“Autumn Aspen Leaves” — Aspen leaves turn orange and brown in the Eastern Sierra Nevada.
There are little personal spots all over the Sierra Nevada that I return to each year — a bend in a road, a tree, a favorite rock, a viewpoint. These trees are on that list. I suspect that most passers-by might not really notice them. They are along a route to a different popular place, and there’s a good chance that most people are thinking more about that destination. And when people leave that other spot, their attention may well be focused on the road more than on a couple of trees. But I notice, and I stop almost every time.
This was my final aspen photograph of the day. These trees grow in what feels like high desert terrain along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. This is essentially “sage brush country,” though as the elevation rises there are increasing numbers of conifers. Being east of the crest of the range, the area falls into evening shadows well before actual sunset.
“Sierra Creek, Autumn Colors” — Autumn colors line an Eastern Sierra Nevada creek.
I have photographed fall color in the canyons of this Eastern Sierra drainage for several decades. It is safe to say that I know the area pretty well at this point. Yet I still find new views that I had missed before — some, like this one, are in such obvious places that it is almost embarrassing that I did not see them! I have literally pulled over here and parked scores of times, but always to look for something other than this view.
“Aspens and Distant Mountains” — Groves of autumn aspens on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada.
The late-day light on autumn aspens is a fleeting thing, especially here along the east slope of the Sierra Nevada where peaks tower to the west. Over the years I have become familiar with the rhythms of this particular spot. I know that the best light happens during the half hour (or less) before the sun drops behind those peaks. So I arrive a bit early, pack a long lens, and prepare for a half hour or so of intense photography.
Photographer and visual opportunist. Daily photos since 2005, plus articles, reviews, news, and ideas.
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