Amazing images of snow crystals show off nature's beauty

Snowflakes and snow crystals (Alexey Kljatov)

You don't need a fancy camera with a paparazzi-like lens to shoot great photos of nature. Just ask Alexey Kljatov. The Moscow resident used a point-and-shoot camera (with a few extras) to capture these amazing images of snow flakes and crystals. Then he shared them on Flickr.

Snowflakes and snow crystals (Alexey Kljatov)

Kljatov, who told Yahoo News by email that he is not a professional photographer, took all the photos from his balcony in Moscow. He said he used a Canon PowerShot A650 with a Helios 44 M-5 lens and a Canon Hacker's Development Kit, which "greatly enhances camera functionality."

Even he was surprised at how well the camera's built-in and external lenses worked together.

Snow crystals (Alexey Kljatov)

"Before I started shooting snowflakes, I thought that this would be too difficult for any beginner and would require some expensive equipment," he told Yahoo News via email. "Now I know that this is completely wrong. Anyone with just simple point-and-shoot camera can take good pictures of snowlakes... Only patience [and a little practice] is needed." 

Snow crystals (Alexey Kljatov)