Take Your Best Ever Winter Landscape Shots: A Comprehensive Guide

Winter offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, knowing how, what, and where to shoot, along with the right gear and techniques, can make all the difference. This guide will help you take your best-ever winter landscape shots with practical advice and expert tips.

 

 

 

How, What, and Where to Shoot Winter Landscapes

How to Shoot:

• Preparation: Start with a solid plan. Check weather forecasts and scout locations in advance. Use apps like The Photographer's Ephemeris or PhotoPills to predict the position of the sun and moon, and to find the best times and angles for your shots. Always have a backup plan in case weather conditions change unexpectedly. Familiarise yourself with the area by looking at maps and satellite images, and note any potential hazards like steep terrain or water crossings. Plan your route and mark key spots you want to shoot, considering how light will interact with the landscape throughout the day.
• Timing: Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) provide the best natural light. For snow scenes, overcast days can offer soft, diffused light, reducing harsh shadows. Plan your shoots to coincide with these times for optimal lighting conditions. In addition to golden hour, blue hour (the period just before sunrise and after sunset) can offer ethereal lighting perfect for winter landscapes. Be prepared for the long winter nights and short days, and maximise your time by knowing exactly when the light will be best. Use apps to track the exact times of sunrise and sunset.
• Composition: Look for leading lines, symmetry, and framing elements in the landscape. Snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and mountain peaks make excellent subjects. Use natural elements like tree branches, rocks, and shadows to frame your shots and add depth. Pay attention to the foreground, midground, and background to create layers in your image. Consider using a lower perspective to emphasise foreground elements and create a sense of scale. Utilise reflections in water or ice to add symmetry and interest to your compositions. Experiment with negative space to highlight the simplicity and serenity of winter scenes.

 

 

 

What to Shoot:

• Snow-Covered Landscapes: Capture the pristine beauty of fresh snowfall. Seek out untouched snow for a clean and pure aesthetic. Snow can transform familiar landscapes into magical scenes, so look for areas where snow accentuates natural features like trees, rocks, and hills. Use backlighting to highlight the texture and sparkle of snow, and consider shooting in black and white to emphasise contrast and texture.
• Frozen Waterfalls: The contrast between ice and flowing water can create stunning images. Use long exposures to smooth out the water and highlight the sharpness of the ice. Look for interesting patterns and formations within the ice, and try different angles to capture the interplay of light and shadow. Frozen waterfalls often have icicles and ice formations that can add interest to your shots. Use a polarising filter to reduce glare and enhance the colours and details in the ice.
• Wildlife: Winter provides unique opportunities to photograph animals in their natural habitat. Wildlife often stands out against the white background of snow, making them easier to spot and photograph. Be patient and move quietly to avoid disturbing the animals. Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots without getting too close. Look for tracks and signs of wildlife activity to find the best spots. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the best times for wildlife photography, as animals are most active during these periods.
• Night Sky: Winter nights, especially in the southern hemisphere, are great for astrophotography. Clear, crisp nights can provide perfect conditions for capturing the Milky Way, star trails, and the southern lights (Aurora Australis). Use a wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or wider) and a high ISO setting to capture as much light as possible. A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposures. Experiment with different exposure times to capture star trails or freeze the stars in place. Use apps like Stellarium to find the best times and locations for astrophotography.

 

 

 

Where to Shoot:

• National Parks: Places like Banff (Canada), Yosemite (USA), and the Southern Alps (New Zealand) offer breathtaking winter landscapes. Australian National Parks including Alpine National Park, Blue Mountains, Mt Buffalo National Park, Kosciuszko National Park and Mount Field National Park also have fantastic winter photography opportunities. National parks often have well-maintained trails and viewpoints that make it easier to access stunning locations. Check park websites for seasonal closures and trail conditions. Consider visiting lesser-known areas within the parks to avoid crowds and find unique compositions.
• Rural Areas: Snow-covered fields and barns provide picturesque scenes. Rural areas often have less light pollution, making them excellent spots for night photography. Look for old, weathered barns and fences that add character and contrast to the pristine snow. Capture the quiet and solitude of rural winter landscapes by shooting early in the morning or just after a fresh snowfall.
• Coastal Regions: Winter waves and ice formations along the coastlines offer unique perspectives. Coastal areas can be particularly dramatic in winter, with crashing waves and ice-covered rocks creating dynamic scenes. Use a neutral density (ND) filter to extend your exposure times and capture the movement of the waves. Be mindful of tides and weather conditions, and always stay safe near the water.

 

 

 

 

Camera Settings for Pro Results

• Shoot in RAW: This format allows for maximum flexibility in post-processing. RAW files retain more detail and dynamic range, making it easier to correct exposure, white balance, and other settings in post-production. Shooting in RAW is especially important in winter conditions where the bright snow and dark shadows can create challenging lighting situations.
• Manual Mode: Gain full control over your camera settings. Adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO manually lets you adapt to changing light conditions and achieve the desired depth of field and motion effects. Use the histogram on your camera to ensure proper exposure, and avoid clipping highlights in the snow.
• Aperture: For landscapes, use a small aperture (f/8 to f/16) for a deep depth of field. This ensures that both the foreground and background are in sharp focus, capturing the full detail of the scene. In low-light conditions, you may need to open up the aperture slightly (f/5.6 or f/4) to allow more light in while maintaining sharpness.
• Shutter Speed: Adjust according to the light and movement. Use a tripod for longer exposures. For capturing motion blur in waterfalls or moving clouds, slow shutter speeds (1/10 sec or longer) are ideal. For crisp shots, faster speeds (1/100 sec or faster) work best. In very low light, you may need to use bulb mode for exposures longer than 30 seconds.
• ISO: Keep it low (100-400) to reduce noise. Higher ISO settings can introduce noise, which is more noticeable in the shadows and can detract from the clarity of your images. Use a higher ISO only if necessary to achieve a proper exposure, and apply noise reduction in post-processing if needed.
• White Balance: Adjust for snow to prevent blue or grey casts. Snow can confuse your camera's auto white balance, making it look too blue. Use a custom white balance or adjust it in post-processing to ensure accurate colours. Consider using a grey card to set a precise white balance, or shoot in Kelvin mode and manually adjust the temperature.

 

 

OTEX Accent XT-801 Professional Photography Gloves

 

 

Cold Weather Gear and Garments

Quality Outdoor Clothing:

• Insulating Layers: Fleece or down jackets to retain heat. This layer acts as your main source of warmth. Fleece jackets, down vests, or synthetic insulation are excellent choices because they trap air and provide a barrier against the cold. Consider wearing multiple insulating layers that you can add or remove depending on your activity level and the weather conditions.
• Outer Layers: Waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against the elements. This layer should be breathable to allow moisture from sweat to escape while blocking wind and precipitation. Look for jackets with sealed seams and adjustable hoods to keep you dry and warm in harsh conditions. Features like pit zips and adjustable cuffs can help you regulate your temperature and stay comfortable.

Beanie & Neck Gaiter:

• Head Protection: Essential for retaining body heat. Choose breathable, moisture-wicking materials. A beanie covers your head and ears, while a neck gaiter can work like an over the head scarf which can be pulled up to offer full-face protection, which is especially useful in windy conditions. Look for options made from merino wool or fleece fabrics that provide warmth without itching or irritation. A beanie with a fold-over cuff can offer extra warmth for your ears.

Thermal Base Layers:

• Stay Warm: High-quality thermal base layers are critical for comfort and warmth. Look for materials like merino wool or synthetic blends that provide warmth without bulk and wick moisture away from your skin to keep you dry. Consider wearing a long-sleeve thermal top and thermal leggings as your base layer to ensure full coverage. Some thermal layers also have odour-resistant properties, making them ideal for multi-day shoots in the wilderness.

Wool Socks:

• Warm Feet: Wool socks provide insulation and moisture-wicking properties. They keep your feet warm and dry, which is essential for comfort in cold conditions. Look for socks with reinforced heels and toes for added durability. Consider layering thin liner socks under thicker wool socks for added warmth and to reduce the risk of blisters. Socks with a high wool content (at least 60%) are usually the best for winter conditions.

Gloves:

• Dexterity and Warmth: Choosing the correct gloves can either make or break your winter photography trip. Photography gloves like the OTEX Accent XT-801 offer a large range of features that enable the photographer to stay warm and dry while focusing on their shoot. Flip-lock thumbs and fingers, touchscreen compatibility and a non-slip grip allow you to operate your camera controls without exposing your skin to the cold. Combining the gloves with a warm insulated lining and waterproof inserts and outer shell enables you to keep your hands out of the elements while you capture that perfect shot.

Winter Boots:

• Traction and Insulation: Waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are essential for navigating icy terrain. Look for boots with a high thermal rating and deep treads for better grip on slippery surfaces. Consider wearing gaiters to keep snow out of your boots and to provide an extra layer of insulation. Boots with removable liners can be a good choice, as they allow you to dry them out more easily. Make sure your boots are roomy enough to accommodate thick socks without restricting circulation.

 

 

 

 

 

Essential Camera Bag Kit List

• Camera Body: Weather-sealed models are ideal. Cameras with weather sealing can withstand exposure to moisture and cold, protecting the internal components. If your camera isn’t weather-sealed, consider using a rain cover to protect it from the elements. Some cameras also have built-in heaters or warming sleeves to prevent fogging and condensation on the sensor.
• Lenses: Wide-angle for landscapes, telephoto for distant subjects. A wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm) is perfect for capturing expansive scenes, while a telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm) allows you to isolate subjects and compress the perspective. Consider bringing a prime lens for low-light conditions, as they often have larger apertures (e.g., f/1.8 or f/1.4) that let in more light. A macro lens can also be useful for capturing close-up details of frost and ice.
• Tripod: Sturdy with adjustable legs and non-slip feet. A good tripod is crucial for stability, especially when using long exposures. Look for tripods with spiked feet for added grip on icy surfaces. Carbon fibre tripods are lightweight and perform well in cold temperatures. Consider using a tripod with a hook under the centre column to add weight (e.g., your camera bag) for extra stability in windy conditions.
• Filters: Polarising and ND filters for managing light. Polarising filters reduce glare and enhance colours, while ND filters allow for longer exposures, creating smooth, flowing water effects or motion blur in clouds. A graduated ND filter can be particularly useful for balancing the exposure between the bright sky and darker foreground. Consider using a UV filter to protect your lens from scratches and moisture.
• Extra Batteries: Keep them warm in your pockets. Batteries lose their charge quickly in cold weather, so bring extras and keep them close to your body heat to maintain their power. Consider using hand warmers in your camera bag to keep your spare batteries warm. If you’re out shooting for an extended period, a battery grip with extra batteries can be useful for longer power life.
• Lens Cloths: Microfiber for cleaning moisture off lenses. Snow and moisture can easily get on your lens, so having a microfiber cloth on hand ensures you can keep your lenses clear without scratching them. Consider bringing multiple cloths in case one gets wet. Lens cleaning solution and a blower brush can also be useful for removing snow and moisture from your lens and camera body.
• Memory Cards: High-capacity and fast-writing. Cold weather can slow down memory cards, so bring high-quality cards that can handle rapid shooting and high-resolution files. Look for cards with high write speeds (e.g., 95 MB/s or higher) to ensure your camera can keep up with continuous shooting. Consider using multiple smaller capacity cards instead of one large card to minimise the risk of losing all your photos if a card fails.

 

 

 

 

 

Embracing the Elements and Winter Nights

• Use the Elements: Incorporate falling snow, ice, and mist into your compositions for dynamic images. Weather conditions can add a sense of drama and movement to your photos. Be prepared to shoot in challenging conditions by using protective covers for your camera and wearing appropriate clothing. Look for opportunities to capture the effects of wind, such as snow blowing off tree branches or swirling around a landscape. Snowstorms can create atmospheric, almost monochromatic scenes that emphasise texture and contrast.
• Night Photography: Winter nights are often clearer. In the southern hemisphere, capture the Milky Way and southern lights (Aurora Australis). Use a tripod, wide-angle lens, and long exposure settings (20-30 seconds) for stunning night sky images. To avoid star trails, use the "500 rule" to calculate your maximum exposure time: 500 divided by the focal length of your lens. Consider using an intervalometer for shooting time-lapses of the night sky. Scout your location during the day to find interesting foreground elements that will add depth to your night shots. Be mindful of light pollution and try to shoot in remote areas for the best results.

 

 

 

 

 

New Perspectives Using Different Lenses

• Wide-Angle Lenses: Capture vast landscapes and dramatic skies. These lenses are perfect for creating a sense of scale and depth in your images. Use them to emphasise the vastness of winter landscapes and to include interesting foreground elements. Be mindful of distortion, especially at the edges of the frame, and consider correcting it in post-processing. Experiment with ultra-wide lenses (e.g., 10-20mm) to capture expansive scenes and dynamic perspectives.
• Telephoto Lenses: Focus on distant mountains, wildlife, or compressing elements for unique perspectives. Telephoto lenses can bring distant subjects closer and isolate them against a blurred background, creating a sense of intimacy and focus. Use them to capture details and patterns in the landscape that might be lost with a wider lens. Telephoto lenses are also excellent for capturing the behaviour of wildlife from a safe distance. Experiment with using telephoto lenses to compress the perspective, making distant elements appear closer together and creating a sense of scale.
• Macro Lenses: Capture close-up details like frost patterns and snowflakes. Macro photography in winter can reveal intricate details and textures that are often overlooked. Use a tripod and focus stacking techniques to ensure sharpness and depth of field. Look for interesting patterns in ice, frost, and snow, and experiment with different angles and lighting to highlight their textures. Use a ring light or small LED light to add extra illumination to your macro subjects. Consider using extension tubes to increase the magnification of your existing lenses if you don't have a dedicated macro lens.

 

 

 

Techniques for Creativity

• Long Exposures: Create motion blur with flowing water or clouds. Use a tripod and ND filter to extend your shutter speed, creating smooth, ethereal effects in moving elements. Experiment with different exposure times to find the perfect balance between motion blur and sharpness. Use a remote shutter release or the camera’s self-timer to avoid camera shake. Long exposures can also be used to capture the movement of stars and create star trails. Try combining multiple exposures in post-processing to create light trails from vehicles or moving lights in the landscape.
• Reflections: Look for reflections in ice or water for symmetrical compositions. Reflections can add depth and interest to your photos, creating a mirror-like effect that doubles the impact of your scene. Look for calm water or ice that provides clear reflections, and use a polarising filter to enhance or reduce the reflection as needed. Experiment with different angles to find the best composition, and consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the full scene. Reflections can also be found in puddles, windows, and other surfaces, so keep an eye out for unique opportunities.
• Black and White: Highlight the contrast and textures in winter scenes. Converting your photos to black and white can emphasise the stark contrasts and textures of winter landscapes, adding a timeless quality to your images. Look for scenes with strong contrasts between light and dark elements, and use the black and white conversion to enhance these contrasts. Experiment with different black and white processing techniques, such as high-contrast and low-key, to create different moods and effects. Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Silver Efex Pro to fine-tune your black and white images and bring out the details and textures.
• Aerial Perspectives: Using a drone can open up entirely new perspectives for your winter landscape photography. Capture stunning aerial shots of snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and forest canopies. The bird's-eye view provided by a drone allows you to showcase patterns, textures, and compositions that are impossible to achieve from the ground. Make sure to follow all local regulations and guidelines when flying your drone, and be mindful of wildlife and other people in the area.

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Tips for Winter Landscape Photography

1. Scout Locations in Advance: Know your shooting spots before venturing out. Familiarise yourself with the terrain and potential compositions to make the most of your time on location. Use online resources like Google Earth and photography forums to find the best spots and get a sense of the conditions. Consider visiting the location multiple times to see how it changes under different lighting and weather conditions. Always have a plan B in case your primary location is inaccessible or the conditions are not ideal.
2. Dress Appropriately: Wear layers and protect extremities. Staying warm and comfortable allows you to focus on your photography rather than the cold. Choose clothing that is both functional and comfortable, and be prepared for changing conditions by bringing extra layers. Pay special attention to your hands, feet, and head, as these areas are most susceptible to cold. Consider using hand and foot warmers for added comfort.
3. Use a Tripod: For stability in low light and longer exposures. A tripod ensures sharp images and allows for creative techniques like long exposures. Choose a tripod that is sturdy and reliable, and practice setting it up and adjusting it quickly. Use a remote shutter release or the camera’s self-timer to avoid camera shake. Consider using a tripod with a ball head for more flexibility in composing your shots.
4. Shoot in RAW: For better post-processing flexibility. RAW files contain more information, giving you greater control over adjustments and corrections. Shooting in RAW is especially important in challenging lighting conditions, such as those found in winter landscapes. Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One to process your RAW files and bring out the best in your images. Be sure to back up your RAW files regularly to prevent data loss.
5. Protect Your Gear: Use weather-sealed equipment and protective covers. Keep your gear safe from moisture, cold, and accidental damage. Consider using a camera rain cover or a waterproof camera bag to protect your equipment. Use silica gel packets in your camera bag to absorb moisture and prevent condensation. When moving from cold to warm environments, allow your gear to acclimate slowly to avoid condensation.
6. Carry Extra Batteries: Keep them warm to prevent rapid drain. Cold weather drains batteries quickly, so always have spares and keep them insulated. Store spare batteries in an inner pocket close to your body to keep them warm. Consider using a battery grip for extended shooting sessions, and recharge your batteries fully before heading out. Be aware of the battery levels and swap out batteries before they are completely drained.
7. Adjust White Balance: Correct for snow’s reflective properties. Snow can cause colour casts, so adjust your white balance to keep colours true to life. Use the custom white balance setting on your camera or adjust the white balance in post-processing to ensure accurate colours. Consider using a grey card or a white balance lens cap to set a precise white balance. Be mindful of changing lighting conditions and adjust your white balance accordingly.
8. Look for Leading Lines: Use natural lines to draw the viewer’s eye. Leading lines like paths, rivers, and fences guide the viewer through the composition. Look for strong lines that lead towards your main subject, and use them to create a sense of depth and movement. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most effective compositions. Leading lines can also be created by shadows, footprints, and other elements in the landscape.
9. Experiment with Angles: Don’t be afraid to get low or try different perspectives. Changing your viewpoint can reveal new compositions and add interest to your photos. Get close to the ground to emphasise foreground elements or shoot from a higher vantage point to capture a sweeping panorama. Use a wide-angle lens to exaggerate the perspective and create a sense of depth. Don’t be afraid to move around and explore different angles to find the most compelling compositions.
10. Stay Safe: Be aware of your surroundings and weather conditions. Prioritise your safety and comfort to ensure a successful and enjoyable photography outing. Check the weather forecast and be prepared for sudden changes. Carry a map and a compass or GPS device, and let someone know your plans and estimated return time. Stay hydrated and take breaks to rest and warm up. Be mindful of potential hazards like icy surfaces, deep snow, and wildlife. Always prioritise your safety over getting the perfect shot.

 

 

 

By following these guidelines and tips, you'll be well-equipped to capture your best-ever winter landscape shots. Embrace the cold, explore new locations, and let the winter magic inspire your photography.

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All images are either by the author or stock images.