Winter Hot And Cold Spots

Whether you've packed snowshoes or swimsuits, these diverse destinations will satisfy your craving for winter photography

By Ibarionex R. Perello

While spring and fall offer a distinctive color palette, winter brings to the prepared eye a wonderful array of tones and subjects that distinguishes it from the rest of the days of the year. Winter has a special quality all its own, which calls to the photographer to visit, to explore and to capture. With the help of several accomplished photographers, we offer some special locations to consider visiting during this time of year.

Note: The latitude and longitude data provided are approximate coordinates and can be used in GPS units or at www.mapquest.com.

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

Tom Till (www.tomtill.com)
The sandstone red accentuated against the white and blues of fresh snow offers an exploration of colors and contrast. With more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, this southwestern location provides you with an opportunity to produce images with vibrant color during the heart of winter. Even oft-photographed Balanced Rock takes on a completely new appearance, as in this photograph, shot through the mist. Located in a high desert, you can expect the cold, but be ready for major fluctuations in temperature while you're out. Many of its natural occupants, including jackrabbits, mule deer and songbirds, are mostly active during dusk and dawn, so be prepared for changing temperatures.

Website:www.nps.gov/arch/
Balanced Rock GPS Coordinates: Lat. 38° 42’ 00" Long.-109° 34’ 00"

Yellowstone National Park, Montana

Marc Muench (www.muenchphotography.com)
This popular destination takes on a completely different appearance during winter. The whiteness of snow and dramatic blue winter skies can complement the cloud-like release of a geyser like Old Faithful as seen in this photograph. While you can expect cold temperatures around 20° F, this helps thin out the crowds and provides tourist-free images of many iconic locations. Snowfall is highly variable, so it's advised that you monitor the weather and try to coordinate your visit so you arrive soon after a winter storm.

Website: www.nps.gov/yell/
Old Faithful Geyser GPS Coordinates: Lat. 44° 27' 30'' Long.-110° 50' 00''

Lake Superior, Two Harbors, Minnesota

Gary Alan Nelson (www.garyalannelson.com)
During the winter months, few people are compelled to deal with the challenging elements around the lake. This harsh weather also provides a photographer with a sense of solitude, however. In winter, the landscape can change daily, depending on snowfall and the ice pack, but that variability can produce fresh subjects to photograph, such as these icicles against a color-rich horizon. Severe winter storms do occur, but their passing often results in many opportunities to create unique images.

Website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html
Lake Superior Coastline GPS Coordinates: Lat. 46° 57' 30'' Long.-91° 46' 15''

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