But I am glad for the luck
of light. Surely it is godly,
that it makes all things
begin, and appear, and become
actual to each other.— from “October” by May Swenson
There is a distinct quality to October sunlight. A softer radiance than the harshness in summertime, scenes glow with an amber or honeyed hue, especially in the morning hours. Below is a series of photographs by Carol M. Highsmith taken in outdoor locations throughout the continental U.S. that exhibit the quality of October’s light:

Rural barn scene in Suffield, Connecticut. Photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, October 2011. //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/highsm.19605

Rural Colorado. Photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, October 8, 2006. //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/highsm.04442

Scenic view of shore, La Jolla, California. Photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, October 28, 2009. //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/highsm.04670

Warehouse in Hartford, Connecticut. Photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, October 2011. //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/highsm.19879

Rural Desert, Arizona. Photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, October 8, 2006. //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/highsm.04947

Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi. Photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, October 10, 2008. //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/highsm.04385
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October 5, 2016 at 5:15 pm
The sweet warmth of October light…so golden and delicious.
October 6, 2016 at 5:55 am
Just an idea…what about accepting submissions for special and interesting photographs taken anywhere in the world ?
These photos will have thousands of views in 50 years from now.
Thanks.
October 6, 2016 at 4:31 pm
Thank you for the comment and for the suggestion. You might be interested in a Library of Congress American Folklife Center (AFC) initiative going on right now to collect photos from the public. See their blog post: Celebrate AFC’s 40th with Photos of “MyTradition”
October 6, 2016 at 9:05 am
I agree with the October sunlight having it’s wonderful qualities. Too bad it’s once a year and is only approximately a month.