Slush Ponds

Slush pond sounds like something a corrupt polititican would have, but it was the first term that came to mind when I found them in the marsh. They were not solid ice, but not unfrozen water either. They were almost slushie like in their quality. They were surrounded solid ice and several inches of snow. I am sure that there is a proper term for them, but my geology lingo escapes me and I more interested in making an image anyway

Regardless, that slush added a certain quality to the landscape of the marsh. The frosted branches, the soft snow, distant bluffs, and the light all draw my interest and frame up nicely on the ground glass.

I think for a second about getting low and right up on top of them, but I am neither sure how thick the ice is there nor wanting to disturb them too much. So, I just stay back with a moderate angle lens (125mm) and take the whole scene in.

I make the image, still cannot think of a proper name for the slush, decide that slush pond sounds official enough. Then it is time to start moving and looking again.

Marsh Point

The frozen marsh was covered in several inches of fresh snow. I had seen an image of a tip of land that jutted out into the marsh. I knew the marsh ice was several inches thick and would easily support me, however being here alone I decided prudence would be to walk out and test it first before I brought all the extra weight of the camera gear.

Everything seemed fine ice wise, and the image had potential, so I brought out the camera and set up on the ice.

With the point of land, the snow covered ice and distant islands and bluffs I thought it was a good composition. The strong directional light also made the scene even more interesting.

For being such a cloud free morning I have now gotten what I hope to be several different images in just a short while. It is quite fun and I make the most of it.

When you are on the road for work and you look outside and see it is -8 and clear it might take motivation to get out, but I know this is an opportunity not to be missed. I am very glad to be here despite the temps. Yes I do think this is fun!

The River in Winter

The river in winter is as interesting as or more interesting than in summer. The snow, ice and monochrome palette of the winter needs something to offer some contrast. Any open water offers something. Most of the rivers here freeze solid, even the mighty Mississippi. The Trempealeau River usually freezes over (well it has been in the three winters I have visited the area). This year I find that it has a ribbon of water follows it’s course through the snow.

Add in the way the ice creates a rough edge and it is something to photograph.

I went out to the river for daybreak on Saturday. I had hopes for some color in the clouds that I might pick up in the river, but the sky was heavy overcast. I still thought the image was there and waited. The sky stayed gray. There was no color.

As light of morning rose I made a few images of the ribbon of a river in the world of winter. I am still not sure how the chromes will turn out but I like how the digital snapshot did. There might more potential in an image here than I first thought.

You may expect a frozen river in the winter in this part of the country but this time I found a river in winter.

Frozen Dawn

I drive out to the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in the dark and start walking in temps that are somewhere south of zero.

I follow a path I know from prior mornings in the marsh. The snow lights the way even in the dark and I use no light. The air is crisp and biting. I know the location I am looking for and walk through the snow. Even in the dark I can tell no one has been this way in a while.

The marsh is frozen and I have it all to myself, even the geese have flown away.

I find the edge of the water. The brush marks the waterline but the water is frozen and snow blankets the marsh. The sky is dark gray, clouds are heavy with more snow.

I set up the tripod to frame the brush as the only thing not white in the foreground. I have to stamp down the snow to set the backpack down. I hang the small bag from the tripod. Then I slowly start to set up the big camera. I work slow and deliberate. I want to be careful about things like dropping anything in the snow or even breathing on the glass.

The clouds stay thick, there will be no golden dawn today. I work the brush snow and distant bluffs into the frame. On a sunny morning the sun would rise right in front of me, but not today. The sky will be gray.

I make an image and wait. Then I notice snow starting to collect on the camera. It is a small fine snow. I make sure to keep the lens clear. I make another image. The gray of dawn is upon me.

The cold gray frozen dawn.