As today’s Daily Prompt asked us to look at Survival, my first thought went to examples from Nature, as there are so many stories there…
Yoga Tree in Winter
In my book, trees are the ultimate survivalists, as they can, in some cases, stand across the centuries, despite all that weather can throw at them: wind, cold, heat, drought…
The Yoga Tree is a shining example of this endurance, who has inspired me over the years; she may not be centuries old, but she has not only survived the harsh New England climatic extremes, but also wrapped herself around the oil tank that was stacked up right next to her. She shows her adaptation to the prevailing winds and all that she had to conquer, in a proud stance, as she reaches up to the sky, almost in defiance to what may be thrown at her.
Do you have a survivor in Nature that inspires you?
Technical Details
This image was captured with an iPhone 5S using the standard Camera app.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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Very cool. Thank you, Frank. Gorgeous photo. I love trees, and the survival you mentioned is profound. The survivor that comes forward for me is the volcano. I lived for a summer in El Salvador, near a dormant volcano. Something about the power present in this natural creation humbles me. Blessings!
Trees do seem great survivors, especially the ones that have been twisted by a prevailing wind. You’ve reminded me that just one rose survived Katrina in the New Orleans Botanic Garden.
It ashame how some people take for granted of natures survival. Trees, plants, and other living things also endure stress caused by the the elements. Thank your for sharing your information.
Incredible photo. I love the way nature rejuvenates after a bushfire, here many years ago in Australia on what was known as Black Saturday we had devastating bushfires very close to where I live. Now, years later the regrowth is everywhere, ferns, trees … nature is pretty resilient.
Indeed, nature is amazingly resilient; I have seen cases where forest fires improved the overall eco-structure, as the new growth absorbs the nutrients left behind from the fire.
Dutch goes the Photo! 
Wow……
Thank you!
Very cool. Thank you, Frank. Gorgeous photo. I love trees, and the survival you mentioned is profound. The survivor that comes forward for me is the volcano. I lived for a summer in El Salvador, near a dormant volcano. Something about the power present in this natural creation humbles me. Blessings!
Volcanoes are very interesting features of nature, and I think you’re right about connecting them with survival.
Be well,
Frank
Trees do seem great survivors, especially the ones that have been twisted by a prevailing wind. You’ve reminded me that just one rose survived Katrina in the New Orleans Botanic Garden.
That’s one very impressive rose!
Thank you for reading my blog,
Frank
My pleasure!
It ashame how some people take for granted of natures survival. Trees, plants, and other living things also endure stress caused by the the elements. Thank your for sharing your information.
Thank you for reading my post; you’re so right about not taking these things for granted, as we all benefit from Nature’s ability to flourish!
Both your story and your picture are magnificent. What a lovely picture of survival.
Thank you very much! I appreciate your kind words v
Incredible photo. I love the way nature rejuvenates after a bushfire, here many years ago in Australia on what was known as Black Saturday we had devastating bushfires very close to where I live. Now, years later the regrowth is everywhere, ferns, trees … nature is pretty resilient.
Thank you!
Indeed, nature is amazingly resilient; I have seen cases where forest fires improved the overall eco-structure, as the new growth absorbs the nutrients left behind from the fire.
So true Frank. It’s the same around this area too, the new regrowth is quite spectacular.
Great photo
Thank you!