“Despite colder temperatures, the days are beginning to lengthen and the sun fills the forest with warm sunshine. As I stand on the trails, enjoying the scenery, it warms my skin and my soul.” – Ed Lehming

It’s mid-February, there have been many snow-filled days, somewhat limiting my time in the forests, though I make a point of venturing out as often as I can safely. The trails themselves are fine, but I have to drive to get to them.

When I actually get onto the trails, my world is transformed. The day to day worries wet away into the peace and solitude of the forest. The world goes quiet, and the only sounds are the wind and birdsong blending in the air above me. I take my time, taking in the very essence of the woods.

The sun is now a bit higher in the sky, and If I plan my hike, much of it is spent with the sun on my face. It warms me and puts me into a deeper sense of peace. The mid-winter sun is warm but soft, making many of my photos a bit more dreamy. I’ve enhanced this effect in my recent ‘re-imagined’ series of images to try to communicate this more deliberately. When I look at the resulting images it brings me the same sense of peace that I get when I’m out hiking and I’m hoping this translates to those reading these words and viewing my images.

iPhone 12 Pro @ 4.2 mm
1/2400 sec, f/1.6, ISO 32