Some Easy Winter Photography Tips

Some people absolutely hate winter and have a tendency to cocoon themselves in their toasty warm houses and apartments, not emerging until the first thaw of spring. For others, they appreciate the beauty of the season and realize that they have some great opportunities for beautiful winter photography. If this sounds like you, we have some important tips to remember before you strap on your camera bag and head out. After all, winter photography is beautiful, there's no doubt about that, but it does pose some unique challenges as well.

Safety First

Of course you need to be mindful of your own safety when heading out for a day of winter photography. If you're photographing your own local area, you may be aware of common weather conditions, but if you're in an unfamiliar area you need to remember how quickly the weather can change during the winter. It may be sunny one minute but a blizzard a few minutes later. It should be your practice to over-prepare yourself for the weather. And of course you need to be mindful of your terrain as well when planning some winter photography. In the city there may not be much risk, but even a small hill can cause a mini avalanche that could cause injury. And of course if you start walking around in a place where there are caves or caverns, even small ones, there is a risk of getting trapped inside. It's always better to use a guide and the buddy system for these types of areas. Make sure you have a working cell phone, flares, and anything else needed if you're going into the deep woods or any isolated area. Stay on marked pathways and never veer off into a place you're not familiar with. Snow drifts can be deceptively deep, and they are a unique challenge when it comes to winter photography. Always better safe than sorry, as they say.

Adjusting Your Lighting

With winter photography, you want to be very aware of your lighting and exposure. Because the snow is white and reflects the light that much easier, you'll need to adjust your exposure time accordingly. Your snow might not come out as crisp as you thought and may turn into a murky gray mess. Winter photography sometimes takes a bit of practice when it comes to exposure times, angles, and so on.

Try Some Action Shots

Winter photography is a great time to practice your action shots. If you are near a ski lodge or other winter sports area, you have a great opportunity to capture some amazing images. Think of how the powder flies up behind a skier or snowboarder. Being able to get a good shot of these ones going down the mountain is great practice for all your other action shots. Remember to get your balance if you're on the side of the mountain and adjust your lenses accordingly. Anticipate the shot as the skier approaches. By doing so, you may find that winter photography is your new excuse to get out of your cocoon!