Standing on the shores of Saint Ana Lake in the Carpathian Mountains on a chilly autumn morning was an experience of quiet wonder. As the mist started to dissolve above the glassy water, I felt a profound sense of tranquillity, as though the world had paused to let me experience something magical. The lake, nestled in a volcanic crater, felt untouched, a sanctuary where nature held sway.

Every step on the trail around the lake revealed new compositions—from the contrast of golden treetops against the deep blue sky to the intricate textures of moss-covered rocks and scattered pinecones, igniting a desire to capture the beauty in photographs.

The surrounding forest is blazed with hues of gold and rich oranges. The reflection of these colours in the mirror-like lake was so vivid it seemed almost surreal, like stepping into a painting. The interplay of light and colour was enchanting, with the soft morning sun casting a golden glow over the leaves and grasses at the water's edge. Each step through the forest produced a satisfying crunch, the sound grounding me in this almost otherworldly landscape.

The air had a clarity that felt purifying. Every breath was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a bittersweet reminder of nature's cycles. Frost coated the edges of ferns and fallen leaves, sparkling as the sunlight began to warm the land. But it was the stillness that left the deepest impression—a quiet so profound it amplified the smallest sounds: the gentle ripple of water, the rustle of leaves in a faint breeze.

Photographing Saint Ana Lake felt like capturing a fleeting dream. The images on my camera were vibrant, yet they only hinted at the emotional depth of standing there, immersed in the harmony of autumn's fleeting splendour.