New ice and grass

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

Description: When ice first forms on a still surface, like this pond, it is quite 3-dimensional and the facets can be used to reflect contrasting light. Add to that a blade of grass under the water and I find it is pretty gorgeous. Made with a Pentax K-7 at 1/250, f/4.5, ISO 400 and 210mm using a Sigma telephoto lens.

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jrs-9034
jrs-9034900×598 141 KB

4 Likes
2

Hi John, I agree, it is a very attractive capture. I find the splash of color against the stark background particularly pleasing and noted the three-dimensionality too. The new blade of grass seems to soften the otherwise chaotic lines beneath it.

3

This is so interesting. It reminds me of a close up of handmade paper. The textures and organic quality are quite striking. The light and angle are nice for making those the integral factor. The arrangement of the lines is good, too - jangly, but not too chaotic. Have you tried cloning or darkening the bit of grass in the ULC? It might strengthen the composition and focus our attention even more.

4

Incredible form, texture, and color contrast. The shapes are well seen.

5

Thank you, David, for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the image.

6

Thanks, Kristen. Good call on the small bit of grass. The first time I ever saw the patterns in ice was on a bird bath that had frozen! Now I build many hikes around the probability of there being such magic.

7

I’m a bit late to the show here but I love this photo and wanted to comment. Great colors and great depth. The 3D feel of this photo is amazing and inspiring.

8

Late or not, I appreciate your note and am glad you enjoyed the image. The spot where I made this photo is a steep spot where two hillside fold together and this very small stream flows in the late winter/early spring. The active flow then pretty much disappears for a year. It is a magical spot!

9

Gorgeous 3D image with lovely color in the submerged grass! I think I’d like to see a bit of color in the B/W parts – it feels a bit artificial with no color. But a truly magic capture!