Getting it Right in the Digital Camera : Tale of Two Trees, Album

This week I have a blog article featured on the New England Photography Guild web site. As has been my habit, I have decided that my personal blog this week will be an album of photographs that could not fit within the restrictions of the NEPG blog. Of course it is also difficult enough to come up with one article per week, let alone two!

This week I celebrate big trees. Oak trees to be exact. One is a champion of Cheshire County, the other is now just a bare pillar monument to former Glory. For the full story, check out the NEPG Blog "Tale of Two Trees"

The Friedsam Forest Great Red Oak
Friedsam Town Forest is a wonderful little oasis in the center of

Chesterfield, New Hampshire. It is only 220 acres but it is home to lovely trails through a varied landscape. The forest is also home to two magnificent and ancient giant Red Oak border trees. A few weeks ago one of the trees was measured and found to be the biggest in the county, nearly 100 feet tall and over 16 feet in circumference. It is estimated to be over 300 years old. The tree was once protected at the border of a pasture, but is now is surrounded by new growth forest making photography a particular challenge. Check out the images on the NEPG Blog, and here are a few others that may give a feeling for this proud champion. Of course you can see it yourself along the Ancient Oaks trail in Friedsam Forest. Stop by and consider all that this sturdy giant has seen.

Requiem for a Giant White Oak
As much as the Friedsam Oak is a photographic challenge, the

great White Oak at Alyson's Orchard in Walpole, New Hampshire was a photographer's dream. The tree sat alone at the top of a ridge overlooking the Connecticut River to waves of Vermont Mountains receding into the distance. It was estimated to be over 200 years old. Standing alone above the squat orchard trees, it was beautifully and fully formed and could be photographed easily from all angles. Tragically the oak was destroyed by lightning a few years ago, but I feel fortunate to have captured the tree in its glory. Now the remaining pillar has a certain defiant nobility which belies its traumatic end. For the full story and more images check out the NEPG Blog. When you have a chance, drop by the orchard to honor the oak and enjoy delicious apples in a lovely setting.