I love a good winter photo. Especially when you can grab the texture of the snow, and double-especially when you can catch shimmering glints of sunlight reflecting off the snowflakes.
Take this photo, for example: I shot this back in 2005/06, my first winter in Iowa. It is down the road from where my photo club meets, and I stopped and shot this on the way in. There was something about the whole scene that appealed to me. It evokes a peaceful feeling, a quietness. It is actually somebody’s front yard, but is cropped well. It also helps that it has the aspects mentioned above, the texture and the glints of reflective light.
Those are the pros. But, I don’t have very many winter shots, because of the cons. What are the cons, you ask? Well, there’s only one. It’s cold.
Yes, that’s right, I am a west coast, “first world” American, and I am not overly enamored with the cold. It’s really that simple. I admire photographers who routinely go out every week in the winter to get a shot. That takes perseverance and dedication. Then again, for many of these people photography is literally their bread-and-butter. For me it’s more of a sidelight. I still need to keep my day-job.
Take yesterday and today, as a case in point. It’s been absolutely beautiful. Fresh snow. Fluffy-type snow, which is best for those reflecting sunlight glints I keep mentioning. Clear blue skies. Everything needed for a truly nice winter photo. Unfortunately, it’s also been about -2 degrees… and that’s the high! Wind chills have been -20 degrees, and lower. Brrr… I’ve been staying inside, working on my websites and blogs, and catching up on things that way.
Many of the winter shots that I do have were taken when I was driving from one place to another and happened to have my camera with me, which I will continue to do. Stay tuned. 🙂
Agreed! Since I know I would have to go out with you if I am home. Teeheehee
It is beautiful…but cold. We will get our chance.