Red Maple – Different Isn't Wrong, It's Just Different

Another year has almost come to an end. Hard to believe 2018 is almost over. My time for photography has been limited this year and my time for writing has been even less. (Something to work on for 2019, making more time for both.) As I was pondering whether or not to show my favorite images for 2018, I wondered if there were more than a handful as I had only wandered through the nearby parks a few times. But those few times I knew I had to work hard and really make my time count. To my surprise, while browsing through my Lightroom catalog of images for 2018, many I was quite pleased with. Each year there is a different theme to my photography and at first I thought it was all about trees, white and red this year. However, as I discovered images that I had forgotten about, two themes came to mind. One, I was looking for peace, for which I hope you see as I did when the images were made and still see today. Two, I was pushing myself to be creative. With little time in the field this year, I was usually chasing a moment, when nature’s show would be for a short time, as little as a fleeing moment, making me work hard to catch it. Whether a wet snow in early spring or an early wet snow in autumn. One week it was full autumn splendor and just a week later the trees had snow clinging to them. The morning I photographed the snow-covered red maple trees, it was before I had to be at my day job. I had about 35 minutes to make images. Three from that morning made it into this gallery.

So as we say goodbye to 2018, I hope you enjoy seeing my favorite images of 2018!

View From Behind the Storm That Had Been a Tornado in Pella, IA

Abstract Reflection Snow Covered Branches

My favorite tree in the fall is a red maple, Acer rubrum. The leaves are such a brilliant red and sometimes have a purple hue to them depending on the light. In my previous post, Red Maple Tree, my images were classic. But something I like to do if it is windy, is to make the wind my friend allowing the movement of the leaves to create my image. The image above is just that, by using a slower shutter speed, the image created is abstract. The shutter speed just fast enough to help the viewer see the leaves. On a calm day you can still make abstract images by intentionally moving your camera while the shutter is open. Abstract images are not appreciated by all, some prefer the classic. Me? I like both depending on the day. Below is a gallery of more abstract images, you may click on any of them to see a larger view.