Winter twilight
by Mark ~ December 1st, 2007. Filed under: Michigan, landscape, nature photography.
Huron Pointe, Michigan
Ok, so technically it isn’t officially winter yet. Only 20 more days to go. But hey, the leaves have fallen, the temperatures have plummeted, the hoses I left outside have frozen solid, and I’ll bet if I stuck my tongue to a pole – it would stick real good. I am calling it winter. Bring on the Seasonal Affective Disorder. And despite the frigid 10 deg (F) temps with a bit of wind, I dragged by butt out of bed to go shoot. The only reason I did so is because a winter storm is headed this way tonight – and the morning before a storm typically yields some pretty dramatic light.
There are only a few redeeming values I find in winter. Generally I hate the cold. It is always a struggle to keep your fingers warm when shooting. If buddy Carl stops by here, who is braving this winter in Alaska, I am sure he will give me the Jack Nicholson voice of “Cold.. you don’t know cold!” But the season can provide some radical light in the mornings and evenings. I like to shoot ice patterns. . Think about it.. what photographer doesn’t love a good ice storm?
So we will see what tomorrow brings, ice storm possibly, perhaps another early morning if that is the case. But I won’t deny it is quite hard to get out of a warm bed – and sometimes it is a toss up on what will win – comfort and laziness vs. the motivational power of missing out on some cool stuff.
Stay warm!
December 1st, 2007 at
What an amazing picture! I’m speechless. I had to have this print! Thanks
December 1st, 2007 at
Absolutely amazing shot….gorgeous. I know what you mean about winter and seasonal affective disorder. But at least you have some blue skies……here in Pittsburgh the skies are pure gray from November through March. Probably doesn’t get as cold here as where you are though.
December 1st, 2007 at
hey Mark,
Looks too cold for me, bruh.
I’m with ya on the decision to get out and shoot versus stay inside and be lazy. And, despite all the best intentions the night before, it’s amazing how quickly the ole mind can come up with a thousand reasons not to get out of bed in the dark, cold pre-dawn morning. But it’s almost always worth it, particularly if a cup of coffee is in one hand.
I like the angle you shot this at .. I typically try to get too low on this kind of image and something doesn’t look as good – this is great man.
Cheers
Carl
December 2nd, 2007 at
The texture and color are the strong points of this image for me Mark. I like the mysteriousness of the piece as well. I am glad I read your blog tonight as among other things it reminded me to turn off the water to the hoses.
I’m with you about the cold too. I don’t like it. But I feel especially good about having gone out and photographed when the conditions are frigid. I was out this morning but had a good 10 degrees warmer temps to work in. We had a bit of snow and ice here in PA. I enjoy working at bird images when it snows. For me the limiting factor is the toes. They just freeze up if I’m not moving enough. I plan on doing much more work this winter so keep the winter images coming – I’ll need the motivation they will give.
December 2nd, 2007 at
Stunning photo!
(FYI, it was nearly 80F here in S. Louisiana. Perhaps you need to plan a Southern photography trip for next winter.
December 3rd, 2007 at
Wow, this shot is just perfect. The range of color is mind-blowing!
December 3rd, 2007 at
Great shot Mark – I love it!
Ron
December 3rd, 2007 at
Super image – love the colors.
December 3rd, 2007 at
Gorgeous color and I love ice as much as the next guy, but 4 times on my butt this morning? A little too much so early in the season.
December 3rd, 2007 at
Awesome image Mark, I can’t wait for the big freeze.
December 4th, 2007 at
This is a stunning image! I have never been to this part of the country before. But, I would love to, hopefully before I’m too old!
December 4th, 2007 at
Thank you all for the comments.
Howard, it wasn’t blue for very long – I am very familiar with the gray ones unfortunately!
Barbara, ouch!
Mike – wait? I thought it was already here!
December 4th, 2007 at
Mark, that blue tone certainly accentuates the cold! 10 degrees outside?! I think that the bed could have made a very strong case to keep me there!
December 5th, 2007 at
wow! i’ve been so busy lately and i’ve really missed perusing your blog posts and beautiful pictures. glad you braved the cold….that is one gorgeous shot.
peace, heather
December 5th, 2007 at
Fantastic shot! Looks like the artic, rather than Michigan!
December 6th, 2007 at
Outstanding, Mark!
December 10th, 2007 at
that’s just beautiful!
December 11th, 2007 at
Beautiful shot. The colors and details are amazing. Very nice image.
December 18th, 2007 at
Fire and ice…
Stunning shot and a great capture!
October 22nd, 2008 at
what a beautiful shot, the way the background meshes with the snowy stones is really a sight for sore eyes. I would like to know exactly where in Michigan that place is, and see for myself this nice lookin view. who knew michigan could get so beautiful in the winter!