What a day it was today. Temperatures in the low 40’s, cloudy and rainy weather and overall not what one would expect as ideal conditions to photograph fall colors. However, I have learned the only guarantee in not finding something to photograph is to not go out and look.

So today’s expedition started a little after noon as my lovely wife Allison and I set out to explore some promising areas near home that we had noticed earlier in the week. After a very scenic and relaxing drive, we proceeded home without stopping for any photos. Oh, there were some beautiful colors along the way, but nothing that stood out as anything more than passing curiosities. The search for a compelling subject and composition can seem like an endless task.

When we were within a few miles from home, there on the hill stood a cluster of trees with orange leaves. This was not the first time I had noticed these trees, but this was the first time with conditions like today. There is something about a moody day with some low clouds weaving through the hillside that can change the mood of the landscape. This was a moment I could not let pass by without giving it a go and trying to capture this scene to share the experience with others.

There is a certain sense of calm and excitement one gets after finally captured your first image of the day. To end today with the photo above would have been a fitting end to the day’s activities, but after only driving a short distance up the road, this little gem revealed itself. Standing alone in the middle of field at a local Christmas Tree farm this lone larch displayed its fall colors.

Upon returning home I was eager to load these images on my computer and begin processing them. First, I used Lightroom to make some minor adjustments. Second, Photoshop was used to crop the images and to do some dodge and burning. Finally, I used a preset in ON1 to enhance the colors and mood of the day.

I always try to learn something each time I go out looking for photos. Today it was that even on cold and rainy days there are still images out there if you just stay open to seeing them.