Every once in a while, you see something that is so gorgeous you have to stop and simply take it in. It may be a crystalline dewdrop on a leaf, a richly-hued sunset, a baby’s smile, the wrinkled, aged hands of a grandmother, or a breeching, blowing whale. Beauty is all around us. To celebrate it, we have a feature called: For Beauty’s Sake. Here, we’ll share photography of things we find simply, well, beautiful.

Winter is upon us. Snow crystals in New Mexico, clear sky in New Hampshire, red berries in Michigan, and snow queens take our frosty breath away. There is most assuredly beauty to be discovered in the chilly months that end one year and begin another. Enjoy the nature and portrait photography of some of our talented artists.

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass

Follow AM Lorek Photography at Instagram: @agnieszka_lorek; find James Stender at renfestphotos.com

If the photos put you in the mood for hot chocolate and snuggles, may we suggest our playlist, A Cozy Winter, available at iTunes? https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ladyfaire-a-cozy-winter/pl.u-2aoqP5bFVeMLlK