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Autumn Glory
October 2005
Recent events give us cause to worry about the new, frightening changes in the weather – especially the prospect that hurricanes are becoming stronger and more dangerous as the atmosphere surrounding the earth becomes warmer. But when the sun shines on a bright autumn day, and the leaves turn beautiful colors, we give thanks that the change of seasons is the same as it has always been. In our cover photograph, called “Reflections” by Diane Grant Melnik, we are reminded of how much there is to be grateful for. It is a beautiful composition, with the golden leaves under a blue sky reflected in the water, as the noble floating duck creates ripples on the surface.
In our first double-page spread, we see on the left a magical photograph of an autumn leaf floating against the blurred image of a forest. Captured by photographer Mirav Ozeri, its simplicity is its strength. Nature created the subject, but it was a sharp eye that made it such a striking photograph. Opposite, is a superb image, captured by Matt Petricone, of golden leaves lit by the sun with only a hint of the tree trunk that holds them all together.
On the next spread we see two pathways. On the left is an untitled photograph by Gina L. Tilke, with rows of trees on both sides, leaning towards each other, creating an arch to celebrate the season. On the right is “Under Cliff Row, Fall” by John Hayes, an image that shows enormous rocks that are almost like sculptures standing on both sides of a long path through the woods.
Then we come to two streams. On the left is “Unnamed Stream, Near Mary’s Glen” by Herb Chong, with a waterfall in the distance, yellow leaves on the trees above and orange leaves floating on the stream below. The sun is shining through the forest, casting light on the lovely scene. On the right is “Devil’s Tombstone Camp Area” by Robert J. Near. Here there are fewer leaves on the trees, but they create an impressive reflection in the water beyond the large rock in the foreground.
We end with another untitled photograph, this one by Mirav Ozeri, who showed us an orange leaf at the opening of the portfolio, and here shows us a yellow leaf resting on a rock, with water splashing around it. The dark background creates a dramatic frame for the spotted leaf, folded as it fell from the tree above.
-David Finn
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