James L. Snyder
The Enchanted Forest
Near Mt. Hamilton Rd. mile marker 13.86, Joseph D. Grant County Park, Santa Clara County, CA, 2/27/2004
Nikon F camera, 105mm Nikkor f/2.5 lens, polarizer, Fujicolor Superia Reala film, 36 megapixels
I made this photograph the day I learned the value of not giving up when the weather is bad. I began my drive to Joseph D. Grant County Park near San Jose, CA in mid afternoon beneath a mostly calm winter sky. By the time I neared the park I found myself driving in heavy rain under dark gray storm clouds. I remember thinking I was wasting my time and should probably turn around and go home, but because the drive was mostly over I continued heading for the park and hoped for the best. Fortunately the sky lightened, the downpour diminished, and as I parked my car the rain stopped while the sun emerged between bright clouds and glimpses of blue sky. The park looked more beautiful than I had ever seen it and I quickly went to work with my camera capturing the trees and hills under the best conditions I could ever have hoped for. As the sun sank low in the sky and the air cooled I witnessed a gentle haze - almost a fog - arise from the hills, suffusing the countryside in a dreamlike atmosphere. At sunset from atop a hill near Mt. Hamilton Road I captured this westward view through the forest and rolling hills descending toward San Francisco Bay. I was very pleased to be there at such a special moment enjoying this enchanted landscape!
The oak woodland at Grant County Park is typical of California and includes species such as the Blue, Black, Live, and Valley Oaks.
The Enchanted Forest
Near Mt. Hamilton Rd. mile marker 13.86, Joseph D. Grant County Park, Santa Clara County, CA, 2/27/2004
Nikon F camera, 105mm Nikkor f/2.5 lens, polarizer, Fujicolor Superia Reala film, 36 megapixels
I made this photograph the day I learned the value of not giving up when the weather is bad. I began my drive to Joseph D. Grant County Park near San Jose, CA in mid afternoon beneath a mostly calm winter sky. By the time I neared the park I found myself driving in heavy rain under dark gray storm clouds. I remember thinking I was wasting my time and should probably turn around and go home, but because the drive was mostly over I continued heading for the park and hoped for the best. Fortunately the sky lightened, the downpour diminished, and as I parked my car the rain stopped while the sun emerged between bright clouds and glimpses of blue sky. The park looked more beautiful than I had ever seen it and I quickly went to work with my camera capturing the trees and hills under the best conditions I could ever have hoped for. As the sun sank low in the sky and the air cooled I witnessed a gentle haze - almost a fog - arise from the hills, suffusing the countryside in a dreamlike atmosphere. At sunset from atop a hill near Mt. Hamilton Road I captured this westward view through the forest and rolling hills descending toward San Francisco Bay. I was very pleased to be there at such a special moment enjoying this enchanted landscape!
The oak woodland at Grant County Park is typical of California and includes species such as the Blue, Black, Live, and Valley Oaks.