Mamiya 645Fomapan 400 This is a loose continuation of my winter series: Winter Strangler, Winter is Here (Again)!, and Winter is Here! The whole series is connected not only by winter but being around the Southtowns of Buffalo, NY and photographed with a medium format Mamiya 645 camera on black and white film. The sad reality of winter in these parts is that sunshine is way too precious and most days are of various shades of gray. various tones of gloom. On the few passing moments when blue sky shows up I am tempted to rush for color film and capture the sight for perpetuity but a look to the west often quickly squashes my hopes as I see the gloom rolling in. This often happens in the morning when the low rising sun has a chance to get under the clouds. Sometimes that light can be so dramatic and tricky that it tricks me into thinking that the gloom from the west are not heat clouds but a rather pretty dark shade of blue sky. And then sun hops above the clouds.

Basketball HoopWestern New York Winter

Basketball Hoop, Western New York Winter, Snyder Road, West Falls, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

On days like this snow is a huge bonus. While the sky may be dark and gloomy snow on the ground cleans and brightens everything up. Up is down and down is up. The light comes from the ground.

Car Repair ShopWestern New York Winter

Car Repair Shop, Western New York Winter, Center Street, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

The Southtowns of Buffalo, NY are in the so called snow belt, the area to the east of Lake Erie that gets most of the lake effect snow. Thus they also provide picturesque winter scenes, whether they are scenic landscapes or ordinary scenes along the small country roads people take daily on their commutes to work. Do they see it all though?

Old Shed in the FieldWestern New York Winter

Old Shed in the Field, Western New York Winter, Emery Road, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

That's one of the reasons I like photography. It helps me pay more attention. I see things, I look for things that I would otherwise overlook. And I see history passing through my mind, things changing, things getting older, and once in a while a new thing popping up. Barns and sheds usually slowly give in to time, eventually collapsing. But here and there, even if rarely, a beautiful new barn pops up and brings a huge smile. Maybe it's knowing it will be there for me to watch forever.

Emery Park PergolaWestern New York Winter

Emery Park Pergola, Western New York Winter, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

The car is parked in a lot now and we're on the foot through the beautiful Emery Park south of the village of East Aurora, NY. And even here it's a twofold story. There's scenic nature, always reliable, always beautiful. And then there is the human side of things, the structures people build. I really appreciate some of the local parks and the fact that the towns, counties, and state usually try to build things in a way that blend better with nature even if those choices are not the cheapest. Look at this stone pergola. Isn't it some much better than some quickly raised shelter? While not on these photos, I was very pleasantly surprised recently as some bridges were being repaired in Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, NY, and their side walls were wrapped in stone. It gives the parks charm and it makes them happier places to those who pay attention.

Aging Stone BridgeWestern New York Winter

Aging Stone Bridge, Western New York Winter, Emery Park, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

On that note here's an example of the potential contrast. There's a beautiful old stone bridge crossing the creek but it has fallen into disrepair and will need to be services. Meanwhile, a simple wooden bridge was laid down nearby to keep the trail open. Will the stone bridge be repaired to bring smiles to future generations or will "lack of funding" make this one history? I hope it can be repaired. It would be another reason to smile in this wonderful park.

Freezing WatersWestern New York Winter

Freezing Waters, Western New York Winter, Emery Park, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

I started with doom and gloom of the Western New York Winter but found happier topics along the way. And as I am getting to the closure of today's philosophical post I can see a very small gap in the clouds. And guess what's visible through it! Indeed, a blue sky!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! If black and white is your cup of tea, why not head over to the World without Color photo collection? And finally, if you enjoy looking at winter scenery, I have the Winter collection just for that purpose.

Spooky Winter WetlandsWinter Winter EntranceWinter Through the Winter LandscapeWinter

Birdsong Gate in WinterWinter Branches Dressed for WinterWinter The Creek Guard in WinterWinter