Month: October 2010

I’m intrigued by autumn leaves – so many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, and always changing. When I look closely at individual leaves they often strike me as true works of art. Here is a sampling from the backyard.

The bur oak leaves are our largest – some are over twelve inches long.

This close-up reminds me of an aerial photograph.

The blueberry (Vaccinium simulatum) leaves create a bright splash in the garden right now.

This mitten-shape-leaf on the young sassafras is one of many variations on the same tree.

I like the jewel tones of these small fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) leaves.

Photography note: These images were made with my small point-and-shoot Canon Power Shot SD1200 – macro setting without a tripod. I like to see the light coming through the leaves and used a 60 watt bulb to backlight all the images except the bur oak leaf (first image).

Autumn colors are here and beauty abounds. I find that using a camera helps me focus and notice nuances I would otherwise miss. For example, we are enjoying the fall colors in our tupelo tree (Nyssa sylvatica), also called black gum.

However, until I photographed it I hadn’t noticed the rich mixture of red, orange and green leaves and the dark contrasting branches.

Using a camera helps me see things that would otherwise escape my notice. I recently wrote an article for the Lexington Chevy Chaser encouraging people to use a camera to see more.

I’d be glad to know if you have had similar experiences. I’d also like to hear other ideas for seeing and enjoying the beauty that’s close at hand.