ENCHANTED TREES

   "The woods," as we called the large wooded area behind our neighbors homes across the street, was one of my favorite places to play and spend time when I was a kid. As a teenager my love for the woods was enhanced by hiking and camping on the Appalachian Trail. At age 26, I bought an old mountain farm in Frederick County that included 200 acres of forest land, which I have since managed as a certified Tree Farm. On this land, which my family calls "Sugar Tree," we have developed a network of trails through much of the wooded areas. I keenly appreciate the woods as a system of trees, shrubs and other wonderful and fascinating life forms.

   I am also taken, however, by individual trees that stand alone so that their beauty and majesty can be fully appreciated, and can be captured, to some extent at least, in a photograph. After being tutored by Carl Brandt, a member of Christ Congregational Church, on the use of Adobe Photoshop, I began experimenting with my photos of trees, and found I could enhance them to express the enchantment that these trees hold for me. Although what I was creating was strictly an exercise of personal expression for my own enjoyment, I was encouraged by Carl and Elsa Brandt to cull my work for a presentation. The result is this show.

   I hope you enjoy.