March Maples (2005)

These western maples were just starting to bud in early spring.  I was struck by the juxtaposition of the buds, ragged patches of lichen and some dead leaves still clinging to the branches.  It was still drizzling after several days of rain, and the soft light gave a lovely glow to the moss-covered trunks.  Unfortunately the detail does not show well in an image this size.

I heightened the sense of mystery in the forest by using some of the artistic effects available in the digital darkroom, adding a soft glow effect.  The same look can be achieved by a type of double-exposure technique