It's so interesting, the different thoughts, opinions and perceptions we can have on the things we take for granted. Winter time is one of those things I believe I take for granted. It took until mid January before we had any real snow on the ground, and a winter landscape to look at. The weather was warm and snow was very little around Christmas time - and it just didn't feel natural. It's the first time I've ever seen a brown Christmas here.
Since the snow did finally come, it was accompanied with a deadly and bitter cold snap. Some days hit minus forty-five degrees Celsius, with a wind chill that felt as cold as minus sixty (yikes!). But now the cold snap has come and gone for now, and the snow remains. And I'm glad. That peaceful, protective blanket of white has settled over the land and slowed things down. Now it's time for quiet and calm.
I got to enjoy an afternoon pet portraiture session at a nearby park. Best way to take in the beauty of nature in winter.
I was called on not too long ago and asked to do a pet portrait session outside on a snowy day. We had to play the timing by ear due to the lack of snow, of all things, as the client wanted photographs of her dog among the snow - and the weather. Luckily, we were able to sneak the session in on a Sunday afternoon with a temperature of minus sixteen degrees and a fresh skiff of snow on the ground. I thought it was cold at the time, but the cold snap changed my mind in a hurry.
My furry client, striking a model pose for me (not without lots of whistling and jumping around like a monkey ha ha!)
I took in a class late last night about lighting and location - the beginning of a brand new full course that I just signed up for. And with snow on the ground and some extra time on my hands on the weekends, I know exactly what I'll be doing. I'll be out taking photos with my two newest lenses and learning every possible trick and technique I can (giddy with excitement).
In December of 2022, we had a breathtaking hoarfrost that settled in and stayed for days. So I took the opportunity then, and hunted around the farm for some nice scenes to photograph. Our star Shire filly, Miracle, was standing in just the right place at the right time. This is certainly one of my favourite photographs to date.
Winter really is a marvel if you know how to appreciate it.
