When: Summer

Where: Vernal Pond / Michigan

How: This image was taken at the edge of a vernal pond in a wooded area. Vernal ponds are created by snowmelt and spring rains that collect in low areas of hilly terrain. They form in the spring and will usually dry up by August, unless we have a rainy summer. I have found many of these ponds in wooded areas at Stony Creek Metropark, Southeast Michigan. This Maple leaf was in a perfect position as an opening in the trees allowed the clouds from on overcast day to reflect in the water. When viewing this image, I could see the reflection change as I moved from a standing position on down to the ground level, so I had to decide what look I thought would work the best. You have to shoot these with a shallow depth of field in the f/3.5 to f/5.6 range. The shallow depth of field will soften the reflection and eliminate any distracting details. I positioned the leaf’s main vein and stem on a diagonal.