Six years ago, a customer requested I create a unique shot during one of my fall tours. The vision was clear:
The Shot
- Would feature Cypress Trees in the water during peak fall color, with a prominent cypress knee in the foreground.
- Spanish Moss would hang gracefully from the trees.
- A soft mist, illuminated by the sun with a bright golden glow, would enhance the scene.
Although I had incorporated elements of this vision into many of my fall shots, I had never specifically attempted to create this exact image—until now.
Where and How
I knew that Lake Dauterive was the ideal location for this photograph. The lake is home to many ancient Cypress trees, which are essential to achieving the desired composition. Additionally, a protected area near the shore, close to the boat launch, had consistently shown promise during previous visits, often harboring mist in the early morning hours. The sun, rising at approximately 45 degrees from the trees, would provide the perfect lighting to create a bright golden glow in the mist, intensifying the beauty of the shot.
The critical factor was the mist. To capture it, we needed a cold morning with minimal or no wind. Through experience, I've learned that the wind should be from the south for this side of the lake. Alternatively, a similar shot could be achieved across the lake with a north wind.
By selecting the optimal day during the trip and positioning ourselves at the perfect moment, we successfully captured the photograph with the desired bright golden glow.
While, there are never guarantees with Nature Photography, Doing this for the past 20 plus years enables me to maximize the opportunities.