Serendipity

Snow and its harbingers

Yuki-mushi or snow bugs (Scientific name: Prociphilus oriens) are known as the harbingers of snow. It is observed that the first snow of the season falls one to two weeks after yuki-mushi are sighted. The aphids with white fluff on their black bodies dance in the air, resembling snow. I first encountered them en masse by chance a few years ago.

Serendipity plays a prominent role in my photography. While I do my best to educate myself about the weather, about nature, and be as prepared as I can for the day, I often find myself having to adapt or even abandon my original plans. I learnt that it’s sometimes best to “go with the flow” - to accept what nature presents and follow where it leads. Photographing yuki-mushi, catching pockets of colors in heavy snow rely on part knowledge / experience and part serendipity.

The accompanying music, “Small Leaves”, was composed by the wonderful Luca Longobardi. I became a fan after watching Italian figure skater Matteo Rizzo perform to Luca’s music, Volare. It was yet another fortuitous encounter.