Ok, so technically it isn’t 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 my 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!
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!
Fire and ice…
Stunning shot and a great capture!
Beautiful shot. The colors and details are amazing. Very nice image.
that’s just beautiful!
Outstanding, Mark!
Fantastic shot! Looks like the artic, rather than Michigan! 🙂
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
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!
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! 🙂
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!
Awesome image Mark, I can’t wait for the big freeze.
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.
Super image – love the colors.
Great shot Mark – I love it!
Ron
Wow, this shot is just perfect. The range of color is mind-blowing!
Stunning photo!
(FYI, it was nearly 80F here in S. Louisiana. Perhaps you need to plan a Southern photography trip for next winter. 😉
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.
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
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.
What an amazing picture! I’m speechless. I had to have this print! Thanks 🙂