This picture of short grasses trapped in lake ice looks like a canvas of delicate brush strokes.
While walking on the shore of the lake, Hugo’s idea was to frame ‘a small painting’ and use an in-camera double exposure. Between taking two pictures with identical settings, he moved the tripod very slightly, turning ice and grass into art. Plants in temperate climates have developed mechanisms to survive the harsh conditions of winter. For example anti-freeze proteins prevent ice crystals from forming inside and outside cells. Plants can also accumulate organic compounds such as sugar to reduce the freezing point of water.
Italy
Hugo was born and raised in Brixen, Italy, where he now works in the family company as a carpenter. About once a year he escapes his everyday life to visit places such as Scotland, Norway and Iceland. At home he spends hours lying just outside his house, taking pictures of small animals and plant details.
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