Picture Perfect

Beyond its breathtaking scenic beauty, autumn carries profound symbolism that resonates deeply within us, mirroring the many transitions we experience in our own lives. Embracing the enchanting fall season can be a powerful teacher, gently urging us to embrace change, let go of what no longer serves our growth, and discover the beauty in the impermanence of life itself. Fall happens to be my all-time favorite season. The oppressive hot weather is finally drawing to a close, the air becomes crisp and invigorating, and the vibrant colors of nature are plentiful and stunning. While fall does have some minor flaws, such as the days gradually growing shorter, which means that the precious time available to venture out and enjoy Mother Nature is sadly limited, I still find joy in this season. Because of these shortened daylight hours, I may not always be able to ascend into the majestic mountains to capture the expansive beauty there, so I often look for some hidden local treasures instead.

On one particularly beautiful fall day, I found myself visiting one of my all-time favorite lakes in northern Colorado. The stunningly beautiful mountains standing tall in the west were adorned with a light, fresh coating of snow, gently reminding us that winter will soon be arriving on our doorsteps. Without any particular vision or plan in mind, I eagerly grabbed my camera and took a leisurely walk around the enchanting lake, soaking in all the vibrant colors and listening intently to the soft sounds of the leaves rustling gently in the breeze. I would have had an enjoyable day even if I hadn’t pressed my shutter once, feeling at peace in the embrace of nature. Standing beneath a large tree, I looked up in awe to admire the magnificent mountains. The mountains were perfectly framed by the tree branches I was standing under. With a sense of excitement, I set up my tripod and carefully framed the mountains in front of me, ensuring that the glowing trees were included as well. The wonderfully beautiful blue sky dotted with some wispy white clouds completed the top of my picture frame perfectly. I clicked away, capturing what felt like a few dozen photos, each one a unique moment frozen in time. But then, I paused from shooting to simply enjoy the moment, allowing myself to soak in the serenity of my surroundings. Once again, I was reminded of how incredibly fortunate I am to be able to capture these breathtaking images, both with my camera and in my mind’s eye.

Location: Boulder County, Colorado