While looking around a spot in Quabbin Park, I happened upon a fallen log that had some spalting which is caused by fungus activity. Many woodturners and makers of small decorative boxes use the wood to advantage as it can be interesting and attractive.
I had actually been attracted to a goldenrod but noticed this as I kept looking around and decided to work with it as abstract photography.
I always appreciate the abstract work of other photographers and painters, occasionally feel that I am a bit too literal with my subjects, and every once in a while something inspires me out of my usual. I thought that this was the right subject for study of the natural beauty of the process of decomposition. Nature is fascination.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
I’m pleased to see you venturing into abstraction. You did a good job here in recording patterns as well as colors, so when it comes to wooden spalting, you’re not an artist to be faulting.
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Lots of photographers do this sort of thing on a daily basis. I am not sure that is the path I want to travel but am glad to have a few forks in the creative trail.
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Very nice. You have it in you. Just need to bring it out.
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I’ve all sorts of stuff in me, most of which is right where it belongs. As far as abstracts go, it’s not my basic way of looking at things but, as you suggest, working at it will create more opportunities. Thanks, Michael.
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It’s not a religion. It’s just an option.
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I’m not sure I’ve ever heard the word ‘spalted.’ On the other hand, as soon as I looked at photos of items made from spalted wood, I recognized the phenomenon. I’ve admired bowls and boxes made from it at various woodworkers’ shows in the hill country. I think I always assumed the patterns were from the grain, rather than from the action of fungus on the wood. It’s beautiful after being worked, and it’s beautiful here, in your photo.
This morning, our NWS office posted about purple sunrises and sunsets around the country, saying:
“Good morning SE Texas! Have you noticed a purple tint to our sunrises and sunsets lately? This is in part due to a volcanic eruption in Russia which released tiny dust particles that made it all the way to North America. These particles change the way solar light is scattered as the sun rises and sets. More information on the recent study that showed this can be found here: Volcanic eruption may explain purple sunrises.
They asked for other photos — would you mind if I sent them a link to your purple sunrise photo?
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As I’ve said, and many others beside me, Nature is the ultimate artist. We just need to see and appreciate…and paint or photograph. I am sorry that I didn’t do any turning of spalted or burl wood when I had my shop. Too much refinishing and restoring to spend time on my own projects and then I burned out on it…along with a couple of disagreements with moving tool steel.
Thanks for the link to the article. I am familiar with Glenn Randall although not personally. I had the same experience as he. With my naked eye I didn’t really notice the purple hue until working the file in Lightroom. I thought it was an error but a few others revealed the same hue.
No, I don’t mind at all. Once it is on the internet I guess it’s fair game anyway as long as people credit the photographer. Unfortunately not all do and some even go so far as to remove the owner’s copyright. I only mention that in conversation and it is no reflection on anything I think you might do. So yes, absolutely, go ahead and share it with them. Thanks for thinking to do that.
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I did — here’s the screen shot. I’m sure you probably did a little light cropping or whatever, but knowing you I was sure that a mention that it wasn’t manipulated would be fair. You certainly weren’t messing around with filters or over-saturating. I added a link to your blog, so anyone who’s interested can find you.
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The color hasn’t but of course work with contrast has happened. Also underexposing will intensify early morning light also which isn’t really manipulation and is something I do often if I’m a little late on the scene. Thanks for sharing my image and info.
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Hmmm… messed up the link somehow. Here it is again.
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That’s an exciting one, really, really nice. 🙂
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I made a few images of different parts of the log, but this worked the best. I may or may not share the others. I am very happy with the image. Thanks, Lynn.
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I’ve found it difficult to get interesting photos of bark, even though it often is fascinating-looking to my eye. I take a photograph and it’s blah. 🙂
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I’ve only liked a few. There was this which is debatedly about bark.
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I’ve had better luck with birch bark.
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And one more. 🙂
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Yes, it’s easier if there’s something else compelling, like root shapes or moss, and birch is always easier. Those are really, really nice, a pleasure to see. 🙂
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Thanks. Those are a collection over the years.
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I’d heard of spalted wood being used to make things and wondered what it was – now I know! 🙂
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One of the many services provided by SGNP. 🙂
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Trees are an endlessly fascinating subject. I recently posted a project on their barks, which may give you more creative ideas on the theme: https://karinelphoto.wordpress.com/portfolio/tree-hugging/
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One tree hugger to another.
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So beautiful. I gave up painting nature years ago because I could never seem to capture its beauty. This image is just lovely.
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Thank you, Dale.
I often feel the same way about my photography. It is hard to capture three dimensions and the sense of its existence in a two dimensional digital file…or on canvas.
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