“Light Spots”

Along the north shore of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin

Anyone who has walked the shore path of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin at this time of year is familiar with what this photograph depicts.

Large expanses of lawns and abundant trees at lakeside properties mean leaves, leaves, and more leaves. What a sight they are, particularly in full color bloom while still clinging to twigs and branches. Throw in bright sunshine, and what a spectacle!

As you might guess, autumn causes me to cringe a bit as a black-and-white photographer. Similar to a rainbow, I can look all I want at colorful leaves, but I know I never will capture their essence.

But, as many people profess, just being outside in the fall could be the best time of the year. For me, with my Norwegian heritage, I much prefer the cooler temperatures over the heat of summer.

I love to walk the path in autumn. The shore and lake are much less cluttered than during the busy summer, and as the weather continues to cool, fewer and fewer people are boating or spending time on their piers (especially since they are being removed for the winter).

Although limited to gray tones, I do not abandon photography during this season, as this photo shows. I made it on October 29, 2005, somewhere along the north side of the lake, possibly east of Chapin Road in Linn Township.

I easily could have titled this image “A Blanket of Leaves” since the scene reminded me of how snow covers the ground. Again, for those of you who have walked the path in October and November, the comparison is apt.

The texture of the leaves pops out, and it may be stronger under the low light of early evening than a bright sun. Light can work in a seemingly opposite manner.

The Malibu lights add an element of depth to the photograph. They serve to demarcate the walk that leads to the front of the house I did not include in the photo.

I do have to admit the photo may not be all that aesthetically pleasing. Perhaps it is more of a documentary image. Or, as the expression goes, you had to be there to appreciate the scene. At least the photo shows another way of seeing.

View more photos of the Geneva Lake area and other parts of Walworth County in the portfolios on my home page at www.frednoer.com.