Changing of the Seasons - Chlorophyll Depletion --> Anthocyanin Prodcution - Metachromatism - North Shore, Pittsburgh

As temperatures begin to gradually drop and the growing season comes to an end, a new spectrum of color becomes visible. Once lush green leaves begin to produce less Chlorophyll, pigments vital to Photosynthesis, the process plants use to turn ATP energy into Glucose. The leaves retain their Carotanoids that show as yellow and orange once the green hues of Chlorophyll dissipate. To allow for longer leaf life, leaves produce Anthocyanins that show up as red and purple and counteract the new susceptibility to light. The delicate and at sometimes complex life cycle of plants creates wondrous visuals during the Fall season.

Along with color changes comes changes in lighting and cloud cover. Increased cloud cover begins as temperatures begin to drop and higher winds cause unique cloud formation. Lighting becomes softer and allows for excellent photography and increased contrast makes for excellent black and white photographs.

Pittsburgh's North Shore always allows for unique photographs year round due to the extensive amount of events and a stark contrast between natural and man-made. Trees and shrubs line concrete walks and rolling green hills as columns and cables of forged steel cross over a river flowing with history and wildlife over to an expansive view of man-made but environmentally conscious towers of steel, glass and stone.

As the seasons change so do photographic opportunities. The vibrant and well lit pictures of the Summer make way for the blustery, contrast filled pictures of Fall.

View of an October sunset from the Roberto Clemente Bridge

David L. Lawrence Convention Center from the Rachel Carson Bridge

View of the Alcoa Building from the Rachel Carson Bridge

Alcoa Building close up

Downtown from the North Shore side of the Rachel Carson Bridge

Black and white architecture at the Alcoa Building

View of downtown from North Shore on an October afternoon

A WWII "ducky tours" boat drives along the North Shore by PNC Park

A buoy floats in the Allegheny River 

Street are on the Fort Duquesne Bridge

Locks in a heart shape on the Roberto Clemente Bridge

View along the Roberto Clemente Bridge

"Expect More" -Mayor

Contrast along the Rachel Carson Bridge

Fort Duquesne Bridge

View from just passed the Alcoa Building

Along the shore on the Allegheny River

Gateway Clipper Fleet riverboat passes under the Fort Duquesne Bridge

PPG Place during a cloud covered October afternoon

Street art on the North Shore by the watersteps

Street art on the North Shore close to Heinz Field

A Gateway Clipper Fleet riverboat passes under the sister bridges

PNC Park and the sister bridges at sunset

Lights at PNC Park

Life-Flight photoshoot at PNC Park

Life Light crew member spots me

Point State Park fountain attempts to brace itself against the wind

Ivy on the Roberto Clemente Bridge

The Vietnam War Memorial

Changing fall leaves at Point State Park

Changing leaves on the North Shore by Heinz Field