Weekly Challenge – One Shot Two Ways
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Albert Einstein
TREE
This week we have been challenged to look for opportunities to present the same subject in multiple ways. Shooting multiple ways is something I do often, and typically I prefer the vertical result although there are always exceptions especially with landscapes.
KNOT
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”
Albert Einstein
In response, I offer a single tree that called for multiple shots. Rather than two, I am sharing three of my favorites as well as a full shot for perspective.
ROOTS IN THE ROUND
“Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.”
Arthur C. Clark
Finally, a shot of the subject in its entirety:
LEANING
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”
Anais Nin
With a nod to all those who see endless possibilities in the many miracles of nature, I leave you with this well-known line from Joyce Kilmer’s most famous offering: “I think that I shall never see, A poem lovely as a tree.” True that!
To see more Two Shot entries, click here.
that tree certainly offers a lot of options Tina I love the close up of the knot…it is really fascinating
Thanks Jo – it was the runaway favorite 🙂
This blog has been awarded a Bean’s Pat as blog pick of the day. Check it out at: http://patbean.wordpress.com
How lovely, thanks Pat! Loved your EA Poe-like verses!! BTW the link to me doesn’t seem to work. Much appreciate the nod!
Tina, the textures in all of your photos here are exquisite, the fingers of my eyes ( as ee cummings might phrase it) can feel the nubs and edges, rough and smooth, of the bark and roots, and I love the various shades of brown. brown is sometimes a color that doesn’t get a lot of respect. The quotes you’ve chosen are all thought-provoking, especially the Clark passage. Well done!
What a thoughtful and wonderful compliment Babsje! And you’re right about the many characteristics of the shades of brown . Thanks so much!
You’re welcome!
beautiful…
Many thanks! It was an incredible specimen!
Cool pix + an ink blot test!
I see a pumpkin & stem, a clam, & a horses head.
Ps – Where is lobstah ?
From your boston /jersey /k fan, dsup
🙂
Once again, you never fail to impress me with your amazing photography skills! Amazing photographs, great way to respond to this week challenge! Just incredible. 🙂
OK, you are my new favorite commenter LOL!! Thanks do much for the lively compliment 🙂
Wooo! Thanks! I am only speaking truth. 😉
Great collection of photos for this challenge Tina. Love the close-ups and the quotes that go with it!
Thank you Janaline – I enjoy studying a subject and shooting different aspects so this was a fun challenge for me. Appreciate your lovely comment
Excellent angles. 🙂
Thanks Britul! The tree had all the angles, I just shot them. LOL
I’ve never thought of taking photos of tree roots. You’ve inspired me to explore more nature’s beauty.
What a nice compliment FPW! Thanks so much for your visit and comment!
” looking at life from both sides now… ” that song came to mind as you took different photos of same subject,,, loved it… Linda
Many thanks Miss Linda! Could have used that quote – now why didn’t I think of that?!?!
The photographer’s imagination makes these look like otherworldly creatures. Very neat.
Altho I must admit it didn’t occur to me, apparently you are not alone in seeing “creatures”! Who knew?!
Mother Nature is truly the ultimate artist. These images are outstanding!
Thanks Madelaine, you’re right tho, the credit goes to Mother Nature!!
Sent from my iPhone
Didn’t know about the quote, it goes very well with the knotty old tree…
:-). Yep, loved that one!
I have a thing for trees, too!
LOL! Welcome to the club 🙂
I love the second shot.
That one seems the clear favorite! It definitely caught my eye :-). Thanks for commenting!
That one seems the clear favorite 🙂 thanks for your “vote”!
Oh, and did I mention that trees are one of my favorite subjects, both in metaphor and photography? They are never ending stories. Bet you can tell! 🙂
Me too Alexandria. We have a tree near my home in SC called Angel Oak that is magnificent (google it for some images). One of these days I will go out and attempt a shoot! Thanks for your lovely comments.
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VERY well done, Tina!
Thanks Alexandria–and for the mention/ping back as well 🙂
Gladly. It was very well done.
Beautiful shots Tina! One subject, different perspectives and each perspective has a different meaning, a different story:) Great that you’ve posted a shot of the subject in its entirety, it makes the series all the more beautiful.
Thanks Uday! It was one of many wonderful specimens but I especially liked the way it was leaning and the way it’s roots clung for dear life! Appreciate your lovely compliment, as alwaysM
Excellent entry …. some strong and powerful tree … great photos, but you always deliver fantastic photos. My pick of this terrific bunch most be – the knot. Just love that close up. Great choice of quotes too. Lovely post.
Thanks Viveka! Always fun matching the quotes w the photos 🙂
Yes, I try to match quotes with the contens of the post – I like the little naught and funny ones.
Nice picture with inspiring quote
Thanks Joshua. Appreciate your visit and comment.
Tina, wonderful all the way, words and photos!
Thanks so much Hanne. I enjoyed seeing this week’s responses!
yes, me too.
Great pictures. What a fantastic roots these trees have.
Thanks Christov, yes they are really amazing. Imagine what it looks like under the earth as you’re walking thru a dense forest!
I like your quote:
“We write to taste life twice,
in the moment and in retrospect.”
Anais Nin
P.S.:
After reading Henry Miller’s trilogy
I read all the books of Anais Nin –
there are movies too …
Thanks FT, I liked that one also–hadn’t seen it before. Really liked the 2nd Einstein tho LOL
I love how you intertwined this exquisite tree’s qualities with Einstein’s – excellent post!
Well thanks SSM, that einstein guy must have been really smart LOL!
Sent from my iPad
The images are magnificent, Tina! Love these quotes, perfect two ways.
Thank you Amy! I’ve enjoyed all of the responses on this one!
The knot shot is definetly the eye of the beast!! Joyce Kilmer’ s “Trees” was my mother’s favorite poem…she recited it perfectly until the end..96 yrs.! Very special Tina!
You know, I think I remember you telling me that! Thanks Jeannie!
I really like the ‘knot’ shot. It looks like a slumbering creature.
Thanks MW….you’re the second blogger to think so! And here I thought it was simply a knot 😉
When I lived in California I saw this ALL the time (the roots thing) I never see it here. WI
Hmmm…a musician who moved FROM California to Wisconsin. I’m sure there’s quite a story there! Thanks for dropping by!
Well I have lived ALL over! Your so welcome and have a wonderful fall!
Love the tree. In thinking about your quotes, there is even another way to see it…..as in your mind’s eye as it will be in its next season when the miracle of renewal begins…..in the moment but with anticipation for the future. That tree looks like it has a lot of stories to tell and more to come. SQ
Thanks Suz – you’re right, the mind’s eye is probably the best shot of all!!! Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
I love the first shot, the roots lead the eye into the picture really well. It’s interesting to see the full subject alongside the close up shots. And the quotes were a good read too. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Ben! Appreciate your visit and comment. Exactly my goal with the first shot so thanks for mentioning it!
Nicely done, Tina. Like shot #2 the best after reviewing the quartet. Nos. 1, 3 and 4 get passing grades, too. 🙂
Thanks Tom – my favorite also….great minds think alike LOL.
That knot reminds me of the eye of an ancient beast, ready to climb out of the murk and do unspeakable evil. Maybe that’s just me.
OMG I hope so John!!! I have shown that photo in a few different environments and have been asked many times what it is 🙂 I need to save your interpretation for the next time I’m asked!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Lovely pairing of images and quotes.
Thank you Sally 🙂 Didn’t realize until I started blogging that Einstein was so widely quoted!
You captured the tree’s struggling to hang on.
Thanks Sharon – you’re right! Perhaps that’s what appealed to me in the first place. Its position was quite precarious yet it was definitely not going anywhere!!
I’m rooting for you on this one, Tina.
LOL, thanks Steve!
I felt it was the only route open to me.
What a magnificently gnarled tree. I love these old creatures.
Ron
Me too Ron (obviously!). It really offered so much to appreciate! Thanks for your visit and comment.
Very nice. I envy your ability to interpret and capture the subtle elements of a natural landscape.
What a lovely compliment Nick; thanks so much.
I really like the third one – it looks as though it might be mobile…..and Albert’s second quote 🙂
Yes, that second quote really made me smile! Easy for a man of his genius I suppose!!! And love your comment about the mobility – those roots could be a wheel for sure 🙂
Such an interesting looking tree. The different shots show all its different facets.
Thanks Colline, there was much to see in this one simple (or not so simple) subject!
A great set of images! I love the first one though, a beautiful old tree full of character captured perfectly in your photograph.
Thanks so much SW, it was quite the beautiful specimen – calling out to be studied!
That first shot especially illustrates the viewing of life as a miracle. It’s quite obvious sometimes and you reveal it well.
Thank you Bumba! It’s the small things if you really pay attention, isn’t it?!
Yes, and it’s the culmination of all the small things that creates the mystery.
What a captivating subject. Great perspective on this challenge.
P.S. The link to the other photos didn’t work.
Thanks Al! I did enjoy this one – lots to choose from but at the end of the day, I thought a simple subject was the best way to tell the story. Also, appreciate your comment on the photos – I’m not having a problem at all. Could you do me a big favor and try again? Haven’t had any other complaints. Thanks!!
Hi Tina. Tried again with a different browser, still no luck. Here’s what I get http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/one-shot-two-ways/http:/
Trees as subjects in photography are always wonderful. Their shapes and textures provide endless inspiration.
Absolutely! Was a bit surprised as I looked at some of the other responses that there were very few trees this time!
The quotes are simply perfect for your photos, enjoyed both very much!
Thank you Dina! Was surprised to see Einstein pop up twice, and both were fun and appropriate. What a heck of a smart guy, eh?!