Killbear Provincial Park
 
This is a very special image to me, full of symbolism.
It was taken in Killbear Provincial Park during a historic forest fire season that was record-setting for Ontario. 
The tree is over a century old, a Jack Pine that has inspired a number of Group of Seven paintings, some of which still influence my photography today. When I learned the tree was dying I immediately made plans to photograph it before it fell. 
On the evening this was captured, haze from the fires was affecting the lighting and colours throughout sunset, making the shoot quite challenging. Compounding my frustration was the number of people climbing and hanging off the branches for a photo op, ignoring posted ”Do Not Climb” signs, unaware or unconcerned they were hastening the demise of this special tree. After a number of attempts to intercede that mostly resulted in derision, I quit engaging and found a quiet vantage point to wait for the right shot. 
As the sun slipped below the horizon and people left the area, a young boy slowly approached the tree.  Moments after I captured this silhouette he slowly reached out, touched the tree, then wrapped one arm around it and gazed up at the spread of branches. Leaning gently against the trunk, he stood for a few minutes more before moving on. 
His appreciation and respect left me feeling positive about the evening and the future.
While many choose to act ignorantly, selfishly, or aggressively as our natural treasures are threatened with increasing climate change, there is always hope for the future.
Every person, every choice, every action or inaction makes a difference and can have a ripple effect. 
 
 
Available as a signed and numbered photo print (limited edition of 99),
or signed and numbered aluminum print (deluxe edition of 50).
This print is available in custom sizes on request