Winter this year, as always, brought another season of unique photographic opportunities. It really didn’t seem to kick into gear until mid-January, but then it came with an assortment of storms, bomb cyclones, ice storms, and that popular term these days of “polar vortex.” Nonetheless, I did make it out quite a few times to explore these unique conditions the season offers us.
I didn’t get out to fly K2SO as much as I would have liked. I need to think of some type of portable landing pad to use in really wet ground conditions. Temperatures were all over the place this season. Supposedly the Mavic 2 Pro operating temperature goes down to 14°F ( -10°C) but I don’t think the pilot works well at that temp. 🙂 Moderate days had high winds, and cold days were, well, too cold.
Lake St. Clair also offered up its unique winter landscapes like it always does. It always appears like it is a time of rejuvenation out there. Frozen over to keep “invaders” out while it recuperates from heavy recreational use over the summer and the victim of pollution during heavy storms. I have this entire landscape to myself, in contrast to the crowds mobbing the recent flower blooms in the desert southwest.
With the way climate change is progressing, the Detroit area is predicted to become more like southeastern Pennsylvania by 2080. I wonder if these icescapes will become a distant memory for the history books by that time. Many parts of the world are destined to look very different. Many people might think that wouldn’t be so bad for their personal comfort level. But the Great Lakes regional health depends on these freeze cycles to stir up nutrients at depth.
We do have some solidarity in complaining about super frigid temperatures, but I couldn’t help but think about how this was just how winter normally was — for months. It does seem like we are more sensitive to the extremes now. Now we get alert messages by the hour on our phones with frigid windchills.
So Spring officially arrives tomorrow, but Michigan has a way of letting us know not to get our hopes up too early. I am sure the snow isn’t completely done with. As far as ice on the lake, that is gone. But maybe, just maybe conditions will cooperate soon to allow K2SO to spread his props and his pilot to fly in comfort. I do have some specific images in mind before the trees begin to bloom and the subject shift begins to take place.
I am not a cold weather photographer even though I live in Colorado. I think it has something to do with getting older.Love the image of the twilight on Lake St. Clair.
I fully get that. It takes a lot of self-prodding to get me out there at times.
The weather seems to make for an endless source of discussion. We’re worried, as well we should be. I hope Michigan’s Great Lakes are not changed irrevocably by climate change. And for you, I hope Spring comes soon!
Everywhere in the world should expect changes, and certainly many will be worse off than others. I feel for those caught up in the Midwest floods right now and the devastation brought to Mozambique. I am listening to vibrant bird song in my yard right now, even though snow is predicted for this weekend. Spring is here and energy is abundant.
Mark, I agree with Howard on always loving your winter photos. They represent something we don’t get to experience here…but I’m not sure I’m sorry about that. 🙂 Funny ‘co-winky-dink,’ I was thinking the other day about how climate change would probably force some changes to the local landscape. Except for getting warmer, I’m not sure how the average rainfall may fair here. Last year and again forecasted for this year it’s heavier than usual rain amounts, certainly better than drought!
Thanks Earl, I get enjoyment from them when they turn out well. I know our downpours have been like I’ve never seen before, like someone dumping a big bucket over our house. Fortunately no major flood like we had in Aug 2014, but other areas of the Midwest are not faring well now. It’s going to be hard adapting to changes so quickly.
I’ve always loved your winter shots and looking forward to seeing your shots from up high!
Thanks Howard. I think I would not enjoy winter as much if it were not for some of the unique photographic opportunities it provides.
I hope to be flying soon! 🙂