“A Walk to Lake Mary: Autumn Revisited”

Today would have been my first chance to capture the autumn colors up in the canyon. The weather, however, had other plans, bringing not just rain but snow as well. While rain is no obstacle — I’ve ventured out to shoot in it many times before — snow adds extra challenges. Without a 4WD and needing gloves to keep my hands warm, as well as the addition toll cold puts on batteries getting the perfect shot becomes a bit trickier.

Even though I missed the chance to shoot up in the canyon, it highlighted something I often forget: the value of timing and patience in photography. Autumn’s colors are fleeting, and every year they arrive and fade in their own rhythm. Missing a single day doesn’t erase the season; it sharpens my awareness of the moments I do capture, and deepens my appreciation for shots I’ve taken in the past. In that way, what feels like a missed opportunity becomes a chance to reflect on the work I’ve done, the landscapes I’ve witnessed, and the images still waiting to be created.

In the meantime, I’m revisiting some older shots from years ago on the trail to Lake Mary, where autumn tones already painted the landscape in golds and oranges. It’s a small reminder that the beauty is always there, even if the perfect conditions don’t arrive today.