Photo By Marek Dudek
Life can quickly become oversaturated with soul-sucking hardships until it reaches the point where the direction you’re going is unpredictable. Suddenly, as if by some unknown force and the minuscule flame of hope within you, you’re led to the exact place where you need to be. For me, that place was in the Hudson Valley region—the sanctuary that is Seven Lakes Drive.
The Seven Lakes Drive begins in the village of Sloatsburg, New York, and winds through Harriman State Park to Bear Mountain. Every season adds its own charm to the picturesque scenery, but the most breathtaking beauty is during the height of the fall foliage, where different shades of reds, oranges and yellows blend to create an orchestra of colors. This place is not unfamiliar territory for me—the open road tucked between the natural wilderness creates a cycling oasis. I always make sure to take my camera along for my biking trips because the perfect photo often comes unannounced. That’s exactly what I was reminded of on October 23, 2017.
That early morning, the fog gently covered the surroundings of Lake Tiorati like a blanket, and I crept quietly along the trail to not wake the slumbering wilderness. I had just come back from my biking trip and decided to venture forth into the mysterious woods. I found a few interesting spots, but there was an opening where the light pierced the clouds and made my surroundings feel otherworldly. As I walked back to my car, the fog began to lift, and I realized that although we may feel scared and our direction in life may seem uncertain, the mist always clears in the morning.
See more of Marek Dudek’s work at marekdudek.smugmug.com.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM at 48mm, Manfrotto tripod. Exposure: 1/320 sec., ƒ/2.8, ISO 400.