Fallen iced tree on Lake St. Clair, Michigan | Photo ID # WI-9993
This almost became the first winter that I didn’t photograph a single landscape. It felt weird – a little bit guilt, a little bit relief. With the very mild El Niño winter, we were teased a lot here in Michigan. We would have multiple 45-50 deg F days in a row in January/February, and then back down below freezing. It was really difficult to predict when there might be some decent ice cover at my favorite lake spot to photograph. Then again, I didn’t mind too much that I wasn’t enduring bitter cold temps with a blasting wind either.
It has always been a bit of a love/hate relationship I have. Despite the discomfort in photographing in bitter cold, I always managed to create some of the more unique photographs of the year with my time spent on these frozen landscapes. It is rare that I ever have a morning where I wish I didn’t go out. It is always quite the opposite actually, even if the light wasn’t that great. It is such a dynamic, changing place, you really never know what to expect, as long as it has been cold enough to have some ice.
This winter I just seemed to put off getting out there from one day to the next, thinking there would always still be time. Before I knew it, winter is almost over with. On top of that, we will be getting very spring-like weather next week, and I knew if there was any ice on the lake, this may be the very last weekend to experience it.
Fading Lake Ice, Lake St. Clair, Michigan | Photo ID # WI-9994
I didn’t end up disappointed, but the lake ice was already nearly gone. A lot of open water, and only close to the shore was icy, and not very solid, walkable ice either. I got one very wet, cold foot to prove it. Still, I made the best of it, and came away with a few decent shots that will mark the winter of 2016 for me.
It seems strange to think of “missing” the entire season just because I didn’t photograph it, but I do think I would feel some regret. It has become “my thing” to do during winter time at my special spot. With the “thin ice” in this second photo, it will certainly be a reminder of El Niño’s impacts on Michigan this year.
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I feel the balance of ice and open water is complimentary in these photos and those strips of pinkish/orange sunrise really pulls the eye back into the image. Both images are beautiful but I’d have to say I like the second one a bit more…perhaps because there’s a little more contrast of tones.
I’ve sometimes thought about a relationship of photo appeal and the difficulty factor of making them. I’m attracted to photos I realize required a greater level of hardship or difficulty in getting-the-shot. I think it’s a combination of appreciation for that effort or perhaps, as a general rule, photographers who make that extra effort usually also produce better photos. In any case, I’m glad you made it out there!
I toyed with the idea of putting more contrast in the first to bring out the ice forms more, but the tree started to get a bit lost in it. I can’t say that I am 100% sure I am done with development of that first one yet, but it felt good enough to stop for now.
A little bit about the contrast in the second one – I definitely pushed the contrast more there becasuse I liked how the transparent ice surface blended with the open water. The fore to mid ground is actually solid. A bit of an illusion that the ice is floating.
Thanks Brooks!
I like the dark pastels, blues and monotones with a bright streak in both images. The color palette and mood is appealing in both, but the first one is more unique in my opinion. I feel you do very well whenever you photograph, Mark.
Definitely part of the effect of changing light as I made my way along the shore David. Thanks much and I hope you are doing well.
Nature is a hallowed place, and the second photo (# WI-9994) looks like a stained glass window in nature’s cathedral. A beautiful sight for sure. Nice to see that you have these photos to mark this particular season. Sometimes all you need is that one shot. Or two.
Thanks Cedric. I do wish I had more, but as you know, that photo urge has its ups and downs.
Love both images but the first one grabs me emotionally. I do not rise early and early, and endure the cold, just for the search for images but because I need to be out there so it seems strange for me also. I have even wondered if I’ll be the same in the coming warmer days. Thanks, Mark!
I get that Monte. Being cooped up inside doesn’t do anyone any good. Glad you liked that first one. I felt lucky to find that tree fallen over, a first for me here.
I’ve become quite accustomed to viewing your icescapes, Mark. I’m glad that you were able to get out and at least have one go at it. 🙂 Sorry that you weren’t able don your ice skates and venture out a bit further!
Well, I keep hoping to encourage your trip to Detroit during the peak of Winter Paul! I dropped the ball this year.
You certainly did make the best of it, Mark. These are beautiful. Your special spot must feel you are special, too.
Thanks Linda!
Your winter shots are always gorgeous no matter how warm or cold the winter Mark! I wish I could find myself being as creative in the cold. Difficult when I’m uncomfortable. I just hate the cold!!
Thanks Howard. Fortunately it wasn’t too bad this time out.