Lens-Artists Photo Challenge 107: Winter

27Jul
by Oh, the Places We See

People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.

Anton Chekhov

Since we’re not accustomed to dealing with harsh winters — after all, we live in the South — we find cold weather (especially if snow is involved) to be novel enough to make us happy. Our contributions to the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #107 this week are three winter scenes that brought us joy even in the dead of winter.

December 2015 found us in New York City: plays on Broadway, people buying Christmas trees from makeshift sidewalk venues, skaters in Bryant Park, and magical department store windows. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t just winter attire that got our attention but the reflections of other buildings superimposed on this haute couture scene that did.

A mannequin in white fur and winter finery poses in the Christmas 2015 windows at Saks with a cityscape reflection in the background.
A mannequin in white fur and winter finery poses in the Christmas 2015 windows at Saks with a cityscape reflection in the background.

In McCall, Idaho, we caught the last couple of days of the 2014 Winter Carnival, an event known for some pretty amazing ice sculptures scattered about town. (Like the dinosaur at the top of this post as well as a giant cupcake with a cherry on top!)

MCCall Idaho Winter Carnival 2014 ice sculpture
Winner of the Winter Carnival First Timers’ Award in 2014 is this icy cupcake at Stacey Cakes.

And who wouldn’t smile at this photo of a grandpa and his sweet granddaughter taking a winter walk together? This kind of magic just doesn’t last long enough.

Snowy walk in Knoxville, TN
A very wintry nature walk in Knoxville, Tennessee — once upon a time.

And so we agree with Anton Chekhov: “People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” Weather and seasons may be a frame of mind, after all.

Stay safe out there,

Rusha and Bert

For more entries into Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #107: Winter, head to the site of this week’s host, Ann-Christine, where you’ll see her beautiful, somewhat nostalgic photos as well as links to other entries.

30 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Photo Challenge 107: Winter”

  1. pattimoed

    Hi, Rusha. I often tell myself the same thing–it’s just a frame of mind–but some time around February it stops working!! Great shots of cold places. I especially like the one of New York. Great reflections.

    Reply

      2. Oh, the Places We See

        I may have been confused and then confusing to you. I am wondering just how extravagant even NYC will be this fall leading up to Christmas. Iā€™ve heard that department stores are not doing all that well, so I donā€™t know about their budgets for window dressing. Or maybe Iā€™m wrong all together. We need a bit of color and extravagance, but the pandemic isnā€™t over, as I see it.

  2. Anonymous

    With all of the hot weather, those snow sculptures provide a breath of cool weather, Rusha. ā€“Curt

    Reply

  3. Abrie Joubert

    A snowy cupcake – probably food for the dinosaur

    Interesting the patterns left by the grandpa an daughter – she leaves none. He a solid line. He must be struggling to walk and his shuffles kicks open the snow.

    Reply

  7. Amy

    These ice sculptures are stung! Love the last photo is so sweet. Thank you, Rusha for sharing your precious moment. šŸ’—

    Reply

  10. WanderingCanadians

    That snow cupcake looks absolutely adorable. I like that some cities have embraced winter and are now featuring winter decorations, like ice or snow sculptures to encourage people to visit and spend time outdoors. Besides, hot chocolate just tastes so much better when coming in from the cold.

    Reply

  12. Tina Schell

    Truly loved this post Rusha. The ice sculptures are amazing and really made me smile as did your final image. You’re right, such moments don’t last long and I suppose that’s a good thing but how lovely that as a photographer you can keep the memories alive! Thanks for this morning’s happy moments!

    Reply

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