This shot was one taken the day after the one below, I am just very late in writing the post about it. 🙂 It is amazing how much the shoreline changed in a day, all of the ice sheets were gone. The winds had shifted on the lake towards shore and likely contributed to the elimination of all of the great sheets. Then again, that is why I keep going back, it is different every single day. I had much more colorful sky conditions, but barely any ice. It is definitely my last ice picture for the year.
Ice cluster and rocks on Lake St. Clair, Michigan
Ice Pictures & Long Exposures
Not much ice meant fewer choices on compositions, but I did come away with this one that I liked. I was playing more with long exposures, something that I have on my goals for expanding my photography this year. I used a ND32 filter, exposure taken during early morning twilight, to get an exposure time of 65 seconds total at f22 and ISO100. I am actually quite surprised at how much neutral density I needed to add to get the exposure time lengthened in such dim morning light. A ND32 filter is a 5 stop reduction, something my inexperience had me initially thinking a few minutes for the exposure.
Still, this exposure time resulted in a nice blur to the water and sky, while still revealing a bit of the rocks underneath. It adds a type of image unique to my winter landscapes. Given the diminished look of the ice to the overall landscape, I suppose it is a fitting parting shot.
I think it’s a wonderful image Mark. The contrasting tones are dynamic and the ice form against the rocks is a great counter weight to the rising sun. More importantly, it’s just pleasing to look at.
I like all the purple, unusual for an ice photograph.
Thanks guys.
I love it, Mark. LOng exposure images are on my bucket list. When I see images like this it inspires me to try them.
This is a very nice long exposure image. Lovely color and water blur. Good stuff!
It’s beautiful, Mark – that list bit of ice, hanging on … now just a memory.
Another beauty, Mark. The ice sure did disappear quickly if that’s all that was left. It looks more like someone emptied an ice bucket than the remains of so much sheet ice. 🙂
Your composition choice is outstanding and the colors exciting.
Thanks Steve, I will call it a lessons learned on how the wind really affects this shoreline. If it blowing towards shore, I know the ice is going to get broken up and washed out.
I really like the long exposure look here, too, Mark – adds great mood & interest to the water. Lovely image – nicely done!
– Jack
Thanks Jack!
It is a very appealing shot which I like best from your winter series. I like the contrast between the cold ice and the warm morning colours.
Long exposures are fun and add tranquility and mood to photos which is why I’m also very fond of using this technique for water photos.
Thanks Sandra. I agree on the long exposures. It is why I wanted to concentrate more on them this year.
Really gorgeous! Doesn’t look like you are new to long exposure!
Thanks Patricia, glad to know I can at least fake it. 🙂