Here are a few questions I commonly get asked about my snowflake photography. If you have a question that isn’t here, please e-mail me at don@komarechka.com and I’ll do my best to answer!
Interviews and Resources
Here is a list of talks, interviews and tutorials describing my process for creating these images:
A great half-hour interview with Frederick Van Johnson showcasing my macro photography and snowflakes – and how I put them together.
The Photoshop Show Episode 15: (video)
I detail the entire focus-stacking and editing workflow that one of my snowflakes might go through. Watch if you want to try it for yourself!
Her View Photography – Interview: (video)
Darlene Hildebrandt interviews me on macro photography, and I share as many tips and secrets as I can.
Martin Bailey Photography Podcast Episode #357: (audio)
I chat with Martin Bailey about snowflakes and landscape photography – and the challenges of both.
Tips From the Top Floor Episode #536: (audio)
Chris Marquardt interviews me about snowflake photography.
Outdoor Photography Canada Issue 20: (print)
The Winter 2011/2012 issue features a full article on snowflake photography and how to get started.
What kind of camera do you use?
I’m not a fan of this question, as it assumes the camera does all the work! The answer is the same pen that Shakespeare used to write his plays. That said, here’s my “gear list”:
- Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera
- Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Lens
- Canon Life-Size Converter EF
- Canon MR-14EX TTL Macro Ring Lite Flash
- Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack
- SanDisk 128GB CompactFlash Extreme Pro
Pictured to the right is the complete setup I most commonly use (it’s since been upgraded with the items listed above).
Taking the images is only half the battle – the time-consuming and frustrating part is putting the image together! Check out some of the resources listed above to get the whole idea.
What are the snowflakes photographed on?
Would you believe a home-made black mitten? It’s true! Every snowflake is photographed on the same mitten (received a few years ago from my grandma – thanks Grandma!). This is so I can have a dark background, and because the snowflakes get caught in the fibers and bring the background out of focus. It also serves as an insulator, preventing the snowflake from melting on contact. I’ve searched everywhere for a better surface, and I keep coming back to the black mitten.
Where are the images taken?
About three feet from my back door in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.
Tell me more about snowflakes!
Sure thing! Take a look at the 304 page hardcover book for more information. You’ll find over 100 pages dedicated to the photographic and editing techniques, and almost equal length spent exploring the science of how snowflakes form. Along with an extensive gallery of images, the book should answer every question you’ve ever had about snowflakes. Buy it Here!
