Building a Quiznee and Steel Wool Photography
Story
A quinzee is shelter that is made out of snow. It is different and much faster to build than an igloo because you start with solid pile snow and then dig out the inside. You want to ensure that where your starting has a significant amount of snow on the ground.
If it’s a hike from the car you may need snowshoes, especially with all that extra weight from your gear. We brought two shovels, one of them being a small avalanche shovel that made digging out the inside much easier.
Oh.. You caught me mending my fences <—- Link
The snow was EXTREMELY dry and powdery that day, it was almost like shoveling sand. We did our best to pack it down as we went but we were beginning to think that with such powdery snow it may not hold together well enough to dig out later.
Even with the -10c temperatures that day, we had to start shedding layers from the work out of shoveling all that snow.
Despite the quality of snow, a few hours later we had enough piled. At this point you want to let it settle/cure for at least 2-3 hours. Even with powder snow, it should solidify pretty well.
To pass the time we made some tea and played frisbee on the frozen pond.
Once it was dark we still had a few hours to kill before we could start digging it out. I had brought some steel wool to try some long exposures with it. Here is a link I found on how these kind of shots are achieved.
We did the final exposure with my brother standing on the quiznee.
With enough time passing, we started the process of digging out the inside. At this point you always want at least one other person with you, in case of a cave in.
It wasn’t long until we had enough removed to fit inside
We had one final cup of tea and called it a night. I had used the snowshoes as a windbreak for the stove. Despite the -10c temperatures, we were both warm the whole night inside the quiznee.
this is fantastic!
Patrick, you make me want to quit my job and head for the hills. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!
WoW, I have never seen something like this before. Amazing images
I love this Patrick! Beautiful photos!
My son slept in a snow cave that he made with the Boy Scouts.
I would love to do it sometime. Snow would be softer than pebbly ground…
Your steel wool spinning photos are so beautiful! And that last shot with the stars? Oooooh!
Do you ever take people/groups on guided hikes?
Man, I am freezing just watching you in all that snow! It’s cold here in Texas. It’s currently 42F. Haha! You were out there a long time and you survived on green tea alone?
Really cool photos and story. Great stuff.
What an adventure! That magnificent night sky- what a reward! Incredible.
Amazing! Love the steel wool ‘fireworks’.
Just fabulous!!! Very Dreamy…
Reblogged this on NatureOnNotice and commented:
The simplicity of this short video in contrast to today’s news-centric world resonated with me today —memories of childhood wonder.
Thank you for the transport to another world, wow!
Incredible pictures, and I learned something too
. New scrabble word – quiznee!
Lovely photography and a fun story!
splendidly creative and envious too..of the snow and you
)
Reblogged this on My Blog and commented:
so amazing
I have nominated your blog for the Blog of the Year 2012 Award! Please find the details at http://tinylessonsblog.com/2012/12/17/three-stars-thank-you/. Congratulations!
Such a pleasure to see snow as I sit here looking out on yet another warm, rainy day in Atlanta. Your photography is just amazing! My sister and her boyfriend just stopped by and the three of us (all photography hobbyists) marveled at how you captured the stars at night, as well as the sparking steel wool with no blurring. Please enlighten us!
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing!
That was awesome.. so different then camping in MidwestUS-cool!
Reblogged this on Eco-Awesome! and commented:
I don’t follow a lot of blogs, but I sure love when Canadian photographer Patrick Latter puts up new images of his snowy escapades. This fellow is the epitome of Eco-Awesomeness!
Great job!! Love the photos.
That is pretty kool (no pun intended). I have never heard of a quinzee before now and appreciated the step by step guide so I could comprehend what it actually was. The steel wool photos are amazing.
You certainly do go from one extreme to the other. I’m pretty sure your last several posts were from Maui.
Such a great post! Each photo seemed to get better as it went along. The photos with the steel wool were AMAZING! It was also fun to see all that snow. I hail from Minnesota but have been living in Ireland for several years. There’s not much snow in Ireland. I miss it. Thanks for sharing!
I have to try this. Thanks you. Very cool.
When I was a child, I hollowed out the piles of snow created by snow plows at street intersections in my home of Milford, NH. Your story brought back great memories! Your photographs are wonderful. All of the B&W express a great mood, and the shot standing under the stars is georgeous. I’m going to check out the steel wool thing!
wow! I guess you already know you take amazing photos – did you see those beautiful little swirls in the green tea picture? The quiznee looks like it would be as warm as a meat locker
I might be claustrophobic – I think I’d rather be out under that gorgeous expansive night sky. It’s a gift from the Universe to all of us that you were born in such a beautiful place with the skills to share it – Thanks.
As always, killer photography, tons of fun and a great site! A fine example of making the most of life!!
This post was absolutely great. The burning steel wool shots were incredible. Thank you very much for posting.
Fantastic. Everyone needs this type of adventure at least once in their life
just beautiful. Is that a Tremblant ski pass I see?
Great photos–the steel work shots were incredible!–especially the very last shot of you(?) standing outside the shelter entrance with the mts.and sky in the background.
–Don’t you have to worry about a cave-in during the night?
–I assume that you still used sleeping bags.
–Don’t you have to worry about suffocation if you use the lantern inside the quiznee?
Thanks.
Ken
So peaceful and beautiful
I have only one word, and that is: cool.
Reblogged this on J M LIGHT and commented:
Gorgeous photography. Just in case you haven’t been introduced to this photog blog yet, it’s worth looking at. The landscapes are gorgeous, and make sure you look closely at the tea cup, and the swirling heat rising from it.
Awesome, breath taking, spectacular, beautiful, I could go on and on but think you get the idea…WOW!!!!
This is very cool! The pics are fantastic, as always!
Very cool long exposures and original shoot. Cheers for sharing!
Well, how cool is this entry!!! Love the Quiznee lesson!
I absolutely enjoyed your adventure and gorgeous photography! Thanks for sharing.
Great photos of an interesting process. Liked the steel wool, and will be looking at the link
Very, very cool! The quiznee AND the steel wool photography, both are sensational. Thanks for the great pictures and video.
We used to build these as kids – now I know their name! What a great adventure….
That looks like a fare bit of snow!
The burning steel wool shots are very cool as well as the starry sky.
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Patrick…this is beautiful..
x
- s
Beautiful photos!
Nice.
Amazing!
AMAZING!
Seems like a fulfilling experience. Carry on. Great scenery and photos by the way
looks like a lot of fun!
awesome!
WOW, Amazing photos
Beautiful pics!
The steel wool shots are absolutely amazing!
It looks so beautiful, it would almost be worth the unbearable cold. Almost.
Learned something new today – I had never heard of a quiznee. It looks easy from your photographs, but I’m sure it is not. I couldn’t imagine being out in those temperatures either. You guys are brave! Steel wool photography is amazing. Loved the info and amazing images! Keep them coming : )
Super pictures!
Awesome. Where was this?
Very cool, Love the steel wool idea
WHat a fasinating experience.
Wow!! You never cease to amaze with your photographic skills, this is mega!! Thank you for sharing.
So beautiful
Thanks for the tutorial on how to build a quinzee.
Wonderful post – thank you.
I live in a tropical country with nothing but the humidity and monsoon rain. Thanks for posting all those wonderful pictures to let me have a visual experience of the snow. Sure, I can google for them. But your pictures are amazing! Worth being on my news feed. Keep it coming! =)
My son and son-in-law are building one of these right now in the front yard overlooking Mt. Schweitzer in Sandpoint Idaho. Two feet of new snow! Thanks for the tutorial.
Beautiful images and adventure!
Should i get lost in the wild i’d like it to be with you. Can you hunt and fight off bears as well? The pictures are of a rare Beauty to see. Thank-you for posting.
Just Amazing!!!
These photos are amazing
Patrick, you have quickly become of my favorite photographers to follow
You really inspire me to take better images
Absolutely beautiful.
Much like man landing on the moon ; ) super! (i.e,. actually better : you had tea..)
I’m so out of my comfort zone, not being able to click “like” on every one of the photos. I’m a fan! Maybe a crazy one! I’m so glad you popped over to my blog.
LOL Patrick, you look like a sixteen y-o kid on these.
Very nice as usual, Tay.
Amazing long exposure effects.
Dare I say this was alot of big boy fun!? I grew up in Northern Minnesota, and this what we did all day, was to dig caves and tunnels, etc in the hug lawns of snow that were up to 4-5ft high…. great shots and story, really enjoyed.
What a wonderful life you seem to live!
Thanks Patrick. Really took me there! Great shots and commentary.
Great photos!
Truly breathtaking pictures; thank you for sharing!
Wow! …hard to find the words….
fascinating!
Patrick: Beautifully done! :You must have a ball out there. Be safe! Great color!
What a lot of effort you guys go to for your photos and what an amazing life you lead.
Amazing photos! http://jasmineloves.com/
Beautiful images!
wow.
Stunning! Can I have your life for a few days? Thanks.
Crazy awesome photography, also awesome video.
Wonderful!
Wow incredible photos!!!!!!!!!!!!! The way the light is hitting the snow is breath taking!!!!!!! Cant wait to see some more
patrick, all beautiful pics. my favorite was actually the snowshoes as a wind breaker. felt like something i’d seen my whole life, this practical use of everything around us to get through life in png. –kris
Amazing night Photo of the stars!
It’s incredible how human beings can change the environment to fit them.
The works of fire are wonderful.
Absolutely stunning images. Looks like a lovely adventure.
What a fun adventure! Love that last shot…awesome…
Love it especially your LE shots! Amazing!
Cool
As always- incredible!
Thanks for sharing. I haven’t seen snow like that since I was a child…a very long time ago.
Gorgeous photographs!
You are cool !
You’re awesome.
Wow, these are absolutely killer! Well done
Amazing! send some of the snow to the Ottawa area please!
amazing!
Truly incredible photos. Were you not concerned that the snow would cave in during the night?
Winston, you’re a beauty. Wonderful pictures! Two brave guys I’d say.
Great photos… I read another article regarding the long exposure with steel wool, looking forward trying this in the near future.
Beautiful.
snow C@@L
fabulous photos.
well done !!!
Your pictures always make me wish I was there.
Wow !! beautiful and magical !!
Wonderful!
You are gifted and adventurous; a great combination! Thanks for sharing your photos for us all to envy.
gorgeous!!!!! oh wow
Oh my heavens. As always your photographs are exquisite. Your blogs never, upon ever, disappoint.
WoW1!!!
Amazing photos.
This is brilliant. I had not heard of a Quiznee before and found this article fascinating.
Great Photos. I like the ones of you in the snow best. It looks so cold and yet you’re in short sleeves. I like the photo of the purplish night sky aso. It reminds me of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
Awesome stars! and great photos!
Reblogged this on THE PRINCE IN THE TOWER: A Modern Gothic Romance and commented:
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night” (Genesis 1:
Wow! The temperature here just now is 29 Celsius, so it’s really refreshing looking at your snowy landscapes! The burning steel wool looks amazing. I don’t think I’ll try that at home – not in summer, anyway!
The photography was amazing and what beautiful shots. Clicked on the link and saw how you build it and the steel wool. Love it. Thanks for visiting my blog also!
Eqhatwhat an amazing experience. Thank you for sharing.
Amazing!
Beautifull lighs game, impressive.
Great post, can’t wait to try the steel wool shots
Awesome and cool!
Stunning shots!!!
Absolutely excellent images! Phenomenal!
THAT was very cool
That is so awesome!! I’ve never seen anything like the steel wool burning!! Wonderful photos!!
Wonderful Photos! Thanks so much for sharing!
I am speechless, what a grand show of lines and lights, thank you.
beautiful, thank for share
I now want to go play in the snow. Which is fitting since our mountains are getting quite a bit right now.
Excellent photos and a very informative post. Now I know how to keep warm in sub-zero temperatures. Fascinating pics of the steel wool demo. Always a pleasure perusing your posts! Happy Holidays!!
Hey Patrick thanks for following my blog. Your pictures are simply amazing!!
Your photography and commentary really blesses me. I mean that. Your nature photography and your team being so “in it” just magnifies the awesomeness of our God who made it all. “His eternal nature and attributes are clearly seen through the things which are made, leaving all men without excuse.” Romans 1
Bless you Patrick! Thanks again.
Steve
While this is making me very grateful for my warm, dry apartment, I’m fascinated by this– what’s the origin of the name quiznee?
These are all jut beautiful…
Fantastic, especially the steel wool element! Merry Christmas, snow boy.
God those are some amazing pictures. Really makes me want to go on an adventure . . . but I can’t afford it. Damn good work though.
Reblogged this on bearspawprint.
INCREDIBLE! all of it. the shelter building, the photos. so cool.
As always; absolutely beautiful. Reminded me of the snow igloos we would make when I was small. We never had light shows with spinning steel wool! This was incredible
I hope you don’t mind if I reblog your link on my reblog page?
Thank you, Patrick, for your blog and also for your long-term support of my wordpress posts. I’ve nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award. http://russellboyle.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Stunning photos. Thank you so much for sharing!
These are amazing. Thanks for sharing! (:
In the old NATO Winter LRRP school the Gurkha instructors had you make one of these every night in the mountains. And yea you definitely need two people when making one. Great photos.
Wow.. Very inspiring!
amazing photos
Super, super post.
Wow – these are just breathtaking! Especially the final photo of the night sky along with the mountain! (And thanks for the steel wool link, fascinating!)
Reminded me of growing up in Michigan. We played for hours in our “less-than-an-igloo.”
wow your photos are incredible!!!
You know why I follow your blog? Because your images take me places I’ve never been. I learn new things, see new places, and, all in all, your posts always are a bright spot in my day.
Hi! I have nominated you for the very inspiring blogger award. Visit this link http://elixirofmemories.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/very-inspiring-am-i-thank-you-erica/ to accept the award!
A superb post.
Amazing.
Love the first portrait…
Awesome post, Patrick. Glad you spent a warm night in your quinzee. Reminds me of Stacey Kent’s song, ‘Ice Hotel’.
Blown away by the images in this blog post! Amazing..
Beyond belief wonderful! Thank you for allowing me to experience this and stay warm! HF
Breathtaking work
remind me of how beautiful nature is!
Thanks for your like on my blog, which lead me to your awesome blog! These pictures are so stunning, and I’ve always wanted to build, as I’ve learned they are called, a quiznee (and had many failed attempts as a child in the snow!). I’ll definitely be back for more, especially on days when I need aesthetic inspiration
Doooode that snow is knee high! brrrr… but oh my gawsh I’m loving the shots here!
Amazing! Thanks for following my Celebrate Life! blog and bringing me here. Gorgeous portraits and stunning landscapes, not to mention the fun of trying out new techniques. Thanks for sharing! Jo
I love the pictures of the steel wool, it’s beautiful and breathtaking. Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful shots! Who knew…steel wool! I remember building such structures as a kid. Glad you enjoy the cold. Personally I “served” all the snow time I plan to by living in the northern Midwest. Southern California suits me much better these days.
This looks great fun! Thank you for sharing
Oh wow! This is absolutely breathtaking! Everything is simply beautiful! Makes me wish I didn’t live in such a temperate place! The snow looks gorgeous… And the steel-wool long exposure pictures are absolutely gorgeous!
Congratulations! You’ve been nominated by me for the Liebster Award. http://harryturpin77.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/someone-likes-me/
So exotic seen from Guatemala. It also reminded me of my Canadian childhood. Stunning and inspiring photographs!
I have nominated your blog for the Blog of the Year 2012 Award! Please find the details at http://exceedingspeed.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/i-am-humbled/ . Congratulations
Wow that snow is deep. Brilliant photos!
Patrick, I love the steel wool photography – neat idea. Here’s wishing you Happy Holidays and thanks for following My Poetic Spirit. ~Mary
Just… WOW!
Loved the pic with the stars
We used to build those kinds of “igloos” in our childhood 
Didn’t know that they were called a quinzee.
Patrick, I usually don’t comment on photos and such, but damn…. your photos are STUNNING. There is something about them, the REALNESS of realism and perfection combined into beauty. They have the quality of truth about them. Thank you.
You have a genuine talent. There are millions of photos out there, but not all of them SPEAK to us. Yours do.
i am speechless, seriously! beautiful! i wish i could’ve been there, what amazing sights and fantastic photos!
Simply amazing !
Your wave of lights are very beautiful.
Amazing. This is so inspiring; I’m definitely sharing this with my kids. Way to go out and live your dream!
Amazing photos!
Amazing photos with the steel wool. Wow. I love the step by step on how to build a quiznee. Perfect melding of words and photos.
Good stuff, as usual. Always enjoy your photos.
Nowhere else but here kind of moments… untethered stars and all.
Hi, just nominated you for the inspiring blog award
http://soulfoood.me/2012/12/21/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you for sharing! It thrills me to observe moments like these that I will likely not experience.
Doubt I’ll ever see this much snow face to face, but that’s a neat way of using it.
The crisp lines and the color’s tones… is so beautiful. And your photography makes me feel like I am right in front of the scenery from the man standing, to the fire spinning, to the night sky with the stars. So beautiful. Thank you-
Fabulous!!!
Loved this post better than the rest hmmmm your going to make me want to get out and film SNOW damn!
Hey wanted to wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
I have a STAR too for you but do not think you PLAY ALONG lol oops sorry
http://nutsfortreasure.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/merry-christmas-its-award-time-lol-too-grab-your-star/
Eunice and JT her BC
I am in awe!
Amazing photos!!!
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Nice photos sir!
Absolutely stunning! Thanks so much for sharing.
Absolutely fascinating. Thank you. I have saved the link.
some very amazing photos… we love love love winter around here… thanks for the photos…
http://www.kodiakmylittlegrizzly.com
check out some snowboarding photos of kids… not the best quality… iPhones and very snowy weather!!!
Excellent photography. I really have to know how you get such a perfectly focused shot of the stars.
Amazing!
Kibogoji has nominated you for the Liebster award. I love the photos man and learn a lot from you. Keep on blogging and taking those always amazing shots. Go to http://kibogoji.com/2012/12/22/kibogoji-liebster-award-nominee/ to access the award. cheers mate!
Gorgeous! Enough to make me miss snow!
I really like this post! Inspiring and just beautiful. Makes me wish I was there.
Happy Hooladays!
Loved your photos, they are wonderful. We’re having such a mild winter here in the US I’m holding out hope we’ll get some of the white stuff. In the mean time I just enjoy your pictures and dream
Love the steel wool images. Hard to believe you can be warm inside a snow cave, but I’ll just have to take your word for it ;~)
Really beautiful photography. Totally captured the moments. <3 thanks for sharing.
Wow, had no idea burning steel wool could look so magical! What an adventure.
Those are some ridiculously beautiful photos. My favorite: the 2nd steel wool photo and the last one with the stars. Thanks for sharing.
thanks for sharing with us in your snow-bound fun
Hey. Hi. Whoa. STELLAR!
Happy Xmas, Patrick!
Awesome pictures with great details I cannot wait to see more pictures for you to share on this blog.
Awesome post!!!! Super beast!
absolutely loved all of this!
Wow. These are amazing. So glad to have found your site. Thanks for visiting mine.
Stunning pictures!
Beautiful, as always!
This is so cool!
The pictures are stunningly beautiful and so well taken….what camera do you use?
Beautifully captured photo-tale.
Well that’s novel, original and wonderful. What fun!
Stunning photos as usual!
I forgot to mention in my comment we have built igloos my two older kids and I… It was fun but a ton of work… My brother and I have done this many times in snow drifts digging out tunnels as kids… We just don’t get snow like that anymore…
Thanks for sharing
Ok, who wants to journey up north and build a quinznee with me?!
Japanese green tea! the stars are amazing!!
Glorious!
pretty amazing photo’s
As I’m sure you know, your pictures are absolutely incredible. Keep it up!
Pingback: Patrick Latter, Steel Wool Photography | The 22nd Century Social Club
Great Photos
This is a great photo reportage, such a beautiful place and I’ve learnt a new word Quiznee, thanks.
Amazing photos! the last one with the stars is my fav.
Beautiful shot of the stars, the snow and themountains! But it all looks VERY cold!
wow, stunning pics
Wow! – how cool – L O V E the pictures
You have captured some awesome shots of the landscape/sky and alike. Thanks for sharing them.
Hi! Since you’re one of my favorite bloggers/photographers on the web, I have nominated you for a Blog of the Year Award!:) Happy New Year! xo
Utterly incredible photography, really inspiring.
spectacular steel wool photography, great adventure of the cave! i also like the “organic premium japanese green tea” pic. the smoke curls on top look amazing. thanks for visiting/liking my post and have a great new year.
just gorgeous! you and the photo’s…hehe
Great post! I was spellbound.
amazing!
Geez, you are really good! Amazing photos!
Kind of excited as you are the only photographer following me right now. Such a beautiful site!!
Thanks for following! In case you missed it, I thanked you as one of my followers in my last post: http://wp.me/p2Jt2N-9h
Reblogged this on Whyte Dove Press and commented:
Writers get ideas from the strangest places. Why would anyone stand in the snow, slinging a sparkling piece of steel wool round his head? Just the thought (and sight of it in this video) ought to get a writer’s creative juices a-flowing.
I recommend Steve Martaindale, author of The Reporter and … stories (see The Reporter and The Ferret and The Hurricane on Amazon–2-for-1 novels from promising new novelist) take a look at this as he plans to set his next novel in the Antarctica. I don’t know how the flaming steel wool and snow quinzee would work together, but it’s bound to spark an idea or two!
Really like the idea of the sparkles from steel wool , great , it sure gives a great touch to the picture. Thanks
Steel wool is one of my favorite things to play with!
Beautiful photos! Must read up on the steel wool technique. I am such a newbie to photography. I have much to learn. I could only hope to aspire to amateur status compared to these lovely shots. Thanks for all the sharing!
WOW! Soon we will all be out of things to say!
I want some of that tea.
Spellbound!
I didnt know that you can create a shelter out of snow! thanks for sharing this….i wonder how it is inside..does it gets warmer than the outside temperature or just the same? anyways, im glad that you have visited my blog because it led me to your very interesting blog. Thanks for liking some of my photos at Gasm Travels. Will surely keep yours on my reader….Happy travels this 2013!
lovely effects!
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the video was best among best. Loved the way light was falling all over the place.