It's a common saying that "bad weather makes for good shots" and most of the times is true. Take, for example, a heavy snowfall: all the things that we have under our eyes every day, change, transform, return to their essentiality. Each season has its own peculiarities and all can contribute to a making of a good photograph. In winter, where the snow flies, the world is transformed, snow can simplify landscape, leading to some terrific opportunities for abstract images…and even the soccer field close to my home can turn into a small hidden photographic treasure.

Some days ago was announced the winner for the World Press Photo 2011, which celebrates the best photojournalism picture in the world. The winning photo was from Samuel Aranda, a New York Times photographer. The photo was taken in the capital of Yemen, Sanaa, and shows a woman holding a relative wounded during protests against Yemen's President Saleh. There are no words to describe the drama of this image that stirs deep emotions. The position of the two persons reminds Michelangelo's Pieta, in this case it is a "Yemen Pieta", a masterpiece of modern photography. Congratulations to the author, the award is fully deserved. Here is the link to the photographer's site where you can watch the other photos taken in Yemen and the link to the site of the World Press Photo Contest with the photo gallery of finalists.

After a not so inspiring winter, snow and ice finally came down! An unexpected gift after high pressure months one after the other.

My dog Jasper loves to stay nice and toasty inside, better near the fireplace, or on the carpet enjoying our party, but when he sees the snow...he totally gets crazy!... And not just him! ;-)

Tech data: Canon EOS 5D, Canon EF 17-40 mm f/4 L
Location: Regensburg - Germany

When you want to create moody, evocative photos, sometimes the background is more important that the subject itself. The background sets the scene, creates atmosphere and provides enviromental informations; moreover helps you to be a more creative photographer. So the next time you use background as your subject, keep in mind...the "sense of a place" and if your shot has met that expectation. My sense of a place is on the new photo of the month on my website. Enjoy!