Beech Tree, Nelson Lakes National Park

At higher altitude near the bush line, an old beech tree reaches out over the Sabine River as if it's given up the effort of straining further into the storm-prone mountain sky. Its limbs look gnarled and arthritic, though in fact it's simply how trees grow at higher altitudes. The silky water is an effect in photography that occurs when slow exposures are made. These are required to get everything in focus through a large depth of field, and need to be made when the day is rainy or cloudy.

Taken on Asahi Pentax 6/7. 75mm lens. 100 Ektachrome. Aperture F16.