a very difficult simple photo

one might think that finding a photo opportunity like this would be easy in minnesota. it is not at all. several conditions have to occur at the same time to make this photo: 1) the snow has to be wet enough to cling to even the smallest branches out on the tips, 2) there must be very little to no other clutter around the branch, 3) the sky must be white or i need an assistant to hold a white background for me, 4) said assistant cannot be clumsy and accidentally knock the branch with the white background (which happens almost every time), 5) i must get out after the wet snowfall, but before the first winds arrive, and 6) i must be willing to stand in thigh deep snow to several minutes to get the shot. so, not so easy. i hope you like it.