While on a recent hike in the woods, I came upon this Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) tree that is rare enough to find in these parts of Southeast Michigan. It had its characteristic peeling, but perhaps moreso than I’ve seen previously, possibly assisted by some previous animal or human. Some of the living, innermost bark layer – the reddish-brown phloem was revealed in spots, which can be harmful to the tree if too extensive. The contrast to the whitish-yellow outer layers made it an obvious eye-draw mixed with the black lenticels that birch use like pores for CO2-O2 exchanges. I used these features for some in-camera multiple exposure experiments as you can get some interesting results when there is a variety of contrasting color and shapes to play with.
In-camera multiple exposure features have come a long way since the “hope this works” days of doing it with film and trying to do the math of dividing up exposure values. Even with instant feedback of digital and no need for math, it can still be a bit like playing 4-D chess on what works, and what doesn’t, because it isn’t so easy to think in multiple layers of lights and darks. The good thing is it costs nothing but time in playing around, the delete button is a click away.
Cameras that have this capability also can now go beyond the averaging of film days to just blend the dark or light pixels providing more creative options. With contrasting shapes like this, I tend to lean towards using the darken blend modes. Long-time photo friend Howard Grill has plenty of explainers on this and a variety of subject matter.
I am pretty happy with these initial three. The reddish-brown strips provide just enough of a visual anchor amidst the somewhat chaotic patterns of black lenticels and lighter bark layers. As you can tell, the number of exposures I used correlates with the number of these phloem strips.
They come out of the camera pretty close to these final versions, which is satisfying in itself. It’s inevitable in photography discussion forums that you see comments about in-camera multiple exposure features that suggest just doing it with layers and blend modes in Photoshop. While this is true, it feels a bit more serendipitous in the field with no idea if the time will be well spent or not. Plus there is the joy of walking home knowing you created something unique and unexpected just by interacting with nature, being observant, and be willing to play around.
There will be more than enough days with a bit of disappointment about coming home with nothing. Just not today.
Really intriguing results! I really like what you’ve done here. A lot! Hope you do more work with MEs. And thanks so much for the shout out too.
Thanks Howard. I’ve dabbled since the film days as mentioned as the ideas come and go, or just the inclination to ask … what if? As you know, sometimes they resonate, sometimes not. But just playing around can be rewarding in itself.
Splendid patterns, love the multiple exposure technique.
This is absolutely stunning, Mark!! I like how you venture into the bells and whistles of you camera for the artistic tool it is. And you taught me mor about the birch tree I didn’t know. Beautiful!
Appreciate the kind words Monte. I find it interesting that it used to be a somewhat common feature on film cameras but then kinda disappeared into the depths of menus with digital – if it’s a feature at all.
Those are really stunning images, Mark. The colors, lines, patterns, and shapes are simply amazing. I’d love to find a paper birch tree; unfortunately, I don’t think they are suited for my neck of the woods. ??
They like the cold northern parts for sure, but maybe there are relatives or similar. Appreciate your kind words.
Pretty fascinating results and patterns, Mark. Amazing, it was all done in camera!
Well, let’s say 90% in camera – haha. Thanks friend.
These are beautiful, Mark! We have plenty of paper birch to experiment with. I have an exhibit planned for November and was looking to do nature’s abstracts. An idea like this would fit nicely.
Thanks Joe! You are lucky to have plenty to work with!