Epping Forest is an ancient swathe of woodland just beyond the eastern edge of London, in Essex. It’s accessible by Tube train, but is a haven which seems like a world away from the city.
On a chilly December day, there were just a few hardly dog walkers on the leaf-strewn paths, which reach deep into the tree cover. I passed by water and found pockets ruled by frost, while the sun caught every surface. A beautiful, absorbing – if chilly – walk with my camera.
The first truly bitingly cold morning of the winter. Our loft space has already been deluged by rain, but this time the frost clung onto the slanting roof windows, fighting against brilliant sunshine. The macro lens came into its own, catching the natural wonder and abstract glory of the invading iciness.
A wintry complexion has landed on this part of London recently. It doesn’t happen that often, so it’s worth getting up early to have the chance to capture the white sheen of frost on cars, litter bins – even duct tape.
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Cold weather photography requires a pair of fingerless gloves so you can still go about your work. But beware the tips of your fingers freezing to the point of uselessness – and don’t try to cock the shutter or adjust the lens of a cold metal Soviet beast!
This mysterious shot prompted some interesting responses from fellow photographers, with its dark, swirling texture which fills the frame.
Alexander at World In Your Eyes thought it was part of a huge trunk, while Noeline Smith was torn between lichen or seaweed. Lucy Gutteridge said: “Looks like the surface of a Ryvita I’m currently trying to eat!”
Nearest to the mark by a long way was Sherri from Pearweed who described it as “frozen water with bubbles just under the surface”.
Well here it is – it’s simply early morning frost taken at close quarters. The frost was clinging to a length of duct tape which covered a piece of wood outside a house close to my west London home. Quite specific, then!
Since the turn of December, the weather has taken a distinctly winter turn here, with frosts, freezing fog and ice – even a dusting of snow in other parts of southern England. There will be some other frosty captures to share with you very soon.
See also: Monochrome mystery
