Friday, October 19, 2012

Moments


Yesterday evening I tried to get some autumn photos of the color change here at Roundtop. This is not a great year for fall leaves. Too many are turning brown, shriveling and falling without ever turning yellow or orange or gold. Adding to the lack of pretty leaves has been the lack of good light. Instead, the light has been flat, the sky overcast (but not in a good way), the views hazy with fog that never quite dissipates. It’s discouraging. Fall doesn’t last nearly long enough in a good year, and every day with poor visibility and bad lighting makes the season feel even shorter.

So last evening I took a few shots but found myself unhappy with all of them. Daylight was fading fast, and the fog and the light gave no indication either would improve in the few moments before sunset. I started back up the trail, deciding instead to focus on a few individual leaves instead of trying for a long landscape shot.

And then suddenly the sun broke through the clouds and lit up the trees around me. It was too late to go back for the long view (and the fog wasn’t likely to disappear, anyway). For a few seconds, and only for a few, the sun turned even the brown leaves to magical shades of orange and yellow. A few clicks of the shutter and then it was gone. The evening was sweet but oh, so short.

4 comments:

Jacqueline Donnelly said...

Yes, I think the fall color has been disappointing all across the Northeast this year, but your marvelous photo captures a moment's glory. Thanks.

Scott said...

The Canada geese around here further east don't seem to migrate. Kali and I walk often at a state park with a large stream that stays "open" most of the winter. The open water attracts huge flocks of geese. Occasionally, they take off en mass to glean corn in nearby cornfields, and there can be hundred, maybe even thousands, honking overhead during such flights. It's great to hear, even in the midst of winter.

Carolyn H said...

Woodswalker: I'm blaming the less than spectacular color on the July heat and dryness. The fall is still awfully nice, but it's not one of the best years for it. Thanks!

Carolyn H said...

Scott: There's something about the sound of Canada geese when they are very high and honking that sounds different than when they are the locals just bouncing around. I love the sound they make during migration. I'm still waiting to hear it this fall!