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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 Comments

  • Sally
    August 24, 2018 at 4:36 PM

    Thank you for the wonderful article

    Reply
  • Irene jays
    January 20, 2017 at 4:05 PM

    OMG ‘s, thank-you for sharing !

    Reply
  • tom DeLopez
    January 19, 2017 at 3:00 PM

    Happy New Year, Marion and Marty. Have a Blessed year.
    Tom and Sandy DeLopez

    Reply
    • marionowen
      January 19, 2017 at 7:26 PM

      And many blessings to you and Sandy. Hope Florida’s winter weather is treating you well.

      Reply
  • Melissa
    January 18, 2017 at 7:57 AM

    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.

    Reply
  • Linda
    January 17, 2017 at 6:36 PM

    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!

    Reply
    • marionowen
      January 17, 2017 at 7:38 PM

      You’re most welcome… I photographed snowflakes on moss and spruce cones today. A real treat. Stand by for a posting…

      Reply
  • Sharon
    January 17, 2017 at 6:20 PM

    What a fabulous photo/work of art! And a wonderful lesson on trying just one more time!

    Reply
  • daryleone
    January 17, 2017 at 4:02 PM

    Marion,
    That voice you heard may have been from the ghost of a fella who shot a few flakes in Jericho, VT some years ago …

    Reply
    • marionowen
      January 17, 2017 at 7:36 PM

      You might be right. I must visit Jericho some time. That fella was, and remains, an inspiration for me… to do what you love.

      Reply
      • daryleone
        February 24, 2017 at 2:21 PM

        Hi 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.

        Reply
  • H. Allen
    January 17, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    Beautiful

    Reply
    • marionowen
      January 17, 2017 at 7:34 PM

      Thank you dear brother. Sending you love…

      Reply
  • luanne43
    January 17, 2017 at 8:45 AM

    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!!

    Reply
  • Helen Williams
    January 17, 2017 at 6:17 AM

    Thank you so much!- A beautiful picture-

    Reply
    • marionowen
      January 17, 2017 at 8:32 AM

      Thank you, Helen. I love the process of discovery…

      Reply
  • Candice Falatko
    January 17, 2017 at 5:33 AM

    So Beautiful. Thank you.

    Reply
    • marionowen
      January 17, 2017 at 8:32 AM

      Thank you, Candy. Hope your winter is treating you well. Any travel plans?

      Reply
  • Kathy Copeland
    January 17, 2017 at 4:48 AM

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

    Reply
    • marionowen
      January 17, 2017 at 8:33 AM

      Maybe it will snow in Death Valley whilst we are there with you guys. Hugs from Kodiak and see you soon!

      Reply
  • Martin Owen
    January 16, 2017 at 10:26 PM

    Beautiful image Dear. Don’t know what time you came to bed, but I do recall how cold your hands were!

    Reply
  • Carolyn Clark
    January 16, 2017 at 9:08 PM

    Very beautiful! You listened to inspiration. Thank you. 🙂

    Reply
    • marionowen
      January 17, 2017 at 8:34 AM

      I’m working on listening to that still voice from within. Thanks for the encouragement Carolyn.

      Reply
  • Diana Thompson
    January 16, 2017 at 8:01 PM

    such a gift…the snowflake photo and you Marion!!

    Reply
  • Velda
    January 16, 2017 at 7:38 PM

    That is flat out amazing! Thank you so much for sharing it!

    Reply
  • Claire Armistead
    January 16, 2017 at 7:38 PM

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

    Reply
    • marionowen
      January 17, 2017 at 8:38 AM

      Ah, Claire, beastly cold = snowflakes and northern lights. Hmmm, maybe I should build a photo montage, putting both together!

      Reply

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