Several years ago I was on a fall trip in the northernmost reaches of New Mexico. This photo was taken in late September at 10,000-foot Cumbres Pass, where Highway 17 crosses over into Colorado--gorgeous mountain country. I didn't have to walk far from where I parked my car to find this scene.
The shot was made midday on a tripod with my Canon EOS 7D and a Canon 17-40 mm lens at 40 mm. Exposure: ISO 100, f/11, 1/100 sec. Processed in Adobe Camera Raw. Profile: camera-matching landscape. White balance: daylight preset (5500 temp, tint 10). The original Raw file was a bit underexposed, so I added 1.25 exposure. That really made the fall colors in the riparian brush and grasses come alive. Other notable adjustments: contrast 0, highlights -53, shadows +5, white point -17, black point +17, vibrance 0, saturation 0, texture +23, clarity +37, and dehaze +11. I also selected the de-noise option. The reflection off the stream was very bright, but I checked the histogram to make sure the highlights weren't clipped in the processed image.
It's worth noting that the fall colors in this little Shangri La were simply brilliant on their own. I've dramatically toned down my use of the saturation slider the last few years--thanks to the feedback I've gotten from PSA members like you. I now rely more on the vibrance slider to make images pop when necessary. This image didn't need either adjustment. What a visual treat on the border of two of the most beautiful states in the country.
6 comments posted
Gwen Callas-Miller
Definitely a beautiful scene, John! Love the composition with the leading lines and the colors. I appreciate your explanation of lighting adjustments. Something I want to get better at. Your shot is perfectly balanced from my perspective. Posted: 04/03/2026 11:08:58
John Stumbos
Thank you, Gwen. It's gorgeous country. I may head back that way again this fall. Posted: 04/13/2026 23:14:26
Leslie Larson
You found a great spot to go leaf-peeping. I always like to go out in late Sept. or early Oct. to see our western version of of the autumn colors. We don't get the range of hues that they get on the east coast, but we make up for it by having mountain backdrops.
There is a train that follows that pass...many folks like to see the colors from that narrow-gauge train. Posted: 04/07/2026 16:23:07
John Stumbos
The Toltec & Cumbres Scenic Railroad is the train you mention. My girlfriend and I were on it the day before (departs from Chama, NM). I wanted to see more, so I hopped in my car and drove up to the summit while she was in a weaving class. Thanks for the compliment. Posted: 04/08/2026 21:47:12
Sarita Yeola
I like your composition, the stream meandering through the scene guiding my eyes through the entire image. The evergreens stop me from going out of the frame. Well done! I have yet to visit that part of the country. Posted: 04/12/2026 21:37:05
Sherry Icardi
John, just a beautiful spot and perfect way to catch Mother Nature's glory moments! That stream flowing through is a gorgeous leading line...take my eyes from front to back. Don't get more impactful! Great image to show off fall in America! Posted: 04/15/2026 20:50:25
