At the Ice Caves +

So much to like about this image, Nick.You have some very strong shapes throughout, and they really are complimentary. Your rock form in the top frame sweeping up, the sandstone in the middle frame going horizontally, the icicles pointing downward, and the slicing action of the snow. On top of that, some great color contrasts from orange to white. Spectacular all around work!

Lovely colors, shapes and forms. The ice is enchanting in its forms…and nice to see so much intact and unbroken. I don’t have a size perspective in the lower half to help me know the height of the opening and the length of the ice forms. That urc tree looks big and makes me think this is a huge scene… Lovely

I don't think the driven snow hurts this image at all, Nick. In fact, it adds some drama to an already very nice composition. Lots of color and that ice dripping from the bottom like some shaggy beard.

This is really good and I am not sure what I am looking at!
The blowing snow looks good, the ice cycles are a great anchor and the rock forms and colors are just
great.
Well worth the trip it appears.

Gorgeous textures Nick the opposing reds seem very strong and a bit luminous to the extent that they dominate the softer hues beneath. Love the icicles hanging beneath they add a degree of scalar reality, but personally I think I might reduce the strength of the red content.

Very interesting and also visually appealing. Great example of art in nature.

Thanks guys! Appreciate your thoughts!
Ian, Thanks, I'll try that and see if it works better. Nick

Dan mentioned he wasn't quite sure what he was looking at so hope it is ok to post this. The ice caves stretch for about half a mile or so along the sandstone cliffs on Lake Superior shoreline in Wisconsin. This might give a better perspective of the size with some people included. There are also caves in some of the Apostle Islands. I am also posting some in the M&N gallery if you visit there.
This is the first year in 5 years that the ice has been safe enough to go out to the caves so it is a very popular place right now. In other years I would see only a few people out there, but this year thousands have headed out to the caves and it has been on the national news several times with pictures and video. Nick

An exciting and exceptional shot for me, Nick! Your image has got an almost abstract quality to me. Great work in my opinion.

Peter

There's so much to explore in this image. Love the abstract quality. Gtreat shapes and nice contrast....and beautiful colors. Well done

Must be exciting to be able to step out there and explore! I think you came away with a keeper, and something special to remember your hike. The falling/blowing snow is a great addition to the scene...

This is hands down my favorite from you. The detail, clarity and slightly abstract feel to it works perfectly for my tastes. Simply stunning!

Looks a tad chilly for me!! I love the combination and variety of colors in the rock, and the icicles add a great touch. The additional image you posted makes me shiver!!

Thank you Peter, Bill M, Nathan, Nancy Lea and Bill C. Really appreciate your comments and thoughts.
Bill C, It was around 0 degrees or just above so really didn't feel that bad to me. This winter we have had a lot of -15 to 35 below temps so 0 was kind of nice. Thanks all, Nick

Nick, you've caught a great juxtaposition of elements and colors. The blowing snow seems perfectly suited to the chilly context of all those icicles. You've also created a fine mix of abstract and real.

I saw this late last night but didn't get a chance to comment. I like the color contrast in this. The blowing snow doesn't bother me as it helps set the stage for the image.

The shapes in the rocks, the icicles, and the snow make this very dynamic. I like it as presented. Nice job!

I totally agree with Navin's take on this image, Nick. Everything just comes together beautifully on this. I am looking forward to the ice cave images.

Ed

It conveys the conditions and the deep cold. It does feel a little tilted. Beautiful color and texture contrasts.

Hey guys, Thank you so much for the comments and your thoughts on this! Nick

Great shapes, textures and colors in this Nick. Wonderful abstract feel to this and I like the blowing snow a lot. Beauty.

Thanks Bill. I was hoping that people would like the blowing snow and it seems they do. I know I liked it in this shot, although I had some where it just didn't seem to work. Cheers, Nick

Im a bit torn, Nick--cause I know what im looking at but im still confused, especially by the middle transition area. It makes for an interesting abstract--but personally im yearning for more depth here. Im sure ill find some of your other shots that ill really like

Stan, Thanks, I always appreciate your honest thoughts and can see what your are saying. I'll have a couple more to post here in landscape soon. If not tonight it should be tomorrow. I will probably have another for M&N too since so many people were going out there. Nick

great--im definitely gonna watch for them; i was thinking when i saw some of the scenes on the news 'i bet if Nick made it out there he got some killer stuff!'