Exploring Fall 2024: The Good, the Meh, and the Lessons Learned

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Disappointment in Canaan Valley

Fall 2024, you've been a bit of a tease. I set out to capture the essence of autumn, but this year, it felt like I was chasing shadows. My first stop was Canaan Valley in the Alleghenies, hoping for a burst of color, but the drought had other plans. The leaves were more "meh" than "wow" - a lesson in expectations versus reality. I spent three weekends there, exploring, but my camera stayed mostly idle. Maybe I'll find some hidden gems when I finally sort through my photos. Or maybe not.

Canaan Valley, West Virginia

Autumn in West Virginia with vibrant red and orange leaves amidst tall grasses.

A Fleeting Display in Gaudineer

I ventured into Gaudineer Old Growth Forest for the classic fall lineup - spruces, birches, maples. The colors were there, but they were fleeting, like fall decided to play a game of tag.

Autumn's Touch on Forest Trees

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An Unexpected Aurora in Virginia

Before my Utah adventure, I had a moment that felt like it was straight out of a dream in my home state. My trip to Utah coincided with peak season in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, so I didn't get much photography done in Virginia. However, just before leaving, the skies delivered an incredible surprise - the northern lights in Shenandoah. All these years, I've trekked to Iceland for the aurora borealis, but on October 10th, Virginia treated me to a spectacle that was nothing short of breathtaking. It wasn't the best light show I've seen, but it was electrifying, a close second that left me utterly impressed.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Aurora borealis over Shenandoah with silhouetted trees at twilight.

Utah's Cottonwood Chase

In a twist of fate, I decided to chase colors in Utah. My aim was the golden leaves of the cottonwoods. The journey to Torrey was like driving through a weather sampler - snow, then suddenly, sun. The cottonwoods were stubbornly green at first, and I thought, "Here we go again." But with 15 days ahead and the temperature dropping, there was still hope.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Sunset over Capitol Reef with vibrant clouds and layered red rock cliffs.

Drone and Camera: A Dual Perspective

Drone flying in the desert expanse from Caineville to Hanksville was an exercise in perspective, but nothing beats the feel of my digital camera in my hands. There's something comforting about it, like returning home. And finally, as the days passed, the leaves started to play ball. By the end, I was snapping away at those golden cottonwood leaves, feeling somewhat vindicated.

Caineville, Utah

Aerial view of Utah desert's intricate erosion patterns and rock formations.

Lessons from the Lens

So, was fall 2024 a disappointment? Not entirely. It was more of an education in patience, adaptability, and the art of finding beauty in the unexpected. Here's to hoping next year's colors come without the chase, but if not, at least we'll have another story to tell.

Patience is key when Mother Nature decides to play hard to get. Adaptability in photography means adjusting to what's in front of you, not just what you expected. Sometimes, the beauty of a moment is not in the color, but in the experience.

The old adage, "It's not about the destination but the journey," has never rung truer than in all the years I've spent outdoors photographing nature.

Fall 2024: Random Mobile Shots

EXPLORING FALL 2023: THE GOOD AND MEH OF PHOTOGRAPHY

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The canvas of Fall 2023 unfolded as a dichotomy for lens artists like myself, presenting both remarkable and less inspiring moments in the world of photography. In the realm of consistency, West Virginia proved to be an unwavering muse, while Virginia, with its nuanced character, offered a somewhat unpredictable dance of colors.

BLACKWATER FALLS, WV

Mother Nature flaunting her vibrant autumnal palette

Commencing my annual pilgrimage in mid to late September, the high elevations of West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains were the starting point for my exploration. This visual journey continued its narrative until mid to late November, weaving through the forests proximate to my Virginia residence.

BLACKWATER FALLS, WV

Capturing the essence of the season's beauty in the heart of West Virginia.

West Virginia emerged as a true luminary this year, with the Canaan Valley stealing the spotlight. The spectrum of colors on display was nothing short of a visual symphony, painting the mountains in a vibrant tapestry. The unique allure lies in the breathtaking marriage of an exquisitely crafted sunrise and the ideal atmospheric conditions, affording me the luxury of capturing the landscape throughout the day – a testament to the photographic utopia West Virginia provides.

2023 Autumnal Photos In West Virginia

Conversely, Virginia showcased its own enigmatic charm. The fall foliage, marked by its inherent unpredictability, varied from region to region. While some areas exploded with a riot of colors, others embraced a more subdued approach. Here in Virginia, my reliance on the golden hour—both in the early morning and late afternoon—becomes pronounced. During these moments, the interplay of light elevates the scenes, infusing them with warmth and an undeniable richness, creating a distinctly different form of visual poetry compared to the rugged landscapes of West Virginia.

Big Meadows, SNP

Autumn's Solitude

Prince William Forest

The play of warm reds, oranges, and yellows against the tree's textured bark

As the curtain falls on Fall 2023, the images captured through my lens serve as a testament to the idiosyncrasies of each location. West Virginia remains a steadfast wellspring of inspiration, while Virginia, with its unpredictable nature, keeps the craft dynamic and perpetually intriguing. Beyond the changing landscapes, each year's pursuit of fall colors becomes a journey into the subtle nuances of light, color, and atmosphere, transcending the visual into a realm of timeless artistry.

2023 Autumanl Photos In Virginia