Always Ready To Make Photos

The Last Bradford Pear

This is the last time I will publish a photo of a Bradford pear other than when it is being removed from the landscape or as an illustration of how devastating an invasive species they are. They choke out all native trees, bushes, shrubs, and wildflowers including the bright and welcome redbud tree. Nothing other than mosses grow beneath them. And they stink. It is now illegal to grow and sell them in Ohio. Several states have also banned them and others are actively removing them from the landscape.

To What Purpose?

I wrote the paragraph above at the end of today’s My Final Photo Newsletter as a pronouncement of intention and purpose about Bradford pears.

I thought it important to tell my viewers that despite the beauty most people see for a few days this time of the year Bradfords are extremely invasive and not worthy of admiration.

There are a multitude of things or events or people that become subjects of my photos. Many times they aren’t things I enjoy, events I would attend without cameras, or people who I wouldn’t invite to dinner at my house. But I still make photos of them trying to tell their stories and how my viewers can understand them and add exposition to a collective knowledge.

I’ve learned not to judge. My approval isn’t required before I begin to make photos. All I need is access and then have the story unfold in front of me. I want the best photograph possible to show the reason for having made it. To show the subject as intended, without prejudice and without glee.

Except for Brdadford pears. I don’t like Bradford pears.

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