From Natl Forest Rd 1N21 by Aspen Campground & Lee Vining Creek, Mono County, CA, 10/24/2009
On this cold autumn morning I explored the lower reaches of Lee Vining Canyon for the first time. The elevation here is about 7,600 feet above sea level. While traveling on National Forest Road 1N21 by Lee Vining Creek, I spotted this view through a group of aspens. The trees were all back-lit by the early morning sun, and the resulting golden glow was overpowering - a brilliant spectacle of light! The glowing leaves are at the heart of this photograph, but I believe for a composition like this to work, context is needed too. I made sure to step back and include some tree trunks - the supporting structure or bones of this scene.