I took this photo in one of the more beautiful locations in the NJ pines. It is nice any time of the year, but especially in the fall and I have taken several photos in this location in the past. I knew about this place for a long time, but learned about it as a photography opportunity from the late Al Horner, who was prolific photographer of the Pinelands. I had scouted this spot a few days before during the middle of day, with the intent of coming back in the morning.
A somewhat well known “secret” in photography is there is no substitute for morning light. It creates opportunities that are not possible any other time of the day. This is something I learned from Al when I took his photography class many, many years ago.
Given my work with Open Trails NJ and my advocacy for responsible access to the Pinelands, my relationship with Al was complicated. He was on the exact opposite side of the argument of what constitutes acceptable use of the Pinelands. While I never saw eye to eye with him on the topic, he was an incredible photographer and his work continues to raise awareness about how special the Pinelands is.
Druding 
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