This snowy scene was photographed in mid-morning, after the sun had risen to the treetops. The day was cold and a stiff breeze lowered the felt temperature into single digits. Snow had fallen heavily the day before, so the coating on the ground was fresh and clean. Only the criss-crossing tracks of deer mark the pristine cover on the earth.
The image is darkly toned, emphasizing the deep shadows on the snow. The bare trees are silhouetted against the sky, accented by the bright sun star. The image is balanced, with principal trees of roughly equal size on each side of the sun. The most prominent deer trail points into the center of the image, toward the sun, the central element in the scene.
I see promise in this image. It suggests hope and bright possibility. The brilliance of the sun, the deep contrasts of the trees and shadows, the trails of the deer, these excite me about the potential for the day. The photo energizes me. It urges me to get into motion, to explore creative opportunities, to be fully alive.
The original of this photo was shot in color, and a color version would have been acceptable, with a rich blue sky and a sharp contrast between sun and shadows. But the variations in luminosity—the richness of the shadows against the lighter snow—are what make this image dramatic, and for that reason I chose to render it in black & white. The resulting photograph has great power and drama.
I’m especially drawn to intimate landscapes. I find much expressive potential in smaller scenes and believe these more limited views often carry messages and tell stories more clearly than is possible in grander views.
Prints of this photo are available for sale. The price is $95 for a matted 11 X 14 print on archival paper; shipping is included in the price. Contact me if interested.