Autumn has always captivated me—the vibrant leaves drifting from the trees, blanketing the ground in a vivid tapestry of color. Living in Los Angeles, though, means missing out on the full splendor of the season. To truly experience October’s brilliance, I embarked on a five-hour journey north to the Sierra Nevada, determined to find that fall magic. My quest led me to Bishop, CA, where I captured this photograph “Stop to Look Up” a moment that reminded me that sometimes the most breathtaking view is right above us.

When I finally reached the Bishop area, fate led me to a hidden gem called Aspendell. There, I found myself surrounded by a magnificent grove of Aspen trees, their golden leaves shimmering in the crisp air. It was as if the landscape had transformed into a golden sanctuary, and I couldn’t resist capturing the moment. I eagerly pulled out my camera and began photographing the scene, grateful to be immersed in such beauty.

Just when I thought I had taken every shot possible, a sudden impulse made me switch to a wide-angle lens and look up. What I saw left me speechless—the branches stretched overhead, intertwined like gilded veins against the sky, creating a breathtaking natural canopy. I took the shot, and at that moment, I realized that sometimes the most extraordinary view is right above us.