Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Look Before You Leaf

Down Under, It’s The Last Month Of Autumn

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


I saw this maple sapling a couple of nights ago, just as the last of the light was fading. Had I been five or six minutes later, it would have been a tricky sight to photograph, but I was lucky. The leaves were a brilliant burgundy and I think I was drawn almost magnetically to the tree because it was probably only a couple of seasons old, so there were very few leaves on its slender branches.

I only shot two frames, using my 18-125 Sigma lens. The first shot, of the leaf cluster, was my initial instinct. Then I decided to shoot another view (below) using a combination of the beautifully verdant grass and a concrete pathway as my background, in an attempt to highlight the striking colour and shape of the lowest leaf.

Yes, as the rest of the world celebrates warmer weather and longer daylight hours, we’re only three weeks away from winter.

28 comments:

Stacey Olson said...

Beautiful images. thanks for sharing! we are still hoping for green leaves here, and you are looking ahead to winter... I still have a hard time grasping that...

Hilary said...

Strikingly beautiful shots, David. I'd still rather be here in my part of the world for the next 6 months, though.

Mima said...

My garden is turning green & sprouting, and the blossom has just come out on my cherry tree! Great shots, the first is my preference, love the grouping.

lime said...

autumn really is my favorite season of all. i just love that red.

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

3 weeks from winter? I shouldn't be so surprise but I still am. Our tulips just opened up TODAY!

Those shots were beautiful! As always.

SandyCarlson said...

That is stunning, David. Such vibrant color at that time of day.

We have new maples coming in that are that color.

maryt/theteach said...

David, both photos are so impressive. Maybe I lean toward the 1st one just a wee bit! I'm sorry you're going into winter... We are just coming out of it and are delirious with happiness that it's Spring! :D

D... said...

Oh, how I miss the red leaves of autumn. In my neck of the woods, we do not see leaves like that. Sigh.

Mom Knows Everything said...

It freaked me out for a sec, but yeah it almost winter for you guys. I am so happy summer is almost here!!!

Charles Gramlich said...

We cross seasons weather wise at least a couple of times a year. Lovely colors.

Merisi said...

Beautifully captured autumn colours!
On the American East Coast, reds like this and golden yellow abound, while in and around Vienna, fall colours are more muted oranges and yellows, even browns. I miss East Coast fall foliage. It looks as if you can enjoy brighter colours in your part of the world.

Gawdess said...

a great illustration of how different the seasons are!

Lee said...

Gorgeous images, David! I'm especially in love with the first one. That leaf looks like it was so eager to get in front of your camera that it posed for you.

Cheers!

Cath said...

That is a beautiful colour for autumn - the most beautiful season of the year. I love spring and summer colours - but they are dazzling and bright. Autumn has "mature" colours. I love this post.

The clarity again is perfect. I was also thinking how strange it is that you are finishing autumn as we welcome the spring and look forward to summer - then I read your last line. Great minds or fools? Hm? (Careful how you answer... lol)

Silly Goose said...

Funny, just today I was photographing red leaves too...emerging spring red leaves, I look forward to seeing what winter looks like in Melbourne.

Unknown said...

Beautiful David. But I am happy with Spring right now, thank you very much. LOL But I do so love the colors.

RiverPoet said...

I love fall colors, David. Thanks for sharing this photo, because it will be awhile before we see them around here again.

Peace - D

A.Bananna said...

Great colors!! you find the neatest shots!

Bart said...

You damn upside down countries and your upside down seasons. Spring is blooming here. You'll be pleased to know the azaleas are erupting nicely.

Ishat's Fire and Ice said...

I like your first choice best. I love red leaves. Good shots.

I am about 3 weeks from winter. I like fall and winter over summer.

Maggie May said...

I love these Maples! Lovely photos!

Corey~living and loving said...

Maples are one of my all time favorite trees. I love the fall colors on them.

Anonymous said...

great shapes and color. the first one is very detailed

Anonymous said...

These are gorgeous. They almoat make me miss living where the seasons change -- then I remember that winter comes after fall, and I am content with perpetual summer.

Kat said...

Our leaves still haven't emerged from their buds yet. We are waiting anxiously.
Gorgeous photos!

kimmy said...

That is a beautiful picture David. We are just a few weeks away from summer and I can't wait! Although, autumn is such a beautiful season as well!

Kimmy

aims said...

Living in Alberta - we only get yellows - no reds whatsoever - and how I miss them.

Thanks for giving me this.

Cheffie-Mom said...

Howdy from Texas. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I love yours. Especially "Look Before You Leaf" because three autumns ago I was dropped to my knees by a single leaf. (Yes -- just one!) (And no -- it wasn't menopause but it surely changed my life nonetheless.) It is always a joy to meet folks who are committed to encouraging excellence in others. I myself am on a mission to get people to live more deliciously. On May 26th, my leaf-inspired show begins airing on the web. And in East Texas. Who knows? Maybe one day I will be dishing in Australia. Thanks again for mentioning my, I Overcooked My Family blog in your blog. I will be back!