“This was the first year I attempted images at this pond in Sugar Hill in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and it quickly became a favorite,” says Lichtman. “I knew an early, wet snow would leave the surrounding trees coated and the pond unfrozen for a possible reflection if conditions were calm. The beauty of the first snow is that often the underlying colors of the landscape can bleed through for a splash of color amongst the snow. A cold rain turned to snow, perfect for the fine branches of trees to retain the snow even under breezy conditions.

Nikon D850, Nikkor 16-35 f4G ED VR at 16mm, Manfrotto tripod. three image stitch, each 1/6 sec., f16, ISO 64.