I love trees. They are amazing pars of nature. The science of trees is truly fascinating the more we learn about them. And I love trees as an artist and photographer.

But, you might think, can someone really have a favorite tree? After all there are limitless trees to look at. Trees are almost literally everywhere. Especially where I live.

But while trees may seem to be omnipresent they don’t exist forever. All trees grow and die and disappear from the earth. But they often do so at a seemingly slower and longer time line than does a human life. And I count it as a special personal tragedy when I see beautiful trees cut down by human hands.

I love being out in a forest full of trees, but what really fills me with joy and inspiration is a beautiful single solitary tree. It is easier to see the character of a lone tree versus one packed in the woods with its brethren. I single tree often stands out the way little else can, especially for something that we often take for granted.

My favorite tree sits alone at a local park in Watkins Glen New York. Clute Park runs along the southernmost edge of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. The park actually features many impressive trees.

But my favorite tree has a distinct look. The tree stands tall right near the waters edge. The tree itself overlooks the water.

The park consists of small peninsulas that probably serve to break up the waves on the lake in stormy weather. And my favorite tree is positioned right at the base of one of these peninsulas.

This tree has a distinct lean to it. The tree almost from the very foundation begins to gradually lean towards the eastern shore of the lake. But it is a gradual lean as the tree remains upright and tall. And most of the branches grow up from the side of the tree away from the lean.

Think about standing tall and doing a side stretch. You plant your feet firm and close together. You extend your trunk and neck as far as you can. Then you start to slowly bend from the waist. You stretch to the right. Then you raise your left arm slowly from your side up and overhead pointing your fingers to the right and deepening the stretch you feel on the left side. This is what I think of and feel when I see this tree.

This tree is also the site of some of m y oldest photographs like the one above. And it is a location I return to for scenic and dramatic photos like this winter storm along Seneca Lake.

Do you have a favorite tree?

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