After the success of our first monthly topic about splashes and falling drops, we announce our next one: Ice crystals and snowflakes.
We want to thank everyone who contributed to this feature and everyone who voted for our poll. We hope you enjoy this and vote again in our new poll for the topic of next month!

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Billyunderscorebwa

- What was your inspiration to start with this pictures?
I have been a weather fanatic for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I would always be watching the skies for storm clouds and lightning. I do the same today, except now I have a camera to capture the beauty. All in all, nature itself has been my first and foremost inspiration.
- How does your setup looks like?
My setup for snowflake photography varies, depending between what kind of shot I plan to take. If it is the daytime, I will usually search for snowflakes that have landed on windows. Then I set my camera (Canon PowerShot SD1000) to digital macro mode and steady the shot by bracing my arms on the window frame. Occasionally, I will break out my Canon Digital Rebel XSi and use the "reverse lens" technique (with my 18-55mm kit lens) to capture maximum detail.
I stick to bracing my hands against the window or windowsill to steady the shot, as I currently do not have a suitable tripod. If it is nighttime, I will turn on my porch floodlight and shoot "bright flakes" on the porch table. When a snowflake twinkles and catches my eye, I try my best to locate it on my display screen so I can capture it. Again, I turn my camera to digital macro, but this time I lower my exposure to -2 stops. When at full zoom and lowest exposure, the light reflects a more detailed structure of the snowflake. These shots can be difficult, but the detail you can capture is astounding.
- Do you use a flash?
For me, flashes are an absolute "no" when photographing snowflakes. After all, snowflakes are small, white, reflective objects that can be easily washed out if you're not careful.
- When is the best time to take such pictures? morning, evening, fresh snow, old snow, ...
As mentioned before, you can photograph snowflakes anytime, day or night. Photographing snowflakes during the daytime will display the classic white snowflake that we're all used to seeing. Photographing snowflakes at night will reveal a more abstract side of the snowflake, showing all kinds of ripples and cracks on what appears to be a very flat surface. Naturally, fresh snowfall will result in more "perfect" snowflake shots, as the snow hasn't had a chance to melt or decay. However, I've shot snowflakes after several days of above-freezing temperatures. Under the initial layer of snow, many of the snowflakes are still intact, so all you have to do is brush away the top layer and shoot away!
- Any extra tips?
Blurring can often be a concern when shooting flakes. To avoid this, set your camera to burst mode (if it has one) and lower the exposure about -2/3rds of a step. Lowering your exposure has additional benefits, including capturing more detail in the flakes by avoiding overexposure. I always use a low ISO (about 100) in order to capture the most detail. Also, don't be afraid to go outside to take photos. Flakes on the windows are great, but grass, wood, etc. can provide a very interesting background.
One more important tip: after shooting outside, take your battery out! This will prevent your camera from shorting out due to any condensation that may occur. And if you still want more tips, you can find a more complete list in my journal.

Some deviations from Billyunderscorebwa:

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Jack-TwentyFive

- What was your inspiration to start with this pictures?
I started taking pictures when I was 3 years old. Only 3 years ago, I started with this kind of pictures. My source of inspiration was a friend who is known as a great photographer in the north of Italy.
- How does your setup looks like?
I normally use a Canon 5D or a Olympus e-510, both without flashes.
- Do you use a flash?
No.
- When is the best time to take such pictures? morning, evening, fresh snow, old snow, ...
These pictures are taken indifferently with fresh or old snow and usually in the mornings.
- Any extra tips?
-

Some deviations from Jack-TwentyFive:

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Hugznstuff

- What was your inspiration to start with this pictures?
It was actually a macro picture by Devhellfiredeva (A Hawk’s tear) that fueled my interest in macro photography! From there I found hundreds of amazing macro photographs here on deviant art! I find it amazing the beauty to be found in things that would normally go unnoticed! Since then I have practiced, practiced and practiced some more!
- How does your setup looks like?
I use my camera hand held for all of my snowflake pictures, I find the tripod gets in my way! My camera is a Nikon D40x. I use the standard kit lens, as well as a PL filter and 2 macro filters.
- Do you use a flash?
Sometimes I use the flash, but I find the best is to be outside on a bright sunny day.
- When is the best time to take such pictures? morning, evening, fresh snow, old snow, ...
I find the best circumstances for taking pictures are:
- very cold, -10 to -20 °C. When it is too warm the snowflakes tend to be thicker and not as clear! The colder the flakes, the better the pictures although the snowflakes do break easier!
- nice and sunny weather.
- when the snowflakes are on something furry.
I have taken snowflake pictures with both new fallen snow and snowfall from the previous day!
- Any extra tips?
I use a metal nail file to move other snowflakes out of the way and to position the snowflake at the angle I want it!

Some deviations from Hugznstuff:

 

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Tarasische

- What was your inspiration to start with this pictures?
One winter, when the weather was cold and sunny, I had a bad mood and I took my camera to get some shots in the park. Then I lost track of time and because It was so beautiful around me!!! White snow, ice crystals and cold air were amazing!
- How does your setup looks like?
In my bag is my Olympus 7070WZ with polarisation filter and sometime my tripod.
- Do you use a flash?
I work with flash very seldom, I prefer to take my pictures with natural light.
- When is the best time to take such pictures? morning, evening, fresh snow, old snow, ...
I think the best time for shooting snow crystals is early in the morning and early in the evening, when light is sufficient and soft. My crystals are given birth by a fresh snow...
- Any extra tips?
I think it is necessary not to focus your mind on shots and be in love with nature.

Some deviations from Tarasische:

 

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Some deviations from other artists:

Crimsonpenguin


Da Wascht


Felidae84


Fridaythe13th


hellfiredive

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More Macro and Close-up photography on