“Autumn Leaf & Ferns”

On By Mike U.In Photography
Autumn Leaf & Ferns, near Trout Lake, southwest Colorado (c) Mike Utley

I have a lot of images from Trout Lake in southwest Colorado, about an hour from where I live. Many of these images don’t feature the lake, such as this one of autumn ferns. The area is heavily forested, snuggled deep within the arms of several mountain peaks. In the summer, wild flowers explode in a profusion of color; in the fall, aspens glow a strident yellow that complements the deep greens of conifers and the cobalt blue sky.

On this autumn day in the late 1990s, my mom accompanied me. She enjoyed getting away from the farm whenever she could, and she loved nature drives and breathing fresh mountain air. We took the dirt road that circumscribes the lake and pulled over in a little clearing of ferns among tall pines and spruces. There were a few bright red amanita muscaria mushrooms still stubbornly clinging to life, and while my mom looked at these poisonous fungi (I’d warned her not to touch them), I set about photographing the ferns whose fronds had begun to turn yellow. On the ground nearby, a small leaf the color of arterial blood caught my eye, and I saw an opportunity to show my mom one of the standard composition guidelines of photography: the Rule of Thirds. Not quite a rule as much as a suggestion, the idea is to divide the frame into thirds both vertically and horizontally (like a tic tac toe grid). Placing the main subject on one of the places where these grid lines intersect—the power-points—generally results in a more pleasing image. As with any rule, there are plenty of exceptions. This rule is overused and can produce cliché images that lack depth and emotion, but sometimes the end result is indeed compelling.

I composed the image, placing the crimson leaf on a power-point and explained the theory as my mom looked through the viewfinder. When I got the slides back from the lab and showed her the resultant image on my lightbox, she could hardly contain her excitement. She adored this image and she felt as though she had played a part in its creation. And she was right: every time I look at this image, I’m reminded of her, just the two of us in the little clearing one autumn afternoon, experiencing nature and being glad to be alive. It may appear to be just another pretty picture, but it’s so much more than that. I was able to share my love for nature and photography with her that day, and part of her lives on in this image. (Canon gear, Fuji Velvia ISO 50)

64 thoughts on ““Autumn Leaf & Ferns””

    1. Thanks, Marc. I agree–I have an image of a western sword fern here on my blog which I photographed in Oregon in the mid-’90s. That fern is so different from the ones I photographed at Trout Lake. Not only that, but the farm on which I was raised about an hour from here had no ferns whatsoever (it was too arid). My area is so varied in terms of biomes (desert, mountain, farmland) that you can see a variety of species within a short drive. The diversity of nature is fascinating. Thanks for your kind comment and for the visit. I appreciate it. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly. My mom loved being outside, whether it was working in her vegetable garden or reading in the backyard in the shade of an elm or going for a drive. One memorable photo excursion had her picking wild strawberries while I photographed monkshood flowers at a place called Taylor Mesa, about 30 minutes from where I live. It was a really cool experience (and the strawberries were delicious!). 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks a bunch, Ashley. Indeed, it’s a good memory of my mom. She accompanied me on photo shoots to various places and she had so much fun! It added a deeper layer of meaning to all the images I made when she was there. Good times, for sure. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  4. I looked at the image and I loved the crisp definition of the leaves, the contrast between the ferns and the lone leaf, and the absolutely amazing colours of green, yellow and vibrant red.

    Then I read your story and I loved the picture even more, but for completely different reasons. Thank you. You’re a great photographer, but your word pictures are even better.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. This is very kind of you to say, and I truly appreciate it. It’s impossible for me to separate my memories from my nature images. Nature photography was my happy place, a place where I felt I belonged.. Now and then, my mom would hitch a ride with me and we’d go out and enjoy the landscapes, walk around a bit, and mainly just relax and breathe the clean air and experience the stillness of nature. I enjoyed having her along, and she most definitely loved being a part of these little excursions. She was so supportive of my photography. Thanks so much for such a nice comment. I’m glad this image and its accompanying background notes spoke to you. Much appreciated. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

  8. Tha image and the backstory are so beautiful, Mike. Memories often make their homes in objects and specific moments. It’s a wonderful shot with that bursting red. I hope you have many warm memories to keep you company when you need them. Take care and keep inspiring. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks a bunch, Terveen. There are so many good memories associated with my nature images. Even (or especially) the ones that were difficult to make have so much meaning to me after all these years. It didn’t matter if I was battling heat or cold or wind or rain or lightning or mosquitoes or gnats or ants or incoming tide or whatever, there’s a story for each photo that always puts a little smile on my face. I’m happy to share these glimpses into my life, and I’m grateful you find them enjoyable. I appreciate it, my friend. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. rajkkhoja

    Wonderful you sharing “Autumn Leaf & ferns”! Lovely colour green & yellow leaf! I like.
    So nice nature love & you sharing your mother’s memories.
    Tack care and keep inspiring!
    God blessing, Mike🌹!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, my friend! I’m so glad you liked this photo and the memories I shared about my late mother. This one has some deep meaning for me. I appreciate your kind comment so much. Thanks for visiting! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. It’s wondrous to me how sometimes the smallest moments of alignment, beauty, and togetherness can create indelible memories. The creative process is so much more than the sum of its parts. I loved the story of how this photo came to be and what it represents to you, Mike. It makes it all the more beautiful. ❤

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Diana. I agree. Simple things take on such importance sometimes. I was glad to have my mom with me that day in such a beautiful landscape. She was about the age I am now, and I was in my mid-30s.”Hey, Mom, I’m going to Trout Lake today. Wanna come?” 🙂 I’m so glad I have this photograph. She’s been gone for close to eight years now. Thanks for your kindness, my friend. I’m pleased to know you liked this one. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Evelyn. I’m glad you found this post appealing. I can’t separate the memories from my images–they’re bound together forever–and I really enjoy sharing them here. I appreciate it. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Kirsten. It truly is a cool memory of my mon, just poking around the ferns, checking out the mushrooms and trees and the changing leaves.. She had so much fun getting away from the farm and relaxing and walking around in nature. Good times, indeed. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. Mike, one of my grandkids, an art major, was telling me that while it’s important that a piece stand alone, often the story that accompanies its creation, enriches and sometimes alters the viewer’s perceptions. I delight in your image and I am enriched by your story.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Joan. I know a lot of photographers post their images without any background notes, but for me, the backstory is inseparable from the image. The memories are still so vibrant all these years later, almost as if my photographs are miniature time-machines that transport me back immediately to the moment when I made the images. This image has some obviously deeper meaning for me, and I can’t look at it without seeing my mom standing among the ferns and conifers and aspens. I’m so glad you enjoy these images and their stories. I love sharing them and it means a lot to me to know they resonate with you and others. Thanks so much for your kindness, my friend. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Bruce. I know what you mean and I totally agree. My mom was a big supporter of my photographic endeavors. She had quite a few framed prints of my nature images hanging on the walls of the farmhouse. Little things matter so much sometimes. It’s so strange (in a delightful way) how a day spent in the mountains, looking at the changing leaves and ferns and snow-dusted peaks can resonate through the years and mean so much decades later. I used to keep a guitar pick in my pocket all the time, even long after I began losing my hearing and had to stop playing. The memories associated with that little piece of plastic meant too much to me and I couldn’t bear to part with it for the longest time. I’m glad I have these photos and memories. I wish I had more, but don’t we all? 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I think my mom would be pleased to know she’s on my blog, you know? I think she’d be tickled, in fact. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the backstory for this photo. It was a fun day and every time I look at this image, I’m back in that clearing with my mom, just looking at the trees and the ferns. Good times. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Xenia. I’m happy to know you enjoyed this one. It was fun to spend an afternoon in the mountains with my mom. She had a fun time, and this image will always have pleasant memories attached to it. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Many thanks. Every photo has a story, and this one is special to me. I’m delighted to know you liked this one. My mom was about my age when this photo was made (I was in my mid-30s), so that adds a bit more depth for me as I look back on this afternoon in the mountains. All the memories attached to this image are wonderful and still so vivid. Good times. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Jordyn. That little red leaf was just so intense! Such a deep, rich tone to contrast with the greens and yellows. It’s strange how a photograph can hold such meaning after so man years, especially when the person associated with the memory isn’t even in the photo. Memories are a mystery sometimes, but I’m glad to have this photo and the memories attached to it. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much for the wonderful comment, my friend. I think my mom would be delighted to know she was (sort of) featured on my blog! I’m so glad you liked this photo and its backstory. It’s a good memory, for sure. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Peggy. Yes. moms certainly hold a special place in our hearts. My mom was a simple person, a hopeless optimist despite all the physical and emotional pain she endured. She always had a smile and a good word for everyone. She could be happy just sitting in the front yard in the evenings or piddling around in her garden. If you offered her a Coca-Cola, you’d be her friend for life! (She collected Coke memorabilia.) I was glad to be able to take her with me a few times when I went out looking for nature images. Fun memories. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  26. Pingback: “Autumn Leaf & Ferns” – saveyourtrees.com

  27. Mike what a blessing that you have in your memory but a peaceful time in nature with someone you loved. I think her studying with you the tic tax toe methodology did indeed make her have the same feeling and emotion about that photograph as it did you. A mother with her child wanting to share something he loved with his mother. I know what that was like for me anyway.

    What a beautiful story my wonderfully talented friend. Big hugs and love, Joni 🦋🌹

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Joni. It was a really nice experience, for sure. Memories are all I have of my mom now, and this day in the forest by the lake is remarkable to me in its simplicity. It was just a pleasant day. Funny how simple things can mean so much years later, isn’t it? Thanks as always for your wonderful kindness and support. It truly means the world to me. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment