January 29, 2011

Photo Challenge: Frozen

After an extended hiatus for the holiday season, the Brenda Photo Challenge is back! The winter weather has been unusually harsh and a constant topic of conversation here in the States. Perhaps only Hawaii has escaped from the grips of chilling temperatures and the associated gripes by residents! Appropriately, the current theme is of the photo challenge is Frozen.

There is something absolutely magical about snow, our winter visitor during the cold months. It is a significant transforming element for photography. The white blanket clears the clutter normally seen through the viewfinder. The subject matter stands out clearly. And the end result takes your mind off the cold your body feels. Instead, you focus on the warmth in your heart for the stark beauty and contrasts.

With the combination of a bright sunny morning, fresh snowfall, and a local horse neighbor, this dramatic scene unfolds. I applied a slight Orton effect in Photoshop CS5 to give the image a 3-dimensional effect. Isn’t this pinto handsome?!

A craftsman-style bridge is located right down the hill from our cottage. We ventured out to enjoy the peaceful beauty after one of our recent snowfalls, and I took along my little Coolpix camera. I like how the hillside, walking trail, meandering creek, and fence line create striking visual lines in this composition.

And with this challenge’s theme, you know that I have to show you another polar bear picture from our arctic adventure in Churchill, Manitoba! This adorable brute had been cavorting in the fresh snow and proudly wore the evidence of his celebration.

Now that you have seen my contributions to the challenge, please click on the link at the beginning of this post and find some other great Frozen images!

20 comments:

  1. Love how your photo of the bridge, really, really incorporates the sense of distance...

    Hugs and ♥'s...
    'Cause Valentine Day is coming!

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  2. Awesome photos Donna!!! Love the horse!! And the Bridge! And that Bear.... Girl, they are All gorgeous!
    Have a Warm weekend!!
    Hughugs

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  3. The pinto is most handsome and love what you did in Photoshop. Love the way you describe the composition in the bridge photo. Mr. Polar Bear is awesome.

    I'm afraid I just point the camera but must remember to look before snapping. :D

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  4. Wonderful, thoughtful, marvelous photos. I'm leaving now trying not to be too jealous...

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  5. Awesome photo's, Donna! Love the pinto, actually I love all of them. :)

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  6. I love the covered bridge. They facinate me. There are none in our area as they'd fill up with snow. Ours blows sideways, rarely coming straight down.

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  7. The pinto is magnifico and you've got to love a PB with snow on his proboscis! Love your effects, Donna!

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  8. one can never have too many pictures of those polar bears. Love all three. The contrast of the horse's color against the snow is striking. I've been enjoying playing with the Orton effect a bit myself lately.

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  9. Love that pony. It is shapes and colors that accent winter photos.i shot a bunch yesterday and was tempted to make them into Black and white.Good selections.

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  10. I'm always in awe of these photos. I can see the image in my mind, but the camera doesn't get it LOL. I should invest in a better one.

    Beautiful. Every one.

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  11. Love that second photo, Donna. You're right the visual effects are pretty cool. You live in such a nice area!

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  12. Just beautiful photos, I really love the horse. It reminds me of a scene I saw driving down the road the other day. I go by a place that boards horses and they were all outside in the snow. I wished I had time to stop and take some pictures.

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  13. Glorious frozen shots and I knew they would be. I love the composition of the bridge with the rail fencing. It's so pleasing to the eye.

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  14. Lovely images!
    What a majestic shot of the pinto!
    The scene with the bridge is quite idyllic.
    Awesome is the only way to describe the polar bear - lucky you!

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  15. Donna, thanks for the comment on my photos. I did have fun playing with the editing. I always love what you do with your photos... you're my inspiration for "playing" with the pics!

    I love all three of yours, but today my favorite is that covered bridge. It is so dreamy. I'd love to live down the lane from one!

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  16. Love your photos for the FROZEN Challenge Donna. Really great. Especially love the bridge and of course the bear!

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  17. Your photos are always wonderful. Of course the paint horse is my favorite!
    I've never been crazy about snow, although I do like how everything becomes uncluttered and peaceful for a little while.

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  18. The horse and bridge are wonderful, but I love, love the Polar Bear! I don't "collect", but if I did, it would be polar bears. An amazing photo!

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  19. beautiful as always. i think that horse is one of the most beautiful horses i have ever looked at....amazing....and love.love the bridge and polar bear....love the quiet of a wonderful snow!
    thanks for sharing...
    kimberly

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!