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Winter has officially settled in… it’s time to shoot some snow-covered vistas. Interesting shots can be found in just about every type of conditions but with these basics, you will have the winter wonderland under your fingertip:
- Batteries will usually stop working well before your camera freezes up. It’s a good idea to bring a few spares to swap in when the battery you are using gets cold.
- An umbrella or other type of cover to keep snow and rain off your gear can be essential.
Inclement weather and cold temperatures play a big factor in winter shooting; keeping your camera dry and at the correct temperature can be tricky. The key is to avoid big temperature shifts that might introduce condensation into your gear. As anyone with eyeglasses knows, condensation can appear on cold glass when entering a warm room. The last thing you want is moisture on your lenses and other sensitive camera gear. Anything you can do to make the temperature shift more gradual will help.
- One trick is to seal your camera in a plastic sandwich/freezer bag before you bring it indoors, the cold air inside the bag will allow for a slower warm up.
Light is almost always the most important factor in winter(and any) photography. Shooting in the morning and afternoon can offer better contrast and shadows than midday when the sun is directly overhead.
- Use your camera’s histogram to check exposure in bright conditions.
- If you find that your snow images have a dull grayish look, you might try increasing your exposure by one or two stops.
- Shoot RAW if possible to allow for maximum flexibility with exposure and white balance in post-processing.
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For people who prefer being outside this time of year, winter apparel and outdoor gear is essential. Products tend to sneak their way into winter photos nearly overlooked; from clothes like jackets, gloves and snow goggles to recreational equipment like snowboards and skis. It’s crucial to ensure trademarked logos and designs don’t show up in your work.
Name brands and trademarked logos are the most obvious concerns, but specific designs and shapes can also pose problems if they are iconic to a brand. If you aren’t sure if it needs to be retouched, ask yourself if someone would recognize the product or if your image could be used to advertise that specific brand. If the answer is “yes”, here are some ideas to consider:
- A logo that has been blurred stands out as having been retouched. A subtler approach might work better. Check out Veer’s tutorial on how to remove logos using some simple Photoshop techniques.
- Watch out for snowboard designs. They are often brand-specific or feature copyrighted art which should be removed. This could even provide useful copy space for customers to insert their own designs.
- If you know you’re going to be shooting logo-heavy subjects, you may be able to address these concerns through composition. Can you hide or obscure the logo through framing? Will the design be visible if you use a shallower depth of field? A few adjustments could save you a lot of time in post-production.
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While the snow and ice adventures ensue outdoors, others prefer to weather the post-holiday season with a good book by a cozy fire. Here are a few ways to while away the winter days while keeping your camera at your side:
- Experiment with some new subject matter. Do you usually shoot landscapes? Try capturing family and friends relaxing inside. Like to cook? Why not capture some of your favorite meals.
- Master new skills. The winter chill has people spending more time inside where shooting in low light can be challenging. Use the extra time spent indoors to play with your equipment, expand your skills, and get the lighting results you want.
- Review your portfolio. The new year is a good time to take stock of previous work. Reviewing old images can help you visualize how you’ve grown as a creative, offer inspiration for new projects, and maybe even unearth a few old gems that may have been overlooked during the first edit.
So stay warm, get creative, and don’t forget a hot drink!
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Hit the slopes with our gallery of outdoor winter activities.
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Prefer to stay warm? This gallery of indoor winter activities is for you.
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API Partner |
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The latest partner to join our reseller network is Image Direkt. |
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