The Duality of Winter

I mentioned in my other thread that I'd been out a lot this season trying to capture different aspects of winter. So many people who've never lived in a cold climate don't understand how varied winter really is. Canadians, you with me? So here goes.

Here's a shot that I think encapsulates what warm climate people think of winter. I was out hiking the other day and found these guys waiting for spring at the top of a mountain. They do seem bereft, miserable and frigid. And yeah, it was wicked windy up there.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/...8862c63f_b.jpg

Next was another taken at much lower elevation on a beautiful morning. Even though I deliberately framed the image to accentuate the stark qualities of the scene, I think it conveys something more caring than the shot above. As if the crusty snow were cradling the dead milkweed. So much for anthropomorphism.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/...2e2a8676_b.jpg

This next one is kind of my pride and joy. Taken in a somewhat protected forest pond a few weeks ago, I love the soft morning light that seems to caress the frosty plant. Leaving it in color and slightly warm is what really does it, while the B&W conversions do the opposite for the shots above (although the milkweed one was rather blue in color and so also conveys chilliness quite well).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/...d8e610cb_b.jpg

And last, but not least, another shot from the same forest pond. Obviously it snowed again after these two people went on their walk. Once again I left the image rather warm which gives the illusion of warm temperatures. The soft shapes add a sense of calm and safety, too, things not often associated with a New England winter.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/...5b208a29_b.jpg

Anyway...thanks for looking. Comments on my little experiment welcome.

This is a really nice set wicked!

Dig the composition and texture of the snow big time in shot 2!
Shot 3 is way cool as well. Love the frostiness and the treatment.

well done! - Makro

Cool series. Ice always looks colder than snow to me :)

That 3rd shot is definitely interesting with the frost encapsulating the plant like that.

these are all great. I love the frosted plant -that's my favorite but the one with the milkweed is pretty cool too.

Beautiful artistic series WD. like every one of them.

I am so for that 2nd shot! it just rocks!:highfive:

Thanks guys, this season's shooting has been good. I plan to go out Saturday and see what else I can get.

There's some really nice winter shots there. The textures are really cool. Nice work.

Nice work, Dark! I especially like the first and third photos.

Thanks again. I've had a lot of fun this season and it's not quite over. If we can get another couple of good snowfalls...