I first came across this scene during the Autumn of 2022 when I was out chasing inversions through the valleys of the North Pennines. I immediately bookmarked it on one of my many Google Maps as the sight of Bollihope Burn winding its way towards this copse of trees was such an inviting scene. I made a mental note that a Spring / Summer sunrise or a snow scene would be perfect so when over a foot of snow fell during early March 2023, I knew exactly where I was headed.

The sun was still low in the sky and the powder still absolutely pristine when I arrived. I had to be careful how I approached the scene, mindful of the fact that every forward step was disturbing the snow and potentially ruining any shot I wanted to take. The blackness of the burn and the shaded areas of the trees really stood out to me, adding a harsh, almost deathly contrast to the purity of the snow. The sun wasn't too high yet so there wasn't much glare but it cast enough glancing highlights on the drifts in the foreground, really accentuating their veering curves toward the river bank.