Sunset with Contrails, Ponca, Nebraska, January 23, 2002

Contrails and clouds near Ponca, Nebraska, January 2002. (Photo by Daniel Binkard)

Winter sunsets have a magical quality. I think the cold makes them more special. You certainly have to work more efficiently, especially if you notice the sunset and run outside without a coat to take the photo. I'm pleased with the range of colors and textures in the sky, and the contrails provide a geometric component to counterbalance the variety of organic shapes.

Contrail Sunset, January 3, 2002

Contrails lit by a sunset near Ponca, Nebraska, January 2002. (Photo by Daniel Binkard)

At sunset, I noticed these wonderful lines lit with orange and pink. The delicate clouds beyond the contrails are icing on the cake.