From frustration to fascination with trees in their winter state. How the changing seasons transformed my view of trees and opened new photographic possibilities.
Beautiful images Giles! I have to admit that although I love the beautiful spring and autumn shows trees bring us I love the winter. Nothing does it more than a lone tree in a field for me! And yes, I can really relate to that feeling of almost rushing to make images of trees before the spring growth changes their form. 😊
Great photos! What I noticed when I paid attention to trees in winter is that you can recognize tree species not only by the form of the leaves (as I usually do) but also by the shape and growth of their branches! I was blown away when I discovered that 😉
Lovely images Giles. I love the shapes of some of these trees and they look great in black and white.
I think your comments about looking at things with new eyes is so true. As Henry David Thoreau said 'It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see'. I have spent a long time photographing a steel retaining wall on my local beach. At first glance it is quite ugly and functional but looking more closely it has yielded so many interesting images. It has now become something I seek out on a regular basis because it is always changing.
I agree that the shape of leafless branches and form of a tree is more compelling (for me to shoot) than a green woodland scene. I occasionally gather enough tree images to post them and I feel like the last time I did, a majority were naked trees.
Glad you had such a positive experience with winter’s presence!
Beautiful images, Giles! In recent years, I’ve also come to appreciate the beauty of naked trees. I live in an area with mostly evergreen pines, so encountering a bare tree in my travels is always a real treat!
Thanks, Todd. So pleased to hear that. I feel your pain with the pines, as most of the larger woods near me are dominated by them, hence why I don’t find them very inspiring I guess.
Yes! This is wonderful. I’ve had similar as a result of reading Guy Shrubsole’s book about the lost rainforests of Britain and suddenly developing a fascination with sole of the trees on a route I do fairly regularly and the lichen that grows on them.
Super nerdy, but very rewarding to see the changes.
Thanks, Ralph. Yes telegraph poles and power lines are some of my other favourite subjects, so it was nice to get them in with the trees. A photographic hat-trick so to speak 😊📸📸📸
Beautiful images Giles! I have to admit that although I love the beautiful spring and autumn shows trees bring us I love the winter. Nothing does it more than a lone tree in a field for me! And yes, I can really relate to that feeling of almost rushing to make images of trees before the spring growth changes their form. 😊
Thanks, Lin. Kind of you to say and glad I’m not alone when it comes to lone trees in fields. 👊🏻😁
Fantastic post Giles, and a lesson to us all, thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, Dave. 😊
Great photos! What I noticed when I paid attention to trees in winter is that you can recognize tree species not only by the form of the leaves (as I usually do) but also by the shape and growth of their branches! I was blown away when I discovered that 😉
I never thought of that, Jadzania, although it makes total sense. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely images Giles. I love the shapes of some of these trees and they look great in black and white.
I think your comments about looking at things with new eyes is so true. As Henry David Thoreau said 'It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see'. I have spent a long time photographing a steel retaining wall on my local beach. At first glance it is quite ugly and functional but looking more closely it has yielded so many interesting images. It has now become something I seek out on a regular basis because it is always changing.
Thanks, Gill and love the quote by David. Perfectly sums it up.
Great scenes, perfect for BnW!
I agree that the shape of leafless branches and form of a tree is more compelling (for me to shoot) than a green woodland scene. I occasionally gather enough tree images to post them and I feel like the last time I did, a majority were naked trees.
Glad you had such a positive experience with winter’s presence!
Many thanks and glad I’m not alone in this fascination. Roll on next winter 😄
Beautiful images, Giles! In recent years, I’ve also come to appreciate the beauty of naked trees. I live in an area with mostly evergreen pines, so encountering a bare tree in my travels is always a real treat!
Thanks, Todd. So pleased to hear that. I feel your pain with the pines, as most of the larger woods near me are dominated by them, hence why I don’t find them very inspiring I guess.
Yes! This is wonderful. I’ve had similar as a result of reading Guy Shrubsole’s book about the lost rainforests of Britain and suddenly developing a fascination with sole of the trees on a route I do fairly regularly and the lichen that grows on them.
Super nerdy, but very rewarding to see the changes.
It’s the most delightfully nerdy read, and I’ve yet to find a better example of nominative determinism. Highly recommended.
You got me at nerdy 😁 I am searching for a copy right now.
Thanks, Pete. I’ve not read Guy’s book but will be sure to look it up 🙏🏻
Wonderful stuff, Giles. A really like the way you incorporated the power lines in the image of the poplars. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Ralph. Yes telegraph poles and power lines are some of my other favourite subjects, so it was nice to get them in with the trees. A photographic hat-trick so to speak 😊📸📸📸
My family laughed a lot when I said I couldn't see trees properly once they were covered in leaves. But I think you know what I meant!
I do indeed, Jane. I do indeed. 👍🏻😊