Nature — Jared Plante Photography

False Hellebore can be found in many areas across the northern United States. It prefers wet soils in meadows or along stream beds. The leaves of this plant are like a pinwheel revolving around its stock rising toward the sun. This cluster, found in the North Cascades National Park, caught my eye almost immediately. The overlapping leaves covered the ground floor beneath them leaving little light to pass through.

On a recent walk I noticed this unique looking plant and it immediately caught my eye. The leaves were as big as my leg and it was starting to create a large bud in the center of its stock. The patterns and geometric shapes the leaves create were mesmerizing, I have seen nothing like it before. Sometimes it’s the little things that go unnoticed, but not this, this will be remembered forever.

I love finding birch trees with character. I found these 3 during the peak of Autumn and they caught my attention immediately. They appear to be dancing with one another amongst the warm autumn colors. Their bright white bark allows them to stand out amongst the gold leaves behind them.

Stonehouse Pond is a local favorite amongst the New Hampshire Seacoast fly fisherman. It also a favorite spot for local hikers/climbers. The 100 foot cliff stands directly over the clear waters of the pond offering lovely views from all directions. In the cool mornings of Autumn, the calm flat water offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to find a small piece of natures beauty.

I was not expecting the fog this morning when driving up to Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. I was hoping for an elaborate sunrise through the valley but instead I was greeted with dense masses of fog drifting up the ridge line. I loved how dramatic the landscape changed with each passing patch of fog and found these tall firs breaking through. I set up and captured this image of the giants of the forest breaking the tension of the fog like a shark’s fin on the surface of the ocean.

The vivid colors of Autumn are New England’s annual celebration of the end of summer. You don’t always have to look directly at the trees, their reflections in the water can be just as impressive and calming.

The stark contrast of birch trees in autumn keep me on an endless search for new groves. I found this small grouping in the White Mountain National Forest this past fall and fell in love. The small brush and saplings of forest floor complemented the well established birches. This image was captured as the sun crested the mountains surrounding the valley casting nice soft light making for a shadow free exposure. I look forward to returning to this spot again in the future, maybe this winter after a fresh snowfall.

Hiking in the mountains of New Hampshire you notice all the different climate zones the National Forest has to offer. From the lower valley where Beach, Maple, and Birch trees dominate, to the Mountain peaks where the Alpine tundra soars over a mile in to the sky. My favorite is the Boreal Forest that dominates the mid to upper section of the mountains. Here, the Red Spruce, and Balsam Fir trees are so dense that without a trail it may be impossible to pass. In the winter the trees are covered in snow and rime ice giving the peaks their official name, The White Mountains.

The cooler temperatures of September start the transition from Summer to Autumn. During this phase of the year, the warm bodies of water take longer to chill compared the ambient air. Do to the difference in temperatures, a fog forms on the lake creating an ethereal view of nature. Add a colorful sunrise and you have a wonderful morning scene to capture.

I arrived at the perfect time to capture this image. The waters were like glass reflecting a perfect mirror image of the mountains. This scene only lasted a matter of minutes before the winds changed the landscape for the remainder of the day. Being in the right place at the right time has its benefits.

Autumn had arrived and the colors of nature were exploding. The cool and calm morning with smoke filled skies created a haze that made the reds, oranges, and yellows glow different than in years past. The still water on Lake Chocorua helped complete this image with a perfect reflection. It almost looks like glass that you could walk across.

Spending 10 days in the Pacific Northwest and words can’t describe how amazing it is there. Every where you turn is another magnificent view. This morning was spent at Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier National Park. Not a cloud in the sky as the warm rays of the sun illuminated this sleeping giant to begin yet another day in an unbelievable place.

Stonehouse Pond is a local landmark in Southeastern New Hampshire. This little pond has significant character with a large granite cliff that disappears in to the water. Many adventures await, do not hesitate to visit.

This capture was taken in the White Mountain National Forest along one of its many mountain brooks. The gold leaves that have fallen and those that still adorn the surrounding trees create a warm and inviting environment. I love the setting of the rock in the center of the river. The way it breaks up the waterfall couldn’t be more elegant. Finally, the cascades reconnect prior to passing under the foot bridge vanishing further down into the valley.

There is just something about waterfalls that brings me peace and harmony. The way that water descends effortlessly over anything in its path while echoing a calming tone may be my favorite things to experience. Each waterfall is unique and brings me joy.

The hike up Maple Pass Trail might have been one of my favorite adventures to date. With alpine lakes at the base of the steep peaks I knew the view from the top would be stunning. Coming around the bend, this vista was waiting for me. I was honored to capture the scene in its entirety with this panorama.

An adventure north teleported me right in to the peak foliage of the White Mountains. I wanted to be the first to arrive at Crystal Cascade and I was. As I waited for the mornings soft light, I composed my shot to capture the golden leaves that framed the waterfall. The overcast sky casted soft diffused light over the scene. I used a polarizer to cut down the reflecting light on the water as well as to amplify the color of foliage. The results are stunning.

Of all the lookouts surrounding Mount Rainer this one I found especially interesting. The trees and grass elegantly frame the peak during the mid summer Sun. I passed this spot several times and knew I had to come back and shoot it in the right light. The warmth of the sun melting the snow created some amazing atmosphere to complete the shot..

Glacial water comes in many colors and this is by far the most brilliant. The vivid turquoise waters of Silver Falls sparkle through the forest from Sunup to Sundown. I could have stayed here all day and watched the water dance through rocks carved by thousands of years of erosion.

After recent rains, Beaver Brook Falls was full of life. This lovely waterfall can be found in Northern New Hampshire and rises up the hill side. The two tier cascade allows for the water to effortlessly glide over the granite.