Last week, on December 30th, we had a comfortably calm time between Christmas and the new year. The weather forecast promised clear blue sky and temperatures below 0°C. Instead of hiking a mountain, this time we opted for a leisurely stroll and sought the peace and quiet of nature somewhere in the surrounding area.
From one of our trusty guidebooks, we chose a delightful route through a nearby moor, specifically noted for its winter charm. I must admit, my expectations for photography were modest. I had a rough idea of the area but had never actually ventured down the mentioned trail before.
As we approached the moor, a thick veil of fog cloaked the landscape, creating a mysterious and ethereal atmosphere. I thought to myself, “Oh, this might just turn into a fog-walk.” In hindsight, a quick glance at a webcam might have provided insight into the conditions awaiting us. Nevertheless, I was grateful that we remembered to dress warmly!
Setting aside thoughts of panoramic mountain shots, we parked the car and exited into the bracing chill. Almost immediately after we began our trek, we were greeted by snippets of blue peeking through the fog above our heads. I was particularly drawn to the frost clinging to the nearby birch trees – a promising sign for some captivating photographs.
Our path led us alongside a gentle, winding river, bordered by lush thickets and trees. As we walked along, I kept an eye out for a spot with a clear view of the calm water. And finally – after I had almost given up hope – we came across a spot from where you could look out over the water, where the reflections on the water’s surface were almost perfect.
We soon came to a charming crossroads where our path led us away from the riverbank. I found this particular scene intriguing – the way beckoning out into two directions with the graceful birch trees standing in the middle. Yet, I felt that the empty space in the bottom right could use a little something. Still, despite this empty space, I found it was a moment worth capturing.
As we continued our walk and crossed the moor, we encountered a couple of lone trees, quaint little huts, and a calm little stream. I felt that there were a couple of compositions waiting to be discovered. By the way, the fog remained still thick, rendering the background as pure gray / white which always creates a very special mood.
As we completed our loop the fog finall dissipated. It was truly fascinating to watch the landscape transform before our eyes. At one point, we spotted a row of trees along the road, their branches still covered in frost and ice crystals. I couldn’t help but capture numerous photographs, each one revealing a different facet of this scene, especially that singular, solitary tree that stood out like a sentinel.
Back at home, I dove into my editing process, experimenting with bright and dark monochromes, as well as amplifying the contrast between the stunning blue sky and the frozen white branches. As I navigated through different styles, I found myself deliberating over which edit resonated the most with my mood. It took me a couple of days to decide and process the photos and it all seemed to hinge on my mood and how I felt at that moment. Ultimately, I settled on several compelling edits.
Reflecting on our adventure, you never know what enchanting views and photographic opportunities lie hidden beneath the fog. You might just discover something breathtaking. But do not set expectiations too high to avoid being disappointed! Just a couple of days later for example, we also went on a very nice walk around a little town. It was a beautiful walk – but I returned with no photos at all. I simply didn’t “see” anything. But it was a nice walk nevertheless! Just enjoy the time outdoors – and spend as much time there as possible. The more time we spend outside, the greater the chance of capturing a wonderful moment.