This newsletter was prompted by a sad story about a local tree in my neck of the woods.
For about 15 years I lived in the city.
It was fantastic.
Until it wasn't.
So then I moved out and rented a house on a farm. There was a tree outside my window and I started to shoot it. I lived in that little farm house for about three years and shot that tree most days.
Winter.
Spring.
Summer.
Autumn.
The same tree, but different.
It was my longest photo project (and I'm sad that it came to an end when we moved out). I sometimes wonder if that tree wasn't outside my house, but somewhere I actually had to ride my bike to.
And lean my bike against.
What would those photos look like?
And what would that motivation to get out and ride feel like?
One of the things I enjoy the most about trail riding is that you experience the same trails, but they change every season.
Right now the trees around me are turning gold.
The dusty trails are turning to mud.
I've not embarked on a long term shoot and ride project yet.
Maybe now is the time?
🌲
Greg Villalobos
P.S. I don't think I stole this tree idea, but a very similar one is featured in this rather excellent novel about trees. Highly recommended.