February, White Mountains – Much like January, February has been a very cold month to be out shooting in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The wind-chills have been brutal this month, and my cold weather gear has been getting a workout. Staying warm and keeping the camera gear working in subzero temperatures has been a challenge all month. As of this writing, February is on track to be the second coldest February in New Hampshire since weather observers started keeping records in the 1800s.
I have learned over the years that February weather in the White Mountains is no joke and needs to be taken seriously. The unpredictable New England weather patterns usually make this one of the toughest months to be outdoors creating imagery of the mountain environment.
This month I spent a day on Franconia Ridge shooting around Mount Lafayette and along the Old Bridle Path. The views from Franconia Ridge during the winter are some of the best in the White Mountains. I don’t think I will ever grow tired of watching the sunset (above) from a mountain ridge.
If you watch the local New Hampshire TV stations more than likely you have heard the weather gurus say Franconia Notch has it own weather pattern. Well, Kinsman Notch also has its own weather pattern. The snow piles up and the wind blows through Kinsman Notch like no where else in the White Mountains. The snow build up on the roof of Beaver Brook shelter (above) looks awesome!
I spent four, very cold, February days shooting in Kinsman Notch, and much of the time I was snowshoeing through waist and knee deep snow. On my last day in Kinsman Notch I was rewarded with a great view of the rocky outcrop above Beaver Pond. I have really enjoyed shooting in this area over the last few years.
To end the month, I documented the summit viewpoint (above) on Mt Tecumseh in Waterville Valley. As you look at this image, please keep in mind that I am not promoting the “new” view in anyway. This image is part of a visual journal intended to create awareness for the ongoing environmental vandalism on Mt Tecumseh.
All of the above images can be licensed for publications by clicking on the image you are interested in, and you can view more images from the month of February here.
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.