Photographing trees, --first in New Jersey, then in Maine and the California Redwoods--, Tasha O’Neill began to compose Etudes. Light surrounding specific trees or groves literally called to the photographer. Shifting her camera, under varying exposures, she transformed everyday realities into total abstraction.



Wielding her camera like a paintbrush, Tasha dips her camera into variables of both time and light, as though they were spread upon a limitless palette. Patterns and texture emerge. Some trees seem to melt, others to ignite. Sky is pulled down into foliage like shooting stars or fireworks. Majestic redwoods turn fluid. Fog enhances certain scenes with a theatrical backdrop.



The photographer describes the moment of connection as “heart-stopping.” Shapes altered by time + light reveal rhythm itself. With the camera as instrument, she composes visual music, in which color itself becomes a coloratura.



In addition, the book combines photography with poetry. It's musical title inspired the titles of the images. Poetry about trees was chosen to support each poem.