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Red Maple Leaves In Late Fall
We have a medium size Red Maple tree in our front yard that has had beautifully colored leaves the last ten days or so. I’ve looked at this tree in awe every time I go outside, and it’s also in clear view through a window from my office desk. If I had to pick a perfect example of an autumn tree, this one would be in the running.
When it was near or at its peak, I took a camera to try and capture the autumn feelings it evokes. I struggled to get a distant shot that captured it without including distracting mundane background objects. Objects I haven’t noticed looking at this tree but would stand out in a photo. I decided to move in for closer shots, and when doing so, I noticed almost all of the leaves were far from perfect. The edges are rough and scalloped, and the inner surfaces of the leaves are full of dark spots and holes from insect damage. What appears to be perfect from a distance is much less so up close.
I was somewhat disappointed at first, given how beautiful it looks from a distance, but as I was post-processing the images, I couldn’t help but think there was a greater truth here. I suspect perfection doesn’t exist in the universe. So, if we believe we find it, whether in material things or people and their lives, we’re just not close enough to see the flaws. And just because there are flaws doesn’t mean there’s not beauty as well.
My life depicted as an autumn leaf would undoubtedly be in worst shape than the leaves in the photo above, dark spots and all, and probably not nearly as colorful. We’ve got to accept the flaws and appreciate the beauty.
So much truth here. I don’t necessarily see imperfections personally on leaves, only transitions but I get the point. So many times there is so much effort to clean up blemishes on so many things around us.
I think it’s a great autumn image, and particularly like the background colors as they seem quite complimentary.
Your view, Mark, as transitions is more positive than my initial thoughts of imperfections. 🤔 Thanks for your comment about the image!
Insects got the best out of it. Still pretty photo. Very natural.
Yes, I think the weather benefited the insects here this year, Alessandra. Thank you!
Wabi Sabi, Earl, Wabi Sabi.
How could I forget about Wabi-Sabi, the beauty of imperfect things, after working so closely with the Japanese for 17 years at a Japanese Company? I now remember a Japanese colleague explaining the concept and philosophy to me years ago. Thanks for the poke and reminder, Joe! Well done! 🙂
Perfectly imperfect! This is well expressed , my friend. I like your last sentence, “We’ve got to accept the flaws and appreciate the beauty.” So true in ourselves and all of creation. Love this image, by the way!
I’ve had lots of personal experience with the flaws part. 😉
Thanks, Monte!