How to Take Winter Photos That Won’t Be White and Blurry (Unless That’s What Matters Most)
Capturing the natural beauty of a snowy winter’s day seems like a pretty easy thing to do, but it’s (usually) not as easy as picking up your phone or camera, stepping outside and snapping the perfect shot right away.
In addition to the logistics of photographing in cold weather, snow or other precipitation can make it even more of a challenge. Here are some tips on how to get great winter photos.
Working with elements
Before we get into real photography tips, let’s talk about how to keep your camera (or phone) and hands warm and working. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep spare batteries and/or phone warm by putting them in your pocket when not in use.
- Before taking a picture, check the lens for fogging or condensation .
- Buy a pair of touchscreen-friendly gloves if you’re using a phone, or gloves with handles if you’re using a camera.
- If it’s snowing heavily and you’re using an expensive camera and equipment, use a camera case to prevent water damage.
- Dress for the weather so you don’t get cold before you take your photos.
Getting the Perfect Winter Shot
Okay, now it’s time to get outside and take some amazing winter shots. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:
- Benefit from spectacular colorful sunrises and sunsets on days with clear skies and already snowy days.
- You can shoot snow as it falls – just take as many shots as possible to increase your chances of getting a good shot.
- Clear days with blue skies are great for shooting snowy landscapes. Point your camera (or phone) due north if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere for the deepest blue skies.
- Late afternoon is the perfect time for beautiful backlit winter photos. Wait until the sun drops lower in the sky, then shoot facing the sun , using it to illuminate trees, buildings, hills/mountains, etc.
- Take advantage of any patches of pristine clear snow and use them as a pristine backdrop.
Finally, if you live in a place that used to get a lot of snow every winter and now snow only accumulates a few times a year, don’t sleep on the snow when you see it.