Mother Nature graced us with a few inches of wet snow overnight and I awoke to a winter wonderland. I’m an early riser, but try to sleep in an extra half hour on the weekends. Today, my two dachshunds decided it was time to get up at 5:30, just shortly before my usual time of rising during the week. The dogs and I did our usual morning routine and I made coffee for myself. I was looking outside and thinking it would be a great day for winter photography, especially black and white. Also thinking about an image that has been whirling around in my head for seven years since I moved back to Iowa. Today was the day to make that image! After all, a winter wonderland on a weekend morning when I can get out and shoot is amazing in itself.
There is a swinging bridge in one of the county parks that I have photographed in all four seasons. A black and white image with freshly fallen wet snow clinging to the trees is an image I have envisioned for years. The road conditions were unknown, but they weren’t that bad as long as you went slow. I have an AWD vehicle with an 8 inch clearance and knew I would have plenty of clearance for the country roads that hadn’t been plowed.
As I turned into the park it was a sight to be seen and so peaceful. It was still lightly snowing, conditions I have photographed in many times, even in Arizona. The quiet and peacefulness when it snows always amazes me. How is it the falling snow can bring such quiet and tranquility? Knowing which lens was used for all the other images, I chose to attach it to my camera, grab my tripod and head to the swinging bridge. The amount of snow that was clinging to the trees and branches was much more than I expected. No wind kept all of the snow that had so delicately fallen in place.
After getting this image under my belt, it was time to wander through the woods along the trail. Not having any expectations, hoping that creativity would take over. Sometimes I find that going with a clear mind helps with my creativity and making images that would not be seen if I was too caught up in making the perfect image. The crisp air and freshly fallen snow brought a much needed peace and break from my every day life. As I was walking along the trail, the Skunk River below could be heard and sounded as if water was rushing over the dam.
Heading back along the same trail, I debated on whether to make some images using the technique, intentional camera movement (ICM). Why not for heaven’s sake? A photographer I follow on social media, Guy Tal, has an amazing style. Rarely do you know where his images were made, they are not iconic. Could I manage to steal like an artist and make images that would remind me of his work? All I could do would be to try, but wasn’t successful. Below are two ICM images. Do I like them, a bit too abstract for my taste, but others may appreciate them. I’m also wondering if left in color may be better.
Have you ever noticed how the scenery looks so different when you retrace your steps? Just as I was ready to pack up and head home, a few images came into view from the parking lot. The first image below is the road I had traveled to get to the parking lot. The second image was to the right of the road in the first image. Amazing what you see going back the same way you came!
Once leaving the parking and starting to head back into town, the possibility of images from the campground at Oakland Mills along the Skunk River intrigued me. So a quick turn into the campground to explore! There is an old bridge that is only open to pedestrians, and is iconic to the local photographers and everyone who lives in the area. Upon parking, it caught my attention that the water was still above the dam, perfect for reflection photography!
There were two bald eagles that flew overhead, one was a juvenile and the other an adult. I was still using the same lens I had used up on the bluff at the park and not any where near long enough to photograph them. But fun to see just the same. The view down river was quite the sight. The sun was trying to peak through the clouds and most likely the snow would start to melt soon and fall from the trees. You know the saying, the early bird gets the worm, well today, the early photographer got the shots!
After making the above gallery (click on any image to see full version) it was time to head home and have breakfast! By the time I arrived home, the snow on the roads had completely melted and the sun was certainly working hard to break through the clouds. I unloaded my gear, changed out of my outdoor winter attire and was ready for breakfast. Homemade buttermilk Belgian waffles from scratch, not from a box in the freezer or a waffle mix in a box, but true buttermilk Belgian waffles! And of course hot coffee to warm me up after spending a few hours tromping through the snow.
The winter wonderland didn’t last long as the temperature rose to above freezing and the sun peaked through a few times. Until next time, I hope you enjoy the winter wonderland.
Different Isn't Wrong, It's Just Different 