Sad Tree

This is a damaged section of one of the pine trees on my property that has fallen prey to pine bark beetles. What was once a beautiful, 100+ foot tall, strong, vibrant green tree has now been reduced to ash to try and stop the progress of the 1/16th inch long beasts intent on destruction.

I ran three versions of DAP - Benson, Portraitist and Realism and blended the three together to try and put as much emphasis as possible on the bark damage to the tree and try to de-emphasize the background trees.

To me, the branch of the tree seems to be reaching out for help. So sad that we had to cut it down and burn it to try to stop the spread of the beetle.

Patti

Patti sad story. I just wonder about a crop from the right, I know you want the branch reaching out.....just wonder if it would improve it compositionally???

Love filter work, Patti. The bark is particularly strong. And I love the coloring. It certainly is a sad tale. The demise of any great tree is heartwrenching. I like the branch as you have it here because the small sub branches look like fingers reaching out.

Patti, The story and the tree together create a sense of sadness. The lonely branch does appear to be reaching out. I like the blended filters and the BG.

Thanks for your comments Jackie, Kora and Denise. Originally I just took the photo for documentation and since the branch also had some damage, I shot it along with the tree trunk. It wasn't until later that I had the feeling of the branch reaching out.

Jackie, I agree that the composition isn't balanced, but I'm not sure a crop would help. I tried a few and just couldn't see anything better. I probably should have shot it differently at the time. Hindsight!:D

p

Am I the only one who saw it this way??? ;)

Such a neat technique you used to get the end result...colors are both subtle and melancholy.

Thanks Jules - for the nice comments and the new vision. That is a whole different view and interesting to see - almost a hopeful feeling of what appears to be a healthy tree emerging from a damaged one.

Patti, this is a very original idea and something I can relate to. At my first house we had thirty pine trees along one side of the property. The beetles got to them and we had to have them all cut down. It completely changed the character of the place and we ended up selling it and moving. It was a sad situation indeed.

Nice use of filters to convey the feeling. Well done!

Thanks Kerry. I can't imagine losing that many trees. I can see where it would devastate the look and feel of your property to the extent that it would force you to move on. You can do all sorts of studies before moving to an area - soil, water, school, crime, etc. But you never know when these destructive little critters will decide to pop up.

Interesting comp and effect, Patti. Sad to hear about the tree's demise. I also like Jule's take, gives another very interesting perspective.