Softly Down a Winter Road Photo

Photographer’s Note

This vista, even in a state such as Wisconsin, where winters can be legendary, is a rare one.

As we race toward the third worst winter on record in our state, we've added about a foot (30 cm) to our snowfall over the Sunday and Monday just past. It's been cold enough to keep the snow limning bows and branches as you see here, and then a brilliant sun and a tinge of warming today bathed many of these same branches in ice.

The weather, of course, can be both dangerous and wearisome, at times. But it can also surprise us with moments of exquisite beauty.

This was a quick, handheld shot after creeping down a treacherous hill in low gear. Only PP is resizing to TE specs and one pass of sharpening in The Gimp.

claire526, JPlumb, zmey, gunbud, macondo has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

claire526 (1261) 2008-02-19 20:12

Hi Jim,
All the lines seem to correspond to each other here. The opening in the sky and the shape of the road seem to be matching, well naturally ;) and the branches seem to be reaching the clouds. Great POV and colors.
Regards,
Claire

JPlumb (3153) 2008-02-19 21:55

Hi Jim, love that sky. I guess that's what pulled me in with the thumbnail. Now that I'm in here, I like the whole scene. It reminds me of our cottage road in the winter, with the plowed winding gravel road, snow on the trees. Nice sharp detail on those branches. Awesome.

Thanks, John

zmey (7244) 2008-02-21 6:21

hello jim

this is a really weird sight... weird in a good sense. in a sense that it's rare and unusual. :) the light seems to be coming from somewhere rathre low behind you on the left, while the sky ahead appears dark and saturated. i like the composition: very wintery crispy and clear. i like the how the snowy branches and the cloud are trying to meet in your frame. well seen and presented.

my compliments and TFS
kristaps

gunbud (27763) 2008-03-02 18:55

Hi Jim,
Excellent winter image with a vivid blue sky to contrast so wounderfully with the snow coated trees that move sharply toward the sky. The winding road adds nice depth to this fine composition.
Regards, Tom

macondo (13071) 2008-03-13 22:39

Hi Jim.
You have some very nice winter and autumn images in your gallery. I liked this one a lot, with that wonderful balancing drift of cloud in the upper right. The perspective is strong and the sharpness is great. The gently curving road looks superb between the well delineated trees. Perhaps the contrast could be increased a little to accentuate the shadows and whiten the snow a bit. Nice shot, though.
Regards,
Andrew