“The Remnants”
“On revisiting places and memories, we are reminded of what was. We should not dwell on these things, but recall fondly the place these things had in forming the present” – Ed Lehming
I have shared images of these dead pine trees a few times in the past. I came across them several years ago and they stood out to me because they are such a stark contrast to the living forest that surrounds them. They appear to have died many years ago but the nature of their composition and lack of branches for the wind to catch has kept them standing for years.
Every year, they decay a bit more and there is often one less. I imagine they will all be gone in the next few years.
I always make a point in stopping in front of them, thinking about what must have happened to kill them off and fascinated by how they have remained vertical. They have provided me with some wonderful photo opportunities. Given the number of photos I have made here, no two are ever the same. Some element is always changed, be it the light, the colour of the foliage, or even the slight change in my position when composing the image.
On the day I made this image, a mere week ago, autumn was in full swing, the surrounding forest filled with soft light and brilliant gold, orange, and rusty colours, and a cluster of shrubs, which have only recently taken hold among the skeletal trucks, added a beautify sparkle of light that I had not noticed before.
It’s become a place of quiet reverence and reflection to me and one I will sorely miss once they are all gone. I will miss them once their time has passed but be grateful for the inspiration they have provided me.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/32, ISO 200
Ed Lehming Photography 
Beautifully said! I often find myself contemplating such trees as this when I go into the woods, which is far less often than I’d like. Thanks for sharing, both your beautiful photo and your insights.