Exploring Fall 2024: The Good, the Meh, and the Lessons Learned
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
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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
