I used to think a North Dakota winter was too bleak to provide many photo opportunities. I soon learned otherwise. On those hazy days, one simply has to look a little harder. On those crystal clear days with the sun glaring at you from low in the sky, you’ve got to be a little craftier. Then there are those really stark, dramatic skies that make a rare appearance over winter. That’s when you hope for something like this. Frozen landscape below, varied sky above, and a decrepit old windmill placed just right in relation to the sun. Yep, I like the ingredients in this one.

I didn’t even have to hike too far, and my shoes were already wet. I wear mountain biking shoes when I do winter photo hikes, because they wick moisture away from my feet. They also have hard rubber cleats, which helps with traction in certain conditions. Then there’s the fact that my Shimanos are one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.

Anyway, back to my original line of rambling. No matter what the conditions, North Dakota remains a fertile playground for a would-be photographer. From fluffy snow and blanketing fog to spiky frost and stark, glaring sun…North Dakota winters have a little bit of everything. You need only be brave enough to venture out into it, camera in gloved hand.