Vibrant Textures in a Small World: Autumn Macro Photography

An Intimate View of Textured, Yellow Leaves, and Shining Dew Drops

Surrounded by other photographers on a typically lonely mountain road, I try to find a space for my camera that overlooks a grove of extraordinary red aspens. Breathtaking.

It’s no wonder so many leaf-peepers have stopped here. The trees stand gracefully in a sprawling meadow, their crimson crowns blazing in the afternoon sun. Like fire. Behind them, dark clouds rumble in the distance, creating the kind of drama photographers dream of.

However, there’s no room for me. At least, not without including strangers’ heads in my shots. Feeling frustrated and losing light, I begin packing up when something catches my eye. Sparkling.

Hidden in plain sight, dozens of vibrant, yellow leaves lie gleaming in the gravel. I switch to my macro lens, excitement renewed, and kneel on the damp ground.

I lose time here, admiring the rich colors of my fallen leaves and the jewel-like droplets that adorn them. The drops magnify colorful sediments and the leaf’s meandering veins, both enhancing and skewing my perception of them.

I hear footsteps approaching. Looking up, I see a man; he grins and says, “now that’s where autumn’s really at. Up close and personal.”

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