An impression of autumn

This is a photo I shot focusing upon the reflected limbs of a soft maple tree in the clear water of a pond. Various kinds of fallen leaves had accumulated in the water and wind was making them drift.

Being someone who loves impressionist paintings, I am especially drawn to colorful autumn scenes such as this. Although this is a photograph taken in real time and not enhanced or manipulated, it could pass for a well-painted impressionist landscape.

In Southeast Missouri, autumn, more so than other seasons, is a time of year made for challenging the nature photographer. Everything seems to have a newfound brilliance. Everything out there seems to want its photograph taken. But this time of awesome colors is a short window of time. Most often a hard freeze followed by strong wind and steady rain will cause most of the leaves to tumble from the trees.

If you have the urge to begin taking nature photos, this is a good time to start. Many of the foreboding negative aspects of outdoor adventures -- spiders, mosquitoes, ticks and snakes -- become less prevalent as the days get progressively colder. I encourage you to get out there and look for an opportunity to take a unique photograph.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell.