There is something about autumn that lends itself to photography of an impressionistic or abstract style, especially if the colors are not at their peak and fullest, and the light is altered by sets of altocumulus clouds that cross the sky like waves.  Talking with other photographers and artists this weekend, the fall colors are in various stages of development.  Some of the aspen almost have a washed out appearance, as if the trees did not have access to the perfect combination of moisture and nutrients, while others are nearly blinding.  It is a real pot luck.

In seasons like this, I lean toward the impressionistic or abstract image.  There is a lovely pond on roughly the north hand side of Highway 64 when you are driving from Tres Piedras to Tierra Amarilla.  It is fairly hidden and one can drive by it unless you are seriously looking for it.  This year, there was a slight breeze on the water, rendering an interesting reflection of spruce and aspen.  I shoot full photographs, and then crop to the most texturally rich part.  I do not use Photoshop at all for this type of image, but only make adjustments, such as contrast and tone, that a photographer would make in a darkroom.

autumn impressions-2

autumn impressions

I have always marveled at aspen, not only because of the leaves but because of the branches that carry those leaves and the trunks that are so visceral in nature.

twisted aspen trunks

Even in a muted phase, aspen leaves are lovely, especially when one tree carries reds and yellows and is directly in front of another with green leaves.

autumn red yellow green

I hope to get out and do more shooting this week, as the aspen and the scrub oak continue their autumnal evolution.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@