Ideas for Outdoor Photographers – Winter Shoots
Snowfall, Icicles, Ensconced in a Blanket of White
Nov 21, 2008
When the first snowfall of the year gently crowns the rooftops and gives a frosty mantle to evergreen trees it can be exciting for avid shutterbugs – an entire new landscape to photography that can appear overnight, bringing with it drastic change of pace and scenery. New wildlife can often be caught on film seeking a meal or migrating for the colder seasons, new wardrobes fill closets and the streets, and ice and snow can be found gracing ornate railings or adding just the right balance to a pastoral photograph.
Seeking the Unconventional
While it may be true that it is tempting to shoot icicles and fields of snow – it can be tiresome to compete with the exact same ideas that other photographers are focussing on. Think of the tertiary outcomes that winter can bring into the outdoors, and immediately a bevy of interesting ideas for photoshoots can spring to mind.
Winter dictates a change in wardrobe for most people, and in many cases winterwear is extravagant, voluminous, and very interesting to shoot – especially in an urban setting. Portraiture can be extremely exciting to shoot in the wintertime for this very reason, and can offer very dramatic poses for both men and women who enjoy wearing brightly coloured accessories which will stand out even more against a more monochromatic background.
Architecture also becomes more interesting to shoot during the winter season. Eaves, railings, windowsills, signage – nearly everything can be frosted or ringed in ice or snow. During the evening this type of winter's breath upon a building can look extremely nice in a shot that has been adjusted for contrast. Colour isolation can also work to one's advantage during the winter season. A simple example of this might be to imagine a house being shot in black and white, with the colour isolation being applied to lit windows or a fireplace within – is it a party, a romantic night by the fire, or simply the concept of warmth, and home?
The Importance of Being Practical
Being an outdoor photographer during the wintertime can be very physically challenging due to adverse weather conditions. As such it's always advisable to bring a friend, a compass, and a GPS whenever possible when going exploring for more natural shoots. Wool or heavy-duty jackets, fingerless gloves, and quality winter boots are an absolute must.
It is also very important to consider the effect of the weather on your camera equipment. For those photographers using DSLR cameras such as the ever-popular Canon Rebel, it is imperative that the lenses are properly stored following a prolonged cold-weather shoot – for it is common for condensation to form in the expensive removable lenses.
- To prevent condensation when coming in from the cold – place the camera inside of a sealed plastic bag and let it slowly acclimate to room temperature.
- If condensation does form on the camera, do not use the camera as it may cause damage – rather remove the lens, card, and battery from the camera and allow the camera to reach room temperature.
Above all, be prepared to brave the elements of the winter season with proper attire as well as an intrepid atittude. Winter shoots are difficult, but often some of the most rewarding – taking advantage of the purest white and most interesting conditions and accessories that nature has to offer.
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- Photography Ideas : Urban Shooting
- Forest and Wilderness Shoots
