Ansel and the Snowflake

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.

29 thoughts on “Ansel and the Snowflake”

  1. I 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.

  2. Marion, 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!

  3. Love 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!!

  4. Aaaahhhh ohhhhhh ouuuu Sooooo gorgeous! Captured forever!! See you soon! X K
    Kathy Copeland Executive Director Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra

  5. Claire Armistead

    Beautiful, Marion!! Kudos to you for your creativity, skill, perseverance, and more … it’s beastly cold out there!

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