As winter approaches here on Vancouver Island, the sense of excitement builds in our house. Snow doesn’t come often, but when it does it reveals scenes and landscapes that are unique to the island.
Nanaimo River Valley – First Winters Snow – BC, Canada
We spent an afternoon in November of 2010 chasing these scenes, driving up and down the island looking for glimpses of something special to capture. A new back-road we’d never been on before meandered through the Nanaimo Valley area, and as we came around a corner we were greeted by this scene. Knowing the effect would only last seconds, we scrambled out of the car and managed to capture this picture. Everyone who sees it immediately believes that there is fire dancing above the trees, but this isn’t the case. This is a phenomenon of fog on an icy day with the sun setting in the background. The dichotomy of fire and ice was not lost on us and to this day this remains a picture that takes on a metaphorical presence of sorts, one that expresses a fiery passion for our craft tempered against a cold and relentless landscape.
Nanaimo River Valley – First Winters Snow – BC, Canada
Just as this scene came and went in the blink of eye, life is fleeting. The love we feel for the world we live in and this wonderful island we call home reveals special moments, if only we are aware and receptive to experiencing them. This all forms a part of the journey of discovery we call life.
Photo Credits
All photos are © Scott Johnson – All Rights Reserved
More pictures posted on the gallery at Winter In The Valley
Recent Scott Johnson Articles:
- A Settler’s Story
- Sweet Desolation
- The Second Life Of A Rusty Tugboat
- Reaching For The Heavens
- Greet The Morning
What is the best camera to use to shoot a landscape in the winter? The one you have in your hand. Beautiful capture and lovely words to support the effort. A treat.
We are absolutely humbled by your kind words here today, Michael, thanks ever so kindly!
Right place, right time. Fire and ice. Beautiful and poetic.
Thanks Vincent, we really appreciate your thoughts here!! 🙂
I for one was convinced that was a fire. Fascinating phenomena!
Thanks for sharing this Scott 🙂
Cheers,
Gil
You’re very welcome, Gil, it’s our pleasure entirely! We were blown away to come across this scene and it’s been a picture we’ve loved to share and talk about ever since. We’re very happy to see you’ve enjoyed it, and we sure do appreciate your kind support!