Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado, September 24, 2020, Part 1 – Edited to correct an error in the last paragraph.

I ventured back into the forest on the morning of September 24, 2020, initially taking a similar path to the route I had taken the previous afternoon, wanting to see how the light and forest scenes would differ in the morning light.

Intersecting Aspens. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 24mm, 1/6s, f/11, ISO 200.

Sometimes I photographed essentially the same scenes, which looked a little different with the light coming from a different direction.

Aspen Trunks and Shadows. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 34mm, 1/8s, f/11, ISO 200.

There is something magical about being in a forest with sunlight filtering through the leaves and the tree trunks creating bands of shadow and light and

Evergreen with Aspen Leaves. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 46mm, 1/125s, f/11, ISO 2500.
Forest Light. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 48mm, 1/400s, f/11, ISO 2500.

fallen tree trunks creating an array of geometrical shapes.

Triangle. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 24mm, 1/160s, f/11, ISO 1600.
Aspen Forest. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 38mm, 1/125s, f/11, ISO 2000.
Fall Starburst. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 48mm, 1/160s, f/11, ISO 250.
Forest Starburst. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 70mm, 1/250s, f/11, ISO 200.
Star Burst Aspens. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 26mm, 1/200s, f/11, ISO 200.

With all the big trees, back lighted leaves and starburst effects, it is easy to overlook the myriad small details.  There are often interesting little things that make good images.

Aspen Leaf on Log. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 70mm, 1/100s, f/11, ISO 2000.
Aspen Leaf on Log. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 70mm, 1/160s, f/11, ISO 2000.

The juxtaposition of color and texture in small items can be as intriguing as a wide angle image of the forest.

Grain and Veins. Nikon D850, Nikon 24-70mm @ 70mm, 1/250s, f/11, ISO 200.

Autumn is my favorite time of the year.  I like the colors of fall and the crispness and smell of fall.  Yet it is also a strong reminder of our mortality.  I’m wondering, do we become more colorful in our autumn or just wrinkled and weathered?

To be continued,

Ken