Well, the biggest snowfall so far, as weather reports say more is coming. I walked on the plowed streets. Then I walked in the back yard. Each step I took I had to lift my feet high, and then deep into snow that went halfway to my calves. The snow made gorgeous shapes and textures as it filled and covered everything. The late afternoon sun cast shadows on that textured landscape.
Natural Snow Ball
A Golden Arch
Shadow Reflection
Sunset Reflecting on the Tree Tops
Making a starburst image of the setting sun, is not difficult. But finding the right circumstances, weather, timing, and framing can be difficult. In this case, I didn’t plan it. I saw it, grabbed my camera and tried to find a view without the pesky water tower!
The temperatures seemed to drop overnight. The leaves are mostly on the ground. Then comes that first snowfall. I was at Houghton Lake when this all happened. And of course, I captured a few images of the lake in November, and a few of trees without leaves and leaves with snow.
Spring is messed up in the Midwest this year. The plants thought Spring arrived a few weeks ago, but then Winter came back. So daffodils are bowing down from the cold, scilla are closing their petals in the cold, and muddy wet soil is frozen in places. This is not a good sign for spring flowers blooming in abundance!
My Mom and Grandma always said there had to be a snow on the yellow flowers before winter was over. I think we qualify today.
Bluebels To-Be under Snow
Blue Scilla Drooping in the Snow
Snow on the Yellow Flowers
Mini Daffodil with Snow
Tiny Swamp Oak Leaves
Snow Pattern on Grass
There was another snowfall this afternoon. And this is a heavy snow, clinging to the branches and creating contrast with the bark.
Snow Clings to the Trees
Snow Clings to the Bark
Redbud Pods in the Snow
The shadows of trees and plants, the footprints of animals, all create drama on the snow. What is usually hidden by grass or dirt, comes alive with the whiteness of snow. It was a beautiful, blue-sky day and the shadows were amazing. Here are a few to share.
I’ve been noticing tree branch patterns lately. When there are no leaves, the form of the branchs and shape of the tree are more obvious. I see a possible idea for a photography project taking root in my mind! Here is a recent image I captured at sunset. The beautiful, rich colors are a backdrop for tree branches. Maybe the first in a new series? Best start before the leaves come out, or I’ll have to wait until next winter.
Last week, the temperature dropped very fast to 2 degrees. The river in the backyard was literally flowing while it froze. This created amazing texture on the surface, which when captured at sunset gave a gorgeous blue glow to the textures. Each image is unique and different. Enjoy!
Eagles on the Mississippi River are plentiful in winter, if the temperatures are right. Lock 14 has a viewing platform that gets filled with photographers trying to capture eagles, especially when they swoop down to grab a fish. It was about 15 degrees, and we were out about four hours, so being bundled up somewhat hampered movement. Or you just got cold hands.