“A Light in the Darkness”
“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
I can almost put myself in a Tolkien story when the elements combine to produce scenes like this. The forest seems imbued with its own stories of wonder. The more time I spend in the forest the more I become aware of this phenomenon. I have stood in deep spruce groves and witnessed a singular beam of light fall upon one single tree like a heavenly spotlight. It’s a surreal effect and really stops you in your tracks. It’s as if the forest is trying to impart some special message to me.
The isolation in light makes you really notice details previously washed out against the background. Much like the studio floral images that I have enjoyed making so much this year. The world around seems to disappear like so much noise and I have the opportunity to appreciate those singular wonders, only to later realize that this is only one element among thousands in the forest, yet it’s precious to take focused notice, even briefly.
Such it was with this bright orange leafed beech sapling growing from a tangle of fallen limbs within a dark grove of tall red pines. I happened to catch that brief moment when a ray of sun chanced upon it, making me pause and simply enjoy it, as well as saving the memory as a photo, presented here. It was not till I started editing the image that I noticed the small spruce growing in front of it. It’s so nice spending time with these images and appreciating the forest all the more as I begin to really begin feel the life that makes it such a draw for me.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD@78mm
1/4 sec, f/18.0, ISO 400
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Ed Lehming Photography 
I’d really like to see the original, untouched photo of this beautiful little tree among the giants, holding onto its bright orange leaves. What luck that you came upon it. I’d love to have the same scenery near enough my home to enjoy.
It is virtually untouched, just a slight reduction in haze. This is just how I shoot. Slightly under exposed and contrast tweaked to accentuate brighter objects..
Very nice. I like to take pictures, but I’m really not much of a photographer! Once in awhile I get lucky.
The more photos you take, the less luck is involved. It becomes instinct.