At photochallenge.org they are having the 2013 Photo Challenge. Each week there is a new photo theme. You can go to their web site for details, and I would highly recommend participating. It’s a great way to get yourself out and shooting.

This week, the theme is Winter. So on Sunday, when it warmed up to around 20 degrees after being in the single digits and below for a few days, I went for a drive with my family and my camera. Ended up a few places that my wife and I used to photography, but haven’t been back to in a few years. First was a railroad crossing we used to frequent, and spend afternoons waiting for trains. And we were rewarded with this CSX freight without having to wait too long.

Our trip took us close to another spot we used to photograph. The Erie Canal, lock 20.

We actually spent one summer photographing many of the locks on the canal. During the winter the canal is closed to boat traffic, providing a new view of this resource.

But on the way home, a familiar site got my attention. This silo stands by itself in a field next to the road, and I go by it almost every day. The sky behind it in the late afternoon was one of those cold blue skies you get in January, and the light was starting to go to sunset, but lacked the color you get some days. But the texture of the light and the clouds on this afternoon made an interesting black and white image. Even in the winter, you can enjoy a day just shooting photos of nothing in particular. You just need an excuse. If your camera gear is gathering dust, head over to photochallenge.org and check out the current theme. Find them on Facebook, Flickr, and Google+ and see what others have been shooting if you need some inspiration. And then get out there and see what you can find.