This is a project concentrating on one of my favourite subjects; trees. The project title comes from from 'On the Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin (1809-1882), and refers to the myriad of species that have evolved. "...from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved." However, I use it here in reference as much to the many forms that trees take (intraspecific variation), as to the variety of species that there are (interspecific variation).

Trees are long lived, and sessile (unmoving), so unlike many things in nature it is possible to become familiar with an individual over a long period of time. This is particularly true of ancient and veteran trees, upon which we may impose character befitting their form. It is no wonder they are popular. Their long lifespans are also humbling - they are there when we are born, and they'll be there when we die (hopefully).

I am using a Medium Format film camera, as I find it facilitates a slower, more 'deliberate' way of working that seems to lend itself well to tree photography. I am also using monochrome film, as the project is principally about shapes, forms, textures, and composition, removing colour as a distraction (see my 'Natural Colour' project for a contrasting approach).

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