The golden canopy of the West

by Frank Schröter Photography

A wide, sweeping canopy of leaves in vibrant shades of yellow and gold dominates this autumn photograph. Dark tree trunks rise from the foreground and branch out amongst the bright leaves. Behind them, reddish rock faces and further trees can be made out. At the bottom of the frame, an old wooden cart stands on a light-coloured, dry patch of ground. Its small form provides a tranquil counterpoint to the abundance of the tree canopies. The wide aspect ratio gives the branches room to spread out on both sides. Between the golden areas lie patches of green foliage, which reveal the transition between the shades. Light and shadow structure the dense canopies without breaking up their overall mass. The eye can initially follow the large trunks and then wander amongst the many small leaf shapes. The light-coloured ground opens up the composition and creates some distance from the dense foliage. The photograph has been individually developed and retouched. As a wall hanging, it combines warm autumn colours with clearly defined tree shapes. Up close, individual leaves, twigs and the rough bark stand out. From a greater distance, the golden expanse and the sweeping dark lines are particularly striking.