I find it difficult to motivate myself to take photos in the middle of winter. I like to stay inside where it is nice and warm. However, after I got home the other day I walked out to get the mail, and was greeted with a spectactular view of Orion, right in my front yard!

It was definitely enough motivation for me to get my camera and tripod and venture out, even though it was one of the coldest days of the year, and the temperature was almost -30 degrees C. After learning that I can't operate my camera with gloves on, I took them off. However, after my fingers became numb from the cold, I learned that I can't operate my camera with frozen hands. I perservered though, and came up with this photo.

I'm pleased with how it turned out. The skies are pretty dark out here in Elora, but when facing south, you still get quite a glow on the horizon from Guelph. I often want to photograph Orion, but I seldom get the chance, since it is only visible in the winter. The Orion Nebula is also visible in this photo, on Orion's sword.

Technical details: This photo was taken using by 5D Mark II + Tamron 28-75 at 28mm, ISO 800, f/3.5 for 15 seconds.

Comments

Great photo! Definitely worth braving the cold.

I agree!  That is beautiful. 

That's a great shot!  The silhouettes and the glow (and water reflection?)
really make it...

Take as many of these shots as you can now.  Before long,
you won't have time for these for a few years.	Of course, you may have extra
opportunities for night photos at 2, 3, and 4 am!  Also of course, you'll get
extra good at the 'grab' shots where you simply hold the camera at arms length,
point, and hope.  Most of my photography is like that at the moment.  Fun
stuff!	:-)

Thanks!  The "water reflection" is just a field across the road, that
frequently has deer in it at night.

I'm sure my photography subjects will
change slightly around May.  :)