MAKING AUTUMN MEMORIES
Cheryl Derico
Like many, I have long had an interest in photography and have become very passionate about it as a hobby. Landscapes are my favorite genre to shoot, along with birds and occasional wildlife. I often try to capture the same location in different seasons - it's inspiring to see the way the views change from one time of year to another. I am especially drawn to photograph the autumn scenery, both in Maine - which is my favorite travel destination - and at home in the Utah mountains. I love the seasonal tones, the vivid foliage, and the earthy smells of the forest with the fallen leaves and pine trees all around. Occasionally in Utah, we get to see the seasons collide when winter weather makes an early appearance and creates "snowliage" - scenes of snow mixed with colorful leaves, which offers some breathtaking views! While I love taking photos when I travel, I most often spend hours exploring the dirt roads near home and in the mountains with my husband or friends and family.
Looking back at those photos and recalling memories from a fun vacation or moments with loved ones brings so much joy. This fall, my 88-year-old father was visiting and he came along one afternoon for some leaf-peeping. He doesn't get that in Texas where he lives, and I know he misses it. Just as we were on our way home, we came upon a stand of trees that were backlit by the setting sun and looked as though they were on fire. It was getting late, and I almost didn't stop to capture it, but I'm so glad I did. What a gift to share that moment with my dad and have that memory preserved in a photograph that will last forever.
This article first appeared in PRISMA, Issue 21.