Thin Ice

Please view in larger format. Cars go through the ice far too

frequently, sometimes taking lives with them. Robert Frost in "Fire

and Ice" said if the world were to end he'd favor fire, "but for

destruction ice is also great and would suffice." Your comments are

always valued and appreciated.

A good example of your comments of the destructive power of ice as can be seen with the fence.Visually, it's an attractive image, the gently curved lines of the fence,even lines on the broken parts are interesting.Also the softly curved lines of the stream are visually pleasing . Very well captured.Up here the same things hapens every year, people disregard the police warnings the ice is unsafe & some pay the ultimate price, . Best Regards_Ross PS If you crop to below the ice huts you have another interesting image

Lovely image! Very simple but effective composition

Pat,  Thanks for your visit and comment.  This lake is within two miles of our home and offers many chances for fussing with the camera.  The image is simple.  I tried a new technique - for me.  That is to use the histogram to get as close with the whites on the right as possible without causing blowing out. I read this in John and Barbara Gerlach's book, Digital Landscape Photography.  Thanks again for your comment.  Larry

That histogram exercise is something I try to do on a regular basis especially on scenes like this. Another set of eyes will always see other possibilities but it does not mean it is better. All the best

Hi Tony,  Thanks for your visit.  Yes, the crop works well, and I would use it as you illustrate.  Here I was really trying to get the ices houses  and car tracks in too - the problem is that too many accidents occur with people driving cars and trucks on the lakes to get to an ice house.  I was also experimenting on the larger snow area to see how I could capture an accurate white exposure.  Thanks again.   Larry

Excellent clarity and sharpness, particularly on the wider view option!

Its more than just a photograph though, it is almost journalistic.  A graphic example of thin ice and the consequences. I love fishing..........but not enough to take those kind of risks : - )

But I do remember Linda Davidson (A PN member) writing to tell me about the number of accidents that occur every year as a cosnequence of people ignoring the warning signs etc.

I too like Tonys crop, it delivers the scene in a more concentrated way, but perhaps at the sacrifice of the full story that the original conveys.

You seem in an elevated position taking this shot Larry..........from a bridge perhaps?

Compliments & Best Regards

 

Alf

 

 

 

A great capture and of a subject I know too well. I too like Tony's crop. You've got 2 excellent versions here!

 

I recall one evening about 12 years ago when my husband was still working (Police Officer). He was Acting Sargeant this one night, we lived in a country subdivision called Sunrise Beach on Lake Scugog in Southern Ontario. Ice Fishing has always been big on that lake. This particular night Jim was acting Sargaent, I knew he was working alone, and as I closed my bedroom blinds, I saw a Cruisar with lights flashing go past our home. I knew it was him. Soon the Firetrucks were not far behind. I had my son go down to the Lake as I was worried that Jim would be out on the ice. The whole story is too long, but my main point is that people are warned NOT TO GO OUT ON THE THIN ICE. On that Lake they think it's great fun to see if they can get across the OPEN WATER (on their Snowmobiles) !!! Many end up in the freezing water. These idiots put the lives of the Police Officers and Firemen in danger, not to mention the cost to taxpayers. It has gone on for too long. Finally, one idiot who waundered out on the ice and admitted he could not see in front of him for the fog (duh!!) said he had to call 911 as he was going through the ice close to shore. The Mayor got smart and is charging him for the services of the Police and Firefighters. (over $4,000) Finally people may get smart.

 

Oh yes, back to that night I mentioned. When my husband got home in the morning I asked him if he had gone out on the ice??? "Oh no dear, I'm not stupid, that is what they train Firefighters for!!" About 20 minutes later I saw my husband on the local news coming off the ice, helping the Firefighters carry a stretcher. At least one man died that night.

Gail,  Your stories are bone chillingly real.  You are absolutely right and appropriately sensitive too.  I'm sure your husband Jim has collected too many stories from personal experience.  Recently, a small child about a year old died when the family's car went through the ice.  Tragic and stupid!  I have added a crop like Tony's to my image file.  Best to y'all for the remaining weeks of winter.  Larry

This is so well composed and the colour rendition almost appears like a b&w image if not for the colour of the fence. As discussed above I would also go for the crop and in that case it becomes even an excellent landscape with a graphic form. I admire the placement of the fence in your composition for it becomes dynamic as if the broken line of the fence was split by the small body of water flow. A well captured scene, Larry and congratulations.  -  Lester

Love the composition, and love the cropped even more.  100% agree with the above comments from which I learned something.  Best Regards,