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Writer's pictureAustin MacDonald

Signs of Spring: Through Cracks and Canyons of Ice


Perspective photos from inside a crack in the ice of Näsijärvi.

Recently, during a walk to Siilinkari, just off Tampere, I noticed the unmistakable signs of spring. The sun hung higher in the sky as our days stretched longer and warmer, signaling that the season for walking on the beautiful frozen expanse of Näsijärvi was drawing to a close. With recent temperatures even soaring to around 10°C, the ice began showing more cracks and movements, revealing larger fissures on the surface. It was upon encountering these gaping cracks that I felt a spark of inspiration, recognizing an extraordinary photo opportunity. Where others might simply step over these ice formations, I saw a chance to capture stunning visuals reminiscent of another world altogether – a frozen planet adorned with towering walls of snow, deep icy canyons, and luminous skies. The resulting photographs were truly out of this world.


How did I think of this creative angle? This unique perspective on the world, I owe to my father, who passed away last month. He had a truly exceptional way of viewing the world, a gift I am grateful he passed on to me. Despite his humility, he played a significant role in nurturing my ability to capture such inventive images, though he would never admit it. My father's approach to life, finding wonder in the ordinary – be it a peculiar cloud formation or a knot in the wood at our mökki resembling a dog – taught me to appreciate the world's hidden beauty. It's a big part of why he was always so happy, and a big part of why I continue to find amazement in the world. He would have truly been thrilled and captivated by these photographs.


In sharing these images, I not only remember and commemorate my father's influence but also encourage others to explore the world with the same curiosity and imagination, finding beauty where it's least expected, and taking the time to appreciate the world and always seeing things differently.




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