Winter's wonders: Amazing pictures of snowflakes captured in all their stunning symmetry

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 1:08 PM on 19th December 2011

While most people battle the winter weather by scraping snow off their car, one man takes the term 'cold snap' quite literally - by taking stunning pictures of snowflakes.

Dedicated Timofey Cherepanov, 62, spends hours painstakingly taking these incredible macro photographs of the icy jewels and the result is simply breathtaking.

Using a specialised macro-photography lens he is able to reveal the incredible crystallised shapes and unique snowdrop formations too tiny for the naked eye to spot.

Talented: Timofey Cherepanov spends hours taking these incredible macro photographs of snowflakes

Timofey, from Moscow, Russia, takes most of his photos in his back garden, on benches, fences and on cars, with snowflakes between just 1mm to 5mm in size.

 He said: 'The main problem is getting the best shots possible before they melt - I have to shoot when the temperature is no warmer than -5C.

'Even on two shots taken within just a one minute interval the changes can be very obvious and they look melted.

'Usually snowflakes are between 1mm and 5mm and the most beautiful tend to be the smallest.

Festive: Using a specialised macro-photography lens, Timofey is able to reveal the crystallised shapes and unique snowdrop formations which are too tiny for the naked eye to spot

'I usually photograph butterflies or birds, but I saw some shots of snowflakes online from scientists and wanted to try and make my own.

'Snowflakes are not actually white they just seem white, they are transparent. And I was stunned when I realised that most of them aren't flat.

'The most beautiful appear when the sky is clear and the sun shining and the snowflakes look like they are coming from nowhere.'

Using his Canon 40d camera, Timofey's wonderful photography provides a glimpse into the rarely seen beauty of winter weather.

Inspiration: Timofey takes most of his photos in his back garden, on benches, fences and on cars

He added: 'Friends and family are always stunned and astonished with the results.

'My favourite snowflakes are curly and very distinctive because they make for better pictures.

'There are also flakes I don't like. They are often called the "leaves of fern" and are usually the largest so not firm at all and not distinctive.

'I love taking these photos and even look forward to the snow so I can get out and start taking pictures again - I am in love with snowflakes for ever.'