Cool Winter Landscape Photography Tips

We're experiencing a wee bit of a cold snap here in picturesque south-western Ontario, Canada. Temperatures are ranging in the -23°C range with a wind chill dropping that even further. The Weather Network has issued a warning saying that the combination of winds and Arctic air could have temperatures ranging from -30° to -40°  in some places.

Needless to say, it made for a rather nippy walk to work this morning.  Born and raised here I know how to dress when it's cold outside, but despite my best efforts this morning, by the time I arrived at my workplace a mere six blocks from home, I could feel a stinging bite in my fingertips and toes.

Yet, while the frigidity had me triple timing my pace,  I was also quite aware of the crisp, clean beauty on this winter walk.  I might not be a lover of the cold and ice, but there is no disputing what a pretty picture it can make. Sunlight-kissed snow sparkled like fairy dust between the shadows.  Steam from vents and smoke from chimneys wafted like a summer mist through the air.  Pretty painted patterns of frost glistened on windows.

It really made me wish I had my camera. 

If you enjoy what you're seeing outside your window these days, here are some excellent tips to ensure your winter landscape photos are the coolest ever:

Digital Camera World How to Compose And Expose Any Winter Scene

Picture Correct Winter Landscape Photography Tips

ePHOTOzine Winter Landscape Photography Dangers

Photo Technique Shooting Winter Landscapes

Photos Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

I've never had much truck with resolutions. While perhaps in youth I was idealistic enough to believe that a new year could inspire me to break a long-practised bad habit or attitude, with age has come wisdom and the knowledge that you really have to want to make the change, not simply know you should. 

Over a couple of decades or so I learned that by setting what was often a hopeless goal I was also setting myself up to fail.  As that could happen often enough without me providing an easy opportunity,  I did, therefore, give up pronouncing any intent for change on Jan. 1. 

However, looking back this year at the way I've been eating, the notion that some lifestyle changes are in order hasn't been lost on me. Starting them now after all the eats and drinks of the holiday season, seems as good a time as any.  

This time I have no worries about failing though. It's simply not feasible because any improvement over the way I've been eating the past few weeks is good. The way I see it, a salad a week will be progress.

Should I need a little inspiration though perhaps I can find it in these delectable photos:

iPHOTOS.com Fruits and Vegetables

Acclaim Images Fruits and Vegetables Photos

Bid Goodbye to 2013 with Gusto

Well, all the fun of Christmas is behind us and we now look ahead to another new year. 

The holidays for me were perfect; counting my blessings each day was easy as they were apparent at every turn.  Family surrounded me, a bounty of gifts spoiled me, the abundance of food and drink flowed. It was all a reminder of how fortunate I am to enjoy so much.

And there's more to come as the fun and infusion of a hectic social life is far from over. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, a time to celebrate and reflect, positively.  What's the point of resolutions we have no intention or probability of keeping, thereby setting ourselves up to fail?  I try not to think on what I didn't accomplish, what goals I haven't met. Instead I let the fading of an old year into a new one be more about recalling all the good things that happened over the previous 12 months and anticipating more of the same for the next 12.

Sure, life can be a spoiler. We never know what tomorrow might throw our way. But the company of good friends to celebrate with ensures I ring out the old year with nothing but joy for what has been and hope for what will be.  Far better to assume the best and bid goodbye to 2013 with gusto. Just like the happy revellers in these festive photos:

iPHOTOS.com New Year's Party Photos