Winter Photos
Lake Jasna
Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to see Lake Bled and Bohinj freeze so much we could walk over them, but ever since neither of these lakes have frozen enough to walk upon. However, Lake Jasna has pretty much consistently frozen each year. No matter the weather, for the most part this region gets little sun in winter and the temperature often drops below freezing overnight.
If you subscribe to my newsletter, then you may have seen my photos from a few weeks before Christmas showing how it was beginning to freeze. Well it got thicker, and during this recent fall became so thick with snow that it was impossible to even tell where the lake was.
This photo is available to purchase as a high quality fine art print to hang on your home or office wall.
Church of Saint Volbenk
The Church of Saint Volbenk is a charming rural church perched above the Poljanska Sora River in the Poljanska dolina (Poljane Valley), not far from the historic town of Škofja Loka in Upper Carniola, Slovenia.
History & Architecture:
Although the site’s roots go back earlier, the present church structure was built in the second half of the 17th century, featuring a modest yet evocative style that blends into its pastoral surroundings. It has fortified walls and two bell towers, and inside you’ll find three Baroque altars with notable altar paintings by the Šubic family of local painters — a highlight of its cultural and artistic heritage.
Location & Setting:
The church stands above the meandering Poljanska Sora — one of the two Sora rivers that define the region — overlooking fields, gentle hills, and the nearby Visoko Mansion/Tavčar estate in the valley below. Its position on a modest terrace gives it a quiet prominence: from many angles you can frame it with rolling hills or sweeping valley views.
Photographic Appeal:
In winter, especially after a snowfall, the stone walls and bell towers take on a serene, almost storybook quality. Snow softens the surrounding landscape and contrasts beautifully with the church’s facade. While it doesn’t have the majestic mountainous backdrop that Saint Thomas or Jamnik churches boast, it still commands a lovely view, even more so when blanked in snow.
Kozolec
The traditional and unique double Kozolec which can only be found in Slovenia makes a beautiful subject to photograph in the snow. I found this one in the village of Bukovec.
Church of Saint Margaret
Perched atop a gentle hill overlooking the small settlement of Prežganje in the hills east of Ljubljana, the Church of Saint Margaret stands as a lovely example of rural Slovenian sacred architecture. The present Baroque church was built in 1777 on the site of much older medieval predecessors, continuing a long tradition of worship at this high vantage point. It’s part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ljubljana and is dedicated to Saint Margaret, martyr, a beloved patron in local devotion.
Location & Setting:
The church crowns the wooded ridge of the Posavsko hribovje (hills of the lower Sava region) near Janče, giving sweeping views over forested slopes and the rolling countryside below. The hilltop location makes it especially photogenic: from many angles you can frame the steeple against distant hills, scattered farmsteads, and valley horizons. These shots were taken from a special location not known to many.
Photographing in Snow:
I love photographing this scene after fresh snowfall. This view transforms into a striking, almost storybook scene. Snow blankets the surrounding landscape in white, creating strong contrast with the warm tones of stone and plaster. This viewpoint also makes a great stitched panorama.
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