Dancing on Icebergs (Click for larger view)

After some fairly nerve racking driving experiences getting here, the snow stopped and

I trudged to the place I like best on this lake. I added the vignette to emphasise the

cold, but I do have another version without it. Your thoughts and comments are always

appreciated. Thank You

Very atmospheric and perfectly composed photograph!

Alf,

a great shot with excellent composition.  Looks like a cold day.

The epitome of frigid conditions that also has a peaceful, soothing atmosphere.  Given the sharp detail present here, I think I would like the scene without the vignetting.  Very well done as is though... Mike

I think the vignette (fake fog) works to hide the out-of-focus grasses.  This is a really awesome scene.  Did you alter the colors?

Very beautiful and peaceful scene. Some have mentioned the vignetting; I think (for me) it makes the scene surreal - like being lost in a dream. I love the icy soft colors and atmosphere. Lovely work as always, Alf! Thank you for sharing. :)

A must view larger image. Alf the small island with the tree is beautifully reflected in the water and between the foreground brush. That is what first caught my eye. The fog or mist to the left of the image and near the mountain backdrop is a subtle contrast to the sharp detail of the island. It has great atmosphere as well as composition. What we simply take for granted in your images. Alf I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. Take care my friend.

Warm Regards,

Holger

Beautiful composition and atmosphere. Congrats.

Alf,  Your safe driving in hairy conditions paid off.   This image is superb.  I feel like putting on gloves as I view the scattered snow, but I also find some warmth in the reflection.  Beautifully done!.  Happy holidays to you and yours. Larry

Hi Alf,

  Wow...breathtaking scene with magical details & reflection.  Happy holiday to you & your family!! Patsy

A fantastic scene my friend! Very well processed, but as Mike says, and I concur, It might be better without the vignette. Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas.

Warm regards,

Dimitris.

A beautiful winter scene, the composition and reflections are wonderful.

Jed

Many Thanks for your thoughts and kind words.  I have had a bit of practice with this one having photographed it before. ; - ) 

BILL 

It wasn't as cold as it appears, though I dare say that lugging my camera gear around over the hills kept me warm : - ) 

Thank You Bill

Alf 

MIKE 

It was a bit of a frosted window look I was aiming for, but yes, I do have the version without the vignette too. 

Sincere Thanks! 

Alf 

JEFF 

No alteration of the colours, but the soft edges were deliberate, maybe I should have tried F/ 2.8 instead of  F /4 

Many Thanks! 

Alf 

RICHARD 

You are right the colours are completely natural and I'm really pleased you noticed the tree reflection in the gap between the foreground grasses.  You might be right about the vignette too, but I do have the alternative version without it. I will post it at a later date. 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful feedback! 

Alf 

TRISHA 

I quite like your analogy of the scene as being "dream like"  almost like viewing it through half closed eyes.  

Thank you so much for your interest and thoughtful feedback! 

Alf 

HOLGER 

Many Thanks for your thoughts and positive feedback, much appreciated. There is so much to photograph at these locations and never enough time to get round to it all. I do try though : - ) 

Sincere Best Wishes to you and your family, Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year Holger

Alf 

RAY 

The Lake district as you know, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's not hard to find a good place to point the camera : - ) 

Many Thanks! 

Alf 

LARRY

I wouldn't describe my driving as safe, better described as "lucky" : - ) 

Glad you like this one Larry, I took several images throughout the day but I think this was my favourite. 

A very Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year to you and yours Larry.

Alf 

PATSY 

Thank you so much for your interest and kind words! 

Seasonal Greetings and  Best Wishes to you and your family 

Alf 

DIMITRIS 

Both you and Mike could be right about the vignette, I do have another version that I must post at some point in the future. 

Sincere Thanks and Best Wishes to you and your loves ones at Christmas.

Alf 

JED 

Many Thanks for your positive feedback, much appreciated! 

Alf 

I'm neutral about the vignette....honestly like it either way.  Perhaps a bit less, especially in the lower right corner?  You know what I love even more than your images?  The amazing names you come up with for them!  It's that wonderful imagination at work!  The coloration has a real feel of frozen chill, yet the water isn't frozen....interesting.  Glad you're okay after your harrowing experience!  And I left you a holiday greeting at the bottom of your portfolio page.  All the best to you and your family this holiday season!!!

everything going for it Alf, atmosphere, foreground and background and a wonderful picture...regards....David

Thank you so much for your kind words and those very heart warming ones you left on my portfolio! 

For me every image has to have a name, sometimes it's a strange name that no one else can relate to, but it helps me identify images from memory and of course find them amongst the  files.

You might like the name on the image I left on your portfolio "Snow Place Like Home"  

: - ) 

I think that less could be more in terms of the vignette also.

Thanks again Christal, and my Seasonal Best Wishes to you and yours.

Alf 

DAVID 

Many Thanks for your interest and thoughtful feedback, it's really gratifying to know you enjoyed viewing it.

Best Regards 

Alf 

Christal is so right about your Titles. This one is perfect. Beautiful imagery, lovely reflections, and the tonal range is very pleasing. The tree that is the main focus is placed well. I recall the drive you had to arrive at this place and have to give you congrats on your efforts. I think this image makes it all worth while. I am so glad you got some good captures when I consider you had to traverse back to your vehicle and face the drive home! Your love of the captured image is an admirable driving force. Natural beauty that catches my breath! The vignette doesn't bother me at all.

Take care over the Holidays my friend, best always, Gail :)

It simply does not get any better. Congrats and Merry Christmas.

Hi Alf, stunning capture! Wishing you a very Happy Christmas & New Year. Best wishes. Sarah.

Thank you so much for your for your thoughts and kind words, much appreciated! 

It's not often I get stuck for a title, it usually comes to me as I'm either taking the shot or processing the image, although sometimes my titles won't make any sense to anyone other than myself : - ) 

Yes, the drive as a bit nail biting to say the least, but I wouldn't have missed the day for anything. We have had more snow this evening! At long last it's arrived in our neighbourhood and I'm praying it lasts until tomorrow! 

My Sincere Best Wishes to you and your loved ones Gail, and I pray you have a peaceful New Year!

Alf 

TONY

Thank you my friend! 

Seasonal Best Wishes to you and yours! 

Alf 

SARAH

Thank you so much! 

All the very best to you and yours for Christmas and New Year! 

A stunning winter scene magnificently brought to life by your craft, your skill, your creativity, and especially your connection with nature.  If I were you, I wouldn't worry about the vignetting, since the snow laced vegetation in the foreground grabs the viewer's attention immediately.  It's almost like a herald of more beautiful sights to see within the rest of the frame.  I also love how the reflections toward the center tend to mirror those in the upper right.

My best to you and yours for a spectacular 2015,

michael

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful comments and generous compliments! 

I like to experiment a bit with vignetting, framing etc, but inevitably when I do, there is always en element that will agree or disagree about it's inclusion, that is just the subjective nature of photography. 

I had a fantastic day in the Lake District, I enjoyed every minute! 

Sincere Best Wishes to you and your loved ones for 2015! 

Alf 

Outstanding view, very good work!

Thank you for your interest and kind words.

Best Regards 

Alf 

Alf,

I think you got the vignetting dead right - great touch. Congrats.

Peter.