First Snow

Dang! This is excellent and wonderful, Nick. The implied movement of the falling snow, along with the detail throughout takes this over the top for me. Print this one!
--P

I have to agree with Preston wholeheartedly, another gem. This IMO is art. The graceful branches coming in from the right up against the very orderly solid trees on the left. But the angular flying snow gives this most of the emotion. It's an uplifting storm more than a threatening or dangerous one. I like that you kept this in color because the very subtle browns here and there add a lot. I like that this is not contrasty, yet just a bit more contrast to the twigs sticking out of the snow may be helpful. A really fine image. You're on a roll. The reason you recent images are exceptional is because you're shooting with your heart, not your mind. That's just my opinion. 

Thanks guys! Your thoughts are very much appreciated!
Paul, Maybe in a few more years I can go decorate that little tree. I'll need a long drop cord for the lights however...

Sweet! I like the implied motion with the streaking snow and the subdued color in this woodland scene, Nick. Have fun with the snow, I hope we get some in the next few weeks.

Ed

Beauty!   The composition has balance both in tones and structure.  That blasting snow-motion makes this smoke and breath.

Well done!

Fantastic Nick!  Hard to add to what's already been said.  My impression and final question is, how are the snow-covered branches of the evergreen not moving in the wind?  Ok, maybe viewing the full version original those branches are soft... but the perception is that they're steady and not affected by the blowing now.  And that's just a side comment to a wonderful image and story of a winter storm.  Beautifully captured.

Lon

Nick, a great catch of the flying snow.  That adds very well to the snowy evergreen branches.  I like your comp. with the three elements tied together by the flying snow.

I love the dynamism of the snow, Nick. I can feel the cold wind. This is definitely a great picture, very well composed. Finally, I'm waiting so much for the snow to fall that I thank you for posting this.

Mattia

Wow, nice capture of some dramatic and challenging conditions, Nick. I usually don't venture out when it is blowing like this, instead waiting for things to settle down. This shows me that I need to be more hearty and brave the elements. 

Thanks so much to all of you for your comments! It was very fun being out shooting yesterday morning.
Lon, It does look like the branches would have been moving quite a bit but they actually were not. For the most part they were just staying in place and maybe because the snow was so wet and heavy. The image probably looks like it was more windy than it actually was. The 1/50 sec was slow enough to get the snow movement but fast enough to keep the branches pretty still. Nick

FANTASTIC!!!  Another superb image Nick, even better than your last (which was great).  Very dynamic and the touch of color is really nice.  EXCELLENT work.

This is lovely Nick. I like the juxtaposition. Interested in knowing if this is a double exposure.

Thanks Prashant! This is just one exposure as is almost every image I post here. I have done a couple of focus blends in the past but usually don't care for that look myself. On certain images I do think it works great but I very seldom need to do it. I like the challenge of careful manual focus in combination with f stops and shutter speeds and getting it in one shot if that makes sense to anyone. Might not be the best way of doing things anymore but it is the way I prefer most often.  Thanks, Nick

Gorgeous!
The depth back into the trees is awesome, and the snow is perfect. Wow, that is nice. Swwwweet.

Excellent, Nick. It definitely says WINTER in a beautiful way. I love this. 

This is beautiful, Nick.  I like the way that you have framed the elements in the scene.  The blowing snow gives this a sense of energy...not to mention the winter chill.  

Wow, you are killing it lately, Nick! This is absolutely superb. The SS selection is perfect and the comp is very effective. Processing looks spot-on. Just outstanding.

What a delightful image, Nick. I am enjoying the fact that you have taken a complex scene and rendered it to perfection. There is drama and at the same time the sense of reality is so strong. It reaffirms my belief that a great photograph is mostly about seeing (and less about post-processing).

That's a stunning shot in all respects Nick!

Nick, this is the perfect capture of a "decisive moment" to me. A wonderful interplay of steady and fugitive elements, and the subdued and delicate colors just make the difference for me. Congrats on this!

Peter

A beauty!  Almost a BW.  Lots of nice detail throughout - my favorite portion is the streaking snow.  Any shots of just the dark trunks and the snow.  Might create a more abstract image, but great as is.

Love the driving snow portrayed here. Makes it feel as though I am standing in a frigid Midwest snow storm.

Many, many thanks to all of you for your thoughtful comments and kind words on this. I'm so glad you liked it.Thank you, Nick

Each new image you post seems to be my new favorite from you Nick! I loved your last post, but this one is special too!

Much of it said above, but the near BW quality is amazing here. I'm glad you kept it color; it's the subtlety that is special. The blowing snow is a given; wonderful. I also find your comp compelling. I'm not sure I would have seen this. It doesn't follow any strong rules, but works really well to suck my eye in.

All in all, my new favorite of yours!

This is really nice.  The angularity created by the blowing fine snow is very different.  It provides quite a contrast against the thickness of the tree trunks.  Very nice to look at.

NIck, this is one of those images that draw me back to view it again and again.  The faded colors, blowing snow and green boughs in front of the trunks combine to make this a favorite.  Nicely done.

John, David and Doug, Thank you guys! Nick

Hi  Nick         John  Williams   post  echoed  my thoughts perfectly.   this is  the  kind  of  photography that   really  inspires  me  to  get  out,  and  take  pictures.      though  my   83 year  old  limbs  tell  me to  take  it easy. and stay  inside
Albert Darmo

Hi Albert, Thank you for your thoughts on this. I'm glad it makes you feel like getting out because I always enjoy seeing what you capture in the different seasons. I very much enjoyed the photography you did this past fall...it was wonderful work! This picture was close to my home so we don't always have to go far. Thanks Albert! Hope you have a wonderful winter and Happy Holidays to you. Nick