There are always trees for those who wish to see them (Silver Birch - Betula Pendula) 

I am a self-taught photographer focused on an analogue practice, who enjoys the process of producing traditional darkroom tactile black and white prints.  I have been a member of several community darkrooms over the years, currently a member at Make It Easy in Nottingham and The Art House in Wakefield.  

The print entitled, 'there are always trees for those who wish to see them', is based on a quote by Henry Matisse, which I believe encapsulates the ambitions of the National Forest Company. I have lived in the National Forest over the past 15 years and have witnessed the growth of varied plantations immediately around where I live.  This image was taken in part of a commercial plantation, where a deliberate strategy has been made of planting deciduous trees on its fringes with the aim to introduce greater biodiversity and visually soften the edges of the forest. This stand of silver birch (Betula Pendula) provides a swathe of monochrome, especially in the winter when this was taken, which produces a distinctive repetitive pattern of bark that merges into the background. Time taken walking through woodland at any time in the year is restorative, especially when working a busy full-time job.  The way the light falls on the bark of the trees and the way they move and sound in the breeze provides an important part of my day. 

Technical: The original print was made with a 50-year-old medium format TLR camera using a 105 mm lens, using Ilford HP5 400 ASA film printed on Ilford Multi-grade FB Warm-tone paper.