The Wood Warden 2025

This series explores Lamar Woodard–who’s namesake literally translates to ‘wood warden.’ The photos were taken to capture his pondering and caring for the trees. The series was taken in December 2025, in Maryland and Virginia, using a Sony a7 IV camera.

Man standing in a forest
Welcome to the Woods
The Wood Warden stands guard to the forest. Respecting it. Welcoming visitors. At over 6 foot, he towers within the trees.
Close up of an eye
Eye of the Beholder
The forest is embodied in the Wood Warden’s eyes. Look closely to see a dark ‘iris purple’ ring surrounding his iris. He is watching the forest trees and flowers.
Man standing looking up at trees with his shadow cast on the trees
In the Shadows of the Trees
The Wood Warden gazes upwards, his shadow casts to the trees. Being one with nature, he evaluates what the forest needs.
Man with axe peeking around a tree
Sprite of the Trees
The Wood Warden maintains the trees. He peeks around a tree as he is engaged during his woodsman craft.
Man chopping wood
Culling the Weak
A single blow from the Wood Warden splits deep. The woodsman culls the sick and fallen trees.
Man resting on wood with an axe, side view
The Ward of the Woodsman
Contemplating the forest needs, the Wood Warden rests after a day’s work. Destroying trees is never a joyful task. But nature cannot have too much fuel for the forest floor.
Man resting on wood with an axe, front view
The Wood Warden Warning
As the Wood Warden rests, he warns onlookers to have respect. Respect for the trees. Respect for nature. He is the warden, the custodian of the forest.
Man smiling up at a camera
A Day’s Work
After chopping logs, the Wood Warden knows he has done good. He smiles with the warmth of satisfaction.
Close up of a man smiling
A Splitting Smile
The Wood Warden’s smile of satisfaction.

Alabama Hills, CA Nov 2019

#SonyAlpha6000

Looking Beyond: As the sun sets on the iconic Shark Fin with Mt Whitney in the distance, one cannot help but to look beyond the moment in time and take-in the breathtaking landscape of this instance.
Climber looking up a cliff wall
Looking Up: An adamant climber sees the rock above, searching for the route of greatest excitement. He finds his way, looking up to the adventures of the day.
A climber on a rock face with the sun peeking through her legs.
Looking Down: After her son died climbing, this mom learned to climb to enjoy his love. At one of his favorite climbing spots, he is looking down at her from Heaven above.
A dog looking out at a rocky landscape.
Looking Out: Appreciating the views around, this dog’s day is complete enjoying nature and something in the distance she has found.
A dog walking along a rocky landscape
Looking Within: After a long day climbing, we are left roasting marshmallows at the campfire. I reflected on my day, the environment, and what’s my inner desire.
Landscape with rocks
Rock formation with a moon in the distance, daytime photo.