A Northern Arizona Winter Scene

silent SNOW, secret SNOW

Because the Flagstaff area usually gets a lot of snow, 1 frequently visit to photograph winter scenes.

I've found that the best time to photograph is just after a fresh snow has fallen. But frigid weather can be a problem. I spent one morning at Sunset Crater waiting for sunrise in a -11° F. temperature, jumping up and down trying to keep myself, my meter, and my lens shutters warm enough to function.

Fortunately the results were worth the cold wait. Sunlight burned through the few remaining streamers of clouds, painting the snow-covered mountains pink and gold. Fluffy white flakes covered every rock and every pine needle, and the sky above was a deep, freshly washed blue. I raced around shooting rapidly, knowing that the pristine snowfall wouldn't last long under the warm rays of the rising sun.

a laurence parent portfolio

(PRECEDING PANELS, PAGES 28 AND 29) Snow accents the shape of ancient cinder cones at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

(PAGES 30 AND 31) Winter's mantle adds to the majesty of the state's highest mountain range.

(RIGHT) At Sunset Crater, a heavy snowfall bedecks the ponderosas.