Just turn around…

 

I’ve always been attracted to trees… their sturdiness, longevity, and life-giving force are the very embodiment of nature’s inherent strength over adversity. They are, of course, simply beautiful as well. I have always been drawn to trees–as a child they seemed to hold some sort of magic in the majesty of their branches, arching to touch the sky, crocheting a pattern of profoundly complex branches and leaves that to this day, can hold me in rapt attention. So it’s no surprise that I photograph trees, especially in the fall and winter, when their stark appearance seems to beg center stage. Funny enough, for the image above, I had set out to photograph clouds. I saw them forming late one afternoon and, in a race against time, grabbed my camera, tripod, and took off for what I knew would end up yielding me all of 10 minutes of prime capture time, given the lateness of the hour. No matter–I set out on a mission. And while I did indeed shoot several interesting shots of the gathering clouds facing the east, it was when I had packed up and turned around the other way, to the west, that I saw the tree. Beautifully silhouetted against those gorgeous purple and gold clouds, there it stood, and I knew I had found what I came for. It’s magic when that happens. Hope you enjoy…