Yesterday was the first day I made any new exposures since November 20. We had a nice sticky snowfall overnight, so the woods behind us were quite beautiful. The kind of snow where every branch of every tree is coated in white and should make for some nice winter photos.
I was having difficulty in being able to compose anything I was happy with within the viewfinder, despite it being beautiful all around me. It was one of those situations where the atmosphere was great, but fitting it into a picture box was a challenge. In those cases, I tend to just wander a bit. I guess I just wasn’t feeling it.
Ultimately I spent the majority of my time in just two spots. Trying to make something of this slushy pond (perhaps a wasted effort), and some time along the major river here, the Clinton. (pictured above, which I am happy with). By the time I finished at the river, the snow was dropping from the branches and the atmosphere changed dramatically.
I didn’t capture much of this morning’s winter wonderland, and that’s OK. Certainly, it isn’t the last of the snow we’ll see here in Michigan this winter.
Very cool landscape in snow! Winter is hard, when I finally find a composition I like I’m too cold to take a good photo! You did well!
Thank you and very true Alessandra. Being comfortable is key. I recently saw a quote on Twitter that basically said a good pair of shoes will do more for your photography than a good camera. 🙂
Those light snowfalls are so enchanting – and ephemeral! I’m glad you went out. Both photographs have good stories to tell – the first one is gorgeous, with that rushing water, the near and far views and that low-down angle. I think I’ve missed several posts – I’ll try to catch up.
Thanks, Lynn. It was a neat spot that had a little jetty to get out into the river a little which I think made for a more immersive composition. I suppose I am always glad I got out, no matter what I return with. But do sometimes end up disappointed – just a little.
I relate and usually find I just needed to be out there, to be within nature, rather than having to have that one image I was expecting to come home with. My expectations can mess up my ability to see what’s offered to me. However, I think the leaf in the frozen pond is wonderful. For me it depicts the feeling you were experiencing.
For sure I get the most enjoyment from just being out there. In fact, over the past year, I have spent more time in the woods without a camera than with. (sometimes wishing I had it, but thems the breaks as they say)
Very cool photo. I know what you mean that sometimes it’s beautiful but it’s still tough to compose something. Can be frustrating when you just aren’t feeling it.
yeah, you kinda feel like a real dunce when nature presents you with this great situation and you can’t seem to break through your own mental blocks to represent it well.
Exactly
Your day sounds like mine yesterday. When I left the house our neighborhood was nice and wintery with snow laden trees. When I reached my destination, not so much. And the light was not good either. I got lucky on the way home with one scene. If I hadn’t made images in two months like you I’d have been pretty despondent. If that leaf was in slush I hope you weren’t for that low angle. The Clinton River looks like a nice location.
The pond was pretty slushy on top, but still frozen enough to support a tripod leg. Fortunately I didn’t have to test my weight on it.
Light wasn’t great here either, though I would have been happy encountering the snowy birches like you posted recently.