Foreground, Middle Ground, Background Pinehurst No. 4, 13th Hole - January 21, 2021
Any landscape photographer know to include 3 things in their composition: Foreground, Middle Ground and Background. Thinking of that, I had to put that clump of native grass in my foreground. Everything else dropped into place. Normally, water on a pond looks like glass first thing in the morning. But here, a light breeze came up and caused small ripples in the water. Adding to the look of photo, especially the sun's reflection.
The Bermuda Grass is dormant this time of year, accounting for color. Also, the small amount of available light just after sunrise is not enough to bring out any strong colors.
Finally, thin cloud cover and the tall pines where just enough to filter the strong light from the rising sun.
John Patota is a photographer, instructor and journalist based in Pinehurst, North Carolina. See his work at www.JohnDPatota.com and on Instagram at @PinehurstPhotographer.