Today is a very special day. I am truly honored to have Anna, from Alchemy of Art, guest-posting for this weeks Creative Exchange. I “met” Anna last year, and initially was so taken by her beautiful photography. If many photographs were placed in front of me, I would know which ones were Anna’s. Over time, through visiting her blog, I also came to know Anna as a wonderful writer. Her words describe, what her images allow you to feel. A very special quality indeed. In addition to writing and photography, Anna is also a talented quilter, and bead artist. So my friends, I feel very fortunate to have her here today, and Anna, I truly thank you.
Winter
I have a love/hate relationship with winter. Anyone who lives in the far north, as I do, probably knows what I mean. Winter can be gorgeous, glittery, clean, and pure. Winter can also be very dark, colorless, and bitterly cold.
In the northwoods, winter comes packed with super-sized suitcases. She is one of those guests that intends to stay a good long time! So, I try to appreciate, and outwit her.
Often, I take my camera out during, or right after, a snowfall. At these times, our temps aren’t too bad… invariably they drop soon afterwards.
And, I’m sure you guessed it, but I dress very warmly on photo outings. The list of clothing layers and types is long – do they make me look fat? Certainly!
Cold fingers on my “clicking” hand seem to be the biggest challenge. One thing that has helped is the addition of my husband’s fingerless, wool, hunting mitten/gloves. I wear them over regular thin gloves and flip on the mitten portion when my fingertips get too cold… or numb. 
I’ve read that condensation is a concern with winter photography. Thus, my camera goes out of the house in a camera bag and comes back in that way, too. Once inside, I leave my camera in its bag for 3 – 4 hours to warm up slowly. Honestly though, it does make me a bit nervous as I only have one camera body.
Past that, I enjoy the magic of winter’s wonderland. It’s a minimalist’s dream! I’ve written that winter reminds me of haiku – it’s poignant, to the point, stripped to the core. In this season, I am especially aware of pattern, values, and abstract design. I revel in the bare bones architecture of the landscape and the cleansing shroud that snow provides.
And, sometimes… I dream of spring!
Have a beautiful start to your week!
