While we have had some short spells of cold and a bit of snow, this Winter has not really put its stamp of frigid, icy control on us yet, here in New England. Of course, I may be a bit biased, as we had this epic Winter a couple of years ago, in which I went out to photograph amazing snowscapes in late January. None of that so far…
Looking at next week’s forecast, it looks like we may get a chilly turn with no termperatures above freezing and a bit of snow toward the end of the week. Could this be the true advent of Winter? I hope so!
Snow Teaser?
This was the view out the window at work earlier during the past week, when there was a little bit of a snow tease. Enough to leave evidence on trees and grass, but lacking the true beauty that I would love to see.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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18 thoughts on “Is Winter Coming Back?”
Oh, Frank, I’m impressed. I am (up until now) not the greatest cold weather person. In fact, I moved back to LA in November.
It’s been somewhat cold here, well for LA anyway. Now it’s in the low 70s 🙂
Blessings to you – hope you have a wonderful snowy week.
Thank you, Debbie. Yes, cold weather is not for everyone, but it’s something that I tend to enjoy. Nowadays, it’s easier to dress comfortably for cold weather without feeling like a Stay-Puft marshmallow man, which helps me to go out there and jog or hang around outside to wait for that one photo that I want.
We have rain here in the UK just now. Ar least when it’s raining, it’s not so cold. Our winter hasn’t arrived yet though. Last year our coldest months were February and March.
Here, February is usually the coldest month, but not the snowiest. When we start getting extended periods of cold coming in from the arctic circle, the air flows are most over land and very dry.
We had a short winter here in Orange County, CA. It seems to be getting warmer. It was in high 70s this afternoon. The rain stopped, I could start pruning in my garden.
Oh! Nice to have time to do something else of interest at the meantime.
I’m live in New Jersey so our weather is similar. I am very happy we have not had a snowy weather.
When I had a job that allowed me to work from home on heavy snow days it was wonderful.My kids were younger then and we had many fun times playing in the snow.
I am happy that I don’t wake up in the morning to find eight inches of snow in the driveway. I am happy I won’t have to hurt my back shoveling that driveway. I am happy that there is no snow or sleet or black ice slowing down my commute to work. No snow means my car is not under a sheet of ice or snow at the end of a work day.
Winter is definitely not everyone’s favorite and my wife shares your opinion. I have to admit that I wasn’t overly thrilled yesterday morning, when the auger clutch cable on my snowblower snapped…doing my driveway by hand is no treat and I didn’t have time in the morning and was going to be late coming home at night.
Luckily, my wife was nice enough to clear the driveway for me. Should have new clutch cable today and will have a bit of a repair job to perform.
I’d like San Diego, as it’s a town with real character and some great microbreweries! Hawaii would be tough to take 🙂
Dutch goes the Photo! 
Oh, Frank, I’m impressed. I am (up until now) not the greatest cold weather person. In fact, I moved back to LA in November.
It’s been somewhat cold here, well for LA anyway. Now it’s in the low 70s 🙂
Blessings to you – hope you have a wonderful snowy week.
Thank you, Debbie. Yes, cold weather is not for everyone, but it’s something that I tend to enjoy. Nowadays, it’s easier to dress comfortably for cold weather without feeling like a Stay-Puft marshmallow man, which helps me to go out there and jog or hang around outside to wait for that one photo that I want.
It’s my kind of season!
We have rain here in the UK just now. Ar least when it’s raining, it’s not so cold. Our winter hasn’t arrived yet though. Last year our coldest months were February and March.
Here, February is usually the coldest month, but not the snowiest. When we start getting extended periods of cold coming in from the arctic circle, the air flows are most over land and very dry.
Hey! Is it okay if I use this photo in a poem?
That is absolutely fine; I would appreciate a link back with the photo.
Thank you!
Frank
Lovely picture! Not bad here in Southern Ontario.
The weather here has been very mild and sunny during the day 🌞 with a light frost overnight.
Sounds rather nice! I’m sure the dogs love it!
They love it and are very buzzy! ☺🐾🐾
We had a short winter here in Orange County, CA. It seems to be getting warmer. It was in high 70s this afternoon. The rain stopped, I could start pruning in my garden.
No worries about pruning here, as there’s no growth until March 🙂
Oh! Nice to have time to do something else of interest at the meantime.
I’m live in New Jersey so our weather is similar. I am very happy we have not had a snowy weather.
When I had a job that allowed me to work from home on heavy snow days it was wonderful.My kids were younger then and we had many fun times playing in the snow.
I am happy that I don’t wake up in the morning to find eight inches of snow in the driveway. I am happy I won’t have to hurt my back shoveling that driveway. I am happy that there is no snow or sleet or black ice slowing down my commute to work. No snow means my car is not under a sheet of ice or snow at the end of a work day.
I detest winter.
This photo challenge (and one other) are how I stay sane but I’d rather be in San Diego or Hawaii.
The Mac spell check really does a piss poor job sometimes.
🙂
🙂
Winter is definitely not everyone’s favorite and my wife shares your opinion. I have to admit that I wasn’t overly thrilled yesterday morning, when the auger clutch cable on my snowblower snapped…doing my driveway by hand is no treat and I didn’t have time in the morning and was going to be late coming home at night.
Luckily, my wife was nice enough to clear the driveway for me. Should have new clutch cable today and will have a bit of a repair job to perform.
I’d like San Diego, as it’s a town with real character and some great microbreweries! Hawaii would be tough to take 🙂
Be well!