Capturing the Magic of the Wanaka Tree: A Photographer’s Guide
Taking up prime real estate in the pristine waters of Lake Wanaka in New Zealand’s South Island, the Wanaka tree stands as a testament to nature’s resilience and beauty. This lone tree, which is at times partially submerged in the lake, has become an iconic subject for photographers around the world. I have been their three times myself. In this blog post I will share some of the best techniques, times, and equipment for photographing this natural wonder - but first a touch of history about the tree’s rise to social media fame.
The Wanaka Tree, also known as “That Wanaka Tree,” has a mystique that captivates the hearts of those who see it. Its solitary presence against the backdrop of the Southern Alps creates a scene of serenity and solitude. The tree’s gnarled branches reach out from the water, making it a compelling subject for photographers aiming to capture its unique beauty.
The Wanaka Tree’s rise to fame…
The Wanaka Tree didn’t always enjoy the widespread recognition it has today. For many years, it was simply a local landmark, known to residents and a few visitors. Its rise to fame began in the early 2010s with the advent of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Photographers and travelers started sharing their images of the tree online, drawn to its unique and picturesque qualities.
As more and more stunning photos of the Wanaka Tree were shared, it quickly became a viral sensation. The hashtag #ThatWanakaTree began to trend, attracting photographers from around the globe. Today, it’s one of the most photographed trees in the world, with thousands of images shared online every year. Its fame has made it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand.
Photographer of the year 2014 LANDSCAPE — WINNER
The willow in Lake Wanaka is arguably the most photographed tree in New Zealand, drawing Dennis Radermacher outdoors on a foggy winter’s morning. Wetland willows fringe Lake Wanaka and form its distinctive golden backdrop, but only one stands in the water. ‘The Lone Tree’ has weathered the lake’s rises and falls for at least 20 years; its bare branches offer a resting place for shags.
Photography Credit: DENNIS RADERMACHER
Planning Your Trip
Finding #ThatWanakaTree
On almost every one of my visits a lost tourist looking for the tree will see me wandering along the shores of the lake with my tripod balanced over my shoulder and camera in hand - and they will ask how do they find #ThatWanakaTree. So rather than just telling you that it can be found by typing in #ThatWanakaTree into Google Maps as you can see by clicking this link Google Maps, I would like to offer you a more fun way.
First go to the Wanaka pie shop across the road from the lake and get yourself a nice pie and a hot brew - be careful of the ice in winter along the edges of the road, it is slippery. Then as you walk out of the pie shop with your food and drink in hand, the lake will be directly to your front. Then turn to your left and follow the lake short line in an clockwise direction - and within 15 min of light easy walking you will find the tree.
Best Time to Visit
Seasons: The tree offers different visual experiences throughout the year. In spring and summer, it’s surrounded by lush green foliage, while in autumn, the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold. Winter brings a stark, bare-branched silhouette against a snowy backdrop.
Time of Day: The best light for photographing the Wanaka Tree is during the golden hours—sunrise and sunset. The soft, warm light during these times enhances the tree’s textures and colors, adding depth and dimension to your photos.
Weather Conditions
Calm Days: On calm days, the lake’s surface mirrors the tree, creating stunning reflections. Check the weather forecast for wind conditions to increase your chances of capturing this effect.
Cloudy Skies: Overcast days can add a moody, dramatic atmosphere to your photos, emphasizing the tree’s solitary nature.
Essential Gear
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings will give you the most control over your shots. However, I have also seen some high-quality smartphone cameras achieve some impressive results - that being said, please consider capturing a RAW image and edit it yourself rather than letting the phone AI do the work.
Lenses: A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is ideal for capturing the entire scene, while a telephoto lens (70-200mm) can help isolate the tree from its surroundings. In extreme cases I myself have used the 200-600mm lens from a distance - the use of compression can give you some very unique perspectives that those standing on the waters edge will never achieve.
Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposure shots, especially during low light conditions. Keep in mind also, it can be very windy at times, so something to weigh your tripod down might come in handy.
Filters: If you are not there with the best of timing or weather conditions, Neutral density (ND) filters allow you to take long exposure shots even in bright daylight, smoothing out the water’s surface. Polarizing filters can reduce glare and enhance the colors in your photos. There is also some opportunity to get the graduation filters out as the snow covered mountains can often be very bright in daylight conditions.
Composition Tips
Rule of Thirds: Position the tree off-center to create a more dynamic composition. Imagine the frame divided into nine equal parts and place the tree at one of the intersections.
Leading Lines: Use the shoreline, clouds, or reflections in the water to guide the viewer’s eye towards the tree.
Foreground Interest: Incorporate elements like rocks, leaves, or driftwood in the foreground to add depth and context to your shots.
Reflections: Capture the tree’s reflection in the lake for a symmetrical, mirror-like effect. This works particularly well on calm days when the water is still.
Techniques for Stunning Photos
Long Exposure
Long exposure photography can transform the Wanaka Tree into an ethereal masterpiece. Here’s how to do it:
Set Up Your Tripod: Stability is crucial for long exposure shots. Make sure your tripod is secure and level.
Use an ND Filter: Attach a neutral density filter to your lens to reduce the amount of light entering the camera. This allows for longer shutter speeds.
Shutter Speed: Experiment with shutter speeds ranging from 10 to 30 seconds to blur the water and create a dreamy effect.
Aperture and ISO: Use a small aperture (f/8 to f/16) to ensure a wide depth of field. Keep the ISO as low as possible (100-200) to minimize noise.
Remote Shutter Release: Use a remote or the camera’s timer function to prevent any camera shake when pressing the shutter button.
Wanaka Tree - July 2024
This image was captured early in the morning, whilst also using ND filters and a long exposure (15 Seconds) to smooth out the water.
Photography Credit: Jimmy
HDR Photography
High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography can help you capture the full range of light and shadow in your scene. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Bracket Your Shots: Take multiple exposures of the same scene—typically three to five—at different exposure levels (e.g., -2, 0, +2 EV).
Merge in Post-Processing: Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photomatix to merge the bracketed shots into a single HDR image, revealing details in both the highlights and shadows.
Adjust to Taste: Fine-tune the merged image to achieve a natural or surreal effect, depending on your artistic vision.
Post-Processing Tips
Post-processing is an essential step in bringing your vision to life. Here are some tips to enhance your Wanaka Tree photos:
Crop and Straighten: Ensure the horizon is level and crop the image to improve composition if needed. There is nothing worse than images which do not look level.
Adjust Exposure and Contrast: Fine-tune the exposure, contrast, and brightness to bring out the details in your image.
Enhance Colors: Boost the saturation and vibrance slightly to make the colors pop. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can make the image look unnatural.
Sharpening: Apply sharpening to enhance the details, especially if you plan to print your photos - but be sure to not overdo it.
Remove Distractions: Whilst it is best to try and get things as close to perfect in camera, that is not always possible. Use cloning or healing tools to remove any unwanted elements that distract from the main subject.
Photographing the Wanaka Tree is a rewarding experience that combines the beauty of nature with the art of photography. By planning your visit, using the right gear, mastering various techniques, and adding your creative touch, you can capture stunning images that do justice to this iconic subject. Remember to respect the environment and share your work to inspire others. Happy shooting!