For many years, Ansel Adams has shaped the way I look at landscapes. His deep connection with Yosemite helped many of us understand the beauty of the American West. One of his most famous images is the Jeffrey Pine on Sentinel Dome. The tree’s twisted form and exposed wood made it feel almost unreal.
When Adams photographed it, the pine stood strong against the sky. Today, only a weathered trunk remains. Time removed its branches, yet the place still carries the memory of the tree. Even in silence, it felt alive.
On this visit, I carried black-and-white infrared film. It creates a soft glow around the subject and darkens the sky. I photographed the Jeffrey Pine from two angles. The first angle showed the curve of the trunk from behind. The second angle meant more to me. I stood on the side where Adams once placed his camera.
In that spot, I felt as if I were seeing both the remains of the pine and the presence of Adams himself. This photograph is my tribute to a Yosemite landmark. It captures what the place is now and what it once meant to so many.
Explore the series at gcs.photo — fine art photography where water, memory, and time become poetic meditation.
