OK, I'll admit it, I love trees. If I could take nothing but tree pictures for the rest of my life, I would be content.
Trees come in an infinite variety of sizes, shapes, colors and textures. They are constantly changing in appearance as the seasons unfold. As much as I love the new green of spring, and the stunning colors of fall, in many ways the best time to photograph deciduous trees is during the winter when their bare structures are in complete and full view. Trees are like sculptures, many of them incredibly abstract and strange. And, don't forget to look for the faces. Even evergreen trees put on an annual show when new spring growth produces fresh colors that may only last a few weeks.
Trees are almost everywhere, often appearing dramatically different depending on where you are. Although I have found great joy in taking pictures of trees in the West, one place that provides endless inspiration is in northern Delaware. The Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library was once a private estate owned by Henry Francis du Pont. In addition to being a wealthy industrialist, du Pont was an avid gardener. When he gifted his home and garden to the State of Delaware in 1951, his one condition was that he remain on as head gardener for the rest of his life. The 1,000 acre garden is planted with many varieties of trees and other beautiful flora and fauna. The trees found here constitute one of the most interesting and assorted collections ever assembled in one location. It's a magical place.
Not to be outdone, the natural beauty of the trees in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are truly inspirational. Even when dead or just hanging on, these trees present natural sculptures that rival anything found in a museum. In the winter, the fog filled, frost covered, valleys and hills in and around Teton Valley and Jackson Hole offer scenes that could be from an impressionist painting or a soft focused vision brought on by an afternoon slumber. The inspiration is seemingly endless?
