Last autumn I was in Seattle, and had the chance to walk around downtown under mostly dry skies. I found these trees to be dynamic with their color, but it wasn’t until recently that I had time to convert these to b&w. In the original, the two trees are completely different in color, but by changing the individual color values in the conversion, they appear similar, making it a stronger image.
This is my contribution to Leanne Cole’s Monochrome Madness, having the theme of Seasons this week. To see what other photographers have contributed, or instructions to join in, please visit Leanne’s website.
For a nature photographer, trees and their leaves have to be a top subject matter. The photo above was from the forest floor near Hilo, Hawaii. Also from the big island, about 50 miles away was this strange looking one. A pregnant tree? Hmmm.
In the same forest was this one which I call “reaching out”.
I think the trees most associated with Hawaii would have to be palm trees.
Much closer to home, on the slopes of Mount Charleston are my favorite trees to photograph – the bristlecone pines.
I have fond memories of running through the yard kicking up fallen leaves while growing up. That might be a little tough to do with all these boulders, but the forest floor in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona is beautiful in autumn.
I love this time of year when the air gets cooler and the leaves change color. Occasionally, cold fronts come through with a little moisture, and hopefully, not much wind. That was the case for this photo from the San Francisco Peaks, near Flagstaff, Arizona taken a couple years ago.
This is my contribution to Leanne Cole’s Monochrome Madness this week. To see what other photographers have contributed, or instructions to join in, please visit her website.
The day before I headed off to Seattle, I checked the NWS forecast – Rain 100%, or Rain Likely every day. I didn’t think there would be much chance for photography, other than a few window seat shots (more on that to come). Oh, there was some rain, alright (see previous post), but there was much more time when it wasn’t raining.
I think the biggest surprise was that there was plenty of autumn color still. Much of the country has seen the leaves all go away, and this is when the lowest deserts are starting to peak. Somehow Seattle, despite being this far north, and despite all the rain and wind, manages to hold on to autumn.
Autumn afternoon view from airplane landing in Seattle. Photo by Steve Bruno.
It was evident that I would have a reason to take my camera out before the plane even touched down. As soon as I was checked in, I grabbed my camera and started walking around. I saw a small group of trees amidst the tall buildings that were in various phases of changing color. I didn’t realize that I had stumbled upon Freeway Park. Appropriately named, the park sits above the freeway running through downtown Seattle. Many of the foliage shots I took were in this park.
Walkway through Freeway Park, Seattle. Photo by Steve Bruno.
Full range of autumn colors in Freeway Park, downtown Seattle. Photo by Steve Bruno.
Fallen leaves mix with green vegetation in Freeway Park, Seattle. Photo by Steve Bruno.
Autumn trees along city streets in downtown Seattle. Photo by Steve Bruno.
Autumn leaves cover the ground while some trees still hold on to their color in Freeway Park, Seattle. Photo by Steve Bruno.
Tree branches reach skyward with the remaining leaves of autumn in Freeway Park, Seattle. Photo by Steve Bruno.
The start of autumn in Jacob Canyon, in Kaibab National Forest, northern Arizona. Photo by Steve Bruno.
There are places where it seems you have to fight for elbow room to get your photographs, nowadays. Most national parks come to mind, but even those have room to venture about, unless you’re looking for that classic shot. In autumn, places like the Maroon Bells in Colorado, and Oak Creek Canyon in Arizona are just as packed as any national park in peak season.
I’ve always liked finding hidden gems, and this place, Jacob Canyon, certainly comes to mind. In between Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce, there’s little chance of it becoming a destination for many. The canyon runs for some distance, and is a great place to just get out and walk in the fresh air. The area that the leaves change is quite condensed, as the forest is dominated by ponderosa pines. To me, its main beauty is that I can have the place to myself most days of the year.
