Jan.. 6, 2019. 6:07 AM. -- Over 80 years old, legend says this determined willow started life as a fence post cut from branch of a mature tree. Known as the "lone tree of Lake Wanaka" it is one of the most photographed trees in New Zealand. Framed by the South Island’s stunning Southern Alps, a lonely tree has grown up to spread its wings just off shore at the south end of Lake Wanaka. Jean & I got up at 5:15AM the morning I shot this photo hoping for some good colors a sunrise. The previous day had been heavy rain until about 6PM. The remaining clouds made for a nice accent when the rising sun's Alpen Glow started illuminating the clouds and the Southern Alps of Mount Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage Site, Image was shot with Canon 5DSR, f/13, .3 sec. exposure, ISO 100. It is made up of 40 images, 4 rows x 10 columns approximately 33% overlap in portrait orientation. This cropped version measures 60 in. x 80 in. The original image is: 432 Mega-pixels 18000 x 24000 pixels 60" x 80" 300 PPI cropped image size

John Freeman

Lone Tree of Wanaka