Week 37 - Soft Light

Soft Light

There is a specific group of trees that I often pass by. Their twisting limbs have a dance-like elegance, and their bark has a tangible texture. In addition, many are surrounded by soft tall grass, adding a sense of tranquility.

Yet, while I find this group of trees to be an appealing subject, they require a certain quality of light to make an image. Because they sit in a valley, harsh light can leave them deep in shadow. Strong backlighting often hides their details.

This tree is among them. What captured me about this tree was its limbs reaching out of the earth like an open hand. An offering from the soft land surrounding it.

Without the subtle, overcast lighting, the gesture and detail of this tree's limbs would be lost. Fortunately, repeatedly returning to a scene creates a familiarity with the various lighting and weather conditions.

While green is restful and tightly linked to our impression of trees, the structure and grace of the bending limbs emerge in black and white.

f2 1/125 sec ISO 320 September 18, 2022