With a forecast of sun and cloud, it seemed a good day for a walk in Bushy Park. Also, I knew that I would be stuck in front of the PC over the following two days to prepare for the Interim Review so stroll in the fresh air would be good for both body and soul.
My first stop was to revisit the hawthorn nearest to the Shaef Memorial. The following were taken with the digital camera using the polarising filter.
This is a Black & White conversion of this tree that was taken from a very low angle. Very brooding and dramatic.
I also took these images of the Shaef Memorial with the smartphone.
While standing one the memoiral, I took these two images which (in theory) would be the same view from Eisenhower’s Bushy Park office.
I continued walking through the park and decided to focus on this section. There are quite a few hawthorns in this patch.
The following are shots of some of the trees that caught my eye. I don’t think these images will make the final cut, but I will need to re-photograph once the ferns have gone and in a different light.
Tree One
Tree Two
When looking back at these trees, I realised that they were planted in a row.
Tree Four
Tree Five
On first glance, this tree looks like a small hawthorn peeking out the ferns. The trunk of the tree is actually lying on the ground the ‘tree’ that can be seen is one of its branches reaching for the sky.
After placing my order with DS Colour Labs, I received my prints within a couple of days. In my experience, I always find this stage of the project very enlightening. By looking at the prints and not at the screen-based images, there are always aspects to take into further consideration. It is an invaluable part of the learning and project-progression process.
In order to get a better idea of possible sequencing, I laid out the 6″ x 9″ prints on the living room floor and took the following smartphone shots.
I also tried this aspect.
One thought that kept tickling my mind was combining a big image of a one tree and present it with smaller, close-ups of the same tree. Something that could be discussed in the forthcoming Interim Review.
When reflecting on both my subject matter and images so far, I realised that advancement in regards to the technical aspect had been neglected. This revelation came to me when looking at a cloudy sky on 9 November 2020. The sun was trying to break through a bank of clouds and I noticed a ‘sun dog’. Also known as a parhelion, this visual phenomenon is a bright spot in the sky appearing at the side of the sun. Similar to a rainbow, it is formed by refraction of sunlight through ice crystals high in the atmosphere. This was made more defined when looking through my polarised sunglasses. Additionally, the sun looked a like a full moon when looking through these lenses.
This prompted me to dig out my polarising filter and set myself the task of using this on my next Bushy Park visit. On the morning of 12 November, the sky was a mix on sunshine and clouds, so it was the perfect opportunity to try something different. I also wanted to revisit the line of hawthorns I looked at on the 10 November. These trees had sparked a new line of enquiry and I wanted to investigate them further.
Unfortunately, the light was quite harsh and the park was very busy with people taking their daily exercise, but it was good to try something new. In addition to the polarising filter, I underexposed the majority of these shots so that it would enable them to be edited and not ‘blown out’ in this type of light conditions.
What I did notice that a glove had been placed on one of the hawthorns.
This reminded me of the tradition of the tying of pieces of cloth to trees, including hawthorns as a healing ritual (Clootie/Cloutie Tree). This is one aspect of hawthorn mythology I need to look into closer.
I continued along the line of trees until I came to the last one. What I did find difficult was seeing the viewing screen on the camera. In order to make the tree appear larger than it is, I have to hold the camera quite low down. Also, there is quite a strong reflection from the sunlight.
The Black & White conversion.
The image on the left is the smartphone image I took on 10 November which can now be compared with the shot above (taken with the digital camera using the polarising filter).
After taking the hawthorn shots, I turned my attention to the dramatic sky.
Very dramatic.
The ‘before’ and ‘after’.
After I took the last photos, I noticed one of the many volunteers who maintain the Woodland Gardens in Bushy Park. He was clearing out a water channel that had become blocked. I realised that it was coming from the direction of the ditch that the hawthorns were planted along. When I asked him where the water was coming from, he said there was a spring that flows into the gardens. Would this spring be connected to the line of hawthorns in any way?
While chatting, he also mentioned a book called Bushy Park: Royals, Rangers and Rogues by Kathy White. Apparently, White is/was a local who wrote this book in 1997 about the history of the park. Hopefully, it will give me further insight into the place, especially the history before it became enclosed in the 17th century. I searched for and ordered this book on my return home.
After a day of being in front of the PC processing images, I had to escape the four walls of home. As usual, Bushy Park was my choice of walk. When I entered the park, the sun was already quite low in the sky. Despite the darkening conditions, the park was still bathed in a dull light and the mist was starting to form.
Part of my route involved walking along the track between Cobbler’s Walk and the gap between the two Woodland Garden plantations. Along this track is a line of hawthorns that I have not photographed or noted yet.
When looking closer at these hawthorns, the majority along this path would fit the criteria of ‘Ancient’. As the light wasn’t great and I was only armed with my smartphone, I only took the one image. This is the last hawthorn at the end of the track.
In order to tie in with the other images, I created the following Black & White conversion.
A quick comparison.
Looking at the map and thinking about this particular row of trees really did pique my interest. This path runs parallel to Macclesfield Walk running along the edge of the Willow Plantation. What was this boundary line planted for and why?
In preparation for the Interim Review on 18 November 2020, I wanted to present a selection of images produced so far. At at the time of writing, the review would be going ahead at University of Brighton (in line with Government guidelines). So I could receive the most comprehensible feedback from my tutors and classmates, I would need to print these images. In my experience, there are always differences between what is seen on screen and the printed version, so I knew it be a worthwhile exercise.
These are the 18 images I chose to have printed at 6″ x 9″ (C-Type on lustre paper). I ordered the prints online from DS Colour Labs, who provide great quality with a quick turnaround at an affordable price.
I also ordered the following prints at 12″ x 18″ in order to take a closer look at the details.
It will be quite interesting to see how they look as printed pieces and how they could function as a Body of Work.
After my successful photo session on 4 November 2020, I was quite enthused to return to the park to catch more hawthorns in similar weather conditions. As the forecast was for cold and mist first thing on 6 November, I could not miss out on this opportunity.
Unfortunately, despite it being quite chilly, the air was a touch too humid to have the ‘diamond’ effect on the trees and grass. Nonetheless, I discovered three new hawthorns and took the following images.
The area of Bushy Park I focused on was the patch on the left of Chestnut Avenue at the Teddington Gate.
Tree 1
The first tree I photographed is by itself. I tried shooting different angles around the tree and including different elements in the background.
The white pole that can be seen in the background in the fifth and sixth images marks the SHAEF Memorial. This is the location where General Eisenhower planned Operation Overlord, the code name of the D-Day landings in Normandy during WWII (1939-45). On 5 March 1944 General Eisenhower moved SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces) from Grosvenor Square in London to Camp Griffiss, a large US base in Bushy Park.
According to the Royal Parks website, Eisenhower is said to have relaxed by sketching the pine trees that he could see from his office window. Also, it states that the final buildings of Camp Griffiss were removed in 1963 but there are still signs of the camp, including brackets in trees that held telephone wires.
In hindsight, these closer shots remind me of broken wires.
Tree 2
I continued to walk through the park around the back of Hawthorn Lodge and around to the Diana Fountain car park. There were quite a few deer around that patch, which reduced my potential shooting opportunities. At the time of writing, I couldn’t recall exactly which tree this was, but I will need to revisit this speciment.
Tree 3
The third and final tree that I focused on was near to the main hawthorn patch near to the Diana car park. I really liked the texture of the sky in relation to this tree.
I also noticed this mesmerising cloud formation where I think the cloud was starting to shine through. I couldn’t quite get the angle or shot I wanted, but this is certainly an aspect I need to look out for with future images.
When looking closer at this tree, I noticed a spider’s web coated in water droplets. Evidence of the insects who rely on the hawthorns within Bushy Park.
Later that day, I created a selection of Black & White conversions.
At this stage of the project, it was now time to review the images taken so far. I also had to process how my research and the visual resources/artworks could influence my work going forwards.
The forecast for the morning of 4 November was sunshine and a chilly temperature of 2 centigrade. After waking up very early and looking out of the bedroom window, this forecast was confirmed by the twinkling cover of frost on the cars parked outside. These have to be my most favourite conditions in which to visit Bushy Park, so there was only one thing to do. Wrap up warm and grab the camera.
The park looked absolutely magical.
After the previous day’s shoot, I again returned to the first tree I visited. This time, I photographed it on the approach. The sun was much lower in the sky and highlighted the mist.
After returning home, I converted one shot to Black & White.
When I first looked at this one in detail, I could see a dragon’s head on the left of the tree. Then, when I showed this image to a friend, the said they could see the Grim Reaper on the right with a scythe on the left. Another person gave the following feedback “Very powerful image… so many ways to read/see it!”
At this stage of the project, certain themes and image similarities were starting to make themselves obvious. It was now time to process what these could be and return to the research aspect.
After my hawthorn recce on 1 November, I went to Bushy Park with my main camera to take further photographs of the trees I had recorded.
I started the shoot at approximately 11.50 and the sun was quite strong and high in the sky at this time of day. My intention was to walk the route I had followed on the 1 November, but in reverse.
Tree 1
The first hawthorn I experimented with was the one photographed last on 1 November (Tree 11). It was a bit frustrating as the sunlight was quite harsh. I thought the bark would have been darker, having rained the day before. Despite this, the wood was quite bleached by the light.
Another frustrating factor was the walkers in the background – there was a lot of waiting for what seemed to be a clear shot. Additionally, getting a low enough angle was quite taxing on my legs. It was also difficult to see the image through the viewfinder or on the screen on the back of the camera due to the harsh light. What I need to experiment with next is the tripod and a sun hood for the screen. Ideally, I would use a 7″ external monitor which can be attached to the camera via the accessory shoe. I should also use the virtual horizon indicator on the display to ensure I have a straight line through the image.
These are the resulting images pre-editing.
Tree 2
I then walked through Woodland Gardens to the area on the other side. This is Tree 2 from 1 November.
The aspect I focused on was the branches against the sky. I also created a Black & White conversion of this shot. I particularly liked the dramatic nature of the sky and how the branches frame and follow the lines of the clouds.
Tree 3
With this particular hawthorn, I tried both portrait and landscape-orientated shots and tried some close ups.
While editing, I thought this was the shot that looked the strongest out of these and carried out a Black & White conversion.
I then walked to the grove in the vicinity of Hawthorn Lodge
Tree 4
This is a tree I hadn’t photographed before. It is in the area near to Hawthorn Lodge. I quite liked this hawthorn’s stance. However, after looking at these shots, I think this should be reshot to get the optimum angle and orientiation.
Tree 5
Again, another new hawthorn. This could also be reshot to get the best angle.
Tree 6
A record of a hawthorn that has clearly been cut down. It will be interesting to see what is fully revealed once the ferns disappear for the winter.
Tree 7
Again, another interesting hawthorn that needs further investigation.
Tree 8
By now I was starting to tire – I’m beginning to realise that to make the most of my energy and get the best shots is to focus on one or two trees per visit. However, I perked up when I saw a couple of sparrow hawks flying around this tree and was quite chuffed to capture it on this hawthorn.
Tree 9
Again, another hawthorn to be revisited, especially after looking at the Black & White conversion below.
Tree 10
Last, but not least, this particular character. I was definitely running out of steam at this stage.
Looking back at these images, there definitely seems to be a theme starting to appear. The horizontal shots are very strong and give quite a powerful impression. A factor to be considered in further detail.
After my shoot on 29 October, I wanted to explore a different section of Bushy Park where I knew there were hawthorns. I also wanted to combine this session with a long walk in order to take my mind off the previous day’s announcement regarding the forthcoming four-week lock-down.
While on my walk, I was aware of being thankful that I took this development into consideration in relation to the project for this module. I am extremely fortunate to be able to leave the house for exercise and carry out work that I can’t do at home. The circumstances are very similar to earlier in the year – it worked then and it will work now.
In preparation in working out the different areas within Bushy Park and the hawthorns in each part, I searched for a map online. In doing this, I came across the Historic England website and discovered I could download an Ordnance Survey map. This will be very helpful in my mission to locate the trees.
The area in which I focused covered the area between the border of the Pheasantry Plantation in the Woodland Gardens, the channel of water on the bottom, left-hand side of the map and the track to the right.
I took the following images using my smartphone as I wanted to travel light and nimble. Also, rain and strong winds were forecast and I did not want to risk my main camera being damaged.
Tree 1
The first tree is on the corner near to where the two tracks converge. The paths can be seen in the first image.
What struck me when looking at the images was how this hawthorn looks in relation to the oaks. For me, it looks like the oaks are protecting the hawthorn and not the other way round. There is a slight gap in the trunk, which also adds to the character.
Tree 2
This particular hawthorn is quite spectacular. When looking at this specimen from a distance, it is quite difficult to work out which bit which. That includes the trunk/s, branches and new growth. It has the appearance of being both dead and alive, which I have discovered is quite common with ancient hawthorns.
Tree 3
This tree has a very interesting trunk which seems to be split into four. When taking photographs from different angles, it appears to be a completely different tree in each shot.
What also intrigued me was how the tree appeared differently depending on the angle and perspective of the shot.
Trees 4, 5 & 6
These are three hawthorns that are quite close together. Again, all with their unique features.
Tree 7
This hawthorn does appear to be dead, but I’m sure it is full of insect life.
Tree 8
Another very interesting hawthorn. Despite it being horizontal on the ground, it is very much alive. The open trunk features mushrooms and has certainly been taken advantage of by insects. What I noticed was how the tree almost appears ‘upright’ when a shot is taken from a particular angle, as seen in the last of these images.
Tree 9
This hawthorn is near to the small channel of water. It does look more ‘traditional’ than the other hawthorns, but I’m sure there are qualities that could be brought out when taking a closer look on another day.
Tree 10
This solitary hawthorn is halfway between the water channel and the fence running along the border of the Pheasantry Plantation. This one has lots of character and I need to take further images.
By now I was getting tired and needed a comfort break. After a quick pit stop in the Pheasantry Cafe, I continued through the park on the other side of the Woodland Gardens.
While walking across this patch, I noticed this following tree. The trunk is bent right over and does not touch the ground.
Tree 11
When looking at the images at home, I notice how this hawthorn looked in relation to two other nearby trees. The one on the far left was struck by lightening and is a fabulous example of how trees can survive despite a traumatic event. The one in the middle is another interesting mix of ‘dead & alive’. I had photographed it during the last winter and it appeared totally dead. I then noticed again during the summer and realised it very much alive. When put in line with the hawthorn, I thought it made a very interesting and intriguing composition – especially when converted to Black & White).
On the day after the Group Tutorial and following a week of research and photographing hawthorns, I thought it best to process the outcome so far. On the morning of 29 October when looking out of the window, I was greeted by grey skies and heavy rain. When I checked the weather forecast, the rain was due to fall until late afternoon, so I adapted my actions for the morning accordingly. I made the decision to go for a walk in Bushy Park.
Firstly, walking in the park enables me to process my thoughts and engage in mindfulness. Being in that environment give me the space and time to process my thoughts while the fresh air refreshes both brain and body. I have also recently started to use Nordic walking poles. As I’m no longer able to run (I was a long-distance runner for 20 years), I’ve found it a fabulous alternative. Also, I’ve discovered that by using the poles I can walk faster and use my arms as well as legs, so am able to get to around the park and take photographs more efficiently. This particular type of exercise is proven to help with both core and arm strength, meaning I’ll tire less when out and about in the park.
Secondly, as I had recently updated my outdoor wet-weather gear, it gave me the opportunity to test it out. The last thing I would want on a planned shoot is to be either cold or damp (or both!), so I needed to make sure it would be up to the job.
Thirdly, I wanted to explore a different area of the park in which there were hawthorn trees and compare then with the places I had already investigated.
As I didn’t want to take my main camera and decided to travel light, I used my smartphone to take all of the following images. The other advantage is that I have now set my location indicator on my phone, so each image will have map co-ordinates.
I started my investigation at a corner on which I knew featured a hawthorn tree and I had photographed it quite a few times previously. When I looked at this tree and its position in more detail, I noticed a line of hawthorns nearby that ran in a line along the path.
Just along the path to the right of the tree on the corner is this hawthorn.
Followed by this one.
On the opposite side of the path, there are two more hawthorns.
What struck me was the oak tree adjacent to the hawthorns in the last image. Evidence of a hawthorn ‘protecting’ the oak.
I then made my way along the path that runs along side the fenced-off area of Brewhouse Meadows.
This path leads to a line of hawthorns along a water channel that starts in the meadows area.
There are further hawthorns opposite this line, which are on the other side of the fence.
Continuing along the path, there are more hawthorns that have been planted next to oak trees.
I particularly liked this aspect, which shows the hawthorn branches in combination with that of the oak. I also carried out a quick Black & White conversion later that day.
There is clearly a line of hawthorns along this path with trees on either side of the fence.
One difference I noted was how these hawthorns were planted in line with the oaks. Also, these appeared to be much younger trees as the trunks were considerably smoother than the others situated in this part of the park.
My next place of investigation was Dukes Passage. This is a fenced off area at the entrance of the Waterhouse Plantation in the Woodland Gardens section of the park.
Just as I suspected, it consists of an avenue of hawthorns with a fence on either side.
This avenue leads to one of my most favourite spots in Bushy Park. It really does feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside.
Dukes Passage continues to Hampton and what I did notice was the hawthorn hedge on either side of the path.
I then returned along Dukes Passage and entered the Waterhouse Plantation. Again, there is a line of hawthorns on the inside of the fence.
This line of hawthorns continues to the gate at the end of this path.
When I came out of this gate, I took a photo of the path on the other side of the fence. I also noticed on the map of Waterhouse Plantation that this path is called ‘Macclesfield Walk’.
I then made the decision to trek back home through the park at this stage. What I realised there were lots of unanswered questions to be answered and further research to be carried out.
References
UK, N., 2020. Nordic Walking UK | Instructor Training | Nordic Walking Events. [online] Nordicwalking.co.uk. Available at: <https://nordicwalking.co.uk/> [Accessed 30 October 2020].
Jennie Meadows MA Photography 