I captured this photograph at Lake Cuejdel after several days of experimenting with different compositions, initially without success due to the absence of fog. Every autumn, as the forest bursts into vibrant colors, I return to the lake with the hope of creating something truly unique. This year, it took me several days of patience and persistence to achieve this. Under the right conditions, the lake transforms into a place of almost otherworldly beauty. In this shot, I was particularly captivated by the harmonious interplay between the warm, delicate light in the foreground and the cool, ethereal tones in the background.
This photograph is the result of persistence and dedication, what I like to call a "hard-earned image." Capturing it required time, patience, and a determination to see my vision through. Over several days, I worked to create this composition. Unfortunately, the fog, which adds a touch of magic to the scene, only appeared on two separate days—far too little time to explore the lake’s potential in such enchanting conditions. I wish I had more opportunities to immerse myself in this magical atmosphere.
Post-processing is not my strongest skill. In this case, the biggest challenge was finding the right composition. During post-processing, I focused mainly on the color channels, enhancing the contrast between the warm and cool tones while ensuring that the shapes of the trees remained well-defined. The trees, situated in the cooler part of the frame, add an air of mystery. I aimed to create a metaphor for these lifeless trees, as if they belong to another world entirely.
