Saturday, November 7, 2009

Autumn On My Mind

This has been a lovely autumn so far.

Oh the temperatures haven't been all that pleasant for more than a day or two at a time, and the rain sure has made frequent appearances but the trees and surrounding landscape have been brilliant. I can easily overlook the rest when sunshine, however fleeting, brightens my day by illuminating the landscape around me.




Here's a view I see every time I take a walk in the park. Just a few steps from home and I could easily imagine I'm out at the cottage once again. (please click to enlarge)





One day last week, I walked a path which follows the pond more closely. The uneven ground made for a mini-hike. (please click to enlarge)





Queen Anne's Lace still dots the hillside as it did earlier in summer but the backdrop has changed hue considerably. (please click to enlarge)





It's still pretty green in my own back yard but a sure sign of autumn is the return of my bird feeder. This photo was taken on the day it went up. The sparrows were eying it - still a tad uncertain. (please click to enlarge)





The railing along the pond's dock made a lucky catch. This elm leaf is spotted - much like the rust marks on iron. (please click to enlarge)





A view of the lake from the dock. (please click to enlarge)





And a view of the lake from a duck. (please click to enlarge)





I can still find wild Chicory in bloom but they're much fewer and farther between than over the past few months. (please click to enlarge)







On Monday, the sky was clear - revealing the beautiful full moon. I sat on my front porch, elbows on knees to take this shot. It reminded me of this post by Gary Heller and I started thinking about ways that I could digitally superimpose the full moon into another image. (please click to enlarge)





The next day, the sky was a lovely, golden hue and this robin caught my eye. She let me snap a few photos, watching me closely as I did. After a short while, I thanked my feathered friend and moved on. And I realized I had a photo where I could place the moon.. (please click to enlarge)





Riiiight there! (please click to enlarge)





This odd image is of my driveway. Frank's car was parked in it and the light source was from my neighbour's (hi Caroline!) idling car headlights. It was raining and so the leaf-strewn driveway was wet. The paler, muted spots are rain droplets on my front door, through which I shot this photo. The only colour is from the yellow leaves over on the left side of the image. (please click to enlarge)



More autumn images coming up next week!

61 comments:

Deb Shucka said...

Absolutely stunning pictures! You have an amazing eye.

Dawning Inspiration said...

As I scrolled down I kept saying (in my head), "ooh, I like that...oh, I like that too!" Lovely colors and great perspectives!

Brian Miller said...

the leaf on the railing is my fav...the driveway is really cool capture as well. what am i saying, i love them all. hope you have an amazing weekend hilary!

Maria said...

Autumn is my favourite season for colours - all those maroon and russet and golden shades. Stunning. Your moon and bird photo was a masterpiece!

From the Old InkWell said...

Wonderful post! Love your photos and the nice walk! :)

Sandi McBride said...

The sparrows immediately caught my eye...for some reason, we don't have any...I'd love to take a walk with you...and bring my camera along, too
Sandi

Tabor said...

You clearly have a great eye for photography. YOu have also motivated me to think about adding a moon to some photograph. Hmmm.

gh said...

Well done, Hilary!! I like what you have done with your moon and placing it very convinvingly in the other wonderful photograph.
Great compossition and fine post processing as well.
What i like about your assortment of autumn images here is the attention to the small things that we see all the time but take for granted and walk past. Such as the railings lucky catch in landing the beautiful leaf and you with the mind to see it as something special and capture that piece of time for us.
Wonderful work, and Autumn is absolutely my favorite time of the year.
Well done

Anonymous said...

I'd love to walk with you.

Saz said...

love all the images but particularly the last one!! its very clever and makes you think!!

Kelly H-Y said...

What gorgeous pictures and lovely thoughts to accompany them!

Wendy said...

My goodness! What superb pics! You do have an eye for capturing light and dark, and lovely images. I like what you've done with the moon. Sounds like fun and I'll click on your linky and see what that's all about.
Happy Fall!

ethelmaepotter! said...

Fabulous post, fabulous photos. The moon shot alone is stunning, but combined with the silhouette of the bird on the branch, it's absolutely stunning. I tried to choose a favorite picture, but it's impossible - they're all brilliant. Maybe the duck in the lake, with the fall colors reflected in the rippling water, or the simple golden leaf on the rusting rail. The driveway shot is amazing. You truly are an artist, for only an artist can spy the beauty in what others never even see.

G said...

Wonderful images as usual! It has been a great fall so far, long and lingering with such deep yellows in the leaves.

Rosaria Williams said...

Oh I'm smittened by these images! Lovely, each and every one. The last one, so dark and eery, is fraught with mystery. Had you not explained it, we would have placed it in a frightening setting.

Barbara Martin said...

How very fortunate you live near a park to get out and enjoy nature! Excellent photos, Hilary.

Stacey J. Warner said...

I love the moon and the sparrows, so beautiful. Cole and I went for a hike to see the moon. It was a beautiful moon.

You live in such beauty.

much love

L. D. said...

Great shots, great composition, great color, just about great everything. I really like how the back lighting makes the trees trunks such a dark, rich brown. Beautiful job.

solarity said...

(Why don't I play with depth of field more?)

They're all stunning, but the driveway one is just beyond words.

Mary Anne in Kentucky

SandyCarlson said...

Those are some great photos. I sure do like what you did with the moon. You are an artist.

Elizabeth Bradley said...

This is absolutely one of my favorite posts. And I fell heads over heels in love with the pic of the robin, and then I saw how you incorporated the bright moon and now I am amazed. Love, love, love it.

Cloudia said...

WOW! Brava!!



Aloha, Talented Friend


Comfort Spiral

Hilary said...

• Thanks very kindly, Deb. Much appreciated. :)

• Thanks very much, SD. I'm glad the photos pleased you. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Brian, thanks ever so kindly. My weekend has been pretty darn good so far and I wish yours to be the same. Thanks for stopping by :)

• Gaelikaa, Thanks very much for your kind words. Autumn sure is a colourful season.. it rivals my personal favourite.. summer. Thanks for dropping in. :)

• Welcome, Marsha and thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated. :)

• Thanks, Sandi. I would love it if you were to join me on a long walk.. cameras at hand. In the mean time, I'm glad you can join me virtually. :)

• Thanks kindly, Tabor. I'll look forward to seeing your own moon project. It's quite a bit of fun to merge two photos that way. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Gary, thanks very much. I had that moon on my mind ever since I saw your fine photos a few weeks back. I knew it was only a matter of time until we'd have a clear night for a full moon. I'm glad you like the result of that and other photos. Your very kind words mean a lot to me. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• KC, I would love that too. Hopefully one day. :)

• Thanks very much, FF&F. I'm glad you like that one. I was just a tad worried that it might just be a head-scratcher. ;)

• Thanks kindly, Kelly. Much appreciated. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much, Wendy. Your very kind words are so nice to read. I'm sure you'll love Gary's post. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Ethelmae, thank you so much for such kind words. I'm so glad you like these photos. Your warm comments mean so much to me. Thanks for dropping by. :)

• Thanks, BPG. You're so right about this particular autumn. It's been quite incredible. Tonight, it seems most of the trees nearby are pretty much spent. It's been windy lately and suddenly they're bare. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thank you, Lakeviewer. I was wondering if I should have included that photo or not. The scene intrigued me so much at the time. I must have taken about 10 shots - most of which didn't appear as I wanted it to. Thanks for your kind and encouraging words. :)

• Thanks kindly, Barbara. I'm very lucky to live by this bit of green space. It often keeps me from feeling like I'm a city dweller. And my camera is well fooled too. ;)

• Thank you, Stacey. The night of the full moon sure was a beauty this month.. at least around here. I'm very lucky to live in this space. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks very much, LDB. Your very kind and encouraging words mean a lot to me. I'm so glad that you stopped by to say so. Thanks kindly. :)

• Mary Anne, thanks very much for the very kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the shots. Thanks for finding the driveway shot interesting. I was a bit worried that nobody would. :)

• Sandy, thanks so much. That means so much to me. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• Elizabeth, thanks ever so kindly for your warm words. I'm so pleased that you like these photos. Much appreciated. :)

• Aloha, Cloudia and thanks very much for your always-kind words. :)

Susan said...

I fully expected to see the robin silhouetted in the moon, but of course that it too cliche for you! Your idea was much, much better!

Joanna Jenkins said...

The pic with the ducks on the orange water-- AWE-SOME. You live in paradise.
xo

ds said...

You know, I was fine with the water and the Queen Anne's lace, and then you have to go and shoot the moon (pun intended)! Jeez!
Beautiful, beautiful photos. Thank you so much.

Dave said...

Well done Hilary! Your moon shot fitted well. - Dave

Shrinky said...

You are a regular wizard behind the lens Hilary, and that digitally imposed full moon is extremely convincing - bravo, you!

Country Girl said...

The bird photo with the moon is wonderful, Hilary! I need to learn this technique.

blunoz said...

I love autumn! Beautiful pictures, Hilary. I love the shots of the autumn tress, but I continue to be amazed by the crisp, clear pictures you get of birds. I keep trying and never get them so frameable as yours.

Nessa said...

Thanks for sharing your Autumn area. Beautiful photos.

Sunny Sunday #5 - Paper Sol

Zuzana said...

I lack words this time around. Look at all those colours! As I kept scrolling down, it was only getting better and better...Yes, this autumn has been here as well the most beautiful on record. Our colours are gone though at this point...
WONDERFUL Hilary!
xo

Margo said...

breathtaking! How do you do it? You have the eye and skill that is so rare. Please tell me you are at least helped along a little by good equipment!

Russell said...

Well, you saved the best (by far) image for last! That is an incredible image. If you ever want to take something to a photography contest, that would be a winner. Goodness...!

I liked the other images, too. The colors and water are nice and the moon shots are really good, too.

But that last image, well, that is a stunner. As they say, it really went into the next level -- maybe a couple of levels!

Take care.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Oh.my.goodness! I love all your photos, but these are the best so far.

If you ever DO decide to sell some of your prints, put my name at the top of the list for MoonBird. I know two people who would cry over the gift of pic. Same for birds on the branch and single bird. Wow!

ellen abbott said...

OMG Hilary! Those last two photos are just incredible!

abb said...

Heller's moon overlay/underlay are spectacular. And your first attempt is just as good as his! Neat collection of photos, Ms. Hilary!

Gary's third pottery blog said...

omigosh, such colors!

LadyFi said...

Such wonderful pictures. Love the silhouettes of the birds.. and that last one is very atmospheric!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for reading my blog post.

Hilary said...

• Thanks, Susan. I'm glad you like how it turned out. :)

• Thank you, Joanna. Sometimes I think I do. :)

• DS, you made me laugh with that pun! Thanks so much for your kind words. Very much appreciated. :)

• Thank you, Dave. I'm glad you liked it. :)

• Thanks very much, Shrinky. I'm glad you dropped by to have a look. Your kind words are much appreciated. :)

• Thank you, Kate. I can let you know how it's done if you like. It would be very easy for a seasoned Photoshop pro like yourself. :)

• Thanks for the very kind words, Kevin. Birds can be tricky. I find that I kind of have to just stay still or walk very slowly before they continue on as they were. Once they're accustomed to your being there, they're much easier to capture. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Nessa. Much appreciated. :)

• Thanks kindly, Protege. Your always-warm comments never fail to make my day. Yes, we've pretty much lost all of our colourful leaves here too now.. such is the season. Thanks for the visit, my friend. :)

• Thanks so much for the kind words, Margo. I am indeed helped along by a fine camera.. a wonderful gift received a few months back. Not to mention a few lucky moments along the way. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Well Russell, thank you so much for your encouraging comment. I'm really glad that some folks like that shot.. truly I wasn't sure about it. I should have known that if anyone would like it, it would be you. Your taste always runs toward what's different. I appreciate your always kind words, my friend. :)

• Angie thanks very much for such kind words which mean so very much to me. I'm glad you like the photos and I might just think about it. Thanks always for the visit. :)

• Thanks kindly, Ellen. I'm so glad you like them. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you so much, Ms Annie. Your kind and encouraging words are very much appreciated. :)

• Thanks, Gary. I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks kindly, LadyFi. I'm glad you think so. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• You're welcome, Abe, and you mine. :)

Dianne said...

I love the Queen Anne's Lace!!!!
the backdrop is so amazing

I love them all - from stunning foliage all the way down to light on the driveway - how cool that you saw that

You have such an artist's eye - and soul

Reb said...

Lovely, I really like how you placed the moon with the silhouette of the Robin.

SandyCarlson said...

I sure do love that lovely duck!

Sarah Anne said...

You always have AMAZING photos! Thanks so much for sharing them.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

The colors are incredible. The first and second shots. Then the robin and the moon. THen..... Enjoyed it.

Anonymous said...

I love, love, love your photos, Hilary, especially the moon and bird composite. You are truly an artist.

Leah J. Utas said...

Rich, brilliant, beautiful. Love the moon and bird.

Crabby McSlacker said...

Another stunning set of photos; loved your fall stroll!

Daryl said...

Oh nice .. love the moon and the bird/branch layering .. super .. this post belongs in the POTW group .. I am officially nominating it.

Kat said...

Absolutely breathtaking! SERIOUSLY. WOW.

The leaf photos! And the moon behind the branch! AHHHH!!!


WOW!

Anne C. Watkins said...

You are so creative! I love the moon with the robin - that worked out beautifully. And the driveway one is really great, too.

The Queen Anne's Lace was exquisite. But I have to say that. ;)

Another wonderful visit with you. Thanks!

Thumbelina said...

Beautiful shots Hilary. I love your experimentation with the moon - and the original shot is awesome. Love the sparrows too. You are a great photographer - lifted my spirits. :)

Hilary said...

• Thank you so much, Dianne. It means a lot to me that you think so. I'm glad you like the photos and I'm always happy to see you stop by. Thanks for that. :)

• Thanks, Reb. I had fun with that. I'll have to play with Photoshop more often. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thank you, Sandy. I'm always so tickled that you think to make these repeat visits. I appreciate that so much. :)

• Thanks kindly, Georgie. Much appreciated. :)

• Thanks so much, MJ. I'm really glad that you did enjoy the photos. Your kind words mean a lot to me. :)

• Thank you kindly, Sandra. You never fail to make me smile with your warm comments. Thanks for that. :)

• Thanks very much, Leah. I had fun playing with that. Much appreciated. :)

• Thanks so much, Crabby. I'm glad you could join me. :)

• Thanks very much, Daryl but I'm officially declining it. We can't have that! But I sure do appreciate the sentiment. Thank you. :)

• Thanks kindly, Kat. I'm glad you like them. Your always kind words are very much appreciated. :)

• Thanks very much,  Queen Anne. I'm so glad to have you visit. I'm glad you liked the pics. I believe I'll probably think of you whenever I see Queen Anne's lace from here on in. ;)

• Thank you, Thumbelina. I'm so glad to hear that. Your kind words always put a smile on my face. Thanks for stopping by, my friend. :)

photowannabe said...

I just read SD addicted to the click and she said exactly what I said. Great series as usual. I love the view of the lake from the duck! The superimposed moon with the robin is purely awesome Hilary.

Kerri Farley said...

Love your Autumn Colors Hilary! You never cease to amaze!

whitewitch said...

Breathtaking pictures capturing the beauty and blazing stillness that is autumn. Excellent scenery and cleverly taken pictures.

Frank Baron said...

I'm late to the party but had to say I think this has been my favourite collection of yours to date. Good stuff. :)

Hilary said...

• Sue, thank you so much for such kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos and dropped by to say so. :)

• Thanks, Kerri. Much appreciated. :)

• Welcome, Whitewitch and thank you so much for the very kind words. I'm glad you came by for a visit. :)

• Frank, you're never late to the party.. it only gets started when you arrive. ;) Thank you, dear. :)

Louise said...

Wow! Love the second photo. Love the reflection of the duck. AMAZED by the chicory, but the moon in just the right spot? No words are adequate. The picture of a lifetime.

Hilary said...

Thanks very kindly, Louise. But that moon shot, as explained in the text, was photoshopped into place. I'm glad you like the outcome though. :)