The tree, as early as I can remember, impressed me as being the tallest plant around, that acquired its qualities from being useful, i.e. providing shade, oxygen, bloom, fruit and wood.
What I wish to illustrate and discuss here, based on my photographs, is the expressive value of the tree, i.e. how it contributes by its sheer presence to the perceptual experience of sites and/or situations … all in a light mode!
Between lake and woods, there is nothing like a flowering tree to bring them together … photographically that is.
![to illustrate the way trees are found in natural settings](https://www.culturaldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_1567-copy.jpg?x11569)
When a simulated mountain clearing visually needed an anchor, nothing like a specimen tree to fulfill the need.
![To illustrate how a specimen tree can provide a visual and ecological focus to a simili mountain clearing](https://www.culturaldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_1937-copy.jpg?x11569)
When urban row housing dwellers need privacy, there is nothing like a row of trees to draw attention away from the buildings.
![To illustrate how a row of trees at sunset can screen the façades of row houses](https://www.culturaldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_0883-copy.jpg?x11569)
When the moon seems so far away, two trees mounting the guard over a picnic shed will help visually reach for it.
![To illustrate how trees can reach the sky on the way to a dusk moon](https://www.culturaldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_0535-copy.jpg?x11569)
When moon and street light visually need a mid-distance marker, photographically, tree branches will bring it all together.
![To illustrate how a tree outline can organize the separate visual elements of a street photograph at night fall](https://www.culturaldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_0781-copy.jpg?x11569)
When a quiet pond needs something to reflect off it, the tree is always happy to oblige.
![to illustrate how trees can bring visual interest to a plain pond surface](https://www.culturaldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/DSC_1188-copy.jpg?x11569)
When the overhead sky feels distant and monotonous, trees will be happy to hold their branches across its barren extent.
![to illustrate how a photograph can bring sky and tree top in a photographic composition](https://www.culturaldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PEUT-ETREIMG_1809-copy.jpg?x11569)
When trees gather to keep company, benches and people will usually follow.
![To illustrate how a gathering of trees can invite a gathering of people](https://www.culturaldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_1185-copy.jpg?x11569)
End words
Let us do what is necessary to keep the trees from burning by the millions.
Credit all photos to Maurice Amiel