Autumn workshops continue to be our most popular, and for good reason. From mid-September to mid-October Adirondack forests put on a kaleidescopic show, what Mark Bowie calls "New England gone wild." Stands of evergreens poke through the deciduous forest. The hardwoods turn the classic yellows, oranges and reds of autumn, but what makes the Adirondacks so unique this time of year is that it also turns to black cherry, tangerine, lavendar, bubblegum, peach and other seemingly unnatural colors. Sunrise and sunset light enhances the drama. Mists are generated most mornings and lighten the vivid colors to artistic pastels. All these events came together again at this year's Peak Fall Foliage Workshop, led by API staff photographers Mark Bowie and Johnathan Esper. They guided participants through the water-laden central Adirondack region, visiting backwoods lakes and ponds, streams and waterfalls. They also led participants on night photography excursions, Mark's specialty, and Johnathan led treks up local peaks for spectacular views over the Fulton Chain at sunrise.
The instructors gave special emphasis to dynamic composition, reading autumn light and weather conditions, altering vantage points, shooting for color and tonal palette, expressionistic techniques for fall foliage and shooting multiple exposures for extending exposure range and depth of field.
The beauty of autumn in the Adirondacks is overwhelming. There are grand scenics, intimate woodland scenes, and macro opportunities galore. API's 2014 schedule will include several fall foliage events. Watch for it soon!
