Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Ice and sun

Dripping icicle
London, Ontario, February 2007

Bitterly cold nights and sunny days have resulted in a fairly consistent collection of icicles on the eaves of our home. This particularly nice example of a dripping icicle grew right over our front porch, and stared me in the eye as I headed out the door on Saturday. So I did the usual thing and pulled out my camera.

A simple icicle is a lovely creation. It's fragility guarantees its relatively brief existence. If it doesn't thaw into oblivion, some neighborhood kids - or, horrors, our own - will see to its demise before long. I've been coaching the kids to not go near the icicles out of fear of getting hurt (note to parents: irrational fear of gravity is a temporarily effective form of behavioral control.)

I've also been out at night, using both long exposure and on-camera and external flash. I'll keep shooting the hanging slices of frozen water until they disappear, and will post more images from the series if enough folks tell me they like 'em

Your turn: Should I share more icy photos in the days to come?

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Icicles are fun to look at, especially the giant ones that look straight out of cartoons. However, the little ones, when there are a slew, have a great sound as they crash onto wood or conrete - swiping a hand to knock them all down at once.

I like the picture, Carmi. :)

Leanne said...

Yes, please share them! That's a gorgeous shot. I have a hard time shooting drips and drops. I'd love to see yours. :)

Pat said...

Carmi, that's an awesome image. I love icicles.

I just saw your post on the Cafe and I'm so happy you joined.

We'll chat soon.

I am your near neighbour over here in Guelph!

Pat

awareness said...

Hi Carmi.

Great photo. Fredericton's filled with long dangerous icicles. In fact, most old building have permanent signs warning people not to get too close.

I've been making attempts to capture some with my camera, though no such luck yet......just learning the basics right now......but will continue to try. I attempted to capture one that had dripped from an eave all the way down to the railing on a porch....behind it was an amazing sunset. Alas, I didn't have the flash/lighting right on the camera.....

I would love to see more...... they're beautiful......

Did London get LOTS of snow this week?? WE are just digging out today.

srp said...

Do you really think this threat of bodily harm from icicles will curtail children's behavior? It is the "you'll shoot your eye out" that the little boy on the Christmas Story had to deal with.. come to think of it, he did almost come to grief over that bb gun.

Anyway, I love icicles and it has been at least ten years since I have been up close and personal with one. (One of the disadvantages of living in the South). I would love to see all the variations and different light. I ordered a just published book on my new Canon Digital Rebel xti... it came yesterday.... yeah!

The Narcissist said...

Brrr, just makes me cold. How about an African desert. That sounds pleasant about now.

Sarah said...

Especially since I grew up in CA and now live in TX, the frozen world is very fascinating to me.

We had three days of ice earlier this year and I just wanted to sit around and stare at it. And eat lots of cookies.

Michael K. Althouse said...

That really cool. I love icicles as well. We'd get some that were several feet long when I lived up in the mountains. Also, I have a couple of long exposure shots from last night on my photo site Overflow.

PS: I sent you an email at your gmail address. Please let me know if you got it.

Thanks,

Mike

Anonymous said...

we've got some killer ones hanging from our house, i usually knock them down for fear of them falling, but i can't reach these.
i say yes to more ice shots!

bluemountainmama said...

what a great shot...catching the water cycle in action! when i was little, those were nature's popsicles! i love your "about me", and it's nice to make your acquaintance! -bmm

Corey Bienert said...

I like this picture alot!

I took a similar photo of ice melting not to long ago.

Keep up the good work!

Anna said...

That looks very cool Carmi. No icicles here in the "other London" but I am with bluemountainmama....
popsicle anyone??? :)

Take care.

Elaine said...

Nice to meet you Carmi. You have some great shots. I love macro, even though my husband often shakes his head at what all I take pictures of. I am adding your blog to my feeds.

sari said...

I would like to see more. Today my son and I were out in shorts, cleaning the pool.

It was hot. Icicles would be great!

Marion said...

this is a wonderful image, Carmi! I love how you caught that little droplet at the end of the icicle.

I had to catch some photos of icicles from inside the house...it was interesting how they turned out!

Please, post more photos...even if they have hung on the eaves of my house more than I would like this winter, I still love them!

Anonymous said...

well, yes, icy things are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

forgot to say, Hi, Michele sent me :-)

Vickie said...

Great photo---I love icicles well to look at them as long as I am warm.:)

Thank you for sharing all the great photos you do.

utenzi said...

I LOVE the picture of the drop of water at the end of the icicle, Carmi.

Anonymous said...

wow good instance