Willow trees can grow into very distinctive shapes, depending on their life histories, which means, largely, on what has been done to them by people.

In many cases they have been planted by landowners, often along watercourses or roadways. Rarely are they then left to grow untouched: they are, traditionally, pollarded every few years. But sometimes this is neglected, and they then develop in peculiar ways. On the other hand, occasionally an isolated tree that is left untouched will grow into an imposing specimen.

The trees' individual forms and their interrelationships determine the photographs I take. When I encounter a tree or group of trees, there is rarely more than one right viewpoint and framing.



George Gammer