Autumn splendor

A true representation of High Sierra fall foliage, this scene took 4 days to come into being. With the aspens and willows peaking, I visited Hope Valley, just 15 minutes south of my home in South Lake Tahoe, every day in search of just the right scene. Well, this was it! However, the first three days I visited this location there were blue skies and bright sunlight. It just didn't work. Obviously my patience paid off. On the fourth day the sky was completely overcast and rain and sleet were falling. Not only was the subdued light and moisture perfect for the rich saturated colors I had hoped for, but in the storm overnight the branch of orange leaves had fallen into the river and become lodged against the rocks. A perfect foreground enhancement. This is one of my most popular Fall scenes with collectors. Patience is a virtue.