I am very pleased to announce that I won both Bronze and Gold awards in the Society of American Travel Writers annual Bill Muster Photo Competition. The Muster Awards honor the very best in travel photography, and I’m happy to be a winner again this year.
Laceleaf Maple tree in Autumn
This photo of a Laceleaf Maple tree in brilliant fall color won the Gold Award in the Natural Scenic category of the Muster contest. The photograph was taken in the Japanese Garden at Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, Washington. There are lots of fabulous opportunities for nature photography in the gardens at Bloedel, but seeing this fantastic tree is reason enough to pay a visit. I was able to compose this image by setting my tripod at almost ground level on the gravel path and looking up into the tree with a wide angle lens.
Cascade Pass Trail, North Cascades National Park
My photo of backpackers hiking on the Cascade Pass Trail at Sahale Arm won the Bronze prize in the Natural Scenic category of the Muster awards. This trail in North Cascades National Park is without question one of the very best hikes to see and experience what Washington’s Cascade Mountains are all about. The scenery is splendid right at the trailhead just gets better as you climb through forest and meadow to Cascade Pass and then further up to 360-degree views of surrounding peaks from Sahale Arm.
I invite you to check out the other winning photographers in SATW’s Bill Muster Competition and to find out more about the awards.
You can also follow this link to see my Single Subject Portfolio Award from last year’s competition.
I love your image of the maple tree. Can I ask what time of day you captured this beautiful image. Was it backlit? I would like to tree something similar here in Ohio this fall.
Thank you, Bernice. This photo was made in late afternoon. Just about any time of day would work for photos like this, as long as the light is soft, like from an overcast day. Backlight works really well for fall color, and using a polarizing filter usually helps as well. I positioned my camera very carefully to prevent bright spots of sky from showing through the tree branches. You probably have plenty of opportunities for great fall color in Ohio.