Footprints, Mount Hotham - VIC

I love the early days of winter. The softness of the light and the quiet stillness make it a pleasure to photograph, even when the temperature is near freezing. There's something about the clarity and purity of a winter morning that is simply enchanting.

One of my favorite places to capture this magic is Mount Hotham in the Victorian High Country. Nestled within this pristine landscape is Blowhard Hut, aptly named for the fierce winds that often whip through the area. Perched on a ridge high above the valleys below, the wind can make it unbearably cold in winter, with the wind chill plummeting to -10 or even -20 degrees below zero.

However, on this particular morning, I was blessed with unusually still conditions. As I made my way through the snow gums, their branches heavy with fresh snow, I felt a sense of anticipation. Emerging from the dense forest, I was greeted by the sun gently poking through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the landscape. It felt like an awakening, as if the world was coming alive just for me.

The scene before me was breathtaking. The snow-covered landscape stretched out in all directions, and I could see the trail of footprints leading off into the distance. The undisturbed snow, the crisp air, and the gentle light combined to create a moment of pure beauty. Despite the cold, which had my hands freezing and barely able to move, I carefully removed my camera from my bag.

I knew I wanted to capture those footprints, which created a natural leading line into the composition. Positioning myself carefully on the steep slope, I framed the shot with the footprints starting from the bottom corner, drawing the viewer's eye into the serene winter landscape. The sun's rays filtering through the clouds added a touch of warmth to the otherwise cold scene.

Bringing the camera up to my eye, I knew that I had captured something special. The tranquility of the moment, the pristine beauty of the snow-covered landscape, and the gentle play of light and shadow all came together perfectly. It was one of those rare instances where everything aligns, and you feel a deep connection to the world around you.

In that silent, snow-covered expanse, I felt a profound sense of peace and fulfillment. Photography has the power to freeze time, to capture fleeting moments of beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. As I stood there, surrounded by the majesty of the High Country, I felt grateful for the opportunity to witness and preserve such moments.

The image I captured that morning at Blowhard Hut remains one of my favorites. It serves as a reminder of the magic of winter, the beauty of nature, and the joy of discovering something truly special. Whether it's the gentle light of early winter or the rugged beauty of a windswept ridge, there's always something extraordinary waiting to be found and captured.