Kike Navarro – La Palma in pictures • 33

21 October 2022

Between sky and abyss

—  The photo that Kike Navarro presents to us today was a real challenge for the experienced astrophotographer and landscape photographer. 

At about 2000 m above sea level, this ancient cedar juniper (Juniperus cedrus) grows on one of the paths leading from Garafía to the peaks of the Caldera de Taburiente.

The safe place on an exposed cliff is probably the reason that the tree could develop so magnificently. We know of no other specimen on the island that bows so gracefully between heaven and earth. There are only a few specimens of the cedar juniper left at all, because its valuable wood was used to make furniture and boxes. Today it is strictly protected. 

Sabina - Kike Navarro | La Palma Travel
click to enlarge

Kike went to the tree several times during the day to find the appropriate frame, but it seemed impossible to get a good shot. Finally, he decided to return at night. With the moon waxing, he made many attempts until he finally found a point on which he could place his camera at the limit of stability. 

The exposure lasted 45 minutes, and he placed the earth's axis of rotation in the small hole left by the branches near the trunk. In this way, he created the effect that the stars accompanied the tree as it tilted towards the ground over time.


La Palma in pictures • photo series

Discover with us the fantastic island, plant and sky worlds of the isla bonita with exciting details and stories!

La Palma Travel presents a photograph by La Palma starlight guide Kike Navarro every 14 days.

In the fortnightly photo series, Kike tells the story of 


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