Autumn leaves are dazzling in their spectacular beauty, but I also find spring leaves enchanting as they emerge from the awakening tree. Every deciduous tree in the north country goes through this transformation from winter sleep to summer work, and it’s that in-between time that I so love. When each leaf emerges, it is fed with water and nutrients from the roots, and it unfolds like origami in reverse. The new leaves are fragile and often have red or yellow or purple hues from pigments that protect the delicate tissues from the sun’s intense UV light. As the leaves get sturdier, chlorophyll is produced and they transform into the green leaves of summer. Meanwhile, I am enchanted by the intricate colors and shapes.

Location: Canadian Lakes, Michigan, USA

LIMITED EDITION: This photographic print is part of a limited edition produced by photographer Lee Rentz. The edition consists of 250 prints, which includes all sizes and methods of printing.