'Cold enough for ya?'

100 ya from me. Very good timing, colours and composition. Best regards

I had the camera on 'Continuous Shooting' so I had a few frames to chose from.  This one produced the best expression from this 'polar bear dipper'.  The composition was tightened up in Photoshop as, even at full extension, I felt that the original was too loose.  I did increase the contrast a tad (about 5%) and sharpened a little bit too.  Gotta love the photographer in the background who appears to be looking for something to photograph.  Go figure!  :-)  Best, LM.

Len - fabulous image which really conveys the polar bear dip very well.  Color balance, clarity are bang on. While part of me says that the photographer in the background adds a certain visual tension but the other part of me wishes that he was not in the image.  In time i will decide. Thanks for dropping by recently.

Yah, cool chick!  :-)  Since the 'rescuers' were in every shot some of their expressions were  indeed telling.  Here, they were real gentlemen though as this next shot shows.  One averts his eyes, another contemplates her feet, and the third is difficult to read.  My bet is that they all volunteered for this 'duty'.  Best, LM.

Thanks for your most welcome visit.  I could clone out the photographer, and normally would consider doing so, but his serendipitous appearance and seemingly disinterested demeanor adds another level to the shot that I alluded to earlier, that of his appearing to look for subject material when this scene is going on right under his nose.  Best, LM.

Len, I agree with you in regard to keeping the background photographer in the photo for the same reason that you stated.

Still no snow here in upstate NY!

Good to have your views.  Reenforces my own.  No snow up here either but I think we're going to get some tonight.  It'll validate my decision to buy a new snow blower last year.  Only had it out twice this season.  Would have been better investing in a new shovel.  :-)  Best, LM.

this is a perfect documentary. the expression of the woman, the carpet to protect foots, the rescue men that seems to judge with their smiles, and the distract photographer on the bg....

Good to have your observations.  Those are exactly the elements which helped me to select this as a personal favourite of the series.  And there were a number of thinly concealed attempts to suppress smiles that day.  Best, LM.

Very cool...!

Love the expression and composition. Excellent work.

It suggests that some of us may not have evolved as far as the others  :-)

Bikinis in February?  I agree, some have evolved further than others.  I consider myself, with parka & gloves, to be among the sane.  :-)  Yah, her expression does rather put a fine point on it!  Thanks for your visit.  Best, LM.

Barely suppressed chuckles from the rescuers, barely suppressed expletives from the woman and blind indifference from the photographer, yes a winning combination by any standard! Some wise person once told me that an image should be judged on it's ability to make you "feel" and this one does it on so many levels!

Sincere Compliments Len!

Alf

Yes, the expressions on all the participants tell multiple stories.  The 'feeling' (icy cold) comes through as well.  In all, I consider this one a success, worth the effort of standing around for an hour watching the proceedings.  As for the photographer in the background, I'll cut him some slack.  He was photographing the event for a local newspaper and, to be fair, there were over 100 participants.  He probably got his quota of 'local colour'.  Can't get them all!  Thanks for your input.  Best, LM.

My first question was:  what was she doing in what looks  very cold  water, half naked?......the scene is the result of  being in the right time,  in the right place  with the right camera/lens....LOL and smiling at the contrast of the men  heavy cloths and the woman... no wonder of what their faces are telling...;-))

HALF naked?  Looks like more than half to me!  :-)  I knew in advance this event was to take place,  arrived 1\2 hr early,  and still didn't get the best location.  Close enough though.  Really taxed our P&S.  Even at full extension I still had to crop to get rid of unnecessary dead space.  The 'rescuers', trained paramedics, are there in case someone's heart should stop, a real possibility considering the extremes of temperatures.  As the expressions attest to,  everyone, participants and viewers, had fun.  Best, LM.

Three marvelous images ! Together they make a great story ! The second one is a cracker ! Well done . Bill

Good of you to take the time to both view & comment on these.  They are only a few of many I took that day but speak to the frigid experience better than most.  I love the guys' expressions in the second one.  Some events are worth getting up for.  Don't be a stranger.  Best, LM.

Dear Len,I know Museeb very well,he is my friend ,and I must say I meet with him thrice a week for the last five years,and if he is going to shout a 100 times from only seeing this cold ,I bet if he stand there he would shout a million ya,he was semi freezing in 10 degree centigrade.

Good catch.

Good to have your input on this one.  I didn't know you were acquainted with Museeb.  You are both excellent photographers and must tend to inspire each other as you have me.  It's a great feeling having validation from both of you.  Makes it all worth while.  Many thanks.  LM.

Len Marriott

Thank you so much ,yes you are with us whenever there is a new image of yours,but the odd think ,is that me and Museeb are always in quarrel ,I said he was bad ,he replied that I even more bad than him and so on all the time LOL.(but between me and you he is doing fine,provided he took no notice ,LOL again).

a hardy series, Len

The results were worth the effort.  :-)  Best, LM.

All thanks and appreciation to my dear friend Len Marriott. I am really proud with this certificate .

I wished the words are Museeb instead of " You are both " !!!.

My best regards.

I am aware that there exists some good natured competition between you.  My statement still stands.  :-)   Thanks for keeping this thread moving.  Best, LM.