A blizzard doesn’t arrive with the surprise that it used to. Watching the radar, murmurs of what may be coming are uttered from the lips of weather reporters and citizens alike. Parking bans are set on city streets, pantries are stocked, and commuters set their alarm clocks a little earlier than usual in hope that they will be able to get to work at all.
When the rumoured weather does arrive, there are two choices: seek shelter, or step out into the storm. Personally, I almost always opt for the latter. There is something invigorating about turbulent weather; breathing in the strong wind, moisture, and charged air, one can feel alive in the presence of a force much larger than any one of us. There is so much beauty in these powerful transitions, so when they come I step out to meet them with all of my senses: sight, sound, smell, and feeling. In an urban setting where we put so much effort into controlling our environment, it is both literally and figuratively a breath of fresh air.
Last week, we had a snow day in Winnipeg (nicknamed Winterpeg for the extreme winters the city is known for). Upon waking to the quiet minimalism out the window, the city remained quiet as I strapped on my heavy boots to step out into the elements. With my camera in tote, I aimed to capture the true feeling of Winnipeg winter with this series of images. Whether you are a fellow Winnipegger or someone who has never seen snow in person before, I hope you enjoy this set of photographs.
A winter storm arrives in the city.
A cross country skier puts fresh tracks on the river.
A snowy silhouette crosses the bridge.
Frozen rivers become natural footpaths.
Stop, and go.
A neighbourhood tableau.
A child plays on the snowy streetside, rolling a large snowball that’s sure to be the base of a memorable snowman.
Classic apartments in their natural monochrome.
Neighbours in the neighbourhood.
Whiteout on the trail.
Wet snow that fell sideways in the strong wind persistently sticks to a tree.
Winter is a season of beautiful minimalism.
In the storm.
Disappearing into the distance.
Low visibility.