The Beauty of Winter

I tend to like winter. Not the cold I must admit, but the beautiful soft light and pastel colours that make up the winter palette. Images taken then can be peaceful, minimalist, quiet. And now this winter’s nearly over. It’s been a dull one, grey most of the time, not a lot of snow to brighten things up and lots of ice. The combination meant there were fewer days with good light and many days when it was simply too treacherous underfoot to be wandering around. So not as much photography as I would have liked.

But there were a few good days, and there’s always beauty when I search it out.

I’ve photographed these wooden posts many times in just about every kind of weather. But I think these images, taken in January, are my favourite. Ice and sleet from the day before had “dressed” the posts in beautiful layers of ice, the wind had twirled and shaped the water as it froze, curling it around the posts, and the icicles had not yet melted or broken off. I took some shots at normal exposures and then made long exposure images which changed both the look and mood dramatically.

My imagination gives stories to these images. The two posts, side by side, seem intimate to me. I can think of them as “sisters” or as a “couple”. They are beautiful. They are “dressed up”; they stand proud. The simplicity and elegance enchants me and I am transported.

And what about that “No Parking” sign. It looks strange, out of place in that environment, but there it is and I quite like it.

A few days ago the ice on the lake started to melt. Winter is coming to a close. The ice volcanoes are still there but there’s also some open water. Another week and the ice will be gone, some driftwood will become visible and the lake will look different again.

Away from the lake, a couple of days ago I took a walk through a nearby forest. Different in winter but still beautiful. The last of the ice still lies in patches on the path ahead.

Just off the pathway a small body of ice lay in a shallow area. Looking closer, leaves under the thin sheets of ice created abstract images of shape, pattern and colour. The frozen bubbles were mesmerizing. So many images there.

Time stopped. I became completely absorbed in the beauty around me and in the joy of trying to capture what I saw.

Winter is nearly over. These kinds of images won’t be possible for another year. But two days ago I saw a group of tundra swans passing overhead and heard their loud unique sound - a sure sign of spring. And with the warmer weather and the start of a new season there will be other beautiful subjects to enjoy and photograph. Our world feels harsh these days, but seeing all the beauty there is in the world does much to soften that.

Photographing in the Snow

I live in a country with seasons and I enjoy that.  Places take on a different look with each change of season, providing fresh scenes to photograph.  Right now we're in the middle of winter, a time of year I quite like.  The light is different -  softer, less harsh, and the colour palette works for me.  But it can also be bleak with many days that are simply grey and uninviting. This winter has been a harsh one, with cold temperatures and bigger snowfalls than usual.  And while that makes it difficult to get around it does offer up some interesting photography.

With all the snow we've had this year I bought some snowshoes which gave me access to places I'd never be able to get to without them.  I've now spent a lot of time In the woods, among the trees and grasses, where the snow remains pristine, enjoying the spaces and creating photographs.

Winter trees at the edge of the lake

Grasses along the edge of the dunes

Lake Huron dunes in winter

Shadows in the snow

And in winter the birds are hungry and looking for food.  Travelling with some seed and investing lots of time and patience gave me some images I like.  The birds are small, beautiful, and very fast.  Capturing them on camera isn't easy.  I'm very much a novice at this type of photography but plan on doing more.

Rose-breasted nuthatch

Red-bellied woodpecker

Sarnia experienced a rare weather event a month ago.  A combination of high winds, bitter cold, and a recently thawed river threw vast amounts of water from the St. Clair River up onto the shore where it immediately froze.  The resulting ice sculptures were both eerie and beautiful.

Dressed in Ice

Summer vacation towns and other urban areas present differently in the winter.  Bare trees, ice on the water, reflections, and so much more.  There's lots to photograph.

Ice along the river in Grand Bend

Great Lakes freighters in dock for winter maintenance in Goderich

It's now been raining for two days and the snow has disappeared.  Yes, it's milder out there but nowhere near as lovely to look at.  But it is only the middle of February and winter isn't over.  There's bound to be more snow and when that happens my snowshoes and camera will be ready for action.

First the Afternoon and then the Evening

Morning and evening light are usually the most striking but in winter it's possible to get lovely images even at mid-day.  Winter light is softer, more delicate, less contrasty.  My son was visiting and he wanted to get out and take some photographs so we headed out just after lunch.  That's not a time I'd normally think to get out with my camera but I was pleasantly surprised.  Our first shots were of thin ice on the lake that I found quite striking.  

Ice and Snow-Covered Rocks on Lake Huron

At the Edge of the Lake

We travelled on to Sarnia, stopping in Bright's Grove to see what the lake looked like from there. Lots of moving floes of ice along the shore, and a nice contrast between the sky, water and trees.

Lake Huron through the Trees

From there on to Sarnia to see the ice moving from Lake Huron into the mouth of the St. Clair River.  The river flow is fast and the ice moves quickly.  The lighthouse and buildings on the American side of the river provide an interesting background.

Ice on the River

And then back to where we started to see how the light might have changed in the late afternoon.  We liked what we saw and stayed until sunset.

It was definitely getting colder but the light was changing all the time.  So we stayed and got lovely sunset light hitting the trees, the two at the edge of the lake and the cluster a little further out.

A great time enjoying the beauty we found everywhere.  Hours slipped by as we got lost in looking, seeking out images we thought were interesting, and then setting up our cameras to get what we hoped would capture what we felt and saw.  A lovely day with my son Scott - energizing and restorative.

Winter's Trees

Trees have a different look in winter.  Stripped of foliage their shape and structure becomes visible, less flowing, more architectural.  Standing in fields or by the side of roads and outlined by winter light they add a lot to our winter landscapes.  I can identify many trees by their leaves, but far fewer once those leaves are gone.  

A willow tree, standing in the snow with its fine branches flowing in the breeze.  Full of grace and beauty.

These two majestic trees sit in the middle of a farmer's field.  In the summer they are surrounded by growing crops, usually soybeans.  It's less efficient to harvest around them but the farmer has decided to allow them to stay.  It's a gift to the community and to all who travel past them.

Each tree is different.  Some grow straight and narrow, others - like the willow - retain their flowing look without their leaves.  Some can be found in clusters, others alone.  Winter is nearly over and soon these trees will take on their spring and summer finery.  But until then I find much to enjoy about their winter look.

Seeking Inspiration

From October through to the end of January I took no photographs.  I was uninspired and had no motivation.   Life was full, there were other things going on, but little creativity.   I believe we need to create to feel alive and present in the world, and that was missing for me.  Early this month I felt that shift, partly through effort, but partly - I think - because life sometimes just ebbs and flows, moving to its own rhythm.  Whatever the reason I'm back out with my camera.  

The Pinery

A day in The Pinery, a provincial park close by.  It's early February and there's no snow.  The day was warm, the birds happy to be fed, and the colours more like fall than winter. 

Thin Ice on the River

Leaning Over

I'm Not Listening….

Fungus and Oak Leaves

Storm Damaged Trees

Deer in the Cemetery

A family of deer in an old cemetery.  They live both there and in the ravine below.  They are beautiful.  It's peaceful just to be around them.  They're not always visible but when they are it's a real gift.

Winter Beauty

I'm drawn to the colours of winter.  And the wonderful soft light.  I find it magical.  These images were taken just before sunset two days ago at Kettle Point. 

Frozen in Ice, Bathed in Light

Trees Along the Shore in Winter

Gazebo at Kettle Point

It's good to be back outside, seeing the beauty in the land around me, and getting lost in the making of photographs.  It feeds my spirit.  I hope you enjoy the images as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Lake Huron Remains Frozen

It's the last week of March and Lake Huron is still frozen all the way to the horizon, as it has been for several months.  The early ice cover, heavy snow and a late melt means higher water levels and a smaller beach area later this year.  Lake levels were high last year and are now likely to be even higher, leaving much less beach for people to enjoy once summer comes.

Ipperwash Beach at Army Camp Road

The beach is completely frozen.  The blue in the foreground is reflected colour from the sky, not water.  But the ice is thinning, temperatures are forecast to be above freezing next week, and the lake will start to open up.

Ipperwash Beach from the Top of the Dunes

Ice Sculptures

These were taken last week at Fifty Consevation Area near Hamilton, Ontario.  I was there with my son Scott.  The weather was not as cold as it had been and we were able to enjoy a lovely day outside and get some interesting images of the ice buildup along the shore.