Winter Magic in Real Life: Beautiful Photos of Snow-Covered Forests

Winter Forest Scenery

Photographer Heiko Gerlicher has always had a love for the forest. In fact, it's such an inspiration that it's the landscape photographer's main subject. His latest series Hoar Frost allows snow-covered trees to become shining stars, as their icy leaves create marvelous patterns. A look at his portfolio is like stepping into a magical winter wonderland plucked from a fairy tale.

The diversity of the images and the different moods they portray proves Gerlicher's point that the forest is filled with endless creative possibilities. “You never know exactly what to expect,” he tells My Modern Met. “At first glance, it is not easy to spontaneously discover interesting motifs in the forest. But once you get involved in the forest, a cornucopia of motifs spreads out in front of you. In addition, everything in the forest is constantly changing.”

The unique opportunities presented by the forest are part of what attracts Gerlicher. In this Instagram age when photographers travel to the same locations to shoot similar imagery, he is purposely hanging back and creating photographs of unseen spaces. Hoar Frost, which is named for the white crystallized ice that clings to leaves and branches, is stunning for its quiet beauty. One can almost imagine the stillness that hangs in the air, with only the sound of Gerlicher's footsteps breaking the silence.

In looking through the photographs, one realizes just what fertile ground the forest provides for the imagination. From immense evergreens that create a woven white carpet to giant trees that fill the space with their spidery branches, each picture captures a different and distinct winter moment.

Gerlicher hopes that his work will inspire others to appreciate the beauty that surrounds them. “I want to show the beauty and fragility of the trees and forests with my pictures. I want to arouse the desire to go out into nature and the forest, get involved and then return home with a good feeling.”

Photographer Heiko Gerlicher is deeply inspired by the forest.

Winter Path Leading Through the WoodsSnow Covered Evergreen TreesSnowy Trees in the WoodsHoar Frost by Heiko GerlicherSnow Covered TreesSnow Covered Evergreen TreesTree Covered with Frost

His series Hoar Frost shows the diverse beauty of winter in the woods.

Hoar Frost by Heiko GerlicherSnow Covered Winter in the WoodsSnow Covered Evergreen TreesMoody Winter EnvironmentHoar Frost by Heiko GerlicherWinter Forest PhotographyBig Tree with Long Branches Covered in Snow

With leaves and branches covered in ice, the trees create marvelous natural patterns.

Tree in the Woods Covered with SnowHoar Frost by Heiko GerlicherHoar Frost by Heiko GerlicherTree Branches Covered with SnowSnow Covered Trees

Heiko Gerlicher: Website | Instagram | Behance

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Heiko Gerlicher.

Related Articles:

Photographer Captures Magical Beauty of Looking Up in the Middle of a Forest

Mystical Photos of the Enchanting English Forests of Wistman’s Wood

Enchanting Photos of Autumnal Forests by a Wandering Photographer

Breathtaking Photos of the Blue Forest in Belgium

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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