TWILIGHT ON ICE

JOHN McCLUSKEY

// John McCluskey, a seasoned photographer from Danbury, Connecticut, continues to captivate audiences with his stunning visual interpretations of urban and natural landscapes. With a penchant for geometric patterns, John has long been drawn to the evocative beauty of the world around him. His photography, often defined by negative space and wide-angle perspectives, invites viewers to experience a moment of stillness and reflection. In this latest feature, John takes us into the frozen world of Candlewood Lake, Connecticut.

Having been featured in multiple journals and exhibitions across the U.S., UK, and Switzerland, John’s work has earned a reputation for its patient, thought-provoking approach to the art. One of his guiding principles is that great photography emerges in its own time. Whether an image comes together instantly or after simmering in the creative process, he believes every shot has value.

For John, art — whether photography, writing, or another form — offers a chance to live a larger life. As a writer and photographer, he finds that each discipline feeds into the other, allowing him to express the limitless possibilities of soul and perspective. The arts are more than just a vocation for John; they are a vital means of personal expression, offering new ways to connect with the world around him.

His favorite quote about the arts comes from writer James Baldwin: “You never get the book you wanted, you settle for the book you get.” John finds this quote freeing, as it emphasizes the importance of embracing the unexpected outcomes of creation. Whether a photograph or a written piece, the final result is often something even greater than what was initially envisioned. The idea of “settling” may carry a negative connotation, but for John, it suggests that one can end up with something magnificent, even if it doesn’t align perfectly with the original plan.

As John continues to evolve as an artist, his approach to photography remains centered around patience, perspective, and the beauty found in the fleeting moments of nature. With each project, he invites us to slow down, observe, and settle into the magnificence of the world around us. For John, every photo — like every piece of art — tells a story, one that offers a glimpse into the infinite possibilities of creative expression.

“You never get the book you wanted, you settle for the book you get.”

James Baldwin

What draws you to the arts?

“The arts are very important to me. I have been a writer and photographer all my life, the two feeding off each other at times, acting independently as well. I didn’t know at first why I was attracted to the arts, but as I found my connection to be permanent, I realized the limitless expression of soul and perspective was so fittingly unique to each person (and each project), that the arts became an opportunity to live a larger life.”

What do you like best about this photo project?

“The best feature of this project is the intimacy between subject and photographer. Through the viewfinder, the pleasing sense of softness in nature comes alive and seems to reveal itself only to the photographer, who is then empowered to share.”

The series on frozen Candlewood Lake captures a natural phenomenon in stunning detail, documenting the cyclical freezing and thawing of the lake’s surface. The process, with its ever-changing textures and colors, unfolded over several months, offering John a unique opportunity to observe nature’s abstract transformations.

The images that resulted are nothing short of mesmerizing. John used a wide-open aperture at f/4.0, primarily during the twilight hours when the light was softest. This choice helped to highlight the most delicate qualities of the frozen lake’s surface, allowing its subtle patterns to emerge.

The photographs are marked by an intimate relationship between the photographer and his subject. Through the viewfinder, John felt a quiet connection to the landscape, one that seemed to offer its most revealing beauty only to those who took the time to truly observe. This closeness is one of the defining features of his work — an invitation to share in the discovery of beauty in the seemingly ordinary.

In post-production, John kept the edits minimal, focusing only on softening edges and enhancing the natural colors to their true shades. The result is a series of images that appear both timeless and otherworldly, reflecting a momentary glimpse into nature’s own rhythm.

Click on the photos to see a larger image with its title. Some images may be cropped for layout.