By Walerij Kyrejko, 2007-01-16
I found that there are two types of ICE.
1) The spot freeze
Where the surface gets a coating of ice from change of weather, creating an uneven surface freeze and patterns. This is usually formed on shallow standing water puddles.The spot freeze ice exits when the weather changes from warm to below freezing. You have maybe 48 hours. The ice looks like oriental paintings. Judge that with lighting and the direction that is needed to see the lines and you have your challenges. The wind helps in the formation of patterns as you can see it on some of the prints. We had 3 days of below freezing and I went out on the first day. I found a small grassy puddle in the South Mountain Reservation. I also came the next day and found what I call milky dry ice. All the patterns were gone. So it is a small window of time but it is rewarding if you catch it.
2) The Accumulated Affect
Ice storm, streams, and wood, even spray from a waterfall. You need several days of freezing weather.The second ice exists within layers of time. Such as creeks, rivers, water falls, even gutters. Just remember weather and lighting changes quickly. Directional changes of reflectivity offers a challenge for your eye as well as your intuitive nature of winter design.
*** REMEMBER
YOUR CAMERA MUST STAY COLD IN ORDER TO PREVENT ANY FOGGING. Introduce your camera slowly to the warmer climate such as a car, under your coat, in a diner or at home. You don't want any moisture to form inside your lens or worse inside a digital camera body. [keep it in a bag]***