This is the Japanese Maple Tree at the Portland Japanese Garden. The Portland Japanese garden has been proclaimed the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan, and a short walk around the garden will tell you why. The maple tree has greater symbolism among Japanese culture, embodying grace and serenity, among other things. This maple tree is pretty famous in the US amongst photographers, and is heavily photographed. I told myself before visiting that I wouldn't make a cliche photograph of the tree, but I couldn't help admire this famous angle once I saw it. The leaves turn really cool colors in spring, and I imagine the red leaves of the maple tree in the fall (I was lucky to get a few) must be absolutely beautiful. My only regret is that I couldn't get this shot with my medium format.