How do you capture magic?

 Did you know that the famous photographer, Ansel Adams, would  often hike for the whole day in Yosemite National Park just to take one photo? I thought about this yesterday as I accompanied a group of snowshoers trekking through the Berkshire Natural Resources Clam River property. It was one of those stunningly gorgeous winter days and the landscape presented many great photo ops. As if that weren't enough- there was a sense of MAGIC in the air. It was palpable and I felt it in what seemed like every fiber of my being. I thought to myself...I hope that I can do justice to the essence of beauty and magic as it is being presented to me.

 To set the scene: The Sun was shining brightly. The sky was azure. The air was crisp, but not too cold. It had snowed the day before, both brightening and softening the landscape . The trees were laden with fluffy piles of frozen precipitation. An occasional breath of wind would coax the trees to divest their holdings, thus creating a snow-globe effect, as sweet little snow showers came down all around us.  Bright beams of abundant sunlight  transformed the flakes into glittered fairy-dust. It was enchanting. Mesmerizing. Disappointing? Yes. Because I knew, to a certain degree, that this was one of those occasions that no photo could do proper justice. This was one of those phenomenal experiences of being outdoors when conditions are near perfect and you get to experience the miracle of Mother Nature in all her glory. How do you impart that to someone who wasn't there? (For me, that is always my goal and intention.)  And, back to Ansel, how did he manage to do that with just one photo? I made many pictures yesterday-some are quite nice, and yet, what I saw and felt mysteriously remains between me and Mother Nature. The good news is this, it has all been left out there for each of us to enjoy another day. How will you capture some MAGIC? 

Question for discussion:  Has this type of experience ever happened to you? Does the magic exist in greater proportions because it is seemingly elusive and cannot quite be contained?