Sometimes the most unlikely of places can lead to the most amazing photos.  The below low-lying, wooded area, which caught my eye while admiring the autumn leaves, is a case in point.
Autumn Leaves Along the Road in Nova Scotia @FanningSparksThe leaves have just started to turn color in Nova Scotia.  According to my brother, who knows such things, the first trees to turn are those that are unhealthy or are rooted in wet areas.  The gorgeous red maple leaves shown below were indeed in a wet swampy area.
Cluster of Red Maple Leaves   @FanningSparks
Closeup of Red Maple Leaves   @FanningSparks
Mother Nature outdid herself with these fall colors!  Check out the vibrancy of these scarlet leaves backlit by sunlight.Red Maple Leaves Backlit by Sunshine   @FanningSparksRed is not the only color on Mother Nature’s palette—there are yellows, golds, oranges, peaches, pinks and a myriad of greens.
Yellow To Red Maple Leaf   @FanningSparks
Peachy Pink Maple Leaves   @FanningSparks
Circle of Yellow Leaves   @FanningSparks
Green-Veined Yellow Leaves   @FanningSparks
These gorgeous colors are fleeting, of course.  They don’t stay on the trees for long.  Luckily, colored leaves can also be lovely after they’ve fallen—especially if they land in water.
Colored Leaves Floating in Water   @FanningSparksTurns out, that wet, swampy area I spotted along the road provided the perfect backdrop for my new floating boats.  The water was dark, shallow and calm.  Here’s one of my favorite photos of my little orange floating boat.
Orange Boat Floating with Autumn Leaves   @FanningSparksHere’s a red floating boat in the same setting.  I love the contrast between the dark reflections and the colorful leaves.
Red Boat Floating with Autumn Leaves   @FanningSparksThe brilliant yellow of this floating boat is a nice counterpoint to the moody setting.
Yellow Boat Floating with Twigs   @FanningSparksAnd here they are together—a trio of colorful, floating boats amongst the fallen leaves.
Trio of Floating Boats Amongst the Fallen Leaves   @FanningSparks
Trio of Floating Boats Amongst the Fallen Leaves   @FanningSparks
I just love that inky, black water!  It’s the perfect foil for the gorgeous fallen leaves and the bright little boats.  Plus it captures the most stunning reflections.  But the location itself is anything but stunning.  Here’s the broader view.
Swampy Water Area with Trio of Floating Boats   @FanningSparksOne would never guess such an ordinary, lackluster setting could lead to extraordinary photos.  Circling back to my opening comment, sometimes the most unlikely of places can indeed lead to the most amazing photos. Have you had a similar experience?  Please share in the comments below.

More Info

The floating boats shown in this post are easy to make.  They are simply an upscaled version of the boats children fold from paper.  But there are a few tricks to get the ideal proportions and to make them more durable.  I will share step-by-step instructions in an upcoming post.
While these floating boats are suited to shallow waters, the Toy Sailboats I shared earlier this summer are better suited to deeper water (ie 1½ feet plus).  Check out the beautiful photos in the post Sunrise Breakfast Picnic and the step-by-step instructions in the post A Landlubber’s Toy Sailboat – DIY Tutorial.
A Landlubber's Toy Sailboat - DIY Tutorial   @FanningSparks

Today’s Takeaways

1. Mother Nature wraps up the growing season with a crescendo of color.
2. Take time to admire the nuances of timing, pattern and color.
3. Sometimes the most unlikely of places can lead to the most amazing photos.
Peg - FanningSparks Author


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