The fall weather has been strange here in Western Massachusetts to say the least. Unseasonably warm temperatures with big stormy rain showers has made it feel more like a continuation of summer than the cool refreshing autumnal season. The warm weather has been nice, but I look forward to Autumn all year long. It is one of the few times of year when the daily weather is mostly sunny and the temperature is refreshing. Everything is better in the fall, fashion is better, desserts are better, sleeping is even better as we get a reprieve from the humid New England summer. But one of the true joys of Autumn in New England is the leaves. I can think of few other places in the world that are as beautiful as we creep towards winter. Fiery reds, golden yellows and warm orange hues scatter the landscape turning a sea of green only a few weeks prior into a patchwork quilt of bright and vibrant colors. It's a photographer dream. I get excited about it every year. Only this year, the colors just haven't been there. I mean sure there are some pretty views, and the leaves are changing to be sure, but I think the unseasonable weather has just made everything more brown and dull.
So with a need to scratch our Autumn itch and in a quest to find some fall colors, Karissa, Eoghan and I set out on a mission to do some fall activities. A stop at the market procured us some snacks (and maple soft serve!!!) and we were off. Apex Orchards sits on a hill with majestic views of northern Massachusetts and southern Vermont and New Hampshire. The vista at any time of year is incredible but in the fall it is down right breathtaking.
Apex Orchards and New Hampshire and Vermont in the distance.
Among the apple trees we found plump red apples and winding alleys of fruit trees. It was proof enough that you should always have your camera with you.
Portrait opportunities are everywhere and this might be one of my favorites of Karissa. It was unplanned and non-staged making the whole image genuine and beautiful.
Walking through the orchard I wasn't sure what kind of images we'd get. But the beauty of the environment and not to mention my wonderful wife made for some genuine inspiration for both of us. It was so refreshing to be basking in the glow of the sun while the blustery windwhipped around the apple trees. And while he had no idea where he was and what we were doing Eoghan even got in on the apple fun while hanging out in my carrier for him.
"Mmmmm....I can't eat it yet but now I can't wait till I have teeth" - Eoghan
In the end, I believe that we made the most of the day. We enjoyed the weather, the light, the apples (I'm sure there is a pie in my future) and most of all each other.
Family snapshots are the best snapshots