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Karla Booth’s Snowflake Photography gives us a rare look at the micro world

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

Most of us our grabbing our hats or shovel during a snowfall, but Karla Booth of Grand Lake, Colorado is grabbing her camera. Since December 2006, when she was introduced to the world of macro photography, Booth has been photographing the ethereal snowflake. While it’s hard enough to catch a glimpse of a snowflake, Booth has mastered the complex art of photographing them, resulting in her very own snowflake photography company.

“[The photography process] requires a lot of patience,” explains Booth. “I let the snowflake land on a flat board covered in dark cellophane so I can see the snowflake. Interestingly enough, snowflakes do not always form; a lot of the time they are just graupel (pellet snow). On the rare days when snowflakes are forming nicely, (usually between the temperatures of -10F to 17F), I will look for the best form with my naked eye once the snowflake has landed. Then, I actually move the snowflake with a tiny brush over to either a microscope slide or a background like lichen on a moss rock.  The work behind the lens brings to life the true details of the micro world of snowflakes.  It amazes me as much today as it did taking my first snowflake photo in 2006 - over 100K snowflake photos ago.”

According to Booth, when photographing a snowflake on a natural background, it is extremely difficult to achieve clarity. Unlike many other snowflake photographers who use Photoshop, Booth prefers the challenge of getting a great photo in a single, authentic shot. Her subject matter may be difficult to work with, but Booth’s ability to share it with others makes it well worth the effort.

“I am inspired by the look of complete amazement in people’s eyes when I share one of my snowflake photographs with them,” says Booth. “I think my snowflakes help people believe that the little things in life deserve more credit.”