Your Images: Winter’s Magnificence

Photo Contest

With shorter days and plunging temperatures comes unique natural splendor.

Massive ice blocks on a body of water with sun rising over mountains in the background.
Abraham Lake Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada © Ying Han

Your gift will go where needed most around the world.

Become a Member

When the Northern Hemisphere is wrapped in winter’s dark shadow, nature puts on a spectacular show for anyone willing to brave the cold. The stillness of the frozen air heightens each of the senses, making the little details of a glimmering blanket of snow or a cardinal’s song even more inspiring.

Though the days are the shortest, they are still filled with natural wonder. We’re celebrating the Winter Solstice with these stunning images from our 2019 photo contest that highlight the little things that make this season so special.

Precious Hours of Daylight

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Seeing the sun emerge after each long night brings a new sense of renewal and light.

Glowing clouds illuminate snowy mountain lake.
Glowing Sky Orange wisps of clouds illuminate a fresh snowfall on Peyto Lake in Alberta, Canada. © Matt Meisenheimer

Unobstructed Views

Bare trees no longer provide as much cover for elusive wildlife, making chance encounters on a morning stroll more likely.

Buck standing under stow-covered trees.
Majestic Wildlife A buck stands perfectly framed beneath snow-covered tree branches. © Retkes Tamás/TNC Photo Contest 2019
×Buck standing under stow-covered trees.

Owl camouflaged among bare branches.
Camouflaged The barred owl’s brown and white feathers seamlessly blend in among the bare trees, tipped with snow. © Oli Moorman/TNC Photo Contest 2019
×Owl camouflaged among bare branches.

Crunching along a snow covered trail, I turned a corner and we were suddenly face to face. We stared at each other for a few minutes before I slowly backed away.

2019 Photo Contest Participant
Red fox running across snow at sunset
Strolling Through the Snow A red fox hunts on a frozen surface under a superb sunset. © JC Lemay
×Red fox running across snow at sunset

Solitude

Stillness allows time for quiet reflection and tranquil moments of peace.

Lone hiker along snowy mountain lake
Taking it All In A lone hiker is dwarfed by the snow-covered mountains of Lake McArthur at Yoho National Park in Alberta, Canada © Michael Zheng
×Lone hiker along snowy mountain lake

Sparkle and Shine

The landscape shimmers as the warm sun illuminates each tiny crystal of ice and nature’s intricate patterns.

Skyward view of snow-covered tree tops.
Aspen Popsicles The aspen forest in Steamboat Springs, CO © Anita Merrigan/TNC Photo Contest 2019
×Skyward view of snow-covered tree tops.

Frost on red leaves
First Frost Jagged blackberry leaves tipped with glittery frost. © Robin Thompson/TNC Photo Contest 2019
×Frost on red leaves

Color and Contrast

A crisp, white blanket of snow is the perfect minimalist backdrop to allow nature’s colors to pop.

Bluebird on snowy branch with orange leaves.
Complementary Colors An eastern bluebird’s rusty orange chest and last remaining leaves are bright pops of color in an early snowstorm. © Andy Raupp
×Bluebird on snowy branch with orange leaves.
Lone bare tree in snow with pink-hued sky.
Negative Space A pink-hued winter sky brings warmth to a lone tree in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Canada. © Marius van Dyk
×Lone bare tree in snow with pink-hued sky.

Time is Frozen

Frigid temperatures have the power to seemingly stop time, turning a powerful waterfall into a cascading tower of icy spires.

Hiker climbing frozen waterfall
Climbing Ice Skilled climbers scale the frozen Upper Falls of Johnston Canyon in Banff. © Leah Horstman/TNC Photo Contest 2019
×Hiker climbing frozen waterfall
Long exposure of frozen waterfall
Slow Fall In -10 degree temperatures, the waters of Iceland’s Aldeyjarfoss waterfall splash their icy spray over a frozen ledge. © Amanda Luker/TNC Photo Contest 2019
×Long exposure of frozen waterfall

Glowing Nights

Long, dark nights become otherworldly in the upper most reaches of the globe. The Northern Lights dance across an inky black sky, dotted with twinkling stars.

Northern lights glowing orange and green
Aurora Borealis Nature puts on a spectacular light show when charged particles from the sun get trapped in Earth’s magnetic field. © Nelson Lutz/TNC Photo Contest 2019
×Northern lights glowing orange and green

Even amid winter’s dark shadows and frigid air, the beauty of our natural world shines bright.

Related Posts

Set off on a mystical journey to uncover the ultimate splendor of the natural world beneath the lunar canopy.

The works of art created by these designers are truly extraordinary and leave a profound impact on all who view them. Many aspire to witness these masterpieces in person at least once in their lives. …

Seeing Patagonia’s enchanted ice caverns

The wonders of nature often surpass our imagination, making the search for paradise unnecessary when surrounded by its splendor. Amidst the abundant beauty of nature, there are secluded treasures,…

Uncovering the Earth’s Magnificent Creation: An Enchanting Investigation of Powerful Falls

In the heart of the most impressive landscapes on Earth, colossal waterfalls unleash their thunderous power, carving their way through rugged terrain and captivating the human spirit. These natural wonders are a testimony…

What Makes Ussuri Bay a Unique Travel Destination?

Ussuri Bay, located on the eastern coast of Russia, is home to a hidden gem that is as unique as it is beautiful: Glass Beach. This impressive natural wonder is a beach that is completely covered by millions of colorful…

Cultivating Happiness: Connecting with North Lake Tahoe’s Natural Wonders

Are you an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for a serene escape? Look no further than North Lake Tahoe, a stunning destination that promises to captivate your heart and soul. Located in the picturesque…

What Makes Colombia’s Rainbow River So Enchanting?

The Loestar state is home to numerous fishing spots. Blυegabe, a popular yotubbe fisherman, recently visited the Tripity River and caught a This Raibow River in Colombia has the most amazing colors in the world Welcome to the…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *