Lake Johnson in Late November

Aperture: f/3.2   Shutter: 1/200 sec   ISO: 100   Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.2

As November transitions into what is usually a light winter in the Raleigh area, the trees around Lake Johnson still held onto their color. I probably missed the peak leaf season by a week or two, but I was surprised by how many trees had not yet shed their leaves.

While walking the trail, one tree stood out. Its white, leafless branches created a strong contrast against the pines and the other trees still holding onto fall color. It felt like a clear marker of the season changing — not quite fall, but not yet winter.

It was a good reminder that picture-taking opportunities often show up when you least expect them.

Aperture: f/5.6   Shutter: 1/250 sec   ISO: 400   Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.2

Late Fall Light at Lake Johnson

As November winds down in Raleigh, the trees around Lake Johnson still hold onto some of their late-season color. I arrived just before sunset, and on the way back to my car I saw the light starting to break through the leaves near the beginning of the bridge — warm, directional, and low enough to highlight a couple of people walking across it while casting long shadows across the water.

The Nikon 135mm Plena handled the scene well. Its rendering gave the leaves a soft glow while the bridge lines stayed crisp. The contrast was strong — warm tones against cool shadows, with enough separation to make the composition feel intentional.

This was one of those moments where the gear and the light worked together. The Plena’s depth and clarity let me isolate the bridge without losing the atmosphere of the scene.

Aperture: f/5   Shutter: 1/250 sec   ISO: 400   Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.2

Late Fall Light on the Trail

As the sun dipped lower, light began peeking through the trees onto the Lake Johnson multi-use path. The sunlight cut through the shadows just enough to bring focus to a lone jogger moving steadily down the trail — a quiet moment framed by fading leaves and long pine needles.

Aperture: f/8   Shutter: 1/250 sec   ISO: 400   Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.2

Reflections of Effort and Light

This final shot wraps up a short walk that also served as a chance to stay in practice. The Nikon 135mm Plena again delivered a strong result, capturing the quiet symmetry of the trees and their reflections with clarity and depth. Even a brief outing can produce images that reflect both the season and the effort behind the frame.