After two consecutive lackluster foliage seasons, this autumn in Grand Teton National Park has been a blockbuster event with vibrant and relatively long-lasting color. Many of the trees turned at roughly the same time, and the display has been consistently good from one end of the park to the other. Surrounding areas like Buffalo Valley have put on a great show, too.

Another big plus: the atmosphere has been clear of wildfire smoke (in spite of controlled burns nearby in the area of Pine Creek Pass).

The weather, on the other hand, has been an issue, with long stretches of high pressure dominating. Nothin' But Blues Skies may be an uplifting song lyric, and wide expanses of clear blue overhead are wonderful conditions for sightseeing, but empty skies aren't necessarily what photographers want to experience.

For over a week I postponed my shoot by one day at a time, stalling in hopes low pressure might knock on the door. Eventually I knew I was going to have to get to the park and get to work no matter what. After all, the leaves won't hang around forever.

The wait paid off; while a full blown front wasn't in the cards, I scored with a little bit of intermittent cloud activity.

Weather and atmospheric conditions are just two of the many variables which assume oversized significance this time of year. As is the case with the wildflower bloom, it's nearly impossible to "time" foliage season, and there's no way to know in advance what kind of a show it's going to be. Mix all these moving parts together and you can end up with a tricky situation. Finding compositions is sometimes a real challenge.

Considered differently, though, perhaps it's a creative test worth relishing.

Even in locations you've photographed dozens of times previously, the foliage show is never the same, the timing is never the same, the "mix" is never the same - nothing is ever the same! Consequently, there's no end to the types of photographs you can make.

Keep an open mind. Think creatively. Notice things.

If the sky is completely clear of clouds, what kinds of photographs can you make?

If the sky is flat and white, what kinds of photographs can you make?

What if it's drizzling?

What if it's windy?

What if it's past peak?

There are all sorts of foliage stories waiting to be told. We just need to see them.

"Watercolor"

I captured this on a day when there was nothing but clear, blue skies overhead. Warm early-morning sunlight amped up the colors on the aspens, so I looked for abstract reflections in the Snake River. The fact that the water was slightly rippling added texture and is what made it visually interesting.

"Golden Glow"

Backlighting is an element that can be used to advantage. When rendered in this way, foliage can really pop. This was another cloudless day.

"The Hills Are Alive"

Arguably the most beautiful spot in Grand Teton National Park during foliage season, the variety of color here gives me a welcome New England vibe every time I see it. I'd been hiking through a grove of aspens up the hill and was heading back in the direction of my vehicle when I saw this. The framing created by the foreground aspen was what made me stop; the branch loosely followed the shape of the mountain's peak. I've made a picture of those beautiful oranges and yellows marching up the hillside before, but that image is completely different from this one.

The sky was cloudless all morning, but a few cumulus had formed by then in the vicinity of the Tetons, as you can see.

Finally, the image at the top of the post was made following sunrise on a day when unsettled weather was slowly approaching. There had been color in the sky when the sun came up, but then a significant cloud bank at the eastern horizon hid the light. I'd already made the photograph I wanted but decided to hang around and see what would happen.

For quite a while, both the trees and Moran were in the shade. Then just a handful of trees were lit, which I thought was interesting. Zooming way in, I captured that. The sun retreated again.

Then, just for a few moments, the sun lit only the line of trees along the shore. The warm early morning light rendered them as brilliant orange - as if they were on fire. Moran, with a stormy sky behind it, remained completely unlit. That contrast is what makes the image successful. I couldn't believe my good fortune.

In Local News

In spite of the government shutdown, both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park remain open. Entrance gates are unstaffed but open. Public restrooms are open and trash is being picked up. Concessions will continue to operate on their regular schedules. Emergency services are still available.

Speaking of schedules, Colter Bay campground is now closed for the season. Signal Mountain campground's last day is October 11. Gros Ventre campground's last day is October 9.

In Yellowstone, Madison campground is open through October 19.