Leaf Portraits: A Study in Texture, Light, and Perspective

I love shooting in Harriman State Park during autumn. Living just a few miles away, I can head out whenever I feel inspired whether on a whim or with a plan in mind. Over time, through repeated outings and an ever-growing body of similar work, I came to an understanding that led to what I now call Leaf Portraits. It wasn’t an idea that arrived fully formed but rather one that emerged gradually, shaped by the way I saw and captured these leaves again and again.

See a gallery of my leaf portraits here. 

At first, they were simply elements within a landscape part of a broader scene, blending into the environment around them. But as I kept photographing them, my approach shifted. The leaves were no longer just pieces of the season’s story; they became the story. Their colors, textures, and forms were worth more than just serving as accents in a composition. Each one stood out in its own way, demanding attention.

Using a super-wide lens either my 11mm or my fisheye I started to focus on what was right in front of me, and in doing so, I became aware of the intricacies and individuality of each leaf. What I found was so much more than I ever would have expected. Every detail the veins, the edges curled by time, the scars of wind and rain became its own landscape, a microcosm of something larger.

It became a practice in observation seeing what others might step past without noticing, finding beauty in the details that are usually overlooked. The more I shot, the more I saw. No two leaves were ever truly the same, and the deeper I looked, the more their distinct personalities emerged.

Over time, this understanding evolved into an intentional series: Leaf Portraits. Instead of capturing a scene, I was capturing an individual. And in doing so, I realized that what made these leaves unique wasn’t just their colors or their shapes, but the quiet, unassuming presence they held.

And that’s one of the greatest things about photography. Through a lens, I get to experience the world in ways most people never will. Leaves are everywhere, but how often do we stop to truly see them?