Ancient Snow Gum, Snowy Mountains, NSW

Ancient Snow Gum, Snowy Mountains, NSW

THE STORY

In 2005, I found myself immersed in a unique workshop experience at Charlotte's Pass in the Snowy Mountains, a place renowned for harboring Australia's lowest recorded mainland temperature of -22 degrees. Our journey began on a relatively mild day, but as fate would have it, a cool change swept through the night, plunging the temperature to near zero by the following morning.

Eager to make the most of our time, we decided to explore the enchanting forest that unfolded behind our lodge. It didn't take long before we stumbled upon a hidden treasure – ancient snow gums, standing tall and proud, bearing witness to centuries of Australian history. The atmosphere was heightened by a light rain that gently trickled down from the heavens. As the droplets descended, they gracefully caressed the bark of these majestic snow gums, saturating the colors and unveiling a breathtaking spectrum that spoke of the passage of time.

Mesmerized by the ethereal beauty surrounding us, we spent an hour or so engrossed in capturing the essence of these ancient sentinels. Each snapshot revealed the intricate details of the snow gums, their rugged bark, and the vivid hues brought to life by the delicate rain. However, the cold, unrelenting in its embrace, eventually seeped into our fingers, prompting a reluctant retreat indoors.

Little did I know that our exploration and the frozen beauty we had captured through the lens would leave a lasting mark. The image we had crafted in that frigid forest went on to achieve more than we had ever anticipated. It earned a prestigious High Commendation in the 2005 BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, a testament to the raw and untamed allure of the Australian wilderness. Remarkably, it stood as the sole Australian entry to receive an award that year, solidifying our connection with the frozen landscapes of Charlotte's Pass and the captivating tales embedded in those ancient snow gums.

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