Crystal Patterns

[neilsp]

After a recent light snow, thaw and quick refreeze, I found these small icicles on a few trees. The changes in temperature must have been responsible for the intricate patterns that seem to be etched into the perfectly clear ice.

This was a tricky shot to get because the trees kept moving erratically in the wind. With my 105 mm macro lens focused almost as close as it would go, I needed a flash to freeze the motion and illuminate the facets of the design from the side. It still took a lot of tries to get most of the icicle in focus, as it waved back and forth through the focal plane.



Cheers
Neil

[Yisehaq]

Very interesting and well done!

[Marko]

What an intricate fragile little icicle - nicely captured neilsp and welcome to the forum!

[Matt K.]

Lovely. Superb detail. Nicely done.

[Realist]

Love the sharpness! Sort of looks like a plant inside the icicle.