While many of our days during the past two weeks of our Acadia adventure(s) were filled with bright sunshine and the contrast that accompanies it, the day chosen to visit the White Birth Path during the second week was marked by an overcast sky and a near complete absence of wind – almost perfect conditions for this wonderful location. As we wandered between the Loop Road and the Great Meadow Trail we were constantly beguiled by the arboreal displays of this beautiful tree, stopping whenever an image revealed itself.
A focal length of 58mm, just plain normal-land, gave me the angle-of-view I wanted: almost no compression or magnification. An aperture of f/18 provided depth-of-field; and a shutter speed of 0.3 second at ISO 200 gave me an overall slightly lighter-than-medium exposure.
The forests of Mount Desert Island are a wonderland of white birch (Betula papyrifera); but when the species stands shoulder-to-shoulder down a winding wetland path, something very special happens.
I remember this spot; we stopped there on my last adventure in Maine. There must be other birch tree paths in the world, but that one is certainly special. In fact, as soon as I read the title and before seeing the image, I thought of this place.
The texture you captured in the roots is a reminder that they are not new at all. The roots are also indicating they are all part of a close-knit family. There must be a few stories hidden in those trees.
Thanks for sharing.
The spring green makes it look fresh and new in contrast to the roots.
Hi Nancy T. I thought I would combine both of your comments into a single response. You so astutely noticed the roots of the birches as indicators of their spread. These trees spread from seeds, which they produce in large quantities; and they are closely knit for certain.
The other place, besides the Smokies, I most remember sharing with you over the years is, indeed, Acadia. We’ve had a lot of fun there and I wish you could have been with us for this adventure.
The spring green does make everything look new and much like a community of creatures that care very much for each other. Be safe and well, Dear One.
Don, such a pleasing image. I equally like your phrase “…stopping whenever an image revealed itself…” With that, you capture the essence of being OPEN to one’s surroundings. To allowing the landscape to speak. It should be a book title! Have a good week.
Hey Ray. It’s great to have you with me. I really appreciate that you noticed that phrase. I was taught by my great mentor, Pat O’Hara, that images do, indeed,reveal themselves if we are still and quiet and allow them to speak; and so this is how I try to approach the land every time seek to work in it. Openness to one’s surroundings is a sine qua non to meaningful nature imagery.
Enjoy the full spirit of the Fourth and have an excellent week. Walk in Beauty.
Thank you both for all of your interest in my work and all of your support for the Image. It means a lot to me that it continues to speak to you. We have so much to be grateful for as we appreciate the great Beauty with which we have been blessed; thank for for all that you do in support of this truth.