Story Behind the Shot
Capturing this iconic 400-year-old tree was no ordinary feat — strict rules and unusual restrictions made the process as challenging as it was rewarding.
The Angel Oak tree, estimated to be over 400 years old, is one of the most iconic and majestic living organisms in the southeastern United States. Located just outside Charleston, South Carolina, its sprawling limbs and gravity-defying arches stretch across more than 17,000 square feet — a natural cathedral carved by time.
Photographing it, however, is far from simple. The site is governed by rules that verge on the absurd — tripods are completely prohibited, making it virtually impossible to capture the tree in any true high resolution. Even monopods and sitting on the ground are banned.
To overcome this, I modified my panoramic Gigapan robot to rest on a small plank of wood, which I manually stabilized throughout the shoot. It was a delicate and awkward balancing act — one that demanded repeated reshoots. Near the very end of the session, an official finally approached and informed me that even lying on the ground — as I was doing to get the final angle — was not allowed.
Thankfully, by that point, I had just captured the final frames.
What makes this piece even more exceptional is the rarity of such a high-resolution capture under such restrictive conditions. The final image is composed at an astonishing 324 megapixels, allowing for immense detail and extraordinary clarity even at the largest display sizes. This level of resolution invites the viewer to step closer and become immersed in the intricate structure and texture of the Angel Oak’s branches and bark.
Collectors can choose between two stunning mounting options: a Chromaluxe metal print for a modern, vivid finish with outstanding durability, or face mounting to acrylic — a gallery-level presentation that offers depth, richness, and a frameless, window-like presence on the wall. Read more about the benefits of acrylic mounting here.
