Volumes have been written about iconic locations in landscape photography, but if there is an iconic season, then it must be autumn. This is for good reason because the displays put on by vegetation as it transitions from a full summer coat to the nakedness of winter can be breathtaking. In the same way farmers harvest their crop in October, photographers harvest the wonderful long shadows of waning daylight and the gorgeous colors of aspens and maples, taking advantage of weather that hasn’t quite turned white yet.
A Walk through the Aspens
Autumn is by far my favorite season. Both of the images in this post are from previous years, but this year I’m looking forward an upcoming trip to the mountains of northern New Mexico, where aspen groves are certainly on the itinerary. I am excited for crisp mornings accompanied by the bugles of bull elk looking for a sparring partner and the feeling of warmth only an autumn sun can bring. In addition to the upcoming trip, it is time to enjoy the fruits of a hard year’s labor; later this week, I will have some exciting news to share here on the blog regarding a project I’ve been working on this year with PJ Johnson and Ann Whittaker.
To quote L.M. Montgomery (who wrote Anne of Green Gables), “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Indeed. I hope you have a fantastic harvest season, and look forward to the next few months!
Laurel Mountain at dawn
Harvesting Autumn — love this notion, Greg. So true that this is the iconic season. I’m on the cusp of a couple trips to the Olympic, Rainier, and the N. Cascades. “Giddy” is the word, I believe.
Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labors!
Hi, Wesley. Yes, ‘giddy’ is a great word to describe how you must feel…I bet the Pac NW is hopping right now and have been enjoying some of your images, as well as others I have seen. The larches must be really gorgeous (something I haven’t seen before). Enjoy, and please…share photos!
Fall is the harvest, often in photography as well as farming. Beautiful photographs there Greg. However, I must give you a hard time: are you edifying or debasing Autumn by calling it iconic? Hope you have a good harvest.
Thanks, David. Haha…well, I will leave it open for interpretation whether I am edifying or debasing autumn, but I will say that if there ever were an icon I could embrace with open arms, it would most certainly be autumn.
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
Couldn’t be more true… it seems every year I appreciate and enjoy the autumn days even more then the last. The crisp cool days contrasted by the warm sun are like nothing else. Hope you have some good time in the field this season Greg!
Same to you, Kyle! I hope you have a great field season as well, and come home with some gorgeous images…
I couldn’t agree more. Autumn is our golden season.
Literally and figuratively…I don’t know what it is, but autumn really is magical. Thanks for commenting, Andrew!
Wonderful images and thoughts Greg. Autumn is definitely my favorite season and I’m ready for the harvest! (iconic or otherwise 😉
Thanks, Russ! I appreciate your comment. I hope you have a great and productive autumn!
Beautiful autumn pictures Greg!
I Love autumn too
Thanks Werner!
It is hard to argue with your sentiment, Greg…especially considering where I live. But as I also have so many spring ephemerals to photograph with the ending of Winter I would be seriously torn between the two were I to have to choose.
Kidding aside, Autumn is just too beautiful to deny. And it is just amazing that the display comes between the ending of growth and the onslaught of Winter’s slumber.
Best of luck for agreeable conditions while in New Mexico and loads of inspiring images.
As well…good luck with the upcoming announcement of your project.
Hi, Steve. Thanks for your comment. Spring does have its own beauty, especially being the beginning of warmth after so many months of cold, but for me it just doesn’t carry the same magic as autumn.
Thanks for the well wishes…am looking forward to the trip, as well as the opportunity to make some new images.
Beautiful images as always, Greg! Care to share any of your New Mexico plans? I’ll be out and about this weekend, it’s looking like conditions will be pretty darn good.
Thanks, Jackson. I’m pretty excited just to be in NM at all; we’ll be shooting in the Jemez Mountains at the Valles Caldera National Preserve. I’ve heard lots of good things about the place; am looking forward to seeing it firsthand!
Good stuff Greg, but aww man… you’re really making me miss those autumn mornings in Montana… 🙁
Enjoy your trip. I look forward to seeing what you come back with
Yeah, I get a little “homesick” this time of year as well…more than the usual low levels of homesickness.
Thanks for the well wishes…it should be a fun trip, and I’m looking forward to exploring something new!