What could be simpler than a bunch of pinecones scattered on a bed of needles and leaves? And what could be a less obvious subject for photography? Yet, by locating the camera "just so," out of such a random vignette of nature a subtle composition can be created, without touching or moving anything. For those with some knowledge of the finer points of photography, I'd like to mention that I shot this with a perspective-control lens. Because the camera was oriented somewhat obliquely to the ground, I was able to get everything in perfect focus by slightly tilting the lens. And by using HDR, I was able to bring out fine details in the deepest shadows.