Over the Christmas break we got tons of snow, enough to collapse some roofs. On the positive side the skiing was the best in years. In about 20 minutes from my house, we can be skiing. I usually don't bring my camera, but fortunately on this trip I did. We discovered an abandoned cabin in Heart Prairie, in an area that I've visited a dozen times. We also viewed some low-lying smog on the way. I love how photography forces you to look at the world in a whole different perspective and allows you to capture it.

Winter Wood Stoves:


Heart Prairie Cabin:


Heart Prairie Cabin2:


Empty Post:

[cupic]

it truly looks like a beautiful playground


cheers

[Jimbo]

These are all great images. The secin done just pops and is worth printing. JIM

[dazman]

Nice captures. #2 is my fav...like the POV

[roentarre]

So beautiful and peaceful.

The first pic has has a very interesting fog there

[Sailor]

All are great, but I'm really taken with the first one - the haze, the planar composition and the snow all work together extremely well, in my view.

Jer

Great work there.

[slowpez]

Really love the first one but all are really good. You really nailed the exposure.

[ThorThum]

Thanks for looking guys, and for the kind words. I received some money for Christmas, and ordered a couple of lenses. One being the Pentax 50mm 1.4 (new) and the other a 28mm 2.0 Vivitar Komine for $115 (ebay). I'm looking forward to more outdoor adventure and hope to gain more experience with my new toys. Again, you all are most kind.

[JMR]

What you say about photography is true. Very nice work. No 3 stands out for me.

JMR

[daacon]

Excellent - I heard about all the snow - something you are not use to at all. Great captures #1 is specatular I like it.

[Rense]

Hi ThorTum,

Great captures, I really like them all four. Could you share some of your secrets (settings, post-processing), esp. concerning #3? For me, its allways very hard to take nice pictures when sun is coming in so directly. Yesterday, I started a thread with some pictures of a two-days trail, in which I includes some failures (due to low sun, a bit dampy wheather and low photography skills.....:ugh. So, I am very anxious to know how you made this beautifull photo!

R

[weatherwise2]

nice shots. I love when you can get out into fresh snow.

[ThorThum]

Hi Rense

Thanks for your interest. First of all I used my Sigma f2.8 (see sig) with a UV filter on it...my favorite walk-around lens. On pic #3 I did my PP in Aperture which included boosting the shadows, cloning out some flare from the sun (not much) and finally I used Noise Ninja to sharpen and reduce noise. That's about it. I here is the EXIF data for more info:

Camera: Pentax K200D
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/180)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 1/2 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

Photometric Interpretation: 2
Orientation: Horizontal (normal)
X-Resolution: 300 dpi
Y-Resolution: 300 dpi
Software: K200D Ver 1.00
Date and Time: 2008:12:28 11:39:18
Exposure Program: Landscape mode
Date and Time (Original): 2008:12:28 11:39:18
Date and Time (Digitized): 2008:12:28 11:39:18
Metering Mode: Pattern
Sensing Method: One-chip colour area sensor
Exposure Mode: Manual
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 27
Scene Capture Type: Landscape
Contrast: Hard
Sharpness: Hard
Subject Distance Range: Distant

[Rense]

Hi ThorThum,

Thanks a lot! It's cloudy now, but for the next few days they promise better weather. I will get out and try to do some shooting with your settings in mind. Thanks again!

R