My intention on this particular early November day was to drive up to Alston in Cumbria and on the way, take in the grand views of autumn trees at Staward Grange as I had visited the area a couple of weeks ago but the colours of the trees were just changing at that time and I had made a note to revisit.
However, on my drive up I noticed this tree heavily laden with autumn leaves and the light just looked magnificent coming in from the west side.
I continued with my trip up to Alston, but couldn't really find a suitable composition and I also had a little voice inside telling me to just go back to Whitfield and see if the light was still as good.
Decision made, and a 'quick' drive back followed by a soggy ascent and the equipment was ready to make the most of this magnificent light.
A combination of Lee 0.9 soft grad and circular polariser was used for this shot and I also used a 0.6 hard grad for another shot to control the sky more. However, I think this is my favourite of the two as the sun was illuminating the splendour of the hillside beyond and accentuating the autumn hues of gold and bronze.
Still never got to Staward Gorge, that might have to wait until next year!!

Shot Detail: Canon 1D MKIV camera, 17-40mm f4 lens, f16, ISO 50 and 0.3 second exposure. Lee Circular polarizer and 0.9 GNDS filters.