It was 8 PM and I’d been trying all day to photograph snowflakes. But try as I might, the wind was howling and I could only “harvest” bits and pieces blown off the roof. Feeling a little discouraged—realizing that this would be the last chance to photograph snowflakes until next winter—I retreated inside.
Three hours later, a thought tap-danced across my concentration: “Go outside and try again.” So I pulled a pair of insulated pants and a parka over my pajamas, donned a hat and gloves, and headed into the night.
This snowflake was the first one to land on my black sampling board and “sparkle” in the light of my headlamp. I picked it up with a paintbrush (like scooping up a pancake with a spatula) and set it on the microscope slide. Holding my breath so I wouldn’t melt the snow crystal, I quickly adjusted the camera settings. As it came into focus, I nearly cried…
Thanks for stopping by. Be inspired. Be happy.
Love and blessings,
P.S. What is your favorite thing about snowflakes? Write me a note below…
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Marion Owen is a “Jill of all trades,” with 30 years of experience as a teacher and columnist. She’s on a mission to help busy people enhance their daily lives. How? She “Readers’ Digests” topics such as photography, cooking, and organic gardening. Get her free 4-page “In Good Light: Photo Tips for Busy People” and feel recharged when taking pictures.
I’m Marion Owen. I work, relax, and love life in Kodiak, Alaska. I’ve worked on research ships, created photographs that hang in The Smithsonian, given up cheese and meat, and enjoy watching bumblebees and snowflakes. And somewhere along the line, I co-authored the New York Times bestseller, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul. I’m learning how to not do too much. To be authentic, embrace joy, and not burn the oatmeal.
Thank you for being here,
29 Comments
Sally
August 24, 2018 at 4:36 PMThank you for the wonderful article
Irene jays
January 20, 2017 at 4:05 PMOMG ‘s, thank-you for sharing !
tom DeLopez
January 19, 2017 at 3:00 PMHappy New Year, Marion and Marty. Have a Blessed year.
Tom and Sandy DeLopez
marionowen
January 19, 2017 at 7:26 PMAnd many blessings to you and Sandy. Hope Florida’s winter weather is treating you well.
Melissa
January 18, 2017 at 7:57 AMI agree with all, wow!! How long do you have before the snowflake starts to melt? Tell Martin I think the cold hands were worth the end result ;-). I am sooo standing by for next post! M.
Linda
January 17, 2017 at 6:36 PMMarion, you ABSOLUTELY AMAZE me capturing these beautiful snowflakes. Until you did this last year I had NO IDEA that they looked like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thank you so very much for what you do!
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 7:38 PMYou’re most welcome… I photographed snowflakes on moss and spruce cones today. A real treat. Stand by for a posting…
Sharon
January 17, 2017 at 6:20 PMWhat a fabulous photo/work of art! And a wonderful lesson on trying just one more time!
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 7:37 PMYup. Never give up!
daryleone
January 17, 2017 at 4:02 PMMarion,
That voice you heard may have been from the ghost of a fella who shot a few flakes in Jericho, VT some years ago …
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 7:36 PMYou might be right. I must visit Jericho some time. That fella was, and remains, an inspiration for me… to do what you love.
daryleone
February 24, 2017 at 2:21 PMHi Marion,
If you get bored and it’s still really cold one night, make up a batch of soap bubble mix and freeze a few bubbles. I’m told they photograph well.
H. Allen
January 17, 2017 at 12:02 PMBeautiful
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 7:34 PMThank you dear brother. Sending you love…
luanne43
January 17, 2017 at 8:45 AMLove the narratives you always post with your photos! Tis a beautiful snowflake! Yes, a snowflakes and northern lights photo montage would be fabulous! Another great idea by you!!
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 7:36 PMThank you, Luanne!
Helen Williams
January 17, 2017 at 6:17 AMThank you so much!- A beautiful picture-
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 8:32 AMThank you, Helen. I love the process of discovery…
Candice Falatko
January 17, 2017 at 5:33 AMSo Beautiful. Thank you.
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 8:32 AMThank you, Candy. Hope your winter is treating you well. Any travel plans?
Kathy Copeland
January 17, 2017 at 4:48 AMAaaahhhh ohhhhhh ouuuu Sooooo gorgeous! Captured forever!! See you soon! X K
Kathy Copeland Executive Director Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 8:33 AMMaybe it will snow in Death Valley whilst we are there with you guys. Hugs from Kodiak and see you soon!
Martin Owen
January 16, 2017 at 10:26 PMBeautiful image Dear. Don’t know what time you came to bed, but I do recall how cold your hands were!
Carolyn Clark
January 16, 2017 at 9:08 PMVery beautiful! You listened to inspiration. Thank you. 🙂
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 8:34 AMI’m working on listening to that still voice from within. Thanks for the encouragement Carolyn.
Diana Thompson
January 16, 2017 at 8:01 PMsuch a gift…the snowflake photo and you Marion!!
Velda
January 16, 2017 at 7:38 PMThat is flat out amazing! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Claire Armistead
January 16, 2017 at 7:38 PMBeautiful, Marion!! Kudos to you for your creativity, skill, perseverance, and more … it’s beastly cold out there!
marionowen
January 17, 2017 at 8:38 AMAh, Claire, beastly cold = snowflakes and northern lights. Hmmm, maybe I should build a photo montage, putting both together!