I’ve been looking at this branch for quite a while, waiting for the right atmosphere…fog and soft light. It’s a simple scene right next to the traffic circle at Quabbin Hill, just a branch that has fallen from a tree, yet it seems so inviting, beckoning. I finally accepted the invitation and made an image.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Here in the south, a small creek sometimes is called a “branch.” (For example: bourbon and branch water.) The piece of birch looks so much like a flow of water meandering through the land, the name Fallen Birch Branch seems to fit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The “flow” of the branch was what I wanted to express in the image, but I didn’t feel that it would really say much without the background containing fog, so waited for the right time. I appreciate you seeing that, Linda.
We also have river branches here and I often post images from the Middle Branch of the Swift River which feeds the Quabbin Reservoir where this park is located…although several miles separate the locations.
LikeLike
Water-language is interesting.Here in Texas, I rarely hear “branch.” On the other hand, “fork” is pretty common, as in “North Fork of the Guadalupe.” A small stream that would be a branch in the southeast, is a creek or bayou here.
Speaking of Texas water, today’s the anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s death. “Texas Flood” is holding up pretty well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve, of course, heard the term “fork” but it’s not really used here to refer to branches of rivers, streams, etc.beyond the actual fork location itself. I do enjoy the Yogism, “When you come to the fork in the road take it”.
I remember hearing of the helicopter crash while camping and the shock of Vaughn’s death….memories of Buddy Holly et al being rekindled as well. Close call for EC.
LikeLike
When I visited Iowa for the one and only time in 2008, I was staying one town over from Clear Lake, which is where Buddy Holly played for the last time. The venue is still there and has some Buddy Holly memorabilia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you did, Steve. This is wonderful. I,too, like the suggestion of flow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad that you like it, Melissa. It’s such an interesting branch that has had my imagination for a while.
LikeLike
It reminds me of a lone birch tree that stands in a forest of black oaks at Illinois Beach. That gleam of white calls to me, just as your branch does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The birch trunk is a cool leading line through the forest. Fine contrast in the B&W conversion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tom. I tried several slightly different angles, but this was the most inviting to explore, I thought.
LikeLike
This is effective but I’m wondering whether you also tried a higher-contrast version in which the branch would have stood out even more against darker foliage.
LikeLike
I did try several versions, Steve. Higher contrast yielded a darker image which felt too ominous and I was going for friendly.
LikeLike