
From the otherworldly beauty of Socotra’s distinctive shrubs to the eerie, twisted branches of Florida’s kapoks – the world’s ancient trees have long fascinated travellers.

But for US-based photographer Beth Moon, these iconic landmarks offer more than just a picturesque backdrop, she said they are a way of connecting with nature and with time.

Moon, who has been taking photographs since the 1990s, became awe-struck with trees as a subject when she realised that some of the oldest specimens have been around for 4,000 years.

She told MailOnline Travel: ‘I have a strong reverence for nature and certainly it is hard not to sense the majesty of these very large, old trees when in their presence.’

She explained that one of the first ones she photographed was an oak tree, captured while she lived in England. But shortly after the photo was taken, the tree was damaged in a violent storm.

This incident sparked Moon to start chronicling trees around the world, the results of which are published in two collections of her photographs.

US photographer Beth Moon usually spends a day or two to photograph each tree to ensure that the lighting conditions are perfect. Above, a kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) in Palm Beach, Florida

The photographer said that ancient trees gave her a greater appreciation and deeper understanding of 'our history'. Above, the Avenue of Oaks at the Oak Alley plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana

A lot of planning goes into each series of photographs. Above, Dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) in Socotra, Yemen

By camping near the trees, Moon ensures that she's already there at sunrise and can stay when the sun is setting. Above, Desert rose (Wadi Fa Lang) in Socotra, Yemen

The Bowthorpe Oak (above) in Lincolnshire is among the oldest oak trees in England. It was the first tree that Moon photographed

She told MailOnline Travel: 'There are so many aspects of trees that I find intriguing, I am learning all the time. Many have very compelling stories/histories and they are ingenious at finding ways to survive in dire conditions'

Moon studied fine art in Wisconsin and started photographing trees in 1999. Above, Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Above, the Bufflesdrift Baobab, which is situated near Lephalale, Limpopo. Like many of the trees in Moon's collection, it's among the oldest in the country at 800 years old

Left, the remains of a Bristlecone pine in California and right, the General Sherman in Sierra Nevada, California which is 2,000 years old

Quiver Trees At Dusk: These South African trees, a type of aloe, are named for the practise of hollowing out their branches to make quivers

Above, a Rilke’s Bayon (Tetrameles nudiflora) is growing out of the ruins in Ta Prohm, Siem Reap, Cambodia