The beautiful feet of the summer,

So late by the woodland and rill,

With slow, lingering movement are going

Down the brown, southern slopes of the hills;

Her dreamy-eyed sister, the autumn,

Looks down at the summer-clad trees,

And, 'neath her cool breathing, a garment

Of brown is put on by the leaves.

MARY T. LATHRAP, "The Parting with Summer"

Meet my friend Kari. She was one of the first people I became friends with out here in Boston, and I'm incredibly grateful I met her (and her wonderful roommates)! The first time we hung out, the conversation, as it is wont to do when I am involved, of course turned to photography. It's times like these that I realize I am probably a little overly passionate about the subject, springing the topic on any and all who will show even the slightest ounce of interest. Really, it's as if I am the equivalent of the Star Wars geek of the photography world.

I thought the stars had finally aligned when she said she'd be interested in modeling for me, so I took advantage of the quickly passing Autumn foliage within a week or so of her offering.

Now, about four months ago I decided it was time for me to upgrade my equipment and invested in a new body and a new lens. This was (and I am slightly ashamed to admit that it took me this long) the first time I really got to break in my new camera with some more conceptual work, but I am thoroughly and completely in love with my new set up! Four months in the works, but this was a great shoot to really break back into the fine art world with. What I love most about my new setup?Most of what is in this photo, with the exception of the magical sparkles and the cane/staff, was shot in camera, in one single shot! No compositing of limbs, hair, or fabric necessary!

I thought it would be fun to share a short gif I made of each step of taking this image from square one to the magical scene of Summer turning to Autumn.

As you can see, other than some select color and lighting adjustments, not much was changed! 

As Leonardo Da Vinci stated: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."