How many times do you hear, “I’m so over winter?” In Michigan, I hear that phrase quite a bit as winter marches on. What to do when the cold and gray starts to get the best of you? Winter photography!
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.”
— Hal Borland
Take a trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (or other winter location) where wintry weather is a specialty. Wait, what? To escape winter, drive in to more winter? Absolutely. To see my recent video from the Upper Peninsula: Tahquamenon Falls and Bond Falls
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) is where beauty and nature collide year round. In winter, the soft color collision is magical. We’re sharing a few locations from the UP and other areas to inspire winter photography ideas.
In winter, there’s something simply magical in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
With over 300 waterfalls, 22 state parks and a state forest system 3.8 million acres, adventure awaits. Across the UP Michigan’s State Parks and other natural areas offer winter adventures. In addition to waterfalls, we embrace ice climbing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and winter camping in some locations.
Many folks flock to this part of the state in summer and fall. And for good reason, the colors rival any northeastern state. In winter, if the opportunity surfaces to travel here, it’s a gift for the senses.
Even if travel to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is not an option this year, we’re sharing ideas and images that work across wintry conditions.
Winter Photography: Iconic Locations, State Parks and More
Just like other states, Michigan takes pride in its’ iconic locations and views throughout the year. Start with towns rich in mining history, monolithic ore dock structures. Drive miles along the shorelines of Great Lakes waters. Venture into the wilderness and our state parks.
If you’re living in other areas? Find signs of winter with light, textures, signs of season change. Waters hold reflections. Longer shadows offer interesting perspectives.
Finding Beauty in the Bleak of the Season – Ideas for Inspiration
All of us face seasons where the views lack the luster we prefer as photographers. However, even in the most bleak of seasons, moments await. I’m sharing a few favorite locations where light, water and and the weather’s elements collide. The outcome of the collision lives on in our photographs and memories.
Winter morning light. As the days grow longer, blue hour and golden hour light create pastel, painterly views.
In southern climates, early blooming trees, like the Japanese Magnolia emerge in late winter’s gray.
Frazil ice floats in circular patterns on teal Great Lakes waters.
Signs of Winter’s Shift to Spring
Winter’s shift happens slowly before the “bam,” of warm weather. A few signs that spring is on the way right in front of our eyes include.
- The position of the sun. Within a short amount of time, the northern movement of the sun is very noticeable
- Longer days/earlier wake-up calls. I love the extra sleep time in winter. With the shifting light, no wake-up alarm clock needed. My sleep patterns follow the sunlight. (Less sleep)
- Ice, frazil ice, ice balls, shifting ice shelves. Even though our ice is less this year, both ice shelves and frazil ice ebb and flow rapidly.
The good news is that if you love winter or you’re ready for the evolution to spring, there’s still much beauty to see as we March to another season. Embrace the moment!
Winter Photography & Safety: Know before You Go
As we travel short and long distances, unpredictable weather and road conditions await. Before driving, I load my car with safety gear and supplies.
Supplies include a long tow strap, a snow shovel, fix-a-flat and flashlight. Then there’s always plenty of water (I have a couple of Yeti’s) and snacks. Plus, if driving solo I share my location continually with my hubby just in case.
With a few weeks of winter left, our time is limited. Let’s go and take in the remaining light of winter.
For related reading: Rv’s vs. Traditional Travel, Exploring New Horizons
