I have trouble getting inspired to take photographs in the winter even though there is often the most interesting light and fog, snow and ice can create the most mystical settings. In early February I forced myself out of bed at 4:30 AM for a drive over the Cascade mountains to Rocky Point on Klamath Lake. In the early dark I could tell it was overcast, but the weather is often more clear on the eastern side of the mountains, so I kept going. By the time I reached the pass it was raining steadily and I almost turned around. Arriving at Rocky Point in the dim early light Everything was grey and wet. I decided that as long as I was there that I might as well do some location scouting and held out a little hope that the rain would stop. After an hour of driving down backroads I came accross a group of aspen trees engulfed in a tangle of willows. It was still raining, but I was able to park my vehicle on the side of the road so that I could line up my tripod with the trees from under the protection of the uplifted hatchback. For a few minutes some faint sun was able to filter through the clouds giving the scene some needed warmth. Even still, the rain kept spotting my lens. I was able to keep everything reasonably dry for about ten shots, of which I like this one the best.
Canon EOS 5D
EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens
Gitzo Mountaineer Carbon Tripod