Something I discovered while roaming around the Italian Dolomites this fall was that larches shine best when lit from behind. Unlike other fall trees which look equally good with front light, larches have thin needles which glow in their entirety when the sun shines through them, creating a fantastic effect that feels like watching a lit torch. This high alpine lake was the perfect place to watch that magic happen as it was surrounded by a sea of the deciduous conifers that lit up fantastically with the rising sun, justifying the decision to hike up here in the predawn light.

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