I can't even remember when I started following my friend @thebigsweed and his lovely family but was inspired by his latest POB Photo Contest Entry. Turns out @friendlymoose is branded well as he is apparently the photo contest concierge and has a whole pile of them to consider in this post.

This one is more specifically for the Proof of Brain Photocontest: Leaves as I have been enjoying my share lately. Here is an expose on a few weeks of autumn in Canada where we are blessed with vibrant colour.

The Fire

Year after year, I would look out my front door and enjoy this bright red maple for a couple special weeks in the fall. This year, I waited 'til it was just a bit past its peak and wandered down the sidewalk in the golden hour. Evening shadows grow long but the trees grab the last of day in the most glorious way. October 22nd this year worked out pretty well for this collection of leaves and I will see if I can take the same shot next year at the same time.

Sumac

I noticed these flamey babies at the dog park on Oct 28th. Looking for signs of colour as the cooler weather took a bit longer to arrive this year and sumac was up for the challenge. I think it is the orange on the bottom halves of the array that makes the red pop so much.

Red Chokecherry

You know what makes you look like a flora expert besides calling it flora? When you hit google and then click on the Search by Image button on the right hand side of the search bar. Pop in your image and you are presented with similar ones with links to the species! Images like these often bring back a variety of possible answers but the closest I have for this is Red Chokecherry

Maple

Even the smaller maples scream their red rage as the cooler evenings change the chemical composition of the sugars in the leaves.

Chores

Eventually, the leaves lose their colour and just drop to the ground in some repetitive cycle of life thing. It drives my neighbor nuts but I love to leave the leaves where they are. They offer shelter for insects and pollinators seeking stasis for the winter break down into nutrients for the soil next season. Still, there are so damn many trees in this areas that I rake once. Once only just to thin them out. I don't do a very thorough job and make sure there are plenty in the trees still to fall I will leave for the snow to cover.

3 bags is all I was willing to collect this year as the neighbor to the east commented how little I rake, and the one to the west let me know he never rakes them. Happy medium.

So much depth, contrast and texture when you pause to look. Such a chaotic symphony played out in an image.

As it should be...

I am not sure if this little guy takes them for granted or enjoys them more than I do. He will run happily over them scanning for critters but chase one wildly if the wind dares to whip it into motion. I can't help but think the way it is in the forest like this is the way it should be. Messy and purposeful, a joy in the transition.




Either way, this red fella is probably my favourite this year. Deep red yet speckled with perfect imperfections. A little frayed and dried alone some edges but warmly cradling the little one. Better to burn out than it is to rust.

All of these pics were taken on my late version iPhone within the last month.

So glad to finally discover @friendlymoose and all of the contests for emerging and professional photographers alike. Another fine example of the inclusivity of Hive.

I am honoured to curate for:

How the leaves looking where you are?