Dramatic Hoar Frost Accumulations - Grillagh River

[martinastro]

A few images taken before Christmas from a frozen field near the Grillagh River outside Maghera. This was the afternoon after temps dropped to - 18 C, I noticed a stunning display of hoar frost and ice crystal formation over the long grass and tree branches which looked amazing. Some of the ice/frost was more than 3" thick, check out just how substantial it is in comparison with the thin tree branch. Non of these images are macro at all, quite an amazing day out. I was only taking images here for an hour however it was the coldest I have ever been during day time in my life. Here's an image account with bigger images...

http://www.nightskyhunter.com/Hoar%20Frost%20-%20Dec%2019th%202010.html















Short video clip of the Grillagh and Moyola rivers freezing over...

[markt]

Those are beautiful images Martin, and an enjoyable account on your website too.  Thanks for sharing, would have loved to have seen it

[rjgjr]

Beautiful images Martin. It's amazing how the the frost forms into such beautiful shapes, almost look like miniature ferns. Love the DOF in several of the images. Thanks

[JohnC]

Another photo treat,Martin. The larger photos in the link are even more impressive to view and a video too. Taking all the photos /video you've posted ,  it's a wonderful  record of this  whole event .

[martinastro]

Thanks very much for the feedback Mark, Richard, and John, it's hard to believe it's all over now however I'm sure it won't belong before we get another blast.

[Roman White]

Wonderful shots Martin! 

P.S. You'd better wear your gloves in a weather like that

[martinastro]

Thanks Ronan, see how red my finger was lol. I can't seem to wear gloves and take images at the same time so I just do without them 

[paulster78]

These are magical images Martin, you've done an amazing job here with the 18-55 kit lens. love the detail in 3 and 6 and the viewpoint in the last image     Nice video too, huge icicle under the bridge!

[Big Dipper]

Oops - overlooked this thread!

Some superb shots there Martin - though having just read the full account on your website - particularly at the end - I'm not sure whether I would have enough stamina to do likewise!   

Thanks Ronan, see how red my finger was lol. I can't seem to wear gloves and take images at the same time so I just do without them 

I used to have the same problem when using my DSLR at night. In the end I cut the tips of the fingers & thumb on my thermal gloves which made it far easier to handle my equipment.

[martinastro]

Thanks very much Paul and Andy - great tip about the gloves