Glowing Autumn Forest

Ruth and I had camped at Sherando Woods in Virginia, which is a beautiful area managed by the US Forest Service. We awoke early one morning to find the scene set for a potentially worthwhile photograph. There was no wind and the forest was arrayed in brilliant hues from the huge variety of hardwood trees in the peak of their autumn colors. We carried two-way radios with us, so we could communicate as I walked among the trees and forest looking for a photograph. The fog was on the lake but also filtering through the trees and the sun was above the horizon but had not yet struck the steep mountain valley where we were. All was quiet and I knew there must be an image somewhere if I could but see it. As I moved slowly, carefully and quietly looking and contemplating the untold thousands of potential images around me, suddenly all of the elements came together in precisely one spot. The three-dimensional forest elements aligned in a particular way to form the image that you see before you. The forest fog was lit from behind the scene from the sunlight striking the mountainside and reflecting off the distant colored leaves. Yet the foreground trees remained clear and free of fog. I knew the scene would disappear in only a few moments and called Ruth on the radio to bring the equipment to where I was located. Moving quickly as a team, we set up the 8x10" camera in just a minute or two. I carefully focused as Ruth adjusted the f/stops on the lens, allowing me to check my focus and maximize the depth of field, which was crucial for the image to be successful. I held my breath, hoping the wind would not pick up nor the glowing fog dissipate. I was able to make one exposure, which was slightly less than one second, and quickly changed the film holder and made a back-up exposure just to be safe. But even in the short time it took to make a second exposure, the image had significantly changed and only the first image has the luminosity and drama that convey the feeling and inspiration that I felt. Of all of my photographs, perhaps this one embodies in one single image what I've been trying to accomplish in over 30 years of photographic work. To me, this image has a cathedral-like quality, filled with light and peace and it's a reminder of God's grace which fills the world and touches and enlivens every soul.

20x24 " prints are $3,500 30x40 " prints are $7,000