It is the second time the UK has been hit by the so called 'Beast from the East' with cold winds and snow being dragged in from Scandinavia and Russia. The snow started falling in this part of Berkshire on Saturday morning but it was not a substantial covering until the additional snow fell through Saturday night and into Sunday morning. Conditions - This time there was a consistent covering of snow and the minimal wind meant that most of the trees also had snow on the branches so photo opportunities were looking good.
Timing - The weather forecast on Saturday indicated that there was a chance of some sun breaking through in the afternoon on Sunday, but also the possibility of more heavy snow fall. This forecast changed Sunday morning advising the snow had past through to the West Country and there would be no more snow fall in this area.
Location - I did not want to return to the canal my normal local photo location, this time I wanted to go somewhere different. However there is nothing within walking distance so this would require me going out in the car. If you listen to the advice given by the authorities when snow falls in the UK, it is essential journeys only. The local roads although not good were passable with care, and the added benefit it being a Sunday was that not many people were venturing out so there were less cars on the roads.
So lets recap -
Conditions, timing and location were my three considerations for the day. I was not convinced the conditions would last beyond Sunday morning as it was getting windy and there was a slight thaw to be seen around the house. Although the forecast had shown a chance of brightness in the afternoon it may not come (it didn't) and by then there may be no snow on the trees.
The timing would be important, I could not wait for the afternoon, the snow had stopped falling so I decided to go out at around 10:30 to make use of the conditions I had.
Location was tricky, considering the weather conditions I did not want to travel too far. The cloudy skies did not suit open fields and panoramas, even if there was one in this area to tempt me. I chose to go to a local wood, with all the snow on the trees and the possibility of the snow clearing up the scenes and foregrounds meaning I may be able to find some simple shots.
So after pushing the snow off my car off I went, up to the local wood for a couple of hours of photography. To be fair there were not many compositions to be had, most were just too cluttered to provide good images. I came away with these pictures and my lungs full of fresh air, so not too bad a trip. It was then home to a log fire and a cup of coffee.
