The weather came almost as predicted by meteorologists this week, and, for the most part, the entire state of New Mexico had rain or snow or both, as did the western United States.  The moisture was much needed and appreciated.  Thus, new winter gifts were left to be discovered and pondered.

Ice and snow are simply fascinating to me, and I spend time each winter photographing both.  The way they fall and what is left behind on the surface of nature and human-made objects is wonderful.  We planted two wisteria vines on a clothes line, thinking they would produce some beautiful flowers in the spring.  I didn't even consider the ice designs that would be formed on them.  Here are a few examples.  The way water lands and freezes in lumps and jumbles, makes for great abstract photographs.

Winter - ice on wisteria 1

Winter - ice on wisteria 3

When branches and stems are coated with ice, they make their own designs.

Winter - ice on wisteria 2

Snow that falls, particularly with this storm was deeply influenced and layered by the wind, leaving drifts and patterns.  The first photograph is black and white.  The second was shot from a slightly different angle and in color.

Winter - snow drifts b&w

Winter - snow drifts color

With luck, the weather will allow for some great outdoor experiences for each of you, and for those photographers in the midst, exciting shooting opportunities.  Thanks for all of you who wrote or comment about the blog this week including Debra, Mary, Amanda, Lisa, Lysandra, Orlando, Mary G., Christina, Jean and Sam, Barbara, Ingrid, Connie, Steve, Andrea, Elida, and Lawrence.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@