Autumn Fire

The changing of the leaves is a nigh on mystical experience. Watching day after day as the leaves begin to fade, then slowly with, while color erupts. In some years, blink and you’ll miss it, peak colors are there, then gone as if but a whisper on the mountain winds. Peak colors are certainly beautiful, but I like the deep autumn turn, the rust colors, leaves dropping form the sky, floating aimlessly down a errant creek. This is is the color I love, the experience I crave, not as brilliant as peak, but can last till the winter winds finally blow them down. As the sun rises, if you’re lucky, you too can catch a glimpse of the rust changing to copper and gold.

The most photographed mill in the world, Glades Creek. A bucket list shot for me indeed, so much so that I put myself through a bit of torment to get it. Six hours driving in the evening into the morning. Arriving well before I had intended [indeed, before the park was open!] scouting my shot, then returning to the warmth and safety of the car. Then Waiting, painfully waiting for the sun to illuminate those leaves behind the mill. I knew there was a chance, but I wasn’t entirely sold until the trees began to glimmer at the tops. I misjudged my timing though, it wouldn’t be an easy hour wait, no no, I waited form 4 [yeah I got there REALLY early] I waited until 9:30 for my final shot. Then, rather than take a break…. no, I drove back home, another 6 hours. Of course after that, the edit.

And speaking of the edit, this, was intuitive. Highlights, and shadows first, as always, then onto the fun stuff. Contrast, color, dodge and burn. A little toying with the curve until I felt I had it where I wanted. Masks, individual features I wanted to hide or accentuate [indeed a whole person disappeared form this shot!]. Once I was done, I took a break, rested my weary eyes, planned to sleep, but this is a bucket shot my friends. Sleep doesn’t come easy when your minds racing, pre visualizing your next steps! Color control once more, then I checked smaller details. You start big, you did broad sweeping edits, and work your way down, finer and finer. Take breaks, recheck your work. Make sure after a day of working for this ONE photo, you still like it.

On a final note, it was a pleasure meeting some fellow photographers out in the wild today, often my work is filled with people who don’t know much about the profession [and that’s totally fine! We love you anyway!]. It’s fun to talk shop, compare gear, maybe say some unkind words to the battery life in your camera, it’s a nice break from the norm.

Until Next Time!

Aperture: f10
ISO: 125
SS: 1/13th
Focal: 50mm

Fujinon 50-140mm