On the way back from a doctor’s appointment in Saratoga Springs this morning, I passed a beautiful apple orchard, standing somewhat forlornly against the ice and the snow. The shapes of these trees touched me, and I pulled over and walked into the pasture, the drivers of passing cars staring at me as if I must be demented or lost.
I wasn’t lost; I was pretty found. The apple orchard went on for acres, and the trees, all lined up in a row, all looked people to me, waiting in silence for Spring and Fall, patient and accepting, just like I wish to be. Everyone can see what they want in the photos; I saw a lot.
When I see trees like this standing against the snow, I always imagine their arms waving in exclamation as they try and say something or make a point. I guess at night, when no one is around, the orchard is alive in chatter; perhaps they will even talk about the strange old man who walked through the orchard, trying to stay balanced on the ice and took their photos.
Why, they might wonder, would anyone want to do that?
beautiful photos, Jon. I was going to say the same thing, actually…….I see these trees reaching up to the light……..trying to capture all the energy they can in order to burst forth in spring. They are very much alive, in every sense. Just gorgeous pic! Love that Leica, and your *eye*
Susan M
Because they are beautiful and intriguing
Your framing eye has changed shifting to black and white – more photographs capturing the essence of something or place rather than a recorded moment. Leaving the observer the fulfillment of seeing things in their own minds eye. Thank you.
The perfect accompaniment, for me, to gazing at your monochrome photos for quite a long time is the Dick Slessig Trio. Their music can be a bit difficult to find, but here’s a piece: https://aquariumdrunkard.com/2020/03/25/dick-slessig-combo-wichita-lineman/
Wow – that is very cool! I admire that you will go out in the cold to take photos. Guess I’m a warm-weather photographer. Yes. those trees were talking to each other. They’ll resume in a moment.
Betty B.
Now is the time to Wassel the apple trees according to my local orchard.
I don’t know what that means, but I’m sure the family that owns the orchard will take care of their trees.
I think they were grateful that you felt their spirit and beauty. I’m sure they did talk about you after you left and they wouldn’t mind posing for you again!
This post had me thinking about the poem, Lost, by David Waggoner. It ends: “If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,/You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows/Where you are. You must let it find you.”
Nice, thank you very much..
one of your best ///////////thanks