In Alberta, when the mercury plummets in the winter months ice crystals that fill the air cling to every square inch of the landscape commonly known as hoar frost. This hoar frost often builds up to an inch thick and will cover trees from top to bottom and virtually everything else exposed to the elements right down to the wires on a barbwire fence. During these conditions, the landscape becomes a winter wonderland.
While taking this photo, the aurora was erupting just to the left of this frame. Green and red lights danced across the sky. Why didn't I shoot that instead? Well, it wasn't for lack of trying. No matter what I did, I couldn't seem to win. The compositions we terrible, clouds were blocking the view. Airplanes, cars, even a tractor passing by ruined the shot. So I turned around and captured the glow of the city lights instead. I am happy I did that.
A lone barn stands under the dazzling aurora of western Canada.
