by Steve Tanham
We think of winter as being full of disadvantages for the photographer, but it also brings unique colours and dynamic contrasts: from clouds in the sky to the low sun on the landscape.
(200 words, a two-minute read)
One of the most subtle contrasts is between the dull green of winter’s foliage and the colour of the residual life of trunk, branch, twig and crop stubble… each coming to life with the touch of the sun.
One of the brightest winter greens is the moss, especially in very wet parts of the countryside – like we have in Cumbria. Combined, here, with the limestone walls and soft afternoon sun, it produced a subtle composition.
Winter’s effects on water can be dramatic, too. After days of intense rain, the local rivers – all bound for the vast expanse of Morecambe Bay, exhibit different colours depending on their speed and depth. Here, the River Kent begins its ‘drop’ (also know as a ‘force’) through the edge of the village of Sedgwick. The change in velocity produces a change in the volume of air in the water, resulting in a spectrum of colours.
Stephen Tanham is a Director of the Silent Eye, A journey through the forest of personality to the sunrise of Being.
©Stephen Tanham, 2021.
Sun in Gemini 
Such amazing skies in these pictures, Steve…
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Thank you, Jaye – and for the reblog. In Cumbria, you snap them fast… because the next minute they’re likely to have changed!
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Ever hear of Charles Burchfield? He was an American artist … he was known for his urban landscapes, many of them of Buffalo, NY, where I live. He loved winter, he said that the the colors of the world are so much more vivid in the dark of winter. I do believe it is true.
We have a saying about Buffalo weather that is just like your saying about Cumbria … how fast it changes. Yesterday it was snow snow & more snow. But a constantly changing portrait outside of my window. I’ll be getting outside today to take pics!
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Thank you. I’ll look up Charles Burchfield – he sounds like my kind of artist! I’m glad there are other areas as crazy as ours…
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