Thin Ice

Very cool effect. Almost looks embossed. It has a graphic quality and yet the undulating feel of the pattern/design provides a certain foil to that. This has both boldness and subtlety, which is a nice achievement. And it's one that keeps my eye engaged for quite some time. Not really trying to "figure it out" but just strolling through the labyrinth.

wonderful capture of this ice geometry. This is not easy to do!

Tell me, was this natural or "homemade" ice? How does it freeze in such a fantastic pattern? I'm sure a meteorologist could tell me the conditions that would make ice like this. I think that this picture wouldn't be quite as good without the iris "spear", so I'm glad you captured an area that includes it.

Wonderful capture of the ice lines. The detail is great and the pattern so interesting. I might try this also in a high contrast b&w to see what happens.

Thanks for the comments. The ice was natural, formed overnight on the surface of a pond at temperatures just below freezing. The pond surface usually freezes without these ornate crystal patterns, so I assume conditions have to be within some narrow parameters in order for it to do so. I did also work up another photo of the ice in B&W.

The texture and patterns of the ice look very solid, more like steel or other heavy, strong material. Only the blades of grass literally cut through this impression.

Wonder how I managed to miss this one...

It's got something of a mixture of an laser-etched stamp, a Mondriaan, a pencil-drawing. With the 2 near-golden stripes flashing through to remind you it's none of the above. Very effective and cool effect.