

Time spent in other locations over the years made my session at McGilvra Woods feel like a trip down memory lane.  Having spent extended stretches in heavily wooded areas I’ve developed a real affinity for trees over the years, as I noted in a past entry.

East Woods, Morton Arboretum, DuPage County, Illinois

Easton Road Birches, Grafton County, New Hampshire

The spring bloom was late in the Upper Midwest this year and thus toothwort was in bloom when I was in Wisconsin.  The blossoms were everywhere when I was at McGlivra Woods and I hastened to take advantage of them.

Toothwort Forest, McGilvra Woods State Natural Area, Wisconsin

I have frequently been treated to wildflower blooms when photographing in wooded areas and I always try to incorporate the blossoms on such occasions.

Bendix Woods County Park, St. Joseph County, Indiana

Rhododendrons and Redwoods in Fog, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, California

White Trillium, Cove Hardwood Nature Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

I didn’t make all that many images while I was at McGilvra Woods, but I ended up being quite satisfied with the photographs that I emerged from the forest with when I called it quits.

McGilvra Woods State Natural Area, Wisconsin

While the place was new to me and the subject matter is always different, the experience had a very pleasant, familiar feel to it.

Wildflower Forest, Sweedler Preserve, Tompkins County, New York