We’ve all heard that no two snowflakes are alike and after you see these stunning photographs you will know with certainty it is true. Alexey Kljatov is an amateur photographer who captures the unique beauty of snowflakes through macro photography.
The Russian photographer loves taking photos of the beautiful water crystals and employs a surprising tool to help him capture each snowflake.
Alexey uses toothpicks for separating snowflake clusters and tilting snowflakes to the desired angle for a shot. “Despite its apparent fragility, snowflakes surprisingly strong and usually withstand a few touches by toothpick without any visual signs of damage,” he says.
Some of the snowflakes he takes photos of can be smaller than 1 millimeter in size!
Alexey places the snowflakes on different backdrops. He likes using woolen fabric because the fibers help the snowflake stand up and not melt so fast. He says they also look like jewels in a jewelry store.
He uses a Canon Powershot A650 camera, with an attached Helios 44 lens for the optical zoom. He has fashioned the device all on his own. It may not look pretty, but it takes awesome photos!
He takes the pictures on the open balcony of his home in Moscow.
With half the balcony covered by roof and the other under open sky, he can choose the most beautiful and interesting snowflakes that fall down and if it’s snowing heavily take refuge in the covered area. It’s a nice place to take the photographs as he can step inside to warm up when he needs to.
Many snowflakes have six sides. Their formation depends on the temperature and environment. The warmer the temperature, the more complex a snowflake’s design becomes.
Snowflakes really do come in all forms and shapes, from cylindrical columns to hexagons.
Some snowflakes have patters and/or colorful patterns in their centers.
While others have intricate crystal “arms”.
Alexey says that triangular snowflakes are not too common. “I have only a few shots of them from three winters.”
No matter what their shape, every snowflake is dazzling when you see them from through Alexey’s lens.
Photographs published on Reshareworthy.com with permission from Alexey Kljatov
Alexey goes into further details on all things related to his snowflake macro photography on his website here. You can also follow his work on Facebook and Flickr.
Share these beautiful snowflakes with your family and friends!
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