The Wishing Tree

[Andrew Stannard]

Hi,

I'd like to submit the following photo for critique/discussion:

It's of a 'Wishing Tree' taken on the Ingleton Waterfall Walk in Yorkshire. The idea is similar to a wishing well, but in this case the coins are inserted into a fallen tree trunk using anything you can find to hand (a rock in my case!). I've only ever come across one other of these, also in Yorkshire near Malham Cove. Have others seen them elsewhere?

The tree in this case had a graceful curve and so I chose a wide angle lens (10-22mm @15mm) to capture a more dynamic image. I'd originally shot an image which was in focus all the way to the right, but the eye seemed to just drift out of the frame. This version seems to 'hold the eye' better.


Thanks,

 

[James Newman]

I can't see the image. I'd like too though as it sounds very interesting.

 

[janet Smith]

Hello Andy

I'm always intrigued when I come across these trees, I like the diagonal composition and your use of b&w really enhances the texture, funny to think of all those people dipping into their pockets for a coin and taking the time to add their contribution, many a hammered thumb I think!

You asked if there are any more, my husband thinks there is one near "The Strid" Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire and we saw one in "Fairy Glen" near Gairloch NW Scotland, and know there is one on an island in Loch Maree, between Gairloch & Kinlochewe, Scotland. I would imagine there'll be loads more of them.....

 

[Andrew Stannard]

Thanks Janet,

The colour version didn't really work - hence the B&W. They seemed to detract from the image rather than add to it, besides I enjoy the B&W conversion controls in Lightroom!

It's good to know that there are a few around, might make an interesting portfolio to develop at some point, and an excuse to travel around more.


Cheers,