stormy nights, bewitched by the clatter of wind and glint of route to the Earth. Rich blue skies are reflected in the snow;
ice, knowing their familiar world will look magically unfamiliar tiny colourful objects “pop” against it. Shadows punch
next morning under a fresh blanket of snow. sharply across the whiteness, creating powerful shapes and
exaggerated textures.
The photographers amongst them will ready their cameras.
As the sun staggers briefly above the horizon, they will relish On cloudy days, winter light creates a soft, muted,
the mystery, the drama, or the feast of monochromatic shadowless palette. Gone are the claustrophobic greens
minimalism that unfolds with each winter’s day. of summer and the saturated bling of autumn. Snow and
ice combine to hide distractions and obscure background
Winter light is angled low. On sunny days the photographic clutter. Leafless trees stand stark against grey skies. The
“golden hour” stretches almost from dawn till dusk as world is sparse. The view is simple. Black, white and
sunlight diffuses through the atmosphere on its oblique negative space prevail.
Above::
The Geometry of Ice
(Meat Cove)
Right:
Sea Slurry (New Haven
Cove)
Sea ice is battered into
large chunks (“pans”) and a
slurry of smaller fragments
by the relentless pounding
of North Atlantic storm
waves
29