Hope and Despair

Gallery: FloraPosted August 20, 2011130 views11 comments

Sony A700
Minolta 200mm macro
ISO200, 1/8 @ f16, CPL

The drought in Texas has been pretty severe all over the state. Here in Houston we have had 20 consecutive days of temperatures above 100°. We have two small maple trees in our front yard that we planted three years ago. One has thrived but the other seems to really struggle. About four weeks ago all of its leaves turned brown and started to fall. I was afraid it had succumbed to the heat but over the past several days it has sprouted a bunch of new leaves. I thought this little scene that I found just after dawn this morning was symbolic and hopeful for better things to come. All comments welcome. >=))>

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Christine Jackson on August 20, 2011 at 10:14 AM

Another excellent image, Bill! Love the composition, color, and soft light. Glad to see the maple tree is surviving.

Chrisie Jackson
Denver, Colorado

Registered on September 19, 2010, 20 Posts, 244 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on August 20, 2011 at 10:25 AM

Bill:
Life (plant and animals) is pretty resilient. I think you have capture this nicely in this image showing the new shoots and the dried up one together. Lovely warm light on the shoot symbolises hope and I hope Chrissy garden recover from this harsh weather. Like this image a lot.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on August 20, 2011 at 10:49 AM

The promise of new life. Wonderful image of a promising tomorrow. Thumbs up, Bill.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Pat Sampson on August 20, 2011 at 1:08 PM

I'm glad to see the green Bill. Fine composition - I think I'd recognize your comp pretty much anywhere - and a very appealing image. I particularly like the bg gradient in this.

pat

Registered on May 19, 2007, 953 Posts, 15989 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on August 20, 2011 at 1:42 PM

Very nice contrast. they tell the story well. You guys have really taken a beating down there (and no sign of relief in sight) Hope your little tree makes it.

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Bob Duff on August 20, 2011 at 4:32 PM

Bill, I like the story per your title. Works very well. To think the PNW has gone 20+ days of rain and you're being parched!!

Registered on April 21, 2010, 160 Posts, 1675 Comments

Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on August 20, 2011 at 7:46 PM

I like the story this photo tells of the resilience of nature, Here in SE Pa it was quite dry for awhile too but nothing like you have experienced in Texas. We have finally gotten sufficient rain and things are greening up nicely. Hopefully you will get some needed rain soon. BTW I like the comp, lighting, and details of this photo.

Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on August 20, 2011 at 11:08 PM

You have my sympathy. It's been a very hot and dry summer here in Ohio, but nothing like what your going through. Of course, our moderately hot dry summer was preceded by an exceptionally long, cold, and snowy winter! Oh well... I like the nice morning light in the image and the isolation of the leaves from the BG. Best of luck to your trees.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on August 21, 2011 at 8:28 AM

Wow. Very impactful image even without the story. Wonderful composition. The larger view really shows the beauty.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on August 21, 2011 at 11:32 AM

Hi Bill

The resilience of plants to drought has always amazed me. Your marvelous capture of this maple struggling to survive is heartwarming.. beautifully captured and composed

Albert Darmo

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Ramamohan Pai on August 21, 2011 at 8:53 PM

A special story telling photo, Bill. It very much relates to the situation you and other Texans are in right now. Lovely interpretation

Registered on November 1, 2003, 550 Posts, 9037 Comments