Albemarle at Sunset

Panoramic photograph of a rural landscape at sunsetI took this panoramic shot just east of the Appalachian mountains in Albemarle County,Virginia.  I happened to be passing by at sunset.  Despite the lack of clouds to provide a colorful sky, the valley itself seemed to almost glow in the late evening sun.  Like all of the photos on my blog, you can click on the image above to see a larger, more detailed version of it.

Quiet Place Among the Boulders

photograph of a cascade between boulders in Shenandoah National ParkA friend and I hiked a 6.6 mile loop in Shenandoah National Park, specifically to get photos of waterfalls.  Our hike passed three significant falls but this little cascade at the top of one of them yielded my favorite photo of the day.   It isn’t very dramatic and I think that’s what I like about it.  The image makes me think of a quiet, little, almost secret spot, you could visit to get away from the world for a little while.

Carolina Wren

photograph of a Caroline WrenThis Carolina Wren was singing in a tree near the south bank of the James River.  It remained perched on the same branch long enough for me to get several shots of it.  This was my favorite.

Autumn Morning Fog on the James

photograph of the James River in early morning fogThis photo was taken about 30 minutes after sunrise on an early December day.  Our neighborhood was shrouded in fog and I hoped to capture it hanging over the river.  Normally fog clings heavily to the river but this day was different. I was a little disappointed but enjoyed this view from one of Richmond’s many bridges over the James River.

Tree Fallen in Water

black and white photograph of a tree fallen into a pondThis tree once stood tall and provided shelter and possibly food to many of its forest companions.  Seeing it laying, lifelessly in the water reminded me of the simple truth of mortality.  Not in a morbid or depressing way, just as an immutable law of nature.  Keeping that in mind, we should all live each moment to its fullest.