Although some say fall sure seems to have moved on quick; the colors are better then ever! This weekend I spent an early morning weekend scouting Harriman State Park before the crack of dawn. Me and my tired sleeping beauty Dina awoke around 5:00am to be out the door at 6:00am. We made it up to Kanawauke rd and near Welch lake a little after seven. A few more people than usual. All of us (minus one tired Dina in the car) spent the next twenty or so minutes for those first rays to come peaking over the mountaintops. I was standing ready with my Gitzo set up with my L-bracket, polarizer equipped, white balance set to shade, and in vivid ready for what nature was just about to throw my way!
As I waited in the location I knew I liked and I could see some eager amateurs looking for their place. Many moved away from where I was by the road, but as soon as the sun came over the top you can bet where they migrated. Right near me 
. As soon as the sun peaked over the tops the shutters were a flying. I got off as many until satisfied and ran for the car. I was looking to canvas a lot of area in a little time while still using the early morning sun. We headed down the country road and pulled off in a favorite spot of mine for the fall. The area I photographed previously was looking a bit dull. However, the tree line over all was screaming with color. hearty more robust colors i would have to say. Thankfully the sun was blocked by the trees when I got there. While I waited five to ten minutes, some would say I was wasting that time with a rising sun on the loose. I was actually gifted with what was to come and made the wait worth my while. There were just phenomenal colors blending together in a creamy wonderland mix! I focused on this one apparent tree that was very dramatic amongst the peaking color of the leaves. It brought focus to an image crying for a focal point.
The next objective was a place I have always loved to visit since my good friend John had taken me there near Pine Swamp Mountain. This area has lakes on either side and just a short hike in can reveal real tranquil wonders. The sun had moved a tad higher in the sky and was providing phenomenal backlighting. The rays were making the leaves glow while still providing the long dramatic shadows. We spent about a half hour there and headed on home. Of course not without stopping for some apple cider and cider donuts!
Although the light was hitting the tops of the tree first of course. I waitited until the light was almost even with the shore line of the lake.
The colors just reverberated the feeling of warmth to me. The slight wind just made the reflection appear as if it were an oil painting.
This short walk in provided this tranquil view with long dramatic shadows.
The sun was coming through the trees and just bathing this tree in the suns warmth. Also the background emphasizes to me the low sun and long shadows traveling through the forest.
Oh the back lighting!…need I say more?
I try to keep open eyes and ears in my photography pursuits. It paid off with this one. I had noticed the early morning dew from the previous cold night and what would be a warm day. I photographed a few other leaf combinations, but this pair I feel was a much better representation of the season.
