I call this image Embellished because natures making of this striking scene reminds me of the layers of paint a painter might apply, ultimately finishing with a final series of perfectly placed highlights.

Here’s what I mean: First, the trees in this patch of forest all rose at the same time and pace after the destruction of a fire in the mid-1990’s. Later, a different round of fires in the early 2000’s charred the trees. Over the next couple of decades, weather loosened portions of their blackened bark, revealing the bright wood tones beneath. And finally, the freshly fallen snow added the last frosty, embellished layer.

Each of these moments in time – along with countless others – had to build, one on top of the next, for this unique scene to unfold. I suppose that ultimately, this is true of every image I capture – it is simply more apparent here. Mother Nature and Father Time are always at work.