Lock 26 Maple
Three Sisters Swamp
Ransom Sycamore audio included
Grandma Tree
Millersville Bur Oak
The Big Poplar Tuliptree
Pacific Ponderosa Pine
Gathering Growth
Photographer: Brian Kelly
Heidi: Why is this project important to you and what got you started?
Brian: After seeing old growth/big trees in the PNW of the US and Vancouver Island I couldn’t stop doing research into why the forests of the east coast US were nothing like the west. Why weren’t there big trees here in the East? Come to find out, the East coast US has been logged over several times and multiple species that fell to disease and insects. All of this was an initial motivation to document what was left. We lack proper documentation of what the forests and trees once looked like. For me, this is what drives me to dedicate my life to document what is still standing; it’s a reminder for future generations of what it all once was at a specific moment in time.
In a data and asset rich world, this is one of the more refreshing practices of archiving. What assets are you collecting?
Over the last four to five years of documenting these trees and forests I’ve been creating large format images, soundscape recordings, leaf and seed documentation, and the occasional video recording. Not every tree gets the full suite, but I try to.
What format are you shooting, can you share your process? How long is each tree session and what are you trying to capture?
When shooting the trees and forests for the archive I use Kodak Portra 160 sheet film with a Toyo Field Camera. I’m a big believer in not only the quality of film but also the physical aspect of the negative for the archive. Of course I’m also shooting digital because mistakes do happen when shooting film. I’m shooting on a Fuji GFX 100 at the moment, but the digital format has already changed once since I started this archive, so I’m looking to the film to be the constant. The amount of time I spend at a tree can vary. I’ve had roadside finds that I’ve documented in 45 min and been on my way, then I’ve had other trees where I’ve spent two days knowing the light could be better. It’s all different, but I like to imagine that when I put in time with a tree I’m paying it respect. That this organism has been living and growing for 800 years in order for it to be something special and recognized by humans. You have to show love and respect when you start thinking like that.
What is the taxonomy of your archive?
The archive is organized by the year, and then going into either Tree of Significance, Forests, or Champion Tree, then it gets broken into state, followed by species.
Are you planning on another book similar to Parks?
I would love to do a tree book someday. I’ve been wanting to do a series that would be broken into the major regions of the U.S. Highlighting the largest/old trees and old growth or unique forests. This would be my life work I think….
How many have you photographed thus far? What are your discovery and tracking tools?
So far the archive has roughly 300 trees and forests documented. I’m able to find a lot of the trees just through googling key words, and being specific in a state or town. For example: “Big – Tree – New – York” I’ve also found a lot through Real estate Apps like Zillow. Finding a big tree in a photo and then looking on google maps street view. I get the occasional submission from someone too. We have a tree/forest submission page on our website. At the moment I have roughly 1,300 trees and forests marked on google earth. A lot of work ahead of me still!
How can folks support you or get involved?
There are many ways that people can support Gathering Growth. You can check the website www.gathergrowth.org to learn more about what we’re doing, how to get involved and make a donation. We have a bi weekly newsletter you can sign up for and follow us on social media for new trees and forests that were documenting. @gatheringgrowth. Were also always looking for brands that align with our ethos and want to help amplify our voice and mission.
Do you have a favorite tree or any favorite moment you’d like to share. Trees are also called knowledge keepers, what have you learned so far?
I’m not sure I have a favorite tree, but I have a favorite memory while shooting a tree. While photographing a tree in the Lost Forest Research Area in southeastern Oregon I experienced silence like never before. The drive into the Lost Forest is an experience in its own. Bumpy roads and potholes on unmaintained BLM roads nearly destroyed my van. Getting into the forest around sunset I parked the car, turned it off and the instant I opened my door it felt like a vacuum had just sucked all the sound out. I felt unsure, like I wasn’t supposed to be there, or something was watching me. I wasn’t used to silence like that, so much so that the only sound I heard was the blood rushing through my ears. That level of silence was so foreign. I wasn’t able to find the tree that night and had to wait till morning. Eventually finding the tree in the morning I was finally able to start to acclimate to the silence. I’ve never been anywhere else and felt that way. I don’t think most people have or ever will know that type of natural silence.