Lichens on basalt

Liking Lichens

Liking Lichens

Lichens on basaltLichens #59874 Purchase

One of my favorite quirky subjects I love to photograph are lichens. Lichens grow just about everywhere but unfortunately are unappreciated by most people. They are some of the oldest organisms on land, going back perhaps 600 million years. They live in some of the most extreme conditions and are an important food source for animals such as caribou. For humans they are a natural source of antibiotics and pigments. Lichens are also an indicator of clean air as they will not grow in the presence of  pollutants.

During my recent visit to Cottonwood State Park in Oregon I saw some outstanding lichen colonies. A large outcropping of columnar basalt which remains in shade harbored a beautiful display in many striking colors. Juxtaposed against the interesting patterns and cracks of crystallized basalt, the lichens made a wonderful abstract study.

Admittedly this kind of subject matter isn’t appealing to everyone, but I had a great time picking out interesting compositions.

Lichens on basaltBasalt and Lichens #59895  Purchase

Lichens on basaltLichens #59869  Purchase

Lichens on basaltLichens and Basalt #59897  Purchase

Lichens on basaltBasalt and Lichens #59881  Purchase

Liking Lichens