Geometry and Meaning with Jesse Kalisher

Sometimes a great image is all about geometry. This is just such an image. If you’re around palm trees, you know that the bark has a distinctive pattern. That said, the pattern on each tree is different, much like a fingerprint.

I can’t say that I was searching for the perfect palm tree to photograph. It’s more that I wandered amidst a grove of trees and looked for patterns and forms that would catch my eye.

I was drawn immediately to this one tree—its pattern was perfect. The symmetry of the lines as well as the width of the different layers of bark hit the graphic design sweet spot for me. I love the texture in this image, the lines, the depth of the shadows. There’s age and wisdom and meaning buried in there.

Learn more from Jesse in his workshop
Light and Meaning in Black-and-White Photography
with Jesse Kalisher
June 26 - July 2, 2011

And see what he's up to on his web site, www.kalisher.com.