Backyard porch light illuminates delicate Fall leaves
Terri Webster Schrandt

Experimental Autumn Perspectives

Backyard porch light illuminates delicate Fall leaves

For a photographer, perspective means everything. Many photographers have their specialties, whether it is landscapes, macros, portraits, street, action,…well, the list goes on.

I don’t feel I have a particular specialty, but my eye tends toward landscape and macro photography…and color! I prefer color but I appreciate the black and white images that I have seen from many fellow bloggers that are incredibly stunning.

Since Autumn is in full swing here in Northern California, my new phone is collecting all kinds of Autumn leaves and trees. This might be my obsession but I hope you will indulge me today as you look at my collection of Experimental images.

The featured image above was taken from my cousin’s deck in Portland, Oregon, last fall as the porch light illuminated the leaves in such a beautiful way. I even caught a spider web in this shot.

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

On the Sacramento State University campus, where I teach, the eclectic collection of trees and the Autumn show is breathtaking!

It is normal to take photos of landscapes like the one below. This happens to set the stage for the rest of the images as the perspectives and angles change to capture some experimental shots. The ginkgo trees in two areas of campus attract a lot of attention by students taking photos and selfies with their phones.

Campus Ginkos create both a canopy and a carpet of yellow

Once I see a landscape like this, I look up and then down for any unusual perspectives. I was not disappointed with what I found!

Rain had fallen the day before, leaving behind puddles with floating leaves. I noticed right away the reflections of the trees from which the leaves had fallen which created unusual images.

More reflections from the ginko trees

Students looked at me with curiosity as I squatted down and contorted by handbag-laden body for these unusual puddle shots.

Fallen Leaves float in puddle amid the reflection of the tree from which they fell

At least I didn’t fall face forward into one of the puddles.

Famous photographer Ansel Adams said: “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.”

Indeed!

Think of yourself casually walking along on an asphalt-covered road and take a peek at the show under your feet.

Don't forget to look down for an Autumn show

“Photography helps people to see.” Berenice Abbot

Ansel Adams Quote

These photos are submitted for another photography trifecta for the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge,  Sunday Trees and Festival of Leaves.

What unusual photos can you make today?

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44 comments

  4. Beautiful campus! I come away from this post with a deep breath. It was nice that you kind of took us on a stroll with you. Love the outdoors, as you know. This reminded me of Horticulture classes I took at Oregon State. The classes were outside on walks through the campus each season. Pretty sure, it was heaven for me. Have a nice Thanksgiving break, Terri.

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  10. These shots are incredible, Terri. You “do” colors in an exceptional way. Maybe that is your speciality? I love the angles and decisions for your experimental photos. You can’t go wrong with colorful leaves and wonderful reflections! I don’t have any around this year, but previous falls, I have feasted on leaves with my camera as well. Fun!

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  14. Beautiful shots, Terri, and you’ve really made me think about taking a photograph – same shot looking up and looking down. I have not done that but usually only take from one perspective. So glad you didn’t fall into the puddles!

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  15. I love the Sac State photos–gingko trees are so lovely in the fall. If you want to try another college next year, Sierra College also has gingko trees–I spent many hours drawing them for art classes. Plus, they’ve got all those acres of oak woods surrounding the campus.

    We have got to get together for coffee. If you’d like to meet at Sierra College, I could show you all my favorite spots from painting there. 🙂

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