Ancient Tree

[Morkel Erasmus]

Hey everyone...

This shot was taken on Saturday morning right before our whole Easter weekend went south as I had to rush my wife to hospital and we lost our baby at 5 weeks...as you can imagine it's been an emotional ride from then.
:(

Afterwards this tree made me think about the cycle of life and death. How many storms has it weathered? How many scars does it bear?

This is a 3-image HDR processed in Photomatix and Photoshop CS3.

Techs:
Canon 1000D with 18-55mm IS @ 18mm
f11 @ ISO-200
The sky was overcast with the sun behind the clouds right in my view so the high-key effect is intended.

I hope this is wide enough not to be considered a plant "close-up" hehe

[Dave Mills]

Hi Morkel, So very sorry to hear of your loss. I could only imagine your sorrow at losing the baby. Your comparison to the tree and life is quite fitting.Again, my sympathy to your wife and yourself...

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Morkel,
My sympathies are with you and your wife in these trying times. Like that tree....you need to persevere. I am thinking of you borh in these tough times and sending only the best thoughts and prayers.
trees are some of my favorite subjects......like you I often wonder about what they have bore witness to! ...especially the redwoods and the baobobs! I really like the limb pattern along with the diagonal of the trunk. I may have preferred this with a bit more open space....to further emphasize the graphic element....but I think you did well with a very difficult subject.
Stay strong my friend!

[Bob Miller]

Hey Morkel! Very sorry to hear of your loss. Like the tree you got to continue to grow! Nice detail in the tree and vines. Hang in There!

[Morkel Erasmus]

appreciate it Bob, Roman & Dave!!

[Dennis "Curly" Buchner]

I'm really at a loss for words and wish you and your wife the best.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Curly...

[Hilary Hann]

Morkel, I'm so sorry. You will experience a grief that will be felt by everyone who has suffered a similar loss.

I would love to comment on your tree but it isn't coming up for me. Maybe tomorrow, there is always a tomorrow!

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Hilary! :)