I’ve hinted in the past that while the vibrant “organic” colors that Spring through Fall bring make for amazing photographs. However, there is something to be said for the simple beauty of winter.  After all, the peaceful beauty that freshly fallen snow (let alone the peaceful silence of being out in the snow as it quietly falls) makes for great images.

While winter may have gotten off to a late start here on the East Coast, it made for some great photography: bringing the foggiest December on record to the Mid Atlantic.  Then in January, we were treated to a true whollop of snowstorm, bringing 34 inches to my backyard.  Some areas of West Virginia saw 40+”!  Unfortunately, this much snow made it extremely difficult for me to get to get to scenic locations to photograph, but my new pair of snowshoes got a lot of use for a week 🙂

Finally, we were able to make it up to Canaan Valley in the high Alleghenies of West Virginia for Winter’s last true stand.  While not quite as cold or beautiful as the winter of 2015, all-in-all winter 2016 did not disappoint.

Cheers!

-Tom

Blackwater Canyon in West Virginia

Starry night sky above Canaan Valley

Late day sky glow in Canaan Valley

Elakala Falls

Frozen rocks at Great Falls during a cold snap

The sun trying to poke through the clouds on a foggy morning

Reston during the blizzard

I was out during the peak of “blizzard conditions” and was impressed by the amount of snow blowing around

The neighborhood…more snow still had yet to come

Saint Mary’s Wilderness – George Washington National Forest

Bolivar Heights – Harpers Ferry. The mountains were completely obstructed by the fog bank pouring over them

Sunrise in Jefferson County, WV. Due to excessively warm/moist conditions, the grass was abnormally green for late December

Jefferson County, WV

Industrial Grittiness – Halltown, WV

North Landing River Preserve, Virginia Beach

North Landing River Preserve, Virginia Beach

North Landing River Preserve, Virginia Beach

North Landing River Preserve, Virginia Beach

North Landing River Preserve, Virginia Beach

North Landing River Preserve, Virginia Beach

North Landing River Preserve, Virginia Beach

A near full moon over Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Abandoned farmhouse – Great Falls, VA

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge