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Autumn
Transitions
Fall meets winter, and the two are so perfectly suited. I’ve dreamed of scenes like this before, but never been fortunate enough to experience and photograph one. The morning was breathtakingly peaceful. But in just a few days, winter will come in and have the final word.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Reflections of Helene
This image of Lake Helene was created about one month before the East Troublesome Fire caused the park to close. As winds howled on the Grand Lake side of Rocky Mountain National Park, the fire consumed a staggering 6,000 acres of forest per hour. The flames produced sparks so hot on the back of fierce winds that the fire jumped over miles of bare tundra, crossing over the continental divide to the east side of the park. At its closest point, the blaze was only 9 miles from Estes Park. There was a several day period where this entire area was nearly swallowed up, leaving nothing but black char and ash in its wake. In moments of near loss, the depths of our hearts’ appreciation are unveiled, deepening relationships and bonds. The relief that came from an unexpected snowstorm, which was responsible for settling the fire, yielded an unspeakable thanksgiving and rejoicing.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Overseeing Fall
A symphony of cloud and color compose an unexpected harmony. Notchtop Mountain gazes down from her eternal perch, watching in delight.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Remember the Light
The freedom and peace of wandering in solitude through the high country. The long hikes and the fresh air. I wish I could recall these times with greater ease and speed, able to bring myself more readily back to the moments. Times of great treasure. Moments of peace and refreshing when hope and genuine ease pour over us. In a breath, they are gone. And yet, they eternally exist in those who experience and take them in.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Old Blue
A lonely old blue tractor sits outside the defined boundaries of the ranch on a late fall afternoon. What stories would it tell if it could talk? Would I care to listen?
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Golden Contrast
A soft and waxy maple leaf rests quietly against a tree trunk after a season’s labor is finished. I found both the textural and color contrast of this scene irresistible.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
October Dreams
A small field of golden grasses is warmed by the early morning's reflected light. Delicate wisps of warmth wrap a small pool of light, reflecting high mountain splendor. Serine autumn moments such as this are all too uncertain, making scenes like this one all the more remarkable.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Hidden Treasure
Late summer grasses begin to take on shades of autumn. The mountain overlooking this scene carries the final luminance of the sun’s fading light. It will not be long now before visits to this remote location will become closed until the following summer.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Fall's Sanctuary
It’s the first day of October, and the air is crisp, cold and still. I hike alone in the darkness. The trail is damp and quiet. My breath is visible, making small clouds of condensation revealed by the light of the headlamp. I arrived at this location a little earlier than expected and try to take in the beauty of this moment. The way all the elements came together as the first sun rays touched the mountain tops was completely humbling. We have no control over any of this other than to prepare and make the most of what’s given.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Fall Splendor Pano
Deep into the fall season
in southern Colorado comes the first significant snowfall. The mountains are caked in their first healthy layer of fresh powder, carrying the blue tones of the sky overhead. The trees below hang onto the last of their color, creating an ideal autumnal scene.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
in southern Colorado comes the first significant snowfall. The mountains are caked in their first healthy layer of fresh powder, carrying the blue tones of the sky overhead. The trees below hang onto the last of their color, creating an ideal autumnal scene.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Autumn Allure
A dense, curtain-like aspen forest in full autumn color on the edge of a meadow put on a display. Rich golden foliage against the pure white and unmarred bark. As the leaves rustle in the cool, subtle breeze, it creates a painterly feel to the scene.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Fall Finale
An illustrious morning at an often visited cottonwood tree. All the years of waiting to catch this adored scene in the fullness of fall splendor have paid off in this moment. As the predawn light reflects off the clouds overhead casting the landscape in a soft magenta hue I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Fall Splendor
Deep into the fall season
in southern Colorado comes the first significant snowfall. The mountains are caked in their first healthy layer of fresh powder, carrying the blue tones of the sky overhead. The trees below hang onto the last of their color, creating an ideal autumnal scene.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
in southern Colorado comes the first significant snowfall. The mountains are caked in their first healthy layer of fresh powder, carrying the blue tones of the sky overhead. The trees below hang onto the last of their color, creating an ideal autumnal scene.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
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