On all counts, we are experiencing an extraordinary autumn in northern New Mexico.  The aspen were stunning and long lasting, the scrub oak are still presenting themselves in shades of orange, rust and red, and the cottonwoods take ones breath away.  Lining streams and rivers, they are the brightest and most profound I have seen in some years, presenting a broad palette of colors, sometimes on one tree.  Photographers and painters plant themselves along the highways to the ski areas and rivers.   This is where painters can use their artistic license to the fullest extent, eliminating power lines, fence posts, and other human-made signage which might detract from their work.  As a photographer, I have to remind myself to be careful how I shoot because I basically don't believe in spending massive development hours removing distracting items from an image.  The time-tested wisdom of shooting the best photograph you can in the beginning holds true in every case.  Regardless, it is always worth getting out and shooting the amazing landscape.  Here are a few shots of the brilliance.

cottonwood study 3

cottonwood study 2

Even a tree such as the one here, with dead branches, carries living ones with leaves in assorted stages of transition. 

cottonwood study 1

With me, there is also the challenge and adventure of making alterations in color and saturation, as demonstrated below.

cottonwood study 4 altered

Bravo and kudos to nature during this golden season!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@