Winter's Mood Swings
A Low-Key Photo Walk and Talk
The weather has been challenging lately. Too cold to venture out safely, or just stubbornly cloudy and gray. But finally, a sliver of sunlight peeked through, and I knew it was time to grab my camera and go. It was still chilly and a bit windy, but that hint of sunshine was enough motivation.
This outing wasn't about capturing perfect, postcard-worthy images. It was more about embracing the unpredictable nature of winter and seeing what beauty I could find, even on a day that couldn't quite decide if it wanted to be sunny or snowy. But that's the thing about winter photography – it teaches you to be adaptable, to appreciate the subtle nuances of light and shadow.
I found myself drawn to the textures of the season. The intricate patterns of frost on a branch, the stark contrast oak leaves and tree trunks, the way things settle on the ground below our gazes. I experimented with different compositions, trying to capture, and make more interesting, certain scenes within the winter landscape.
One of my favorite winter edit styles I’ve been into is the "Classic Negative" film simulation for Fujifilm cameras. It's not one I've used extensively before, but it perfectly captures the mood of a winter day. It adds a touch of desaturation, cools the color temperature, and gives the images a slightly vintage feel.
There were moments of frustration, of course. The sun was mostly hidden, compositions wouldn’t look good, or I'd struggle to find the right focus. But I've learned that photography is as much about the process as it is about the final image. It's about being present in the moment, connecting with nature, and just sometimes acknowledging that not all trips are created equally.
I laid on my stomach to get a unique angle of some leaves on the ground. I tried, and failed, to capture the beauty of a red gate that always seems to elude me. We even had a brief flurry of snow. It was a reminder that winter can be fickle, but it can also leave you with a sense of accomplishment by way of enjoying the process in spite of the end results.
