I walk by this tree hundreds of times a year along the path in my backyard and barely notice it. During most of the year, it blends in with the surrounding forest. But the conditions lined up on this day and made the tree look unusually special. I believe that almost any location can make a good image under the right circumstances. But you need to be open to seeing it.

I was working all day watching the winter fog outside my window, dreaming of the forest scenes I see so much from Scandinavia. Just after dark, I was finally able to get outside. The leaves were a magnificent yellow, and the fog penetrated the forest, providing separation between this tree and the surrounding forest. All I had to do was set up a flash in the distance to add some magic to the night scene.

1 of 1 Photo with a 16x20 museum grade print.