Crystals from the Sky: The Intricate Beauty of Snowflakes

It’s the time of year when we can expect temperatures to drop and a flurry of snowflakes to fall from the sky at any moment. But what is it about these tiny crystals formed of frozen water that fascinates us so?

The beauty of a snowflake shines brightest when you get really close to one. Russian photographer Alexey Kljatov‘s elaborate set-up at his home in Moscow enables him to do just that, capturing the snowflakes as they settle. From dendrites and prisms, to columns and needles, he’s seen them all. But, as you’ll observe from the images below, every single one is unique.

It’s hard to believe that these exquisite snow crystals are the result of an entirely natural process, and no two are exactly the same. This is precisely where my fascination lies.

You can see more of Alexey’s work on 500px and Flickr, and purchase prints from Redbubble.