Old Shoe Tree
Tucked along the rural road leading to Rhoddy's Point, this roadside oddity features a weathered tree laden with hundreds of shoes tossed up into its branches over what appears to be many years. The accumulation of faded sneakers, boots, and sandals creates a genuinely strange and textural subject, full of colour and character. Shoot upward from below the canopy to compress the shoes against the sky, or step back and use a wider focal length to show the tree in full against the surrounding Ontario countryside. Overcast days work well here, softening shadows and keeping colours from blowing out; bright midday light can also add a graphic punch to the tangle of laces and soles. The tree sits right at the roadside so access is simple, though watch for passing cars. A 24-70mm covers most compositions comfortably. (McNab/Braeside, Ontario, Canada)
