Winter is here! Snow makes everything beautiful!

I enjoy the winter months and the snow.

Yes, you read that right - I enjoy the cold and snow. Don't get me wrong, I don't like having to drive along snow-packed, icy streets but otherwise love the snow. There is a beauty in the freshly fallen snow that calls out to me, like a siren song. I can spend hours hiking thru the woods during, and after, a snowfall.

Our First Snow

Shark River Park - 1 January 2018

The image of Shark River Park is the first image of 2018 and shot with my smartphone on New Year's Day. I spent about 90 miles covering 2 1/2 miles hiking the woods that day - the temperature was a balmy 16°F and windchill of 0°F. That hike was more about being outdoors than photography and I never took the camera out of the bag. It has only snowed a couple of times since then but I haven't been back to the park - I like the image I got but have other compositions that I want to explore.

Snow and the Beech Tree

Beech tree - Manalapan

I recently discovered a shortcut to Monmouth Battlefield State Park, I can walk thru the office parking lot into a gated community. There is a paved path leading to a wooden footbridge, which ultimately puts you into the woods bordering the park. It was at the far end of the footbridge that I found this beech tree. I had actually passed it, unnoticed, on my way to the park but when I was returning it jumped out at me and I couldn't resist shooting. You would never know this scene is just about 40 or 50 yards from a residential neighborhood. If you look in the gap between the tree and bridge, you will see a stream that runs for quite some distance and, I believe, meets up with the water source Molly Pitcher used during the Battle of Monmouth.

Snow at the Lake

We have only had three (3) significant snowfalls this winter, the last being a couple weeks ago. This one had me the most excited because it also brought the most snow. I think I have mentioned in an earlier post that I leave quite early every morning - almost 90 minutes before I need to - so that I can take "detours" whenever the need arises. This morning I was thankful because I couldn't help but stop and shoot. I targeted Durand Park because of the lake and the one tree that leans over it. I, truly, came away with more than I was expecting to. I thought there would be ice but I wasn't expecting the part that was melted and mirror smooth. I knew these images were going to be monochrome and I was quite happy with the resulting images. That was until my son mentioned the "Winter Reflection" might look nice in a sepia tone. WHAT?! He said he had seen other black & whites images where I used the sepia and mentioned this would be a good place for it. I wasn't so sure but decided to give it a try. Well.... I think with a little bit of "tweaking" it might be a far better image in sepia. What do you think? I think I may have to consult with him a bit more often.

No session at the lake is complete without shooting this group of Aspens leaning out over the water. I have shot them in all seasons and weather conditions. There is just something about the composition that draws me in and keeps me coming back.

Winter Reflection - Durand Park, Freehold

Winter Reflection (sepia) - Durand Park, Freehold

Weeping Aspen Trees - Durand Park, Freehold

Don’t pack up your camera until you’ve left the location. – Joe McNally

Beech Tree - Durand Park, Freehold

The Joe McNally quote is one that I try to live by and is responsible for this last image. This beech tree was shot after I had finished shooting the lake and trees above. It was very cold and I was ready to get into the car and warm up. As I was walking back to the car, I noticed this tree standing alone not too far off the parking lot. The camera was already out and mounted on the tripod so it was just a matter of finding my composition and shooting. If I had been packed up I probably wouldn't have been looking for more compositions, it is also unlikely that I would taken the time to unpack and set up if I had. It's not that I am lazy but when you have been out in the elements for more than 30 minutes and are not properly dressed, you tend to want to get back inside.

So, as you can tell - I love snow! The weatherman is predicting 1 to 3 inches of wet snow Saturday night with temperatures getting into the 40's on Sunday. I am hoping to wake up on Sunday to a beautiful, snow-covered scene - I have been wanting to get back to the scene of the first image for a while but haven't had the opportunity. If we get a decent snowfall, I will post the new images here next week.

Do you like getting out in the snow? I would love to hear from you - leave a comment below and let me know your favorite snow activities or subjects to shoot.

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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