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!

...It will be simple, you love them, you hate them or something in between...Take it with a grain of salt, but.... it's really time for a new Canon 5D! See more at this link: http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/01/5d-mark-iii-sighting/. Hope to have news soon! :-)

Starting at the edge of the Great Plains and climbing through an incomparable mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks, this magnificent drive—one of the jewels of western Canada— combines exhilarating vistas of forests,  glaciers and fauna.

The route begins near Calgary, heads west to Banff, then goes to the northwest through the heart of Banff to Lake Louise. For more than 200 kilometers the route follows the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most stunning roadways, farther north to Jasper. Along the way look for elk, bears, and other wild creatures: you have to stop very often. If there's time, consider a half-day side trip into Mount Robson Provincial Park to see 3954 meter Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The best time to drive this mountainous route is June to September, but if you are a snow-lover like me, consider for a winter-time adventure!