Snow Storm

I like the simplicity of this; monochrome, seems like the stump in the foreground is a preview of what awaits the dead tree (though I would have preferred it not to be dead). And then the other faint silhouettes in the background, with the grasses making a sort of left-handed signature on the left.

Brings to mind that verse of Dylan Thomas; "Do not go gentle into that good night; Rage, Rage against the dying of the light."

I would note that the "larger" view is only larger if one sits much closer to the monitor.

Thanks John! Appreciate your thoughts! I see what you mean about the larger version. Guess I didn't click on the right one... Now I have to sit a little closer too. I am going in to get my eyes checked next month... Nick

I debated the stump in the FG but after looking for a few minutes I think the combination of this in the FG and the lighter trees in the BG really add depth to this scene. Nice job!

Has a look of a fine pencil etching, Nick. Very nice capture and processing too.

I am really loving your snow scenes! They seriously do look like etchings! I love this one for the simplicity...but it has just enough detail that it also has a lot of depth. You guys are too funny about sitting closer to the monitor.

Nick, my reaction to this image is a little different than some of your recent winter images. I really love snow because for me it evokes a peaceful and even joyful mood and many of your other images have resonated on that level with me.

This image feels different - it feels desolate and lonely - even melancholy. The simple composition further enhances this feeling of isolation. I"m not saying it's not a good image, just that on an emotional level I connect differently with it. I haven't read the other comments yet so I'm interested in hearing other's reactions - as well as whether this is what you intended to convey.

As a side note, up to this point I have typically thought of my motivation for photography as my emotional reaction to a scene rather than my attempt to evoke a particular emotion in the viewer. As I have read more about the creative side of photography I have thought about that much more and consciously think more about mood when I view other's photos. So from that perspective I think this is a very provocative photo.

Nick, this is an impressive visualization of "desertedness" to me - great work for me, just like a sketch.

Peter

This does look like a pencil sketch Nick. I especially like the ghostly shapes in the distance Nick. I just wish there was a little more separation between the main tree and the tree in the right background but beautiful image none the less.

I, too, love the simplicity of this image. Elegantly simple is the way I would describe it in our workshops.

Unlike many others, I do not have a problem with smaller sizes. This day and age of rampant copyright infringement and the attitude of "What's mine is mine and what's yours is mine, too" cautions many of us to submit smaller sizes. Arnie and I have had images of ours used without permission, and I think Nick's image is plenty strong in any size.

Think of those of us who for decades had to quickly edit 35mm slides to send off to a client. Either the image is worthy, or it is not. A large size does not make it any more or less so.

Well done, Nick!

I like this very much Nick, and I agree with Paul, it reminds me alot of a pencil etching, the stump in the FG also works for me. Excellent work.
John

this is nice Nick, i like the simplicity

this will works a great for a large print

Hamed

Another awesome winter scene from you Nick. Haunting details in the bg complement the tree nicely. Larger version is a treat. Great work.

Thanks for taking time to comment on this! Always interested in your thoughts. It certainly made me think of a pencil sketch too, which I liked the looks of.
Brian, Yes, I did want a different mood with this image and I appreciate you taking the time to let me know how you felt about it. This scene had quite a desolate and lonely feel to me just as you described it, and I hoped to capture that here. I think the fact that the trees were dead added even more to that mood. Nick

Beautiful, Nick, absolutely beautiful! I just love how the falling snow makes this look like a drawing. Awesome!

The graffic quality works perfectly with the high key feel to this image, Nick. This is excellent! Kind of reminds me of a pencil sketch.

Ed

The tree has a lot of character, Nick--I love it! I'm on the fence about the stump up front--think id prefer it wasn't there. You should have covered it in snow

Hi Nick This stark minimalist scene has a zen like mood to it . beautiful photography
Albert Darmo

I love the graphic look here. First I thought the stump in the foreground is a distraction but now I've come back several times to look at it and now I think it's a great addition in this comp. I really love such scenes and you did a good job here.

You and Matt are killing these snow and tree scenes! Excellent work, Nick! I love the hint of trees behind.

Thanks guys! Really appreciate your comments. One never really knows how others will receive an image (especially certain ones) so it is always so interesting to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Several years ago I did quite a bit of painting, but more than anything else I enjoyed doing pencil sketches. I guess that is why I love scenes that look like they are sketches. It only works in certain conditions but I like it when it happens.