Beaver Dam State Park on a cloudy afternoon is perfect for woodland photography. Overcast skies and drizzle create the atmosphere for this small footbridge, which is one of many along a path that surrounds the lake. Nestled among the trees that flank either side of the path, the bridge emerges out of nowhere making this a path worth taking.. - Limited edition print.~

While out one foggy morning, I stopped by property owned by a friend. I had previously scouted for compositions and liked this small grouping of trees. A makeshift path running between the trees on the left and the group on the right, provides separation, allowing the fog in the background to bleed through. The combination of fall greens and fog creates a sense of peace.

Sometimes you don’t have to look far for a composition. This scene sits directly outside my front door, and I only recently realized what was right in front of my eyes. I’ve shot this several times, usually in the morning at different times of year. Generally, I shoot earlier but this is long after sunrise. It’s been somewhat dry leaving the lake level low, exposing a fallen tree and bare roots of another.

Overcast skies and drizzle create the atmosphere for an afternoon at Beaver Dam State Park. This small footbridge, which is one of many throughout the park, stood against the woodland background. Setting up for a shot, I noticed the summer color beginning to change to fall hues signaling the changing seasons.

Woodland trees standing in lake water at our farm in Macoupin County, Illinois. Shot before the first signs of fall color, the trees reflect in the still water as mist hovers motionless above the surface.

Woodland trees standing in lake water at our farm in Macoupin County, Illinois. Shot before the first signs of fall color, the trees reflect in the still water as mist hovers motionless above the surface.

Tree of Secrets feels like a scene from Lord of the Rings. Gnarled and twisted, the tree writhes outward from a pile of brush and branches. It meanders in all directions, mysteriously reaching out in a fictional middle-earth setting.

About 12 miles from town, in a foggy creek bottom near Plainview, I found this woodland scene. The morning was magical and still, the trees seemingly alive beyond what could be seen. - Limited edition print.

For me, winter offers fewer photographic opportunities. On this foggy, January day, I was able to capture three shots: January Fog, Heart of Winter and Winter Color. The compositions were simplified by snow and dense fog, revealing the lines and shapes typically hidden throughout the year. Winter Color gets its name from fall leaves that refuse to drop. There’s a general sense of peace and calm in an otherwise cold and overcast day. All three images are similar, making them great for grouping.

I found this place while traveling the back roads of Macoupin County near Beaver Dam State Park. Fog filled the early morning and bottoms behind the park, filtering through the trees into the composition. Standing there, I couldn’t help notice how mysterious the scene had become, almost like I was in another world.