I’ve been off work since before Christmas. Today was scheduled as my last day off before returning to work tomorrow. With today also scheduled to be a day to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a parade was scheduled in Grenada, MS. The weather had a different idea of what would happen today. Several days ago, meteorologists predicted the area would have a rare winter storm. Well, last night, the first bits of frozen precipitation began falling in the area.

My son, Bryson, was supposed to participate along with other members of the Grenada High School NJROTC. It certainly didn’t take long for road conditions to become dangerous. I’m sure this would be nothing for drivers up north, but we don’t see a lot of this in the deep south. When we see snow, we get excited. Bryson was no exception. By late afternoon today, he was outside exploring, with temperatures hovering around his age of seventeen. I looked out the window as long as I could before eventually joining him. We walked behind our home into the forest to view the frozen-over creek before heading back home and inside.

Bryson braving the elements as we walked.
A cold, frozen creek.

When the announcement came through that school was cancelled due to the inclement weather, the photographer in me instantly saw an opportunity. With the world outside our doorstep transformed into a winter wonderland, I couldn’t resist the urge to capture its serene beauty. So, I invited my son Bryson to brave the cold with me for a spontaneous portrait session.

Backyard portrait of Bryson in the snow.

To my surprise, my wife Topeka, who typically shivers at the mere mention of cold weather, chose to accompany us. Her presence added warmth to the day, despite the frosty air.

Backyard portrait of Topeka in the snow.

We ventured into the icy embrace of nature, with me directing Bryson through various poses and capturing the raw, chilling moments through my lens. Topeka, wrapped in layers and battling the shivers, somehow managed to radiate a glow that defied the cold temperatures – a testament to the mirth that such familial moments bring.

Bryson and Topeka in the snow.

I had hoped that Allyson, my daughter, would join us, adding her unique flair to the session. However, she was a no-show, perhaps wisely choosing to remain in the comfort of our heated home. But I am not disheartened. I see this not as a missed opportunity but as an inspiration for a future photo shoot. Next time, when the weather offers a respite or presents a different mood, I’ll be sure to get Allyson in front of the camera. For now, I’m content with the day’s bounty of photographs that tell a tale of a family’s chilly adventure – snapshots that will no doubt warm our hearts for years to come.

Bryson and Topeka in the snow.