Northern Whites Nearing Peak...

[JimS]

This foliage season is truly turning out to be the best in many years in the Northern White Mountains. Nearing peak, the richness of the reds, and the glow of the yellows is truly remarkable.

The weather the past few days has been extremely variable...sun, clouds, fog, thunderstorms, wind, warm, cold, rain, and a few perfect landscape skies. Given the variability, I opted for less hiking this weekend, and more seeking specific sites that fit the weather's mood swing of the moment. That's not to say I didn't put some mileage on my feet. I was able to enjoy short hikes to Ammonoosuc Lake, to Little Cherry Pond, and to the end of Basin Pond.

I truly experienced a lot between the shots...got to meet some great people, hiked with olde friends, and saw some things that just don't translate well in the camera. One such experience was during a short bushwhack yesterday down to the Saco River from Rt. 302 in hopes of finding a view up to a gorgeous red ridge. While walking through, I was noting that much of the area was great moose habitat, so it didn't surprise me to hear a large animal in the woods just to my left. I didn't expect that animal to be a full grown black bear. Fortunately we both retreated quickly, but in pausing to confirm the improvement in my situation, I noticed two cubs up a nearby tree.

Now, I'm not a wildlife photographer, nor do I have the lenses for it, but I couldn't pass up the chance to capture the moment. Really have an appreciation for what the gnome does...I was shaking all over...so not for the portfolio, but a fun shot.

Baby Bear......Big Blurry Crop From A Short Lens...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3984111435_14060e82cb.jpg



Additionally, I learned this weekend that not all autumn shots need to be of foliage. While at Little Cherry Pond last night with Ryan last night, storm clouds and calm winds created a stunning scene at sunset. Not at all what I expected to shoot that evening, but a great moment to witness and capture.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3984874648_71ff612e90.jpg


As for foliage shots, here are a few...I'll be processing more them this week, and share them here when time allows! In chronological order...


First Frosting on Mt. Washington
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/3984874546_87814157fa.jpg


Choppy Day on Echo Lake
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3984874416_ff33574597.jpg


Dawn From Jackson
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3984111651_1790ca6088.jpg


Mottled Hobblebush
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3983878107_33b147e39e.jpg


Harvest Moon Over Basin Pond
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/3983575805_3b030c52dd.jpg


Any favorites????

[1HappyHiker]

Awesome Jim!

It's difficult to pick a favorite, but I'm leaning heavily toward the one entitled: "Choppy Day on Echo Lake".

[Brad]

We need to start a series called "Where's Jim?" Or did you use your transporter device to get to all those places?

[M_Six]

Seriously, tough to pick a favorite. They're all awesome. :cool:

[Snow Miser]

They are all excellent! But if I had to choose, my favorite would have to be Harvest Moon Over Basin.

[CHRIS]

Absolutley beautiful shots Jim. You inspire me to keep shooting and educating myself in photography with the hopes to someday be able to capture some shots as good as you do. Thanks for sharing.

[KD Talbot]

to pick a favorite there, my friend. Just awesome!


KDT

[KathyC]

I think they are all beautiful...

[mtruman]

Wow <jaw drops>. These somehow make autumn seem even more beautiful than being out there. The combination of images, moods, colors, textures is incredible. And the final version from Little Cherry Pond is even better than the cell phone version ;) Great stuff!!!

[forestgnome]

Ha! I was thinking of you this afternoon when a nice moose came my way in front of nice autumn colors. The light was a bit scarce and I wondered what Salge would do...use filters (enhancing?) or just go naked and use all available light, which is what I did.

Excellent set of images. Favorites would be the hobblebush (surprise,surprise), Echo Lake (noone has anything like that of that place), and The Basin ( you have a way of seeing things ;) )


The bear shot is really quite nice. I understand it's a heavy crop/small lens, but the comp is great and the colors are beautiful. The comp does the job, telling a story of a nice nature scene...jealous!


Agree with the comment of not needing foliage. Don't be a slave to forcing the most vibrant colors into a composition. I've been disappointed because of it. Autumn has a feel that can be captured without foliage.

They're all very nice images. Congrats and keep shooting ;)

[fifteendays]

Great stuff, Jim. Now I need to dig around my yard to see if any hobblebush is looking like that! Incredible.

Scot
MWO Staff