I think this photograph comes as close as I've ever achieved in capturing the essence of autumn. It is actually a double exposure that I created in the darkroom, which accounts for the slightly surreal look. Both original photographs were taken in Michigan: one is of Sugar Maple trunks and leaves against a dark background; while the other is of scarlet Blueberry leaves against light gray Reindeer Lichens (which look almost like snow and help to unify the scene).

Each original photograph is beautiful on its own, but together they have a mystical synergy. Autumn is my favorite season for landscape photography because the details are so rich and the time so fleeting - and this photograph represents that ephemeral time better than any I've taken.

There is a mysterious true story behind this photograph, which you can read in "Spirits in the North Woods." This experience helped change my view of the world.

Lee Rentz