Spring Green

Lifting Mist Chesterfielld NH

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been preoccupied with my Spring Waterfall Workshop and the preparation for my Introduction to Lightroom class.  Without realizing it, the spring color has been fading away, and it would be a tragedy if I didn’t spend at least as little time on the remarkably varied shades of green that mark this wonderful season.  While I have been scouting all the waterfalls, I have also tried to pay attention to the spring color, and I think it is time to celebrate the green.

Spring Sunset, Alyson's Orchard, Walpole, NH

I have been wandering through this spring’s images looking for those that reflect the excitement of the  exploding foliage.  As I have said many times, I feel that the spring greens populate a brief time which is comparable to the autumn color for both variety and interest.  The fall hues are gaudier but spring greens have a wonderfully warm and calming palate of colors. It is unfortunate that more “leaf peepers” don’t recognize the beauty of our “second leaf season”, but, then again, the quiet adds to the magic of the season.  Of course spring has the advantage of marking the much needed relief from the barren winter months, and perhaps most importantly, it is not immediately followed by the need to start raking.

Foral Steps, Spofford NH

So here is a collection of my images from this spring’s green, many of which I had to neglect as I focused on the waterfalls.  Falling water is the other major photographic treasure of this time of year, but as “stick season” happily  fades to a distant memory, it is time for newer life.

Check out more spring images in my Spring Green 2017 Gallery   
& in my voluminous
Spring in New England Gallery

Garwin Bloom, Wilton NH

 

Spring green always starts with the surprising promise of the first little buds, which seem to burst forth overnight. It is a time for macro photography, as the tiny shoots emerge with their delicate alien appearance.  These harbingers are not hard to find.  A simple stroll around my village yields all I need.

Tulip Path, Putney Vermont

As the leaves mature and begin to take on signs of their eventual summer morphology, I can pull back and explore the endless patterns of green.  Light and dark, and, the varying  intricate patterns of growth.  This is a time when the foliage is still fresh and not marked by insects, molds and the other inevitable ravages of the long summer.  For me, it is a time when nature’s purity can’t help but penetrate my mood with an remarkable sense of renewal.  

My Apple Blossoms, Spofford NH

Ok.  Enough of these spiritual ramblings.  Just look at the pictures!

A Favorite at Sunset

Whenever I get the opportunity, I enjoy aimlessly wandering through the spring color.  It is everywhere, but occasionally I get a chance to shoot in a special location that seems created for photography.  A couple of weeks ago I joined a group of dedicated supporters of Keene’s wonderful Colonial Theatre for a celebratory dinner.  Happily, the event was at one of my favorite farms in Keene, New Hampshire. Over the years, I have shot the farm in all seasons, weathers and light. It is in a perfect location and has been lovingly maintained. On this occasion I was able to drift away from the festivities to capture glorious spring in the fields, trees and building, all bathed in golden evening light. I wandered around the property in awe, jumping from one classic scene to another.  The bonus was that the food was great and I didn’t get infested with ticks.

In the City

Later in the season I spent an afternoon exploring the color around Keene’s downtown and the classic Old Stone Arch.  The color and detail of the architecture made a nice contrast to the soft textures of the new foliage.

Old Stone Bridge, Keene NH

Golden Hour and the Mists

Chesterfield, NH

On a number of occasions I got out in the morning to capture the warm light of the golden hour.  Warm light, especially when seen through the leaves, accentuates the greens.  Contrasting with the warm glow was the soft and mysterious light of misty spring mornings.  I always run out of the house to shoot whenever I awaken to the early morning fog.  It burns off all too quickly, but, while it lasts, the mood is magical.

Pasture Mist, Chesterfield, NH

Back to Lightroom

Sadly, but inevitably, the greens are settling into their summer hues.  There will be plenty of magic to capture this summer, but now I have to get back to my preparation for my Lightroom Class.  It is amazing that no matter how many times I present the class, it always feels like I'm starting from scratch.  I still have a couple of openings for the class which starts June 1st if you want to get a jump start on using this remarkably powerful program.

• Spring Green 2017 Gallery   
• Spring in New England Gallery

Jeffrey Newcomer

partridgebrookreflections.com

603-363-8338