With temperatures well below freezing, and with hands barely able to manipulate camera settings I came across this scene.
I had initially followed the lady as she strode out onto the frozen lake, axe in hand to cut a hole in the thick ice.
After immersing herself in the frigid water for a number of minutes she climbed out, retreating to the shore after hastily dressing.
With snow continuing to fall I too retreated to my awaiting car, the heater on full blast to regain sensation in my frozen fingers.
The immediate thought that came to my mind was the scene from Doctor Zhivago where Yuri is wandering across the frozen plain after having deserted from the Red Army. Maybe the connection with the movie is why this image feels so sad, or it's simply so incredibly lonely on its own. Wonderful photograph, though.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful response Ed. I am so glad that the image resonates with you.
Whilst the intention was not to tell a story of sadness, I did want to portray a sense of isolation and struggle against the elements.