I have heard the Canadian winter referred to as stick season. I like that. The outside world becoming minimal in many ways. Reduced to sticks and twigs, spareness of colour and natural design. As the snow gets thicker and deeper so does the spareness. Sometimes it’s a slow build.
All images © Karen McRae
draw and shoot 
Arresting expression.
I like that too! Interesting how the underlying structure for these becomes so evident. Nice work K.
Minimilist B+W. Love the stark contrast and interesting shapes, one even looking like a stick insect, keeping in line with the theme!
i’ve actually never heard of that saying. great images!
Love the spidery shapes..
Beautiful! I love how the branches and forms appear to dance in each photograph. The high contrast is absolutely gorgeous as well. Well done! 🙂
Top one is pretty because it still shows who this image belong to.
But I like 6th one the best, as it shows non = nothing includes everything.
This abstract image is the Zen. 🙂
Yoshizen, I am touched that you think some of my images are Zen like. thank you.
the beauty of simplicity is one of my favorite things…very cool shoot.
VERY cool series. Love the simple dark lines on contrasted on the white-dominated background. So very Zen!
I love looking up at leafless branches against a grey sky.
I like that term. Here, I judge the winter by how much of my herb garden is showing. In a bad winter, there is nothing but white. You found some nice shapes.
What a great idea…love the photo,s
These beautiful white and black details of nature, sometimes they seem to be from another world
Karen, your photos show that no matter how cold and harsh winter may be, there is fragility there too. Your photos are so delicate. I love winter through your images 🙂
Karen…. your first shot is my favourite…. a true beauty!!!! Great capture!!! 🙂 **
I was about to comment and tell you which was my favourite, but each time I look through it changes. There’s something I love about each of these images, they are abstract yet they perfectly capture the character of the landscape.
Black.
White.
Lines.
You make winter into art =)
The natural abstraction of your sticks make for interesting subjects.
Brilliant photos. Manual focusing is just too good. I loved all of the photos, Karen. How cool is that you step out into the cold and do all this. I admire you! 🙂
Beautiful. I love taking photos of fresh snow. Most often there is naturally no color and each bend, twist, turn or knob becomes so important. If we don’t get snow this year, I will be forced to share some from previous years. Or I may share old ones as well…
I enjoyed these very much.
😀 Shez
Always inspired by your affinity for capturing the simple things. It’s meditative to look at.
Thank you for all the lovely feedback.
Cheers!
There is beauty every season. While others may sit inside you are there to share the beauty. Thank you.
I stumbled upon your site by accident, but what a lucky find! As a keen amateur photographer myself – albeit in a very different style – I find the delicate, poetic quality of your work in general deeply pleasing. Thank you. I look forward to seeing more.
Thank you Louis! 🙂
I love the thought of stick season. It makes so much sense, and so fun to look at with a creative eye. Wonderful photos too. Something abstract about them.
Ooo! These are so beautiful! As a current resident of West Texas, snow scenes are rare at best! We actually did have snow two nights ago, but by the morning all my hopes of getting shots similar to these had melted away. Thank you for sharing the beauty around you!
These photos are simple and rich and lovely.
Very nice! Great light control! Cheers!
Beautiful minimalist images, Karen.
These made me decide to brave the cold, bundle up my children and take them outside to play so I can take more snow photo’s 🙂
Great Juanita! looking forward to seeing your photos. 🙂
never heard that before… stick season. perfect!