TONY REED PHOTOGRAPHY | LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER | WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
Hi everyone and welcome to my winter photography blog.
It’s been a winter of frequent snow fall this year and freezing conditions, which I accept is not to everyone’s liking. However as a photographer it means getting out with the camera and making the most of the wintery landscapes.I have managed to capture some great images so far this winter, and with more snow possibly on the cards, I wanted to share with you some tips and ideas for making the most of your photography and capture some great winter landscapes
Tip 1:- Composition in snow.
Sometimes the simple composition works so well in photography. A blanket of snow has the effect of removing detail and colour from the landscape and finding a composition that works and really tells a story can sometimes be a bit tricky. I always try and use the landscape to look for contrast or shapes in the scene.
This image was taken near Stead at Burley-In-Wharfedale and it’s the simplicity that works so well. The contrast of the wall and the tree working with the flat snow covered fields creates a striking image which, without the snow, just wouldn’t work as well.
Tip 2:- Add some colour.
I do love black and white photography and the monochromatic landscapes you get when its covered in snow work really well as black and white images. However, there are still opportunities to add colour to your images and help make your photo really stand out whether you are shooting for printing or even just for Social Media.
This image was taken on fields close to the rail line at Burley after a heavy snowfall. It was still early in the morning but in winter the sun hangs low in the sky so you can really use it to add depth to your images. Here I have used the fence on the field as a lead in line and I think the yellow/orange of the fence in the early morning sun helps to add contrast to the scene as well as interest. This image without the fence would not have the same impact. Look for buildings or even add a person to your image with a bright coloured coat!
Pink early morning and late afternoon skies look fantastic against a cold frosty foreground with the pink and blues of the land contrasting each other so well.
Tip 3:- Look for details.
Landscape photography does not always have to be about the big vista views and, in fact, ice and snow can change the landscape on a macro level and create some really interesting shapes and patterns. It’s easy to focus only on the larger landscape but take the time to look down (and up !) and study the environment in a bit more detail and you will find some really interesting abstract opportunities to capture an image.
This image was just taken with an iPhone and I used the inbuilt slow motion function to add a bit of water movement in order to make the subject of the image, the fantastic ice formations, really stand out. This view could have been so easily missed in a rush to get to the top of the hill to see the view.
Tip 4:- Protect your camera.
Once out make sure you keep you lens cap on when not shooting to keep snow from hitting your lens and melting. This will obviously effect the quality of your images. Maybe think of choosing your lens before leaving home ( eg a telephoto zoom) and keep it on the camera to prevent water getting onto your camera sensor. Use a camera bag or even just a plastic bag to keep your camera and gear dry. Keep a handy supply of microfibre lens cloths to dry your camera, eye piece and lenses.
Check your batter is charged or take a spare with you. This cold air really drains your battery life and you want to avoid being without battery charge when out and about. Keep spare batteries in a warm and dry location such as an inside jacket pocket.
Tip 5:- Still snowing? No Problem!
The best landscape photographs are those that tell a story to the viewer. They enable to person looking at the image to almost experience the scene without even being there and understand what the photographer was seeing. Often this can be done through intentional movement caught in clouds and branches which tell us it was windy or stormy. The same applies to when its snowing. Capturing snowfall in the scene add so much feeling and can make for superb compositions that can transform a scene from the ordinary. Remember to keep your lens hood on if you can or shield your camera / phone as melting snow on the lends will obviously effect the quality of your image.
In this image here the snowfall in the scene adds another layer to it, almost like a painting.
Tip 6:- Shoot in the morning.
This is probably one of my top tips. Get out early ! Let’s be honest, in winter the sunrise time is not too brutal and it’s easier to motivate yourself to be outside and ready realistically from 7.30 onwards. What are the benefits? Well, depending on where you are going its going to be less busy and if there has been a fresh fall of snow you have a pristine scene to photograph. But, more importantly, the lighting and atmospheric conditions (such as mist and cloud inversions) can create some really dramatic scenes.
In this image here taken on top of the Cow and Calf the glow of the sunrise has cast a beautiful orange glow and light onto the foreground of this image and added colour and interest. Equally shooting at this time in woodland when the sun is low and there is a good chance of mist produces some stunning and ethereal scenes that you just can’t get at other times of the day.
Tip 7:- Head for the trees.
I really do love a good snow covered tree. After a heavy snowfall you have a limited time frame to capture snow covered trees. Quite often it can quickly melt or be dissipated by rain and the opportunity is gone. Snow covered trees, accompanied by mist, is one of my favourite conditions to shoot in and I will walk for miles seeking out the right composition.
As you can see here in this image taken between Burley and Menston that the snow has blanketed the tree almost like blossom and makes the dark branches and trunk of the tree really stand out. Often just a heavy frost in the early morning glow of the sun can have an equally dramatic effect.
So, to summarise. Get out more in the snow, it’s a great opportunity to capture some really individualistic photographs. The light in the early morning when the sun is low and the evening is best with the possibility of illuminating your scene in warm orange / pink light. Head for the trees when the snow is still held by the branches but don’t forget to look out for the details in the scene. Keep it simple and don’t forget to look down (and up) for interesting patterns and shapes. Importantly look after your camera or phone and keep yourself warm, dry and safe. If you are heading out alone let someone know there you are going.
Enjoy and good luck !
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Thanks for reading !
TONY REED PHOTOGRAPHY | BEGINNER’S LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS.
I am excited to launch my beginner photographer workshops for Spring 2021. If you are new to photography or are looking to improve your landscape photography then this is the ideal workshop for you. Shoot locations will be in the Ilkley and Wharfedale areas and feature half a day professional tuition FOR ONLY £35.00. You will receive training materials and the opportunity to join an online community of photographers were you can communicate and receive tips and advice on your continued development. No specialist equipment is needed, even a camera phone will do ! Further, you will receive a high quality 16″x12″ print of your favourite photo of the day, professionally developed by me. See the link below in the page to sign up for details.
TONY REED PHOTOGRAPHY | PRINT AND CARD SALES
Printed on photographic paper, this beautiful collection of cards are blank inside for your own personal message. Plus the recipient can even use the card to create a miniature landscape art work to display in their own home.
See below for details of cards available and to make a purchase. 25% of all proceeds will also be donated to that fantastic charity, Prostate Cancer UK.
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