Autumn Stream HDR
(HDR image of a stream running through golden-colored autumn woods) The fall colors were already passing peak, but the woods blazed with gold (and a little green and orange). Standing next to the stream, I was looking due west; the warm sunset light backlit the fall colors in the woods, making the scene glow. The colors were impossibly vibrant and saturated. I decided to try an HDR capture.
Dropping
(HDR image of a blazing yellow maple tree standing alone in a pool of its own dropped leaves.) The sun peeked through as we ascended the gravel drive/road, dramatically illuminating this tree standing alone in a pool of its own leaves in the high meadow behind the winery. We parked quickly. I grabbed my camera and pointed. I only remember saying, “that tree.”
End of the (VA Wine) Trail
(HDR image of a vineyard and woods beyond in full fall regalia.) We arrived at Mountainrose in late morning after a beautiful, scenic ascent through Virginia coal country, through gorgeous farmland and glorious fall foliage. The trees were already at their peak and the fresh mountain wind was already beginning to denude the colorful woods. It was mostly overcast up in the hill country that day; for much of the day we had a glowering, dramatic sky (threatening, but never actually raining on us) — but every once in a while the fresh wind would rip away the cloud cover to briefly reveal a brilliant blue sky.
