In the cross-country haven of Jakuszyce, Poland, I found myself on one of my latest adventures on skis, camera in hand, surrounded by the sheer magic of a winter landscape. The title of the photograph I took that day, Quietly Bathed, perfectly encapsulates the serene, almost reverent quality of the scene that unfolded before me — a small river source softly bathed in the last warm tones of the setting sun. It was fully covered with snow few days ago when I started my adventure.

The Izera Mountains, especially in Jakuszyce, are well known for their extensive trails, attracting cross-country skiing enthusiasts from around the region. These mountains offer a unique quietude in winter; each journey feels like stepping into a peaceful solitude, where only the soft crunch of snow under skis or boots and the occasional call of a bird break the silence. That day, the landscape was blanketed in fresh snow, creating a sense of untouched purity that only winter can bring. Every branch and rock was weighed down with soft, glittering snow, giving the mountains an ethereal beauty.

As I skied further along, I discovered a small, almost hidden source of a river. It wound through the thick blanket of snow, its waters clear and glistening, a rare hint of movement in an otherwise still scene. The snow around it was untouched, sculpted naturally by the wind, forming soft drifts and gentle curves that seemed to cradle the stream. At that moment, the sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a gentle, golden-pink glow over everything. The warm light against the cool blues and whites of the snow was mesmerizing—a contrast that transformed this quiet spot into something truly extraordinary. I quickly set up my camera, eager to capture this fleeting moment. The title, Quietly Bathed, came to mind almost immediately as I looked through my lens. The scene before me wasn’t just beautiful; it was tranquil, inviting the viewer into a moment of stillness and quiet reflection. The photograph captured that small river source illuminated in soft light, the snow glowing faintly around it, almost as if the landscape was breathing, settling into evening.

The experience of photographing that scene was as much a part of the adventure as skiing through the Izera Mountains themselves. Cross-country skiing had led me to this hidden corner, one I might have missed if I hadn’t decided to explore a bit off the beaten path. It was a reminder of the rewards of winter wandering, of following trails that may lead to unexpected beauty.

• Camera: Fuji Film X-T1
• Lens: 14mm
• Filters: Lee
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