One of the easiest ways to make photography accessible to is to think about making it as simple as possible. One way to do that is in finding your subject. A photograph doesn’t have to include a once in a lifetime moment to be a beautiful creation of art.

One of the simplest subjects for photography to me is trees. Trees are everywhere. They are so ubiquitous that they often go unnoticed or overlooked.

Trees have evolved into one of my favorite photography subjects. One reason this has become true is that there are so many ways to photograph trees. Trees in a group make up a forest or woodland. Trees are often features of our parks and recreational spaces. Many of us probably have a tree right outside our house. And you can capture images of trees in these spaces.

Versatile

And trees are versatile subjects. There are many different ways to photograph a tree. This can lead to endless fascinations and experimentation. Try a single isolated tree. Present that in comparison to a forest full of trees. The branches of trees create interesting patterns and weaves that we could never come up with on our own. The same could be said if we look up into a canopy in a forest.

Then you can move in and take a closer look. Leaves contain so many intricate details. Patterns and textures. And then all the variety of colors, especially as the seasons change in the fall. And don’t forget about flowering trees.

But, the basic most obvious component of a tree is where I love to look. Move in close to that tree trunk. Look at the bark. Every individual tree has a different look especially as you move in close. And every tree species has a distinct looking bark. Different patterns and textures. And the addition of moss and lichen that can grow on trees make them even more interesting.

And don’t forget that there is more life to be found in that tree too. Countless insects. Birds. Small mammals. Maybe even some not so small mammals depending on where you live.

Go outside and look at some trees. Take your camera.

What do you love about trees?