Winter is coming! While these immortal words might take on a very different meaning to fans of the TV show Game of Thrones, for outdoor photographers it simply promises an array of unique and seasonal photo opportunities. Snow, frost, fog and big storms provide magical conditions for atmospheric and dramatic landscape, nature and abstract photography. Yes, it might be cold, wet, and windy outside, but provided you are kitted out appropriately, adverse weather shouldn’t be considered an obstacle. For many photographers, this is their favourite time of year – and it is not hard to understand why. The hours of daylight might be short, but the light remains good throughout the day thanks to the sun’s lower elevation. Freezing conditions can provide some of the most magical conditions for photography. Even a light dusting of snow will transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. Snow simplifies the landscape, reducing it to a series of shapes and layers, while hiding ugly everyday features and disguising what might otherwise be a drab, dormant and colourless winter landscape.
Wintry weather provides a clean and seasonal backdrop to shots of birds, mammals and people. Meanwhile, freezing wintry conditions can produce great macro opportunities – so wrap up warm, grab your camera kit and a hot flask, and go capture the seasonal highlights.
Let it snow!
Nothing sums up winter more than a covering of pristine it comes to shooting the snowfall. Here’s how to make the most of your opportunities when white stuff…
1 SHOOT CLOSE TO HOME
When the conditions are freezing, or the white stuff is falling, don’t feel compelled to travel too far. Driving conditions can be difficult in wintry weather, so staying close to home is often advisable until you know the roads are safe. You will rarely have to travel far to find and photograph stunning scenes at this time of year, with even a light dusting of snow transforming familiar scenes into a winter wonderland. If you have a park, woodland or farmland within walking distance, leave the car at home and go on foot. Use your
