Winter Storm 2011

I'll be honest, I didn't expect much from the impending storm when forecasters first began to issue alerts for Metro Atlanta last week.  Initially the meteorologists would say, "the models are showing conflicting readings for snowfall amounts" or "right now we're predicting anywhere from three to six inches of snowfall."  Well by Sunday afternoon forecasters were finally able to provide definitive numbers and ETA for the fast approaching snow/ice event.  They were absolutely correct because I woke up around 4:30 Monday morning to the sound of wind, snow and freezing rain hitting my bedroom windows.  By 8:30 that morning the light of day revealed snow covered streets, roofs and trees - it was a winter wonderland! 

The freezing rain continued for a few more hours, occasionally changing back to snow, then to freezing rain again.  The ice accumulation was certainly significant, especially on Atlanta's major highways.  So much so that most of Metro Atlanta (which includes 20 counties) was shut down.  By Tuesday morning, conditions had worsened.  Most of the snow became compacted and turned to ice. Many streets and highways were found with ice sheets from a half to 1 inch thick.  Needless to say driving conditions were treacherous, but surprisingly quite a few daring folk braved the conditions and drove anyway.  Not a smart idea for many, considering the countless abandoned vehicles scattered across the cities streets and highways or in ditches.  

Despite the horrible driving conditions our first major winter storm of the year left behind for us to weather, you can't deny the beauty of how snow and ice transforms a landscape. It's nature's way of putting that final touch on a beautiful work of art and I couldn't resist getting out in my neighborhood this morning with my camera to capture it.  Enjoy these images!

  - Monica Simone 

Ice shoes work great!

Snow on my roof

The Clubhouse

Mel's favorite slide

I love the ice leaves - so cool!

Changing Your Perspective

During my most recent portrait session I came across a couple of objects that were screaming for the attention of me and my camera.  The first was a fence, the other was a gas pump.  I'm sure that sounds rather unusual and ordinary - certainly unworthy of notice, right?  Wrong.  This fence was an old split timber fence with an unusual post and rail configuration which to me, easily seemed like a style out of the early 1900's. The color and texture of the wood was pure rustic, but the long, winding path along the vast pasture it bordered made for an elegant and graceful contrast. 
Now the gas pump was really interesting.  It stood a few feet off the corner of the main road with overgrown weeds, scrap lumber and bricks strewn about its base.  The pump's front was missing, exposing all the rusted belt wheels, cracked hoses and chambers.  Also missing was the actual pump, leaving the hose left to dangle to the ground below.  The rich, vibrant color of the rust was amazing especially under the light coming from the setting sun.  
It's funny how by simply changing your perspective on something can make for a completely different outlook.  I love the perspective from which I captured these images because for me, it brings out a certain beauty and uniqueness.  I hope you enjoy these images as much as I do!


  - Monica Simone

Gregory's Winter Senior Session - Part One

My cousin Gregory decided he wanted part one of his Winter Senior Session to have an urban feel, so we arranged to meet near downtown Atlanta.  Gregory has created his own style of fashion that I've dubbed "vintage prep," which suits him and his personality perfectly.  I don't know too many young people his age that has an appreciation for the styles of yesteryear like he does.  This session yielded some really great images and I can't wait to get started on part two.  Be on the lookout for those images very soon!  Until then, enjoy these!


  - Monica Simone