Icy Brilliance

Winter transforms the landscape. A blanket of snow simplifies an otherwise chaotic scene. Without visual distractions, photographic subjects pop out in powerful ways.

Winter also brings the potential for dramatic subjects. Along Lake Superior’s frozen shoreline, winter creates something rare: ice caves shaped by wind, waves, and deep cold.

With the right combination of winter conditions, ice caves form and offer a quiet, unforgettable winter experience. But you need to be alert. Ice conditions can change quickly, and what appears solid can become dangerous without warning.

The Shot

On March 4, 2022, the conditions were perfect. A deep freeze in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan created thick ice suitable for a safe snowmobile ride to Grand Island near Munising, Michigan. Freeze/thaw cycles had created sheets of ice hanging from the sandstone cliffs.

Because of the copper dissolved in the water, blues and greens stained the giant icicles. Working my way into the caves and shooting into the sun transformed them into glowing specters.

While my sunrise images were the strongest, several opportunities presented themselves in the early morning. Because of the hazy cirrus clouds, I was able to shoot into the sun and create a sun star image. Without the haze, it would never have been possible.

It was a brisk 16 degrees (above, thank goodness) that morning. I was starting to feel cold when our snowmobile operator uncovered a portable generator and coffee machine! Within minutes, I was enjoying a cup of hot, freshly brewed coffee.

That’s me on the right, enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

After that, it was a scenic ride back to Munising for a classic bacon and eggs breakfast.

Thanks for looking,

Chuck Derus Zenfolio | Chuck Derus