Face of the River

In speaking of scenery it might seem unnecessary to mention this; but independent of the pleasure that we all have in beholding pure water, it is a circumstance which contributes greatly to the beauty of landscape; for the reflections of surrounding objects, trees, mountains, sky, are most perfect in the clearest water; and the most perfect is the most beautiful.

—Thomas Cole

The Connecticut River etches a face on the map.  I live beside the River, near mouth of the profile. I see the sun rise and set reflected in it and learned to photograph on its banks. "Face of the River" is my attempt to capture this place: the river's reflections, the tree’s stalled march along the banks mirrored in the play of reflected light all along that face. It's about more than just images; it's about the feeling of being there. The crisp mornings, the warm sunsets, the quiet beauty of the river's edge. I learned about photography here, about seeing and framing, but mostly, I learned about the power of place. These images are the story of my experience, a visual exploration of the river's face, a hidden portrait within the Pioneer Valley.

Sunset over a calm lake with red and orange clouds reflected on the water, silhouetted trees along the shoreline.
Sunset over a serene lake with lush green trees on the shoreline, reflecting in the calm water.
Silhouette of a tree on a rocky shore with a serene lake at sunset, reflecting the colorful sky and clouds.
Row of bare trees in a foggy landscape, with overcast sky and grassy foreground.
A forest floor covered with lush green ferns and scattered tree trunks, with tall trees in the background.
Steel bridge over a river with snow-covered trees and a cliff in the background.
Lake with reflections of dense forest and cloudy sky at sunset
A tranquil river landscape with bare trees in silhouette lining the riverbank, reflecting on the calm water. The sky is filled with soft, wispy clouds tinged with warm evening hues.
Peaceful sunset over a calm lake with bare trees reflecting on the water and a crescent moon in the sky.
Sunset over a calm lake with reflections of trees and clouds, creating a serene, mirrored landscape.
Silhouette of trees at dawn reflected in calm lake
Two people kayaking on a misty river under a metal bridge.
Calm lake reflecting autumn foliage and sky, surrounded by forests in fall colors.
Black and white landscape of a calm lake with reflected cloudy sky, surrounded by leafless trees on the shoreline.
Forest scene with ferns and sunlight filtering through trees
Bare trees in a foggy field during winter
Black and white landscape of a lake with a forested hillside in the background under a cloudy sky.
Sunset over a lake with silhouetted trees against a cloudy sky, reflecting orange and blue hues in the water.
Sunset over a partially frozen lake with swans swimming near the shore, surrounded by snow-covered landscape.
Winter landscape with snow-covered ground and sunset behind trees
Sunset over a calm lake with a silhouette of trees on the horizon and a sky filled with orange and blue hues.
A leafless tree stands by a partially frozen lake with a cloudy sky reflecting on the water's surface. The scene is calm and serene.
Winter sunset through bare trees over snow-covered landscape
A serene river with reflections of bare trees under a cloudy evening sky.
Row of bare trees reflected on a calm lake under a cloudy sky.
Lake reflecting a cloudy sky and trees on the shore
Winter landscape with bare trees reflecting on a calm lake under a cloudy sky at dusk.
Black and white image of leafless trees reflected on a calm river.
Black and white photo of a calm river reflecting cloudy sky and bare trees on the opposite bank.
Serene winter sunset over a calm lake with silhouetted trees on the horizon and a subtle reflection on the water.
Sunset over a calm lake with snow-covered banks and bare trees, reflecting the orange and pink hues in the sky.
Sunset over a calm river with reflections of trees and an orange sky, surrounded by snow-covered banks and grasses.
Dark, cloudy sky over a frozen landscape with cracked ice and snow-covered surface.

The Awesome Power of the Face of the River—in my backyard