As a garden photographer my eyes perk up with any kind of change, and in autumn the transitional stages of leaves changing from green to the multi-hues of fall, I find wonderful color.  Some of my very favorite photos were taken as the leaves begin to changed, when the dynamic brushstrokes of color they represent can be framed in the camera.

Tapestry of autumn leaves, Tupelo tree - Nyssa sylvatica

Tapestry of autumn leaves, Tupelo tree – Nyssa sylvatica

Leaves are a study of brushstrokes, and arranging a composition in the camera is a sweet study indeed.  I don’t know if it is the photographer in me, or the gardener that wants to slow down and study the plants in the garden, but I often get lost in looking.

I went under the canopy of this Tupelo tree, hoping to get a stained glass window effect of backlight.  It was an overcast day and the colors were quite muted.  But I knew what I wanted it to look like, and played with it in PhotoShop to make the colors glow.

Before and After Slider

Do it yourself.  It does not have to be autumn leaves.  Any contrasting pattern, a mosaic of flowers, variegated foliage patterns, baskets of vegetables, are all potential brushstrokes. Look at patterns and let your eyes lock into a balance of shapes and color.  Use the four edges of your camera to frame and carefully control exactly where you put the shapes – make a composition of brushstrokes.

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Prints of Tupelo Tapestry – Glowing Leaves start at $30.