I remember the first time I saw the tree. 

The sight is seared into my brain.

It was strewn out, gigantically stunning, in Peter Lik’s gallery across three acrylic panels in Las Vegas.  Peter Lik is one of the most commonly cited inspirations for photographers of my generation, and I visit every single year because he is certainly one of mine.

Peter Lik made the tree famous since it was the winner of the Windland Smith Rice International Awards in 2011, and was then shown at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. the year following. I couldn’t care less about awards, but my main point in telling you this is that the word was out about this photogenic tree.

This famous Japanese Maple tree is located at the Portland Japanese Garden.  People with cameras of all types, shapes, and sizes attempt to capture the magic that the tree spews effortlessly.  I had seen hundreds of pictures.  I hoped some day I would get the chance to grab mine too.

Fast forward a decade…

My flight was booked and my plans had been made to visit the tree.  As weeks went by and the autumn calendar took hold, I would find foliage updates of this Japanese Maple.  When would it turn?  When would it be at peak?  I researched for hours and hours and knew that despite the “average” schedule, I had to leave it to Mother Nature.  It would be a strategic roll of the dice like always. 

When I landed in Portland, I checked the foliage report for the Japanese Garden and it became crystal clear Plan A would be diverted right out the window.  The tree had miniscule color change.  I was disappointed to say the very least.

As I made my way across the beautiful Columbia River Gorge area, thankfully, my mind was delightfully distracted by the amazing fall foliage taking place at the various waterfalls and surrounding landscapes.   I knew the trip was already locked in as a smashing success.  The tree would take a backseat in my mind.

The day before my flight to go back home...

Curiosity took over me, and I decided to see if there was any color progress with the tree.  We had just wrapped up several days of brilliant shooting and thought maybe it was better luck next time.

I pulled up the foliage report and pictures from the Portland Japanese Garden.

I gasped and nearly choked on my pizza.  

The foliage tracker was updated and the tree had transformed!

[Gulp.]

Wow, that was fast!  It had been only three days since we arrived!

I felt excitement and anxiety wash over me.   I was leaving tomorrow at noon!

How could I see the tree in all its glory like I was hoping for?  Now was the time!

I decided that the next morning would have to work. 

Perhaps it was destiny? 

I knew I wouldn't have much time, but I had to try.

I immediately bought a photography membership at the Portland Japanese Garden.  This would grant me access to the garden earlier than the public because I knew every minute would matter since I was racing time.

That night, I was nervous and excited about what the next morning would bring.  As I laid in bed unable to sleep, I could hear the rain pouring down in sheets outside.  I hoped and prayed the wind would not team up with it.  Photographers know best that with heavy rain and wind, all the leaves can fall right off trees in a matter of minutes.  I guess that's why they call it fall!

After finally getting to sleep, the sound of my early alarm meant it was time to discover if this was destiny afterall.

My friend and I got to the gate early at the garden and to no surprise, we were the first ones there.  It was still dark.  Oh, the sacrifices made to get the shot ;-)

It was wet and misty, but perfectly calm.  I had all my rain gear on.  Believe it or not, these are the perfect conditions for shooting fall foliage.  As long as the leaves were still entact, I knew the scenario could be perfectly ideal.

It didn't take too long for a line to start forming behind us.  This was peak fall foliage time, and everyone from all corners of the country visited this place every single year to see the tree and the other parts of this beautiful colorized garden. 

The gate opened, and we scurried in.  I had already mapped out where it was in my mind, but the gravity of the tree somehow pulled me into it without a second lost.

There it was.   

What a sight to see--this beautiful tree.  

I guess it truly was destiny.

Here are a few tips if you desire to see or photograph this Japanese Maple in Portland:

1. If you are a serious photographer, buy the photography membership to gain early access to the garden before the general public.

2. I read that photographing this tree could entail long lines and waits since so many people take pictures of it.  However, when I was there first thing in the morning, there were very few people there and I literally sat in front of it sliding around to make room for other photographers that needed some space.  My hunch is that the misty wet kept people away somewhat, and I did not face the stress of any lines.  Other photographers were delightful and we all made room for each other.  We all embraced the occasional raindrops in our rain suits.  I seriously hovered around the tree for nearly two hours and took hundreds of pictures.

3. My biggest regret is not seeing more of the garden.  I ran around for 10-15 minutes and was amazed by what I saw around the other parts of the garden, but since I had to catch my flight, I made the decision to focus only on the tree that morning.  Make sure you make time for the entire garden if you can.

4. If it does rain or mist, that might be the best thing that ever happens, so just go, smile, and enjoy the peaceful tranquility.