Foggy Landscape

For years now there has been this tree, literally in my backyard, that has caught my interest. This solitary tree in the middle of a farm field has such character that I have been pining to photography it. My wife and I have lived here for nearly 6 years and at this point I have been observing this tree in all types of weather and light. Just when I think the conditions are perfect I rush out with my camera and tripod in hand, giddy with excitement, to claim my prize. Alas, all my attempts have came up short, at least in the sense that I didn't feel I quite captured the trees true character.     

One day, I was driving home from work and there was this awesome fog that had rolled in down in town. Naturally, I'm driving around in awesome conditions, picking out easy compositions left and right, and my camera is 6 miles away...at home. Rushing home to grab my gear I was just praying that I could get home and back to town in time to make the most of it. Jumping out of my truck and running into the house I took a quick glance back at my tree and it hit me, now was the time! I abandoned all my other plans to finally capture this one sought after photo. 

The fog was rolling up through the valley behind this tree which created the perfect separation from the mountains in the background. The light was starting to move into blue hour which gave the fog a wonderful bluish-purple color; a perfect complementary color to the golden fields in the foreground. I absolutely love everything about this photograph and plan to print and hang this on my wall.

Sometimes I can look at a scene and imagine in my minds eye when the perfect conditions would be to photograph an area. Other times it take several visits to unlock what brings out the character of a special subject. The best advise I could ever give someone about capturing an awesome landscape photo is to visit the same locations often and during different types of weather. Even if the scene is one that you see everyday. Just keep in mind sometimes an awesome landscape photo came be found, literally, in your backyard.