At first I thought that someone must have painted the whimsical design on the rotting surface of this old tree stump. However, a closer look revealed that the pattern was created by white lichens that were growing amongst the many cracks and grooves. Mother Nature's artwork can be found almost everywhere we look.
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The fall is my favourite time for photographing deciduous trees. Not only are their leaves often turning brilliant colours, but also, with the sun low in the sky, the play of light and shadow in their branches can be very dramatic as in this image of the delicate leaves of a Katsura tree that are slowly changing from green to yellow. Nothing stays the same for long in nature.
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This majestic maple tree stands in a park near where I live. I usually like to photograph it in the autumn when its leaves turn golden. However, recently I was strolling through the park and noticed the sun shining brightly through the maple's topmost branches, creating a powerful reminder that the height of summer can be a time of hope and strength.
This English ivy vine grows along our back fence, and I have photographed it many times. This closeup image is one of my favourites. Not only does it highlight the beauty of the bright green leaves, but it also evokes a sense of mystery.
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When autumn arrives, this dogwood tree that grows in our front yard undergoes a complete transformation as its long, elegant leaves slowly change from green to crimson. Every time I look at them, I'm reminded that I don't really have to venture far from home to enjoy nature's beauty.
Photo © John S. Mitchell 2024
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In the fall, I always return to photograph this big sugar maple tree that grows in a park not far from my home. I'm not sure how old the maple is. However, judging by the girth of its trunk, the tree must have been planted well over a century ago. Its leaves turn a variety of hues, ranging from bright yellow to brilliant red. As they float to the ground, the colorful leaves form a carpet of memories beneath my feet.
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These bright green shoots emerging from a crack in the concrete took me by surprise. They spoke of nature's incredible resilience and regenerative powers, which were evident even here on a barren city sidewalk.
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I always look forward to seeing the pure white camellias that bloom in our yard every spring. The camellia flowers don't last very long. After a few days, the petals start to yellow and then fall to the ground. However, their vulnerability and transience only add to their beauty.
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I've put together a 2024 wall calendar featuring some of my nature photos. Please click on the image below and then on the blue "Preview" button to view the entire calendar.
I happened to look up at the bare branches of this tree and spied the moon rising behind them like a ghostly apparition. Even though men have now walked on its surface, the moon still evokes a sense of mystery and wonder as it beckons in the sky seemingly just beyond our reach...
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I often sit on a memorial bench in this peaceful park near where I live. A plaque mounted on the bench says that the woman to whom it is dedicated found tranquility in the park. Although I didn't know her, I like to think that her spirit is still there as I contemplate the trees and the changing seasons.
I've always enjoyed photographing reflections. They can awaken the imagination and open our eyes to new ways of looking at the world. I was attracted to these reflections of tree branches and bushes in a pond because they reminded me of a playful abstract drawing or painting. Mother nature is a talented artist.
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For me, autumn is not only a season of great beauty but also a time of reflection and even renewal as I ponder the road ahead...
This wind-blown red maple leaf caught my attention during an autumn walk. The solitary leaf had landed in a bush and gotten stuck in the bare branches where it would likely stay until a breeze came along and carry it off to a new destination. This image reminds me that sometimes it's best to just sit tight and let things take their course. Struggling often only gets us more entangled in life's perceived problems.
