Foggy Morning on the Sacramento

Mystical Elegance in the Moment:

I've seen versions of this in different spots over the years. Every time I was unable to stop or didn’t have the right equipment to get the shot. This season, I had gone out several times, solely with the intention of getting a fog break on the Sacramento River with clouds and fall color. With the excessive amount of fog this year, I had actually given up and put this shot and put it on next year's list.

Fast forward to this morning. On my way to a school picture makeup day it occurred to me the fog was lifting at just the right time of day. Not only that, clouds were in the sky. I was a little worried that I might be a week late on the peak amount of color on the trees. Each area progresses through Autumn at its own pace, so it was going to be close.

As I approached this spot on the river I was full of excitement and anticipation. What was I going to see when I broke out of the trees and the river was visible? It was everything I could hope for! I turned around immediately and got my truck off the road. With only canvas shoes on I knew how wet my feet were going to be and couldn’t care less. This moment was going to get captured if I had to crowd surf down the hill on berry bushes and stand up to my neck in muddy water while holding the camera above my head!

There was so much moisture in the air, detail was going to fall off pretty fast creating an impressionist painting effect. That softness helps convey the mood of the morning. I knew I had the image when driving away. It is almost impossible to describe what a positive impact this morning had on the rest of my day. I hope it puts you in the same mood as you’re taking it in!