Autumn at the Arboretum

David_S85

We are lucky enough to live very near the Morton Arboretum in Illinois, and think of it as a large (1600+ acres) rented backyard. We don't get there often enough, but when the light is good and the seasons turn it is enough of a motivation to make the time for it.

We visited twice this week for a couple hours each near the end of the day.


This is from the eastside prairie they are trying to restore. The Arboretum is much more than just trees. There are prairies, gardens, lakes, experimental plantings of all sorts. It is also a place for learning. For kids, there's a new 4 acre childrens garden that is simply amazing. For adults, there are numerous educational programs throughout the year and even a lengthy course for nature photographers.



The main attraction for most folks is to drive through a few miles of winding roadway, or better yet, hike along the many pathways throughout the Arboretum. In the fall season, the place is packed. The trick is to know where the crowds aren't.



I came across this scene by accident when I tripped and almost fell into a small stream. Does this work? I'm not sure. Background was darkened and desaturated a bit.



Light plays well near the end of the day when the sun is low. Always look behind you. This scene was almost overlooked.



I should have tripodded this shot stopping down to f/20 or higher to get the reflected sparkles to crosshatch, but I didn't have the darned tripod this day. There's always next time!



I had Diana pose for this shot at the Big Rock overlooking one of the prairies. I focused on her head, but the focus didn't come out the way I had planned.



Maple branch shot from the car. I passed this, backed up, and really pissed off those trying to get by me. I tried cropping off the bottom 25%, but it lost its depth.

gluwater

Looks like the color is just right at the Arboretum. I'll have to try to make a trip there this week. I like the second shot a lot but the colors look a little flat.

USAIR

Awesome fall colors David
Love #4

Fred

gtedesco@mortonarb.org

Great Photography!
Hi David,

At the risk of boasting, I work at The Morton Arboretum : - )

I thought your shots were very creative and lovely. I liked your use of light. Although I don't know anything about photography, I know what I like to see, and these pix are really nice.

I invite you - and all photographers - to come out in each of the four seasons. There's always something interesting to shoot. In the dead of winter, there are spectacular bark patterns. One tree - called a lacebark elm, really looks like the bark is lace!!!

David_S85

Thanks Nick, Fred and Gina!