Here are some great tips for taking photographs in cold weather:
Get outdoors.
Photographing the outdoors, particularly snow scenes, is one of the most popular forms of photography. With snow covering the ground it can be difficult to see details and to get sharp images.
But, if you are prepared, you can overcome these problems and still produce excellent photographs. The key is to be observant. You must pay attention to how light affects the scene and to watch the changing quality of light as it changes throughout the day. To capture snow scenes you need to get close to the subject. If you photograph snow scenes from far away you won’t notice the changes in lighting.
Shoot indoors
When you’re photographing at home or a local café, indoor lighting will produce a softer, warmer look to your photos than if you were shooting outside. In the colder months, use warm coloured curtains, lamps or soft light sources to create this effect.
Experiment.
Try different camera settings and lens to see what works best.
Use a neutral white balance.
You can control the color temperature of the camera’s built in flash by choosing a “neutral white balance” setting. This is a setting that aims to provide the optimum amount of detail in white and dark areas of the picture, avoiding any unnatural colors.
Make sure that you use the lowest ISO setting.
The higher the ISO (the number of times the film or sensor is exposed) the higher the chances of the picture being blurred. It’s usually best to select the lowest available ISO setting.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Experimenting will help you develop your photography skills. If you’re not sure of the best way to get a particular shot, then experiment with different settings to find out.
Take a few practice shots
Take a few practice shots with the settings you’ll be using for your real shot. It’s much easier to make changes if you have some experience with a particular technique.
Use the widest aperture.
A wide aperture enables you to get as close as possible to your subject without creating any noticeable distortion. To get the maximum depth of field, you should select a large aperture setting. A smaller aperture results in the background being in focus and everything else appearing blurry.
Select a long focal length.
A short focal length doesn’t give you the chance to use a wide aperture to shoot in low light situations. Long focal lengths enable you to include more of the scenery than can be captured by a shorter lens.
Use natural lighting.
If you want to photograph snow scenes indoors, try using a lamp with a bright bulb to light up the space.
Keep the camera steady.
To ensure that you get a sharp image, take a few practice shots first and then review the images you want to shoot. Position the camera on a stable, firm surface and use your right hand to steady the camera. Hold it in front of your face and look through the viewfinder.
Make sure that you take a memory card.
It’s a good idea to take a memory card to capture every shot. Even if you delete the images afterwards, you will lose them if you forget to download them to your computer or if the card is damaged.
Think about the composition.
A snow scene can be quite abstract. Make sure that your composition includes shapes and colors that reflect the scene.
Choose the best time of day.
Snow scenes are best photographed at sunrise and sunset. The changing quality of light makes for very dramatic images.
Check the weather forecast.
Know when you are likely to get some sunshine and when it will be cloudy.
Use your camera’s manual.
Some cameras have a manual. If you know how to use the settings on your camera, it’s worth taking a look at the manual.
Try not to panic.
Taking pictures of snow scenes is one of the most challenging types of photography. If you do get worried, you may not be able to control your emotions. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are just trying to capture the scene.
Cold Weather Photography Ideas
