Eagle Harbor
We’d been traveling and taking photographs in Door County since sunrise and just before sunset I called it quits. With the temps close to zero, taking photographs can get me bone tired – I think it’s all the jumping in and out of the car to warm up between shots. So I was determined to head back to the motel and relax in the hot tub until…
…until I took a glance in the rearview mirror and saw the ice gleaming orange from the disappearing sun. A quick U-turn and another 30 minutes and then we hit the hot tub.
After going through another few dozen, I found a second photograph I wanted to share, one with a slightly different perspective and composition. If possible, this one makes me shiver more than the first.
An Even Colder Perspective
Door County may be a bit frosty, but it provides endless opportunities for “just one more”.
Do you have a photo preference? Do you like the first, the warmer version, or second photo, the colder one? And why?
Do you take photographs in winter climes? Anything you do to keep you and your camera gear warm – well, warm is a relative word here. I mean warm enough to stay out for “just one more?”
About Bo Mackison
Many times I’ve glanced in the rearview mirror and saw something to where I’d come to a screeching halt. This is beautiful. Gorgeous colors and the little snowy pier leading out.
Stunning winter light. WOW!
I love the winter…I also think some of the most breathtaking light forms in the winter climes…how to stay warm? The enthusiasm for “just one more” may be as good as it gets!
I like the colors in the first image better, but I think the 2nd image is a better representation of ‘cold’.
I love the winter, and I love photographing this time of year. I spent about 3 hours outside in the single digit temps on Friday. As far as keeping my camera gear warm, I don’t worry about it at all except for my batteries. Your gear will be fine in the cold, but your batteries will die very fast. I keep an extra set or two of batteries in my front pants pocket. This keeps them close to my skin and warm. When the first set dies, switch them out. As the ‘dead’ batteries warm up in your pocket, you will get more life out of them. When coming out of the cold into a warm environment like your hotel, seal up your gear in your camera bag and let it warm up slowly to room temperature before you open up your case. This will keep out the condensation.
As far as keeping myself warm I start with a pair of long underwear, then a pair of jeans and then top it off with insulated bibs. On top I start with a base layer of a long sleeve T-shirt or a synthetic moisture-wicking shirt if I know I’m going to be doing a lot of hiking. Then a long sleeve sweatshirt topped off with a wind proof insulated jacket. To keep my feet warm I have a pair of insoles that slip into my winter boots that have a hallow section in them for slipping in one of those disposable hand warmers. Works great to keep my feet warm. A good pair of gloves and a stocking cap and I’m good for a few hours in the field on the coldest of days.
If I know I’m going to be sitting in the cold for a long time, I will take my portable hunting blind along with a heater. I pack it all on a plastic sled along with a chair and my tripod and pull it to where I’m going to be sitting. Much easier than carrying everything.
I like them both! 🙂
Those are both great photos. I like the color in the first better, but overall prefer the second because of the contours of the shoreline tailing off into the distance That’s really nice!
I’ll go along with the consensus. I like the colors in the first photo better, but I feel a lot colder after I view the second photo. As for staying warm – the layering Michael discussed is what I do for skiing. Also keep moving if you can.
OMG! I cannot keep up with you, kiddo!
Thanks Michael! I’m thinking common sense is probably the most helpful thing to bring along when doing winter photography. But it sure helps to have the right layered clothing too. I love your idea about the sled. Sounds like you have a lot of patience and winter stamina!
The second one makes me shiver more, too. It sounds like you are embracing the cold more than ever. Right arm!