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Treek Bark 1: The Rape
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| Photo Information |
| Copyright: Charles Park (ckpark) (36) |
| Genre: Places |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2007-09-18 |
| Categories: Nature |
| Exposure: f/2.8, 1/125 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2007-09-22 9:19 |
| Viewed: 479 |
| Points: 2 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Barks on TrekLense:
As of today, I could find very few shots entirely of tree barks (search "bark" or "tree bark" on TL).
Examples:
http://www.treklens.com/gallery/Europe/United_Kingdom/photo332315.htm
http://www.treklens.com/gallery/Europe/Greece/photo306766.htm
My personal opinion is that they are quite under appreciated by photographers.
Importance of Bark:
More scientifically, barks are called 'corks' the outer skin of trees.
If it weren't for bark, trees would not be able to survive the elements. It keeps the tree insulated extreme cold or hot temperatures. It protects the tree against germs and diseases (the tannin in the bark acts as antiseptic), and dehydration.
As a source of food, medicine, and fuel, they are historically important to humans. During periods of food shortage like during wars, we turn to them for sustenance. Sometimes vast forests are stripped of their bark for this purpose. When our fuels run low or when we are hiking, we gather them for the fire. Traditionally and in our modern quest for natural medicine, they are providing cures. Finally, they make us look good providing key ingredients to some cosmetic products.
As a photographic subject, they are interesting for the fact that they are complex. Each bark pattern is as individual as the space that the tree occupies. They tell us about the tree, its environment, and the people who they have met.
This Bark:
This bark was taken at a local nature reserve frequented by urban humans. You can tell that it's from an aging tree. The tree has lost some bark on the left. It has also been violated (or raped?) by people's pocket knives. As stated above, the photo is complex- having lots of elements. I thought about converting it to black and white to make it simpler but left it as is.
Your Comment is Important:
Please tell me what you think of tree barks. Over time, I would like to incorporate your comments into a narrative about tree barks as I keep on posting photos of them! |
filiz has marked this note useful
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- filiz
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 204 W: 0 N: 81]](http://i1.treklens.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(1131) - [2007-09-22 11:08]
- [+]
Hi Charles,
Impressive view with your notes. I liked texture and colours.
TFS.........Filiz
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 402 W: 36 N: 351]](http://i1.treklens.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(1493)
Bark! Bark! Bark! :o)
hmmmm . . . interesting topic and intersting photo. I don't think I can forward you a photo of a very "skin like" bark unless you send my your email address. I have a photo from a tree in the Arboretum (Golden Gate Park) that literally look like skin. If you're like, I can send it to you, if you drop me a message: pagliaccio_500@hotmail.com.
Keep shootin'!
Richard in San Francisco