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Maple fruit, sometimes called winged seeds, are also referred to as helicopters because of how they spin on their descent to earth.

But when they are still on the limb and gentle breezes blow, they reach out playfully, dancing a song about the coming of spring.

Add to this natural energy some intentional camera movement (ICM) at 1/15th of a second and you can imagine children playing tag or a group of runners – “on your mark, get set, go” – racing in the same direction for the finish line.

Someone thought the fruit looked like musical notes, filling the scene with song.

For me, part of the magic of ICM is the ability to showcase mood – either mine or nature’s. While a straight shot of a maple tree can be glorious and inspiring, this image makes me smile, helps me feel joy. And since it was shot in late March in the late afternoon light, I felt connected with the earth’s hope that warmer days were just ahead.

1.15.22

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