Autumn in the Eastern Sierra #2

Here are a few more photo from my eastern Sierra autumn trip.

Most of the colorful aspens throughout the areas I visited this year were shades of yellow and gold. I found a few areas with oranges in the mix. I discovered just how varied and temperamental the leaf change is as you change elevations and conditions. At 7,500 feet the aspens were still mostly green. In the photo below, taken at about 9,000 feet, there must have been a wind that came through, since many of the branches were already bare.

I was standing beside the lake, along with several other photographers. It was probably around 6:30am when I arrived. I had my tripod set in a location that I determined the previous evening. We were chatting and waiting for sunrise. Sunrise came and went, creating a soft glow on the mountains. I continued to wait and chat, wondering what the light would do when it hit the ridges on the other side of the lake. I watched as the light hit the tips of the peaks and slowly move down the mountain. There must have been some clouds toward the horizon behind me, which allowed itself to create a soft spotlight on the aspens down by the lake. Within moments, the effect had passed.

Toward the end of my week, a minor snow storm passed through. I decided to explore areas along this creek for compositions. It was snowing during both of these photos below.

I have a few California Vistas calendars left. To learn more about my calendars or purchase one, click here.

To see the full gallery from this trip, click here.