By Becky Wolfe
When the temperature outside dips below freezing, the snow swirls and spring seems to be a long ways off, many photographers go into hibernation mode. Winter becomes a time to huddle up in the warm house, start planning for spring photo outings and perhaps spend all those hours processing and sorting the countless images you took in the fall.
But then there are the brave few. Those of us who are not content to sit inside and wait for the thaw. Those of us who know there are many opportunities for beauty and discovery in the snow and ice.
"When your feet get cold, the day is over."
If you're one of us, if you have the inkling to dig out the thermal underwear, slip on a scarf and tromp out into the icy great wild, here are a few tips to prepare yourself, and your gear, and some thoughts on what sort of images can be made in this frosty time of year.
Preparing to freeze your thermals off
Winter photography requires a whole new way to prepare yourself and your gear to go out and shoot. For yourself, make sure that you layer your clothing. Thermals like silks or polypropylenes should be closest to your skin for your base under-layer.
Fleece is a great light weight warm mid-layer. And try to make sure your outer layer is wind proof. Even a slight breeze on a winter day can chill you to the bone! Keep your head covered because this will help you retain the most warmth.
Your feet and hands are probably the most important. Wear warm socks and warm boots that will allow you to either tromp through snow or stand on cold ground for longer periods of time. When your feet get cold, the day is over.
If you plan on waiting for light on a scene in one place, or feel you will be crouching on the ground in one position for a long time, a little trick I like to do is bring a piece of cardboard to stand or kneel on. It's an inexpensive, light-weight way to give you one extra layer of insulation from the cold ground.
Keeping your hands warm
We photographers have a bit harder time keeping our hands warm in winter conditions. That's usually because we like to use our bare fingers to adjust the buttons and settings on our camera. There are a few ways to combat this icy fingertip problem.
If you can find a great thin pair of gloves, having that thin layer is a step up from bare skin. Otherwise, make sure you don't let your bare hands hang out in the cold for too long. Keep a warm glove on your opposite hand.
Often, those wool mittens that fold back to expose your fingers are a great option. You can keep most of your hand warm and flip back the top to cover your fingers when you are not switching controls.
Some photographers use a type of belly muff that they can slip their hands in and out of conveniently. If all else fails, make sure you have warm pockets. Put one of those chemical hand warmers in your pocket so you can frequently warm your fingers.
Your gear needs attention, too
Your gear will need special attention for colder weather as well. Most of us know that when taking our cameras from warm to cold or cold to warm, give them a chance to adjust to temperature before using them to prevent moisture from forming.
If I'm heading out for a winter photo shoot, I'll take my camera bag and let it sit on the porch for a bit before I leave. If you are driving to a location, don't warm up the inside of your car too much. This will be both beneficial for yourself and your gear.
Some photographers use large Ziploc type bags for their cameras to seal out moisture. They will put their camera in the bag before bringing it inside from the cold, and then give it at least a half hour of adjusting to temperature before taking it out of the bag.
If you're going to be carrying and using a tripod, you might want to insulate the legs on it a bit as well. If your tripod legs already have foam or something around the legs, you're good to go. But if the legs are metal or some other material, they are bound to get cold fast.
If you can utilize something like pipe insulating foam pieces, they are your best bet. If not, maybe wrap some cloth around them and tape them on. Old wool socks work well for this, at least for the sections where you will be carrying the tripod, or if you tend to sling it over your shoulder as you walk.
Just a few extra things to will make your cold-weather outing a bit more bearable.
All dressed up and ready to shoot
So, now you're dressed up, you're geared up...but what do you want to photograph when you go out?
In winter, the opportunities are just as endless as any other time of year. And getting the timing right is just as important. If you wake up to a fresh covering of snow and the skies are clear, get out there fast.
Scenics and landscapes benefit from those moments in the morning while the snow still covers the branches and the first rays of sun are hitting the scene. Even afternoon light can be beautiful in the winter, as shown in Figure A.
FIGURE A
I came upon this snowy farm scene on an afternoon walk and the light was still soft. (click for larger image)
The sunlight in the winter isn't as harsh as the summer sun and can still make for great afternoon shooting. Often, you'll get more cloudy days in the winter as well, so that the muted light allows for shooting at any time of the day.
Take advantage of when the snow is actually falling. The brightness that falling snow brings can make a boring scene take on a whole new look when the backgrounds are blanched out.
This is a great opportunity to play with exposure levels and use textures to your advantage. For example, in Figure B, I came upon this row of bare trees while the snow was falling heavily.
FIGURE B
This row of trees was over exposed on purpose for a more dramatic effect. (click for larger image)
Behind the trees is a lake and then mountains beyond that. But because it was snowing, I decided to really over-expose the shot. I visualized it as a black and white scene, strongly emphasizing the gnarly shapes of the trees against virtual whiteness. I was pleased with the result.
By severely over-exposing the scene, and then later increasing the contrast in Photoshop, I was able to get the shot I was hoping for. However, when I had properly exposed the scene, left the shot in color and increased the saturation a bit, I was left with what you see in Figure C. It is a pleasant scene but not nearly as dramatic as what I wanted to achieve in Figure B.
FIGURE C
This photo of the same row of trees was properly exposed and not as dramatic. (click for larger image)
Another great opportunity in winter photography is finding unique close-ups. When each twig and blade of grass is covered in a frost, this can be a photographer's dream world. Textures come alive, and scenics can take on a ghostly almost mystical appearance. Add a bit of fog to the scene and you'll be coming home with award winning shots.
My favourite place to go when the cold has set in is to the edges of lakes or rivers. You can find all sorts of amazing things to shoot at the edge of frozen water. As I walk the shore lines, I keep an eye out for cracks.
Inside an ice crack is a world like none other for close up photography. This is where that piece of cardboard comes in handy, because you might need to be kneeling or even laying flat on the ice to get the shots you want. (Just be extra careful that the ice is solid if you're going to be putting all your body weight on it.)
[Editor's Note: do not do something stupid here. Connected Photographer, ZATZ, and everyone connected with this article recommend you practice safety. If you do plan on doing something stupid, don't blame us. You can get hurt out on frozen lakes, you can get frostbitten in the cold, and overall, bad things could happen. Take precautions. Your editors live in Florida, so this whole topic gives us the shivers!]
In Figures D, E and F, I found ice worlds like I've never seen before. Caverns of ice, with stalagmites and stalactites. This could be portrayed as a close up world or misinterpreted for the lair of the abominable snowman. Ice teeth or icy caves and abysses, finding these little gems are worth your time on the frozen shores. If there are docks or even boats frozen in place, this is also a good place to look for these mini caverns. Be creative and get close. Lose yourself in these macro worlds. Just be sure to seek these out and look inside and you'll be delighted with what you find.
FIGURE D
Ice formations inside a crack on the lake. (click for larger image) FIGURE E
Icy stalagmites and stalactites up close. (click for larger image) FIGURE F
Shards of ice leading into a small cavern. (click for larger image)
Everyone has their favourite time of year for taking photographs, and while I admit that I am also longing for the greens of spring to return, I have had my fair share of fun photo outings in the snow and ice.
So if you're thinking of giving some winter photography a try, keep these tips in mind and remember to also gear up your attitude for this new adventure. You'll be glad you left the warmth of your house to give it a try!