"Dogwood and Snow"

My recent trip to Yosemite was full of incredible snow covered vistas and some wild light across the granite monoliths of the valley. During the interim when the light was bright overcast, however, I set out to capture the park on a more intimate level. The fall colors were sparse, but with enough time looking, many gems were uncovered. In some places, the dogwood trees were just starting to turn, but at the higher elevations, some were enjoying a complete change. Graced with the fresh snow from the previous day, the colors really separated and stood out among the landscape. A solitary tree trunk offers a foundation to the scene. I spent most of the day searching for these less than grand views, trying to incorporate a balance of imagery to my experience. Sure, these are the scenes that attract less views, comments and ratings, but can be just as interesting and as beautiful. I valued this time as much as when the drama of the big landscapes were unfolding before my eyes. This is a time when a landscape photographer earns true merit; searching out the landscapes instead of being hit between the eyes with the landscapes!

From the thumbnail, I was about to suggest that perhaps it was overexposed just a bit.  It's a nice slice of the changing seasons, and I agree with the sentiments you expressed so well.