Wintergreen Berry 2-27-2013

Late winter hikes in the New England woods often reveal hidden color if you look closely along the frozen forest floor. I dropped down onto the damp leaf litter to get eye level with these two wintergreen berries clinging to life in late February. Getting tight on the subject kept the background uncluttered and emphasized their bright glossy skin.

The photograph features two plump scarlet teaberry fruits dangling from a slender stem, framed by deep purplish-green winter leaves. Soft directional light glints off the waxy surface of each berry, while weathered brown autumn leaves form a warm, earthy foreground and background. This macro perspective delivers rich color contrast and authentic woodland atmosphere.