This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information.

People & Culture

How a photographer captured this magical Nunavut scene

A Nunavut photographer had his friend throw tea around at -35C. The result is stunning!
  • Dec 21, 2015
  • 221 words
  • 1 minutes
This magical winter shot by a Pangnirtung, NU photographer has gone viral recently. Expand Image
Advertisement

A few days ago, Pangnirtung, NU photographer Michael Davies and his friend Markus Siivola jumped onto a skidoo and, armed with thermoses of hot tea, proceeded to make a little photographic magic.

Inspired by a popular cold-weather science experiment involving tossing hot water into freezing cold air to make “snow,” Davies had Siivola throw the tea around while he snapped away.

Pangnirtung only sees around 2.5 hours of daylight this time of year, so Davies had to plan ahead to get the perfect shot.

“Nothing about this shot was left to chance,” he said in an email. “I followed the temperature, I watched for calm winds … Even the sun in the middle of the spray was something I was hoping for.”

The resulting image has captured the collective imagination of Canadians, racking up thousands of shares on social media and netting stories on CBC and the Huffington Post. Davies said he’s pleased to be able to share Nunavut’s beauty with a wider audience.

“I’ve been given the unique opportunity to draw inspiration from a culture and climate that most people will never experience,” he said. “I draw inspiration from these experiences and attempt to capture my surroundings, giving viewers a glimpse into life in the high Canadian Arctic.”

View more of Davies’ work at his website.

Advertisement

Are you passionate about Canadian geography?

You can support Canadian Geographic in 3 ways:

Related Content

Women in Nunavut running across a snow-covered field towards the camera

History

Throwback Thursday: Nunavut up and running

On April 1, 1999, Canada’s youngest population took control of its largest territory. Here’s how Canadian Geographic covered the story. 

  • 2880 words
  • 12 minutes

Wildlife

Do not disturb: Practicing ethical wildlife photography

Wildlife photographers on the thrill of the chase  — and the importance of setting ethical guidelines 

  • 2849 words
  • 12 minutes

People & Culture

Kahkiihtwaam ee-pee-kiiweehtataahk: Bringing it back home again

The story of how a critically endangered Indigenous language can be saved

  • 6310 words
  • 26 minutes

People & Culture

Two Canadian photographers shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award

Martin Gregus and Brittany Crossman are two nominees for the prestigious competition developed and produced by the National History Museum

  • 890 words
  • 4 minutes