I have been in search of a closeup photo of Quaking Aspen trees for a couple of years now. I have had this vision in my mind for some time of what I want to capture, but it has been so elusive. It might just be that I am too critical, as I search for perfection. It’s never an excuse of weather, or anything else, I just haven’t found the desired composition yet.
It was a couple of weeks into fall, the leaves on the face of the mountains were displaying brilliant hues of yellow and gold. It was 4:30 a.m. and pouring rain as I loaded my gear in my SUV and began the 1 hour drive deep into the mountains.
The wet, fall weather created an excitement, as the fog enveloped my vehicle. Leaving the safe paved roads, I navigated through mud and never ending puddles. Deep water collected in the low areas encompassing my tires as I slowly rolled through them.
My goal was to reach the never ending groves of Aspen trees (or Quakers as we call them) just before sunrise. The question at hand…would the sun actually show itself with the fog and the rain? Soon it was light enough that I could get out and do some hiking through the trees.
It took no more than 5 seconds of walking through the tall grass to become completely sopping wet from the waist down. It was inevitable, and just part of the experience. I photographed multiple areas that showed promise, but nothing that really got me excited.
After spending most of the morning photographing, I decided to drive back down the road to see if I had missed anything in the darkness. The sun was still subdued by the clouds and the lighting continued to be good for photos. As the road leveled out into a valley, I looked off to the west and saw the most amazing view ever. Tall golden grasses, highlighted by the sun peaking through the clouds, led my eyes to a continuous stand of Quakers. The leaves were glistening in the light and the tree trunks popped with that dusty white bark, they were contrasted by the black wounds that are the common trademark of Aspens.
What really tied the entire view together were the mountains that rose up behind the trees. They were covered with more golden Quakers, orangish oak brush and green pine trees. This storm had brought the first high mountain snowfall and the peaks were capped in white! The clouds continued to hug the high mountain peaks, while to the South, blue sky was pushing through.
This was serendipity in the purest form. I quickly forgot about my closeup and set out to capture a panorama as I could not bear to leave any of that stunning display of mother nature behind.
I am so excited that I was able to capture such a wonder of seasonal contrast at its best. When I look at it, it reminds me of my time spent in the mountains with my father as a young boy. I have this printed at 40 inches wide and hanging in our living room.Its a piece of art that starts conversations and leaves an impression on anyone who sees it. Where will you hang yours?
All Images taken by the author © Randy G. Barney Photography
